HOW TO ‘FRIENDLY FLIRT’ Katie Ida’s Cynical Guide to Life

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LEVITY BRINGS BIG LAUGHS Burlington’s new comedy club emphasizes local talent

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C YNIC THE VERMONT

The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883

A NEW TAKE ON T.S. ELLIOT

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Illustration by Lilly Xian

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 , D e c e m b e r 8 , 2 0 1 1 – Vo l u m e 1 2 8 I s s u e 1 4 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

Yep, still naked

JONATHAN POLSON AND NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Students walk, run and ride bikes as they circle the Central Campus Green to celebrate the last day of classes for fall semester in the Naked Bike Ride, December 8. By Becky Hayes News Editor Students braved slick pavement and snowfall Thursday morning as thousands gathered on Central campus to celebrate the end of classes with this semester’s Naked Bike Ride. Despite concerns about the new route and the lack of safety, spectators and participants alike said that they were happy the bike ride occurred even after the administration removed its funding. “The interim-president has no right to cancel an event like this,” junior Tommy Tyler said. “This is something that is special to UVM and that should happen every single semester,” Many students had similar feelings about the event. “This president just doesn’t know what UVM is,” first-year Abigail Cook said. “We are a

community. We have been here for years and he has been here for four months. This is tradition—all students look forward to it.” Green Mtn. Concert Services surveyed the event and were hired by the University just like they are every year, security officer Jim Brenner said. “It was billed as Winterfest,” Brenner said. “[We are] more here as a presence than security, but we are prepared for the best.” Student volunteers known as the Green Caps were seen caring for students by handing out blankets and keeping people from enclosing the pathway of bikers and runners. Green Cap Tom Stanley said that the bike ride was uneventful and his area had no injuries to report. Bikes were not the only form of transportation—students were seen riding scooters, skateboards,

a shopping cart and a unicycle this semester.

“This president just doesn’t know what UVM is.” Abigail Cook First-year Junior Samantha Cantell said that she has volunteered for Naked Bike Ride security before and the event went fairly well and it was not much different than from past years. “People ate it on the pavement like normal,” Cantell said. “It was nothing to be completely worried about.” Although the Green Caps said that they had a safe night, emergency crews responded to Con-

verse Hall around 12:30 a.m. Ten minutes later, they emerged with a student on stretcher. A UVM police officer could not comment on whether alcohol was a factor. On Athletic Campus, President Bramley’s alternative event called the Free Finals Food-fest and Fundraiser took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Director of Residential Life Stacey Miller said that the event was a festival to celebrate the end of the semester and completely different than the Naked Bike Ride. “It’s meant in some ways to replace the Naked Bike Ride and give [students] an alternative option,” Miller said. “It gives people something else to do if they don’t want to participate.” Some students said that the event had no organization because the food lines were too long and they unknowingly had to get

tickets in order to receive food. “I wish they would have put together another event if they were serious about planning something to replace the Naked Bike Ride,” sophomore Victoria Diamond said. As of midnight Dec 7., the unofficial Facebook page for the Naked Bike Ride had 1,992 people listed as “attending” the event. The Naked Bike Ride has been a UVM tradition since 1996 when student Erica Kutcher began the Naked Bike Ride through the Mountain Lions Program, a 2010 Cynic article stated. Kutcher died in an avalanche while rock-climbing in Pakistan in 2005, however, and the event became a celebration of both the end of the semester and the woman who started it all. Contributing: Keegan Fairfield, Ted Levin, Kevin Santamaria

Debate team ranks Spending concerns addressed seventh worldwide VP of Finance dispells rumors over the General Fund

Students rewarded for arguments By Devin Karambelas Assistant News Editor At the moment, the Lawrence Debate Union (LDU) may very well be UVM’s most successful team. The UVM debate team is currently ranked seventh out of 500 colleges and universities that participated in 33 tournaments worldwide, the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) website stated. In the top 10 rankings, LDU is placed behind Sydney Union, Monash, Yale, Cornell, Oxford

NEWS 1-4 Tents disappear, students stay

Union and Cambridge. UVM is ahead of Colgate, the London School of Economics and McGill, according to the IDEA website. “We’ve been fortunate enough to draw some of UVM’s best and brightest students to the debate team,” coach David Register said. “This kind of success would be impossible without the intelligent, dedicated and hardworking students who have committed themselves to the LDU.”

— LIFE 5-6 — Celtic Cats always land on their feet

See on DEBATE page 3

SPECTACLE 7 The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery

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

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By John Herrick Senior Staff Writer

Student concerns about the handling of University’s budget may be misplaced, according to some administrators. In a letter addressed to the UVM community, Provost Jane Knodell and President John Bramley said that statements made about UVM’s General Fund revenues and expenses have been incorrect “Folks have put out information that we felt needed further clarification,” Vice President of Finance Richard Cate said. “We were concerned that if it was left unchallenged, people would be-

ARTS 8-10 Breaking Dawn disappoints

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lieve that it was all accurate.” The data provided by Bramley and Knodell addressed the budget trends between the years 2002 and 2011 because student criticism has been directed toward the spending trends of the past 10 years, Cate said. According to the Budget Report: •The amount of money that the University pays on its debt on academic facilities has increased by 448 percent between 2002 and 2011. This amounts to about $16 million of the 2011 budget. •The General Fund expense for supporting the on-campus Deans and Vice Presi-

DISTRACTIONS 11 Camp Morning Wood

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dents has increased 41 percent between 2002 and 2011, amounting to 1.15 percent of the 2011 budget. •Revenue from student tuition has increased about 177 percent between the years 2002 and 2011, amounting to more than half of the 2011 budget. •The budget also indicates that student financial aid has increased by 177 percent between the years 2002 and 2010 and currently costs over $85 million. •The increase in faculty and

OPINION 12-13 Surviving the holidays on a diet

See on BUDGET page 4

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SPORTS 14-16 An early Valentine’s Day

WE’RE ONLINE TOO! www.vermontcynic.com

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NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Fraternity avoids removal U.S. pays to repave Ethics hearing reinstates Sigma Phi Epsilon By Ted Levin Staff Writer The fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) found itself in hot water after a recent incident sent its members to a disciplinary hearing. After an incident involving alcohol abuse in their house, the fraternity was temporarily suspended, but reinstated in midNovember.

“It was a setback, but it has been a good opportunity to allow us to look at our actions and put a positive light on the situation.” Alex Haller Senior, President of SigEp “An individual was sent to detox,” Director of Student Life Patrick Brown said. “[The event was] no more major than anything else.” When something like this occurs, the organization is usually suspended pending a hearing with the Student Ethics board, Brown said. The University was in the process of determining whether the fraternity would be recognized on campus in the coming semester, but the club was allowed to continue operations after facing a less severe punishment, he said. President of SigEp Alex Haller said that the University’s decision to suspend the fraternity was made before it heard from the students.

ALANA LUTTINGER The Vermont Cynic

Director of Student Life Patrick Brown speaks about the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity incident and possible University sanctions/consequences in the Student Life offices on Dec. 2. In the aftermath of the incident, the fraternity has worked to reevaluate its rules and focus on the problem of underage drinking, Haller said. “It was a setback, but it has been a good opportunity to allow us to look at our actions and put a positive light on the situation,” he said. Haller said that Sigma Phi Epsilon’s national organization was supportive of his chapter. “Nationally, they have over 200 chapters, so they are used to this kind of thing happening,” he said.

Haller said that the fraternity participated in a workshop conducted by Diana Gonzalez, a student life professional at the Center for Health and Wellbeing. The workshop focused on the relationship between men and alcohol consumption, he said. Gonzalez said that they talked about societal expectations of men who drank, and how the fraternity’s values fit into their drinking behavior. “In the evaluations, they said that they thought [the workshop] was helpful and relevant,” she said.

$15 million to fix damaged roads By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer The U.S. Department of Transportation will release $15 million in emergency funds to Vermont in order to repair roads and bridges damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) praised Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for his expedience in making funds available to the devastated areas of Vermont. “LaHood has once again demonstrated a strong understanding of the magnitude of the disaster that has struck Vermont and the need for timely federal help,” Leahy said in a statement. “I appreciate that very much.” The grant will in part replenish Vermont’s emergency fund that was tapped for emergency road repairs, including the reconnection of 13 towns whose access roads were totally destroyed by Irene. Junior Georgia DennisDeVries said she experienced firsthand the havoc that Irene wreaked on the state. Her hometown of South Strafford, Vt. was one of the 13 towns whose access roads were completely destroyed by the storm. Dennis-DeVries’ trip home a few days after the storm, which usually only takes about an hour, took her over three hours because she had to meander through a network of largely unchartered and unpaved back roads. Dennis-DeVries recalled helping one friend attempt to clear nearly two feet of silt that the rerouted river had deposited in her barn and yard. “We had no idea where to even start,” she said. “There was silt everywhere and we eventually realized that heavy machinery was needed.” The town of less than 500 was unreachable by road after

the storm, Dennis-DeVries said. The resulting isolation prompted the National Guard to lend assistance by delivering food and water via helicopter. Dennis-DeVries said that her hometown has nearly recovered, but noted that farmers in the area have suffered irreparable damages. Sophomore Carson Casey said that Irene hit the areas surrounding her hometown of Bennington hard. Her family said that it took just under two weeks for the flooding to fully subside, at which point the community was charged with clearing massive amounts of debris from roadways to allow construction crews to begin their repair. “It was really the huge community effort that allowed everything to be rebuilt quickly,” she said. Casey said her sister’s high school delayed the start of classes for more than a week because the storm incapacitated much of the area. Although she did not revisit the area until a few weeks ago, Casey said she maintained contact with her family throughout the ordeal, which was difficult at first because they were without power for almost a week. Casey said that many of the roads in her area are still in need of repair, and she hopes that the grant will help fix them. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said the federal grant will help the Vermont community rebound from the destruction brought about by Irene. “Vermonters are working hard to recover from Tropical Storm Irene and this will help,” Welch said. “I’m thankful to Secretary LaHood for his timely and continued attention to the needs of Vermonters.”

Students raise roof with nonprofit By Kevin Santamaria Staff Writer Instead of relaxing before finals week, some students have spent their free time volunteering in the Burlington community. A group of students joined Rebuilding Together Greater Burlington’s 10th project of the year on Nov. 16 by replacing a roof for a recently widowed elderly man in Huntington, according to a Rebuilding Together press release. Rebuilding Together Greater Burlington is a nonprofit organization that works through volunteers to help low-income homeowners with renovations and repairs for their home. The organization can do just about everything from fixing a leaking roof to repairing a heating system, said Professor Charles Ferreira, board member of Rebuilding Together. Ferreira also said that students worked six hours next to carpenters, painters and electricians learning about construction and the skills they may need when they become homeowners, Ferreira said. “We stripped the existing roofing materials off and then laid new paper and rain guard,” senior Ellen Ross said. The project was supposed to

COURTESY OF CHARLES FERREIRA

be finished in a day, but since the roofers were not able to come, it took longer, she said. “My boyfriend and I went back to help the Saturday before break,” Ross said. “We laid more paper, making sure it would be rain tight until a roofer could come and put down shingles.” Rebuilding Together Greater Burlington does four to 11 projects per year at no cost to the recipients, Ferreira said. “We take no money for administration,” he said. “Every nickel people donate goes to the projects. We run on volunteer help, from UVM students to technicians.” In the event that a job is too dangerous for the volunteers, Rebuilding Together hires trained professionals to help complete

the project, he said. “Everyone that volunteers has a great time,” Ferreira said. “We provide a T-shirt, Dunkin’ Donuts and lunch.” Ross said she acquired important skills from volunteering with Rebuilding Together. “I learned to use a pneumatic nail gun while we were working which felt pretty bad-ass and terrifying at the same time, but it was also kind of empowering,” she said. As a female on a construction site, Ross said she could have felt like a minority, however, said that she was treated equally and had an enjoyable educational experience. Students are welcome to volunteer for future projects at rebuildingtogetherburlington.org

N EWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

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Get Newman’s Own cash

Foundation offers community service grants By Katy Cardin Staff Writer Paul Newman has more in common with the University than students might think. The late actor’s food company and nonprofit corporation, the Newman’s Own Foundation, is in its third year of donating money to student groups that are dedicated to servicing the community. The project, known as the Campus Community Service Challenge, offers nine grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to any student group that has shown commitment to community service, said Mae Stephenson, graduate assistant for the Service, Leadership and Civic Engagement program. “The Newman’s Own Campus Community Service Challenge is an incredible opportunity for students to get the funds they need to do service work in our communities, and UVM students do a lot of service,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said that the diverse student groups that have already applied include buddy programs, serving meals at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and helping people with disabilities learn how to ski. “I’ve already had about a dozen student organizations request an application with a broad range of groups presented, from academically focused clubs to those with service as their core mission,” she said. UVM competes against the SUNY at Albany, Binghamton, Boston University, UMBC, UNH and Stony Brook for the grants, the Newman’s Own website stated. In the past, some UVM clubs have won the top prize as well as finalist awards, according to a University Communications article. Two years ago, UVM’s Campus Kitchens Project won $25,000 to support the Chittenden County Food Shelf, where they serve meals every Sunday.

Last year, Alternative Spring Break (ASB) won a $5,000 prize as a finalist, the article stated. Alison Mercier, the director for ASB, told the foundation’s website that the Challenge had been a key part of the group’s success in 2011. “With their support, we were able to send 14 trips with 140 students around the United States to complete over 5,000 hours of service,” she said. Although the Newman’s Own Foundation supports several different types of groups, the foundation does have certain guidelines. The foundation will not give grants to any groups that promote business, specific religious beliefs or support political organizations,” the website stated. To apply, student groups must email Stephenson at mstephe2@uvm.edu and request an application by Jan. 19.

Tents disappear, students stay

UVM involvement with Occupy Movement still strong By Elliot DeBruyn Staff Writer Junior Emily Reynolds does not play video games or watch movies during her spare time; she marches up and down Church Street with the local Occupy movement instead. “Personally, I’ve learned more in this semester than I’ve learned in all the rest of my education combined being an occupier,” Reynolds said. “I would say Occupy is more a part of my life now than school.” Reynolds is not alone in the movement. There are dozens of college students involved in Occupy Burlington. However, there are questions surrounding the level of student involvement and what role the students have. “Students are specifically bringing either student or individual involvement,” Reynolds said. “There’s general assemblies, and sometimes they happen on campus.” Reynolds said the students play an important role in the Occupy movement, but thinks that many other student occupiers have failed at bringing the message back to campus. “Occupy has made me challenge many of my views on school anyway, and that’s why I’m more involved in Burlington rather than UVM,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of problems with a University education, so maybe I should be more involved on campus.” Sophomore Emma Schoenberg is also an occupier and said the biggest draw for students is the current student debt crisis, which may not be a good way to draw in the collegiate crowd. “UVM students say, ‘I’m pissed because my really expensive school is too expensive.’ Well, I’m pissed because the whole world is too expensive,” Schoenberg said. An Oct. 25 USA Today article stated that the total student debt will surpass $1 trillion for the first time this year. That is more than all American credit card debt combined,

JAMIE LENT The Vermont Cynic

Rob, a friend of Pfennings, at City Hall park on Nov. 12. according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the U.S. Department of Education and private sources. A recent campaign, dubbed Occupy Student Debt, has been created out of the Occupy Wall Street movement and specifically targets issues close to students’ lives.

“I would say Occupy is more a part of my life now than school.” Emily Reynolds Junior and Occupy Burlington participant According to an article on the Huffington Post website, “as part of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the national Occupy Student Debt campaign asks that borrowers default on their student loan payments after one million individuals have similarly signed the debtors’ pledge.” Junior environmental studies major and fellow occupier Sydney Stieler agreed. “I think that student debt is one of the biggest issues facing our economy right now, and I think the students are the ones that need to bring that issue to the

forefront of our society,” Stieler said “I think that’s probably one of the most crippling factors in our economic crisis.” Outside observers question the students’ dedication to the movement, despite the unprecedented student debt issues that might otherwise encourage student participation. Students are playing a smaller role in the Occupy movement than in previous movements, according to UVM Director of Student Life Patrick Brown. “From what I’ve read and from what I’ve watched on the news, I’m not even really clear how much of a link there is between students on campus and the Occupy Vermont or Burlington group,” Brown said. However, students still involved in Occupy Burlington, which no longer occupies City Hall Park after Josh Pfenning fatally shot himself in the encampment, said they are still dedicated to the ideals of the movement. “[Josh’s death] brought a level of reality to the movement that moved it forward,” Stieler said. “I think there’s a small group of dedicated students.” Occupy Burlington meets weekly in the Fletcher Free Library on College Street. The movement has a student group that aims to increase student involvement.

ALANA LUTTINGER The Vermont Cynic

Alfred Snider (center) addressing the debate team at their meeting on Dec. 5 in the Huber House on 475 Main Street.

DEBATE

Team ranked seventh in world

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Register, one of three coaches for the debate team, said he had been with the program for six years and attributed this year’s success to a number of reasons. These included the commitment of coach and director Dr. Albert Snider, spending the majority of the team’s resources on international competition and the leadership of coach Mary Nugent, who was brought in this year, Register said. Nugent is the former director of debate at Cambridge Union and a final round adjudicator at the World Universities Debating Championship, he said. Coach Snider said to University Communications that the structure of the debate program also deserves some credit. “The secret has been that the nature of our program, being endowed by a wealthy alumni who graduated in 1901, provides for stability and a strong training system to make students the best they can be,” he said. UVM has won the Northeast title five times in a row, has been in the semifinals at the U.S. championships and has made the late rounds at world championships, a University Communications press release stated. Though the Lawrence Debate Union began in 1899, the program has only appeared on the international debate circuit since 2007, the press release stated. The release also stated that UVM had made a dramatic jump in rankings the past three years, going from no. 280 to no. 135 and finishing at no. 39 last year. The LDU has 30 active members who are divided into pairs

Crime log By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor

Drugs/alcohol

There was an alcohol offense by a student at Converse Hall on Nov. 28. The student required medical attention from UVM rescue. Marijuana and other drugrelated objects were taken from students in Mason Hall on Nov. 27.

for each tournament. This November, some of the teams travelled to Oxford and Slovenia, reaching the final rounds of tournament play, the Voice of Edwin, LDU’s online newsletter, stated. Two teams, made up of partners Paul Gross and Drew Adamczyk and Jessica Bullock and John Sadek, competed in this year’s Oxford Intervarsity Tournament. Gross and Adamczyk tied for no. 18 out of 252 in the five preliminary rounds, according to the Voice of Edwin. Sarina Selleck and Rebecca White, another LDU pair, attended a five-day training program over Thanksgiving break in the Slovenian Alps, known as the International Debate Academy Slovenia, before participating in a 56-team tournament in the capital city Ljubljana. Selleck said that she and her partner made it into the final tournament in Slovenia, and credits the success of the LDU to team camaraderie and the experienced LDU coaches. “One of the strengths of the debate team is our ability to come together and work as a team, despite the fact that our competitions happen in pairs,” Selleck said. “We’re very much like a family.” Selleck was optimistic about the team’s performance in the upcoming trip to the Philippines. “We have a decent chance of breaking into the elimination rounds,” she said.

Accidents A vehicle rolled out of its spot in the Davis Center Circle hitting another vehicle on Nov. 27. There were no reported injuries. There was an accident involving two vehicles in the PFG Garage on Nov. 23. A vehicle rolled out of its parking space and hit another. No injuries were reported.

Suspicious events There was a report of someone rattling doors to gain access into the Living/ Learning Center on Nov. 27. The person was gone when officers arrived. A trespass notice was issued to someone who is not a student after they were found sleeping in the Given Medical Building on Nov. 19.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Medical professor’s heart work pays off with honor Kenneth Mann named ‘Distinguished Scientist’ By Chris Scott Staff Writer A professor from the College of Medicine has recently been recognized by one of the top cardiovascular organizations in the world. Professor of biochemistry and medicine Kenneth Mann, Ph.D., was named a Distinguished Scientist by the American Heart Association (AHA), an honor reserved for those whose work has advanced understanding of cardiovascular disease, a University Communications article stated. The award, created in 2003, progresses the AHA’s goal of “building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes,” the article stated. The research that propelled Mann to Distinguished Scientist status focused on blood coagulation. The National Institutes of Heath, the AHA and other areas in the pharmaceutical industry supported his publication, the article stated. Mann’s early career focused on the production of the protein thrombin and pharmaceuticals’ influence on it, University Communications stated. Mann and his research team have focused on computer simulation and clinical trials to determine the effects of various pharmaceuticals on blood clotting and thrombin production, Mann said. “Because our work flows in

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic

Professor of biochemistry and medicine Kenneth Mann showing some of his research on blood coagulation in his lab on Dec. 2. through all areas, we cover everything from cardiology to vascular surgery and trauma,” he said. “We’ve even written a lot of current textbooks on blood clotting and hematology.” Mann’s contributions have been recognized by various medical associations and have received awards such as the E. Donnall Thomas prize and the Stratton Medal of the American Society of Hematology, according

Students asked to pick 2013 speaker By Sarah Leidinger Staff Writer Though a commencement speaker for this year has already been found, nominations are currently being accepted for the 2013 commencement. Students are encouraged to elect someone that matches the criteria to be the commencement speaker, according to the office of the president’s website. The standards looked for in a speaker include outstanding achievement for the benefit of the University, the state of Vermont or the world, the website stated. Also, the person must have shown commitment to the public and made contributions to academia.

The Board of Trustees’ honorary degree work group has been given the task of collecting nominations and compiling a final list of candidates to give to the president. In addition to recommending speakers to the president, the work group also finds a candidate to receive an honorary degree, the website stated. The deadline for submitting nominations for the commencement speaker and the honorary degree recipient is Feb. 20. Students can find the form and additional information on the office of the president’s website: www.uvm.edu/president

Union votes in favor, negotiation ends By Devin Karambelas Staff Writer After more than 10 months of negotiation sessions, the faculty union United Academics (UA) reached an agreement on a threeyear contract with the University. UAs’ full-time faculty union ratified the contract on Dec. 5, according to a UA press release. Ninety-one percent of the union participating in the vote was in favor of the contract’s new terms and conditions, UA stated. UA President David Shiman said that the contract had accomplished much of what UA wanted, but that it is still confronting problems with administrative support for the faculty’s academic mission. “The University’s appeal to students as a student-friendly, small university of quality is at

stake,” he said. “The faculty must do everything it can to reassert the primacy of this academic mission.” The contract, which will run until July 2014, provides a five percent salary increase over three years and an improvement in workload conditions, and keeps all existing health benefits for current employees, according to the press release. The contract also maintains existing sabbatical rights and tuition remission benefits, and retains job security as an incentive for more experienced faculty who fear being replaced by lower-paid faculty. The new contract increased the eligibility age for retirement benefits from 60 to 65 and raised the post-retirement premium payments for future retirees, the release stated.

to University Communications. “I got involved in blood clotting for a lot of reasons, and was mentored and tutored by very nice people over my career,” Mann said. His research career and training of graduate and medical students has produced scientists in the blood coagulation field. Mann attributes his success to his students, collaborators and his wife, Jeanette, the article stated.

BUDGET

Misinformation raises concern

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academic administration costs between the years 2002 and 2011 has increased at a rate 10 times that of the cost for deans and presidents. Cate said that the increase in spending is due to the University playing catch up on renovating and developing its academic facilities over the past decade. “I don’t think that building Jeffords Hall was a bad thing. I don’t think that fixing up classrooms and academic buildings is a bad thing.” Cate said. “It is what we need to do to keep pace. We always continue to maintain the campus.” Some students have expressed concern that the administration is putting money into buildings instead of people, he said. The reality is that the majority of the University mortgage is for academic buildings, Cate said. “As you walk around campus you can see the flyers that say ‘the administration has grown by this exponential proportion and meanwhile people are not getting raises’ and that sort of thing,” he said. Other students have voiced concern that their tuition is paying for the salaries of a growing administration instead of the academic quality of the University, Cate said. “I think it’s stupid that they’ve cut back on faculty and increased administrative salaries at the same time,” junior Morgan Dent said. “One thing that’s good is that a lot of the budget goes to financial aid. Considering how

expensive tuition is, I think that’s a really great thing.” Financial aid and faculty and academic administration cost increases suggest that the University is focused on academic quality, Cate said. “That’s where our priorities have been,” he said. “Financial aid growth far outpaced tuition increases.”

“We take no money for administration: Every nickel people donate goes to the projects.” Charles Ferreira Board member of Rebuilding Together To combat rising tuition, endowments have been an increasingly strategic means of generating revenue for the General Fund, Cate said. “Our development office is constantly seeking donations,” he said. “The next campaign will be for $500 million over an eight year period.” Much of the endowment money has restrictions that are partial to specific faculty or departments, Cate said. The unrestricted revenue coming in from the endowment is only about 1.5 percent of the entire budget. “It is important to do enough analysis so you know the facts,” Cate said. “If you have a doubt come and ask the questions.”

Rubenstein aches to see Aiken By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor

For the past year and a half, the Hills building has housed the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. This spring the Rubenstein School will be returning to the newly renovated George D. Aiken Center which is set to open in January – just in time for classes. “The building features general-purpose classrooms, all faculty offices, graduate student areas and computer classrooms,” Robert Vaughan, director of capital planning and management said. The original Aiken Center was built in 1982 and although the building has been under construction for the past 18 months, talk of renovation began in 2004, he said. “The whole project cost $13 million,” Vaughan said. “It’s been a major renovation.” The renovated Aiken Center will be the first building on campus to apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification. LEED promotes green building design, construction and maintenance by rating projects certified, silver, gold or platinum, according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s website. The Davis Center has the gold LEED certification, University Communications stated. Materials used in the construction of the Aiken Center came from different areas throughout Vermont, stated a document released by Michelle Smith, green building coordina-

tor. All the wood used is from Jericho Research Forrest, and the limestone is from Isle la Motta. “The Aiken Center is an incredibly efficient renovation project,” Smith said. “There are very few other buildings in the country that can compare to its efficiency and unique design features.” Other environmental aspects of the Aiken Center may also help it to stand out from other buildings at the University. “Our new building will be a tremendous resource for the Rubenstein School and the entire campus,” Mary Watzin, dean of the Rubenstein School said. “It has a number of unique and innovative features, including an eco-machine to treat all the waste in the building, a green roof and the best energy efficiency on campus.” During the week of Jan. 2327, a student group called the Rubenstein Stewards will host a Week of Welcome at the new Ai-

ken Center. “We have a wonderful family feel within the school,” junior Natasha Lekach and Rubenstein Steward said. “This week will hopefully help make the bonds of our community even stronger.” Lekach also said that the excitement in the Rubenstein School over the new center is sometimes hard to grasp. The Stewards, however, are not the only students who said they are looking forward to the George D. Aiken Center reopening. “The center is really pretty,” first-year Megan Kurmin said. “I think it’s really cool that they are using local things to build buildings on campus.” Other students said they agreed. “I don’t know if I have any classes there yet, but I could not be more excited about the Aiken Center opening,” first-year Jeremy Goldberg said.

ALANA LUTTINGER The Vermont Cynic

The newly renovated George D. Aiken bulding on Dec. 5.

LIFE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

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Buddhism on the rise

Nuns choose education over marriage By Hillary Gilson Staff Writer Inside a brightly lit classroom in the Waterman building, a crowd of students and professors listened intently as Sarah LeVine spoke about the emergence of Buddhist nuns in the 20th century. The soft-spoken LeVine, who is an associate of the department of Sanskrit and Indian studies at Harvard University, shared her experiences and knowledge of Buddhist nuns as a part of the Claire M. Lintilhac Seminar on Asian Studies on Nov. 29. “I brought her to campus this semester in association with a class I’m teaching, History 195History of the Himalayas,” history professor Abigail McGowan said. “She is one of the foremost authorities on the emergence of new orders of nuns within Theravada Buddhism in Nepal in the 20th century.” LeVine began with a brief history of the order of Buddhist nuns, recounting how it came about and then later faded. There has always been an order of nuns in Buddhism, she said. However, the nuns’ order was always subordinate to that of the monk. “Even the youngest monk was superior to the highest nun,” LeVine said as she showed the room a picture of a nun with a face full of wrinkles serving food to three young monks. This inequality is partially because laypeople – the nonordained population – once believed that they received more religious merit by donating to monks. This caused the number of nuns to decline until it was all but extinguished in the 11th century, she said. In the 20th century, however, the nuns’ order was revived, partially due to modern political movements in countries like Nepal, LeVine said.

SARAH PFEFER The Vermont Cynic

Ribbons for HIV/AIDS awareness stick in the Davis Center Dec. 1.

Erasing ignorance Club observes World AIDS Day NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Sarah LeVine speaks on Buddhist Nuns on Nov. 29 in Waterman. In the 1950s, political revolution in Nepal allowed Buddhism to flourish and more women started to join the order, she said. Before the 1960s, nuns were widowed or abandoned by their families, who did not wish to carry their burden, LeVine said. However, during the 1900s, a new group of female devotees emerged; women from upperclass families wanted an education instead of a marriage, she said. These women did not want to be wed off to men whom they did not know, LeVine said. They wanted to be educated and to devote themselves to the teachings of the Buddha. Dhammawati Guruma was one of these women. “When she was 12 years old, she saw her sister give birth. It horrified her and she decided not to marry,” she said. Guruma has been a figurehead of the nun order. She has set up her own nunnery, which is the Dharmakirti Nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Here she teaches the lessons of the Buddha, English and meditation, and translates texts for the laypeople, Levine said.

In recent years, this trend of upper-class women entering the order has been on the rise. This is evident in Taiwan which, along with Hong Kong, is one of the two places women are able to be fully ordained. Taiwan’s recent economic boom has led to more and more women entering the order, Levine said. In 1990, Taiwan had 20,000 fully ordained nuns, Levine said. The nun order also has begun to expand into the Western world. Women from Western countries are now travelling to either Taiwan or Hong Kong to become fully ordained, Levine said. Although the nun order is steadily growing, it is uncertain whether or not this will continue in the next five or 10 years, LeVine said. “In Asia, the nun movement seems to be flourishing, mostly because it is very difficult for a woman to be seen as respectful when they aren’t married, so it is seen as a refuge,” LeVine said. “As time goes on, it may be that the attractiveness of the order will diminish as they are allowed to be single and live by themselves.”

Savvy shoppers visit holiday bazaar UVM’s annual Staff Council Holiday Bazaar attracted students, faculty and members of the UVM community to partake in holiday shopping on Dec. 1. More than 45 vendors had tables representing staff, faculty, alumni, retirees and students. The table showcases included wreaths, hand-turned bowls, ornaments and knitted and felted items, according to the UVM website. Karen Lemire of Essex Junction said she had a station set up at the event for the second year in a row, selling a variety of knickknacks like ornaments, jewelry and decorations for wine bottles. Lemire, who works for the physical plant at UVM, said she crafts all year long in order to have enough to sell at the annual

bazaar. “I look at the previous year, and I see what sells and what items are popular,” Lemire said. Bethany Wolfe, a UVM staff member, said it was her third year going to the bazaar and that she likes to see if they have different things from year to year. “I just like to see what the vendors have and do Christmas shopping,” Wolfe said. UVM community members were not the only ones there to enjoy the bazaar and get some holiday shopping done — students were attracted as well. First-year Kaylyn Queen said she went to the bazaar to look and shop for Christmas gifts. The bazaar appeared to be a success, as it attracted a large crowd of people and filled the Grand Maple Ballroom.

There are 34 million people living with HIV worldwide, according to the HIVaware website. On World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, the UVM HIV/AIDS Task Force sought to bring awareness to the UVM community. The HIV/AIDS Task Force is an organization under the umbrella of Volunteers In Action. After being inactive for a number of years, the group was revived last year. Sophomore Jessie Groom, technical director of the Task Force, said that this year the volunteer group did not receive any funds from Student Government Association but did their best to publicize the event regardless. On Nov. 29, the Task Force held a film showing of “Rent” at the Davis Center to kick off the week. The group also tabled at the Davis Center, handing out red ribbon pins that read, “More than 2 million children worldwide are living with HIV and AIDS.” Part of what the Task Force does during their weekly Wednesday meetings is research statistics and other information from credible sources so they do not misinform people they are

pulsing through your veins three nights a week.

Knickknacks make season merry By Jordanna Goodman Senior Staff Writer

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor

KATIE IDA

How to:

Friendly flirt By the time you reach college, you have outgrown the paralyzing fear of talking to, let alone flirting with, a person you are attracted to. Much of this newfound confidence comes from the hard liquor

You’ve got it down: the eye contact, the giggle, the arm graze. You have become a master at the not-sosubtle flirting. You’ve got it down: the eye contact, the giggle, the arm graze. You have become a master at the not-so-subtle flirting. Suddenly, however, you’re not only flirting with those you’re interested in. You flirt with boys, girls, that creepy captain on the booze cruise, your English professor. You are a flirting machine. You have adopted the friendly flirt. Now, your average level of friendliness has become equal to that of a Vegas streetwalker. You think about your last

trying to educate. Groom said that the club’s message is to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, educate the UVM campus and banish misconceptions about the disease. “One person thought you could get it from kissing,” she said. Before joining the Task Force, Groom said she did not know much about HIV or AIDS. “It’s something I’m really passionate about. Some people are really ignorant about it though,” said sophomore Kayla Buchanan, a member of the group. “I’ve actually heard someone say you can get AIDS from a toilet seat.” Vermont has a relatively low population of affected people, so many people do not think about HIV or AIDS, Buchanan said. “Something people don’t think about when they are sleeping with someone is all the people that person has slept with and all the people those have slept with,” Buchanan said. Next semester, the Task Force plans on bringing a speaker from Vermont CARES to UVM to talk about living with HIV. The Task Force also plans on showing an educational documentary created by Vermont CARES, in which real people living with HIV tell their stories.

evening out on the town. You realize that you accidentally gave off flirtatious vibes to everyone in the room. Why were you winking so often? God, it looked like your eye was just twitching. Did you really tell that guy that you thought the bright green color of his pants brought out his eyes? Why were you throwing joking, sultry glances at your friend’s girlfriend? Later you see a friend, who lets you know that one of the people you threw one too many winks at last night was thinking about asking you out. “What? Why?” you question. Was the hair ruffle going too far? You begin to realize as this scenario repeats itself with several more sincere souls that not everyone throws out indiscriminate fluttering eyelashes to anyone in their line of vision. This column is meant to be taken as social commentary. The Cynic does not advise you to do or not do any of the activities mentioned above.

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LI FE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Celtic Cats always land on their feet

Irish step dancing group seeks to improve steps during workshop

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor Irish step dancing is no small feat. This is why on Dec. 3, UVM Celtic Cats held a workshop and feedback session in the Davis Center. The Celtic Cats beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced level dancers all met with Sean Fahy, a top-ranked Irish step dancer, to work on basic drills and receive feedback from a fresh perspective. Zack Warshaw, a member of the Celtic Cats and close friend of Fahy’s, said that the Celtic Cats flew him in from England with club money to have this opportunity. “Irish step dancing has really grown as a sport,” sophomore and advanced dancer Sarah Kate Peterson said. “Each song is a minute to a minute and a half and it’s like you’re doing a full out sprint. It’s very aerobically challenging; it requires huge amounts of stamina.” “It’s not something you see every day and it makes me feel more Irish,” senior and intermediate member Casey Manning said. Peterson said she started Irish step dancing at the age of 8, which is considered late in the realm of Irish step dancing — most dancers begin at 4 or 5. Warshaw said that he began at age 9 and taught himself the basics before joining an Irish step dancing school. “People get really into it,”

sophomore member Carolyn Boudreau said. Celtic Cats accept new members at the beginning of each semester, even people who have never tried it before, she said. The Celtic Cats practice to perform Ceili, or group dances. Festivities include eating and teaching the community simple steps so they can participate. Ceili comes from a Gaelic word meaning party or gathering, Peterson said. Historically, after church on Sunday, friends and family would gather to have friendly dance competitions. “I know in the Irish school system Irish step dancing is part of gym class, [but] it’s a personal choice,” Warshaw said. Some students continue to become more serious with it, others never do it again, he said. Today the world of Irish step dancing can be very serious, he said. To compete, the dancer must be taught by a certified teacher. In order to be certified, teachers must undergo a rigorous three-day exam which is only held a few times a year and costs around $1,000, he said. “It definitely attracts that type of person: people who tend to be precise, anal,” Peterson said. The only thing a dancer can do to help improve their Irish step dancing is to practice Irish step dancing, Warshaw said. “Some people do weight training but they find it doesn’t help that much.”

Someone who is in good standing and might do well in competition could spend up to three hours a day, five days a week, practicing in the studio, he said. Then there are additional hours of teaching when the student becomes advanced. Injuries are as common in Irish step dancing as in any other sport, he said. “I have been personally very lucky, [I] haven’t really had anything serious, [like] sprained ankles, sprained Achilles,” he said. “I’ve broken all of my toes at least once. If I were to have a major injury it would be apocalyptic — I would have to have my leg amputated or something.” After graduating college, Warshaw looks forward to touring in shows. Once at the professional level, anyone can audition for a show and get in, he said. The steps are the same, the only thing that changes is the routine. Next semester on March 18, the Celtic Cats will be holding a Ceili in the Davis Center. Even though the club has only been in existence for three years they get about 150 audience members at the event, Peterson said. Anyone could Irish step dance if they wanted to, Warshaw said. “I don’t think everyone can be successful at it; it does take some amount of natural talent — their body or mind was just made to do this. Some people don’t have natural talent but if they work like a dog they can make it,” Warshaw said.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS COLUMN

JUDE DIZON

Well, it’s that time of year again: time for frigid weather, snowstorms and, worst of all, finals. This is an inherently stressful time, during which we often forget about taking care of ourselves in order to focus on schoolwork. Here are some tips on some great studying strategies to help you get through finals.

Get a Study-Buddy Join a study group or find some classmates to study with. This is a great way to share ideas, think out loud and learn from others. Studying with a buddy can help you learn complex concepts, reinforce ideas and cover more ground.

Grab Some Grub Students who eat breakfast regularly have been found to be more productive in the morning and able to concentrate better throughout the day. A healthy breakfast also leads to better problem-solving skills, improved hand-eye coordination and increased creativity, according to the Mayo Clinic.

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

Sean Fahy, a top-ranked Irish step dancer from England, demonstrates Irish dancing to students at the Celtic Cats workshop on Dec. 3 in the Grand Maple Ballroom in the Davis Center.

Avoid All-Nighters . . . and Go to Bed

Find Time for Yourself

Researchers from Harvard found that students perform considerably better when they have had a good night’s sleep prior to an exam. Getting eight hours of sleep every night is also linked with lower stress levels, higher amounts of energy and better overall health. So hit up the library and then hit the hay.

Even though finals are around the corner, you still need to find some time for your own personal wellness, so prioritize and put yourself first. Read a book, take a nap, go to the gym or do some meditation—just make sure you don’t forget that there’s life after finals.

Stop by the UVM Writing Center

For more information about study groups and for other studying tips, visit the Learning Co-op in Commons room 244 at the Living/Learning Center, or visit them on online at www.uvm.edu/learnco/ Good luck on your exams, and have a safe winter break.

The writing center is a great resource for all students and is conveniently located in the Bailey/Howe Library. The writing center is designed to help students improve their writing skills for any discipline. For more information about the Writing Center or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, visit them online at www.uvm.edu/ wid/writingcenter.

Contributing writer: Seth Starr Jude Paul Dizon works in Health Education & Outreach through the Center for Health and Wellbeing.

S P E C TAC LE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

7

Spectacle a look through the lens The Soda Plant Art Collective Environment (S.P.A.C.E.) Gallery hosted the opening of the Small Works exhibition Dec. 2. There were exhibits from local artists, including the work of Beth Robinson (left center). Among the attendees was graduate student Christine McNiff (bottom), pictured in Jaclyn Bishop’s exhibit. The contemporary gallery will host the show which willl run through January. Photos by Alexa Algios.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Small Works displays lower cost gifts

The S.P.A.C.E gallery breaks the stigma of elite and expensive art By Madeleine Gibson Senior Staff Writer The Soda Plant Art Collective Environment, also known as the S.P.A.C.E gallery, has opened its studio for the third annual Small Works exhibit. The S.P.A.C.E gallery is like any other contemporary gallery in that most of the art, no matter how breathtaking or unique, is out of the price range of a typical college student. This is not the case at the Backspace Gallery. In time for the holiday season, the gallery exhibits gifts that cost an average of $150 or less in the front, and those that are $50 or less in the back. All pieces are 12 inches or less in size and crowd the walls, eclectically arranged by S.P.A.C.E owner Christy Mitchell. Recently appointed as the SEABA interim director, Mitchell welcomed visitors for the opening reception on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., her hair festively adorned with feathers. “We started this in December of 2009 because we wanted to offer a show that was open to everybody, as long as [their artwork] is 12 inches or less in size,” said Mitchell. “I’m always so pleasantly surprised by the really talented work that hasn’t been shown before. The Small Gifts Under $50 we just started this year.”

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic Dawn M. Ellis prepares work her studio at the Soda Plant Art Collective Environment (S.P.A.C.E.) Gallery on Dec. 2. The S.P.A.C.E. gallery is offering small works available for purchase for under $50 during December.

Confined by time and the management of other aspects of the Art Hop, Mitchell handpicked the gifts under $50, while the more expensive pieces were acquired through an open call to artists. Though it is predominately a showcase of local Vermont artists, Mitchell was pleasantly surprised by some foreign tal-

ent. “This year we got a piece from South Korea. I guess people with internet access can find just about anything,” Mitchell laughed. Fueled by snacks and wine, conversation buzzed among older couples, young adults and families who attended. With so many pieces – over

Strong academics, a wide range of on-campus and online courses, and an unwavering commitment to student success make the University of Southern Maine a great

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200 according to Mitchell – there was a lot to look at. The more expensive pieces highlighted artists like Alli Moore, a painter from Brooklyn and former roommate of Mitchell’s. A piece of thin brown cardboard without a frame was the setting for bold, black acrylic lines that formed indigenous

patterns enlivened by color. Though bearing hefty price tags, her contribution to the Gifts Under $50 at the end of the gallery was just as beautiful, if not more admirable for its frugality. Her small paintings were on sale for $10 to $30. Wax dolls and animal heads were commonplace, as was artwork from contributing artists like Elvira Trump and Hilary Ann Love Glass, whose studios were open for guests. Trump sold $5 photo cards of naked and headless Barbie dolls, while Glass sold whimsical frames of imaginary creatures for $20 to $30. Inspired by these local artists, Mitchell said that she has only fallen harder for the creative collective of Burlington. “You kind of find out who else is making art around you and meet artists you wouldn’t have known otherwise,” Mitchell said. “Small Gifts Under $50 shows that a person that loves art and [doesn’t have a lot of money] can go in there and appreciate the work and afford it. I’ll try to limit what I buy so that everyone else gets a chance.” The Small Works exhibit will be open during the South End Holiday Hop this Friday, Dec. 9 through Sunday, Dec. 11 and remain open into January.

Quartets in tune

New take on T.S. Eliot poems By Natalie Slack Arts Editor On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the UVM Music and Literature Series presented “Four Quartets: Variations” to over 200 Burlington residents, UVM professors and students. The program weaved together elements of poetry reading, acting and music to create a unique viewing and listening experience for the audience. Poet and UVM professor Major Jackson worked with poets Oni Buchanan and John Woodward to bring “Four Quartets” to life. Generous funding and support from the UVM department of English was necessary to make this program a success. “I was very happy so many people from UVM as well as the [Burlington] community showed up,” Jackson said. “That was fantastic. I was also thrilled with how the music interacted with the text in surprising ways.” UVM professor Sheila Boland Chira also commented on the unique way in which the music and poetry enhanced one another. “It was a very rich aesthetic experience,” Chira said. Variations on the Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot were recited aloud by poets Jackson, Buchanan, Woodward and Paige Ackerson-Kiely, while

actors Marya Lowry, Phil Timberlake, Corianna Moffatt and Nate Speare acted out the poems through various movements and singing. The combination of watching the actors while listening to the words of the poetry called for the audience to look at Eliot’s quartets from an entirely new angle. In between the variations on the quartets, two music ensembles performed. The first was the Iktus Percussion Quartet. One of the highlights of the program was their performance of the piece “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.” What started out as a few simple beats on household items such as glass and metal bowls slowly evolved into an elaborate percussion performance. Chira said that listening to this piece caused her to pay more attention to the aural and rhythmic quality of the poems. The second ensemble was a trombone quartet, The Guidonian Hand. They performed a variety of pieces including Debussy’s “Trois Chansons.” Well-fitting to the unique quality of the program, “Four Quartets” came together in an unusual way. Due to the fact that not everyone was from the Burlington area, Jackson said that the poets and actors had a Skype rehearsal in preparation for the performance.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

ARTS

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Levinson’s new tracks stir memories

Vermont artist and his band celebrate release of their latest album By Sarah Stickle Senior Staff Writer Vermont native singer/songwriter Justin Levinson is on a roll, and he’s rocking hard. His third album, featuring his band The Valcours, is quick to get stuck in your head and even quicker to cause reflection on every single one of your past relationships in a shockingly positive way for an album so somber. The first track, “Water Wears the Rock,” sets the stage for an album full of deeply metaphorical writing and a sinking sense that heartbreak doesn’t have a cure. Cleverly crafted electronic drumbeats introduce the track, and Levinson’s piano falls in with the beat soon after. His rawsounding voice accompanied by his sharp-as-glass lyrics blend with a pop sound in the instrumentation that will catch anyone’s attention. Finally, a goose bump raising harmony enters the mix, hooks the listener and reels him in with no escape. “You Became a Ghost” follows the kick-off track with an equally driving beat and eeriness consistent with the track title. The cutting lyrics balance with UVM English professor Sean Witters’ smooth, energetic guitar leads, and the celebrated Simon Plumpton drives it home on drums that run through the track right up to the harshly sudden ending. Not letting a weak song break his listener’s trance, Levinson somehow manages to trump the first two tracks with the third.

“Love You Goodbye,” featuring local singer/songwriter and production artist Gregory Douglass, opens with the most image-provoking lyrics yet: “Flood gates have opened wide, the ticking clock is out of time. I’ve come undone, lost your love. I don’t wanna die alone.”

[Levinson’s] rawsounding voice accompanied by his sharp-as-glass lyrics blend with a pop sound in the instrumentation that will catch anyone’s attention. Douglass’ distinctive production style comes through on this track in his unique drum sequencing, while Levinson slips in some sarcastic humor that lets the listener crack a smile for a few phrases as Douglass’ vocal harmony falls into place. The smile lasts through the words “I love you,” before he pauses to sing “Goodbye,” and the beat drops in with distorted guitar and a driving drum line. Staying consistent, “Let You Go” remains heartbreakingly beautiful and significant – “You’ve gotta tell me that you’re done so I can let you go.” Simple lyrics carry the song, as does Will Dailey’s gentle harmony and al-

Movie review

JULIA WEJCHERT

Breaking Dawn Disappoints Various reviews of the new Twilight Saga film “Breaking Dawn: Part I,” seem to excuse some amount of ridiculousness in the film due to the fact that it is part of the Twilight series. As someone who has — don’t judge me — read the books and seen the movies from their beginning, I can say that the new “Breaking Dawn” movie surpasses its predecessors in awkwardness. None of the previous three films are cinematic masterpieces. The acting is often terrible, the change in directors creates a weird lack of continuity between them and in “Eclipse,” Jasper suddenly acquires a southern accent part way through the film. However, the previous films were guilty pleasure, cult-classic gold. “Breaking Dawn” is not. The only word to describe the experience of watching this film is awkward.

Ironically, Kristen Stewart’s acting, the single most awkward part about the original “Twilight” film, seems to have improved. This, however, is unable to save the film from its cringe-worthiness. If the argument between Jacob and Edward about Edward and Bella’s wedding night, a particularly terrible CGI wolf stand-off and the vampire-baby birth scene were not awkward enough, the obvious abortion debate underlying Bella’s pregnancy pushes the film over the edge. In the book, the debate over Bella’s pregnancy centers around whether she is carrying a parasitic vampire-hybrid or a lovable human. In the film, however, vampire sisters Alice and Rosalie argue — more than once — about whether Bella is carrying a “fetus” or “just a little baby.” Bella’s decision to carry whatever is in her uterus to term, even as it is killing her, presents a strong case for the latter. I know that author and film producer Stephanie Meyer is Mormon, but wasn’t the chastity message of the series politics enough? The addition of an anti-abortion message to a film series best served as a guilty pleasure is unnecessary and inappropriate. Never mind the fact that the films are a hit with adolescent girls at the peak of impressionability. If I take time out of my Thursday night bar crawl routine to indulge in a vampire love story, I don’t want to have conservative political views shoved down my throat.

bum producer Colin McCaffrey’s violin playing. “Bar Scene” and “I’ll Be Ok” lighten the mood for a little while, followed by “I Was So Wrong,” a lyrically gloomy duet with a heartwarming vocal melody that features Liz Longley. “Million Tears” takes the listener back to the initial feelings of the album – “Tell me how you wage war with so many broken hearts.” These jagged lyrics, a Beatles-esque vocal melody and illustrious Burlington side musician Joshua Glass’ flawless harmony accompany Witters’ bluesy guitar lines and Levinson’s heavy heart. “Say What You’re Gonna Say” starts to bring the album home and sends a message similar to that of the other tracks. The “Art of the Album” is clearly not lost on Levinson. Upbeat instrumentation, including a tasteful horn section that gives the track a full sound, accompanies a drumbeat that gives it bounce. Levinson wraps it all up with “If You’re Happier.” Similar to ADELE’s “Someone Like You,” this track is Levinson’s final pitch: “you had to have your distance […] I will pretend that I don’t give a damn, cause if you’re happier, I guess I’ll understand.” You can’t say goodbye in a much better way than that. Levinson will celebrate the release of his album at Nectar’s in downtown Burlington on Jan. 7. It will later be for sale on iTunes and CD Baby.

SARAH STICKLE The Vermont Cynic Vermont singer/songwriter Justin Levinson poses in downtown Burlington on Nov. 30. His new album “This Side of Me, This Side of You” will be released in January and features his band The Valcours.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Levity brings big laughs to Burlington Up-and-coming comedy club places emphasis on talented locals By Jake Dougher Staff Writer Whenever someone mentions fun or excitement in Burlington, one immediately thinks of music. Music is essential to Burlington’s nightlife, from various bars and clubs along Church and Main Street to the Higher Ground Ballroom. Everyone knows Burlington is a music hot spot, but did you ever think of Burlington as a hotbed for comedic talent? If not, you might want to think again. Levity is an up-and-coming comedy club that seeks to bring some humor to the green mountain state. As it stands, it is the only comedy-exclusive club in the state of Vermont. The club came into existence on Oct. 1 of this year and held its first show on Oct. 14. Located on Center Street, Levity is a comedy club that places emphasis on helping aspiring stand-up comedians perfect their skills. Levity hosts an open mic night every Thursday and a comedic showcase every Friday. If you choose to attend the 8 p.m. show, it is advised that you buy your ticket about a week in advance; they usually sell out quickly. The interior of the club itself is very aesthetically pleasing: Levity boasts a strong brick interior with mellow lighting and floral decorations throughout. It certainly is a relaxing atmo-

sphere, one that is likely beneficial to the comedians that perform there as well as to the audience. The venue serves a variety of alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks such as coffee, milkshakes and tea. They also offer a variety of dessert items. The club also films every performance, including the open mic nights. Audience members can purchase each evening’s show. Ryan Kriger, Levity’s founder and owner, has intentions not only to provide people with food, drink and entertainment, but also to help new comedians get their big breaks.

“There are a lot of great comics [in the Burlington area] and one of the problems was that there weren’t enough opportunities to get up onstage.” Ryan Kriger Levity’s founder and owner “There are a lot of great comics [in the Burlington area] and one of the problems was that there just weren’t opportunities to get up onstage,” Kriger said.

SARAH STICKLE The Vermont Cynic Local comedian Colin Ryan performs his routine at Levity Comedy Club in downtown Burlington on Nov. 18. Levity Comedy Club hosts a comedy showcase every Friday in an effort to help aspiring stand-up comedians.

“One of the reasons I created this place was to give the comics a lot more opportunities to get stage time.” Kriger said he also hopes to expand the club’s capacity and hold Saturday showcases along with other events. The Friday evening showcase held on Dec. 2 was an all-around entertaining event featuring five very talented stand-up comedians.

Catch up or get ahead. Use your winter wisely!

Wintersession at Merrimack College: January 4 - 18, 2012

North Andover, MA

Each comedian demonstrated his/her own unique style, from the self-depreciating musings of Tim Shaw to the social commentary – and equally self-depreciating stories – of Kit Rivers. A special note must be made about comedian Kit Rivers, who at the young age of 19 already shows potential to be a force in comedy. Her knowledge and execution, as well as her willingness

to tackle often-risqué subjects, is something not seen in many comedians and is equally surprising considering her age. Due to its rotating comedy acts and comforting atmosphere, Levity is already a fairly popular Burlington spot. If their success so far is any indication, there is much more to come from this exciting new venue.

• Basic Drawing I • Current Issues in Government and Politics • Families, Death and Violence in Short Fiction • Global Public Health • HR Management • Introduction to Astronomy • Macro Economics • Managing World Class Operations • Nutrition, Diet & Health • Organizational Behavior • Perspectives on the Good Life • The Future of Media: Integrated Marketing Communication Register at www.merrimack.edu/winter Now through December 16, 2011 • Accelerated two-week format • Hybrid, online and on-campus courses • Four credit courses, fully transferable • Competitively priced For more information: www.merrimack.edu/winter 978-837-5202 continuinged@merrimack.edu

11 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

DIST RACT IONS Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

College Life by Rodney Rhea

Crossword

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ACROSS 1- Lost in Paris? 6- Well-behaved 10- Nest eggs, briefly 14- Extra-terrestrial being 15- Acting part 16- 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 17- Gaucho’s rope 18- Heroic 19- Wishing won’t make ___ 20- Sicilian resort 21- Remission of sin 23- Fill to surfeit 25- Each 26- Grazing spot 27- Squares 29- Early Mexican 32- Stroll 33- Ambulance letters 36- Female servant 37- Bedouin

38- Splendor 39- No. cruncher 40- Japanese-American 41- Old Testament book 42- Oohed and ___ 43- Hi-___ 44- Reunion attendees 47- Most strange 51- Worship of the Virgin Mary 54- ___ yellow ribbon... 55- Asleep 56- Monogram ltr. 57- Apple juice 58- Actor Beatty and others 59- Dagger of yore 60- 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. 61- Bunches 62- Fail to hit 63- Vive ___!

DOWN 1- Trims 2- Actress Verdugo 3- Cheerful 4- Containing all the nittygritty 5- Actress Merkel 6- Diving bird 7- “My fault!” 8- A dish with many ingredients 9- Stated 10- Eye inflammation 11- Knot again 12- Org. 13- Directed a light 21- Loss leader? 22- High hair style 24- Former nuclear agcy. 27- Identified 28- Actor Morales 29- Onetime Jeep mfr. 30- Microwave 31- Acapulco aunt 32- Attitude 33- Aurora’s counterpart 34- Marseille Mrs. 35- Fitness center 37- Anarchy 38- Sure 40- Second start? 41- Not him 42- In the thick of 43- Actor Fernando 44- Appliance brand 45- Trademark 46- Hives 47- Some Art Deco works 48- Bird that gets you down 49- ___ evil... 50- Foot bones 52- Years in old Rome 53- Connections 57- Animation frame

12

Opinion

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

STAFF EDITORIAL

Raise the student voice THE VERMONT

C YNIC

EDITORIAL BOARD

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

Managing Editor Corrie Roe

cynicnewsroom@gmail.com

News

Becky Hayes

cynicnews@gmail.com

Opinion

Peyton Rosenthal

cynicopinion@gmail.com

Sports

Mike Eaton

cynicsportseditor@gmail.com

Life/Feature Hannah Ullman

cyniclifeeditor@gmail.com

Arts

Natalie Slack

cynicartseditor@gmail.com

Layout

Devon Meadowcroft

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Web

Colleen McClintock

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Photography Natalie Williams

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Copy Chief

Jasmine Hughes

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Illustration Dana Ortiz

cynicsketches@gmail.com

Video

Jon Polson

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STAFF Assistant Editors

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Here at the Cynic, we have noticed a disturbing trend throughout the semester – the student voice on campus is disappearing faster than the polar ice caps. It seems that our student body has suddenly forgotten about our power as a cohesive group, power that was well-exercised in the past. If something changes on campus, the once-loud roar of student opinion has gradually shifted to a sigh of, “Oh well I guess that’s kind of unfair; I hope somebody does something about it.” In the mid-1980s, students decided that they did not like the Board of Trustees investing in companies that did business in South Africa during the Apartheid. They crashed the meetings, built wooden statutes and made their voices heard. The administration listened and divested. Soon after, students turned their attention to combatting racism. After two administrationbuilding takeovers, trustees agreed to create an U.S. Ethnic Studies program and diversified both campus and curriculum. Fast forward to 2009. The student occupying of Waterman ended with students chaining themselves outside then-President Fogel’s office, refusing to leave unless the administration stopped planned layoffs and met their demands. Student negotiators even met with Fogel and Richard Cate to communicate their concerns. Since then, students largely display their anger about campus happenings via status updates on Facebook, followed by a brief barrage of “likes” and comments. But then the anger passes and nothing gets fixed. We need to remember as students that the Board of Trustees is here to serve us; they have opened their ears to student opinion and yet there is silence on our end. The Cynic finds this apathy unacceptable. It seems that we are living in a contradictory world. Technology has allowed us to connect easily and spread messages instantly. At the same time, we are bombarded with so many messages daily that it is nearly impossible to communicate as a group. The way students have united over the Naked Bike Ride is exactly what needs to be replicated in tackling future issues. Students, consider this a call to action. We live in uncertain times. Know the issues, put down the iPhone and log out of Facebook. We can unite and accomplish more as a group.

DISTURBING QUOTE OF THE WEEK

COLUMNISTS

Surviving the holidays on a diet

BIANCA MOHN

It is the holiday feast of the year. Candlelight danced over the sumptuous dishes, and the fireplace crackled with anticipation. Simmering hams, turkeys, cakes, pies and an array of overflowing dishes graced the ebony table. The guests arrived and the clinking of China began. It was deemed to be the best dinner by all except one – the guest with dietary restrictions. As vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, gluten-free, Kosher, Lactose-intolerant and other dieters know, the holidays can be tricky. Along with the pressure of gifts, embarrassing relatives and the arduous task of untangling the holiday lights, avoiding the foods that you normally do not eat is especially difficult. It seems as though the universe is out to get you. Your neighbor stops by with a plate of cookies – do they contain dairy?

When you roll out of bed at 1 p.m., your mother greets you with a plate of bacon. Wrong again, mom. What is a poor, self-respecting dieter to do? Wear a sweater that outlines your dietary needs? Tape a sign to your reindeer horns that says “Does Not Eat Meat?” First things first: is your diet a lifestyle choice or is it a necessity? If you have a choice rather than a dangerous allergy, it is time to reassess the label. Consider whether being a strict dieter will make you happy or miserable during the holiday season.

As vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, glutenfree, Kosher, Lactoseintolerant and other dieters know, the holidays can be tricky

If avoiding gluten, nuts or meat is essential to your survival or general wellbeing, by all means resist. I have a hunch that your friends and family don’t fancy spending Christmas in the hospital. It is simply uncivilized to inflict that kind of pain on others at this time of year. Speaking of etiquette, upon

your triumphant homecoming after completing the first semester, remember to be courteous when your family inevitably forgets that you don’t eat certain foods. Santa may be watching and I am fairly certain that biting off your brother’s head in a fit of rage would land you atop the naughty list. My personal motto for this time of year is to dig in. Although I am a pescetarian, on holidays I forgo the diet and eat what I want. Life is too short to deny myself the pleasure of roast beef on Christmas. While it may lose you points at the Vegan Station in the Marché, relaxing your diet over the holidays is healthy. You get to relish the treats you ordinarily abstain from, and it is easier for whomever cooks the meal. Eat with no regrets, I say. However you celebrate the holidays, do so with a smile. Nothing is worse than being the person in the corner of the room, glaring while munching on flax and tofu bits. Do yourself and others a favor by not grumbling about how difficult it is to be you. December is meant to be a time of peace, contentment and gratitude. So, eat what you please and be merry!

Bianca Mohn is a first-year business administration major. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2011.

“I LOVE THAT SMELL OF THE EMISSIONS!” --Sarah Palin, at a motorcycle rally in Washington, D.C., where she rode in on a Harley, May 29, 2011

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OPINION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

13

COLUMNISTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gingrich rises – but will it last?

No school for MLK day

year. Candidates like Rick Perry and Herman Cain have surged to the top only to plummet spectacularly — Perry for forgetting that elusive Department of Energy, and Cain for forgetting that when you run for president people will vigorously search your past for evidence of sexual misconduct. ZACH DESPART

Newt Gingrich is the last hope for the anyone-but-Romney Republicans. The former speaker of the House and architect of the Contract With America has topped the most recent Rasmussen poll of GOP candidates with 38 percent, more than twice as much as Mitt Romney. At this point, a new leader atop the polls is a “little boycries-wolf-esque;” this will only be significant if Gingrich sustains his lead through the end of the month. But can Republican voters look past Gingrich’s hypocrisy and baggage? While criticizing former President Bill Clinton for sleeping with a young staffer, Gingrich was … sleeping with a young staffer. It was revealed last year that, while preaching fiscal conservatism, he owed as much as $500,000 to a charge account at Tiffany’s between 2005 and 2006. Romney should be praying to whatever god Mormons pray to that slow and steady does indeed win the race — he has consistently polled between 20 and 25 percent over the last

While critcizing President Bill Clinton for sleeping with a young staffer, Gingrich was... sleeping with a young staffer

But history looks favorably on Romney. Republicans have a habit of nominating the runnerup of the previous primaries — McCain in 2008, Bush in 1988, Reagan in 1980. Romney finished second in 2008, with 22 percent of the popular vote. Perhaps Gingrich has gotten all of the scandals out of his system, and his ascension to the top of the polls won’t be temporary. But it’s understandably difficult for family-values conservatives with to rally around a man who’s had three wives and cheated on two of them. But there is a more looming problem for Gingrich should he win the GOP nomina-

tion. If there’s one thing that Americans hate about their government, it’s the poisonous atmosphere in Congress that has paralyzed the chamber. Gingrich may hope that Americans have a short memory, but it was in the 1990s that Gingrich played a leading role in creating that atmosphere. Gingrich became speaker of the House after Republicans won in a landslide in the 1994 midterm elections. His unwillingness to compromise led to a shutdown of the federal government in 1995, after Congress and the White House could not agree on a budget. In 1995, Gingrich issued a now-famous memo to Republicans containing a list of words and phrases that Republicans should use to define themselves — opportunity, moral, courage, prosperity — and their opponents — welfare, corrupt, unionized bureaucracy, traitors. A Doonsebury cartoon strip lampooned the memo as “the Magna Carta of attack politics.” In the end, the goal of the primary process is not to nominate the most die-hard Obamahatin’ John Birch Republican. And of the colorful cast of characters that has made being a writer for “The Daily Show” the easiest job in the world, it’s the least colorful one that has the best chance of winning — good ol’ Mitt Romney.

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

The privileges of being beautiful

PEYTON ROSENTHAL

A couple of weeks ago the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aired on television, and I am sure a large amount of girls around the world were plagued with animosity for these tall, thin, curvy women flaunting their assets. Personally, I think our hatred is more related to the fact that so-called “beauty” is treated like a privilege instead of something that encourages patriarchy. I say privilege because of all the things that pretty people have been proven to accomplish and gain. Attractiveness has been shown to affect teachers’ judgments of students, voter preferences for political candidates, jury judgments in trials and more. Much like the many other privileges that exist in this world – male privilege, white privilege, heterosexual privilege and so on, there is a certain amount of privilege that goes along with being “conven-

tionally” attractive, according to Western societal norms. According to Kendall Clark, an avid researcher of feminism and beauty, it is a “right, advantage, or immunity granted to or enjoyed by conventionally attractive people beyond the common advantage of all others.” This can subconsciously lead other people to grant these “conventionally attractive people” certain rights, immunities and benefits. This appears to come into play with the stereotyped idea that feminism and beauty do not go hand in hand, which is not necessarily true. This concept is closely linked to feminism because throughout history it has been a continuous goal of feminists to educate others about privilege and continuous discrimination in many aspects of daily life. It isn’t a requirement to be an angry, man-hating, unattractive woman with hairy armpits. Feminism and beauty are totally compatible, and I think it’s our duty, whether I’m a hardcore feminist or not, to recognize this unjust method of scrutinizing appearances. People need to be more understanding and intelligent about the societal norms we follow and step back from these personal size-ups. People presume that all physically attractive people possess an overwhelming array of beautiful traits and char-

acteristics, all solely based on their appearance. Based on a study by Rebecca Puleo of Western Connecticut State University, “in our society people who are good-looking are assumed and expected to be better than the rest of the population.” An individual’s physical attractiveness is an important social cue used by others as a basis for evaluation. Yes, this means that while you’re being interviewed for a job, internship or college, you are being scrutinized all the way from your luscious brown hair to your manicured toes, girls. As a result of this misinterpretation, Puleo’s research says it literally becomes “harder for average or unattractive people to be perceived as having positive traits.” For years now, studies exploring this phenomenon have concluded that physically attractive individuals are expected to have greater personal success on most of their “life outcome dimensions,” which translates to virtually everything in life. So – just to warn you – that lovely indicted murderer on trial may get away because her face may just be the perfect eye-candy society loves. Peyton Rosenthal is a first-year Anthropology major. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2011.

“No School!” Reading this in an email notification is a great feeling. I know I can let a sigh of relief out knowing that I have an extra day to sleep in, relax, or dabble with that essay due in two days that hasn’t been started. On Jan. 16, we do not have school, but why? In 1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed a holiday into law. The holiday is celebrated in remembrance of a man named Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. As of 2000, all of the United States takes the third Monday of every January off. Well, that’s a really great thing to look forward to. After a filling holiday and some fun bringing in the New Year, an extra day to the weekend is a relaxing way to look at it, right? Wrong. This man has an amazing story, hardships, successes and failures. There were reasons that Americans refused to observe his day and reasons why Ronald Reagan admitted to only passing the bill because “Con-

gress seemed bent on making it a national holiday.” I don’t know how many of my peers are aware of why we had January 16th off of school, but I will guiltily admit I did not know until I was reminded of MLK day. There is certainly a difficulty in telling whether or not it is the excitement of an extra day of vacation or the excitement of celebrating a man who has been assassinated for representing a cause. Don’t get me wrong— I am not saying we should eliminate his celebration because whether or not we do is not my opinion. I think we should do more as proud Americans to actually celebrate this day n order to fully appreciate, understand and be aware of its importance. Martin Luther King Jr. is not a man we named a day after to get a day off of work, but a man we wanted to and should celebrate. Sincerely, Arielle Boutwell Class of 2015

Turn down the noise I am a college student. I like to socialize at night downtown with my friends. But I also want to respect the community that I am a part of. To many, these last two statements may not seem to go together. College students downtown at night are loud, reckless and often inconsiderate of those around them, negatively impacting their respective communities. Homeowners and their families want to be able to have a good night’s sleep without the interruptions of students stumbling around their houses from midnight to two, three or four a.m. Most kids don’t realize the impact they have at night while they are walking around from place to place or socializing at a party. I recently attended a noise violation session at the Burlington Community Justice Center because I was one of those culprits at night. My house had received noise violations over the summer. I had come to the session to learn about the negative impact my roommates and I had caused our surrounding community, and about the $100 ticket we received. The session was eye opening and informative. Dare I say enjoyable, too? It was not a lecture on how I was a bad community member, but

rather a forum on how we could become better ones. For all the college kids reading this article, listen up. You aren’t the only ones living in downtown Burlington. On nearly every street there are probably other families that live there. If a police officer is walking or driving by slowly enough to hear your party, it is too loud and, sadly enough, you probably deserve a noise violation. Even more so, if a community member can hear your party at night, they have every right to call the police. It is possible to socialize at night in Burlington. If you go out for the night, just remember to keep your voices down while walking around, and, if you choose to have a social event, make sure it cannot be heard from the street because, as I said earlier, it is too loud. In conclusion, social events will happen – that does not mean we should throw all respect into the wind every weekend. We need to remember to respect our community members because they are in every way as big of a part of the Burlington community as we are. So, if you choose to socialize, do so in respect of your community. Remember, Burlington is rated as the best place to raise a family, and we don’t want to lose that, do we? Sincerely, David King Class of 2014

Quick Opinion

Peyton Rosenthal

“I just need to reiterate this again: Why are there no garbage cans on campus at all? WHY!?”

14

Sports

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Sports in short By Jeremy Karpf Staff Writer

Swimming and diving lose at New Hampshire The swimming and diving team lost their first match of the season 168-132, on Dec. 4 to the University of New Hampshire. UVM set a school record by winning their first seven matches this season and now sit at 7-1. Three UVM athletes set varsity records in the match. Senior Avery Pittman swept the butterfly events and set a Vermont and new pool record swimming the 200 in 2:03.01. Junior Kailey Gardner won both the 500 and 1,000 freestyle. Sophomore Claudia Etherington set pool and Vermont records, swimming the 100 backstroke in 56w:11 and the 200 backstroke in 1:59.47. The team is off until Jan. 9 when they travel to face Central Connecticut State.

Indoor Track opens season with win over Hartford For a second consecutive year, both the men’s and wom-

en’s indoor track teams won their opening meets of the year, topping Hartford 90-60 and 9766 respectively. Senior Mari Fourie won three events, along with finishing the 55 meter dash one hundredth of a second faster than Hartford’s Alana Robinson. Senior Morgan Powers continued her success from cross-country, winning the 3,000-meter run in 9:54.69. Sophomore Brittany St. Clair won the women’s pentathlon with 3,028 points. For the men, seniors Nick Archer and Connor Jennings won the 800-meter and the 3,000-meter races respectively. First-year Evan Keating started his Catamount career strong, winning the 55-meter dash in 6.66 seconds. The teams will return to action on Jan. 14 when they travel to Hanover, NH to face Dartmouth and UNH.

Women’s hockey draws 2-2 against UConn Vermont and the University of Connecticut skated to a 2-2 tie at Gutterson Field House on Dec. 3.

Vermont got both their goals in the second period, one from sophomore Kellie Dineen and the other from junior Emily Walsh. Walsh started the scoring with a goal 11:17 into the second period, as she spun and sent a backhand off the far post, beating UConn goalie Alexandra Garcia — the first goal that Garcia has allowed against the Catamounts since January of 2010. Two minutes later the Huskies evened the score, beating sophomore Roxanne Douville with a high backhander. Vermont’s go-ahead goal came with 1:14 left in the second period, as Dineen tapped in a miss by first-year Brittany Zuback to earn her team-leading sixth goal this season. Connecticut tied the game at the 13:45 mark of the third period on a shot that beat Douville in the top corner of the net. In overtime the Huskies outshot Vermont 3-1, but were unable to finish. The tie puts the Catamount’s record at 3-12-3 overall and 2-5-1 in America East. Vermont later tied Connecticut 2-2 again in their second meeting of the weekend. The team is off until the new year when they will face Dartmouth in Hanover, NH on Jan. 3.

NFL notes: Week 13 By Jake Bielecki Staff Writer

My feathers were once again ruffled when, after Denver tied it up at 32 with about two minutes left in the game, cable television dropped the ball. The stage was set for some late game heroics, but rather than showing Christian Ponder throw a game-clinching interception in one of the best games I’ve seen all season, Fox decided to switch to the Packers’ pre-game commentary. From there, I was forced to endure the ugly mug of Joe Buck as he and old faithful Troy Aikman explained exactly how the forward pass is executed. Once again the Broncos won and Tim Tebow made some amazing plays that no other quarterback in the league could make. He also faltered on some plays that every other quarterback in the league consistently makes. Credit again to the Denver defense, who returned an interception for a touchdown early in the game and stopped the potential game-winning drive with their third turnover of the day. Denver’s offense amassed just 336 total yards to Minnesota’s 489, 13 first downs to 27 for the Vikings, and only converted 27 percent of their third downs. Once again, not an impressive offensive display. Despite giving up 32 points, their defense once again made big plays and was a big reason why Denver was in that game. Two receivers with breakout games were Denver’s Demaryius Thomas and Minnesota’s Percy Harvin. Harvin is only adding to an already impressive career, but with Adrian Peterson injured, he proved he can be the centerpiece of an NFL offense when healthy. Twice he used his legs after the catch and brought it all the way to the house, making defenders look silly in the process. Demaryius Thomas, a former first-round pick of Georgia Tech, tallied 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He showed the ability to run effectively after the catch and how he can make plays on the ball when it is in the air. In his final collegiate season, he posted 46 catches for 1,154 yards — an average of 25 yards a catch. Needless to say, he’s a big play threat. I picked the Giants to win against the Packers, but I wasn’t the least bit surprised when Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay on a game winning drive to close out the contest. The Giants are 6-6 and in danger of missing the playoffs, but have the tools to hang with any team. Jason Pierre-Paul and company rush the passer better than any other team in the NFL and are the major reason the Giants are so dangerous. Eli Manning is also playing the best football of his career with the help of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. For a while it looked like the Packers were going to give the game away as their receivers, namely Jermichael Finley, were dropping balls as if Desean Jackson gave them pointers this week. The solution came when Aaron Rodgers utilized the ageless wonder, often referred to as Donald Driver, who caught two touchdown passes. I’d like to file a grievance against whomever calls the plays for Detroit: throw Calvin Johnson the damn ball. 3rd and 18 and you have the most athletically gifted receiver in the league – you need to give him a chance to make a play rather than checking down to your running back as the defense concedes a 10 yard gain. There were way too many instances where he wasn’t even in Stafford’s progression. Even more frustrating was how much effort they were putting into getting Nate Burleson the ball. This is the same Nate Burleson who had three offensive pass interference penalties. Speaking of penalties, the Lions need to grow up if they ever expect to win anything. While this isn’t true of every player on the team, the Lions as a whole look like a collection of guys who think they should just show up and win. When they falter, they moan to the refs and commit 15 yard penalties. #GrowUp #WastedPotential

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

15

NFL Picks An early Valentine’s Day Week 14 Initials indicate

the author of the pick:

(WA) — Will Andreycak (ME) — Mike Eaton (JK) — Jeremy Karpf

By Will Andreycak Senior Staff Writer

Illustrations by Stephanie Feinberg

scoreboard WA ME JK

18-19 20-17 23-14 Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans — Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.

JK

The Pick: Houston

WA ME

You really have to give credit to Houston. After losing Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart, T.J. Yates was able to bring the Texans to a win against the formally streaking Falcons. I don’t know if that game says more about Houston’s resiliency or Atlanta not being able to get over the hump in 2011. Either way, the Texans’ defense continues to be outstanding — they are ranked No. 2 in points and yards allowed per game. The Bengals are sinking and they absolutely need to have this game in order to stem the tide, because they still have a game against Baltimore looming on the schedule. Believe it or not, Houston is in position to have a bye in the playoffs over the Ravens and Steelers.

JULIA DWYER

In the past few months, the headlines for the Red Sox have been notoriously negative. It began with the historic September collapse, which was only the beginning of the dire press. The collapse soon triggered questions of reputation, which the Red Sox were losing as well. The Boston Globe revealed John Lackey, Jon Lester and Josh Beckett to be beer-drinking buffoons and simultaneously unraveled the character of a beloved team. Then came the losses: Terry Francona was pushed out, much-loved Jonathan Papelbon signed with the Phillies and general manager Theo Epstein left for Chicago. It is only now, early into December, that the Red Sox are finally attempting to clean up the mess and achieve some positive press. On Dec. 1, the Red Sox introduced their 45th franchise manager, Bobby Valentine, signing him to a two-year contract. This an-

nouncement came 62 days after Terry Francona drove away from Fenway. Valentine has had a storied history, making his major league debut in 1969 as a player for the LA Dodgers. He saw play in his career with the California Angels, San Diego Padres, New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners. Valentine’s MLB management began with the Texas Rangers in 1985, and then, in 1996, he became manager of the NY Mets. With the Mets, Valentine went to the World Series in 2000. In addition to this, Valentine revolutionized the game of baseball in Japan during his time managing the Chiba Lotte Marines. Valentine, however, has not managed in America since 2002 and in the past couple of years has spent his time occasionally criticizing the Red Sox as an ESPN analyst. The reactions coming from Red Sox Nation on the hiring of Bobby Valentine are a mixed bunch. When discussing Valentine, it is seemingly impossible to ignore his ego. In his hometown of Stamford, Conn., Bobby Valentine is an icon — talented and confident, rather than arrogant. Often times he has been called a polarizing figure due to his larger-than-life antics. Valentine answered the

critics during his introductory press conference, “Polarizing is a tough one. I’ve heard a lot of adjectives in my life. I can’t describe them all and I won’t defend them all. It’s about reputation versus characters … I don’t know if I’m polarizing and those other things. I’m just what I am.” A lot of attention goes to Valentine’s personality — and maybe rightly so. However, Valentine comes off as a nononsense kind of manager. I have little doubt that Valentine will put nothing but all of his heart into the game and the players. This means demanding the opposite of players who slack off in the dugout and eat a few too many chicken wings. The Sox have the skill, but the team needs a good kick in the boot to tap into their talent. Valentine might bring drama, but with it, he might bring wins. I’m going to run on optimism for this one because, for the first time since September, Valentine ushers in a change to look forward to. What will become of Valentine’s reign, though, will only be solidified for Boston fans when he takes the field. For now, the Red Sox are at the beginning of rebuilding a fallen empire and Valentine is at the heart of the reconstruction.

Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints — Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. The Pick: New Orleans

WA ME JK Drew Brees is on fire and I don’t care who they play in what venue — the Saints can’t be touched right now. New Orleans already had their we-overlooked-a-far-inferior-opponent game against St. Louis, and don’t expect a dud against a Tennessee pass defense that ranks in the bottom half of the league.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants — Sunday, Dec. 11, 8:20 p.m.

JK

The Pick: New York

WA

ME

It will be a playoff atmosphere in prime time when the Giants match up against the Cowboys. The NFC East title is wide open after the Cowboys squandered a chance to go up by two games when they fell to the then 3-7 Arizona Cardinals. The Giants and Cowboys have both had streaks in the last month. The Giants lost four straight after their most recent loss to the Packers, and the Cowboys had a four-game winning streak before their loss to the Cardinals. But the Giants lost these games to teams with a combined record of 35-13 and the Cowboys beat teams with a combined record of 18-30.

ALANA LUTTINGER The Vermont Cynic

First-year Michael Paliotta finds himself stickless below a Maine defender in the Catamounts’ highscoring, winless weekend series against the Black Bears. UVM sits at 3-10-1, last in Hockey East.

Men’s hockey drops two to Maine By Diana Giunta Senior Staff Writer

The men’s hockey team fell to Maine twice on Dec. 2 and 3 in two high-scoring contests at Gutterson. The first loss was 6-4 and the second was 5-2. After the weekend series, Maine improved their record to 6-6-2 overall while the Catamounts fell to 3-10-0. In Friday night’s game, Maine’s Spencer Abbott recorded a hat trick as Maine came from behind in the third period to defeat the Cats. The Catamounts were leading 3-2 heading into the final frame but couldn’t sustain the lead. “We were in complete control of that hockey game, I couldn’t be any more disappointed,” Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon said. “I thought we did a great job 5-on-5. It’s

a shame because I thought we were controlling the play very well in the third period.” Sneddon seemed to know the cause of Vermont’s third period woes. “I’m very disappointed in our special teams play and certainly disappointed to let our personal emotions over play get the better of us,” Sneddon said. “I don’t want to take anything away from Maine, but we gave the two points away tonight in my opinion.” Vermont didn’t manage to muster any goals until the third period of Saturday’s game, as Maine dominated the scoring for the majority of the contest. “I think Maine did a lot of the little things that we did [Friday] night, like winning puck battles and playing tough in their own zone,” Sneddon said. “We had a lot of puck possession but we didn’t have a lot of

great looks like we did Friday. I have to tip my hat to Maine — I thought they played a lot hungrier than we did, and I just told our guys we can’t expect to make that many mistakes in a hockey game and have any sort of success.” Senior goaltender John Vazzano made his first career start for the Catamounts in the game. Sophomore Connor Brickley scored a short-handed goal at 5:45 of the third period to tally Vermont’s first goal of the game. Graduate student Brett Bruneteau was credited with the assist on the goal. Bruneteau scored a goal of his own at 19:33, this time with Brickley adding the assist. The Catamounts will travel to Merrimack on Dec. 7 for a mid-week game. There are just three games left before the annual Catamount Cup Tournament at Gutterson Fieldhouse.

16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

S P O RT S

Harvard’s defense schools UVM

Men’s basketball falls to undefeated Crimson

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

Junior Brendan Bald soars among Harvard defenders in the Catamounts’ 55-48 loss. By Will Andreycak Senior Staff Writer

THIS WEEK

Harvard’s pre-season Ivy League player of the year, Keith Wright, scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Harvard was able to hold off the UVM men’s basketball team 5548 on Dec. 1. Harvard’s defense, which ranks ninth in all of division 1, was stifling, holding the Catamounts’ shooting to just 35 percent from the field. Wright, who has earned numerous accolades, including being named to the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watch List, combined with fellow frontcourt starter Kyle Casey for 21 points and 13 rebounds. Offensively, the starting line-up for the Catamounts failed to get anything going early and head coach John Becker was forced to go to his bench. First-year Four McGlynn and sophomore Luke Apfeld led the Catamounts’ scoring, keeping them in the game. At the half, the Catamounts were down 36-26 and saw little production from first-team All America East selection Brian Voelkel. The sophomore forward, who was averaging double-digit rebounds and led the team in assists entering the

game, failed to record a rebound or a point in the first half. The second half got off to much of the same start as did the first half. UVM was only able to convert a single free throw in the first four minutes, and Becker was forced to go to his bench once again. Down by 12, McGlynn entered the game and provided instant offense. In consecutive possessions, McGlynn sunk a three, converted a tough layup in traffic and netted another three. Junior center Ben Crenca tipped in the following McGlynn miss to cap a 10-0 run, which put the Catamounts within two points of Harvard, 41-39. In a game where the Catamounts looked tentative to take shots, coach Becker was pleased with McGlynn’s aggressiveness. “He was great tonight and wasn’t afraid to take shots,” McGlynn said. “He kept us in that game.” Unfortunately for the Catamounts, Harvard was able to take control of the game after the 10-0 run and extended their lead back to 10 with six minutes left in the second. Vermont was able to cut the lead to four with 21 seconds left, but Harvard converted free throws and sealed their seventh

Sunday 12/11

Saturday 12/17

Men’s basketball vs. Quinnipiac Patrick Gym @ 1 p.m.

Men’s hockey vs. St. Lawrence Gutterson Fieldhouse @ 7:05 p.m.

victory of the season. The story of the game was Harvard’s defense shutting down the UVM starting five. The bench scored 30 of UVM’s 48 points, and Brian Voelkel fell well short of his average numbers with a stat line of zero points, one rebound and two assists. “Brian wasn’t ready to play tonight and never got into the game. He is a great player – he just had a bad game,” coach Becker said. “Our starters have to play better. Our starting guards were terrible, and it didn’t get much better in the second half.” McGlynn, who led all scorers with 15 points, was the lone spark that ignited the UVM offense and the Catamount crowd. “One thing that I have been able to do my whole life is score the basketball,” McGlynn said. “That was the first time I’ve ever played in a gym that has been that electric. It was great.” The Catamounts fall to 4-3 on the season with the loss, as Harvard moves to 7-0 and is knocking on the door of the national rankings with quality wins over No. 20 Florida State, Central Florida and Utah.

Men’s basketball vs. Iona Patrick Gym 1 p.m.

Club sports featured team of the week By Taylor Feuss Staff Writer

On a typical Sunday morning here at UVM, students can often be heard chatting about the action-packed hockey game from the night before or placing bets on how the upcoming basketball game is going to pan out. However, these students fail to recognize that the club squash team may have had a match the same weekend, or that the club fencing team might just have beat a big rival. Students tend to overlook these teams, along with the 53 other club teams on campus, because they don’t hear about them as often. This is all about to change with the start of The Vermont Cynic’s “Featured Team of the Week,” which will be getting into full swing next semester. A chosen club team will be highlighted every week in the Cynic Sports section, while students can find recaps of games

and athlete interviews on the UVM club sports’ channel on YouTube. “Our project is focused on giving some recognition to our club sports teams here at UVM, in order to raise awareness not only about the club sports program in general, but about the individual achievements of each club sport team,” club sports Marketing Assistant Hailey Ronconi said. In the upcoming spring semester, students can tune in every Thursday to watch videos, interviews or just learn about various club sports. “Our featured pieces will hopefully help promote the teams and show what they have to offer,” says Ronconi. Regardless of interests, students will be able to find a club sport that they are interested in and want to hear more about. From badminton to hoop dancing, all of these teams are Catamounts, and new fans are always welcome.

Sunday 12/18

Wednesday 12/21

Women’s basketball at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. @ 3:05 EST

Women’s basketball @ Marquette Milwakee, Wis. @ 1 EST

Men’s basketball at Fairleigh Dickinson Teaneck, N.J. @ 7 p.m.