The Vermont Cynic Issue 19

ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY MAKE A UVM MEME PAGE

7

FILLING THE VOID

Ways to satisfy your insatiable appetite for sports this season

15

C YNIC THE VERMONT

STUDENT FORAGES FOR FOOD

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The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883

w w w . v e r m o n t c y n i c . c o m | T h u r s d a y , F e b r u a r y 1 6 , 2 0 1 2 – Vo l u m e 1 2 8 I s s u e 1 9 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

No Nicki for UVM

Four the win

Student creates stir with fake SpringFest guest list

By Molly Philbin Assistant Arts Editor

MACKENZIE JONES The Vermont Cynic

First-year Four McGlynn powers past Stony Brook defenders in the Cats’ 68-49 win, Feb. 12. The victory gives Vermont the rights to their own destiny as three more wins will secure first place.

McGlynn leads Catamounts to victory over Stony Brook in battle for first place

By Julia Dwyer Assistant Sports Editor With Patrick Gymnasium filled with students and an air of excitement, Vermont men’s basketball took the court against first place Stony Brook on Feb. 12.

Vermont battled 40 minutes to earn a win 68-49. First-year Four McGlynn had a leading performance, earning a career-high 24 points and sinking four threepointers.

The game was high stakes — the win means Stony Brook is stripped of home court advantage for the playoffs, and their position at the top is jeopardized.

Vermont is now in control of their own destiny as three regular season finale wins will secure the Cats as America East’s No. 1 seed.

The game began with a strong open from the Catamounts with two consecutive three-pointers.

After only a minute of game time, sophomore Luke Apfeld put the first points on the board from behind the arc. Junior Brendan Bald followed shortly after, hitting a second three for Vermont.

Stony Brook found its first points with 16:53 left in the first half with a layup by Dallis Joyner, the powerhouse senior from Norfolk, Va.

With the score 6-2, Vermont’s offense ignited, while the defense successfully starved off multiple shot attempts from Stony Brook.

Apfeld netted a jumper assisted by sophomore Brian Voelkel with 16:26 remaining.

68 FINAL SCORE

49 Stony Brook was unable to answer back with a missed three

by Dave Coley. Voelkel collected the rebound off Coley’s miss and sophomore Sandro Carissimo made the shot —Vermont 10-2 at 15:16.

Vermont’s defense continued to shut down Stony Brook as the halfway mark for the first half approached. A layup by sophomore Clancy Ruggs with 10:39 remaining put the Catamounts ahead 10 points over Stony Brook, 19-9.

With 8:38 left in the half,

NEWS 1-4 — FEATURE 5 Deep dig serves up Megabus expands to half-eaten meal Mass. and New York

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LIFE

6-7

FeelGood expresses optimism

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

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Voelkel stole the ball from the Stony Brook offense and McGlynn converted the mishap into a layup, putting Vermont up 21-9.

Following this play, Vermont would not score until a minute left in the half — giving Stony Brook the ability to close the gap.

Stony Brook called a crucial time-out with 8:43 remaining, attempting to put momentum back into their game in the closing minutes of the half.

Six-foot-seven-inch Joyner came out after the time-out with a newfound energy. The Stony Brook senior battled to earn an offensive rebound and a layup with 8:14 remaining, and repeated the play at 6:32, changing the score to 21-15.

In the final minutes of the half, Vermont’s shots missed the mark time and time again as Stony Brook was able to earn points off of multiple free throw shots.

Stony Brook’s Bryan Dougher and Joyner made their foul shots, leaving their team behind by only three points with two minutes remaining.

Vermont saw its first points in close to seven minutes off of a layup by McGlynn, with 1:01 remaining. Joyner quickly answered back for the final points See BASKETBALL on page 13

ARTS 8-10 — SOJA sings of the ‘Strength to Survive’

Despite what Facebook says, Nicki Minaj and Third Eye Blind will not be performing at Springfest 2012.

Daniel Asam created a public event Facebook page “UVM SpringFest 2012 (Official Page)” as a joke. He included the location, date and lineup of his fantasy SpringFest.

“Me and my friend had been talking about doing it for a while, and I was wicked bored just chillin’ in my room,” Asam said.

“I was like, alright, time to pull the trigger on this.”

Many of the students invited to join the Facebook page on Feb. 12 at 11 p.m. during Nicki Minaj’s Grammy performance, which, according the Asam, was not planned, were skeptical.

“I saw on Facebook that Nicki Minaj was going to play, and I didn’t really believe it because why would she come to Burlington to play UVM Springfest,” first-year Kara Ciambra said.

Those who believed the event page was legitimate posted excited, disappointed and confused comments pertaining to the lineup.

“Wow I love how I didn’t even know my own band (@Potbelly) was playing at this,” junior Daniel Crespo, drummer of Potbelly, posted on Facebook.

N. WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Daniel Asam speaks about his fake Springfest event page in the Davis Center, Feb. 14.

A hundred and fifty people were “attending” within a half hour of the making of the Facebook event. Originally, only 20 people were invited to join the page, but those 20 then shared the page among their friends, according to Asam.

“It wasn’t just me, I mean, I made the page and everything, but the idea was me and my friend [Peter Farrell],” Asam said, giving credit to his YMR ski posse buddy.

Asam said he and Farrell enjoyed the commotion they created into the early hours of Monday morning, and liked when See SPRINGFEST on page 10

Snow a no show Unusual winter weather not a big concern for hopeful skiiers

By Amanda Sherwood Staff Writer Short skirts and clear walkways may not be typical of a Burlington February.

Snow accumulation for winter 2011-2012 is falling short of Burlington’s National Weather expectations, but according to some mountain officials, it isn’t keeping skiers off the mountains.

While 49.9 inches is the average amount of annual snowfall in Burlington, this season has only seen 26.2 inches, said Jessica Nieles, a meteorologist for the Burlington National Weather Service.

DISTRACTIONS Cat Tales

11

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“The lowest recorded snowfall season was 1979 to 1980, at 39.6 inches,” she said.

Nieles said we’ve gone from record-breaking highs last year to record-breaking lows this year.

“Last year was the second highest season of snowfall recorded in Burlington, ending the season with 128.4 inches,” Nieles said.

Burlington received 43.1 inches of snow in February 2010 alone, a stark difference from this year, according to the National Weather Service website.

OPINION 12-13 Settling the marriage debate

See WEATHER on page 3

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SPORTS 14-16 Men’s hockey continues losing streak

WE’RE ONLINE TOO! www.vermontcynic.com

2

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Seeking childcare Worst dressed: Btown Staff will assess future facilities Blog ranks city one of least fashionable improved facilities, but no plan

By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor

A lack of on-campus childcare facilities has prompted the staff council to action.

A letter that could enable faculty and staff members to have access to affordable childcare options on campus was approved at the staff council meeting Feb. 7.

The issue of childcare has been viewed by UVM as an area of concern that affects the institution’s ability to recruit and retain productive faculty and staff, according to the letter written by the University Benefits Advisory Council (UBAC) and the President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

“By upgrading childcare facilities at UVM, we would be providing a safer, healthier environment for kids,” staff council member Rodman Cory said.

“The staff council is supporting UBAC for childcare issues.”

Cory said that there is also not enough childcare services available in the Burlington area.

“Childcare facilities are maxed out,” he said. “There is a long waiting list for licensed childcare providers in Burlington and for faculty members with children that is an issue.”

Though the UBAC letter addressed concerns with childcare on and around campus, he said there are no plans yet to expand and alter childcare facilities.

“There are a lot of reasons for building and expanding childcare on campus,” Cory said. “Students would benefit. We have desire for

to build any; however, there is a recognition of need.”

The UBAC letter outlined numerous alterations that could be made to childcare programs and facilities in the future.

The letter suggested that construction projects be evaluated as potential childcare facilities when new facilities are being built on campus.

“In addition to proposals for a stand-alone child care facility, consideration should be given specifically to such a project within any new athletics facility,” the letter stated.

The council also recommended combining the UVM and Trinity childcare programs into one expanded facility.

Many students said they support the construction of new childcare facilities.

“I think it’s a really good idea,” sophomore Linsey Barclay said. “It would be convenient and would benefit a lot of staff members at UVM.” Barclay said that even though the University would be spending money on these potential facilities, it would provide income for those employed there.

Junior Jake Dearborn said he agreed with Barclay and thinks the program is a good thing for students.

“I’ve seen the childcare center at the Living and Learning Center and I think it’s a really cool way for people interested in that profession to gain hands on experience,” he said.

By Mat Degan Staff Writer

The fashion police have opened up a new file on Burlington by naming it one of the five worst dressed U.S. cities.

The rankings appeared on a blog last month compiled by Bows ‘N Ties, an online men’s dress retailer that also provides social commentary on the do’s and don’ts of fashion through its blog.

Burlington came in at number three on the list, below worst dressed Nashville, Tenn. and runner-up Portland, Ore. “Those who call Burlington home… are doing little to push men’s fashion in the right direction,” the blog stated.

“Hippie garb is omnipresent in Burlington, with knit wool hats and hemp-based work pants being the norm.”

The site called Burlington the “San Francisco of the East” due to its liberal leaning residents, but remarked that in terms of fashion it was stuck in the mid-90s.

Some students on campus were neither surprised nor bothered by the results.

Senior Charles Bogle said he found the scope of fashion in Burlington to be limited by the

MARY DONOVAN The Vermont Cynic

Residents walk down Church Street, downtown, Feb. 10.

Burlington was ranked as one of the worst dressed cities. changeable weather conditions, and clothing in the city is as much about staying warm as it is making a statement.

“Dress from my perspective is very practical,” Bogle said. “People seem quite pragmatic.”

Cary Dube, a junior who grew up in the Burlington area, said she was indifferent.

“We definitely don’t dress up, but I don’t really care,” Dube said.

“You don’t have to worry about what you look like in class.”

Asked if she thought students

were a deciding factor in the recent rankings, Dube said the University certainly contributed to the lack of fashion sense, but the greater Burlington area was just as much to blame.

Rounding out the worst dressed list was Austin, Texas, with a “gutter punk” style, and Pittsburgh, Pa., where “jerseys and backward baseball caps” dominate the fashion scene.

Gift will bring new ideas to life

$100,000 donation creates Business Pitch Competition

By Devin Karambelas Assistant News Editor As a venture capitalist, Class of ‘86 alumnus David Aronoff is in the business of financing entrepreneurs.

Now, he’s hoping to do the same at the collegiate level.

Aronoff and his wife Jessica have donated $100,000 to support student experiential learning at the School of Business Administration (BSAD) through the creation of the Business Pitch Competition.

Currently a general partner at Flybridge Capital Partners, Aronoff said he believes that the event will give students a chance to exercise their own knowledge and creativity in an enriching and competitive undertaking.

“Whether they’re going to be entrepreneurs or not, the training and preparation around this is a fantastic experience,” he said.

The dean of BSAD, Sanjay Sharma, said that this competition is the latest addition to the fine-tuned business school curriculum, which focuses on practical applications of business learning, including internships, live projects and guest speakers.

“This competition will hone the skills of students who want to start their own businesses as they develop and present their ideas to a select group of judges that include prominent and successful alumni and leading members of the business community,” Sharma said.

The event is scheduled to take place on homecoming weekend – Oct. 4 - 6 – and for all homecoming weekends thereafter, a University Communications press release stated.

According to Jason Fish, a junior and the president of the Entrepreneurship Club, faculty

and alumni will select the top five business plans submitted at the event, which will be open for all undergraduates to attend.

“Whether they’re going to be entrepreneurs or not, the training and preperation around this is a fantastic experience.”

David Aronoff UVM Alumnus The finalists will then be asked to make a five minute pitch to three notable judges who have yet to be determined.

“The unanimous winner will take home a $3,000 cash prize and an automatic entry into the MassChallenge, an internationally recognized pitch competition held in Boston,” Fish said. “Second place will take $1,000 and third will take $500.”

Sharma, who was a major proponent of case competitions during his tenure at the John D. Molson Business School, said that the event could lead to further projects for the participants.

“There is the potential for some of these ideas to attract the attention of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists that will be judging,” he said. “They get valuable feedback and mentoring that gets them started on the road to setting up their own business upon graduation.”

While Sharma said that the success rate of business ideas translating into viable start-ups is roughly 20 percent, he believes

that business idea pitch competitions place students in a position that can raise the possibility of success.

While it may be too early to gauge the nature of expected business proposals, Sharma said he is hopeful that this could be an opportunity to develop business models that address problems relevant to both Vermont and the planet.

He listed problems such as climate change, clean energy, clean water, grassroots economic development, market access, education access, hygiene and health, and poverty.

For Aronoff, the donation seemed like a long-overdue debt to a University that had provided him with a free education and his first business experience.

One of the first recipients of the Green and Gold scholarship, then called the Vermont scholarship, Aronoff essentially earned himself a free ride, which made the possibility of college a reality.

As a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity during his college years, Aronoff was also able to start his own business with his fraternity brothers.

“It was a news service, and we would deliver subscriptions to students,” he said. “It gave us weekend cash and helped pay for books. Although it was handed down through the frat, we were the first to computerize it.”

Calling UVM a special place, Aronoff said that he hopes students interested in business will take the business pitch competition seriously.

Aronoff ended by offering a piece of advice to current BSAD students: “Life has a way of moving very quickly, and work is such a meaningful part of your life that to waste it is a shame,” he said.

N EWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

WEATHER

Ski resorts say revenue stays same as previous years

...continued from page 1 In addition to the lack of snow, Burlington has been experiencing unusually warm temperatures for this time of year, reaching in the 30s more often than the single digits.

Nieles said one of the causes for the warmer temperatures is the peculiar weather pattern that Burlington has been subject to this winter season.

“We’ve had a warm sector of storms blow in and mixed precipitation instead of snow, unfortunately,” she said.

Nieles said the Burlington National Weather Service hopes this winter will not make history as the least-recorded snowfall season, and that there will be some big storms still to come.

“I’d like to think we’ll still get snow and not break that record,” she said.

Even with warmer weather in Burlington this winter, Jeff Wise, director of Marketing and Communications at Stowe, said that weather predictions are misleading in terms of skiing conditions.

“Off the mountain isn’t the same as on the mountain,” Jeff Wise said. “The biggest challenge from a business standpoint hasn’t been operations or covering the

mountain with snow – it’s battling the perception that the mountain doesn’t have a lot of snow.”

Wise said that in terms of business, Stowe is doing nearly as well as last year, even with higher temperatures and less snow than previous years.

“We opened on the same week as last year — in November prior to Thanksgiving — with 60 percent open during Christmas compared to 75 to 100 percent normally,” Wise said. “Two weeks later the resort was 100 percent open.”

At Bolton Valley, snow blowers are still trying to open the entire mountain to the public by creating snow on every run, according to the Bolton Valley website.

“The simple math is more snow on the back end of the storm equals more trails; less snow equals the possibility of a few less trails,” the Bolton Valley website stated on Jan. 27.

Because Jay Peak and Stowe offer more to visitors than just the mountain, with perks like the town of Stowe and Jay Peak’s Tram Haus lodge and waterpark, business is almost on par with last year, Wise said.

“Skiers come here to do other

things and have great food and participate in all other experiences of Stowe,” he said.

As for students, many said they are skipping the mountain instead of class this year.

“I definitely haven’t been going as much,” sophomore Stephanie Rosengarden said. “It’s just not as good as last year.”

Some said they have noticed the small amount of trails available to them at their favorite ski places.

“There’s a lot more manmade snow, which is just a different type of skiing,” sophomore Rochelle Streaker said. “And with less snow there are less trails.”

While some students are deterred by the lack of snow, others see little difference in skiing conditions.

“It just doesn’t really feel like winter out there,” graduate student Tyler Picariello said.

Some Burlington residents and students said they are still making time to get to the slopes on the weekend.

“I really haven’t been that frustrated by the lack of snow; it’s just been a bit icy,” sophomore Lee Campbell said.

Students respond: How do you feel about no snow this year?

I have Seasonal Affect Disorder, only reverse.

It’s makin’ me blue, man.

Lack of snow? You just have to hike for it.

Damn you global warming!

It’s so weird. I’ve lived in Vermont my entire life and I’ve never seen a winter like this!

Sometimes I wake up and forget that I’m in Vermont.

I came to Vermont with a dream: to be able to crosscountry ski to class. Needless to say, I’m disappointed.

te r e r?

I like the warm weather, but I hope the polar bears are ok up in Antarctica. he tt n a th i et is w s up th ou now y s e Ar is no

Last year, did you skip class to ski or snowboar d?

I don’t ski or snowboard

79

represents percentage of student response

Megabus expands to Mass. and New York

Service will add three stops in April

By Kevin Santamaria Staff Writer

Heading home is about to get a little easier for some New Englanders.

Megabus.com, a city-to-city express bus company, announced it is expanding its daily service from Burlington beginning April 2.

The new travel destinations will include stops in Amherst, Mass., New York City and Saratoga, N.Y. for as little as $1, a press release stated.

“The overwhelming popularity of megabus.com inspired us to expand our service reach again,” said Dale Moser, president and chief operating officer of megabus.com, in the press release.

“As the public continues to search for ways to stretch their dollar, megabus.com will continue to deliver safe, convenient and affordable travel to Burlingtonarea residents,” he said.

Megabus.com fares have proved popular among tight-budgeted students and residents.

“I love it,” first-year Nadira Jegroo said. “I can finally go straight home [to New York City] without having to pay so much money by taking a plane, and it is easier for my friends to come visit me since they don’t have to transfer at Boston.”

The megabus offers free WiFi, seat plug-ins and panoramic windows, its website stated.

Wi-Fi was slow for some students, like first-year Jordan Ganz, who said that he could not access Youtube, but Ganz also said he did not think it was much of a problem.

“For the price, you shouldn’t even get Wi-Fi, so it’s definitely not terrible,” Ganz said.

Since launching in 2006, megabus.com has served more than 15 million passengers throughout the country and has been quite successful despite offering seats at low prices, according to its website.

“Not every seat is $1 – the prices incrementally move their way up,” Moser said in an article that appeared in Business Record magazine.

The net average of each seat is how the company profits, with an average seat going for $20, he said.

“We are doing everything over the Internet for purchasing, and I don’t have to have physical locations, all of which add costs to the business, and then that gets passed on to the customer,” Moser said.

Students can catch the megabus daily in front of the Royall Tyler Theatre or buy tickets online.

NOT CHILL.

happy!

Yes No

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79 21

Crime log

20 50 29

By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor

Theft An iPhone was stolen Feb. 6 from the men’s locker room in Gutterson.

Th is sk yea ip r cla , did yo u ss sn to sk i o r ow boa r ? d

7 65 29

SGA PRES. TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE

By Taylor Jones Staff Writer

SGA President Julian Golfarini will be attending the National Campus Leadership Council (NCLC) in Washington, D.C. on April 24.

The program, which is in its first year, brings together SGA presidents from many different schools around the nation, Golfarini said.

The NCLC aims to gain input from young people around the country on issues that they feel are important to them, according to the NCLA website.

Golfarini said he encourages students to submit suggestions about what he should discuss as a representative of the student body.

SOME SUGGESTED TOPICS FROM STUDENTS: “I’d be interested in what programs they have to offer to help students in college.”

- Brendan Lions Sophomore “I think he should mention that although UVM has a reputation for being very non-diverse, that culturally it is very diverse. Kind of to erase that stigma. He should also mention that this is the only school where people can use their points to buy Ben and Jerry’s.”

- Holly Smith Junior

Suspicious Events

Bias related graffiti was There was a report of reported Feb. 2 in Millis Hall. ceiling tiles disrupted Feb. 6 in Harris/Millis. It was thought someone had crawled into the ceiling.

Marijuana and alcohol confiscated from A student received were harassing phone calls Feb. 6 students Feb. 4 in Jeanne Mance Hall. in Coolidge Hall.

Drugs/alcohol

“The one thing I think we really need to focus on as a country right now is our economic status. In my opinion, that’s the most pressing issue our country faces.”

-Devlin Cooper Sophomore “It would be interesting to get a public opinion on the water bottle spiel to see what they think about it.”

- Carly Edelstein Sophomore

Marijuana was confiscated from a student Feb. 5 in Davis Hall. The student was sent to the hospital for detox.

There was a report of an alcohol violation and student intoxication Feb. 5 in Buckham Hall.

4

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

New clubs recognized Two groups join SGA, others not so sure

By Jacob Lumbra Cynic Correspondent

JAMIE LENT The Vermont Cynic

Students enter and exit the late night shuttle outside of University Heights dorm Feb. 11. The campus late night shuttle route changed at the beginning of the semester due to safety concerns.

‘Drunk bus’ route skips College St. Officials cite safety as reason

By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor The “drunk bus” has a new route.

The Department of Transportation and Parking Services announced changes to the offcampus late night shuttle route at the beginning of this semester.

Instead of stopping at multiple downtown places such as Rite Aid and Kinko’s, the bus will only stop in front of Handy’s Mini Mart across from City Market.

The route was also modified to go up Main Street instead of College Street.

Transportation Director Mike Altman cited safety concerns as the main reason for the late-night shuttle changes.

“There were always issues with the stop at Main Street and South Winooski,” Altman said.

“The bus hangs out in the middle of street and it’s a really busy intersection.”

He said that the stop in front of Rite Aid pharmacy was concerning because of the lack of curb, while the stop at Handy’s is much safer.

“People can wait inside the gas station; it’s more convenient,” Altman said. “Plus, there is no longer a need to supply security at two stops. Now we have just one well-lit area.”

He also said that given the state of passengers on the bus, it’s safer to go up Main Street.

“On Main Street, drivers can zip right up, and it’s a little quicker to Main Campus,” Altman said.

Though he said that reducing the number of stops and changing the shuttle’s route would be more convenient, students said they were not so sure.

“I used to take the shuttle last term before the changes were made,” junior Dave O’SullivanFrost said. “With the reduced number of stops, the shuttle gets backed up, and I think it takes longer to board.”

The off-campus route on weeknights was also modified so that the bus goes up College Street instead of Maple Street, because it would be more accessible to the students who live near College Street.

But some students still aren’t convinced.

“I’m not a fan of the new route,” sophomore Eden Pirog said. “It doesn’t stop by my house anymore, because I live on Maple Street.”

Sophomore Christina Litavec said she could see why the changes were made.

“It doesn’t affect me because I don’t ride the drunk bus, but I understand Main Street is safer for vehicles of that size,” she said.

“If the route was changed for a legitimate reason, like safety, then I’m cool with it,” she said.

Other students that aren’t regular patrons of the bus said they would start taking the shuttle because of its changed route.

“Main Street is easier than Maple,” sophomore Kristen Thompson said. “I think it’s a good route.”

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To be recognized or not to be, that is the question.

Two new clubs have earned SGA recognition this semester, while one new group, the Nerd Club, considers its future relationship with student government.

The two organizations that became officially recognized Jan. 31 by SGA are Electronic Dance Music Club (EDMC) and VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood.

SGA is in charge of a $1.4 million budget from which senators distribute funds to clubs after the association’s review of fiscal needs, Vice President Will Vitagliano said.

To be considered for a club is as easy as filling out the paperwork because the SGA rarely turns people down, Senator Trey Denton said.

Storm Leland, president and cofounder of Electronic Dance Music Club, said the idea for the club began at downtown parties when club members realized there was an interest in the genre of music.

“What we want to form on campus is a community, a network and a family,” Leland said.

The group intends to bring performances to campus that utilize student talent in combination with professional talent, she said.

EDMC has something for everyone, since it is not comprised of just one genre of electronic dance music.

VOX is dedicated to educating the community about justice to advocate for the protection of reproductive rights, the VOX Facebook page stated.

The club is in charge of organizing activities in support of Planned Parenthood, Vice President of VOX Jess Fuller said.

The club often tables in the Davis Center, spreading the mission of Planned Parenthood and recruiting members by handing out confections and contraceptives, she said.

Although SGA representatives claim that the process for joining is simple, some clubs prefer not to be affiliated.

Despite its large increase in size since it began in December, the Nerd Club is one such organization still deciding its place at the University.

The club, founded by first-

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Sophomore Jessica Fuller (left) and senior Lydia Lulkin, sell cupcakes in the Davis Center as part of the VOX club, Feb. 14. year Stephanie Lupica, was initially known as a Dr. Who club.

The group discovered that they had several common interests and decided they would expand their focus to nerd culture in general, according to their Facebook page.

At a member count of 50 just weeks ago, the club now contains 71 members on its Facebook page.

“It was a huge explosion,” first-year and club member Craig Walsh said. “We had no idea it was going to become this popular.”

The club’s focus is primarily the discussion of ‘nerdy’ topics, ranging from Sherlock Holmes to Joss Whedon, and building relationships among like-minded people who care about these things, Walsh said.

“We love loving things, and we’d love to love things with you,” the Facebook page stated.

The organization said it was in the process of discussing the desire to become a part of the SGA community.

This sort of inclusiveness is what UVM clubs are all about, Denton said.

“We haven’t turned away a lot of clubs because they usually all have positive investments to give back to the community,” he said.

Denton said that clubs interested in SGA recognition must be beneficial to the student body, contribute to a positive experience at the University, and show sustainability and seriousness as a group.

“We want our clubs to stay around for a while,” he said. “We want them to continually bring events back to the community for future years.”

The Finance Committee will make budgets public in March.

Nickelodeon chief will talk to grads

By Sarah Strohmayer Staff Writer Hopefully no one will get slimed at this year’s spring commencement.

The president of the Nickelodeon television station, Cyma Zarghami, has been chosen as the official speaker for the commencement service on May 20.

Zarghami was nominated and chosen as this year’s speaker through a process led by the Board of Trustees, said Kelly O’Malley, the coordinator of ceremonial events.

As president of the Nickelodeon/MTV network Kids & Family group, Zarghami oversees all merchandise, international, digital and recreational branches, a November Cynic article stated.

The Viacom Nickelodeon group has been the number one cable television network in the United States for 17 years, according to a University Communications article.

Originally an elementary education major, Zarghami switched into the English department before she left the University in 1985 and took a position at Nickelodeon, the article stated.

Zarghami moved up the ranks and was eventually named president in 2006.

Zarghami visited campus on Nov. 4 to participate in the Dean’s Leadership Series and speak about the evolution of the Nickelodeon brand.

The University will confer an honorary degree to Zarghami be-

cause she did not fully graduate from UVM, according to University communications.

Most of the feedback was positive because students said they had a childhood connection with Nickelodeon.

“Nickelodeon is an example of ingenuous creativity, and I am proud to share the University of Vermont as my place of education with its creator,” first-year Emma Rosenzweig said.

Other students said they hope Zarghami will relate her success as a female in the corporate world to the ideals of UVM. “I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say as a woman in power with ties to the University,” first-year Maddie Rabin said.

5

F E AT U RE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Deep dig serves up half-eaten meal

Student forages for food in dumpsters, trash cans, but dines well

By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer Senior Patrick Dowd is proving that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

This is certainly the case for Dowd, whose diet consists of the partially eaten meals and untouched food items he discovers in trashcans and dumpsters across campus, as well as the one meal he and his housemates at Slade prepare each day.

Dowd said he is neither uncivil nor homeless, as social stigmas might suggest, but rather is a student who has a profound appreciation of food.

A member of the Honors College with a double major in English and philosophy, he plans to pursue a career in farming.

Dowd’s curiosity and affinity for food prompted him to begin perusing compost bins on campus to ensure they were properly sorted.

“I was afraid that the janitors would throw away big bags of compost because they saw plastic forks in them,” he said. “So I just made an effort to sort the trash because it was easy for me to do and I was kind of interested.”

Dowd quickly realized that an abundance of food gets thrown away, and sees no problem using it to supplement his diet.

“When it comes to eating out of the trashcan, I’m just doing what I see is best,” he said. “If I’m hungry, I can sort of deprive myself – or I can go and get that chicken finger.”

Dowd cited the overwhelming availability of wasted food and an unwillingness to purchase the subpar food offered on campus

as the motivations for his unique lifestyle.

“There’s nothing wrong with having vices with food or liking unhealthy food, but there is a problem with spending money supporting things that you don’t approve of,” he said.

Besides the partially consumed meals that Dowd enjoys on a regular basis, he recalled numerous occasions when he has come across perfectly edible yet untouched items.

He reeled off several examples of various discoveries from across campus, appraising the collective value of a number of them in excess of $100.

In addition to the frequently discarded perishable items — tomatoes and heads of lettuce are common in New World Tortilla’s waste — Dowd said he has found plenty of nonperishable items, such as masses of cornbread from Waterman Café.

Just in the week prior to his interview with the Cynic, he had scored nearly two-dozen bananas from the Cyber Café and a whole loaf of bread from Brennan’s.

Over time, Dowd has grown proficient at scoring food from trashcans, and has grown quite picky about what he chooses to eat.

“I’m so selective now, because I don’t have to eat a cold piece of pizza when I can walk to the Marché and eat warm chicken fingers and curly fries,” he said.

Dowd sees no shame in his actions and hopes that students will think about his motivations after seeing him pick through trash, and in turn will consider their own actions.

He said that people think his

ALANA LUTTINGER The Vermont Cynic Senior Patrick Dowd goes through a dumpster of trash looking for food outside of Waterman building, Feb. 14.

habit of trash digging is disgust“Sometimes he’ll get to the those households aren’t able to ing. door and we’ll make eye contact, obtain an adequate amount of “I don’t see it as any more and he’ll throw his arms up in the food at all times due to financial disgusting than people throwing air and turn around,” she said. restraints, and also that one in away that much food in the first Others have even gone so far five children experience hunger place,” Dowd said. as to call the police on him, he or food hardship.

Junior Sam Grabel said that said. Luckily though, his actions Despite the wasted food on while he wouldn’t resort to such are acceptable in the eyes of the campus, Campus Kitchens, a actions, he does not think less of law since no personal ownership student-run organization, resthose that do. applies to waste. cues unused food from dining “If a person halls that would wants to eat it, otherwise be then I see no disposed of and problem with prepares and it,” Grabel said. serves one meal “Personally per week at the I wouldn’t do shelter.

When it comes to that, but then Dowd said again I’m the more should still eating out of the person who be done to eduthrew it in the cate students trashcan, I’m just trash in the first about food and place.” its importance. doing what I see is Dowd has “I’d really best. If I’m hungry I can received mixed like them to bereactions by come consciensort of deprive myself food service emtious consumployees on camers,” he said.

– or I can go and get pus.

Dowd’s rethat chicken finger.

While he is sourcefulness on a first-name also extends basis with many beyond feeding of the janitors, himself.

Patrick Dowd he said those By seeking higher up have assistance from not been as reall available avceptive to him enues, he said wading through trash bins.

Dowd contends that the ten- his student loans will only total Dowd knows he’s not wel- dency of students to carelessly about $15,000 — a fraction of the come at the Waterman Café and waste is a systemic issue for cost to attend UVM as an out-ofBrennan’s, but noted that hasn’t which cultural norms are largely state student. stopped him from trying. to blame.

“I just looked for money anyHe said he and Barb Plunkett “If [students are] on the meal where I could,” he said. “I’ve alfrom Brennan’s have a love-hate plan and they buy [food], they ways been in this mindset, to figrelationship. don’t have the mindfulness to ure out a way to make it happen.

“Barb from Brennan’s — she save their food for later,” he said.

If you’re aware of where it is and and I are like archenemies,” he “They just think that there’s how to access it, you can make it. said. “She sees me going in there, more and there will always be You just have to be aware.” and she escorts me out, but I al- more.”

Awareness is something that ways talk to her and we’re friendAcross the state, however, ac- Dowd takes very seriously. He ly.” cess to food isn’t a liberty taken doesn’t consider himself to be an Plunkett echoed this senti- for granted by all. activist, but rather seeks to lead a ment.

A report released in 2010 by satisfying life.

“I love Patrick,” she said. “He the United States Department of “I just want to live my life acalways offers to take me out to Agriculture, which was based on cording to my ideals, and this is dinner, and I’ll ask him, ‘at a res- census data, placed Vermont at what I see as the best way to do taurant?’ because I’m not eating the top of the list of states for in- that,” he said. out of a dumpster.” crease in the rate of hunger.

She said he often tries to slip The report indicated that 14 under her radar, but isn’t always percent of Vermont households successful. are “food insecure,” meaning that

“

“

ALANA LUTTINGER The Vermont Cynic Senior Patrick Dowd eats a banana he found in the trash as he sifts through a dumpster for food, outside of Waterman building, Feb. 14.

6

LIFE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

NOFA spreads change

By Sarah Alexander Staff Writer 2011 presented Vermont farmers with a challenge. The toll of spring flooding paired with the unforeseen impacts of Tropical Storm Irene created widespread ecological and economic devastation.

These events and the underlying presence of climate change were central to the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) of Vermont at their 2012 winter conference.

The theme of the conference was Ecology and Community Resilience: Building an Enduring and Adaptable Food System.

The NOFA Vermont winter conference was held at the Davis Center on Feb. 11, and drew New Englanders interested in agriculture from all over to learn, reflect and converse with like-minded individuals.

Keynote speakers spoke of Vermont’s ability to absorb change, self-organize and reconstruct in the aftermath of disaster. Participants were reminded by the speakers how deeply their lives are interwoven with the natural world, and the importance of being an actively engaged, progressive farmer.

Speaker Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design, LLC acknowledged the ramifications of a warming planet by demonstrating the possibilities of growing rice on terraced hillsides.

“Water is an advantage when we get above the water table and manipulate the system,” he said.

“Farming needs to be more complex and three dimensional.”

Fred Kirschenmann of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in New York examined the ways in which the current

Sex signals speak volumes

KATIE KIELY The Vermont Cynic Attendees sample food and cheese at the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) winter conference in the Davis Center, Feb. 11.

food system could use a complete makeover.

“Processes of growth and processes of decay should be equal and simultaneous; let’s redefine the system,” Kirschenmann said.

“The only way to have healthy humans is to have healthy soil. Let’s make healthy soil the best healthcare system out there.”

Aside from the educational lectures, there were seed swaps, yoga classes and locally sourced happy hours.

Workshops, speakers and activities hinted that a food revolution is underway. By completely

altering the way food is grown, eaten and thought about, the source of America’s nutritious fuel and cultural identity is shifting.

Many attendees at the conference left feeling renewed and excited about taking an active role in the agricultural movement.

“Come down to earth and work for the benefit of all beings.

Share the seeds. Remember the vigorous language of the soil,” keynote speaker Wendy Johnson said. “Let us come together and recognize the grounded, bedrock truth of who we truly are.”

expresses optimism

Discussion explains Hunger Project initiative Each week UVM’s FeelGood nonprofit organization does its part in ending world hunger “one grilled cheese at a time.”

On Feb. 7, the group held a Hot Chocolate Talk: Ending Hunger in Our Lifetime, where members and non-members alike discussed how the organization works to do this over a mug of steaming hot chocolate.

Though there are many organizations whose mission it is to fight hunger, 925 million people were still hungry in 2010, according to www.worldhunger.org.

The first issue on the table was whether there is actually a lack of food.

Junior Emma Jenkins said that there isn’t a lack of food, but that it is unevenly distributed.

“The cause of hunger is an issue of integrity — people who should have access to food don’t, and don’t have a voice to change that,” Jenkins said. “It has to do with gender equality issues — really it’s women who can be key

Words: Asking for what you want is sexy. Knowing what you want and don’t want is an important first step to asking for it. Listen to yourself and the person you are with to move forward.

JUDE PAUL DIZON

FeelGood

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORNER

change agents in the community.”

Every dollar FeelGood makes through their grilled cheese stand in the Davis Center goes toward The Hunger Project, senior Jamie Gilroy said. All ingredients used at the stand are donated or bought at a discounted rate. Last year, FeelGood donated $28,000 to THP. THP works with countries in Africa, South East Asia and Central America. Villages apply for help, and the organization then works directly with the people of the village to see what they want and what would help their community the most, Gilroy said.

The philosophy of THP might be summed up by the Chinese proverb: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

“Each person is their own solution,” senior Laura Duane said. “You can’t approach solving world hunger as though the people suffering it are the problem; working through a partnership is

the best way to do it.”

THP focuses on gender equality, grassroots mobilization and partnering with the local government to improve the overall living standard in the community they are working in, Duane said.

“When they [the community] have other problems, they are able solve them themselves,” Jenkins said.

Through this method, change can be made in large communities, first-year Abby Holden said.

“One of the main obligations is that you have to talk about hunger,” Holden said. “You’re informing people about the problem, and awareness is how you’re spreading ideas.”

“Come get a sandwich for lunch, have a conversation – by having a grilled cheese with us, you feel empowered by the knowledge that you’re helping someone else,” Duane said.

Even students can help the mission of fighting world hunger.

“There’s optimism that it can be ended in our lifetime,” junior Tara Furey said.

February, traditionally cold and snowy, provides perfect snuggling weather. Pair it with Valentine’s Day and it seems like the perfect time to talk about having sex.

It can feel really awkward to talk about some aspects of sex, especially when it is a potentially new experience.

However, it can also be fun, whether it’s a new relationship, a first time, a new position or a new contraception. All of these firsts create a great opportunity to talk.

While it may feel like you need a lawyer when giving and getting consent, that doesn’t have to be the case.

Consent is definitely the first ingredient to great sex.

Knowing your partner is important, as is making sure that communication is clear and the signs are understood. If you’re unsure what something means, it’s always a good idea to check.

Here are some fun ways to ask and tell your partner what you like and don’t like.

Body Language: We communicate all day through body language, consciously and sometimes unconsciously. Ask your partner what kinds of body language say, “YES, do more of that,” and what body language says, “No, I’m not crazy about that.”

Examples of “yes” may be kissing, squeezing buns, thrusting hips, etc. Examples of “no” may be moving someone’s hand away from the area your significant other is touching, a slight shake of the head, or shifting away from the action.

Sounds and Facial Expressions: We make a lot of sounds that aren’t actual words, but can really communicate what we’re feeling. Combine them with a facial expression and you can have very clear communication about what is or is not working for you.

Make a game out of trying on different sounds and letting your partner interpret them — creating rewards for correct interpretation can be part of the fun.

Direction: Offering direction is wonderful.

Whether it is putting someone’s hand where you would like it or giving a one-word direction – i.e. “faster” – this is usually an incredibly helpful and sexy way to communicate with your partner.

Steamy evening sends sparks flying Hillel presents speed dating

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor Artificial rose petals and condoms scattered across two long tables in the Waterman Memorial Lounge set the mood for Hillel’s annual speed dating event on Feb. 9.

Dozens of participants moved around the tables to spend two minutes with another person. After each rotation, a question was posed as an icebreaker.

Laughs, smiles and some uncomfortable faces were seen as the questions ranged from, “What was your most embarrassing moment?” to “If you could have sex anywhere at UVM, where would it be?”

Sharon Silverman, engagement coordinator for Hillel, explained why the speed dating event might be so amusing. “You never know who you’re going to see at these things, whether it is your crush or someone you hooked up with last week,” she said.

Daters came to the event for an array of reasons.

“I just thought it would be fun,” senior Laura Ducharme

said. “People come to socialize.”

One dater took the prospects of finding a love connection more lightly.

“I’m ready to settle down, find the girl of my dreams,” sophomore Brian Needles said. “I’m looking for my wife — half like Jessica Alba, half like Lucy Lu.” Other participants expressed a different picture of their ideal.

“I am looking for a sweet girl with a sense of humor, who is interesting, intelligent and preferably good looking,” junior and Hillel secretary Jason Katz said.

Several female attendees expressed their own ideal matchup. “[My] dream guy would be someone hot, smart, dark haired, ambitious and polite,” junior Annie Likhacheva said.

First-year Meagan Bradey responded along the same lines.

“I’d want someone tall, dark and handsome with green eyes, a good sense of humor and good dental hygiene,” she said.

“I think speed dating will always be awkward,” junior Elena Isaacson said. “[However], it went really well, there was a good ratio — it looked like everyone was having fun.”

LI F E

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

7

One does not simply SARAH ALEXANDER

Delectable foods stimulate senses

make a UVM meme page

DEVON MEADOWCROFT The Vermont Cynic

A UVM meme stating, “One does not simply make a UVM meme page.” Memes like this have been appearing on the Facebook page.

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor In just over 24 hours since its creation on Feb. 13, the University of Vermont Memes Facebook Page has received more than 2,000 likes and this number is still increasing.

An Internet meme is defined as any concept that spreads across the Internet. The ones this Facebook group deals with specifically are square pictures with an expressive face or animation in the center, and a witty caption.

Senior and creator of the Facebook group, Brandon Wells, said he has too many favorite memes to count.

“You’ve got to love the memes that really hit at the core of UVM stereotypes and values,” Wells said. “Whether it be commenting on riding the drunk bus around campus...or the Waterman build-

ing’s impossibly heavy front doors. A few have popped up with President Fogel’s face on them, which are pretty good.”

“Stereotypes by nature all stem from some sort of truth.

So yes, the memes here are almost always accurate in my opinion” Brandon Wells

Creator of the University of Vermont Facebook Meme page So far the memes have re-

mained surprisingly inoffensive, according to Wells. Since starting the page, he has only had to take down one meme aimed toward a specific student after being alerted through a Facebook message.

“The culture on the page is just playing off typical UVM stereotypes, not calling out individuals, and the people who are creating memes here respect that, so far,” he said.

Wells doesn’t have a problem with the subject matter of the memes because the entire page is meant to act as comic relief. He said that the page gives students an outlet to talk about issues that might be too sensitive to discuss or deal with.

“Stereotypes by nature all stem from some sort of truth. So yes, the memes here are almost always accurate in my opinion. As with any stereotype though, you can’t just generalize and attach it

to an entire group of people, saying they are all exactly the same,” Wells said.

Mona Chen, a sophomore, said she is not offended by any of the memes, but sees how some people could get upset. In fact, she said that surfing the page has taken away a good portion of her time in the past few days.

“It sounds so bad but everything marijuana related is probably the biggest stereotype for UVM,” Chen said.

She didn’t think the parents would like to see most of the memes.

Despite this, the popularity of the page has drawn in over 60 new memes created by students Feb. 14.

“I feel like it’s just going to keep getting bigger and bigger.

Eventually it will die down and people will lose interest,” firstyear Steve Gregory said.

UVM MEMES FACEBOOK PAGE # of likes

2,362

# of Memes

308

Types of Memes

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont Memes Facebook page screenshot, Feb. 15. The page has 2,362 likes.

- Socially awkward penguin - Condescending Wonka - First world problems - College freshman - Philosoraptor

I’m going to be honest: I hate Valentine’s Day. However, a love of all things earthy and local brought me to the Herbal Valentines workshop at City Market on Feb 8.

Dana Woodruff, community herbalist and health educator of Central Maine and Dandelioness Herbals, gave the hands-on presentation, which included various concoctions to stimulate the body’s senses just in time for Valentine’s Day. The class focused on aphrodisiacs that promote arousal and warming of the body. Woodruff began the class with a basic explanation and historical overview of aphrodisiacs, which were first sought out as a remedy for various sexual anxieties, including fears of inadequate performance as well as a need to increase fertility.

Woodruff then proceeded to offer samples to attendees.

The edible delicacies were a crowd-pleaser — cardamom brandy truffles, chocolate oblivion torte and “man balls” were the favorites.

The truffle recipe called for 10 ounces of chocolate, the queen of natural aphrodisiacs. Cacao in dark chocolate contains anandamide, the psychoactive feel-good chemical that also releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain.

The chocolate oblivion torte was magically rich and fluffy, immediately melting in your mouth. The torte called for eight whole eggs.

Eggs are one of the most ancient fertility symbols and are high in B6 and B5, which help you to balance hormone levels and fight stress.

Described as fruit nipples in erotic literature, strawberries and raspberries are symbols of passion: They’re perfect for sharing with a sweetie, and have been proven to treat impotence.

The “man balls” are little rolled up globs of Tahini, sesame seeds, honey, coconut and cardamom.

Cardamom is an aromatic spice and is high in cineole, which can increase blood flow in areas where it is needed. Sesame seeds are packed with the amino acid L-arginine, which enhances circulation and makes these gems a serious libido booster.

These are just some ingredients that light up passion in their consumers. Other stimulating foods include oysters, bananas, avocados, figs and garlic.

8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

ARTS

SOJA sings of the ‘Strength to Survive’ Virginia-based band brings mellow reggae sound to Higher Ground

By Sophie Halpin Cynic Correspondant A diverse group of reggae fans came out to support SOJA at Higher Ground on Sunday, Feb. 12.

The Fear Nuttin Band and The Movement opened for SOJA, setting the mood with high energy and positive vibes.

Both openers came together to create an engaging performance that left the crowd jumping and swaying before SOJA even began.

The eight members of SOJA walked on stage and were greeted with an instant uproar of support.

This reception should have been no surprise to the band, which has gained an international fan base, sold over 150,000 albums and headlined in over 15 countries.

The captivating smile and stage presence of Jacob Hemphill, the lead singer and guitarist, held the crowd’s attention for the entire show.

Hemphill was inspired to create music from a young age and gravitated toward reggae from the start.

“I used to freestyle about the things that were around me,” he said. “I was inspired to start playing reggae music after hearing my cousins playing UB40 and Bob Marley records when I was young.”

Alongside Hemphill was bassist Bobby Lee, who amped up the performance with his head banging and deep, mellow voice.

Hemphill and Lee balance each other well on stage, which may have something to do with the fact that the two have known each other since first grade.

“Bobby Lee and I used to play in high school talent shows together,” Hemphill said.

Hemphill said that Bob Marley is still the main inspiration for the band and their latest album, “Strength to Survive,” which was released on Jan. 31. “[‘Strength to Survive’] is about the survival of the entire human race,” Hemphill said.

“Everyone in the world needs to agree on some ground rules for protecting the Earth.”

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Percussionist Ken Brownell of SOJA plays at Higher Ground in South Burlington, Feb. 12.

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Vocalist Jacob Hemphill of SOJA plays at Higher Ground, Feb. 12.

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Bass player Jay Schmidt from the Movement, plays at Higher Ground in South Burlington, Feb. 12.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

ARTS

9

Local band brings first year to a close The Wee Folkestra says goodbye to two original group members

By Sarah Stickle Staff Writer The Wee Folkestra is a nine-piece Burlington-based folk band that has been together for almost a year.

The Vermont Cynic had the chance to talk to co-founder Joe Adler about how he and the band plan to face a big change as two of their members get ready to say goodbye.

The Vermont Cynic: Give us some background information on the Wee Folkestra. What kind of music do you play?

Joe Adler: It’s a hybrid of many different styles, but heavily relying on folk-rock as a foundation.

We do rock out… sometimes, like during Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City,” and in contrast get very sultry and jazzy for our take on a Ween classic “Baby Bitch,” which we actually got to play once with guest bassist Dave Dreiwitz from Ween.

Our repertoire is made up of everything from old traditional bluegrass tunes to modern indie folk like Josh Ritter and Fleet Foxes.

VC: What is your mission as a band?

JA: To put on the best show we can, and give all of ourselves to the muse. Let the music flow. Try to channel the magic of the universe. Entertain as best we can. Confront

powerful lyrics with a strong voice. Let the words and the vibe out into the air.

We want you to walk away after the show feeling something more than what you came with. We want to reach out through the music.

“We want you to walk away after the show feeling something more than what you came with.”

Jon Adler

Co-founder of The Wee Folkestra VC: Who are your current and original members?

JA: Current members that are original are Samara Lark on vocals, Aya Inoue on vocals and guitar, Johnnie Day Durand on musical saw and melodica, Eric Segalstad on mandolin and banjo and me, Joe Adler, on vocals, guitar and kazoo.

Our stand up bassist Eric Daniels has been with us since last fall, and our drummer Andrew Bedard joined shortly before that.

Our lead guitarist, Matt Harpster, will play his last gig with us at the end of March be-

fore focusing more on his other projects. Our vocalist Greg Alexander will be [leaving to move] to California to follow his bliss.

VC: What will you miss about Greg Alexander and Matt Harpster? What do they bring to the band that no one else can?

JA: They are family, [which] is the hard part. [They are] irreplaceable. And with Greg moving away, I feel sad to even think about it.

He is like a brother, and a very inspiring and spiritual person. I consider him a very close friend, in and outside the band. So that one hurts.

Harpster, we will drink many beers together and I am sure he will sit in with the band here and there. We are buds and good friends. A very witty dude. I understand his leaving the band; there is only so much time.

And wow, I am right now in the middle of trying to sort through everyone’s ideas of where they think the band should go without those guys.

[There are] several options, but it will all work itself out I am sure. One door closes while another opens.

The Wee Folkestra will say goodbye to Matt and Greg at their “Red and Black Ball,” the celebration of their one-year anniversary as a band. The Ball will take place at the Radio Bean on Friday, Feb. 17 at 11 p.m.

SARAH STICKLE The Vermont Cynic

Lead guitarist, Matt Harpster of the local nine-piece band, the Wee Folkestra, plays at Salaam in downtown Burlington, Jan. 6.

Exhibit supports young artists

Movie review

The Flynn Center and BCA celebrate 30 years of art

By Madeleine Gibson Senior Staff Writer In honor of both the Flynn Theatre and BCA’s thirty-year presence in the Burlington community, the Amy E Tarrant Gallery on Main St. will exhibit the 30/30 Anniversary Print Project until Feb. 18.

There were no guidelines or restrictions for what the artists created and none of the artists were paid for their work.

Each print is like a gift from artists thankful for the support and opportunities that the BCA and Flynn have provided for them.

“This to me really illustrates that these artists really value what we are doing very, very highly,” co-curator and gallery manager Nancy Abbott-Hourigan said. “We could never thank these artists enough, seeing how important it is to keep these programs alive…we don’t have deep pockets to pull endowments from. We work everyday to create fundraising opportunities.”

Both traditional and nontraditional Vermont artists created the 30 prints on display at the exhibit.

In a silent auction, the proceeds from each piece will support the youth education scholarship programs of the Flynn Center for Performing

Arts and Burlington City Arts.

“The idea originated from our new executive director, John Killacky, whose intentions have been to form tighter partnerships with other art organizations,” Abbott-Hourigan said.

“We could never thank these artists enough.”

Nancy Abbott-Hourigan

Co-curator and gallery manager

“Collaboration with the BCA seemed like a very logical next step. They were are also celebrating 30 years this year.”

Contributing artists Gregg Blasdel, Jennifer Koch and Sumru Tekin coordinated much of the printmaking in BCA’s print studio.

While some of the prints embody printmaking in a traditional sense, vary-

ing textures and irregularities between color and paper highlight each artist’s unique method.

In bold, block-print ink, recent UVM graduate Grace Weaver depicts a woman combing out her long hair in her print.

Although the piece is twodimensional, the grainy impressions bring texture and depth to the image.

A print by Harry Bliss positions Bernie Sanders in a black and white landscape framed by beloved Vermont agriculture.

Valerie Hird’s print “The Fifth Day III” is both abstract and introspective. She creates an image of a blue moon rolling into rivers of black and blue ink, separated by orange ground.

The print of a melting ice cream cone by the founders of Ben and Jerry’s embodies the creative and playful illustrations that advertise their ice cream empire.

The sale of each piece will enrich the arts community in Burlington by helping young, eager artists waiting to create.

The auction and closing reception will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 5p.m.

EMILY BARTRAN

Man on a Ledge: The ultimate cliffhanger In order to avoid ruining one of the jaw-dropping, gasp-aloud moments in “Man on a Ledge,” this review will leave you hanging just as much as the film does.

“Man on a Ledge” stars Sam Worthington as Nick Cassidy, an escaped convict who stages a suicide attempt to prove his innocence.

Elizabeth Banks plays the mentally unstable negotiator Detective Mercer.

The vast majority of the movie is spent on the ledge of a building.

Though this film had the potential to be extremely dull, the stomach-turning view from the ledge, witty commentary, and Cas-

sidy “making it rain” keep things spicy. What takes place in the building across the street also adds to the drama of the film.

Jamie Bell plays Nick’s brother Joey Cassidy. Joey and his girlfriend Angie, played by Genesis Rodriguez, are responsible for proving Nick’s innocence and keeping him alive.

Despite the fact that they create some dramatic events of their own, the dynamic between Joey and Angie lightens up some of the more intense scenes in the movie.

The majority of the stunts in this film are feasible — not every risky scene goes on without a hitch. In addition to adding suspense, this gives the movie a sense of reality that most action movies can’t boast.

The movie continuously drops surprises until the very last scene. Combine that with extremely good casting, a view of Manhattan from a 21-floor edge and a $40 million jewel heist, and you’ve got yourself a movie worth seeing.

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ARTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Junior Daniel Asam speaks about his fake Springfest Facebook event in the Davis Center, Feb. 14.

SPRINGFEST Prank on Facebook fools hundreds of students ...continued from page 1 people talked about the lineup with him, not knowing he had anything to do with the hoax.

“One kid had me laughing so much [with] how stoked he was for Nicki Minaj,” Asam said. “It was hilarious.”

Asam contacted sophomore Daniel Tyler, who had been posting links to the real UVM

Concerts Bureau’s Facebook on Asam’s page, to request that Tyler “let him get some laughs out of this.” Soon after, Tyler was involved in the prank himself.

“I told him to write that tickets are going to be sold all week.”

Tyler said.

The UVM Concerts Bureau sent out a statement Feb. 13 at noon declaring that Nicki Minaj will not be performing at Spring-

fest, and that the lineup has yet to be released.

“Any announcements made thus far are all false, and the real announcement should be made in two weeks,” senior Greg Ramey, UVM Concerts Bureau’s primary contact, said.

To see the false announcement, visit “UVM SpringFest 2012 (Official Page)” on Facebook.

LEV MCCARTHY The Vermont Cynic Artist and Professor Pamela Fraser speaks at her exhibit featuring an in-depth color study at Colburn Gallery in Williams Hall, Feb. 8.

Pamela Fraser plays with color

Professor’s work showcased

By Theodora Ziolkowski Staff Writer On Feb. 8, Williams Hall’s Colburn Gallery was filled with art students and enthusiasts alike for the opening reception of artist and professor Pamela Fraser’s recent exhibit.

The exhibit features three bodies of work that respond to Fraser’s in-depth study of color.

Likening a kind of “culture” to color, Fraser is interested in the charge that color carries with it. At the talk she used the examples of Starbucks and Taco Bell to illustrate the ways in which color, when detached from its affiliation, still carries the trace of its associated establishment.

A particularly striking series features paintings in which Fraser reacts to a Wasily Kandinsky 1913 questionnaire about the universality of color. These paintings showcase unusual combinations of color: circles, squares and triangles – which Fraser jokingly coins “cartoon robot faces”.

“Kandinsky as a reference quickly became less interesting to me than the attempt at [creating] ‘meaningless’ color schemes and the brevity of the painting process,” Fraser said.

By applying 50 coats of gesso to her canvases, Fraser creates an opacity in her work that she compares to “virgin

snow.”

“There’s an elegance to the shapes when they come out, which is related to the way they float,” she said. “One can tell they were executed quickly, fairly seamlessly.”

Fraser also emphasized the humor of her work and the subjective beauty that she finds in the buoyancy of her finished pieces.

“I like when people laugh when seeing my paintings — with them of course, not at them,” she said. “It’s a bit esoteric but I see them as having a kind of deadpan humor.”

Much of Fraser’s preparatory work requires reading, the source of much of her artistic inspiration. Concerned with the “why” of paintings and the effects it offers, she spoke of the seeming “simplicity” of her work as being a challenge in its philosophical and meditative counterparts.

While each of Fraser’s pieces took less than three minutes to paint, the amount of mental preparation prior to their conception is what Fraser said really drove her exploration.

The three larger pieces exhibited required larger brush strokes to complete. Fraser found a thrill in the “athleticism” demanded by these pieces.

Fraser’s exhibit at the Colburn Gallery will be on display through Feb. 18.

D I S T RAC T I O N S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

11

Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

College Life by Rodney Rhea

Cat Tales by Emma Cipriani

Crossword

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The best of #uvmproblems I would probably burn more calories at rusko then here at the gym #uvmproblems #wtf

@ArlineWeaver I wish there was a designated nap area on campus #uvmproblems

@Shanny_Smith The graffiti in the girls bathroom in the geology building talks about saving trees #uvmproblems

@Paige_Cornell

ACROSS 1- Barbershop request 5- Aromatic wood 10- Tooth 14- Hokkaido native 15- Small egg 16- Collar type 17- Temperance 19- Gaucho’s weapon 20- Standards of perfection 21- Regent 23- Rare-earth metallic element 25- Eagle’s home 26- Truman’s Missouri birthplace 28- Falls-jumping fish 31- Animate existence 34- Children’s author Blyton

36- Handle 37- “Much ___ About Nothing”, play by Shakespeare 38- Building 40- ___ de guerre 41- Intrinsically 43- Pond organism 44- Fit to ___ 45- Spanish rice dish 47- Bird that gets you down 49- Oozes 51- Large New Zealand reptile 55- Wingless 58- Faultfinder 59- Pole, for one 60- Sedative 62- Trick 63- Farewell 64- “______ sprach Zarathustra”

65- Electric fish 66- Makes a loan 67- Not e’en once

terminus 31- Scandinavian 32- Brain wave 33- Anticipate DOWN 35- Toe or finger 1- Implied 38- Conger catcher 2- ___ Janeiro 39- Winged staff 3- Type of sanctum carried by Mercury 4- Chameleonlike 42- Arm coverings 5- Ate 44- Craftsperson 6- Holiday start 46- Having no 7- Manure distinct feet 8- Foil maker 48- “…countrymen, 9- “Speed” star lend me your ____” 10- Feverish 50- Jacket material 11- Reconciliation 52- Start of a 12- ___ contendere Dickens title 13- Growl 53- Wash lightly 18- Bones found in 54- Bogie, e.g. the hip 55- Even ___ 22- Clear the board speak...

24- Craze 56- Ballet bend 27- Long arm 57- Whirl 29- Plains native 61- Roulette bet 30- Iditarod

Is Nicki Minaj performing at springfest or not? If not I soiled a pair of perfectly good pants for no reason #uvmproblems #poopproblems

@HANdmedaremote there are people making bow and arrows outside my dorm #WTF #uvmproblems

@madisonmoron I’m never in the mood to shower anymore #uvmproblems

@jrealzy Thatawkwardmoment when you walk in on a guy changing your laundry. Hope you like my panties #uvmproblems

@EHenn16

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Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

Obama’s coming to B-town THE VERMONT

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All you Vermonters can breath a sigh of relief – Barack Obama is finally coming to Burlington.

On March 30, we will be graced with the presence of the Obama administration in a reception coined ‘Obama Victory Fund 2012.’

Vermont holds 3 electoral votes – not a lot compared to Texas, which holds a hefty 34. As a result, few past presidential candidates and presidents have felt the need to touch base with the Green Mountain State. George W. Bush skipped Vermont and Bill Clinton forgot to come back after his second term.

Obama’s visit will take place at the ever-classy Burlington Sheraton on Williston Road, where President Obama and his supporters will gather together to raise money and popularity to support his reelection efforts.

Attendance, however, comes with quite the hefty price tag.

A general admission ticket can be purchased for $100. Ticket prices only increase from there, peaking at a $7,500 ticket that comes with seating in a preferred section and a photo reception.

Even more eloquent and exclusive is the 100-person luncheon priced at $30,800 per couple. We at The Cynic don’t know about you, but we know that however great and mighty Obama is, nothing legitimizes a multi-thousand dollar tea party with anybody, unless the lunch is sent straight from the culinary gods.

And at this price, UVMers, we are sorry to say that it doesn’t seem like we will be able shake Obama’s million-dollar hand. Or you could in four easy payments of $25 – an amount college students like us cannot typically afford.

So far, the Obama campaign is raking in the cash and most recently was seen rising in the polls, settling back to a 50 percent approval rating mark.

Although Obama gets a lot of support from the Green Mountains as a whole, we can only hope the president considers reaching out to us students in a more accessible manner.

Because while $100 dinners may satisfy other Vermonters, they are not affordable to the 11,000 students that could easily check off President Obama’s name in the upcoming ballot.

Correction Issue 18’s article titled “‘The Art on Burton’ displays reformation of snowboarding,” incorrectly attributed the work of Michael Montanaro on the 2008 Malolo Burton board to Jari Salo, who worked on the 2009 Burton Malolo.

DISTURBING QUOTE OF THE WEEK

COLUMNISTS

Egyptian soccer leads to riot

ARIELLE BOUTWELL

Violently fighting for safety and survival is not usually expected at a soccer game. Games are intended to be competitive between players, and sometimes spectators, but when sticks and stones start flying, that fine line between healthy competition and a warzone is crossed.

Unfortunately, after a soccer game in Egypt on Feb. 1, that fine line was erased. Port Said hosted the game between Egypt’s home team, Al-Masry, and known-rivals Al-Ahly.

Combined with the intensity of the fans, it was an exciting and fair match – that is, until the game ended.

The home team, Al-Masry, had a winning score of 3-1.

Instead of celebrating, the team attacked their opponents. AlMasry stormed the field with sticks and stones, chasing players and fans.

Most unusual were the police, dressed in full uniform with helmets and shields, who did nothing as the outburst of violence unfolded around them. A player, Mohammed Abu Trika, recalls the police observing the violence and refusing to make any effort to help the people before them being trampled and beaten. They were later criticized for their lack of interference.

Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi told the military air base east of Cairo, “These incidents happen anywhere in the world.” Seventy four deaths and hundreds of injuries at a soccer game do not happen accidentally, and certainly not anywhere in the world.

Egypt has recently been plastering newspaper headlines related to the overwhelming amount of political turmoil.

However, it seems that these displays of civil disobedience were not directly linked to current politics; they seem to be pure, fan-related chaos.

When I go to a hockey or basketball game at UVM, I am searched for weapons, alcohol and other illegal substances.

This seems to be regular procedure for games and even concerts. It is a way for police to minimize harm during an event.

Al-Masry and Al-Ahly are two teams that are known for their fierce rivalry. Why is it that the police did not search the spectators for harmful weapons when they entered the stadium? The police did not stir up trouble, but they definitely did not attempt to eliminate it.

Egypt plans to investigate the fighting. It is unclear why the enormous fight broke out, and many witnesses’ stories seem to be different from each others’ with the exception of one common factor: The police did nothing at all.

I thought the point of having the police go to sporting events was for the sake and safety of the fans and players.

Egypt may have some dramatic political issues going on, but the security needs to be amped up and restructured.

The game was declared the deadliest soccer game in the world since 1996. It was a tragic night that could have been restricted with security checks at the entrance and proactive policemen.

Arielle Boutwell is a first-year undeclared major. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2011.

“IT SOUNDS CRAZY, BUT A REALLY, REALLY GOOD-LOOKING TWENTYSOMETHING WOMAN IS ACTUALLY A HUGE TURN-ON FOR ME.” Richard Bogan, 48-year-old law firm partner, on the appeal of dating a woman the same age as his daughter

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

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OPINION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

COLUMNISTS

Settling the marriage debate

ZACH DESPART

A major victory for samesex marriage advocates came on Feb. 7 when the federal court struck down California’s Proposition 8 as unconstitutional. Prop 8 had previously prohibited same-sex couples from marrying.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 ruling, found that the statute “serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California.”

The United States Court of Appeals is essentially the minor league to the Supreme Court, so it is likely that the nation’s highest court will choose to review this case.

Marriage isn’t a states’ rights issue, it’s a civil rights issue. If we continue to wait for each state to legalize same-sex marriage, it may take decades for the nation to achieve full equality.

Mitt Romney criticized the decision, stating, “Today unelected judges cast aside the will of the people.”

But guess what, Mitt — that’s what detractors said about Brown v. Board of Education.

The purpose of the nation’s highest courts is not to be swayed by public opinion, but to protect the rights and liberties of minorities. That’s precisely why judges are unelected — to protect from public backlash arising from unpopular decisions.

In many states — including Vermont — judges in the highest court are elected, and therefore can be recalled.

In November of 2010, Iowa justices were recalled in a campaign targeted against them for voting in favor of same-sex marriage.

“What is so disturbing about this is that it really might cause judges in the future to be less willing to protect minorities out of fear that they might be voted out of office,” said Erwin Chemerinsky, a law professor at University of California Irvine.

The Supreme Court exists to protect civil rights, even in the face of public opposition.

Sixteen states had laws prohibiting miscegenation when the Supreme Court handed down Loving v. Virginia in 1967. Sodomy was illegal in 13 states in 2003 when the court decided Lawrence v. Texas.

The California decision wasn’t the only victory for gay rights supporters this week.

The Democrat-controlled Washington state legislature passed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, and Gov. Christine Gregoire has pledged to sign it.

Washington will become the seventh state to permit same-sex marriages, along with

Quick Opinions Emma Rosenzweig

Massachusettes, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa and Washington, D.C. Same-sex marriage has been a hot button legislative issue for two decades. A 1993 Hawaii Supreme Court decision positing that a ban on same-sex marriages may be unconstitutional scared same-sex marriage opponents so much that Congress drafted and overwhelmingly supported the Defense of Marriage Act, enacted in 1996.

It is time for the Supreme Court to settle this issue indefinitely. According to 53 percent of respondents in a March 2011 poll by Reuters, public opinion nationwide supports same-sex marriage.

Some day, same-sex couples will be able to marry in every state in this country. It is just a matter of time. How many years will we prolong this embarrassing chapter in our history? How long will it be before we look at anti-gay rights candidates the same way we view segregationist candidates?

The fight for equality for gays can go on, year after year, state by state, by statute or court decision or ballot initiative. Or it can end this year, by an opinion by five justices.

There is simply no reason to continue to deny gays the same rights as everyone else.

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

Have an opinion?

Send your quick opinion to: cynicopinion@gmail.com

Illustration by Andrew Becker

Class of 2015

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Condoning abuse Dear Editor, The 54th Grammys took place on Feb. 12 and showcased some really troubling aspects of our society. No, I’m not talking about Katy Perry’s crimped blue hair, but rather Chris Brown and our attitudes toward abuse.

It was right before the 2009 Grammys that Chris Brown beat up Rihanna, and, since then, Brown hasn’t been invited to the event. This year was the first time he was invited back. He performed and won a Grammy.

Ken Elrich, a Grammy producer, commented on his return, “I think people deserve a second chance, you know. If you’ll note, he has not been on the Grammys for the past few years, and it may have taken us a while to kind of get over the fact that we were the victim of what happened.”

Yes, you read that right: Elrich refers to the the Grammys as a victim of Chris Brown’s violent frenzy. I am pretty sure the victim in this case was Rihanna.

Brown, after all, physically abused her, whereas the Grammys had to oh-so-terribly abstain from having him perform because he chose to beat the crap out of his significant other.

Not to even mention the fact that said significant other is also a musician who attended the Grammys. And yet Elrich saw no problem in entirely discounting what she went through and calling the Grammys the victim.

But wait, there’s more.

During the Grammys the Twitterverse erupted with Grammy commentary, including various reactions to Brown’s return. One recurring reaction, chronicled in a Buzzfeed article, was some variation of “I’d let Chris Brown beat me anytime.”

As if this wasn’t messed up enough, a vast proportion of the comments to the Buzzfeed article reprimanded the girls featured for being so damn stupid. But, really, isn’t it more troubling that we as a society treat abuse in such a way to make all those girls think abuse is a joke, or that if a man is talented or sexy, abusing his woman is not a big deal?

Then, this morning “proud of

Breezy” was trending on Twitter.

And honestly, I’m confused.

What exactly are you proud of him for? Coming back to perform and win a Grammy after being banished because he admittedly abused his girlfriend?

Benefitting from society’s nonchalance about abuse? Does that make him brave, or triumphant somehow?

Brown admitted to abusing Rihanna. He saw some consequences for his actions — though not enough — one of which was not being invited to the Grammys for three years.

I’m ashamed of the Grammys, Chris Brown, and the way we as a society react to abuse.

Now those consequences are over and people are proud of him? People tweet that they’d let him hit them? The producer says the show was the victim?

Personally, I feel much more shame than pride. I’m ashamed of the Grammys, Chris Brown, and the way we as a society react to abuse.

The only person involved whom I’m proud of is Rihanna, who was the real victim in all this and still had the courage and strength to come and perform at the show.

One might say she should have boycotted the incredibly messed up message the Grammys are sending, but I say that she shouldn’t be denied her chance to showcase her talent at the biggest music show of the year.

All because other people have misplaced priorities, kudos to Rihanna for not letting anyone or anything keep her from being rewarded in honor of her talent.

Sincerely, Julia Wejchert Class of 2012

Love your pets, too

“If they don’t let me get off the meal plan, I’m inviting all the homeless people in Burlington to the Davis Center and buying them New World Tortilla.”

Dear Editor,

Arielle Boutwell

Bianca Mohn

13

“Two minutes Blirpit time is 10 minutes real time.”

“Nothing screams manliness like riding around on a child-sized bike.”

Jacob Lumbra Class of 2015

“The idea of movies at Main Street Landing sounds like the most romantic setting. Every Tuesday, free, at 7. Take someone.”

February may be best known as the month of love, but it also happens to be a time for spay and neuter awareness. Countless cats and dogs who are born on the streets as strays will never experience love or the gentle touch of a human hand.

Pet overpopulation is an unfortunate reality. Millions of cats and dogs wander the streets without a home in the United States, and the reality is there are not enough homes for all these animals. The fewer who need to enter shelters means a greater opportunity for those cats and dogs that are patiently waiting for their forever homes.

Spaying and neutering can be beneficial to a pet’s health as well. Altered animals experience little to no risk of certain cancers, such as mammary gland cancer or testicular cancer. In fact, altered dogs can be expected to live an average of one to three

years longer, and altered cats live three to five years longer. Spaying also means that a pet will never be “in heat,” meaning that the males and females will be more content to stay at home.

The upside is that you can help by spaying or neutering your pet, or by making a donation toward the spay/neuter of a cat or dog in need.

Contact Green Mountain Animal Defenders at 802-8613030 or www.gmad.info for more information on reduced cost spay/neuter options. Think of it as an act of love, for both your pet and your community.

Sincerely, Timothy Monbleau, Green Mountain Animal Defenders, Intern

14

Sports

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Men’s hockey continues losing streak

By Diana Giunta Senior Staff Writer

Men’s hockey fell to Boston College 6-1 at Gutterson Fieldhouse Feb. 10 in Hockey East action.

With the loss, the team’s record falls to 5-22-1 (2-18-1 HEA).

First-year Colin Markison scored the lone goal for the Catamounts in the contest.

“I thought we played a very solid first period. We made one young mistake on a backpressure identification to be down 1-0, but I really liked our energy,” Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon said. “I liked our physicality; I thought we did so many positive things and the second period we just let the game get away from us. You give them a good look, they can put the puck in the net and every opportunity we gave them they made us pay.”

First-year Quinn Smith kicked off the scoring for the Eagles and the game at 6:21 of the opening period. Smith scored by sending a rebound into the net past Vermont senior goaltender Rob Madore.

The Catamouts held off the Eagles for the remainder

MARY DONOVAN The Vermont Cynic

Goaltender Rob Madore looks back at the net after a Boston College shot on Feb. 10. He allowed six goals in the game, securing Vermont’s seventh consecutive loss and last place spot in Hockey East. of the first period, but in the second period Boston College capitalized on a 5-on-3 powerplay chance.

Sophomore Brooks Herrington went to the box

for cross checking at 5:38 of the second, and sophomore H.T. Lenz picked up a fiveminute major penalty and game misconduct for boarding at 6:25. Sophomore Kevin Hayes

Player Profile: Kyrie Irving

JAKE BIELECKI

If you were born before March 23, 1992 as I was, then we are both officially older than the first overall selection in last year’s NBA draft.

After posting a 19-63 record in their first season since losing Lebron, the lottery fell in Cleveland’s favor and they were rewarded the first overall pick in the 2011 draft.

Despite playing in just 11 collegiate games, Kyrie Irving’s name was called by the Cavaliers on draft day.

A rare one-and-done from Duke, the young point guard never was given the opportunity to fully flaunt his skill set last season. A toe injury held Irving out for most of the season, but he was still able to average 17 points and four assists in 27 minutes a game as a freshman.

After an NCAA tournament showcased Derrick Williams’ ability to take over a game, many questioned what Cleveland would do atop the 2011 draft.

With solid point guards

Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions already on the roster, many thought Cleveland might opt to take the forward because of the team’s needs. Cleveland chose to go with Irving and subsequently cut ties with Davis.

So far, so good. Not only has Derrick Williams struggled mightily as a member of the Timberwolves, but Kyrie Irving is forcing NBA analysts to put him in the same breath as superstars like Derrick Rose.

When comparing Irving’s rookie season to last year’s MVP rookie campaign, it’s tough to come away unimpressed.

Despite averaging seven minutes less per game, Irving is averaging more points than Rose on better shooting percentages.

Irving has made 41 percent of his three point attempts, while Rose’s career best over four seasons is 33 percent. Irving’s field goal mark of 49 percent is also better than any mark Derrick Rose has produced in his career.

Now would be a good time to remind you that he is still only 19 years old.

While it would be inaccurate to say Irving is already on Rose’s level, there is nothing stopping Irving from one day emerging as one of the NBA’s best point guards. Though he is not blessed with the same freakish athleticism

as Rose, Irving boasts a fundamentally sound game that has many comparing his abilities to Chris Paul.

Irving’s capacity to understand the game at such a young age, finish with both hands around the basket and shoot the ball with excellent efficiency should have Cleveland fans thinking championship in the latter parts of this decade.

One thing Irving will look to improve in the coming seasons is his defense.

Considering Irving has participated in just 34 games above the high school level, it’s understandable that he isn’t yet accustomed to guarding the quickest players the NBA has to offer. He likely had never faced a player with similar athleticism until just over a year ago.

Surrounding Irving with talent in a small market like Cleveland may be difficult, but what’s harder is finding a player to build around, and Cleveland has certainly done that.

Expect Cleveland to add another capable scorer on the wing to compliment Irving in the upcoming drafts and free agency.

With Anderson Varejao and the developing Tristan Thompson already on the roster, Cleveland should once again emerge as contenders in the not so distant future.

knocked the puck in at 7:11 to put the Eagles up 2-0.

Still holding a 5-on-4 penalty to their benefit, the Eagles took advantage again, creating a three-goal lead. Junior Chris

BASKETBALL

...continued from page 1

of the half with yet another offensive rebound and a layup, decreasing Vermont’s lead to only one point going into the second, with the score at 23-22.

“Basketball is a game of runs and we knew we were going to bounce back in the second half,” Bald said of his feelings on the opening of the game. “If we can control the boards, we can control the tempo of the game.”

McGlynn shined in the second period action, shooting 6-6 from the line and sinking shots from behind the arc four times.

“We were optimistic just for the fact that we played pretty poorly for what we expect of ourselves and we were still winning a one-point game with the first place team in the league,” McGlynn said. “So we pretty much assumed it could only go up from there.”

Defensively, the Catamounts shut down Stony Brook’s top scorers in the three-point zone — leaving the team 0-15 for threepoint attempts. Stony Brook’s star player Joyner was successfully double-covered, giving him less opportunity to excel on rebounds as he did in first half action.

The Catamounts extended their one-point lead early in the second period with a layup from Carissimo — Stony Brook would never be that close to Vermont’s score for the remainder of the game. With 15:42 remaining, senior Matt Glass sunk a three, beginning the lead extension for Vermont with a score of 28-24.

Glass and McGlynn continued to dominate on the floor.

Sophomore Josh Elbaum stole the ball and offered an assist to McGlynn, who was on target for his first three of the evening.

At 11:50, Coley fouled McGlynn, who earned two points

Kreider sent a one-timer into the net.

First-year Johnny Gaudreau fired a wrist shot from the right circle to increase the Eagles’ lead to four at 10:07 of the second.

Gaudreau scored again just minutes later at 17:03 to widen the gap even further. This time Gaudreau’s shot came from the left circle, besting Madore on the glove side.

It was the Catamounts’ turn to go on the power play in the third period. Junior Steven Whitney was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for contact to the head at 6:48.

It was here that Markison scored his goal, sending the puck in from the slot at 7:56, after receiving the puck from junior Sebastian Stalberg. This brought the score to 5-1.

Kreider scored for the second time at 15:28, cementing the 6-1 Boston College victory.

The Catamounts will travel next weekend to play New Hampshire on Feb. 17 and 18.

This will be the final time that the Catamounts and Wildcats will meet this regular season.

Vermont currently remains in last place in the Hockey East standings.

Vermont earns big win from the foul line. Stony Brook’s Brenton Tommy came up with a jump shot, but McGlynn followed suit right after with his own, edging the score in Vermont’s favor to 37-30.

Then Vermont was seeing threes. With 8:56 remaining in the second, McGlynn sunk a three. A minute later, McGlynn did it again. At 7:03, Bald hit another from behind the arc, giving Vermont a 51-32 lead.

Stony Brook quickly made a run on the offense with a showing from Coley as he earned a layup and a point from the foul line. With 5:15 remaining, the 6-foot-2-inch Stony Brook player impressively dunked over 6-foot8-inch Matt Glass. Yet the excitement was short-lived, as McGlynn scored yet another three for Vermont, giving the Cats a 19-point lead, 58-39.

When Glass and Coley both fouled out of the game with two minutes remaining, the Catamounts were sitting pretty with a sizeable lead.

Stony Brook was unable to materialize any substantial scoring in the close of the game. The final points on the board went to McGlynn on two free throw shots, leading Vermont to victory 68-49 over Stony Brook.

“We’re still a young team, but I think we matured tonight, especially in that second half,” men’s basketball head coach John Becker said of the game. “That maturity will carry on through the rest of the season,” The players from Vermont earned a standing ovation from the fans as the buzzer sounded.

“The environment was awesome, the fans were great and we’re really happy we got that win,” Bald said.

The Catamounts hope to continue the momentum off their win when they travel to Albany, N.Y. Jan. 15.

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

15

Filling the void Cats win third carnival Ways to satisfy your insatiable appetite for sports this season

By Will Andreycak Senior Staff Writer

For most sports fans, the time immediately after the Super Bowl until the start of baseball is the most difficult time of the year.

One of the most consistent themes I’ve noticed across the various platforms of social media in the last week has been people missing the NFL. While I, too, find it a bit strange to wake up on Sunday and have nothing to distract me from Monday morning looming in the not-so-distant future, there are many storylines and events that can fill the void that the NFL has left.

UVM men’s basketball and their sprint toward March Madness

Being on the hunt for a conference championship is not a new feeling for this university.

Led by Marqus Blakely, the 2009-2010 team won the conference tournament over BU and played in the NCAA tournament against Syracuse.

The 2010-2011 team was a No. 1 seed in the conference tournament before their upset to Albany.

This year, we are in the driver’s seat for another No. 1 seed in the conference tournament after we slapped around the previous No. 1 team in the conference, Stony Brook, Feb. 12.

Being a mid-major that has a legitimate shot at an NCAA tournament birth is a special thing and, as UVM students, there is no bigger sports storyline that we can focus on.

I for one will be making the trip to Hartford for the America East tournament in early March. If you consider yourself a sports fan and have not been paying attention to our men’s basketball team, start.

The New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins

I alluded to this rivalry in last week’s edition, but it deserves mention here. The New York v.

Boston rivalry barely had time to cool off before the Rangers and Bruins squared off Feb. 14 in Boston. After the Rangers 3-0 shutout victory over the Bruins, the Rangers move to 2-0 against Boston this season and have a nine point cushion as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Henrik Lundqvist made 42 saves for his seventh shutout this season — good enough for best in the NHL — and Rangers Captain Ryan Callahan scored his sixth goal in his last four games. New York is rolling right now, and the fact that they went into Boston and hung a shutout on the defending Stanley Cup champions is a big statement.

Midway through the second period we saw why the Rangers are one of the top two teams in the NHL. Furious at his team for not getting in front of a Zdeno Chara slap shot, head coach John Tortorella shouted, “If you don’t fucking block shots, you won’t play.” This is

why the Rangers are second in goals against at 1.9 per game, and this is why the Rangers are nine points ahead of secondplace Boston in the East. This rivalry will truly be born during the playoffs.

NCAA Basketball

I believe that men’s division I college basketball is the most underrated sport in the American sports system. Sure, everyone fills out a bracket and falls in love with the game during March Madness, but many people fail to care during the regular season.

Some make the argument that the regular season doesn’t matter that much because the difference between a seventh seed and a sixth seed in March Madness doesn’t mean a whole lot. I get that, but those who fail to pay attention during the regular season are missing out on outstanding athletic competition.

If you are in need of a sports fix, a guaranteed remedy is a Saturday full of college basketball. Not only do the high ranking matchups suffice — the Duke v. UNC game wasn’t too bad last Wednesday — games that have matchups including NCAA bubble teams are games played with March Madness intensity.

My point is that if you turn on any NCAA basketball game, you have the greatest chance of seeing something special happen — more than with any other sport.

The Wide Open NBA

One of the concerns of the lockout was the frequency at which teams played their games. This may have negative effects on the players but I, for one, love it. The condensed schedule makes it so that great matchups take place every night. Let’s look at this week — Feb. 16 to Feb. 23 — for proof.

Feb. 16: Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls Feb. 17: Dallas Mavericks at Philadelphia 76ers & LeBron plays at Cleveland Feb. 18: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers Feb. 19: Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks – Orlando Magic at Miami Heat – Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder Feb. 20: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Feb. 21: San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trailblazers Feb. 22: Boston Celtics at Oklahoma City Thunder – Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks See what I mean? On any given night you can tune into the NBA and watch playoff caliber teams go toe-to-toe.

And if anyone thinks that Philadelphia and Portland aren’t good teams, well, this entire column is for you.

The NFL is wonderful, but let’s not sleep on the rest of the outstanding sports we have to look forward to in the winter months.

By Jeremy Karpf Staff Writer

Vermont won their third carnival of the season, the Dartmouth Carnival, by 162 points.

Vermont compiled 982 points on Feb. 10 and 11, followed by Dartmouth with 820 points and New Hampshire with 722.

On day one of the carnival, Vermont swept the podium for men’s grand slalom. Sophomore Jonathan Nordbotten won the event with a time of 1:48.98, first-year Bobby Farrell was second with 1:49.07 and junior Sean Higgins came in third with a time of 1:49.24. Junior Tim Kelley finished it off with a fourth place finish.

In women’s GS, sophomore Kate Ryley won her first race of the season, putting down a 55.89 second run to finish with a time of 1:53.54. Teammate sophomore Elise Tefre finished fifth with a time of 1:54.60, while senior Amanda McDonald finished 16th.

Two Nordic races were run on day one. In the women’s 5K freestyle, Vermont finished 2-35 as senior Caitlin Patterson fell to Dartmouth rival Sophie Caldwell by three seconds.

Caldwell finished the race in 13:47.7, while Patterson did so in 13:50.2. Teammate senior Lucy Garrec completed it in 13:51.3, while senior Amy Glen finished in a time of 14:07.9.

“You really have to get going right from the start for the 5Ks. The snow was really firm and fast. I just didn’t quite have it today,” Patterson said. “I wanted a little bit more. Sophie won, which is great, and a bunch of my teammates were up there in the front so it was a really fun race.”

In the men’s 10K freestyle, the Catamounts claimed a third place finish as senior Alex Howe completed the event in 26:20.8.

Middlebury’s Patrick Johnson won the event, followed by Dartmouth’s Sam Tarling.

Vermont had a big day, sweeping the women’s 15K classic and men’s slalom, as well

COURTESY OF DENNIS CURRAN

UVM skier Alex Howe prepares for a race. He and the rest of the Vermont ski team look to continue their dominance in the last carnival of the season, which will be held at Williams College. as taking two of three podium positions in women’s slalom.

The 15K classic ended in a photo finish as Lucy Garrec edged out teammate Amy Glen by two-tenths of a second, finishing in 47:47.4 and 47:48.6 respectively. Caitlin Patterson took third with a time of 48:25.8.

On the Alpine side, defending NCAA champion and UVM junior Tim Kelley skied a 45.46 second first run and a total time of 1:31.78.

Teammates Bobby Farrell and Jonathan Nordbotten rounded

Sports Shorts

out the podium. Sean Higgins took fourth.

Elise Tefre won the women’s slalom in a time of 1:38.33, while teammate Kate Ryley placed third with a time of 1:38.97.

The final carnival of the EISA Circuit season is the Williams Carnival this weekend in Massachusetts. It will be the final carnival before EISA championships in two weeks.

Top performers there will earn a trip to Bozeman, Mont. in order to compete in the NCAA ski championships March 7-10.

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor

Women’s hockey falls to BU on Senior Day Junior Emily Walsh scored her fifth goal of the season on Feb. 12, but it was three too short as the Lady Cats fell to BU 4-1. This Senior Day loss, along with UNH’s loss the same day, keeps UVM two points behind New Hampshire for the final playoff spot in the Hockey East postseason. Seniors Chelsea Rapin and Kailey Nash played their last game at the Gutt on Sunday.

Women’s basketball falls to rival New Hampshire in Durham Women’s basketball fell for the fourth straight time Feb. 11 when they lost to UNH in Durham 58-48. Despite double-digit scoring efforts by first-year Kayla Burchill and junior Shanai Heber, Vermont couldn’t keep up. The loss places them in second to last place, ahead of only Stony Brook.

Club Tennis season set to start in April UVM will host a club tennis tournament when the courts open in the first weekend of April. The team looks to continue its strong performance after its most recent showing at the Yale Campus Championships, where they finished 2-2 overall.

For those interested, practices take place every Sunday and Wednesday before Spring Break, and then every Tuesday and Wednesday after the academic intermission.

16

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Women’s swimming and diving season update

By Taylor Feuss Staff Writer

With a leap and a splash, the women of the swimming and diving team dove right into their season this past October with high hopes for the upcoming year. The Lady Catamounts ended the 2010-2011 season with an overall record of 10-6, and were named fourth in their conference – goals that they aimed to beat this year.

With a large group of 27 returning upperclassmen and eight first-years ready to join in on the craze, the season was expected to be better than before.

“Our girls have been working really hard. Every year we always challenge the upperclassmen to come back in better shape, and they have,” head coach Gerry Cournoyer said at the start of the season — his 11th — at UVM. The team shows depth — an asset that made it easy for this group of 30 swimmers and five divers to start the season off strong.

As the ladies in green opened up their season at the start of October, they seemed unstoppable. They brought their record to an astonishing school record-breaking 7-0 overall, conquering teams such as Army, Stony Brook and Boston College.

However, the season took an unexpected turn in December, with their first meet of the month at New Hampshire.

Vermont broke three of New Hampshire’s pool records and three UVM varsity marks that day, but were unable to win overall, falling for the first time of the season, 168-132.

It seemed as if a trend started after their first loss.

Vermont racked up another three losses over the next month, losing two on the road to Central Connecticut State,

ERIKA COLBERTALDO The Vermont Cynic

A Vermont swimmer tears through her home water in a win against Maine, one of their seven wins this season. The Cats will look to provide a strong performance in the America East Championships at Boston University from Feb. 23 to Feb. 26. and at home to Dartmouth and Northeastern.

The loss to Northeastern hit especially close to home as the meet fell on the team’s Senior Day. Prior to the competition, Vermont’s 12 seniors were honored before diving into their own pool for the last time. Four of Vermont’s team members — senior Lauren Colby, junior Kailey Gardner and first-years Ilsa Feierabend and Laura Stephens — earned first place spots that day. However, as a team Vermont came up short, earning second overall.

As the end of January grew

close, the ladies of the swimming and diving team were ready to earn another win.

Back in their own pool, the team was able to hold off the University of Rhode Island Rams, earning them a 155-145 victory.

Junior Chelsea Krisanda led Vermont, racking up a pair of wins and giving the rest of her team the drive to earn 1-2-3 in both diving events.

This win was crucial for the women in green, adding to their winning record of 8-4 and reminding them what it was like to be on top.

Paul Bissonnette

Left wing for the Phoenix Coyotes @BizNasty2point0

THIS WEEK 2/17

Friday

Women’s hockey vs.

Boston College Boston, Mass. @ 2 p.m.

Sunday

Men’s basketball vs.

Niagara Patrick Gym @ 2 p.m.

Women’s basketball vs. Maine Patrick Gym @ 1 p.m.

SNOW REPORT

Gotta love a girl who bums it to class. #sweatpantswag

Friday (2/17)

Four McGlynn

Late showers 30°/42°

Saturday (2/18)

Partly cloudy 25°/37°

Sunday (2/19)

Partly cloudy 19°/31°

Monday (2/20)

I’m just trying to run around and collect some coins and these god damn monkeys won’t stop chasing me

Pat McAfee

Thursday (2/23)

Punter for the Indianapolis Colts @PatMcAfeeShow

Partly cloudly 19°/28°

Tuesday (2/21)

Mostly cloudy 30°/36°

Wednesday (2/22)

Rain showers 30°/38°

2/19

Saturday 2/18

Stay in school or hit the slopes?

First-year guard for UVM Men’s basketball @fourbb_4

season. The ladies have worked very hard both in the pool and in the classroom, and it has paid off. We have a very strong senior class and they have been instrumental in helping the freshman transition into our program,” said Cournoyer.

The Vermont women’s swimming and diving team is currently hard at work training for the America East championship that will be held at the end of the month, when they hope to regain their dominance in the water.

SCOREBOARD

athletetweets The Stanley Cup makes the Lombardi trophy look like a red headed step child. #NHL

However, this win was not earned by just one member of the team, but the program as a whole. Much like other teams that represent the University, the ladies in the pool have a team concept that they pride themselves on each and every day.

There is no one swimmer or diver, but there is one team. One team that wins together and loses together, and is made up of players that understand the necessity of personal sacrifices for the team’s benefit.

“I am very pleased with this team’s performance over the

BBC C C CC+

Partly cloudy 27°/38° A+ = don’t miss out, B = why not?, C = stay in school

LAST WEEK

Men’s basketball vs. Stony Brook (2/12) W (68-49) vs. Albany (2/15) W (50-47) Women’s basketball vs. New Hampshire (2/11) L (58-48) Men’s hockey vs. Boston College (2/10) L (6-1) Women’s hockey vs. Boston University (2/11) L (8-4) vs. Boston University (2/12) L (4-1) Skiing Dartmouth Carnival (2/11) First Place (982)

CONFERENCE STANDINGS A - East men’s basketball 1) Vermont 18-10 (12-2) 2) Stony Brook 17-8 (12-2) 3) Boston University 14-13 (10-3) 4) Albany 16-12 (8-6) A - East women’s basketball 1) Boston University 19-6 (12-0) 2) Albany 17-9 (11-2) 3) Hartford 16-10 (7-5) 4) UMBC 13-12 (7-5) ...

8) Vermont 9-17 (3-10) A - East men’s hockey 1) UMass Lowell 19-8-0 (14-7-0) 2) Boston College 19-10-1 (13-7-1) 3) Boston University 17-10-1 (13-7-1) 4) Merrimack 15-7-6 (11-6-4) ...

10) Vermont 5-22-1 (12-18-1) A - East women’s hockey 1) Northeastern 21-6-3 (14-3-2) 2) Boston College 21-8-3 (13-4-2) 3) Boston University 18-13-1 (12-7-0) 4) Providence 14-15-3 (11-7-1) ...

8) Vermont 4-20-6 (3-14-2)