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Remembering Ben Managing Editor Plants, spontaneity, cooking, photography and music. These were a few of Ben Mohla’s favorite things. Described by his friends as one of have known, Ben Mohla was a real presence in the UVM community. The loss of Ben’s life has resonated with students and faculty alike throughout the school.
A student in the Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Ben was passionate about the environment and learning all that he could. “If he learned something in class, and he really loved it, he would come home and tell us about it,” senior Jon Ritter, Ben’s roommate, said. “He would do that when he met a new person, which was every time that he walked out of the room.” A project Ben was working on was to plant a garden on a truck. He want-
ed to create a portable grocery story and sell produce to people around Burlington, according to junior Maddie Cody. A man of spontaneity, Ben was always ready to try something new. His friends remember the time last winter that he, and senior Dan Cmejla, camped outside in the snow. “There was two feet of snow on the ground, by they wanted to do it. I think they stayed out the whole night,” Cody
See BEN MOHLA on page 4
PHOTO COURTESY OF MADELINE CODY
AEPi incident reported News Editor
ERIN LUCEY The Vermont Cynic
Students lead a “sodexorcism” protest to ‘exorcise’ Sodexo’s ‘demons’ outside the Davis Center Nov. 21. Participants met on the walk-
Protesters gather to perform ‘sodexorcism’ Lauren Giery Senior Staff Writer In an effort to take action against a recent Sodexo policy change, representatives from the VT Fair Food Campaign, Students Stand Up and United Academics gathered in protest. The group organized a “sodexorcism” in an attempt to “exorcise Sodexo’s ‘demons’ of bad labor practices and corporate greed,” a Nov. 19 email from Kelly Mangan, Vermont Fair Food Campaign organizer said. “To take these folks that
have been working for your company for years, who have done so at near-poverty wages, to turn around and take away ment is dreadful,” she said. “What good does a wage increase do you if you’re sick and you have to go to work because you can’t take a day off?” Senior Jamie Jackson, a member of UVM Students Stand Up was instrumental in the “sodexorcism,” and expressed her concern for their employees. “There have been so many instances of Sodexo having bad
corporate practices,” she said. “And we want to show that we’re still here and we’re still supporting our community.” The participants met on the walkway between the Davis Center and Bailey-Howe where a ‘vigil’ was held, Nov. 21. The participants began a march inside the Davis Center, chanting “Students’ rights, workers’ rights; same troubles, The group then gathered in their “sodexorcism,” which consisted of speakers reading
from a script that called for the symbolic purging of what they called Sodexo’s “foul” employment practices. Junior Alex Weiss said he was impressed by the support from students they received. Weiss, who is currently in the process of starting an Agricultural, Food and Cooking Cooperative, said he was personally invested this initiative. “Sodexo is going to have a say [in the Coopeartive], and I really want to have allies in Sodexo employees even if the company itself is going to be
See SODEXO on page 4
The Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) Fraternity, Zeta Pi Chapter, was placed on an interim suspension by Pat Brown, director of student life, on Nov. 12. “An incident occurred on the evening of Nov. 7,” Jonathan Polson, acting president of AEPi, said. “Three members went to Fletcher Allen.” The members involved in the incident were “mapped,” Polson said. UVM’s Medical Amnesty Program (MAP) is used in cases of extreme intoxication or incapacitation due to alcohol and/ or other drugs, according to the UVM website. “We are taking this action formation about social activities on Nov. 6 & 7, 2013 that appear to have a direct impact on the safety of students and violate state alcohol laws and University policy,” Pat Brown said in an email acquired through a records request by the Cynic. Interim suspensions are circumstances in which an organization’s behavior could impact the health, safety or well-being of students, Brown said. Alpha Epsilon Pi will remain on interim suspension until notice of the outcome of any hearings. It has not yet been determined precisely what charges will be brought against the chapter on campus, he said.
See ALPHA EPSILON PI on page 4
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N EWS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013
SALT aims to further financial literacy Hannah Kearns Staff Writer -
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OLIVIA GATTERThe Vermont Cynic
Students meet to learn about the new SALT program at a workshop at the Career and Experience Hub Nov. 13. SALT will provide students with personalized guidance about student loans, tools to track and plan their student loans and several interactive online tools and courses.
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Research farm expected to get facelift Lauren Drasler Staff Writer
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New partnership Hannah Kearns Staff Writer An agreement was made between the UVM and Green Mountain Power (GMP) that will promote educational, environmental and economic development in Vermont. The agreement explains the details of the cooperation that ergy Innovation Center in Rutland, according to the Nov. 26 press release. President Sullivan and GMP President and CEO Mary Powell agree that the new partnership is an important step in the cooperation between the private and public sector to advance the interests of the State of Vermont, it said. This agreement assists in the transfer of University-created intellectual property for commercial use by Vermonters in their homes and businesses, Sullivan said. “UVM is eager to work with GMP to enhance our dual commitment to improve the educational, environmental and
economic climate of Vermont, which is the latest modern-day example of what it means for UVM to be a Land Grant university,” Sullivan said. Some of the joint projects include developing internships, cooperative learning opportunities and job shadows for students, according to the press release. GMP supplies power to over three-quarters of Vermont. Their mission is to “provide Vermonters with a balance of the most reliable, affordable, smart and clean electricity possible,” according Currently, the University and GMP are collecting data concerning the production of small wind installations throughout the state to create a shared wind energy dashboard. “These are examples of some of the joint projects already underway that makes this new formal and long-term cooperation agreement very timely,” Powell said. “We are eager to continue our work on behalf of Vermont.”
ALPHA EPSILON PI Fraternity currently on interim suspension ...continued from page 1 chapter on campus, he said. “When the university becomes aware of behavior that might be related to a student organization and has the potential of creating further harm, we suspend the student organization until the initial credible information has been investigated,” Brown said in an e-mail with the Cynic. Once the investigation is complete, Polices Services will provide a report to the Center for Student Ethics and Standards and the Greek Judicial Board, Brown said. is no behavior that needs to be
addressed, then the interim suspension is removed,” Brown said “While the suspension is really changing much,” Polson said. Both Polson and Miles Schoenberg, past president of Alpha Epsilon Pi, also stressed that the safety and well-being of each brother is a top priority of their organization. “Everything we did, we had safety in mind,” Polson said. “The brothers have been brought closer together due to the recent event. The chapter will strive to prevail in our given state,” Schoenberg said.
ERIN LUCEY The Vermont Cynic
Students lead a protest against Sodexo workers’ rights abuse outside the Davis Center Nov. 21. Sodexo
SODEXO
Protesters oppose Sodexo workers’ benefit cuts
...continued from page 1 First-year Mallory Foster said the movement attracted students and employees. “It was an interesting conBefore the demonstration, students delivered protest petitions to a Sodexo representative on campus. The petitions had previously been presented to a UVM trustee and included a combined 2,500 signatures, according to an article in the Burlington Free Press. Sodexo, the food services corporation that is contracted by UVM, serves over 15 million consumers at 9,000 client sites in North America alone, The corporation recently made headlines in the Burlington community for its August tion of “full-time” employees as of Jan. 1 to comply with the
BEN MOHLA
ERIN LUCEY The Vermont Cynic
federal Affordable Care Act, the Cynic reported Sept. 24. This decision would leave as part-time workers, causing them to lose their eligibility employer-sponsored health insurance, the article said.
Sodexo, which grossed over year, maintains that its commitment to its employees is ment of Labor decided that Sodexo was acting in the right with its new policy, vtdigger. com reported Sept. 13.
Community commemorates a lost member
...continued from page 1
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said. With a love of creating new food creations, another one of
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enjoy these concoctions and share that enjoyment. “He loved making pancakes. He would always share his pancakes,” senior Chelsie Lynne Walters said. “One time he made “bancakes,” bacon with pancake mix poured on top.” A former trumpet player
INFORMATION SESSION Thursday, December 5 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Morrill Hall Dean’s Conference Room Learn more from University of Vermont Campus Recruiter Sierra Poske peace.corps@uvm.edu
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Massachusetts, Ben enjoyed playing all hours of the day, so much that he brought his trumpet with him to Vermont. “None of us had any idea that he played the trumpet until one night we were all hanging out and he came in and just started jamming on the trumpet,” Cody said. “One of our friends started playing the keyboard and we all just had this sing-along.” Ben possessed a lust for life scribed by his friends as one of the kindest people they know,
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELSIE WALTERS
Ben Mohla poses for a photo with Chelsie Walters and friends. She said this was Mohla’s favorite photo and that he had it framed. Ben was known to never have anything bad to say about anyone. He was the kind of person that wanted others to take part in his happiness with him. Full of life, Ben was known to brighten even the darkest of days. Moving forward, the loss in the Catamount community, yet his stories live on. Whether we choose to remember his
terrarium best friends, his hate for doing dishes, or his risqué tume, the thought of Ben Mohla will leave a smile on the face of every person he touched. “I am terribly sad,” Cmejla said. “But have already found that the memories many of us have of him are so profoundly good that they are able to cheer us in even our darkest times.”
Life
Grilled cheese impacts global hunger Danielle Goglia Life Editor FeelGood is a small non-
WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic
Sophomores Cara D’Anello, Roth Bernstein, and Noah Markowitz make sandwiches for FeelGood in the Davis Center Nov. 20. FeelGood recently held a funding campaign called “A Week in Their Shoes.�
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Colchester Campus
Guide to eating cheap in finals Places and times for free meals during end of semester crunch
OPEN HOUSE Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences
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ARTS
Local artists talk future in Burlington Becca Friedlander Staff Writer Burlington artists gathered in the SPACE gallery Nov. 13 in a fashion resembling the knights of King Arthur’s court. The group was led by Christy Mitchell of the SPACE gallery, independent artist Clark Derbes and Art Map Burlington publisher Ric Kasini Kadour. One of the issues brought up was the competition between artists in Burlington. Attendees acknowledged that in other cities like Montreal, artists will point their clients to other artists that have similar styles; many in Burlington prefer to remain individualized. Not only do they not know where their customers could their interests, but many do not even know each other.
LORENA LINERO The Vermont Cynic
Residents speak about the state of Burlington’s arts community during an artist’s town meeting at the SPACE gallery Nov. 14.
Cynical Listener
Smooth grooves for Vt.
September. “We didn’t really know how it would turn out. Going into it we didn’t have enough time to prepare … and [Quillan George] hit me up two weeks before saying that we’ve got to do it,” Mayers said. MOLLY PHILBIN
Down the corridor from the side entrance of North End Studios is an unkempt room with dark maroon walls that one could only come across with purpose. Black curtains cover windows wrapped up with Christwith plastic imitation marble that is coming apart. This is where the magic happens. Every Thursday night, Burlington-based band Smooth Antics unearths unique spacious grooves that are so inherently effortless to each of them that they can’t help but smile. Antics — Stephanie Heaghney, Jake Mayers, Jacob Ungerleider, Chris Jordan and Mike Dondero — came together through their involvement in the Burlington music scene. Aside from lead singer Heaghney — who was introduced by drummer Mayers who knew her from previous band One Over Zero — all members are current UVM students. Smooth Antics came to at the Otis Mountain Get Down music festival in the nearby Adirondacks that took place early
list and how it all sounded in Heaghney’s RV right before the show, the at-the-time nameless band went out there and killed it, according to Mayers. “The energy was fucking amazing, and the feedback after that show, what people were saying – [it] just was so humbling and eye-opening,” he said. “I had no idea that our music could do that to people.” Following Otis, the band members reached out to people who loved their music. dealt with outreach very personally and got as many numbers as he could. He labeled them in his phone as “fans.” “A lot of bands play just for themselves, but a huge part of this is that we like connecting with people through our music and we want people to be involved in it,” Mayers said. He encourages anybody to get involved however they like and to contact the band through their Facebook page, which is their central online presence at the moment. “We all realize that the possibilities are endless with this group,” Mayers said. “If the timing’s right and we all commit to it, it would just take off.”
help one another with such a lack of communication. “No one showing or artist is going to change things,” Kadour said. “The market was formed by a lot of small things that made big things happen. How we evolve to the next step is the same way.” Artists at the meeting discussed how, unlike that of Montreal, New York or Chicago, the Burlington arts market is small and innovative. However, it also survives
mostly from tourism and online sales. Artists like UVM professor Nancy Dwyer and independent artist Clark Derbes use the online market to expand their businesses and reach a larger audience. “It is wrong to tie the idea of success to money for an artist. I tell aspiring artists to expect to have two full time jobs,” Dwyer said. “Plus, it is very important to realize that other artists are not your competition and to foster a real community with them. This is key.” While having a designated arts district did help boost awareness, the small population of the city and the average income of its inhabitants means artists aren’t selling as many pieces as they would want or selling at the prices they feel their work deserves. While in larger income communities, many people view buying art with pride, average to low-income communities see it in a different way. “It’s a secret, almost like they’re ashamed to be buying art because it’s viewed as being frivolous with their money,” Derbes said. Much of this also has to do with the perceived value of a piece. Throughout the discussion various topics came up such as presenting oneself as a “Burlington artist” versus a “local artist” and how to act during
“It is wrong to tie the idea of sucess to money for an artist. I like to tell aspiring artists to expect to have two full time jobs” Nancy Dwyer UVM Professor openings such as the recent one in Stowe. The night ended with brainstorming of ways to improve the market and the arts scene. While many artists felt depressed about the future of the market, Dwyer seems to view it differently. “Burlington has an active art community for its size and is a great place to live for an artist. I have been here for nine years,” Dwyer said. “The level of discourse has really improved. I have a studio on Pine Street and I love the creative atmosphere.” Go online to watch
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Basement rock unearthed Jacob Holzman Assistant Arts Editor Garages and rock go hand in hand – there is an entire genre of music entitled “garage rock.” In rock n’ roll, the basement band is the true emblem of what it means to be “in it for the music,” the chief symbol of youthful energy and friendly rockin’ out. Townsend Revenue is one such band, a reminder that sometimes the music is what matters – getting loud and proud in a band with your friends and feeling kick-ass. The Essex band consists of tar and vocals, Bryant Crocker, 18, on guitar, and Essex High School seniors Ryan Mills on bass and vocals and Tyler Herrity 17 on drums and vocals. After playing a few shows recently, including one at Higher Ground with Radical Something and Down With Webster, the Cynic decided to drop in on one of their practices and hear from the band themselves. Vermont Cynic (VC): How did you guys start as a band? Tyler Herrity (TH): There was a battle of the bands contest – us three, minus Bryant – and Ryan, Max and I were all in a band together. We had another guy in the band, and he couldn’t play in the battle, so I was all, “I’m gonna start another band.” Max Mashrick (MM): And here we are – the rest is history. VC: your sound? Ryan Mills (RM): The
ALEX GOLDENBERG The Vermont Cynic
First-year Max Mashrick practices his guitar and vocals with the garage rock band Townsend Revenue in a basement Nov. 19. Beatles. All the Beatles. TH: Anything we feel. MM: I think if we had to pick a band we sound like – it would have to be Blind Melon. I know personally I like it when guitars are loud and heavy. I listen to Descendents, Minor Threat. VC: Alrighty - working on any material coming up? TH: Yeah, we put out a demo, and it’s been primarily laziness on my part why we don’t have more. (Laughs) I just need VC: As a band, where do you want to be in a year? MM: Hopefully, in the future, we’ll be playing bigger shows. There was the Higher Ground show recently, we’d like to do more stuff like that. RM: Yeah, we’ll move to L.A. for the summer. Record an album, break big. You know, in-
stead of Breaking Bad. VC: How was the Higher Ground show? MM: It was fantastic. It was Sept. 24, 2013 – I remember the day, ‘cause I remember growing up here in Burlington I would go to shows there, and there would be big names that would come through there. It’s unreal to get to play on the same stage as them. It was kind of crazy, y’know, we had our own dressing room, and everything. RM: Then the headliner came and gave us their sloppy seconds for dinner – their food, I mean. They were delicious. VC: Any shows coming up? MM: Well, it’s not set in stone, but we very well may have a show coming up right around the start of Spring semester. Stay posted on that.
A RTS
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Orchesis displays Fall Showcase talent Jacob Holzman Assistant Arts Editor To dance is not just to “bust a move.” Rather, it is an art form, and one that some UVM students are proving can be taken to new heights. The Orchesis Dance Company pulled out all the stops at their Fall Showcase on Nov. 23, displaying a set of routines, running the spectrum of emotions. Junior Carolyn McCarthy, co-president of Orchesis, was proud of the full success of the show. “Overall, the show went smoothly between our dances and those of our many guest performers,” McCarthy said. “We had a great turn out and made the most money we’ve made in years. That alone is a success!” One of the early highlights of the show was the arrangement that accompanied singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas’s “No Room for Doubt.” the performance set a high bar for the rest of the evening. ever choreographed by sophomore Kendall McElroy. “I was so grateful to be able to create something with beautiful dancers,” McElroy said. “I think I will be more ready for the challenge next time.” Another piece from the evening was the Company’s per-
“For me, dancing is both disciplined and liberating. There are moments when my mind feels so clear.” Kendall McElroy Sophomore and liberating,” McElroy said. “There are moments – after I stop worrying about technique – when my mind feels so clear. I am lucky to be able-bodied, and dancing is my favorite way to celebrate that.”
AVERY LAVALLEY The Vermont Cynic
Members of the Orchesis Dance Company perform in the Patrick Gym dance studio Nov. 23. They practice around 11 hours a week and perform to artists such as Kanye West, Kimbra and Lianne La Havas. formance set to Kanye West’s “Yeezus” track, “Can’t Hold My Liquor.” Choreographed by senior Alanna Gilbert, the accompanying song contained explicit lyrics, which caused varying reactions from the audience. “A great deal of people reacted to the language in the piece, which could have been
perceived as untraditional or explicit, but the entire process was focused more on the movement,” McCarthy said. “The only reference I can remember to the harsh language was how she liked the juxtaposition of the ballet movement with Kanye’s swears.” It was hard work to get as prepared as the Company was
for the show, McCarthy said. They have a fairly rigorous practice schedule, rehearsing roughly 11 hours per week, meeting for three-hour blocks on weekends and voluntarily meeting for extra time in Mann Gym. However in the end, it is all for the art and the fun. “For me, dancing is both disciplined
tire company assembled for a clever arrangement to Kimbra’s “Settle Down.” Playing upon the song’s tongue-in-cheek themes, the arrangement wowed the audience into a long applause at the show’s conclusion. At their Fall Showcase, Orchesis’ routines intertwined modern music and themes with graceful and artful routines. Go online to watch
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Cynical Viewer
Skiing onto the screen phy that some of these areas survive heavily on donation and have formed a commune-like system of labor to keep the rope tows running and tickets inexpensive—or free.
COLIN KAMPHUIS
Despite being a state that takes pride in its history and ski culture, Vermont had yet to sively covers its diverse range of skiing. To make matters worse, most of the local ski hills that represent the backbone of skiing have been neglected, their Elliot Wilkinson-Ray run the Films.” Ski” explores the rich history of Vermont ski hills. Hard’ack, Northeast Slopes and Cochran’s Ski Area illustrate the extensive and diverse history of skiing in this state and the hit that these areas and others have taken in the last few decades. However, many communities have recognized the importance of keeping these family areas alive and have banded together in support. They believe that skiing has an important place in Vermont history and it is the community’s from becoming elitist. So important is this philoso-
portance of making sure that everybody, regardless of socioeconomic status, gets the opportunity to ski local hills and take part in this winter tradition. Whether your preference is freestyle, snowboarding or racing, you’re always welcome and have a place to ski or ride. Peppered with cameos from local Olympic athletes and talented Vermont skiers and ridfull range of ability, and the lofty levels of competition that local skiers have been able to achieve. Many of these talented men and women cut their teeth at places like Cochran’s and continue to give back to the communities and areas that helped them develop their skills. With a soundtrack and footage of Vermont in all seasons,
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The juxtaposition of ski footage from the 1950s with the modern use of a cameramounted helicopter illustrates rienced over the last century. Whether you have an appreciation for Vermont history, want to explore the state’s ski industry, or can simply appreciate the talent of local athletes, “United We Ski” has something for everyone.
wpi.edu/+datascience
STAFF EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Natalie Williams cynic@uvm.edu
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Opinion
Football free but still full of sports Most colleges that are known as “sports schools” have a varsity football program. Students at UVM, however, don shirts that say varsity football has been “undefeated since 1974.” That’s because we haven’t had varsity football here since 1974. But does that mean that we aren’t a sports school? Not really, we just think that’s the case. Contrary to popular belief, we are very competitive, and becoming more so, in other sports than football. UVM was all over the television and social media for our recent contest with Duke. Not too many teams, especially mid-major teams like UVM, can waltz into Cameron Stadium, put up 90 points and lose to Duke by one. And this is only the latest in a decade of improvement and achievement for UVM basketball. In the last 10 years, we’ve racked up nine 20-win seasons, eight America East regular seaMarch Madness berths and two wins in the famed NCAA tournament—another rarity for midmajor teams. And then there’s men’s hockey. UVM is currently riding a four game winning streak with an overall record of 7-5-1. We’ve beaten Maine, a competitive Hockey East program, three times out of four, and Notre Dame, the No. 2 nationally ranked team. This comes after a few poor seasons, but it doesn’t take too much to remember our Frozen Four appearance in 2009. Well now we sit in 4th place of arguably the toughest college hockey division in the NCAA and are on the verge of breaking into the top 20 nationally ranked teams. Not to mention, our soccer teams have always been a force in the America East division. And many students forget that our varsity ski team is one of won six national championships, the most recent coming in 2012, and 31 EISA titles. Our success in sports doesn’t stop at the varsity level. Look at all the club teams who are nationally ranked or compete at high levels—football, rugby and ultimate frisbee, to name a notable few.
Illustration by Vicky Mooney
COLUMNISTS
Workers in the deep fryer BIANCA MOHN
McDonalds workers are not “lovin’ it.” Wendy’s employees have grown tired of putting in long hours – unable to claim “now that’s better.” And the laborers of Taco Bell would like to “live mas,” if they could get out of the viscous cycle of working multiple jobs at minimum wage. The fast-food industry has long held a reputation for beon pay. Its workers cannot survive on the pay from one job alone. Protests have generally not gained enough momenwide participation from workers until the past year. In November of 2012, over 200 fast-food workers from 20 restaurants in New York participated in a oneday strike, which the New York Times described as “the tory of the nation’s fast-food industry.” Since then, groups such as Fast Food Forward and Fight for 15 have formed to rally the cry for better pay. aims to raise the wages for
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fast-food workers above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 to $15. On December 5th the organizers of the Fight for 15 movement will sponsor workers in 100 different cities to participate in a one-day strike. Additionally, they will sponsor protest events in 100 other cities. Cities that have not witnessed fast-food strikes, such as Providence, RI, Charleston, SC, and Pittsburgh, PA, will see protesting in action. Now, $15 is a huge increase in pay. As an employer, if given the choice to hire several $15 per hour workers or invest in an automated machine to do their jobs, it is easy to guess which one the employer would choose. However, the fact remains that $7.25 is not enough for people to live on. Neither is $8.90, which is the median wage of the fast-food industry. It’s a growing concern, too. Since 2000, there has been a 50 percent increase in fast-food jobs in New York City – ten times the growth rate of any other occupation. The modern fast food employee is no longer the stereotypical high school kid, but an adult with children of her own. According to the National Employment Law Project, the average age of a fast-food
worker is 29 years. Shame on CEOs of major fast-food companies who sleep at night knowing that they make millions per year while their employees can barely afford to feed their children. Protests and strikes are necessary. Coupled with the increase in fast-food jobs, the rise of living costs, the slow economy, the changing demographics of the workers and the appalling trend of increasing annual CEO salaries while workers are barely accessing food and shelter, it makes a clear case for change. We have reached fever pitch. The concept that an individual has a job or two and spends the majority of their days working and still cannot support their family is unacceptable. T he pay from one job son to survive on, and given fast-food companies, this treatment of workers is deplorable. The movement of earning $15 per hour is a far stretch given the current status quo, but even $9 or $10 would be an improvement. Ultimately, these protests need to send the message that underpaying workers is not only an ethical problem, but also a problem that erodes our society at its core.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013
COLUMNISTS
Weak invisible race week sented, into a supermarket and with my cultural traditions, into someone who can cut my hair.” There were other confusingly compounded scenarios that
JOEY BROWN
Just before Thanksgiving Break, I attended “Invisible Race Week,” which debuted 11a.m. Nov. 18, a time during which many students were occupied with classes. If you couldn’t make it, you were fortunate to have an opportunity to attend another race themed event just two days later—at exactly the same time. Or, if that time also proved inconvenient for your schedule, you could have attended another that very same day at 6p.m. provided you weren’t at dinner. Fortunately, I attended—at the expense of dinner—this last event (although, in fairness, they did offer free pizza and soda). In the Silver Maple Ballroom, I sat through three “social justice” activities: A privilege test, a game of naming stereoexplaining racism. the hokey-pokey in a Kindergarten classroom. We formed a circle in which a speaker noted privileges that only whites—or the rich; it wasn’t really clear—are alleged to possess. For instance: “I can go into ing the music of my race repre-
If you felt that these statements adequately described the conditions under which you live, you then had to step in the middle of the circle, until another “privilege” was announced. I didn’t, and still don’t, understand how one should feel entitled to obscure foods which suit one’s cultural fancy. But I can surmise that, if I wanted a Big Mac in Tunisia, I likely wouldn’t be obliged, even with the evils of globalization. And, mind you, the consumption of foods pertaining to the cultural traditions of ethnic minorities is usually not obligatory like, say, halal food is to Muslims. After the privilege test, when asked to offer some thoughts, guilty whites expressed their, well…guilt. Or sorrow, or frusemotion was required to conclude the activity. The second activity required the participants to write down the respective stereotypes of different races on large sheets of paper hung up on walls: Native Americans (casinos); Asians (good at math); Hispanics (illegal immigration); blacks (basketball). dent of Inner Residence Association asked why we thought whites were not a race to which
we could ascribe stereotypes. He posited that whites were not burdened by stereotypes, an opinion quickly laid to rest when members of the circle started shouting them out (white trash). some pretty disagreeable allegations. that white people are the only racial group capable of racism. This will come as a shock to anyone who knows even an ounce of history: The Rape of Nanjing is a perfect example of the fact that racism does not exist within a single racial group, as the Japanese certainly thought themselves racially superior to the Chinese they butchered. They should be grateful that they were Asian, which of course, absolves them from holding epithets traditionally ascribed to George Bush and Mitt Romney. scribed endemic “institutional racism,” criticizing, among other things, standardized testing. But what’s actually racist is to hold different racial groups to different standards of achievement, and expect a lower level of achievement, solely based on race. Nothing could be more condescending. At the end, Invisible Race Week seemed to me an abject misnomer: I have witnessed nothing more racially divisive and, indeed, insensitive. And the money could have been better spent elsewhere.
Crossing a line of privacy privacy rights, it also infringes upon Americans’ right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution. Frankly, you cannot have SAMMIE IBRAHAM
I was troubled by a recent discussion with a friend concerning Edward Snowden’s revelations about the National Security Agency’s surveillance program. My friend seemed rather indifferent towards the NSA infringing upon his rights to Internet privacy. He claimed he has nothing to worry about because he does not engage in any illegal Internet activities. I beg to differ—the NSA’s domestic surveillance program represents an enormous threat to our freedom of expression. Freedom of expression and privacy are intimately linked. When the NSA undermines our
crucial to healthy democratic societies if you have to fear you are being watched by your government the US government quite troubling. The United States prides itself as an outspoken champion of Internet freedom globally. Hillary Clinton routinely criticized other governments for systematic repression of Internet users in countries like China, Iran and Belarus during her tenure as Secretary of State. While our Internet freedoms are largely respected, they become imperiled when Washington completely ignores ordinary Americans’ Internet privacy. Furthermore, our free speech is endangered by virtue of the Obama administration’s
attempt to extradite and prosecute Edward Snowden for espionage, despite the fact that many legal experts view his actions as legitimate whistleblowing. To my friend and others who are not thoroughly outraged by the NSA spying revelations. I believe when you fail to speak up for everybody’s rights— including the right to free speech and Internet privacy. Be prepared for your own rights to be taken away when you least expect it. ety we want to live in, which includes vigorous preservation of our constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties. One small step is simply calling, emailing or lobbying your local Senator to support the Intelligence Oversight and Surveillance Reform Act introduced earlier this year in the Senate. This bill will largely ensure our right as American citizens to privacy and freedom of expression.
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CONTROVERSIAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“WALMART WAS LIVE. SEEN PEOPLE FIGHT OVER TOWELS LMAO” Tweeter E-Na$ty on Black Friday
Quick Opinion “This Winter, blowing your nose is considered one-sixteenth of an orgasm” - Jacob Lumbra “The two week stretch until Winter break has got me feeling senioritis tenfold. Good thing I’m only a sophomore” - Aviva Loeb
“They should sell Kombucha at Cat Paws” - Walker Sultzbach
“As the most trusted publication in the American northeast, it is due time for the Cynic to open a bureau in Baghdad.” - Josh Gachette
“Juicy Juice should bring back the cans” - Stu Laperle
Sports
NFL Picks Week14 JAKE BIELECKI
Lions At Eagles The Lions travel to Philly following a 40-10 demolishing of the battered Green Bay Packers. Riding their home crowd, the Lions defense compiled seven sacks, including a Ndomuking Suh safety. When focused, the Lions have shown they can be a formidable team.
This has been the case more often than not at home, where they hold a 4-2 record. Whether they can maintain that discipline on the road against a hot Eagles team is to be determined. A win in this game would be a statement for either team in their respective divisions. Nick Foles is making headlines as a starter, but he still has a lot left to prove. with a three touchdown, 296 yard game against a hapless Buccaneers team still lingering in the shadow of the Josh Freeman debacle. I’m picking the Lions to bring Foles back to earth some, as he won’t be able to outscore featured a dominant run game last week.
Scoreboard: Taylor 20-18 Julia 17-21 Jake 27-11 Rory 21-17 Colin 24-14 Owen 19-18 Stu 21-17
To keep the offense out of
defense needs to bend-notbreak and not let the ferocious Lions front four get their hands on Foles. The Eagles can’t let the Lions get up two scores.
The Picks Lions: Jake, Owen, Colin and Julia Eagles:Rory,Taylorand Stu
Seahawks at 49ers The previous meeting between these two teams was a display of dominance by the Seahawks secondary against the 49ers receiving core. Enter Michael Crabtree. Crabtree looked pretty good in his action against the Rams, securing a long reception, though I can’t expect he’ll shoulder the load like he did late last season. The Seahawks are a notorious man-to-man defense on the outside and will focus on shutting down the ground game. This leaves potential for big plays, but the secondary led by Richard Sherman win more than they lose. I expect the Seahawks to be respectable on offense and the
Each we
ek, the C ynic Spo rts staff will pred anticipate ict d match ups. The Taylor Fe p u a rt s s ic , ip C oli ants are Jake Bie lecki, Stu n Hekimian, Juli a Laperle, Owen Pa Dwyer, rr and R Leland ory
49ers to be the same on defense. Colin Kaepernick needs to click with his receiving core and beat the Seahawks secondary or do something spectacular with his legs. I’m putting my marbles on Seattle’s secondary, even on the road.
The Picks Seahawks: Jake, Stu, and Colin 49ers: Owen, Rory Julia, and Taylor
Giants at Chargers The Chargers host the Giants as two teams on the outside looking in at the playoff picture square off. Early this season the Giants were an awful team as Eli played badly, but since he’s rebounded they’ve looked at least competitive.
The story for the Chargers has been the revival of Phillip Rivers. He’s completing a modest 71 percent of his passes for 8.5 yards per attempt. What’s more impressive is the receiver turnover he’s had to navigate, giving preseason reps to receivers who didn’t play most of the season. Not that Malcolm Floyd or Danario Alexander would have been upgrades to the impressive Keenan Allen, but the depth would have been helpful. Andre Brown has given the Giants some running game, but expect a close game between these evenly matched teams. I’m taking the home team and Phillip Rivers.
The Picks Giants: Taylor and Colin Chargers: Jake, Stu, Owen, Rory and Julia
Oh “Dip”
Giants still in hunt for playoffs
COLIN HEKIMIAN
The New York Giants are currently 3-7 and are on the NFC East. Somehow after their abysmal start, they are only two When the year started, they play a Super Bowl in their home stadium. After a 0-6 start, fans were hoping for the top pick in next year’s draft. But the rest of the NFC East has been just as disappointing. With the Redskins and Eagles struggling, the Cowboys seemed poised to take the division with ease. But they continue to be mediocre despite their potential. Now they have left the window open for any team to win the “NFC Least.” The Giants now hope to repeat the Redskin’s success last year by turning a 3-6 team into a playoff contender. Their recent play and relatively easy schedule indicates that they do have a realistic shot. New York Giant teams led by Head Coach Tom Coughlin have been prone to magical runs. In the past, this team has defeat its opponent no matter
how imposing, as if they’ve eaten Popeye’s spinach. The Giants managed to win against the Green Bay Packers who started a third string quarterback in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers. Despite going up against the worst ranked defense in the league, the Giants were not able to overcome Dallas, who were without linebackers Sean Lee and Justin Durant. The Giants were able to down the Washington Redskins a record of 5-7. The Giants are in third place in the NFC, behind the 7-5 Cowboys and Eagles.
“In the first six games of the season, the Big Blue could not do anything right.” The 2011-12 Giant team was 6-6 before they went on their Super Bowl run, and this year’s Giants will have to recapture that team’s resilience if they want to make a playoff run of their own. After acquiring Jon Beason in a trade with Carolina, the defense has been superb. In their last three games, the defense has only allowed one offensive touchdown, and that was following a kickoff return fumble near the goal line. The run defense that has caused problems for so many opposing offense in past years has been able to bounce back from their early season strug-
gles, and their secondary has been better than expected. The running game has been revitalized by the return of Andre Brown. The 26-year-old came back against Oakland and rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown. He is also a better blocker than former Giants backs. Although David Wilson is not expected to return for the remainder of the season, Brown gives the Giants an improved running game. He should help balance out the offense and improve the passing attack sporting Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle. But for the Giants to have any chance at the playoffs this year, Eli Manning has to elevate his game. He cannot continue to turn the ball over. He needs to play like he did in 2011 when he called himself an elite quarterback. season, the Big Blue couldn’t do anything right. Their defense was porous, their run game was nonexistent, their special teams were incompetent and there were turnovers aplenty. New York’s patented pass rush with Jason Pierre Paul and Justin Tuck showed no signs of life, and Eli Manning threw 16 interceptions. Most of these problems have been resolved except for Manning’s poor play. If he plays up to his ability like he has in the past, and Tom Coughlin continues to motivate 0-6-playoff team in NFL history.
S PO RTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013
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Pelkey earns league honors Vermont native sets Catamount women’s hockey record Somor Brown Staff Writer Amanda Pelkey showcased her speed and dynamic passing when her two-goal and two-assist effort helped propel the Catamounts past the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers Oct. 12. For her efforts on the ice, he junior forward was named October Hockey East Warrior Co-Player of the month and recognized for her 11 points in seven games. Born and raised in Montpelier, Pelkey has been skating since the age of three. “My dad made a rink outside my house,” Pelkey said. “I think what really got me into playing hockey was that my brother was a hockey player. Plus, my dad’s side of the family loves hockey, so it was just kind of a family vibe.” Nowadays, Pelkey appreciates the new friends and relationships that she has gained through playing hockey at UVM. “I think that my favorite part about hockey is the team aspect,” Pelkey said. Since coming to UVM, Pelkey has continued to improve her skills. “When I was a freshman, getting used to [college think the biggest transition was having Jim [Plumer] as my coach my sophomore year, and this year, too,” she said. Head coach, Plumer, commends Pelkey’s development over the past few years. “Amanda has become a more complete two-way player,” he said. “She understands the importance of the degritty player.” He also compliments her ability to accelerate quickly when changing direction and her passing skills. “Amanda has always been a playmaker,” he said. “She has worked hard on her shot and she is now scoring more goals, rather than simply getting assists.” Catamounts in October, with a total of six goals in seven games. She credits her time on the U.S. Women’s National Under-18 Team for this achievement. “With the national team program, they want me to be ing,” Pelkey said. “I really had to bear down on that by working with my coaches, working on my shot.” She commends her teammate, senior Roxanne Douville, for her success at earning Hockey East Goalie of the Year. Her next goal is to get player of the year she said. “My major is pretty challenging, so I’m hoping to stay with a good cumulative GPA for the remainder of my four years,” Pelkey, who majors in Exercise and Movement Science, said. Amanda achieved another dream of hers when she was invited to the Olympic tryouts this past summer. ences playing,” she said. Despite this honor, Pelkey has managed to stay modest. “Amanda is down-to-earth and very humble. She is more concerned with the team’s success and brings a great work ethic to practice and games,” Plumer said. Pelkey admires Olympic forwards Meghan Duggan and Julie Chu, both of whom played on the national team with her. She also looks up to Tampa Bay Lightning right wing and captain Martin St. Louis, who mentored her power skating years ago. “I did a lot of his camps, and I always wanted to play like him,” Pelkey said. Pelkey and the rest of the UVM hockey team hosted a “Pack the Gut Challenge” while facing Boston College. They broke the Hockey East regular season attendance record by packing 2,028 fans into Gutterson Fieldhouse. percent of merchandise sales went to Meals on Wheels in Burlington. The Catamounts travel to Hanover, N.H. to face Dartmouth College at Thompson Arena Dec. 17. BECCA ADAMS The Vermont Cynic
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S PO RTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013
Cat’s regain confidence against Duke Nick White Staff Writer After ending last season with a successful 21-11 record, the men’s basketball team looked to build on their accomplishments this season after winning a pair of exhibition games against the Saint Michael’s Purple Knights and the Concordia Cardinals. Senior Brian Voelkel, a returns with fellow senior forRugg, and senior guards Sandro Carissimo and Candon Rusin. In their season opener against Saint Joseph’s Universisenior guard Langston GalloRoberts Jr., who each posted 21 points. Rugg led the Catamounts with a team-high of 17 points, while Rusin added 15 points and Carissimo dropped 10 points. Late in the second period, down to three, but the Hawks
added nine points but sustained a fracture to his hand during The Catamount medical staff released a statement that said, weeks.” In their second game of the season, the Catamounts hosted the Siena College Saints in a
fouls were handed out between both teams. 19 points, was able to clinch the This was another balanced attack with Carissimo contributing 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Voelkel passed the 500-assist mark verse Siena as the Catamounts improved their record to 1-1. UVM next traveled to Smith-
a 13-5 run to fall to Wagner, 6861. night with 18 points before fouling out. Junior forward Hector Harold added 11 points and Rusin chipped in 10. The Catamounts then traveled to Cameron Stadium in Durham, N.C. to face the number sixth ranked Blue Devils. With an upset in mind, Rusin hit a three-point shot at the shot clock buzzer and was With
10.4
seconds
left,
a
to draw a foul on Rugg, who
half,” Head Coach John Becker said.
His free throw gave the number sixth ranked Duke Univer-
“Nassir
Williams
was
mont with eight off-the-bench points. Rugg was UVM’s high scorer for the third straight game as the Catamounts fell 87-64. UVM posted a 10-1 run in the second half to climb back within seven points with 16 minutes remaining. tonight,” Becker said. “I thought battled in there.” The Friars, responded with a 13-0 push and put the game out of reach for the Catamounts. Vermont hoped to get back the Wagner College Seahawks. The Catamounts took a 5655 lead with 5:21 remaining in
Rugg netted 20 points, while Carissimo added 16 points and a career-high nine assists. Parker lead all scoring with 26 points as the Blue Devils slid past the Catamounts 91-90. “This was an unacceptable Looking forward, “We have to shoot the ball better and execute better down the stretch,” Becker said. The Catamounts hold a current season record of 3-6 overall. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX EDELMAN
Vermont junior forward Hector Harold drives to the hoop in the Catamount’s 91-90 loss to the Duke at Cameron Arena Nov. 24.
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