Vermont Cynic Spring 2013 Issue 25

The Vermont

CYNIC

WRUV DJs Mama Bear and Honey

Page 6

The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883 T h u r s d a y, A p r i l 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 – Vo l u m e 1 2 9 I s s u e 2 5 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

Clearing the haze: a look at 420 Ben Plotzker Staff Writer When the clock ticks 4:20 p.m. on April 20 a number of students plan to light up for ebrating marijuana use.

Last year, hundreds of students gathered on the

Redstone Green April 20 until police presence broke up the crowd at about 4:26 p.m., the Cynic reported.

But when did this event Despite rumors that 420 was a police code for marijuana smoking in progress or that it comes from the number of chemicals in marijua-

by a group of California high school students, according to called the Waldos — because their chosen hangout spot was a wall along the school — would smoke everyday after sports practice at 4:20 p.m. and drive down to Pt. Reyes

peninsula in search of a hidden treasure of marijuana plants, the article stated.

The idea of celebrating the illegal substance on April 20 gained popularity throughout the 1970s, according to the Students at UVM began an annual campus smoke-in throughout the mid-1990s

as a way to protest marijuana laws, according to the Associated Press.

The event grew over the vened in 2001 and 2002.

See FEATURE on page 8-9

UVM mourns for Boston Decriminalization: puff, puff, passed

Kevin Santamaria Staff Writer First-year Isabelle Groper had two friends running the Boston Marathon course when two bombs exploded near the

Senior Staff Writer

Boylston Street.

One of her friends was two er was waiting for her other friend, Rayna, at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill, roughly six miles from where the bombs exploded.

“My grandma texted me that bombs went off, but no one was panicking,” Groper said. “A few minutes later a lot of people around us started talking about line.

“Then all these cop cars and motorcycles came telling people to get off the course. Eventually, the runners stopped coming.” race, people began to cry by the sidelines, Groper said. phones stopped working and we couldn’t make phone calls,” she said.

Rayna’s father picked her up half a mile away from Groper, who was then able to meet them on Commonwealth Avenue.

Since the incident, there have been army soldiers all

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENSHIN OKUBO/DAILY FREE PRESS

around the bus terminal at South Station, which is “pretty out of the ordinary,” Groper said.

Annie Stevens, Associate Vice President for University Relations and Campus Life, and Bill Ballard, Associate Vice President for Administrative and Facilities Services, sent an email to the UVM community yesterday evening regarding the Boston Marathon tragedy.

“We have not heard about any member of our University community who may have sustained injuries,” the email stated.

“We have heard from students and staff members who

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T h e Ve r m o n t C y n i c

were at the marathon and have reported that they are ok. Our thoughts are with the runners, family, friends and spectators who experienced this traumatic event.”

By Monday afternoon, UVM students — many of whom are either from or have ties to the Boston area — took to Facebook and Twitter accounts to express reactions of shock and sympathy.

SGA President Connor Daley said he thought the University had dealt with it as best as it could, but the event hit close to home to a large portion of the

See BOSTON on page 2

Possession of a small amount of marijuana could soon be decriminalized in Vermont.

But it would still be illegal, and that is a distinction that advocates of a decriminalization movement currently unfolding at the Statehouse are emphasizing.

“This bill does not legalize marijuana,” Rep. Tom Koch, R-Barre, said Friday during debate. “This bill deals with the penalties for the possession of marijuana.”

The House voted 92-49 to approve a bill Tuesday that would remove criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.

Instead, the bill would make possession of up to an ounce of pot a civil violation—similar to a speeding ticket—subject to a Those under the age of 21 who are caught with an ounce or less of pot, however, would face the same penalties imposed for an underage alcohol possession, which require completion of a diversion program and payment Supporters of the bill say

that criminal sanctions are too harsh a punishment for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

“We’re basically recognizing that people use marijuana and that doesn’t make them criminals,” Rep. Chris Pearson, P-Burlington, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, said. “In fact, many very successful people choose to use marijuana.”

Under current Vermont law, possession of two ounces or less of marijuana is a criminal viomonths in jail.

“The collateral consequences of having a criminal record that follows you for your whole life are really bad,” Pearson said.

“Having a criminal record could jeopardize everything from student aid to adopting children.

That doesn’t make a lot of sense, sense of justice.”

Proponents also say the bill issue.

A February 2012 Public Poliof Vermonters back a reduction of the penalty for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana to

See BILL on page 2

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N EWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

BILL

Decriminalization bill moves to the Senate

...continued from page 1 $150 with no jail time.

Opponents of the bill have expressed concerns that decriminalization would send the wrong message to young Vermonters.

“The message to our children is ‘it’s okay’ to toke up,” Rep. Duncan Kilmartin, R/DNewport City, said. While not all children ‘toking up’ will become substances addicts, we know that many will.”

Other lawmakers said they are concerned that passage of ers that are able to pass a drug test.

“This bill ignores the impact on our workforce and it is disappointing that the committee did not hear testimony regarding this issue,” Rep. Lynn Dickenson, R-St. Albans Town, said Friday.

Overall, however, the decriminalization movement has strong backing amongst Vermont lawmakers, Pearson said.

“It’s considered to be a bill that will go all the way,” he said. the bill will now move to the Senate for consideration and amending.

If both houses approve the bill, it will then be sent to Gov. Peter Shumlin, who has previously voiced support for marijuana decriminalization, to be signed into law.

The current decriminalization movement is the latest initiative in an ongoing legislative effort to reform marijuana policy in Vermont. was achieved in 2004 with passage of legislation that approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The Legislature expanded the law in 2007.

Most recently, in 2011, the Legislature authorized the establishment of four medical marijuana dispensaries.

To date, the Department of

BOSTON ...continued from page 1

Public Safety has approved two locations, including the Champlain Valley Dispensary in Burlington, which will open its doors to patients in June 2013, according to its website.

And though the decriminalization debate at the Statehouse has yet to draw to a close, some lawmakers are already calling for broader legislative action on marijuana.

“Going forward, I believe we need a comprehensive regulation, taxation, legalization, education policy,” Rep. Tom Burditt, R-Rutland, said during Friday’s debate.

“It’s considered to be a bill that will go all the way.”

Chris Pearson Rep. (P-Burlington) Marijuana is currently legal in two states. In November, voters in Colorado and Washington approved initiatives to legalize possession and consumption of small amounts of the drug.

Vermont, however, is not a so-called “initiative state,” meaning that marijuana could not be legalized by popular vote—as was the case in Colorado and Washington—but instead would require an act of the Legislature.

Bills have been introduced in both houses this session of the Vermont Legislature, but Pearson said he doesn’t expect they will make it out of committee.

“There are bills in right now to legalize; there have been for years,” he said. “But at some level, people have known that they weren’t going to move.”

With marijuana still illegal under federal law, Pearson said that the best course of action for legalization in Vermont is to wait and see how the federal government responds to the

Danielle Kaidanow Staff Writer

on all our minds.”

The two bombs that ex-

For the second year in a row more than 300 student registrants will participate in the Student Research Conference (SRC), said senior director of research and strategic initiatives Dr. Melody Burkins.

The University has 177 undergraduate and 136 graduate students currently registered for the conference that will take place April 23, Burkins said.

The showcase is a part of a weeklong celebration of stu-

were seen on video surveillance carrying black backpacks near Times stated.

“I haven’t heard anything,” on whether a suspect had been taken into custody. “That’s just the media reporting.”

Burditt calculated that a tax rate of $2 a gram could yield $33 million or more in tax revenue a year, based on estimates of national marijuana consumption. Factor in a business model, and those potential revenues are even higher, he said.

“Ultimately, I believe we are talking close to a one-half billion dollar industry,” he said.

Pearson said he believes this potential economic revenue will eventually bring some lawmakers who are skeptical about legalization to change their stance.

“The potential revenue is kind of hard to ignore after a while,” he said.

In the meantime, however, Pearson said he thinks that decriminalization is a step in the right direction.

“The war on drugs has been an unmitigated failure,” he said, “and marijuana is probably the most obvious substance where policy is just completely out of whack with the values of our society.”

“As a state, we can’t end the war on drugs, but we can work on little pieces, like decriminalizing the possession of marijuana.”

SGA UPDATES Marissa Beinhauer Staff Writer

Josh Barry was sworn in as 2013-2014 SGA treasurer. Connor Daley described him as “passionate and intelligent.”

Senator Kevin Conlon was sworn in for 2013-2014 SGA speaker.

Vermont New Economy Summit is taking place April 27. It explains the process that takes place after divestment from fossil fuel.

COLA hopes to open up dialogue with police about heroin use on campus.

Academic Affairs plans to work on enhancing course descriptions before students need to pick classes, text reserves and international education.

WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic

A student speaks at the SGA meeting in the Livak ballroom April 16.

Talking research Police patrol 420

community.

“So many students, actually most students, come from that

ish line killed three people and wounded over 170, according to the New York Times.

Joe C. was in a Starbucks on Boylston Street when the explosion went off.

“I saw smoke coming out of the backpack and three bodies on the ground,” he said. “Everyone came rushing into Starbucks.

“Being an engineer, you develop a sense of direction in a building. But even I got lost, I felt like a mouse in a maze.”

No arrests have been made

states that have already legalized marijuana.

“Once the feds have a little more clarity about how they’re going to handle states that have legalized, then we’ll see some possibilities opening up in Vermont,” he said.

Support for legalization seems to be growing among Vermonters.

Last November, 70 percent of Burlington voters said they supported the legalization, regulation and taxation of cannabis and hemp products. A similar question posed to Montpelier voters was favored by a 3-1 margin in March 2010.

Burditt said he thinks the potential economic revenues that taxation would bring for

gan in 2007, the SRC website stated.

“That puts the event at over 300 student registrants for the second year in a row,” Burkins said.

Graduate student senate president Kelly Swindlehurst said the conference includes a combination of posters and talks presented by students.

Some of the poster presentations include “Consumption of Fruit and Fruit Juice

Children” and “Children of Incarcerated Parents: An Ecological Program Evaluation” along with several others.

“Student presentations will range from new research and has been published in peer review journals,” Swindlehurt said. “It is a showcase of all different stages and types of work being done by individuals and teams across campus.”

SGA president Connor Daley said he appreciates the SRC because of the high undergraduate involvement and “My job is helping logistically what it should look like and most importantly, giving student opinion about how it should be run,” Daley said.

Burkins said he feels student research is huge for the state of Vermont.

“It is important for economic development as an epicenter of innovation and ideas,” she said.

The conference will feature one morning session and two afternoon sessions of posters the Davis Center.

Lauren Giery Assistant News Editor Every year 420 puts Police Services’ efforts to the test as many students at the University engage in different forms holiday.

Despite the day’s popularity among students, UVM unwaveringly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution or manufacture of marijuana

by University employees and students on University property, in any University-owned or leased facility or as part of any University employment or activity, according to UVM Police Services.

Police Services’ role and mission for 420, and every other day in the calendar year, is to promote public safety, Lt. Larry Magnant said.

Between 2008 and 2012 there were 14 drug-related Services on 420, according to the Police Services Crime and Fire Log. Although Police Services stands by its mission of treat-

ing 420 with the same laws as every other day, a high number of students have continued to take part in the illegal activities.

Sophomore Meg Matthews said she was surprised by the number of students who openly participated in 420 last year.

“The Red Stone green was covered with people smoking,” Matthews said. “It wasn’t until later in the day, about four or students to leave.”

Through existing disciplinary procedures, the University will impose disciplinary sanctions of those who unlawfully use, possess, sell or distribute drugs, according to Police Services.

“Enhancing public safety contributes toward a better, safer learning environment ty's primary mission – education,” Magnant said.

n ews

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

3

Comparing dealers in U.S. and Canada Lauren Giery

“I love UVM for the green,” a girl says in the “I’m Shmacked The Movie: University of Vermont- 4/20 Weekend” YouTube video that was 420 last year.

Although students have shown affection toward what they think are “weed friendly” vibes at UVM, Burlington may not be as friendly as they neighbor Canada.

Tom*, a student at McGill University in Montreal, said he thinks that Burlington’s laws on criminalization are much stricter than in Canada. and/or dealing marijuana and the law enforcement in Canada is much different than in Burlington, he said.

“In the U.S. there's the

“They've seen my bongs before, but they just tell you they could take them if they want to but they aren't there for that.” students caught with marijuacially in Montreal where there are more major drug issues and organized crime to combat, he said.

Pat*, a drug dealer in Bur-

lington, described the differthe U.S. in regards to reactions to drug distribution. here they take everything,” he said. “They take your money, they’ll break all your glass. The But there may be more to forcement of laws.

The outlook on marijuana legalization, decriminalization and use in general seems to be quite different in the U.S. than surrounding countries.

The Liberal Party in Canada voted to make marijuana leat its biennial convention last year, as well as stated its desire according to an article in the .

The Vermont House of Tuesday in favor of decrimiization.

First-year Rachel Rhodes said she agrees the difference in marijuana use and distribuon attitudes toward the drug. about drug use in the U.S. than On the issue of selling, -

Academic Excellence.

Professional Success.

for an eighth of marijuana and Tom said he thinks the the U.S. because of the risk involved in selling. the country is very wide and there's a lot of land mass so getting caught isn't as much of a concern,” he said.

Pat agrees that the cost sive on this side of the border agrees on why.

-

because Canadians are dumb and don’t know what they are doing,” he said. “Also a ton of ly in British Columbia.”

But according to www.themous source for analyzing the na, the cost of marijuana is related to the quality.

Both Tom and Pat said they have never been caught nor since they began selling in Burlington and Montreal.

“I think [the consequences] are selling and how much you have on you at the time that you get busted,” Pat said. “An ounce isn’t anything major but over an ounce or two is where it gets more intense.”

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ARTS

Boards become art for a charity Students curate local art show Madeleine Gibson Assistant Arts Editor

WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic

Singer Katie Richter (right) and guitarist Ben Chussid of the Bumping Jones perform in the Davis Center Feb. 15. They started performing at parties and are one of many underground bands in Burlington.

Inside the underground Jess Schwartz Senior Staff Writer

From packing basement shows at house parties to playing venues such as Higher Ground, Burlington-based bands and DJs have been atabove ground.

Despite the large number of well-known artists that are brought into Burlington by the “upper-ground” venues (i.e Memorial Auditorium and the Flynn), with enough persistence and strong effort, local acts can be showcased as well.

The Bumping Jones vocalist and student, Shawn Connolly said the band started playing together in late 2010 and began by playing at parties on Colchester Ave. Their most recent show with longtime Sublime cover-band, to Vermont fame.

“We always packed the houses to capacity,” Connolly said. “We played a gig one Saturday and the ceiling panel literally got ripped down and fell on the crowd. Kids were breaking through the wall paneling that separated the room we were playing in and the keg room.”

As the parties continued,

the cops started cracking down and began busting the parties at which they were playing, he said.

House parties were not a reliable venue due to increased police enforcement for a band that wanted to continue growing. hattan’s pizza in October 2011,” Connolly said. “We were opening for our friend’s band. We packed the house and the line was out the door so it was like we just brought the basement scene into a bar.”

But despite their success, Shawn said it is not as easy as some may think to get booked at a venue.

“For the most part I email venues many times before we hear back about booking a gig,” he said. “It took a while for us to get into Higher Ground but now we play there at least once a year opening for big acts. It’s all in the luck of the draw and the work you put into it.”

And Burlington’s underground music scene is not limited to bands—in recent years the amount of local DJs have also continued to grow.

WRUV DJ John Moses began DJing at places like Manhattan’s Pizza and Club

Metronome in high school with some friends who were also on the radio station. and blank stares, a lot of awkward, Moses said. He played music that he loved and hoped that they would love it too.

“These days I am still able to play music I love but I’m a middle ground between crowd pleasers and personal favorites,” he said. “Now when I play out you are more likely to see me relaxed as opwas sweaty and nervous and trying to connect with an audience that wasn’t really having it.”

Underground artists may not be commonly booked at venues according to Moses, but DJing, once an underground hobby to some, is becoming more prevalent.

With the right techniques, such as joining a radio station, production company or simply being persistent with emails to venues, Burlington artists continue to try to get their music heard.

Want to know more about the ungerground music scene? Read the whole article online at vermontcynic.

Art enthusiasts and fellow shredders, students Timothy Andreasen and Brandon Sauer, have combined their passions into a unique idea with a community-driven cause: Art on Board.

Hosted in collaboration between the UVM Ski and Snowboard Club, Sticky Brand, Burton and the Burlington City Arts, the event will reveal seven snowboards featuring custom graphics by local artists at the BCA Center downtown April 19.

“We have a solid group of friends of artists and we thought why not get them all together to showcase their art, enjoy music and some drinks,” Sauer explained.

Sauer works with Burlington-based Sticky Brand, a homegrown print shop and vinyl diecuttery that provided the top sheets for each board.

In conjunction with the collaborative effort of work orchestrated by Andreasen and Sauer, Burton donated the boards that serve as canvases not indented for use.

Each artist, including Jackson Tupper—multimedia student artist behind the skateboarding, bearded man hauling around a jug of whisky on the event poster— and graphic designer/artist, Brian Zager, had the option of creating artwork that could onto the vinyl sheets or working directly on the board’s surface.

Proceeds from an auction of the boards will go to the Burton Chill Foundation and the BCA Scholarship Fund.

“It started off as an art show and we always wanted it to be a fundraiser. Now we’ve taken it to a whole other level,” Andreasen said.

“We have all these resources in the form of a snowboard that can potentially go for a lot of money.”

tion, Burton Chill Foundation has been providing gear, transportation, lessons and tickets to kids that normally are unable to snowboard since 2005.

Though patrons of Vermont’s most popular winter sports industry, the two seniors know its exclusiveness.

“It started off as an art show and we always wanted it to be a fundraiser. Now we’ve taken it to a whole other level.”

Timothy Adreasen Art on Board Curator “Boarding is not very accessible, the cost is high,” Sauer said. “It shouldn’t be reserved to certain classes and because Burton has the money they can bus underprivileged kids into the mountains.”

In addition to doing good through art, Art on Board is the product of a well planned and professional effort.

“We’ve had our hands in a lot of events over the years,” Andreasen said of their UVM SSC experience. “But it’s nice to really own this. From start we’ve wanted it to be.”

Sauer agrees.

“I think the biggest thing before starting an event, before you make the creative commitment, you need to make sure everything is set in concrete so when you release it, it’s professional.”

Art on Board begins at 8 p.m., is free and open to the public. Hot Wax will perform a DJ set and Pot Belly will take over for in an informal, after-party gathering at Manhattan’s Pizza.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Shocks continue the Iron Bank, but then pretty the need to interrogate Podrick about pleasing whores.

And here our quota for naked women on television

HOLLY TRANTHAM

“Game of Thrones” constantly builds us up to a ing shocking. Where we feel we’ve seen every scandalous or violent thing possible. But then someone stumbles upon a giant swirl of decapitated horses and the show tops itself once again.

Episode two,“Walk of Punishment,” thankfully—alnerys for some major strategizing. With its walkways Astapor is appropriately terslaves in exchange for her biggest dragon.

I’m torn by this. Are we supposed to cheer her on or lament her separation from one of her dragons? Probably the former, especially since by the whole situation. once again with a female connewly acquired translator, Missandei, with some hefty foreshadowing in one of her best lines to date, “Yes, all men must die; but we’re not men.” Cheers to feminism.

Jon Snow and company don’t have much to do this aforementioned horse parts.

Rayder commands Snow the wall in order to attack the Night’s Watch.

I’m worried–is Snow’s unfailing loyalty to his new family going to drive him to murder those in his old one? Or worse, will he have to come head-to-head with his dearest friend Sam, poor, birth-watching Sam? In King’s Landing, Tyrion is appointed Master of Coin.

This is clearly a terrible idea.

He realizes his family owes a massive amount of money to

with some impressive contortionism.

We still don’t know the name of the cleaning boy who twice rescues Theon, whose motives I greatly question, because why would anyone want to rescue Theon?

Robb Stark’s monologue about the war not being about glory is especially compelling.

Arya and Gendry’s goodbye with Hot Pie is almost too sweet. It’s sad to see Hot Pie cantly full-circle. He’s taking over for the bakery boy who was slayed by the Hound, who is now a prisoner of the Brotherhood.

Here our quota for naked women on television for the week is fulfilled, along with some impressive contortionism.

The most impressive development this week, however, happens with Jaime and Brienne.

They’ve gone from the comfort of hostage/holder banter to both being in captivity and Jaime’s the only one who need be delivered alive. Brienne inevitably has to face being murdered, tortured or both.

Jaime seems to convince Locke that Brienne is more valuable alive and well, and the whole viewership is simultaneously shocked—is Jaime Lannister, of all people, being a decent human?

It seems like it, so naturally he gets his hand chopped off. And it’s his sword hand.

Like his daddy, he’s nothing without his hand, and now his hand isn’t there!

Leave it to “Game of Thrones” to punish a generally despicable character when he actually starts showing some promise.

5

Kung Fu’s funky return Brittany Dahlberg Cynic Correspondent As an on-the rise funk “fusion” band, Kung Fu is breaklength album release, a busy summer festival schedule, nationalized music play on Sirius XM radio and a tsunami-like wave of hype surrounding them.

Kung Fu is a quintet from New Haven, Conn. comprising Tim Palmieri (guitar), Robert Somerville (tenor sax), Todd Stoops lis (bass guitar), and Adrian Tramontano (drums/percussion).

With the Burlington mu-

Kung Fu. VC: Who have been some of your personal musical inticular individuals or bands enced by?

TS: A few certain keyboardists have personally cock, Kenny Warner, GrateHornsby and John Medeski particular.

VC: connection to the state of Vermont? Would you describe how it feels to play to crowd at a venue in Burlington?

TS: I have a special connection to the state of Vermont. I listened to Grateful Vermont on my own to see

Kung Fu, the Cynic caught up with keyboardist Todd Stoops to talk about being on the road, how close is “too close,” what the future holds and how the name “Kung Fu” developed.

Vermont Cynic (VC): The term “Kung Fu” can be translated as “achievement through great effort.”

How did the band adopt this name?

Todd Stoops (TS): I wish I could tell you that the name “Kung Fu” was adopted by us with some deeper meaning but we kind of just grew into the name.

I was on the phone with Chris, the bassist, and at the time when Kung Fu formed my two-year-old son was obPanda.”

Ad nauseum he had the movie memorized. As I’m talking on the phone my son comes up to me and says, Fu Panda.” And that’s how the name came to be.

We all kind of kick ass and the music we play kicks ass so “Kung Fu” sort of symbolizes achieving the pinnacle of whatever you are doing.

If you basket weave, basket weaving is your Kung Fu, if you ski, skiing can be your

Burlington in general is very spoiled with bands. It’s an extremely hard place to play because there is so much expectation. Phish blew it out, playing at Nectars and making a name for themselves. playing at Nectars and it is the best feeling in the world to pack a Burlington room.

Coming back here for the me.

VC: play into your musical realm at all? If so, how much?

TS: Even though we are considered to be in the “jam band” realm, in reality there is little improvisation going on. With Kung Fu, everything is really composed.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some solos and parts in some songs that we do do improv on but for the most part, making up music style.

VC: Your second fulllength album “Tsar Bomba” will be released in June of this album is different from your self-titled album in

ent approach to this album?

TS: mer bassist, left the band last summer in July for some personal issues.

We then recruited Chrisamazing talent in which we said “we need to record with you.” Chris being recorded on this album is one of the biggest differences.

Also when we set out on our self-titled album, we had only been a band for eight months at that time, still getting to know each other personally and musically.

This second album “Tsar Bomba,” we are more seasoned. We have been in the van, smelling each other’s farts so we are very familiar.

We just released our sinNigel Hall and Sirius XM radio has been supporting us by playing these singles. It feels really good that the album is being well received.

VC: There is incredible hype surrounding the merging of Twiddle and Kung Fu at you tell me how this show got set up with Twiddle?

TS: The guys from Twiddle lived in the house where I played this show when I was Kung Fu has been in touch with Twiddle for months and decided that Higher Ground would be ideal for Twiddle and Kung Fu to play, espeholiday grand event in Burlington.

We wanted to play a show for all ages, which is what deserve to go see a great show as well. And we all know fake Want more Kung Fu? Check out the entire interview online at vermontcynic. com Kung Fu is coming to the Higher Ground Ballroom on April 20 with coheadliners Twiddle. Tickets are $12.

Weekend Arts

BY SARAH STICKLE

Saturday Apr. 20

Sunday Apr. 21

Joe Adler

Bohemian Blues Quartet

Radio Bean, 8:30 Joe Adler is your friend and mine: talent buyer at the Radio Bean and a singer/ songwriter himself, Joe will delight you with his baritone voice and fun stage presence. In addition to great music all night, the Bean is probably the most other than UVM.

Radio Bean, 7 p.m.

Still have the munchies? Rahave the answer to your problems and great music to go along with it. Check out this local gypsy jazz powerhouse and enjoy delicious brunch without the wait you get at Penny Cluse.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL JANKELSON

Funk fusion quintet Kung Fu poses for a photo. They mix 1970s funk style with modern dance music.

Life

A slice of paradise dished by Glammas Alyssandra Tobin Staff Writer WRUV has two veritable treasure troves of sass and questionable wisdom in the form of the Glammas: DJ Honey aka Clara Flaherty, and Mama Bear aka Kylie Schulze.

The duo donned matching cowboy hats as they threw down what their Glamma experience has taught them about children’s music, Sharon van Etten concerts, and the Jonas Brothers.

If you’re looking for some new rock, or child tunes, check out their show “Glammas in Paradise” Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.

Cynic: So, what kind of music do you usually play?

Mama Bear: We play a whole smorgasbord, a smear on a platter if you will. We dabble in more of the rock genre, and Honey here is more into the blues.

Honey: I like my hip-hop if I’m feeling, hmm…

M: Saucy.

H: Yes, saucy, but usually it’s just honey in your soul.

M: Or occasionally some kid songs if we’re feeling weird.

Cynic: Do you have a favorite album from this year?

M: I’ve really enjoyed the new Foxygen album. It’s pretty cool.

Cynic: When did you

start DJ-ing and when did your show start?

H: Well, we have a history, we got a lotta history.

Freshman year we met and were friends and it was love the radio station and decided to get into it sophomore year together, then Kylie left me second semester, and I left her junior year but now we’re back.

M: Now we’re back and stronger than ever. We needed some time apart but now we’re back, streaming some love through our airwaves, a really steady stream.

H: M: So this is our second show together, it’s part deux of the Glammas if you will.

Cynic: Do you play the same sort of stuff this semester, or have you switched it up?

M: It’s always been a pretty strange mix. The kid music has gotten a bit stronger this semester.

H: Mama Bear works with kids now, so I think it’s a subconscious thing. She needs them around at all times.

Cynic: Have you been to any concerts this year?

H: We went to Sharon van Etten together, what a lady she is.

M: She dedicated a song to you. It was probably one of the greatest moments of my life.

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Seniors Kylie Schulze (left) and Clara Flaherty pose in the CD stacks of the WRUV studio April 16.

H: She called out an audience member and pointed to me, and she dedicated a song to me and then I freaked out and proceeded to turn bright red and sweat a lot.

Cynic: How’s being PR Director?

M: I’m actually stepping down right now; it’s my transition week so that’s pretty sad. Basically I handle all the PR announcements, make

sure they’re FCC appropriate and all. I make fun posters, and I pick the DJs of the month, which is fun. I get to make people feel special.

Cynic: Do you have a guilty pleasure band?

H: We have a mutual guilty pleasure.

M: We both love the song Love Bug by the Jonas Brothers. That guitar riff where they just start rockin’ out, I

think I pulled a hamstring.

H: Yeah, I think they should just be called pleasures if you like them. No guilt. Just pleasure. Simple pleasures.

M: Words of wisdom from Honey.

H: Well, we are Glammas, lots of experience.

M: Mud and gravel.

M: Thanks for accepting our weirdness.

The Burly Grind

Feel good movies JULIA MORENO

When selecting a movie to watch on the upcoming “holiday,” maybe you don’t have the foggiest idea. Wait for it… it will come to you. If not, here’s a list of the top 10 movies (see the full list online) in no particular order to watch when you’re feeling groovy, and lovers.

1. Wristcutters, A Love Story (2006) Don’t be fooled by the serious title. This movie is completely feel-good. When himself in a strange, surreal world where nobody can smile or see the stars.

When he hears his exgirlfriend, for whom he committed the act, has also killed her. This movie will have you thinking about the meaning of life and death in a seriously trippy way.

2. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) This may seem like an obvious tip, but believe me, BRING CANDY. This trip into a crazy candy wonder-

land is just what you’ll need for the lull in activity. Curl up with some jelly beans, chocolate and candy buttons, and revel in the fact that “the snozberries taste like snozberries!” BEWARE: The tunnel scene might just be more than you can take.

3. Pineapple Express (2008) Ah, the mandatory Judd Apatow movie. In this stonSaul run away from angry druglord, Ted, smoking all the way. Pineapple express knows just what to say, “I feel like a, like a slice of butter... melting on top of a big ole pile ing will probably enhance the “connection” you feel to the main characters.

4. Jurassic Park (1993) If you want intense, dinospecial effects, Jurassic Park is a must. Made around the time some of us were born, it is based on the beloved premise of “what if we could bring dinosaurs back to the Earth by using mosquito DNA?” Honestly, just watch Jeff Goldblum and maybe appreciate the line in #3 on the list, “Your Jeff Goldblum impression made me pee my pants.”

“I wish.” Also, it’s currently in 3D in theaters!

The Cynic does not endorse the use of marijuana or other illegal substances.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

7

Knee injury sparks filming inspiration Danielle Goglia Staff Writer Everyone knows UVM’s freeskiing team is talented through watching their various edits, yet many are unthe scenes. First-year Steve winter as the UVM Freeskiing Team’s videographer. season. Throughout the winter he was always willing to spend his days on the moungether great edits showcasing the team.” said senior Max the team.

“It was great to have someone on the team with a passion for videography and who would put in the effort ity edits,” he said. ing a few years ago when his own freestyle skiing was put on hold due to a knee injury. skier when I was younger and ally ended up that year tearing my ACL so I couldn’t do too much,” said Steve. home mountain of Waterville Valley in New Hampshire.

“I had to wait like a certain amount of time for the swelling to go down so I would hike up into the park at Wa-

“I still have the drive because there are still people better than me and even though they’re 1,000 miles away I still want to be better.”

Steve Marshall First-year experience allowed his love his knee healed he continued his friends. more serious when he landed ing team as he entered college.

“It was this year I got the camera I have now and really learned how [it] works and stuff like that and how to control shots,” said Steve.

Jared Nacamp, Senior

the team this year.

“Steve’s videos have helped to highlight all that we have accomplished individually and as a team this year,” said Jared.

Steve documented the team’s progress with his

he said.

Steve explained that this

PHOEBE SHEEHAN The Vermont Cynic

First-year Steve Marshall speaks during an interview in the Davis Center April 14. Marshall had been working as a videographer for the UVM Freeskiing Team since a knee injury put his skiing on hold.

Newschoolers.com.

“Steve’s videos have improved the overall positive exposure of the team. This sodes” that each had a different theme involved. For example, one was focused on pre-season off-hill training while another was focused said Jared. and easy-going.

“His passion for what he does allows him to learn

Breakfast Delivery Service Francesca Parnham Life Editor Students already planning out their munchie meals for ing themselves out of luck Henry Street, a city like Burlington has students’ epic cravings covered, if they don’t mind getting up for it.

But this year, getting an option thanks to UVM’s Breakfast Delivery Service.

“I hate those mornings when you wake up and say and don’t want to leave your house or deal with people,” said junior Hayden Cleverly, ery service crew. “Those are the mornings we are trying to help people avoid.”

The service, which Clevfour friends, currently opgroup that has upwards of co. They then had a friend divide up the per-unit costs.

“We were surprised that things actually worked out and are excited to continue the project,” Cleverly said.

Cleverly said they were

options downtown.

This inspired them to go through with their idea to make home cooked food that they could deliver to friends and fellow students.

Their menu ranges from pancakes— with choices of

cooked however customer

“We take requests and we’ll make your order however you like.”

Hayden Cleverly Junior

variety of different pastries.

Their menu prices range from $4 to $6, which is joints in the area, and delivery service is free. we’ll make your order however you like,” Cleverly said.

She said that although some of her friends were fore they started, they have deemed it a success and have

decided to gear up for this weekend.

Ultimately, they hope to gain UVM student’s seal of approval and continue through the end of the year.

This past weekend sparked only positive feedwas amazing…you ladies got it going on! Thanks for delivering such delicious goodies,” wrote Haleahy Craven.

The praise did not stop there.

“Bacon, sausage, egg, cheese, home fries and hash cious smoothie I’ve ever tasted in my entire life,” wrote David Tinnon. “Couldn’t have asked for more. Worth every penny.”

During last weekend alone the group served over 60 people total. “This weekend, I have no idea. We hope to get to as many as we can,” said Cleverly.

This group offers a few recommendations for timely and accurate service: To order, call or text in ad970-618-6004. Or message fast Delivery Service UVM. Expect a wait time of 20 to 30 minutes. These girls are

directions given to him. I think that’s why he has continued to learn and progress

cause there are still people though they’re 1,000 miles

he said. posts keep him in the loop with freeskiing videos around the world and keep the UVM team competitive nationally.

“The freeskiing team pretty much just gave me the inspiration to keep working ing,” Steve said. low Steve to compare his vid-

said Steve.

Working with the UVM freeskiing team has allowed from freestyle skiing to other action sports. gin working in the UVM stuproducing videos to help them market and promote their student life department.

Best places to chill Many students have their favorite spots on the UVM campus to let loose:

“In a tree or on central. But I prefer to smoke on campus to not bother the Burlington residents,” - Kyle, sophomore “The tree branches along the Redstone “Waterfront, for sure,”-Stella, sophomore “The old stick igloo in the woods behind Mason/Simpson/Hamilton. Rest in Peace,”- Johnny, junior “On the roof of my house,” -Matt, junior “I would say on my front porch. Breathing in the fresh air, and saying hello to strangers,”-Ryan, junior “In front of the police station—the cops would never expect it!” -Bryan, senior “Not many students know about it, but hiking up to Ethan Allen Park at sunset is one of the most scenic places around. It’s a hidden gem,” -Luke, junior “In the oven—at a brisk 200 degrees,” -Brent, junior “It doesn’t matter at all. As long as Fresh

The Cynic does not endorse the use of marijuana or other illegal substances

8

THURSDAY, April 18, 2013

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

9

Protests, police and pot: A history of the 420 gathering at UVM

Continued from page 1

By Ben Plotzker

UVM gets a new image

First signs of change In April 2001 the Summit of the Americas conference was held in Quebec City, Canada, a controversial event because of its connection to the World Trade Organization protest in Seattle the year before.

“Because of the location of the University of Vermont to the interstate system and the amount of intelligence information received about civil disruption and disorder along the travel route, the State of Vermont mobilized all law enforcement agencies to a state of high alert in anticipation of any disruption or disorder,” the UVM website stated.

Former SGA President Bill Tickner wrote an email to the student body on April 12, 2001 to warn students of a potential protest over the Summit of

Americas conference the same day as the annual 420 smoke-in.

“Many of you know that there is an annual unplanned gathering in front of the library on April 20,” Tickner stated. “Whether you hate this event or love it, and whether you plan to go or not, you should know some other issues that converge on that date.”

Despite the warning, 1,500 to 2,500 students gathered on the Bailey/Howe green to celebrate the 420 smoke-in. the University of New Hampshire, Winooski, Burlington and South Burlington came for security purposes, but made no arrests, according to the Burlington Free Press.

The current chief of UVM police

From Spain to Vermont: a Marijuana History

concert was $55,000 and the weekend started off with a speech by direc-

2001 - UVM tightens protest secruity due to Summit of Americas 2004 - More than 800 1990 - UVM Annual Meeting people gather on RedSmoke-In protest begins stone Campus April 20, on Baily/Howe Green three arrests made

1920 - Marijuana Prohibition in U.S. 1611 - Jamestown, Va. English settlers brought marjiuana to the Americas

2004 Arrests

impede attempts made by some to trating and breaking apart some of the denser groups of students.”

Three students were detained and arrested during that event and tried in court by the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, Seven Days

crowds and the presence of other police agencies helped,” Magnant said.

Students still participated in marijuana smoking around campus and at the event, which was put where the gathering had always taken place: Bailey-Howe Green.

Student Aaron Hawley wrote an opinion article for the investigative journalism website Counter Punch event as well as discussing the problems faced by UVM at the time.

Hawley stated that cost of the SpringFest was small change in comparison to administrative efforts to change UVM’s image.

“Fifty-grand is a drop in the bucket for the administration’s larger ‘public relations campaign’ and appeasement of arbitrary threats from Montpelier

to cut funding to the state’s public university,” Hawley stated. “This sort of attitude has failed us, the D.A.R.E. generation, before.”

Thomas Gustafson, vice president of student and campus life, called that year’s 420 event ‘a distraction from what most students are interested in,’ the Burlington Free Press stated.

Other administrators agreed.

“We felt it was not safe, not healthy and not what UVM was about,” said Annie Stevens, vice president for student campus life.

This year, Stevens said she sees the event of 420 as a non-issue for UVM. “As for the topic of marijuana use, UVM is always concerned about the health and safety of our students,” she said.

Sources: PBS.org, Associated Press, The Vermont Cynic, medicalmarijuana.org

1545 - Spain brought marijuana to the New World (Europe)

The 420 story continued in 2004 when students again gathered on April 20, this time to protest the recent police crackdown.

The number of protestors grew to an estimated 800 people by 4:15 p.m., the Cynic reported in 2004.

“The police presence made itself known as they circled the crowd; closely monitoring and video taping the event as it transpired,” the Cynic

Although the University supported a spring concert for years, the term SpringFest was introduced in 2002 to promote a weekend-long event that the administration hoped would deter students from attending the smokein, according to the Associated Press.

“Student leaders and administrators say the university could no longer ignore the annual mass dope-smoking because it has tarnished the school’s image with lawmakers, alumni and private donors,” the AP stated.

The concert was headlined by Vida Blue, which features members from Phish, the Allman Brothers and the Funky Meters, the AP reported.

services, Lianne Tuomey, was given the Meritorious/Exceptional Service Award because of her efforts in 2001 and 2002 in organizing the police forces for the smoke-in, according to UVM Police Services website.

Lieutenant Larry Magnant said that police treat 420 like any other day of the year, with a full time staff working.

The 2001 meeting in Quebec coincidentally landed on April 20 and it drew a large crowd on campus and the city of Burlington, he said.

“It was obvious that there were

reported.

Two of the students, Thomas Wheeler and Nikolai Sears, received a cash settlement of $7,500 from UVM after accusing the University of violating their free-speech rights, according to Seven Days.

Wheeler and Sears both said that the University overstepped its legal authority when it tried to intimidate students with a sizeable police presence at the rally, Seven Days stated.

Right: Students sit and smoke on the Redstone Green April 20, 2012. A similar event is planned for April 20 on Central Campus.

1906 - Required labeling of any cannabis contained in overthe-counter remedies

2002 - SpringFest Concert moved to weekned of April 20 to defuse smoke-in protestors

event planned by students on Central Campus

2012 - Hundreds of students again gather on Redstone Green for 420 event

Where are we now After the arrests in 2004, UVM’s 420 smoke-in lost popularity for a number of years, Magnant said.

The 420 gathering can be referred said. The recognition and acknowledgement of the event was sometimes minute over these years.

“Our goal and mission has been public safety from the start,” Magnant said. “Students are here to learn and it doesn’t matter what calendar day it is.”

In 2007, Conference and Event Services worker Tyler Jividen was few people gathered on the green to smoke marijuana. Those that did gather were watched by a van of po-

“Most people went off campus because they didn’t want to test the bureaucracy of UVM,” Jividen said.

“Most people were not stupid enough to gather in a large group and smoke until the police showed up.”

Jividen said he has been at UVM working and as a student since 2006 and had never seen so many people congregate the way they did in 2012.

As far as 2013 is concerned, Magwait and see.

“This year is a slight difference than years before because of the prevalence of marijuana in the Vermont legislature,” Magnant said. “I don’t know if that will have a bearing, but the subject of marijuana has received more publicity in recent weeks.”

April 16, 2013 - Vt. House passes decriminalization of marijuana bill, passing it on to Senate

Top: Police officers walk across Redstone Green April 20, 2012. Drug violations have increased in recent years, according to UVM Police Services.

Left: Students walk across the Redstone green on April 20, 2012. The 2012 420 gathering was one of the largest at UVM since 2004.

PHOTOS BY TYLER MOGK

STAFF EDITORIAL

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Opinion

America, a nation united in kindness Sometimes it’s hard to be an American.

We have created so many divisions in our society, ranging from politics to religion to sports teams, that make it hard and often saddening to wake up each day and call ourselves a part of an American community.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember what makes us a com-

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in Boston, we couldn’t have made a louder statement of the unity and compassion we share with and for each other.

Thousands of Bostonians opened their homes to those stranded in the city, marathon runners ripped off their clothes to aid the wounds of those injured and some, after 26.2 miles, ran to Mass General to give blood.

Twitter and Facebook lit up with “pray for Boston” hashtags

Illustration by Dana Heng

SATIRE

Just say “no” to the dope

and athletes offered help — former Patriot Joe Andruzzi even carried victims from the scene — and restaurants provided free meals and shelter.

The Yankees even tweeted, ever, “We stand united with the @RedSox.” America spoke with words of kindness and compassion, some willing to do anything possible to comfort those directly affected by the tragic event.

We may be a country built from and prided on our divisions. But underneath it all, we are united.

We share our love just as we share our freedom.

We cry for those we have never met and we do anything in our power to protect those we may never meet.

We are a nation that is inherently good.

The actions of those who care and love make an impact larger than any bomb can.

The unity we have strengthened this week is greater than any partisan divide in Washington or income divide between Wall Street and Main Street.

This unity is rare and it comes from kindness — the kindness of your everyday American, which often seems overshadowed by the cruel misdeeds of the few.

We proved this week that no evil can overshadow the love we have for each other.

That we will stand together as one, rejoicing together in celebration and mourning together in sadness.

We are one nation.

We are one family.

Today, we are all Boston.

W. Bush did in two.

Still, activist judges and state legislators in places like Vermont, Washington and Colorado are trying to legalize it.

In 1970, Congress temporarily labeled marijuana a “Sched-

Even The Atlantic openly spells out the agenda: “That young people tend to favor liberalizing drug laws and labor unions recognize potential new members among pot workers suggests the constituency might be wrapped under the Democratic tent.”

drug with no approved medical purposes. A commission was made to recommend a longterm strategy. For the Chairman position, President Richard Nixon appointed a fellow Republican – former Pennsylvania Governor, Raymond Schaffer.

dent Nixon spelled out the liberal plot: “Homosexuality, dope, immorality in general. These are the enemies of strong societies.

That’s why the Communists and the left-wingers are pushing the stuff, they’re trying to destroy us.”

Potheads try to drain the red, white and blue from young peoples’ hearts and fill their lungs with that heinous green.

lege may cite claims made by The University of Queensland, Australia and The Lancet, an English medical journal.

Their “studies” approximate that roughly nine percent of marijuana users will become dependent, compared with 32 percent for nicotine and 15 percent for alcohol.

Yes, alcohol and tobacco may be more addictive. Forgive my political incorrectness, but young people are more successful in life when they use tobacco and liquor over pot.

In the words of President Nixon; people use marijuana “to get high,” whereas “a person drinks to have fun.”

Those of us who refrain from the activity are mocked for not being “with the times.”

Call me old-fashioned, but I would rather enjoy a beer over dinner with friends than get high off some pot, feeling anxious and drained afterwards. But, if the left has its way, more and more children will be exposed to the dangerous substance.

medical marijuana raids in his

JOSH GACHETTE

The left’s social agenda has hurt America’s youth in the last 40 or so years. It ruined their public schooling and robbed their innocence with sex education classes.

Debt from big government spending is threatening their chance at the American Dream.

Now they are making marijuana available to more kids and in greater potency than ever before. Those of us who want to promote wholesome family values are attacked by the liberal media and leftist university professors.

April 20 is a “holiday” dedicated to celebrating weed — an illegal drug. Potheads’ chronic laziness is clear from the holiday’s common name, “4/20.”

Its adherents shortened the name to three syllables because saying April the twentieth, at a whopping six syllables, requires too much effort for the druggies.

Shocking — liberals who choose not to work!

A recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 52 percent of responders favored legalizing pot use while only 45 percent were opposed.

A 1969 Gallup poll on the same subject revealed just 12 percent favored legalization, while 84 percent were opposed.

Until now, President Obama put his “choom gang” days behind him, presiding over more

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

Just like New York’s 1944 LaGuardia Committee Report and 1894’s Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, the Schafer Commission caved to the left. The report concluded: “Marijuana’s relative potential for harm to the vast majority of individual users and its actual impact on society does not justify a social policy punish those who use it.”

What the report leaves out is that the drug is part of a larger social agenda.

Potheads try to drain the red, white, and blue from young peowith that heinous green. They use drug culture to dumb down the youth into government and union dependent zombies.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

COLUMNISTS

11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

UVM’s integrity challenge Gratitude for Tolkien

CAROLINE DECUNZO

In the past school year, the student environmental organization Student Climate Culture (SCC) has received attention for its effort to convince the administration to divest UVM’s endowment of fossil fuels.

You may have heard about the “how” of divestment from Cynic news articles, the Watertower, or from SCC members in person or on Facebook.

You may also be familiar with other divestment campaigns or other environmental movements that have involved protests, rallies, demonstrations, speak-outs and sit-ins.

While the “how” of divestment certainly takes up a good portion of efforts for activists pursuing a clean energy future, the “why” is at the core of the discussion.

The motivations behind divesting from fossil fuels are both environmental and moral. SCC is, in essence, asking the University to live up to its ethical and ecological mission to build a more progressive, innovative, responsible and green university.

If society continues on a path of destruction for the next eight years, we will warm the planet by +2 degrees Celsius, which will create grave planetary instability and endanger all life on earth.

By the end of the century, we will warm the planet by 5 degrees Celsius, thus ending the planet’s ability to support human life.

The divestment campaign is about saving the lives of those yet to be born, as well as those in the under 30 generation.

I maintain that climate change is about respect and justice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and the responsibility to keep the planet’s life support systems intact.

SCC asks the University to live up to its ethical and ecological mission to build a more progressive, inovative, responsible and green university.

For these reasons, it would certainly be an incredible gain in the future of the earth for us, as a society, to curb our dependence on these destructive energy practices. Instead of promoting destruction, our university should foster creative and innovative processes that will reduce this dependence and pioneer sources of alternative energy.

Over 300 other schools are working toward divestment as well. Middlebury College, St. Michael’s College and Green Mountain College are currently running divestment campaigns, and some schools have already succeeded in developing a plan with the economic body to adjust investments.

The Board of Trustees approval of divesting from fossil fuels will send the message that

we as a university do not support the exploitation of the earth and its people. This does not hold with Our Common Ground Some may argue that this is an economic problem, not a moral problem. Fossil fuels are lucrative here and now, and they are dependable for the time being. Would divestment hurt the endowment of the university?

Would this be a poor economic choice?

Research done by experts says no. The risk for the university being harmed by divesting from fossil fuels is nearly zero.

Fossil fuel resources are also an unprecedented rate and they will not be here forever.

By investing in sustainable practices, we will be aiding in the security of the future of society, and assisting in the innovative practices that will in turn come to our rescue.

There are many factors of a political or environmental campaign that are necessary for the success of the campaign.

One of these factors is numbers. UVM has a large and vibrant campaign, and we as students have the capability to promote change just by getting involved and showing support.

There are many roles to be and time commitment, and all are important.

If you are inspired by this movement and seek to make a positive change for our collective futures, check out our SCC meetings on Monday nights at 6 p.m. in Lafayette, 207.

Caroline DeCunzo is a member of Student Climate culture at UVM as well as a Cynic columnist.

Grass not always greener BIANCA MOHN

When people ask if you go to UVM, a frequent follow up question is “So, you smoke weed?”

In my case, the answer is “no.” As someone who is drugfree, I am often asked why I go to a school that is known for its so-called “cannabis culture” and fondness for getting high.

“Don’t you feel like you’re missing out? Or that you don’t concerned.

To be honest, I’ve never felt deprived or excluded from the UVM experience by not smoking weed. And I believe that there are many people on campus who agree.

It is clear that the stereotype of the average UVM student includes a penchant for marijuana. North Face jacket? Check.

Flannel? Check. Bong? Check.

Add some trees and some snow to the mental image, and voilà, you have UVM students in their natural environment.

It is assumed that when the

weekend roles around, out come the pipes, blunts and joints. But is smoking weed as widespread on campus as people think?

The Cynic conducted a survey last April, and found that only 21 percent of students smoke “often.”

Additionally, while UVM Police Services has reported an increase in drug law violations by 56 percent in the past 10 years, there has not been an increase in the number of students reportedly smoking marijuana.

To be honest, I’ve never felt deprived or excluded from the UVM experience by not smoking weed. And I believe there are many people on campus who agree.

There is a strong culture of smoking at UVM, but that does not mean that it encompasses the majority of students on campus.

It is easy to assume that everyone is high on a daily basis when you see people smoking at the amphitheater or on the Redstone green, but campus surveys suggests otherwise.

The truth about marijuana users at UVM is that they are fairly open about their habits, at times surprisingly so.

The conversations one overhears in the library, in the Marché and walking to class could give anyone the impression that they are perhaps the only person not getting high on the weekends.

For all the talk and the hype, there are plenty of people on campus who go about their everyday lives, neither smoking nor announcing it.

Most of us are easygoing and rather indifferent to whether others choose to smoke or not.

We just don’t choose to smoke personally and do other things rewarding.

As 4/20 is on the horizon, the stereotype of the Birkenstock-wearing, weed-smoking, apathetic student will be reinforced in the perception of UVM campus culture, but that does not mean that it is the standard to which the majority of students hold themselves.

Stereotypes have their amusing qualities, but at the end of the day, it is foolish to apply them to the larger student body

Dear Editor,

We are writing to express our appreciation for both Chris Vaccaro, senior lecturer of English, and to The Tolkien Club at UVM for their outstanding work during the tenth annual Tolkien at UVM conference.

This year’s conference was adversity and administrative apathy.

With no funding from the college, the students of The Tolkien Club offered their time and money to make sure that those guests and lecturers in attendance were provided with coffee and donuts for breakfast and pizza for lunch.

These students took it upon themselves to welcome the Tolkien academics who journeyed to Vermont for the conference.

Their hospitality and generosity was much appreciated by all in attendance.

We offer a tip of the hat to Anders Albertsson, Haley Markosian, Brenden Anderson, Braden Kaiser, Kerry Oster and Corey Dawson for making us feel welcome. We look forward to seeing them again at next year’s conference.

Tolkien at UVM is the only conference of its type that is held annually on the East Coast. As such, it is an event that has been attended by such Tolkien luminaries as: Dr. Michael D.C. Drout, Prof. of English, Wheaton College Dr. Jonathan Evans, Associate Prof. of English, University of Georgia Dr. Verlyn Flieger, Prof. of English Emerita, University of Maryland Dr. Thomas Alan Shippey,

Prof. of English Emeritus, Saint Louis University Dr. Michael Neill Stanton, Associate Prof. of English Emeritus, University of Vermont and many other noted academics from many other institutions including Middlebury, Rice and Harvard.

These academics are a veritable “who’s who” of Tolkien studies. They and many other independent scholars gather at this conference to share their thoughts and ideas about Tolkien’s legendarium.

Of particular importance is the presentation of papers by students of Tolkien Studies under the scholarship of Chris Vaccaro.

As Tolkien Studies is one of the only academic areas that allow for independent scholars to be actively involved in scholarship, this platform for their work should not only be encouraged but eagerly supported by the administration at UVM. Chris Vaccaro should be congratulated for organizing the annual Tolkien at UVM conference for the past ten years.

It is our hope that future conferences will be well-funded by the administration at UVM and that, once again, academics from all walks of life will gather to hear the thoughts of both the current and next generation of Tolkien scholars.

Sincerely, Andrew C. Peterson, ALB candidate, Harvard ’14 Mark Kaminsky, MIT/Lincoln Laboratory; ALB cum laude, Harvard ’10 Erik Mueller-Harder, Vermont Softworks; ALB cum laude, Harvard ’99

CONTROVERSIAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“AT LEAST 30 MEMBERS OF AN AFGHAN WEDDING PARTY WERE KILLED AND MANY MORE WOUNDED WHEN A U.S. PLANE BOMBED A VILLAGE IN THE CENTRAL PROVINCE OF URUZGAN TODAY, AFGHAN OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS SAID.” While the events in Boston are unfortunate and awful, this excerpt from an article written in 2002 on the U.K.’s Daily Mail website raises questions about our own nation’s innocence (if these bombs were in fact acts of terrorism from outside the U.S.). What’s the Golden Rule again?

Quick Opinion It is universally accepted that all Burlington cab drivers are absolutely crazy.

Bianca Mohn For those of you who are fools for a kick-ass female heroine, you should totally watch the ‘80s flick, The Legend of Billie Jean.

Jacob Lumbra

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d i st r act i o n s

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

This week in

Ages Distractions: Middle 1066 to 1485

By Hope Olszewski, Staff Writer Across 2. Useful for seeing animals from a distance 5. Herbivorous animals 7. Hydration source for animals 9. Popular car for safaris 11. “Safari Hat” 13. Know for its long neck 17. This cartoon family went on safaris to learn about wildlife 18. A feline known for its speed 19. Striped animal 20. Animal hunted for food Down 1. A way the public can become educated on the ecosystems and animal kingdoms 3. Horned animal found in Africa 4. Area with scattered trees 6. Animals relying on catching other animals to eat 8. Swahili word for “journey”

Answers to last week’s crossword: Blown Away 1. Rain 3. Rainbow 5. Hail 7. Drizzle 8. Cloud 10. Tornado

11. Fog 13. Heat index 15. Muggy 17. Thunder 19. Wind

Down 2. Aurora Borealis 4. Thermometer 6. Blizzard 9. Drought 12. Barometer

14. Eye 16. Snow 18. Hurricane

Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

By Jenna Bushor, Distractions Editor

A giraffe can run up to 34 miles per hour.

Elephants are herbivores and range from 5,000 to 14,000 lbs.

July through October is a popular time for tourists to visit South Africa for a safari.

Hippopotamuses can reach a speed of approximately 25 miles per hour on land.

Sources: Africa-wildlifetonpost.com Illustrations by Laurel Saldinger

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12. Uninhabited rural areas full of vegetation in South Africa and Australia 14. Popular safari destination 15. Place that cares for animals in need 16. Hunters who want to kill animals for things like their tusks or fur

Sports

Lax heads to tournament, lacking win seasons. This season they have beaten Syracuse and Hopkins both on the road.

Lyle Thompson has the green light to the cage whenever he gets the ball, which has paid off for the Great Danes, as he leads the nation in scoring.

Harford – Posting a 6-5 overall record, the Hawks are

Josh Aronson Staff Writer Saturday afternoon, the Catamounts hosted the number 12 team in the country, the Albany Great Danes.

Albany was coming off a win against conference rival Hartford, and earlier in the week the Great Danes beat storied program Johns Hopkins Blue Jays.

Albany has proven to be road tested this year and this held true against Vermont, as Albany used an explosive second half to beat the Cats 21-11.

Albany moved to 9-3 overall and 3-0 in America East play, while Vermont moved to the contrary 3-9 and 0-3 in America East play. tough with the Great Danes and were able to head into halftime tied 5-5 with goals from senior attacker Drew Philie, junior attacker Graham Horvath and leton. However, the second half was a different story. “Albany is playing as good as anyone in the country right now, and we were hanging with them said. “If we can play like that the rest of the way, I think we have a great shot to get into the AmeriAlbany was fueled by the nations leader in points-per-game, Lyle Thompson, who matched his season average of 7, scoring 5 goals and adding 2 assists.

Lyle’s cousin and teammate, Ty

two games of the regular season.

After beating Binghamton 11-3 this past weekend, they have a huge matchup against for the second seed in the tournament.

UMBC – The Retrievers are currently 5-6 coming off an impressive win against Stony Brook last weekend, 13-12.

With only an overtime thrilling 15-14 loss at Hartford,

ALICIA ACCETTA The Vermont Cynic First-year goal tender Justin Rosenberg shows his dissapointment following the Catamount’s 21-11 loss against the University of Albany Great Danes April 13. UVM will have an away game at Binghamton University April 20.

Thompson, scored 5 goals along with 1 assist. Albany outscored Vermont 16-6 in the second half.

Horvath and Philie have been the two most consistent in earning points for the Cats this year, and against the Great Danes, Horvath had 4 goals and 1 assist, while Philie added 4 goals himself. “Each conference game is

against important and we let this one slip out of reach in the The Cats will travel to face the Binghamton University Bearcats this Saturday, April 20 ence win of the season.

This matchup will be the ular season.

America East Tournament Preview: Projected top 4 seeds: 1) Albany 3-0 2) Hartford 2-1 3) UMBC 2-1 4) Stony Brook 1-2 Albany – Albany has by far been the most consistent and most well-rounded team in the conference for the past few

for an America East title and will rely on veteran coaching and senior leadership to carry them forward.

Stony Brook – Stony Brook could be a dark horse heading into this year’s America East Tournament.

They are 6-7 overall, however, at times show to be an extremely explosive team, scoring 10 goals or more in every game this year with the exception of one.

Jeff Tundo leads the Seawolves with 51 points and is power offense. Don’t be surprised to see Stony Brook upset Albany down the stretch.

athleteconfessions Taylor Feuss Sports Editor

5708. Kylie Atwood is incredibly pretty/ smokin’/beaut/etc. Plus she’s a mad baller. What’s not to love?? Get at me, girl... Haha 5950. to the sexy hockey player with the manly stache who was in fantasy before tolkein (I think English 40) last semester, I never learned your name but I wish I did‌ur hawt 6787. Alan Nguyen ;) he is a Tennis hottie 5967. Colby Cunningham you look strikingly like Hunter Parrish, which make you incredibly hot!!

320. the quidditch team is probably the best looking team on campus. Especially john bruce.

Like - Comment - Share

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14

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

S PO RTS

This Is My Will

Spotlight injuries to bench pro athletes WILL HAGEDORN

Sports injuries are nothing new. They are presumably as old as sports themselves. Although getting injured has proven to be a constant in athletics, been especially apparent in the national sports-media recently.

Some sports are more forgiving on the human body than others, but each and every one has their own unique injury concerns (yes, even golf).

There has been a myriad of NBA injuries suffered this season and last, including a concerning number of knee and leg injuries.

Notably, these have affected two star point guards: Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics and Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. Both Rondo and Rose endured severe ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, and have had to miss entire seasons while going through the arduous process of major surgery recovery.

The amount of serious injuries to NBA players has been staggering of late, and when superstars get badly hurt and cannot perform for a year or more, the national media beings to take notice.

Derrick Rose is perhaps the most intriguing case, as he is a former MVP for the Chicago Bulls and a point guard with a freakish combination of athleticism and skill. Rose was thought to possibly be the heir

to Michael Jordan, in Chicago and elsewhere. His knee injury occurred in the spotlight of the playoffs, and such disability truly saddens me, as I know how it feels.

My own personal experience allows me an informed perspective on such predicaments.

Rose’s reluctance to return to play has been widely questioned; criticized by some.

My third shoulder surgery was basketball related, and the prospect of me playing basketball just ten or eleven months after my operation is absurd; simply being able to hold a job was a struggle until very recently.

Needless to say, sports have hurt me badly. Recently I visited my orthopedic surgeon, with a torn meniscus I suffered in my knee. Naturally we began to chat, and the topic of Kevin Ware came up. My doctor hypothesized regarding the seemingly freak injury.

He said that often times human being have cysts in their bones that occur naturally. He compared the formation and growing of bones in the human body to the creation of glass, where bubbles can sometimes form.

I have dislocated my shoulders approximately 30 times, occasions occurred playing pickup basketball at the UVM Rec Center. These injuries were so severe that I required an ambulance and a stretcher, as I lied on

the ground in pain, and was then transported to the ER to have a doctor wrench my shoulder back into its socket.

Sports safety has become a staple of our national converthis has been the NFL as football has grown drastically in popularity in the past several decades and is now the most watched professional sport.

It also happens to be extremely violent by nature. Apt comparisons have been made to ancient Rome, the implication being that NFL players are modern day gladiators who battle and get hurt for our entertainment.

I do not disagree, yet even the NFL has become more progressive in protecting its players, especially regarding head injuries. In any sport, however, prevention has its limits.

Orthopedic injuries will happen in sports. When they happen to players in the spotlight of the national media, such as in the case of Kevin Ware, they have the potential to increase awareness, but little else differs.

At the risk of sounding bitter, at least star athletes whose injuries capture the media’s spotlight have great health insurance. My medical debt will hang over my head for the next decade. Dwight Howard can afford that shoulder surgery he will be having in the off season.

Kevin Ware is expected to recover, with a similar timeline

Illustration by Austin Grant that has applied to my own surgeries; roughly one year with a heavy amount of physical therapy throughout. I hesitate to use the term “full recovery” because I know from experience that is never the case with such a serious injury/surgery.

His body, like mine, will be changed forever. However he is fully expected to eventually play basketball for Louisville again.

The words of Kevin Ware, to his teammates, following his injury were to simply “win the game”.

In honor of Ware, that’s exactly what they did, all the way to the number one spot. With the heart and determination that Ware has he will be out on the court using his talent not his words to win that spot again next season.

Summer in New Hampshire?

Knock out a few classes while you’re home.

Did you know that as a New Hampshire resident you can take classes at UNH at the in-state tuition rate?

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15

16

S PO RTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Sometimes I Wonder

Policy too mild?

COLIN HEKIMIAN

Penalties for drug use in professional sports are far too lenient. Steroids and use of other illegal drugs put the integrity of sports into question, and often without consequence.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said, “Under our current drug program, if you are caught using steroids and/or amphetamines, you will be punished.

“Since 2005, every player who has tested positive for steroids has been suspended for as much as 50 games.”

Wow, 50 games! This guy

ALICIA ACCETTA The Vermont Cynic

Cats pocket invite win Stu Laperle Staff Writer The University of Vermont men’s and women’s track and Va. April 13, to compete against more than 1,200 student athletes from 37 schools.

The participants converged at George Mason Stadium for the Mason Spring Invitational.

The highlight of the sunny afternoon for the Catamounts came when Junior Nika Ouellette convincingly won the women’s javelin with her throw of 47.71 meters, surpassing the next best distance by nearly three meters.

Ouellette looked to defend her consecutive titles as America East Field Performer of the Week by posting her fourth furthest mark of her career [best was 49.98 meters].

This was also Ouellette’s second best throw of the early season which traveled slightly shy of her 48.20 meter toss at the Texas Relays in Austin, Tx. In other throwing events, Junior Charlotte Mintzer threw for 46.44 meters, which earned her the sixth overall position for the women’s hammer throw.

Senior Mary Krug placed

seventh in pole vault by clearing a total height of 3.60 meoverall in the triple jump with a distance of 11.12 meters.

For the track events, UVM Moyer returned to her home 3000-meter event with a time of 11:09.44, earning her the fourth best time in her event.

In the 5000-meter event, the seventh best mark with a time of 17:40.94, while senior Sarah Bryan captured eighth Hurd with a time of 17:49.75.

Junior Tess Cioffredi placed 13th in the 400-meter dash with her time of 1:03.24. year Ed Simon cleared 4.45 meters pole vaulting which created a tie for ninth place.

Colby Cunningham and junior Aaron Tenney both managed to clear a height of 1.94 meters, landing both the Vermont natives in a tie of 10th position.

Elsewhere in the men’s jumping events, senior Dan Ciaished in a tie for 13th in the long jump.

First-year Isaac de la Bruere threw the javelin 52.42 meters, earning him 11th overall in the competition.

On the track, senior Mitchell Switzer jumped the 400-methe outdoor season and earned completing the event in 54.53 seconds.

First-year Ben Greenwald ran the 400-meter dash in 49.01 seconds and placed 14th overall. Junior Aaron Szotka ran his 5000-meter race in 15:07.25 and placed 15th in the event.

The Catamounts are now focusing on their upcoming competitions this weekend.

A number of UVM athletes will prepare to travel to Walnut, Calif for the Mt. San Antonio College relays which will commence on Thursday (April 18), and Friday (April 19), followed by the Beach Invitational on Saturday (April 20).

The remainder of the UVM men’s and women’s track and Stony Brook and Middlebury Invitationals on Saturday.

test positive for any type of drugs you might have to miss as much as a third of the regular season! kee Brewers, Ryan Braun is still reaping the rewards of a $145 million contract after snaking his way through a positive test in 2011.

When Braun’s urine sample was tested, it showed Braun had a greater than 20-to-1 ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone, two hormones in the body that should appear in roughly equal amounts in the body.

Anything above a result of 4-to-1 is considered a positive result. The only reason why Braun won his appeal in 2011 was because the sample collector kept his urine in his refrigerator before he shipped it, for some strange reason.

Then in 2013 his name appeared once again in a Miami New Times report where he mance Enhancing Drugs providing clinic Biogenesis. It can’t be proven without a doubt that Braun took steroids, but where Former San Fransisco Giant Melky Cabrera tested positive for testosterone and was only suspended 50 games. Then he was rewarded in the offseason with a $16 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays even though everyone knows he is a cheat.

So if Major League Baseball wants to keep pretending that they want to eliminate steroid use in the sport, they should institute harsher penalties.

An alternative option would be to go all in and have a league of herculean hitters that look like Bane from The Dark Knight Rises launching home runs 700 feet into the stands.

At least start off with a yearlong suspension without pay for

still playing, virtually unscathed

by MLB. Don’t reward a known cheater. As a Yankee fan, I would absolutely love if it was possible to void the remaining 5 years and $114 million on Alex Rodriguez’ contract for steroid use. But it won’t happen.

With the NFL draft coming up, concerns about talented defensive back Tyrann Mathieu’s marijuana use have come up.

While it is an issue since he failed more than 10 drug tests, there are more pressing issues in sports.

Alcohol abuse has also become a serious problem in the NFL. Countless NFL players have been charged with DUIs. Most notably Cowboys’ nose tackle Josh Brent killed his teammate while drunk driving.

Marijuana is a much smaller issue. Michael Phelps was vililowing the 2008 Olympics, after a photo of him using a bong went viral.

In response, the U.S. Olympic Committee stated it was disappointed in Phelps’ behavior.

Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people,” the USOC said in a statement.

USA Swimming said its Olympic champions are looked up to by their many fans, especially young athletes who have their own dreams.

Michael Phelps didn’t ask to become a role model. He’s just good at swimming. He doesn’t owe the young athletes anything, and they certainly shouldn’t idolize him less.

His personal life shouldn’t factor into their admiration, his performance should. America forced him to become a role model because of the celebrity worship in this country. Phelps never tested positive for PEDs. He won eight gold medals.

Smoking marijuana certainly didn’t hurt his performance in the 2012 Olympics, as he became the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Living so much of their lives in the public eye makes being fessional athletes.

Some drugs have proved to be more detrimental for athletes and their performances on and Fans should remember that these athletes are human, they make mistakes, regardlewss they still remain talented players that followers may still look up to and admire for such talents.

should be a lifetime ban. But too much from steroid use to do it.

Selig says that steroid use is virtually non-existent today.

This year Ryan Braun, Melky Cabrera, Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz and Gio Gonzalez have all been linked in the Miami New Times report about steroids.

Commissioner Bud Selig claims to be tough on steroid use. But all of those guys are

Illustration by Austin Grant