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Dobra expands page 5
The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883
Burlington bridged to the Bronx
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Kiley Falcone Staff Writer In another effort to diversify UVM’s predominantly white student body, the University has given students from some of New York City’s poorest and most multiethnic boroughs the opportunity to expand their college options through the Urban Partnership program. The program was created as a collaboration between the University and three schools in the Bronx and one in Manhattan in order to give collegeplanning support to inner-city students from New York. These high school students are given opportunities to visit UVM and then are encouraged to apply to the University during their senior year, said Director of Admissions Beth Wiser. “From the perspective of the schools, we are providing an opportunity for students to become familiar with a college option outside of New York State,” said Deborah Gale, assistant director for UVM admissions in the Manhattan region. While UVM has made some progress in increasing its overall multiethnic population—UVM’s minority undergraduate has increased from about 4.6 percent in 2011 to approximately 10.4 percent today— the reality is that Burlington and the Bronx could not be more different. Burlington’s population is one of the least diverse in the country, with only 22.3 percent of its population reporting itself as belonging to any race besides Caucasian. By contrast, the Bronx county has a minority population of 50.8 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau reports from 2011. gram, staff from the University is sent to work with students in the ninth grade for about two days, Gale said. “The schools identify areas they want us to cover with their students when we visit,” Gale said. The staff then works with these students each year, teaching them about the apand time management. Students get the chance to visit the University in ninth, 11th and 12th grades.
See Bronx on page 3
“Some emcees don’t like to leave the stage. They don’t want to be touched or brush against people, but fuck all that, that’s not what hip hop is about.” -GZA Page 8
Coming soon: Waterman’s sidewalk Senior Staff Writer Students who have wondered where the sidewalk went may be glad to know that ongoing renovations to the Waterman building are nearing completion. Since February, construction crews have worked on that have caused the building’s in the past, Vice President of Finance and Administration Richard Cate said. With a $781,521 price tag according to budget estimates provided by Cate, the project is not cheap. But he said he is optimistic it will be well worth the investment. “We’ll have an indestructible surface, we’ll catch the water, and it’ll look a lot better,” he said. During a tour of the construction site last week, Cate said Waterman’s porous stone foundation— unlike the concrete foundations that many newer buildings have—is to blame for the problem. Previously, storm water runoff falling from the roof would saturate the ground and seep through the cracks of Water-
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man’s foundation. A new drainage system has been designed to capture this excess water. The current project also includes a cosmetic upgrade to the front of the building. “Students had learned their geometry, and knew that the shortest distance between the two points was a straight line,” Cate said, referring to the dirt paths that cut diagonally across the lawn area. “So, we decided that if that’s the way that everyone wants to walk, then that’s were we would put the sidewalks,” Cate said. Architectural blueprints of the new design show two walkways extending diagonally from the South Prospect Street sidewalk toward the concrete patio in front of the building. Although Cate said the projstudents, some feel like the construction has been an inconvenience that has taken too long. “It’s annoying to not have sidewalks and needing to walk on the road,” sophomore Alexandra Desenzo said. “But the good part is it’s always a good excuse for being late to class.” Cate said he expects the project to be completed in time for commencement events scheduled for mid-May.
NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic Worker Richard Munson carries sandbags while renovating the Waterman building April 4. The project is expected to be completed by May.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
CRIME LOG Lauren Drasler Staff Writer
March 27 7:50 p.m. A shuttle bus driver called police services to report a group of people throwing near Patrick Gym. No one was in the vicinity when police arrived.
11:13 a.m.
Hall staff in Christie Hall reported an odor of marijuana coming from a dorm room. When police arrived they were able to identify where it was coming from and drug from students in the room.
March 28 8:33 a.m. A student’s car was broken into while parked in the Davis Hall parking lot. The student reported that his/her car window had been smashed in with a chunk of asphalt and a GPS unit had been taken. No this incident.
12:56 p.m. A student reported that her iPhone had been stolen from Patrick gym. The student was studying at a desk and left her phone and laptop unattended for a few minutes. When she came back her phone was gone.
Plug pulled for campus cable Kevin Santamaria Staff Writer The Department of Residential Life has decided to cut television cable on campus starting next fall after a survey administered in February showed that not many students are using it. The survey, open to the whole residential population, showed that 56 percent of responders watched television for 30 minutes or less in a typical day and zero minutes was the most frequent response. ResLife plans on “improving and building upon its wireless infrastructure to ensure that students have the internet capability to do both academic and social related activities on their computer,” according the survey. Inter-Residence Association president Joe Oteng said that UVM will save $200,000 by cutting cable and that it was inevitable considering how many students watch TV online or “Students are watching television online,” Oteng said. “While still in the initial stagand Hulu are being looked into to provide students an alternative.” Local channels like Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS would still be available, in addition to plans of adding televisions with more channels in common rooms, Oteng said.
“Watching television is a communal activity, anyway,” he said. IRA Director of Social Programing, sophomore Eric Davis said that instead of spending the money on cable, it would be better used to increase Internet bandwidth. “Instead of spending money something only a small percentage of the population uses we are going to increase bandwidth and that is something everyone can enjoy,” Davis said. First-year Scott Maynard said he would not be surprised if UVM saw an increase of students illegally streaming television shows. “The money UVM saves from getting rid of cable may end up going toward increased appeals for students who get caught pirating,” Maynard said. “For the amount of money we pay to go this school it really bothers me when they try to cut cost like this. “All it takes is four out-of state students to pay for cable,” he said. First-year Keith Kennett said taking cable away would be unnecessary. “Cable is already wired into the buildings,” Kennett said. “This is simply an outrage, and I do not support it at all. “UVM has no problem wasting money elsewhere.”
From February 3-24, 2013, the residential population was invited to complete a satisfaction survey by the Department of Residential Life. 40% responded. Here are some of the results. Do you have a TV in your residence hall room?
Yes-56%
No-44%
Do you watch UVMtv (cable channels 2,12,23 and or 65)
Yes-6%
No-94%
Do you watch online TV or video content in your residence hall room using a computer, smart TV, or some other device?
Yes-86%
No-14%
What methods do you use to connect to the network from your residence hall room? Select all that apply.
Wireless connection-81% Ethernet Cord/Not-19% How do you prefer to watch TV or video content?
TV-16% Comp. SP, or tablet-19%
March 29 1:51 a.m. Allen House parking lot on a nightly patrol when she spotted two students walking near Bittersweet House. After observing the students for a few minutes, it became apparent that one of them was going to cer was able to stop the incident from occurring and sent both students on their way.
Results from the Resident Satisfaction Survey
AUSTIN GRANT The Vermont Cynic
“It is clear based on the survey results that cable television is woefully under utilized by the residential-student population and that broad-band wireless use for TV and movie content is becoming the new norm.” -Survey Summary
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UVM increased its minority student population from 4.6 percent to 10.4 percent over 12 years
...continued from page 1
When the Urban Partnership Program began in 2001, UVM worked with only the Christopher Columbus high school. The program enrolled 13 Working with the ALANA center, the students from the even when certain incidents on campus presented a disturbing challenge to the University’s diversity efforts. That same year, a student his dorm room and refused to take it down, even after the administration demanded it be removed, a Vermont Quarterly article stated. An alumnus named Alex Wilcox, who was the director of business development at JetBlue airways in 2001, persuaded his CEO at the time to provide 200 annual free tickets for students, faculty and admissions staff participating in the program. This has contributed to an overall budget for the partnership program that totals about $12,000 annually. “It is important to create a diverse student body and these schools help provide that diversity,” Wiser said. “More importantly the schools are committed to helping their students attend college and we are happy to be one of those schools that are their choices.”
More than 200 students from the program have enstarted, Wiser said. One of these
students,
from Christopher Columbus he gained a great opportunity from the program. to visit the University after an essay he submitted freshman year of high school stating why he wanted to participate in the program was chosen as one of the best. portunities for me,” he said. “If I didn’t come to visit, I wouldn’t have even considered UVM. It basically brought these schools into mind, and I became familiar with what they had to offer.’ “Personally I love it here and I know other people who have gone through the same program and they love it too. It’s a great program honestly.” Most recently, the Urban Partnership Program took 29 students in the fall of 2012, Gale said. The program has added two additional high schools to its program: Gary Comer Charter Prep in Chicago and Mastery
Admitted Applied
lon’s removal from campus in fall 2012, a few former brothers -
its conception. “We were committed to improving the local community as a whole,” he said. has collaborated with UVM’s -
to assist others in understanding their surroundings through promoting environmental awareness, community service, philanthropic expeditions and “The founding members consisted of like-minded individuals with a subset having with Greek life,” club president Kevin Kohlmorgen said. “The club has expanded to its current state and all that are interested in bettering the University are encouraged to join.”
Through
their
relation-
worked on promoting their signature events for the University, which included selling over 800 tickets for the Kohlmorgen said. a part of the Global Warming “The event was a total success as students and professionals were able to start the discussion of climate change and what we could do about it,” Kohlmorgen said.
and events to educate students and implements community service and civic engagement Burlington, Kohlmorgen said. “The club has partnered tions both on and off campus to better the relationship between the Burlington and UVM Community,” he said. The club joined with United Way for Chittenden County and worked on their Ethan Allen Homestead to clean the natural parks regions, he said.
2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Greening for ex-Greeks Lauren Giery Assistant News Editor
Urban Partnership Program enrollment, per 10 students
an important club. been one of the leading groups at UVM for community service and environmental education,” he said. For the rest of this year, with the North Country Animal League and partner with tions for the annual Green Up Day.
=10 students
Life
Studying abroad gets wild with NOLS Danielle Goglia Cynic Correspondent For nearly 48 years, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) has taught technical outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental ethics. It offers an alternative to a traditional UVM study abroad program, but the lessons learned do not take place in a classroom. Although NOLS began as a backpacking program, they have included a diverse list of courses that specialize in skills from rock climbing to kayaking. With NOLS’ notoriously outdoor oriented curriculum, it is natural that it has atof UVM students. Included on the list of students is sophomore Izzy Lazarus. Izzy recently attended a NOLS program based out of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. “I saw NOLS as an opportunity to break the boundaries of traditional academics and challenge myself physically and mentally. I knew that whatever course I chose, I would be taken to a wild and extraordinary place.” Lazarus said. Students enrolled in the school are granted the opportunity to work with some of the most passionate educators in outdoor leadership.
Izzy said the NOLS professors take pride in teaching, spending one-on-one time with students, and love their jobs. “The instructors are knowledgeable; the scenery is jaw dropping and the learning is endless,” Lazarus said. Dan Hobbs, a junior at Champlain, participated in a program on Drystale River in Australia and agreed that the instructors deserve praise. His instructor was a former electrical engineer from Barcelona. “He decided to quit and become a NOLS instructor. He’s been traveling the world since,” Hobbs said. In addition to working with uplifting teachers, NOLS students get to travel some of the most remote areas in the world. They experience handson training and acquire immense information in regards to environmental ethics. For a school that now reaches hundreds of people, some may be surprised it bgan as the vision of just one man. In 1960, instructor Paul Petzoldt sought to bring students to the wild. Petzold’s objective of NOLS went beyond typical concrete education. The curriculum is based on not only technical skills, but leadership as well. “From day one, the instructors begin to step back
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE HAAG The Vermont Cynic
Students of National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) rest at the Wind River Mountain Range in Wyo. June 2012. NOLS teaches students outdoor skills, leadership and environmental ethics. and let the students run the course,” Lazarus said. Hobbs said that he grew as a person from his experience in Australia. “Throughout the trip there are times where you feel unsure, incompetent, and unprepared but you need to persevere because at the end of the day you have what it takes,” said Hobbs.
Life is Good
JOHNNY SUDEKUM
Burly places worth a longboard cruise You’d have to be blinder than Scooby Doo’s Velma Dinkley without her glasses on to miss spring on the horizon. Snow is melting, the earth is turning-let’s turn our wheels with it. As snowboards and skis freturn to their places in storage, longboards emerge to rekindle the nostalgia in carving turns. While ski-mountains are nearly a 45-minute drive from campus, longboarding hills are smack-dab in the middle of Burlington. More than a mode of transportation, longboarding has forged its way into UVM’s culture alongside Ben & Jerry’s and mason jars. Whether you’re more talented than Otto from Rocket Power on a board or as clumsy as Squid, anyone can enjoy a little time on a board. For those of you who feel more comfortable on your board than walking on your own two feet, Burlington
hosts hills ranging from steep to mellow, short to long. A gem in its long and consistent downslope, Henry Street offers about 1000 feet
party trains, Carrigan Drive has your name all over it. By starting your descent towards the back entrance of Jeffords Hall, you’ll have 1500 feet of
tends to be low in this spot but eventually it intersects the usually busy North Willard Street. To add to the beauty of Henry Street is the deli that sits toward the bottom of the hill. Henry Street Deli offers classic sandwiches just like mom used to make with all the standard market accouterments from Oreos to Arizona Iced Tea – a perfect refresher after a long run in which you may or may not have wiped out. While it’s not uncommon for Henry Street to attract a solid amount of skaters on a bluebird day, just parallel is its twin, Loomis Street. Loomis offers all the beauties of Henry Street, excluding the pleasures of a market at the bottom. If you’re looking for mini-
Looking for more gnar? Or a hill steeper than both our in and out-of-state tuition? Set your gaze on none other than Battery Street, right next to Lake Champlain. While you feel more badass than Brink when you skate down, this hill is ruggedly steep and usually packed with cars. Problem. That’s why if you’re going to attempt Battery, pick an less sketchy than the hockey house. Of course a helmet can throw off your steez - if you’re going for that - but it does a good thing, you know? Helmets are a lot like condoms, it’s better to be caught with one than without one in a time of need.
NOLS prides itself on placing students outside of their comfort zones and challenging them in ways a traditional study abroad program does not, according to its mission statement. Within this, NOLS does not allow cell phone use. Hobbs and Lazarus both said that NOLS was hard work, but it was worth every
her experience describing each day as “an unforgettable memory of hardship, beauty, excitement and learning.” “Absolutely, whether they had one day in the backcountry or 50, I would strongly recommend a NOLS program,” Lazarus said.
Want to get out of the classroom?
Spend a semester outside with SUNY-ESF Live and learn in the heart of the Adirondack Park Earn 15 credits during a semester at ESF’s Newcomb Campus Immerse yourself in Adirondack issues while you study: Sustainable Development Environmental Ethics and Culture Research Methods Diverse Perspectives on a Common Landscape Using Past Experience to Inform Future Management
Got questions? Contact Paul Hai at 518-582-4551 or email: pbhai@esf.edu
www.esf.edu/nfi/ars/
Illustration by Vicky Mooney
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
5
The Bite
ISABELLA BROWNE LORCHER
Dobra expansion unveiled Saturday For a small town, Burlington has the activity of a bustling city. But if you’re like me, running around to classes and jobs has you worn out. Salvation isn’t far. Dobra Tea can ease your mind and slow down time. I went down to the Bank ing a place to drown the baggage of the week in chamomile and chai. The moment I walked in I was greeted by a soft-spoken attendant who invited me to sit anywhere from a small wicker chair by the window to a table and lamp. You’d think that a menu devoted to tea would be shorter than a text message, but the menu at Dobra is nearly a novel. It’s easy to get lost in the descriptions of each tea, from where it was grown to when it is best to drink. I had the Sweet Smell Of Jerusalem tea. It was billed as a black tea infused with cinnamon, giving it a sweet aroma. When the tea arrived, the scent of cinnamon was present, but not in the way most of our noses are used to. It smelled similar to apple pie before it was baked when
ERIKA HURTH The Vermont Cynic
the freshly cut tart apples are sprinkled with heavy cinnamon. I sipped my tea in contented silence. Pleasantly, the tea was bitter and fruity at the same time, with an underlying hint of sweetness. The shop was mostly empty. There was soft Himalayan music playing and customers murmuring in pleasant undertones. Everything from the calming music to
the soft light created an irresistibly relaxing atmosphere. Although the tea was inexpensive and the crowd minimal, Dobra’s business must be booming because they have recently acquired the space next door, previously used by the small deli Mad Hatter. The new space was long overdue. “We have always felt crowded,” Stacy, Dobra’s owner, said. With this
in mind, it was carefully designed. “We view [Dobra] as a community center. Ultimately, we wanted to preserve the serenity,” she said. It is set to open this Saturday. While it won’t have addiwith everything you’ll need to make tea at home. This space will be retail-based where cups and pots to mugs and their loose-leaf teas.
“This has been a great opportunity to take retail out of the tearoom,” Stacy said. Additionally, this new space will provide Dobra with the resources to start a food to-go program. They are going for a “global street food” theme with the essence being an “indoor street cart.” town Saturday afternoon, Dobra’s grand opening party is from 1 to 6 p.m.
Burlington Segway tours roll over city Francesca Parnham Life Editor
FRANCESCA PARNHAM The Vermont Cynic
Vermont residents take a tour via segway March 29. Burlington Segways is a segway adventure center located in Milton, Vt.
When you meet Rick Sharp, the owner of Burlington Segways, the word “disabled” does not immediately come to mind. But a bad leg injury that stemmed from a paragliding accident sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in Sharp. After his accident, he was no longer able to do the same things he loved – like riding a bike, for example. With his wife Ruth’s support, the couple opened a Segway adventure center, Sharp Park, in Milton near their home. This 101 acre ecology preserve is home to a Christmas tree farm, maple sugar grove, and forest conservation land. This is where the couple decided to bring Segways ten miles south of Milton, to Burlington. Burlington Segways opway. They offer one and two hour Segway tours of Burlington, mostly focusing on using the bike path. Segways have opened up a new door for Rick, or perhaps
reopened an old one. Since getting involved with Segway, Rick has been able to travel and see the world through Segway tours, despite his handicap. During our interview, Sharp insisted I have the Segway experience, describing it as “unique and fun.” As he steps on his, and helps me step onto mine – is apparent in his smile as he speeds up and down the bike path. This summer will be their right marketing and their newly hired interns from a Vermont job agency, Vermont Business’s for Social Responsibility, they are hoping for success. Sharp played an active role in the early 1980s to build the Waterfront Bike Path that runs along Lake Champlain. Currently, they have been issued a temporary Special Use Permit form the Parks and Recreation Department to use the bike path. Sharp ultimately hopes to secure a more permanent position as the tours become more popular with Burlington tourism.
Katie Ettman, a junior, is among the three hired summer interns. Ettman landed the job with hopes that she will bring her tour guide experience from UVM down to the waterfront. The Sharps also hope her connection to UVM admissions will bring them one step closer to their end goal: Segway tours on campus. UVM students have differing opinions when it comes to this prospect. “Segways are dope! And all the better that they could be available for people with disabilities,” UVM junior, Bennett Siegel, said. Sophomore Jessie Shubrook disagrees. “I think Segway tours would be disruptive to the campus. We have a relatively small campus, Segways would be unnecessary,” she said. “Although UVM isn’t sold on the idea, we are hoping students, like Katie Ettman, can help spread the word,” Ruth said. While visiting schools around the country for their daughter, Sharp found himself out of luck when it came to handicap options for the campus tours.
ARTS
Arts Initiative works displayed in L/L Madeleine Gibson Assistant Arts Editor The advent of spring leads muddy boots, rambunctious birds and the installment of new student art in the Living/ Learning gallery. “Sometimes I Feel Like a Cloud,” showcases student artists in the Creative Expression group within the L/L’s Arts Initiative Residential Learning Community (RLC), whose talents range from poetry, visual arts, and music production. Their creations occupied wall space in imaginative ways. “The gallery was a way to bring all of the products of our musings together and present them all, despite their differences, in a cohesive way,” Amanda Marquis, sophomore and co-program director, said. “Student galleries on campus are a really valuable way for us to get our messages to the public while we’re still in the transition between student and artist.” Only a few pieces are atan unintentional function of time-constraints but one that reinforces the way in which many parts come together to form a powerful whole regardless of distinction, Marquis said. There is no obvious design to the layout but each piece duction. By the entrance at the opening reception, the hol-
ALICIA ACCETTA The Vermont Cynic
Sophomore Ryan Shields (right) and junior Dana Ortiz admire a work of art made of cardboard by sophomore Tenzin Chophel as part of the Arts Initiative art show, “Sometimes I Feel Like A Cloud” in Living/Learning March 27. The exhibition will be open through April 5. milkweed plants overlapped in a quilt-like manner to form a pillow. In its center, the silhouette of a face sleeps with its cheeks against the feathery white interior. Sophomore and RLC member Grace Keiter admired a cardboard sculpture of a Skyrim videogame type character suspended by invisible twine. Keiter’s work on the back wall aligned with
the sharp angles of the heroic face. Her piece of paper, consumed by dark greys and teastain brown splotches, was inspired and created by the collective forces of water, ink and air. “It’s awesome,” she said about the showcase. “I love talking to people about it, to see how people interact with the art because I don’t often
get a chance to do that in the program.” With busy academic schedules and less resources available compared to most professional artists, Marquis explained that most of the students in RLC are unable to have exhibits downtown. “But that does not mean we have any less need or desire to put our work out to the public,” she added. “Creative
Expression is hinged on our collective desire to express our ideas creatively, so having an opportunity to present it to an audience is crucial to our development as artists.” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Cloud” will be open through April 5. Upcoming exhibits will feature work from the photography and pottery collectives within L/L.
This Week in Arts: March 22-28
SARAH STICKLE
This Week in Arts highlights upcoming events at UVM and in the Burlington community. Sarah Sickle provides her recommendations for local concerts.
Friday Apr. 5 Eight 02 Marriott Harbor Lounge, 8:30 p.m. Upbeat and innovative, Eight 02 is a relatively new jazz group in Burlington whose new EP “Drive” has
reached no. 5 on the smoothjazz.com Top 50 album chart. Full of old souls from the Vermont area, Eight 02 includes members of Kilimanjaro and Picture This. With no shortage of talent in the band, their arrangements are unfalteringly interesting, and unlike most good jazz in the area, it’s still affordable to see them. Their show at Marriott is free and open to the public.
this all-star band isn’t one you want to miss. If you’re not a Radiohead fan, I suggest you take the night to reevaluate your life’s meaning.
Saturday Apr. 6
I don’t know if this is new or if I’m blind to exciting things, but if tango is your jam, get there to dance or enjoy from the bar!
$$ & ¢¢ Nectar’s, 9 p.m., 21+, $5 This Radiohead tribute crew packed Nectar’s for their debut show, which featured songs from the classic album “OK Computer.” This coming show will be “a tad more ambitious” (according to the Nectar’s website), featuring a mixture of tunes from both “OK Computer” and “In Rainbows.” If you’re a Radiohead fan,
Sunday Apr. 7 Tango Sessions Radio Bean, 7 p.m.
Monday Apr. 8 The Bumping Jones Club Metronome, 9 p.m., $10/21+, $15/18+ An all UVM alum band, The Bumping Jones is a funk band with touches of
soul that you can just generally groove to. A different experience every time you see them, The Bumping Jones cover charge. And seriously, what else are you going to do on a Monday? Sloe Loris opens up the night.
Tuesday Apr. 9 A Triple Threat Radio Bean, 8:30 p.m. Eric George goes on at 8 p.m. followed by the Burlington Bread Boys at 9 p.m. and Honky Tonk at 10:30 p.m. This is a night you want to make it to Radio Bean. Eric George is a UVM alum famous for his performances on the drunk bus. The Burlington Bread Boys are a new addition to the “sweaty tonk.” You won’t be able to help singing along. All of that followed by Honky Tonk Tuesday is truly a triple treat.
Wednesday Apr. 10 Paul Asbell, Clyde Stats and Chris Peterman Leunig’s Bistro, 7 p.m. Now that is a line-up. Paul Asbell is a local guitar guru who doesn’t just pull off most styles of music: he masters them. Clyde Stats is a professor in our very own music department at UVM so we know he’s good, and Chris Peterman is an illustrious saxophonist who can be found gracing Burly with his dulcet tones at nearly every turn. The show is free with your delicious dinner. If your parents are in town or your sigtime, this might be a good time to hit up one of the best restaurants in the city.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
Comedian Erik Griffen brings edgy act to DC
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Concert Review
JAKE STALNAKER
GZA at HG: ‘what hip-hop is about’ New York-based hip-hop collective RATKING opened for Wu Tang Clan’s leader GZA on New England tour together on Thursday, March 28 at the Higher Ground Ballroom. For a big-name show, the atmosphere was fairly lackluster early on, which seemed to catch DJ Sporting Life and the young emcees Wiki and Hak by surprise. Nonetheless, they performed songs off of their “WIKI93” EP with gusto. Things picked up when surprise guest New Hampshire rapper eyenine took the stage. With a burst of stamina, he impressed with his rapid delivery of complex rhymes and his energetic stage presence. Then there was GZA. By the time the man also known as “The Genius” came onto the stage, there was a much larger crowd rearing to hear some Wu Tang classics. Concert-goers had shed their collective fear of dancing at this point, but apparently it was still not satisfactory to the Genius. With the audience not nearly energetic enough for his taste, GZA took a leap into the crowd. He stayed there for most of the show, putting the collective entertainment of the crowd on his back.
JULIA MAILLE The Vermont Cynic
Hip hop artist GZA performs at Higher Ground March 28. GZA is the founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan which formed in 1992. He strutted around the ballroom rapping to the beats spun by DJ Symphony, causing a mobile mosh-pit of people clamoring to get as close to GZA as possible. After doing this for four or ward the back of the room and climbed on top of the table that holds the sound controls to address the crowd: “Some emcees don’t like to leave the stage,” GZA said. “They don’t want to be touched or brush against people, but fuck all that, that’s not what hip hop is about.” He proceeded to jump back
down into the crowd and perform the rest of the show from there. GZA got the crowd going to Wu Tang classics such as “Wu Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” “Bring da Ruckus” and paid homage to ODB by rapping along with the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard on his famous song “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.” At one point, still in the pit, GZA offered the microphone to a concert attendee who was apparently asking for it. DJ Symphony proceeded to play some instrumentals for an impromptu cypher which everyone was invited to participate in, with at
least 10 or so crowd members rapping a few bars. One guy seemed suspiciously good at freestyling until it became apparent that it was eyenine as he passed off the mic to someone else. GZA closed off the show strong with his last few songs that included a performance of his classic song “Liquid Swords”
off the eponymous album. GZA’s showmanship riled up a fairly low energy crowd, showing the younger emcees a trick or two to have up their sleeves if need be. This was a great show for the audience, a learning experience for RATKING and most importantly, a lot of fun for everyone involved.
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Rap artist GZA performs in the crowd at Higher Ground March 28.
STAFF EDITORIAL
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Opinion
Greeks do good Excellence in community service is on our shores. With the growing prominence of UVM’s new club, SHORE, we are continually reminded about how much community service UVM students devote their time to. What makes students in Burlington so appreciated by the city’s permanent residents— despite any qualms about testy neighborhood relations— is the time and effort that various clubs and organizations dedicate to the community. With the closing of Sigma Phi Epsilon and its subsequent national attention, Greek Life at UVM took a hit in 2011. But now is the time to look past the actions of an individual and recognize the good that our Greek community does for UVM, Burlington and national philanthropic programs. Call it a comeback, if you will. Clubs like UVM’s SHORE have partnered with both local and national philanthropic organizations and have been involved with local programs such as Burlington’s DREAM and the emergency food shelf. Some of the largest contributors to community service at UVM, and often most overlooked, are the Greek organizations, former members of which make up a large subset of the founding leaders of SHORE. The Greeks participate in weekly street cleanups around Burlington, the annual Relay for Life, Outright Vermont’s Firetruck Pull and recently the UVM Greek community was recognized on a Northeast regional level for their philanthropy and service. The Kappa Sigma fraternity is known nationally for its annual Sleepout for the Soldiers, raising over $10,000 for families of wounded veterans in this year’s event. Additionally, Kappa Sigma and other Greek organizations volunteered their time for the March Zumbathon, helping to raise over $55,000 for Women Helping Battered Women. There are annual events known throughout Burlington, such as Delta Delta Delta’s Delta Desserts, which raises money for St. Jude, and AEPi’s Rockathon for Save a Child’s Heart. We have witnessed how the charitable efforts of some Greek chapters can be tarnished by negative stereotypes of Greek culture. We hope critics will not be blinded by past actions in their assessment of Greek life’s future. A few former members of Sig Ep have proven their commitment to community service through the creation of this club. Now is the time to join them and the rest of Greek Life in their causes.
Illustration by Vicky Mooney
COLUMNISTS
The women of agriculture the 7 percent increase in farmers overall, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department’s 2007 Census of Agriculture report. Furthermore, women are the principal operators on 14 percent of America’s farms and ranches. Five years earlier, that percentage stood at only 11 perJOSH GACHETTE
In 1781, a red-haired revolutionary named Thomas Jefferson said, “Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever he had a chosen people, whose breasts he has made his peculiar deposit for substantial and genuine virtue.” The American agriculturalist has always held practical and The farmer’s worn yet earnest appearance sits on the mantel of iconography alongside baseball and apple pie. His battered hands offer us redemption from the complications of modernity. They provide a glimpse into a simpler, more honest day of yore. We depend upon his labor to sustain us and his work ethic to remind us of our national potential. But today’s cultivators are gradually beginning to break the traditional mold. I would be willing to assume that you took for granted my usage of “he.” This is no fault of your own. Women are all-too-often overlooked in discussions on farming. The trusty, subservient farmer’s wife is a piece of iconography just as engrained as her husband’s weather-worn hat. In centuries past, she has worked the house, kept the helped with planting. Now, she works the farm. Female farm ownership in the United States increased 19 percent from 2002, outpacing
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surprising in the agriculturallyintensive Midwest. In Iowa, 20 percent of the state’s farmland is owned by women and 10 percent is owned by a singlwwe woman over the age of 75. Later this year, the federal government will be updating its agricultural census. Kathleen Merrigan, the sechas projected that the number of women currently involved in the profession will be “much higher” than in years past.
In centuries past, she has worked the house, kept the farm’s finances in order, and helped with planting. Now she works the farm. The demographic change can be partly accounted for by women who take up the profession after outliving their husbands or fathers. Seeing as to how smaller-scale farms often have deep familial ties, the prospect of selling the land is simply out of the question for many women. Also contributing to the recent trend are women entering agriculture on their own volition, with a large focus on smallscale livestock operations, locally-based produce and organic crops.
This inclination will hold in the near future. According to researchers at Iowa State University, more than 200 million acres of farmland in the country will change hands by 2027, with women quite possibly owning a majority of the land. The farming establishment is beginning to take note. Grassroots groups such as Annie’s Project and Women, Food and Agriculture Network cater to female cultivators. The National FFA Organization, which provides resources to budding agriculturalists, barred women from its ranks until 1969. In 1988, it was comprised of 20 percent women. Today, that statistic stands at 44 percent. Even Washington D.C. is joining in on the fray. The USDA, which has previously been accused of discrimination by some female farmers and ranchers for denying them assistance, has begun outreach initiatives to rectify previous wrongs. This trend is an extremely encouraging one — especially considering that March was Women’s History Month. Women who might otherupon their husbands will have the opportunity to achieve comBesides being personally empowering, the changing farmer demographics promises to impact the social landscape. The profession is deeply tied to gender norms, and increased female participation threatens to shatter many social misconceptions about women. It will be much harder to reinforce the idea that “female” is synonymous with “weaker” when nearly one in every two of the nation’s farmers is the former.
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10
Opinion
THURSDAY, APRIL 4 , 2013
COLUMNIST
Talk like a man; females find their role BIANCA MOHN
When it comes to leadership, women aspiring to managerial positions are often encouraged to adopt forward, authoritative and self-assured leadership styles in order to earn respect in the workplace. In other words, women wanting to move up on the corporate latter are given the message to act more like men. Expressions such as “be tough” and “don’t let them see your soft side” are those traditionally applied to men. But as women slowly gain more leadership positions, they are also at the receiving end of these societal messages. It’s true that gaining respect in the workplace is crucial for women to succeed in management positions. If employees disregard the views of their leader, of course
However, this domineering leadership style is not one that comes naturally to most women. Nor does the act of egomaniacal self-promotion, or the act of undervaluing coworkers’ accomplishments. Generally speaking, women have been raised in Western society to be consensus builders, to acknowledge the contributions of others and to avoid being confrontational or aggressive. The male-dominated management culture that women are just beginning to enter is one where self-praise and individual accomplishments are often prized over modesty and groupconsensus. So, does this mean that women should be obligated to conform to these standards if they want to be promoted to leadership positions? Absolutely not. Broadly speaking, women possess natural abilities to lead. Unfortunately, many of their innate leadership qualities are undervalued by our society. For example, women in general are better at understanding the nuances in human relationships, and tend to be more adept
in reading non-verbal and emotional cues. Authors Bernard Bass and Ronal Riggio write in their book Transformation Leadership, “the ability to inspirationally motivate followers is largely dependent on skill in emotional communication to effectively and accurately communicate inspiring emotional messages.”
Broadly speaking, women possess natural abilities to lead. Unfortunately, many of their innate leadership qualities are undervalued by society. The authors further assert, “Consistent research evidence suggests that women as a group are better emotional communicators than men.” The natural ease in which many women communicate with employees by listening to their ideas, asking what they
think about work related topics, and recognizing their accomplishments closely lends itself to transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is a well-known style of leadership based on the following four inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration. In simpler terms, a transformational leader acts as a role model, fosters team behavior and group consensus, encourages creativity and ingenuity, and gives employees individual attention and advising. Ultimately, the end result of transformational leadership is a performance that goes beyond all expectations. This holistic, collaborative leadership style that women tend to gravitate toward is radically different from the authoritative, top-down and competitive mode of leadership associated with male-dominated environments. Ultimately, women should be encouraged to embrace the leadership style that comes naturally to them and is effective for their given work environment, instead of prescribing to the tra-
ditional male oriented management culture. Female leaders should only take the positive aspects of stereotypical masculine leadership and incorporate them into their own leadership style. Qualities such as assertiveness are necessary in positions with authority, as are the skills for dealing with confrontation In turn, male managers who exhibit the commanding and controlling leadership styles should be pushed to embrace an approach that is more communicative, group-oriented and sensitive to the ideas and wishes of the employees. Women have a great deal to offer in leadership positions, despite the fact that their methods may differ from those of their male counterparts. Rather than embracing all of the qualities of traditional male leadership, women should be encouraged to develop a leadership style that is their own and that brings out the best in their employees.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The beaver situation Requiem for Melvin, the beaver Dear Editor, While I appreciate the Cynic’s attention to the issue of UVM’s handling of the beavers in the Centennial Woods retention pond, I was disappointed by the unnecessary antagonistic tone that the article took toward misquoted in Ben Plotzker’s recent article, “Melvin’s Murder.” Since the decision to kill trap the beavers became public knowledge, the University has handled the situation admirably, listening to voices in the community, responding by pulling the kill traps, hosting a meeting with experts on alternative solutions. And, it would appear, that they are actively exploring the more effective and more humane methods of dealing with the beavers in the retention pond. My primary hope in drawing attention to the kill trapping was to assert the importance of community voice in the ongoing management of Centennial Woods — whether we’re talking about the 65-acre designated natural area or the ecological and cultural boundary of the woods that includes the retention pond and another 80 acres of woodland and wetland. I am encouraged that UVM
responded to the community input on the issue of kill trapping and hope that in the future, the University is proactive rather than reactive in opening a dialogue with community members in sensitive cases such as this. Additionally, I did not state that UVM grounds personnel were “making fun of me” as Ben quoted me, but that they had been recorded on my game cam speaking with Rick Paradis, Natural Areas manager and UVM police saying that I was acting as a renegade, that I had the University, and that the beavers were a threat because they could carry rabies, an extremely rare occurrence which has never been documented in Vermont. The problem with these statements was not that they bea profound misunderstanding of the community’s response to the beaver issue as well as to the dangers, or lack thereof, that the beavers posed. On a lighter note, while I have crawled in other abandoned beaver lodges, I’ve never been inside this one and would have needed a snorkel to get access to the entrance. Sincerely, Teage O’Connor Naturalist Educator
CONTROVERSIAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I KNEW I WOULD BE HIRED TO BE A SENIOR RA OVER A WHITE MALE COWORKER WHO ACTUALLY PUT A LOT OF EFFORT TO HELP HIS RESIDENTS JUST BECAUSE I’M BLACK AND A GIRL. RESLIFE IS SO RACIST AND SEXIST!” UVM Confession #1349. Whether they are true or not, the new Facebook page makes many assertions about life at UVM by accepting entries from real people with real things to say.
Dear Editor, Thanks to Ben Plotzker for his piece about the beaver named Melvin that lived in the Centennial Woods area. We read the story with interest and a little sadness. Perhaps Melvin’s demise will not be in vain if we can take advantage of Ben’s good work by using the story as a “teachable moment” and try to extract some generalizable principles. We think the story raises several potentially important issues. 1) Natural areas like our own Centennial Woods are places about nature and our relationship with it. They can inspire us like they did John Muir, Aldo Leopold, and Rachel Carson. All of us at UVM should use and help protect our wonderful system of natural areas, investing in them with equal measures of love and critical thought. 2) There’s a spectrum of ideologies that can help guide resolution of environmental issues. For example, anthropocentric ideologies place emphasis on utilitarian values like the services nature provides to humans, while biocentric ideologies advance intrinsic values, suggesting equality between humans and nature. Although seemingly contradictory, both of these ideological approaches have merit, and we’ve applied them across the landscape: cities where humans dominate, wilderness where nature takes precedence, and a broad spectrum in between. Centennial Woods is home to elements of nature (like forests and beavers) and human utilities (like retention ponds and power lines), and so it exists somewhere in the middle of the
anthropocentric-biocentric continuum. Such a position may warrant compromise and tradeoffs to negotiate the competing objectives for which Centennial Woods is managed. 3) Resolution of environmental issues is part ideology and part facts. John Dewey, UVM’s most famous graduate, advanced a pragmatic approach to thinking and decision-making. In this approach, ideology informs decisions, but it must be applied within the factual constraints of the case.
In light of these facts, we think it’s reasonable that Melvin’s self-interest may have to give way to the interests of the greater community. In the case of Melvin, he had taken up residence in a retention pond, a place built to store water for the purpose of controlling excess runoff and reducing associated environmental impacts like erosion and water pollution. In light of these facts, we think it’s reasonable that Melvin’s self-interest may have to give way to the interests of the greater community. 4) It’s clear that some members of the UVM community had developed emotional bonds to Melvin and we are sympathetic. Love of nature has given rise to a powerful environmental movement and has helped sensitize society to matters of animal cruelty. But emotion and objectivity both demand consideration; we’d like to “save” the beavers, but we also appreciate the functionality of the retention pond.
Thus, the “beaver deceiver” noted in Ben’s story strikes us as a desirable solution to management of beavers in Centennial Woods and the retention pond. Its potential to balance anthropocentric needs for storm water management and biocentric desires for nature preservation mark it as a step toward a productive form of environmental pragmatism. If this device can successfully regulate water levels in the retention pond (despite the best efforts of the beavers), then we hope beavers can be allowed to occupy this area. A lot of people deserve credit for how this issue is being handled in such a civil manner. Teague O’Connor and his students are using Centennial Woods in a productive, learningby-doing approach that John Dewey advocated. Ben Plotzker cared enough about this issue to write an informed article. The Cynic provided the mechanism to tell the student body about Melvin. Two stakeholders, Green Mountain Animal Defenders and John Aberth (a wildlife rehabilitator) played a constructive role as well. And two UVM administrators, Sal Chiarelli and Enrique Corredera, agreed to work with students on this issue. Maybe this is the most important lesson of all: reasonable, caring people can work together to reach pragmatic solutions to contentious issues. We hope this might be a model for our highly polarized society and the resulting dysfunctional state of our national government. Sincerely, Bob Manning Nathan Reigner Park Studies Laboratory
Opinion
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
11
GUEST COLUMNIST
City’s opportunity in cleaner electricity DERMOT MCGUIGAN
Upon arriving in Vermont, I head to Winooski to join friends for dinner. We meet at an apartment across the river from Joseph C. McNeil Generating Station. The evening is cold with low clouds and some snow in the air — more like winter than midMarch. I step out of my car and into the shadow of the plume of waste heat rising up from McNeil. The west wind pushes the cloud of steam low over the apartment house. This evening, the plume is luminous with a strange orange color from whata child I imagine it might seem like a giant puffy monster. Yet again I feel disappointed that waste on such a scale continues. McNeil is jointly owned by Burlington Electric Department (BED), Green Mountain Power and Vermont Public Power Supply Authority. The generating station helps to meet the city’s need for electricity by burning wood chips from low-quality trees and harvest residues, leftovers from local saw mills and scraps from urban wood waste. While McNeil provides nearly enough energy to power Burlington, it has the potential to do even more. The next day I join the packed house at Sen. Bernie Sanders’ global warming conference in Montpelier. A highlight of the day is a series of interlinking presentations by UVM students showing the current impacts of our fossil fuel binge. One student graphically illustrates the declining percentage of decades in which Lake Champlain completely froze over, falling from near 100 percent in the early 20th century to zero for the past decade. Here’s what I see: on one hand, the McNeil plant discards vast volumes of waste energy as steam. On the other hand, nearby buildings on the hill and downtown burn fossil fuel for heating and cooling. vantage if the energy required to heat and cool UVM — one of the biggest energy consumers in Burlington — could be supplied by thermal energy from McNeil. McNeil was designed and built to do just that. So why isn’t it? The UVM boiler emits enough carbon dioxide — 27,000 tons in 2011 — as to
Quick Opinion
merit inclusion in the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas mapping site. This could be avoided and replaced by a carbon free source. Recycling excess heat from McNeil would not create additional carbon dioxide, but it seems any plans for action resulted in failure. As I understand it, BED and UVM sat down in the early 1980s and, for whatever reason, could not work out a business arrangement to supply the campus with steam energy from McNeil. Synchronizing systems requires skill and planning, but the engineering of such a system was and remains simple. In the early 1990’s, Burlington District Energy Corp, a nondistrict energy system going in Burlington, this time based on hot water instead of steam. That effort failed. Further, an engineering study by Evergreen Energy of St. Paul, MN, shows the economic feasibility of a district energy system in Burlington, viable even without UVM, the largest fossil fuel carbon polluter in the city. For three decades reason has been tried and failed to elicit the cooperation necessary to achieve less wasteful district energy in Burlington. BED is a utility with a mandate to supply electricity, but it is not required to use the waste heat it produces. UVM has a district heating system that it chooses to fuel with gas and some oil. Simple logic has not brought the two to agree that the waste energy from the one serves the needs of the other. UVM’s leadership in promoting such a plan would help lead to the creation of a much broader based district energy system serving the Medical Center Hospital and numerous other facilities in Burlington. And therefore, UVM’s participation would be a major help. A catalyst to get this going needs to be a commitment by the Burlington city council and the mayor to end the waste at McNeil. Likewise at UVM, a commitment to give its best to participate is needed. With such commitments the best way to bring it into effect will become obvious, at least in so far as the city does not allow itself to be subject to any undue Given a clear commitment to end the waste, I suggest that a carrot and stick approach be enacted to get the desired result. Sen. Sanders put forward to the U.S. Senate the Sanders/Boxer Climate Legislation, S.332. The bill proposes a price on carbon dioxide of $20 per ton, the cost of which would rise at 5.6% a year for 10 years. One way to enable the adoption of a district energy system
in Burlington would be for the city to apply a local version of the Sanders/Boxer carbon tax to those facilities emitting more than a set limit of carbon dioxide per year. However, the U.S. Congress is not look likely to pass a carbon tax anytime soon.
level of easily recoverable energy – equivalent to 70,000 tons (for 2011.) At $20/ton the tax would be $1.4 million. At a fee rate of $20/ton per year, UVM — with its 27,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year — would pay $540,000 a year.
While McNeil provides nearly enough energy to power Burlington, it has the potential to do even more. For three decades reason has been tried and failed to elicit the cooperation necessary to achieve less wasteful district energy in Burlington. Boulder has a carbon tax, as does the bay area of San Francisco, and so can Burlington. To be fully effective the tax should apply to the joint owners of McNeil and not be passed through to electric ratepayers. The waste at McNeil is avoidable, yes with effort but entirely avoidable, so it is only right that the owners pay the price. The wood burning McNeil emitted 355,000 tons of biogenic CO2 in 2011. For biomass carbon sources apply the tax to the
Both UVM and McNeil could avoid the carbon fee using district energy. UVM would remove approximately 80% of its carbon pollution with one relatively simple action. as a whole, is that a district energy system opens up access to inputs from other sources of useful thermal energy, renewable and otherwise … call it thermal net metering. To achieve a high level of
energy system would need to also serve Champlain College, Burlington College and extend beyond Burlington to facilities such as St. Michael’s College — this could effect campus carbon there needs to be a resolution to end the waste at McNeil. The suggested carbon tax could yield $2 million dollars or more a year in Burlington. Then pour this revenue into engineering, contracting and planning for the development of district energy. With plans and contracts in hand, putting this project in place would help make Burlington cooler, more innovative and more environmentally friendly.
McGuigan is a published author who writes nontechnical books on small wind power and water power and heat pumps. He has developed cogeneration and renewable energy projects.
Illustration by Vicky Mooney
Lately I’ve been hearing “free Kingbread” around campus. While Burlington is losing an artist and local icon for the interim, I believe that cocaine distribution is wrong and a prison sentence is justified. Hard drugs are a huge detriment to society, create poverty, crime and simply ruin lives. People who spread that kind of harm need to be held liable for actions, regardless of their achievement or fame. Neal Drapeau
12
D I ST R ACT I O N S
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
This week in
Ages MUSIC Distractions: Middle 1066 to 1485 Tune In
By Hope Olszewski, Staff Writer
Across 1. Genre that features many famous composers 3. Group of musicians 4. Person who remixes music in public 6. Bands rather than solo artists usually play this genre 8. Biggest musical award show 10. Best-selling musical group of all time 11. Popular genre of music that originated in the south 13. Music in the car usually comes through this 16. Member that keeps the rhythm Down 1. Live music 2. This may be considered a “hipster” genre 5. The band member usually keeps the beat 7. The catchy part of a song 9. Vocal person 12. Portable played 14. Known for the bass drops 17. Genre that emerged in the ‘80s and ‘90s
Illustrations by Laurel Saldinger
Answers to last week’s crossword: Fun With Electronics Across 5. Charger 8. Android 9. Tablet 10. Bluetooth 11. Personal computer
12. Mountain lion 14. USB 15. Stylus 17. Playstation 18. iPhone 19. Laptop
Down 1. Camera 2. Projector 3. Desktop 4. iPod 6. Headphones
7. Webcam 12. Microsoft 13. Apple 16. Smartphone
Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer
Music Facts By Jenna Bushor, Distractions Editor
Studies show children who study music tend to have a larger vocabulary and more advanced reading skills. Ricky Brown holds the Guinness World Record for fastest rapper. He rapped 723 syllables in 41.27 seconds for his track “No Clue” released in 2005. The block artwork on Coldplay’s album X and Y actually spells out “x” and “y” using the Baudot Code that was used for early telegrams. The inside of the CD booklet spells out “Fair Trade.”
Need cash?
John Lennon stole the harmonica he used for Love Me Do from a Dutch shop while on their way to Hamburg, Germany. Sources: dosomething.org, musicradar.com, songfacts.com
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13
Sports Cats fall in premiere AE faceoff Short winning streak for Vermont is broken as Cats drop two games in the past week The men’s lacrosse team had home games Tuesday and Saturday this week, hosting Holy Cross and Stony Brook. While the game Tuesday was tight throughout, Holy Cross was able to make more plays when it mattered and won the East game of the season Saturday, Vermont fell at the hands of Stony Brook 19-10. On Tuesday, the Cats got on nior Graham Horvath, who was recently named America East Player of the Week. ter the Crusaders were able even the score 2-2, with the second Vermont goal coming from Senior Drew Philie. Holy Cross was able to score three goals in 5-3 lead into half time. In the second half the Catamounts scored two goals by Senior Captain Augie Remien. Remien said on his perforthe ball in the back of the net, the coaches kept telling me to attack the net and eventually my shots would go in, and today, they did.” bright spot for the Cats thus far this season and again managed 13 saves despite the loss. Vermont won the ground ball battle 31-30 but was outshot 36-30 and lost the faceoff battle, 9-7. Vermont was hanging tough throughout the game blew, the Cats were on the losing side in their last non-conference game of the year. Cats looked tired against Stony Brook, led by Brody Eastwood for 11 points in the Seawolves 19-10 thrashing of the Cats. The
ALICIA ACETTA The Vermont Cynic
conference game for both teams and Stony Brook moved to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in conference while the Cats fell to 3-7 overall and 0-1 in America East play. Stony Brook started off hot jumping out to a 4-1 lead, however after the goal by Drew Philie, Vermont was only down two with four minutes to play in the answered fast and tallied three Things didn’t get better for the Cats as the Seawolves continued to assert themselves offensively scoring four more ter, and were up 11-2. At the half Vermont was down 12-3. “The game didn’t start out
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the way we wanted, that’s for Braig said. “Defensively we were a step slow, and to credit Stony Vermont came out in the second half and was able to get goals from Sophomore Tim Yager as well as Horvath and Philie, to cut the lead to 13-6. The Cats appeared to be making a strong comeback to
Statistically, Vermont held the edge in shots 49-41, face-offs 19-12, and ground balls 44-33, but unfortunately for the Cats, the game isn’t played on paper. The Cats travel to the University
of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) this Saturday looking the season.
SCORES THIS WEEK
navage and again from Horvath, and was in striking distance at 15-9. But the Stony Brook offense was too much for Vermont as they scored the four of the last
Cats seek a Groovy UV gold Within the past month, the UVM club gymnastics team hosted their annual Groovy UV Classic in which both the men’s and women’s teams competed for the gold. The classic hosted four other teams for the women: the University of Rhode Island, Boston University, Cambridge Community of Gymnastics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “The Classic went really well and it was clear that every team was enjoying themselves, said women’s team president Erika Parry. “We have improved so showed this weekend. “I am proud of our performance and looking forward to our national competition.” vault where sophomore Megan Kurmin tallied the highest re-
cord vault score in the club’s history. Next up for the women’s team was the bars portion of the meet where sophomore Audrey Kurmin and earned the team’s highest bar score in her set. Next up on beam, sophomore Danza Rodrigues was able to stick her routine as she too broke into the Catamount record books, scoring the highest score on this event. both
Rodrigues
and
junior -
place spots. Vermont had two all-around competitors: Ellis and teammate senior Emily Hoogestegar. In the women’s team competition, the Catamounts placed second overall. Men’s teams from all around New England congregated in Burlington as well to compete
against Vermont’s men’s teams. The Catamounts faced off against teams from the University of Southern Maine, Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Sophomore Brian Varga swept
the all-around. Team member Austin Merril meet of his career here at Vermont. As a team the Vermont men came in second, falling to Southern Maine by a close three points. “We are very proud of all our competitors, Varga said. “We hope to keep up the success at Nationals in two weeks.” The team’s next competition will be Nationals, held this month in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A
f
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
UVM football touches down Jeremy Karpf Senior Staff Writer Vermont is not traditionally known for its football, but it may be time for that to change. Since it began six years ago, the football club has created one of the nation’s strongest club level teams. When the club began in 2007, the only other club team in New England was the University of Maine, but today the Catamounts play in two divisions— Yankee Collegiate Football Conference and the National Club Football Association—against 12 schools. “Its grown into something that we didn’t expect and we want to keep seeing it grow,” club president Dane Liljestrand said. “Every year we bring in more talented kids.” All that talent may have paid off. The team has had a strong enough record in the past three years to play in the YCFC championship, but have not yet secured a championship win. While UVM’s initial rival was Maine, the past six years have seen an explosion of club football. Today, the team’s biggest
rival is Southwestern Connecticut Prep, a conglomerate of community colleges in the Bridgeport, Conn. area. “We are student-athletes and they are playing club football in order to keep playing football at the college level,” current club treasurer and rising co-president Evan Amery said. “Some of those kids will go on to play Division I football elsewhere. “ This is also the team that Vermont has come up against in the past three YCFC Championship Games.
“Then showing up there and seeing 5060 massive kids and thinking ‘oh god we are going to get destroyed. It’s not going to be a good game.” Amery said. “Then on our opening play our quarterback took the ball on an option routeand ran 90 yards for a touchdown. And I realized ‘we could play with these guys.’” Rising co-president and captain Jake Leclerc said his favorite memory was handing Southwestern Connecticut their gram.
“Its grown into something that we didn’t expect and we want to keep seeing it grow. Every year we bring in more talented kids.” Dane Liljestrand Football Club President “Each game has been close, unfortunately they’ve gotten to win it all three times, but it’s always a good game. They love playing us and we love playing them. There is a mutual respect between all of us,” Liljestrand said. Members of the football club interviewed for this article agreed that games against Southwestern Connecticut were some of the team’s best memories. For “I remember seeing our team and not thinking incredibly highly of us,” he said.
“Coming into the game, Southwestern Connecticut had not lost a game since joining the YCFC. Going into that 21-0 and then beat them 21-14. That was pretty cool.” The club football season begins about the same time as their professional counterparts begin training camp in mid-AuAfter the season, the top four teams play a two-round playoff with the championship game played at the top seeded
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school. The rest of the year the team holds strength and conditioning practices to stay in shape. The commitment to be a member of the club is high, but Liljestrand feels that those on the team are there because they are willing to put in the effort. “We expect a lot because we play at a pretty high level,” he said. “We want to keep that level up and the only way to do that is to keep on the kids and make sure that they are putting the time in. Football is a sport where if you’re not in-shape or you’re not committed wholeheartedly you’re going to get hurt.” While the club welcomes anyone interested in playing, Liljestrand said that the 35 to 40 player team expects each member to commit as much as possible. “We don’t cut anyone… but if you are not able to commit 100 percent and you’re not ready to get out there, football is a dangerous sport and you could hurt yourself or others,” he said. There are a few months before the next season begins, but another year brings new beginnings as well as the addition of a national title game. Starting this fall, the NCFA will begin holding a National Championship Bowl in Morgantown, W. Va., for the two top teams nationwide. “If we win it we have a good chance of making it to the NCFA National Championship game,” Liljestrand said. Anyone interested in Football Club should go to http://www.uvmfootball. com.
Top: Teammates gather around sophomore quarterback Jack Leclerc after his game winning touchdown. The matchup was the team’s 2012 premiere outing as they faced off against the Clarkson University Golden Knights Sept. 15. Left: Sophomore quarterback Jack Leclerc protects the ball while getting sacked in a game against the Clarkson University Golden Knights Sept. 15. The game resulted in a 22-21 win for the Catamounts. PHOTOS BY ALEX GOLDENBERG The Vermont Cynic
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S PO RTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013
View from the Moon Man Cy Young candidate for the next 10-12 years. The other half of the franchise’s cornerstones is 20 yearold Bryce Harper. Hyper-talented, young, aggressive and
JAKE BIELECKI
Nationals’ dynasty spot a possibility Since the Expos’ departure from the country where politicians say Canada, eh, to the country where politicians say they might as well get paid, the Nationals have had little to show for their time in Washington. But a few savvy moves and two franchise-changing draft picks later, and they’re on the verge of being the MLB’s next dynasty. with the best record in baseball, the Nats made the playoffs for Their championship aspirations took a big hit when ace Stephen Strasburg was shut down in early September. The team lost its Divisional Series matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals three games to two. The decision was one that had to be made. Now healthy he is poised to build on the prior year’s campaign highlighted by a 15-6 record, 3.16 ERA and 197 strike-
putting to some – Harper is the second of two most anticipated prospects of millennium. Both reside on the Nationals roster. Harper earned a GED after his sophomore year of high school. He enrolled in Southern Nevada Junior College, won MLB honors and was subse-
Offensively the Nationals boast one of the deepest lineups in the National League. Rapidly moving through the Nationals farm system Harper debuted about a month into his age-19 season and posted 22 homers, 18 steals and a .270 overall pick who got his feet wet at age 19 was Ken Griffey Jr. He totaled 16 home runs, 16 steals and a .264 batting average. Established as two of the best players on the Nationals roster, Strasburg and Harper are only scratching the surface of what they should be in the coming years. Don’t let the focus on two generational talents lead you to believe Washington is a two-
trick pony. Prior to last season the Nationals sent three good, but not great prospects to the Athletics for pitcher Gio Gonzalez. He responded with the most wins, strikeouts and best ERA on the staff. He’s 27. Rounding out the rotation is Jordan Zimmermann, 26 yearsyoung coming off a sub-3 ERA season, Dan Haren, one year removed from a 16 win, 3.17 ERA campaign, and Ross Detwiler. That’s not saying a whole lot, but you could do a lot worse with you, Luis Mendoza. Offensively the Nationals boast one of the deepest lineups in the National League. Unheralded Dernard Span came from Minnesota in the winter and gave them the leadoff hitter they desperately needed last year. Werth might be getting paid an excess 10 million bucks a year but he still wrecks lefties like a seven-year-old hopped up on Mountain Dew at a piñata party. even better. Third baseman Ryan Zimmermann projects to hit fourth behind Harper while doubleplay tandem Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa have the best
son with a balky ankle. Despite only 133 minor league at-bats his spring training performance forced him into opening day consideration. A natural third baseman, Rendon improved his utility by familiarizing himself at second base. This would allow the Nationals to slide Espinosa to shortstop if Desmond fell to in-
Rafael Soriano. Paired with Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard, he gives the team it’s third closer quality arm. Short story long, the Nationals will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come and should be considered the favorite to win it all this year. Over the Blue Jays in 201, and over many teams in years to come.
jury. If
needed, he could you know your heal from your base.
Adam Laroche rounds out the If Ryan Zimmermann’s shoulder causes you concern, allow me to introduce Anthony Rendon, the Nationals’ most promising prospect. He was forced to miss much of last sea-
Last b u t not least, the N a tionals bolstered a n already good b u l l pen with the signing of
Illustration by Vicky Mooney