The Vermont Cynic Issue 21 Spring 2012

MAYORAL DEBATES Candidates strive for student votes

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EVENT CALENDAR JEREMY LIN

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The Knicks may have found their life(Lin)e

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C YNIC THE VERMONT

VERMONT TAKES TWO BEFORE LOSS

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The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883 w w w . v e r m o n t c y n i c . c o m

T h u r s d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 – Vo l u m e 1 2 8 I s s u e 2 0 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

Sullivan named UVM president

By Katy Cardin, Staff Writer, Keegan Fairfield, Staff Writer

COURTESY OF ARTHUR SHIM

Funk/Jazz trio Soulive, consisting of drummer Neal Evans (left), guitarist Eric Krasno (center) and Alan Evans (right), who plays organ, base keys and clavinet, pose. They will headline SpringFest.

Soulive to play SpringFest

By Natalie Slack Arts Editor Soulive will be headlining SpringFest 2012.

The trio is excited to bring their soulful sound to Burlington this April, drummer Alan Evans said.

The band has played at SpringFest before, Evans said.

“Burlington in the springtime is probably one of the greatest places on earth,” he said of the band’s decision to return to UVM. “It was a no brainer, actually.”

Soulive is made up of Evans, his brother Neal Evans on organ, bass keys and clavinet and guitarist Eric Krasno. They have been playing together for over 13 years.

“We’re constantly pushing ourselves to do new things in the band and outside the band,” Evans said. “We just have fun.

That’s the most important thing.

We still love hanging out with each other.”

“Burlington in the springtime is probably one of the greatest places on earth.”

Alan Evans Soullive drummer When it comes to fitting into a specific genre, Evans said he doesn’t think of Soulive’s music in those terms.

“It’s just soul music,” Evans said. “We really put our soul into it and hopefully people feel that.

That’s the best way I’ve been able

to describe our music and what we do.”

While Evans cited funk legend James Brown as a major influence for the band, they draw on everything they listen to.

“Whether we dig it or we don’t really care for it, it influences us in some way,” Evans said.

The trio’s most recent project is their take on the Beatles’ music in an album called Rubber Soulive.

“We had been toying around with doing a British Invasion album,” Evans said. “We started to realize that a lot of [the songs we were doing] were Beatles tunes, so we decided to do a whole Beatles album.”

UVM Concert Bureau will announce the SpringFest lineup within the week.

“I really can’t wait,” Evans said.

E. Thomas Sullivan has officially been named UVM’s 26th president.

At a formal introduction Feb. 22 held in the Silver Maple Ballroom, Robert Cioffi, the Board of Trustees chairman, called Sullivan the perfect fit for the University of Vermont.

“The final outcome was a smashing success,” Cioffi said of the presidential search process.

Sullivan took the stage to a standing ovation and expressed his gratitude to the community as well as his excitement to take charge of a University

with a prosperous future.

“The University’s future is indeed bright and very, very promising,” Sullivan said.

See PRESIDENT on page 3

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

New president E. Thomas Sullivan speaks to reporters about his plans for the University in the Chittenden Bank Room, Feb. 22.

Police step up patrol City rejects limit on student housing More officers for weekend nights

By Mat Degan Staff Writer

By Devin Karambelas Assistant News Editor Double keggers, beware.

The University has partnered with the Burlington Police Department (BPD) to increase the number of police officers in several Burlington neighborhoods on weekend nights.

In a news release issued by UVM, Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling said that this pilot program, which is being tested for an eight-week period starting this spring, is meant to respond to “quality of life” and

Burlington City Councilors nixed a controversial proposal this month that would have limited the number of apartment dwellers to four in the “downtown horseshoe,” where a large number of students live.

In a 6-8 vote, the City Council rejected the proposed zoning change that would have extended occupancy restrictions to neighborhoods that fall within the Residential High Density (RH) district.

The occupancy restrictions, which already apply to Loomis and North Willard streets, were

NEWS 1-5 Eco-Ware adds soup container

noise complaints from some Burlington residents.

The program will allow up to six to eight extra officers assigned to neighborhood patrols, the Burlington Free Press stated.

Although UVM will be footing the $35,000 per semester bill, some administrators believe the program will prove to be a good investment.

“Frustration is high,” President John Bramley said. “We and the BPD are taking this step to try See PATROL on page 3

— LIFE 6-7 — ARTS 8-9 — Pizza boasts different Vantage Point celebrates crust, variety a must latest installment

FEATURE 10 A night on the ‘drunk bus’

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set to include Pearl, Hungerford, Buell and Bradley.

Councilors said they felt rushed but would like to see the motion return to the ordinance committee.

The hotly debated issue has pitted landlords, who are largely opposed to the measure, against residents who complain of noise and other problems attributed to large numbers of students living in single dwellings.

Some critics are convinced the ordinance was introduced to the council agenda quietly so that it would get passed with little resistance and without causing much of a stir.

DISTRACTIONS Camp Morning Wood

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“It was closed door, old school politics,” said Bill Bissonette, a local landlord who is the proprietor of approximately 300 apartments. “Fortunately, they weren’t successful—they didn’t have any information to support it.”

Bissonette, who provides housing for rent in the Old North End to families more than students, thought that limiting the number of residents in Burlington’s downtown hub would cause students to push out to other parts of the city.

He believed that this could create an “apartment sprawl”

OPINION 12-13 The imperative of intervention

See HOUSING on page 2

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SPORTS 14-16 Vermont busts losing streak

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Mayor hopefuls strive for student votes

By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer Two of the three candidates vying to be Burlington’s next mayor squared off in a debate at Brennan’s Pub on Feb. 15.

Democrat Miro Weinberger and Republican Kurt Wright sparred on topics largely relevant to students.

Independent Wanda Hines didn’t participate, making it her second consecutive debate as a no-show.

Nearly two dozen students attended the debate, and countless other students came and went, tuning in while they ate dinner.

At the debate, the candidates offered their polished platforms.

Wright emphasized the need for citizenship, not partisanship, while Weinberger promised to provide a fresh start for the citizens of Burlington.

Wright said that as mayor, he would work hard to restore the trust and credibility to the office, and to better relations among all members of the community.

Weinberger said he would provide fresh ideas, experience and vision to City Hall as mayor.

Moderators Ellen Anderson and Anthony Gierzynski, both associate professors of political science, posed questions submitted by students to SGA via social media outlets prior to the event.

The candidates addressed issues including housing scarcity and conditions, town-gown concerns, noise ordinance policies,

Wright

WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic

Democratic candidate Miro Weinberger (left) and Republican candidate Kurt Wright (center right) prepare for the debate at Brennan’s Pub, Feb. 15. Candidate Wanda Hines was not present. economic development, quality of life for Burlington’s homeless population and lowering the legal drinking age to 18.

The candidates saw eye to eye on a number of topics, but differed on some.

Both favor lowering the legal age to drink to 18, but cited the loss of federal highway funding that would result as an obstacle to doing so.

“I do think there’s a funda-

Weinberger

vs.

Drinking age 18

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QOL for homeless Good network of resources already available; need to work with CEDO to do a better job of caring for our less fortunate

Due to lack of housing; need more funding to support mental health and drug addiction issues; increase awareness among community about issue to create solidarity

Housing scarcity Build more senior and affordable housing to free up existing downtown housing for students

HOUSING

Making progress on waterfront; improve transportation options, including the establishment of a mass transit center

mental injustice to having a situation where someone can be sent off to war for this country and die for this country and not be able to legally drink,” Weinberger said.

They also had high praise for the Burlington Police Department’s handling of students’ impact on the community, but said that efforts need to be made to improve communication and relations between the two.

“It’s about working together with a cooperative spirit,” Wright said.

Weinberger said that making students aware of what is expected of them as members of the community will foster better relations between students and police, and will allow the police to effectively address more significant problems.

“There are students in our neighborhood that feel like the only time police come to their door is when they’re enforcing noise ordinances, and at the same time there are real crime problems in those parts of town,” he said.

This relationship will likely be one of the many issues addressed in the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Burlington and UVM, set for negotiation and implementation this fall.

Creating a comprehensive MOU that takes into account the interests and concerns of all stakeholders won’t be easy, but both candidates said that realiz-

ing the shared benefit that UVM and the city provide to each other is a good place to start.

“The success [of UVM] is vital to the success of Burlington,” Wright said. “I think our futures are intertwined completely.”

“I’m really hoping that students remember to vote if they’re not going to be here. We need to be attuned to this, and I appreciate the candidates coming directly to campus.”

Alma Arteaga Junior And although ameliorating relations among community members will take a collective effort, the candidates agreed that the colleges in Burlington bear the burden of providing resources, as well as outreach and education programs.

Improving the town-gown relationship must also involve confronting the onslaught of student migration to downtown housing, according to the candidates.

They offered contrasting approaches as to how to do so, though.

Wright supports building new housing projects for low-income residents and seniors to free up existing housing downtown, and to concentrate students in those areas.

“We need to build more housing, particularly in the downtown area,” he said. “We need housing of all kinds. We need affordable housing; we need senior housing.”

Weinberger said increasing competition is the best way to lower market prices, and directed attendees to his website for specifics of his plan to achieve this.

His plan seeks to increase the stock of student housing to move students from the downtown area, which will drive market prices down and allow permanent residents to repopulate those houses; it will also better student-family relations.

Weinberger drew applause from the crowd after he knocked Wright for touting his effectiveness as a city councilor in dealing with housing issues, while shifting blame to others for unsuccessful attempts taken under his direction to reform city housing ordinances.

“Leadership means you’re not at the mercy of these other bodies and processes; it means you get it done,” Weinberger said.

Improving the quality of the existing housing is also a priority for both candidates.

To accomplish this, they proposed more frequent inspections, stricter code regulations and increasing fines for regularly noncompliant landlords.

First-year student Alisha Sud said she liked that Weinberger articulated clear solutions to many of the issues.

“I liked how Miro actually put forth plans, unlike Wright,” she said.

Junior Alma Arteaga said she hopes the candidates’ trip to campus will encourage student participation in the election, which will take place on March 6, coinciding with UVM’s spring break.

“I’m really hoping that students remember to vote if they’re not going to be here,” she said.

“We need to be more attuned to this, and I appreciate the candidates coming directly to campus,” she said.”

Students who will be out of town but still wish to vote are encouraged to fill out absentee ballot applications, which are available at the SGA office in the Davis Center.

Neighborhood families concerned with noise levels of populated student areas in downtown Burlington

...continued from page 1 that would inflate prices in what has traditionally been Burlington’s more affordable and low income housing sections.

“Any people who own real estate do not want imposed restrictions,” Bissonette said.

City Councilor Joan Shannon played a major role in bringing the ordinance to the table and advocates extending its mandate to the RH district.

With steady resident complaints of trash build-up, walk-by noise and cramped parking in the RH district, Shannon thought the ordinance would provide more livability in a district with a lot of “conversion” housing that retrofits basements and attics for more

sleeping space.

“The purpose was to stem the tide of those conversions,” Shannon said.

Shannon also voiced concern about the increase in the number of cars.

“A four-bedroom house with a family is typically two cars or less,” she said. “Yet when it’s occupied by students, you would typically have at least four cars.”

Shannon called the possibility of students driving up housing prices by extending into the greater Burlington community “alarmist.”

“I don’t think it would change the population now, what it would do is stop future conversions,” Shannon said. “Hopefully

the colleges will build more housing.”

Bissonette acknowledged that noise generated by college students was an issue, but he thought that it was a very small minority of the student population causing the problem.

He also called into question the foresight of disgruntled property owners and thought that they needed to use common sense when renting or purchasing in the Burlington area.

“People bitch about it,” Bissonette said. “The reality is that you live next to a university, you’re going to have kids walk past your house.”

“People move up there and think that no people are going to

be walking by,” he said. “Wake up and smell the roses.”

Seniors Marta McBean and Susannah Parsons pay between $100-$200 less in monthly rent than comparable downtown apartments would charge by living together in the Old North End. McBean and Parsons were against the ordinance and thought that it wouldn’t solve any of the problems it pertained to.

“I don’t think putting a cap on the number of students will make a difference,” Parsons said, adding that she likes the community feel of the North End neighborhood and didn’t want to see it inundated with additional students moving in from the more densely

populated downtown districts.

Maria White, a senior who lives on Green Street, said she was glad the ordinance didn’t pass, given that students are “hardly provided housing.”

She echoed Bissonette’s sentiment regarding student noise levels.

“It’s a college town,” White said. “People should expect a bit of noise.”

As for the future of the RH district housing restrictions, Shannon was optimistic that the issue would be revisited soon.

“We will introduce it again with the new council come April and start afresh then,” she said.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PATROL

Program to better ‘quality of life’

...continued from page 1

WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic

President-elect E. Thomas Sullivan at the formal introduction in the Silver Maple Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Davis Center, Feb. 22. Sullivan will be the 26th president of the University.

PRESIDENT Community welcomes the president-elect Sullivan ...continued from page 1 Sullivan shared Cioffi’s sentiment and said that the alignment of UVM’s mission and vision with his own experiences, values and aspirations made the decision to accept an easy one.

“In so many ways, the position of president of the University of Vermont is a natural progression and fit for me,” he said.

Sullivan outlined four core principles that will guide his presidency: financial access and affordability, a rich curriculum, growth of research programs and maintaining a strong relationship with the Vermont community to promote economic growth.

All those who spoke, including Gov. Peter Shumlin and University governance heads, said they were confident in Sullivan’s ability to lead and looked forward to working with him.

Gov. Shumlin said he was satisfied the Board of Trustees chose the right candidate and believes that as president, Sullivan will further the objectives and interests of the University and Vermont communities.

The governor presented Sullivan with an atlas of Vermont, and amid laughs from the crowd, urged Sullivan to familiarize himself with it so that he can learn the lay of the land like his wife Leslie, a UVM alumna.

Sullivan said he hopes that all members of the community will join him in the pursuit of success.

“If all of us work together and support each other, we will have a very bright future,” he said.

Sullivan and his wife werejoined onstage by Faculty Senate President Julie Robbins, Staff Council President Ida Russin, Alumni Association Board of Directors Member Afi Ahmadi, Graduate Student Senate President Eduardo Cotilla Sanchez and SGA President Julian Golfarini.

Sullivan was interviewed by the Cynic later that afternoon.

Seated in front of a canvas decorated with a picture of UVM scenery, Sullivan answered questions concerning his new presidency that pertain to the student body.

Sullivan reiterated his previous statements that affordability, financial assets and minimizing debt will be within his core principles and will benefit students. “[We will] look very carefully at the right formula between tuition and the financial aid schol-

arship opportunities,” Sullivan said. “And get that balance right so that no student would be denied an opportunity to come to UVM because of financial need.”

Sullivan also expressed his support for the First Amendment, specifically free speech, when asked about how he plans to handle student activism.

“Sometimes, as it has been said about democracy, it can get a little messy,” he said. “But my own view is that it is part of the discourse and the debate and that’s so important because if we can’t have it in on our American colleges’ campuses, where can we have it?”

Regarding keeping the administration transparent, Sullivan said he would try to work with students as much as possible.

“It has been a day to remember.”

E. Thomas Sullivan President-elect

“I’m not sure how that works right now, but there certainly will be formal opportunities as well as informal opportunities for access and conversations with the president,” he said.

Sullivan mentioned a program at Minnesota called “Conversations with the Provost,” in which he would meet with 12 to 15 students in order to discuss various issues.

“It was incredibly educational for me,” he said. “I want to be able to hear [student voices] even if we ultimately disagree on something.”

At 4 p.m., there was a campus-wide reception at Billings Library. Over 150 students, faculty and staff attended the event to welcome the new president.

After focusing his efforts on the presidential search this past month, Chief of Staff Gary Derr said he is excited about the decision.

The administration is now planning Sullivan’s coming months until July 15, when he will officially move to Burlington.

“I’m sure there will be an occasion when he’s going to meet

with the delegation senators and representatives as well,” Derr said. “We are planning a trip to Washington so he can meet with the leaders there. He also talked about future campus visits.”

Among other organizations, Greek Life representatives from every chapter were present at the reception.

President of Delta Delta Delta sorority Kristen Hamilton expressed her hope that the new president will better relations with the Greek community.

“He talked a lot about uniting the Burlington community and the campus and the organizations on campus,” Hamilton said.

“Sometimes I feel like there’s a disconnect between the University itself and the Greek organizations – hopefully he can work on bringing them all together.”

Former president Dan Fogel, who was also in attendance, said he was thrilled about the new president and pleased with the search committee’s dedication.

“I thought it was an excellent process and we had stellar candidates,” Fogel said.

Fogel also talked about his transition into teaching and said he was anxious about planning for his classes.

“Presidents don’t usually focus on particular academic departments,” Fogel said. “That’s one of the bad parts about being president: you lose touch with the real playing field of the students and faculty.”

Will Vitagliano, vice president of SGA and member of the presidential selection committee said his experience choosing the next president was wonderful.

“I learned the most about this University in the last year than any of my previous years,” Vitagliano said. “I learned the inner functions of the University that I don’t think a lot of students are aware of.”

The event was interrupted with a couple of brief statements made by Cioffi and Sullivan.

During his speech, Sullivan continued to talk about his excitement in becoming the new president.

“It has been a day to remember,” he said. “This is a place that Leslie has loved since her student days here and one that I am very quickly falling in love with.

“We look forward to many, many years of working with colleagues and friends,” Sullivan said.

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to improve the situation for our neighbors and show that we take their concerns seriously.”

There are other, more unacceptable and impractical proposals than this one floating around, Bramley said.

Some proposals include limiting streets where students can walk and requiring all undergraduate students to live on campus, he said.

Joe Speidel, director of community relations, said the sustainability of the pilot program would be based on various measures of success.

“One thing that’s going to be intangible will be reports from students and police,” he said.

“More tangible will be looking at the number of violations and the type of violation. More policing might mean more policy.”

Speidel said he believes the program will provide a forum for more dialogue between students and BPD officers, making their presence less punitive and more of a deterrent.

“One area we can improve in is the visibility of officers,” he said. “We’re hoping that officers will be talking to students when there isn’t a problem.”

Both Speidel and Bramley agree that despite the attention community relations receives, the relationship between students and Burlington residents is generally good and has improved over the years.

“I hope that it will demonstrate that not all problems that occur in the neighborhoods are caused by UVM students,” Bramley said.

Some students are not so much concerned with the increase in officers, but rather how the money to fund the program is going to be used.

“We need to hold ourselves responsible for our actions off campus,” junior Tom Campbell said. “But we also need to hold the administration and Burlington police responsible so that these funds are used to protect students, not as an unfair tax on them.”

Strained town-gown relations have become a hot-button issue in the city’s mayoral race— particularly, the need for the next mayor to re-negotiate a new Memorandum for Understanding agreement that dates back to 2007.

The current agreement

amounts to $1,173,295, and is set to expire on June 30, according to the Burlington Free Press.

As a result, UVM agreed with developing this pilot program to assuage concerns from the city of Burlington that the University wasn’t doing enough.

Charlie Kelley, a junior who lives off-campus, said the program is a good idea but there will be limitations, considering some neighborhoods are more heavily concentrated with college students than others.

“It’s a college town, kids are going to inevitably drink,” Kelley said. “There needs to be a balance between over-policing and allowing families to have peace and quiet “There comes a point where you have to keep your catamount paws off the party scene,” Kelley said.

Jake Amato, another junior who lives off-campus, said there already are enough police patrolling Burlington neighborhoods and offered an alternative solution.

“I think the only way they might be able to reduce the noise in Burlington is to increase the fine for noise violations,” he said. “This would also be a more cost-effective way to reduce the noise.”

Meredith Clayton, a Burlington resident, said that she and her husband were college students once and are happy to put up with some amounts of noise on weekends.

“But there are certainly times when there seems to be a lack of respect,” she said. “We’ve had drunk kids knock on our door thinking they’re at a party; it would be nice to see more patrolling.”

Clayton said the volume of broken beer bottles that litter her street is a major issue for families in her neighborhood.

Some residents who live close to campus, like Elizabeth Banyon, do not view students who live off-campus as a problem.

“There was one incident, but they came right over the next day to apologize and even made us cupcakes,” she said.

Both Clayton and Banyon agreed that more communication between students and their neighbors before students throw a party or have friends over was the best way to alleviate some of the tension.

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic

Rolling Rock and Pabst Blue Ribbon cardboard boxes await recycling in residential, downtown Burlington, Feb. 19.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

L/L mural to be made over Fund going green

Plans created to replace ‘El Salvador’ painting

By Chris Scott Staff Writer Instead of ‘solidarity for peace in El Salvador,’ there seems to be solidarity for a new mural on the concrete wall surrounding the Living/Learning Center.

The El Salvador mural, one of three outside of Living/Learning, is being replaced because of cracks, chipped paint and overall decrepit state, Director of the Living/Learning center John Sama said.

“It’s been in deteriorating condition for years, and folks in tours and planning have been contacting me for a while about it and its effect on the visitors to campus,” Sama said.

The mural, which has been a part of the campus for over 20 years, has seen significant signs of decay and vandalism, which promoted a response from SGA to implement a replacement program, he said.

“Once students voiced concern, then we slowed the process down in order to include the students as much as possible.”

To involve the University community in the mural’s replacement, an SGA ad-hoc committee formed to facilitate the process, committee member Kevin Conlon said.

Sama, the SGA committee and Ann Barlow, director of the Arts Initiative Residential Learning Community, held an open forum in November to discuss how the decaying monument could be renovated, Sama said.

“We want faculty and staff as

KELSEY CALLAHAN The Vermont Cynic

Sophomore Julia Sheed walks past the ‘solidarity for peace in El Salvador’ mural outside of the Living/Learning Center, Feb. 22. well as students to have as much input as possible,” Sama said.

“The next step is to find a theme and present design proposals for the replacement.”

Students and faculty alike will be involved in voting for and approving a new mural through an online voting page.

Currently, the committee is discussing the theme for the mural design.

After having received over 130 submissions, the committee is now focusing on ideas such as environmentalism, social justice, local Vermont, Hurricane Irene, and diversity and war, Conlon said.

Removal of the mural was received with mixed reactions from the UVM community, negative feedback mostly coming from

members who had been involved in the original construction of the mural, Sama said.

But some of these very members who expressed disappointment with news of the mural’s replacement have now become involved in the renovation process, he said.

The committee hopes to somehow incorporate a piece of the El Salvador mural into the new one as a way to commemorate the work, Sama said.

Some students who support the new mural suggested the design be more current while others said that it’s deteriorating condition calls for the change.

“If it’s being vandalized, you may as well replace it,” sophomore David Viscido said.

By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer UVM accepts the challenge — to continue going green that is.

The Board of Trustees approved a resolution earmarking $13 million for a revolving loan fund that will finance energy efficiency projects on campus at a meeting Feb. 4.

To create the fund, the University joined 34 other colleges in committing to the Sustainable Endowment Institute’s Billion Dollar Green Challenge.

Created in October 2011, the Billion Dollar Green Challenge hopes to encourage colleges across the nation to establish similar funds amounting to $1 billion.

Participating institutions have committed nearly $80 million thus far.

UVM now boasts the largest revolving loan fund in the country, surpassing Harvard’s $12 million fund for the number one spot.

Money from the fund will be used to improve energy efficiency on campus, and the resulting savings on energy expenditures will replenish the fund to allow for other projects to be financed, Richard Cate, vice president for finance and administration, told the board.

The fund represents about 10 percent of UVM’s liquid assets— money that the University has on hand from tuition payments and other revenues.

At the Feb. 4 meeting, Cate said projects will be funded according to two criteria: they must not require funding in excess of $3 million, and they must yield full payback in seven years or less.

To ensure that proposed projects meet these requirements, UVM will enlist the help of two Vermont-based groups, he said.

Project proposals will be vetted by Efficiency Vermont, a nonprofit corporation that helps Vermonters improve energy effi-

ciency, and the Burlington Electric Department, UVM’s electricity provider.

Cate provided three examples of proposed projects to the board: • implementation of demand-controlled ventilation systems • replacement of current exterior lighting with LED fixtures • improvement to the Waterman building through lighting and ventilation systems Cate said he hopes the establishment of the fund will inspire other institutions to make similar commitments.

“We hope our decision helps other Vermont institutions become aware of this important tool for saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

UVM now joins the ranks of three Vermont colleges that have set up similar funds; Burlington College, Green Mountain College and Middlebury College have earmarked $25,000, $30,000 and $300,000, respectively.

UVM’s move also garnered praise from Gov. Peter Shumlin, a member of the Board of Trustees.

“I applaud UVM’s decision to establish such a robust fund and hope the decision inspires other schools, businesses and institutions, like local and state government, to try this approach,” Shumlin said in a news release.

He also said the fund is both fiscally and environmentally practical.

“The rewards in cost savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions make this a true winwin.”

Junior Mia Payraudeau said the fund is a good use of her tuition dollars.

“I think it’s great,” she said.

“It’s economically and ecologically efficient, and it’s probably the smartest allocation of University money I have ever heard of.”

Obama will hit town

By Jacob Lumbra Cynic Correspondent Tom Sullivan isn’t the only president coming to campus this semester.

Barack Obama’s reelection campaign announced that the president will be visiting Burlington for the “Obama Victory Fund 2012-Reception with the President” March 30.

Tickets are available for the reception at the Sheraton in Burlington.

The prices range from a starting price of $100 to $7,500, which would make buyers co-hosts and give them access to the preferred section and a photo reception, according to BarackObama.com, the president’s donation and event website.

Though the Vermont Democratic Party has no official role in Barack Obama’s visit to Vermont, members said they were looking forward to the president’s visit.

“We’re really, really excited,” said Jesse Bragg, executive director of the Vermont Democratic Committee. “The president’s visit will bring excitement to the Democratic Party.

We’re dedicated to the reelection of all democrats, both national and local.”

Bragg said the money raised at the president’s event in Burlington will benefit the Obama reelection campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Some students have expressed their disappointment with the location and its exclusiveness due to the price.

“I was expecting him to hold something at city hall, a park or somewhere on campus,” junior Andrew Voss said. “I really want to go, and I know others that want to go, but the money deters me.”

If the president visited campus and allowed students to donate as desired, he might raise more money for his campaign and get students interested in the election, Voss said.

Obama is the first sitting president to come to Vermont since Bill Clinton’s visit in 1995.

No details have been given as to the reception’s schedule of events or if Obama plans to take advantage of any other campaign opportunities while in Vermont.

N EWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Eco-Ware adds soup container

“There are 1,500 meals served in EcoWare containers in an average month.”

Jay Taylor Sodexo marketing assistant Though only a few on-campus dining facilities used Eco-Ware when it first began, the containers will be featured in the Northside Café and Redstone Market’s salad bar after spring break.

The reason for the expansion into two new dining areas and the launch of soup containers was due to increased use among students, Taylor said.

“There are 1,500 meals served in Eco-Ware containers in an average month,” he said. “The record was 1,193 in October 2011,

but we’re on pace to beat that this month by 300 meals.”

Students that have Eco-Ware said they would continue to use the product and recommend it to friends.

“I bought the container because I can get food to go and there’s no environmental impact,” first-year Abby Holden said. “Eco-Ware is really easy to use, and I think I will continue to use it throughout my time here.”

Though some students said they found Eco-Ware easy to use, others said the product can often be problematic.

“Eco-Ware is mostly good,” sophomore Melina Chaouch said.

“It’s a good way to save money, but it’s annoying to have to rinse out the containers before I turn it in to get my cow tag.”

Chaouch said she’s happy with Eco-Ware for the most part because she can’t be bothered to compost.

“Since UVM is trying to be green and so am I, I think EcoWare is great to have,” she said.

“Plus, you get a lot more food when using Eco-Ware.”

Students interested in purchasing an Eco-Ware container can do so at any of the locations where they are used.

The containers are $7.50 and meal plan points can be used to purchase them. Those using EcoWare receive a 15-cent discount on all meals.

After 50 uses, the cost is essentially refunded, Taylor said.

Source: Jay Taylor, Sodexo marketing assistant

Sleep out for soldiers

By Amanda Sherwood Staff Writer A common feature of many sororities and fraternities on campus is their philanthropic events that often benefit the local community.

The Kappa Sigma fraternity is preparing for their fourth annual “Sleep Out for the Soldiers” event, which will be held Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25.

The event is open to the public and will take place at the George P. Cunavelis Chapter House located at 368 Main St., the University Communications press release stated.

Festivities including music, raffles, refreshments and family fun are all features of “Sleep Out for the Soldiers” event, according

Crime log

By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor

Medical Assist

There was an accident involving two cars Feb. 13 in the University Health Center parking lot. No injuries were reported.

KELSEY CALLAHAN The Vermont Cynic

Sodexo Marketing assistant Jay Taylor speaks about Eco-Ware use around campus as he holds an Eco-Ware tag in the dining area outside of the Marketplace, in the Davis Center, Feb. 15.

Total monthy eco-ware usage

By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor Soup consumers on campus will soon be able to eat out of reusable containers.

Sodexo marketing assistant and 2010 graduate Jay Taylor recently received approval from the University’s health department to launch Eco-Ware soup containers.

“The soup containers are the same system,” he said. “Anyone who uses Eco-Ware now is automatically able to use the soup containers.”

to the press release.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Fund. This fund supports the Fisher House Foundation.

Vice President of Kappa Sigma, Kyle DeVivo, said that essentially his brothers raise money by braving the Vermont winter for 24 hours.

“Over the past three years we have raised over $7,500,” DeVivo said. “This year, we are hoping to raise $10,000 for the Foundation.”

Sponsors of the event include: Megabus.com, Whiteface Mountain, The Tuscan Sunflower, 95 Triple X and Nonatum Restor, he said.

Drugs

An odor of marijuana was reported Feb. 13 in McAuley Hall. The source was not found.

Marijuana and other drug related objects were taken from a student Feb. 12 in Wills Hall.

Vandalism

Maintenance staff reported three slashed tires on their vehicles Feb. 13 in the South Prospect Street parking lot.

Sexual Assault

There was a late report of a sexual assault from September 2011 in University Heights on Feb. 13.

6

LIFE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Women practice fending off attackers Rape Aggression Defense classes popular among female students

By Margaret Gerowe Cynic Correspondent When it comes to self-defense, one can never be overprepared.

Twenty female students are learning that self-defense is a powerful tool through the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course offered this semester through the UVM Police Services. It involves using their minds, voices, bodies and skills to stay safe.

Feb. 14 marked the second RAD class, which is offered in four-session courses on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights in Billings.

RAD is the largest self-defense program in North America, according to www.uvm.edu/ police. RAD has about 2,000 instructors who have trained about 80,000 women in defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assaults.

Sue Roberts, RAD instructor and UVM Police Services member, said that despite only having enough interest for one class last semester, both classes this semester are completely full.

The first class explained the aspects of awareness: risk reduction, risk avoidance, and developing a mindset to take physical action for self-defense.

During the second class the women practiced elbowing, hit-

ting and punching a life-sized padded red dummy — physical moves they were taught were to be used as a last resort.

A major aspect of the course is using the voice. As the women carried out their physical moves they repeatedly yelled ‘no,’ or ‘stay back.’

“Everyone should do this,” junior Sam Husband said. “I feel as though it should almost be required of first-year girls, even if it was just offered at orientation.”

A few of the participants said that there have been times throughout their experience at UVM when they have felt unsafe. Generally, these times have been at night or when they have been walking downtown alone, students said.

Senior Carlyn Levy, along with a few other senior girls, expressed her enthusiasm for the class and how she wished shehad taken it sooner. “I’m a senior and this is four years overdue,” Levy said.

William Soiss, RAD instructor and UVM Police Services member, said that the UVM campus is safer than most.

UVM addresses lighting and safety as much as possible, and there are fast police responses, Soiss said.

“We are being as proactive as we can be,” he said.

The last two sessions of the

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic

RAD instructor Sue Roberts speaks to workshop attendees on rape prevention and defense strategies at the Rape Aggression Defense course sponsered by UVM Police Services in the Billings center, Feb. 8. class will focus on more self-defense techniques and a simulation that will consist of scenarios that allow the students to use their skills.

Participants expressed excitement for the last session of the class, when they would get to use the techniques that they

had learned. During this class, Soiss, along with another UVM Police Services member, will dress in a padded suit in order to simulate real attacks.

Soiss said current female students should always have a plan. He told students to know where they are going and always

let people know where they are.

Common sense is the most important thing: stick to welllit areas and don’t walk home at night alone, Soiss said.

“The most important thing is for everyone to get home safe,” he said.

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LI F E

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

7

Pizza boasts different crust, variety a must

Cynic reviews best of single slice pizzerias in downtown Burlington Mr. Mike’s Pizza

Bank Street

When looking for a meal that’s fast and satisfies the primal hunger of a college student, the best place to go might be a pizza joint.

Single slices of pizza cost only a few bucks and are the size of two to three normal-sized pieces of pizza.

Most places that serve pizza by the slice are also typically more laid-back and conducive to the energetic and rowdy conversation of supercharged college kids.

The following Cynical review includes pizza joints that sell by the slice.

College Street

Church Street

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor

Main Street

At Mr. Mike’s you can expect a good, wholesome slice of pizza paired with fast service.

The restaurant can be spotted from a distance with its bright red awnings. The crimson hue continues on the inside, which radiates a college hangout vibe with Bud Light posters plastered on the windows. The atmosphere is completed with an old arcade machine in the corner and a cozy bar set off to the side.

It has just the right amount of grit to make you feel like you are not out with your mother. The wobbly tables remind you that you are not here for fine dining but a slice of heaven, while its large fishbowl windows tempt onlookers.

The pizza is ideal in its perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio that doesn’t leave you drowning in grease. It is very easy to lose track of which slice you are working on while chatting with a group of friends.

Mr. Mike’s Pizza has a classic taste, one that is reminiscent of the good ol’ days, whatever that might mean for you.

Ken’s Pizza & Pub

Manhattan Pizza and Pub

Big Daddy’s Pizza

Manhattan Pizza is more for the older crowd of college students.

The inside is decorated with MardiGras knickknacks and an old pool table sits in the corner of the restaurant ready to be played.

The place has a lot of seating and a small triangular stage where live artists can play.

The pizza has a slightly more sweet taste than other pizza joints. The crust is bready, filling and satisfying.

Manhattan Pizza is a place for Friday night barhopping and big enough for large-scale celebrations.

Big Daddy’s prides itself on its fast delivery service, but unknown to some, it has a sit-down area in its restaurant.

It is the place to go when you have a large group to feed and need the food fast.

The pizza slices are large enough to curb hunger.

Instead of ordering out, stop in and enjoy one of life’s greatest gifts — pizza.

EMMA HANSEN

Cynic Video

Emma Hansen presents: BTV Beats Monday is the new Friday Mondays don’t have a very good reputation: they’re long, they arrive too quickly after the weekend and next weekend is suddenly very, very far away.

But Drink does not want Mondays to spoil your fun.

Drink embraces Mondays with their “Industry Night,” and has all of their weekly specials available: $2 draughts, $5 Long Islands, $4 Cosmos, $4

Mojitos, $4 Vodka infusions — try the berry infusion, it tastes just like a Jolly Rancher — and now they provide $4 Whiskey or Amaretto Sours.

If your Mondays are dreary and depressing, visit Drink and take advantage of these inexpensive, tasty cocktails and microbrews.

Your morale will thank you. What’s your favorite Drink special? Tweet us @cynicvideoteam

http://www.vermontcynic.com/life

Junior’s Downtown If you happen to walk into Junior’s and find yourself enticed by the smell, it is a good idea to stick around.

Junior’s is clearly going for an old-world Italian look with their tiny tables, black and white checkered tablecloths, and fancy woodwork on the ceiling.

The pizza completes this image and is served steaming hot on a metal plate. You will have to fold it in half because of its thinness, but this doesn’t take away from its taste.

The relaxed atmosphere makes Junior’s the perfect spot for a study date, especially if you’re craving some rustic pizza.

Ken’s Pizza has a different atmosphere that draws a slightly older crowd, but that doesn’t mean college students don’t stop in often. Immediately after entering, you are hit by a blast of warm air and the aroma of freshly grated cheese, which is just the sort of environment you want after power-walking from campus on a bitter cold day.

For those of age, a medium-sized bar is available. Booths packed closely together utilize body heat, and the cushioned seats mimic the comfort of a beat-up couch.

The employees don’t literally whistle as they work, but you will hear their playful banter as you wait for your slice to arrive.

Ken’s pizza has a golden-brown glow, suggesting the cheese is authentic. Taking a bite creates delicate strands.

Ken’s inviting atmosphere urges restaurantgoers to slow down and enjoy the moment.

8

ARTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

EVENTS CALENDAR Sunday

Sunday

2/26 2/26

“Engage” Opening Reception The Flynn Center

Until Sunday

Faculty Scholarship Recital Music Recital Hall

Wednesday

Wednesday

2/26

2/29

The Beaux Stratagem Royal Tyler Theatre

Thursday

Fun. Higher Ground

2/29

The Painted Word Poetry Series The Fleming Museum

Friday

3/1 3/2

Moe. Higher Ground

Tuesday

First Friday Art Walk The BCA Center

3/6 CON C PRE ERT VIEW

Young the Giant Higher Ground

Moe. preview

By Molly Philbin Assistant Arts Editor

Moe. is the ideal big festival band; however, the band will make its way to Higher Ground on March 1 at 8 p.m.

The show has already sold out.

The American jam band was formed at the University at Buffalo in 1989.

They grew in popularity with bands such as Widespread Panic and UVM’s own Phish by playing in over 20 large-scale, established festivals such as Bonnaroo in Tennessee, Lollapalooza in Illinois and a recreation festival of Woodstock ’69 in New York.

The band’s whopping 14 albums, with the exception of touring album “What Happened to the LA-LA’s,” were released by independently owned label Fat Boy Records.

Owning a label has allowed the band the appropriate time needed for each album, ac-

cording to Moe.’s Facebook page.

The band has taken part in a number of fundraising efforts, including benefit concerts for Bama Works Village Recovery Fund, the Kelberman Center and World Hunger Year.

Moe. has won four Jammy Awards — Best Live Album (L), Live Performance of the Year (Bonnaroo 2002), Best Studio Album (Wormwood) and Live Performance of the Year (Tsunami Relief Concert 2005) — which are all associated with live, improvisational music.

Burlington will be one of the closing locations on the band’s winter tour, prior to their 2012 tour of Europe, kicking off in mid-March.

Fun. preview

By Molly Philbin Assistant Arts Editor “We Are Young” is the song that identifies indie pop band Fun., but they are more complex than their top iTunes chart single. Fun. will be headlining with supporting act Sleeper Agent at Higher Ground Feb. 29 at 8 p.m.

Having just released their new album “Some Nights” on Feb. 21, Fun. will be making the fourth stop of their U.S. Spring Tour 2012 in Burlington.

The album is full of new generation, small scale anthems, such as their newest single “Some Nights,” which is fresh off their touring album and reminiscent of Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” according to the website Pop Blerb.

The three-piece band, based in New York City, first entered the music limelight in 2010 — a year after the release of their debut album “Aim and

Ignite” — as a supporting act for both Jack’s Mannequin in February and Paramore in April.

The album expresses concern with fame, and many songs have open-ended rhetorical questions such as “Some Nights” lyric: “So this is it? I sold my soul for this? … I miss my mom and dad for this?”

This band is not above using Auto-Tune, but uses it sparingly so that live performances are not disrupted by its lack of presence.

Popular Fox series “Glee” covered Fun.’s top single in “Hold on to Sixteen” in the eighth episode of the third season, and the band has also recorded with established artist Panic! At the Disco.

Tickets are still being sold on Higher Ground’s website.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

ARTS

9

Vantage Point celebrates latest installment

UVM’s literary and arts journal shines light on students’ artwork and literature

By Theodora Ziolkowski Staff Writer UVM’s literary and arts journal Vantage Point celebrated the release of its fall volume, Volume XII, on Feb. 10, an unseasonably warm Burlington evening.

Hosted by Maglianero’s, the celebration showcased contributors’ artwork and featured readings by writers published in the journal.

The bands Pals, Keppe Rub, and Fridge and the Spin$ performed at the event.

Vantage Point biannually publishes work from about 40 to 50 contributors, all of whom are University students and staff members. The journal features a range of artwork, from poetry and prose to sculptures and paintings.

Each week, members of the Vantage Point staff gather to review its pool of submissions.

Contributors to the journal can send up to six pieces each semester, which are anonymously evaluated for publication by staff.

Each batch of contributors is essential to shaping the semester’s publication, as each issue is different, Ellen Keane, senior co-editor-in-chief, said.

“We are diverse in our publication, with the hopes of displaying the most talented individuals and creative works possible,” she said. “Our success is not possible without the creative talents of our con-

tributors.”

Vantage Point has grown immensely since its inauguration. Now boasting 80 pages of content, the journal is bound

by Queen City Printers.

Jackson Tupper, layout director and contributor to this most recent Vantage Point, said he was pleased with the final result of Volume XII.

“We are diverse in our publication, with the hopes of displaying the most talented individuals and creative works possible.”

Ellen Keane Senior co-editor-in-chief of Vantage Point “Having a book that showcases high quality student art and literature is so cool, and we’re really fortunate to have the funding to put Vantage Point together,” Tupper said.

This recent volume of Vantage Point includes cover art

by Literary Director and contributor Frances Cannon.

Inside, there are both black and white and color photographs representing the artwork published in the journal. The color pages are in the

Book review

ALEXA REILLY

Novel pulls on heart strings “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” tells the story of Oskar Schell, a young and intelligent boy who lost his father on Sept.

11. He is trying to understand why his father died and how to continue living without him.

A year after his father’s death, Oskar ventures into his closet and finds a key in an envelope labeled “Black.” Determined to discover what the key unlocks, Oskar embarks on a systematic journey through New York City.

A parallel plot woven into Oskar’s quest is the story of his grandparents,

who also had to learn how to live after a tragedy, which is told through letters to their son and grandson.

Author Jonathan Foer writes with incredible sensitivity. Not only does he perfectly reflect the confusion and pain of losing someone so cherished, he writes with compassion and depth, creating a story that is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Author Jonathan Foer writes with incredible sensitivity.

While some may find the run-on narration hard to follow, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” takes the reader on a wonderful journey.

middle of the journal, and the black and white photographs are printed alongside written pieces.

Keane said the Vantage Point staff is interested in improving the journal’s reputation for its spring issue.

“It is our understanding that not a lot of people know that we are a club that exists on campus,” she said. “UVM’s collective and creative voice is loud, and Vantage Point provides a venue in which writers and artists are encouraged to find their voice and delve in creative endeavors.”

Another goal is to encourage a broader group of writers and artists to submit their work for future volumes.

“We did struggle with a lack of submissions this semester … which makes it difficult for us to put together a diverse collection of the best student work,” Tupper said. “We can only improve the quality and diversity of the publication with the help of students simply by submitting work.”

Copies of the most recent Vantage Point can be found around campus, including in the Bailey/Howe Library, the Davis Center and the Royall Tyler Theatre.

Those interested in contributing to the spring issue of Vantage Point should email their work to vantage@uvm. edu. A full list of submitters’ guidelines can be found on the Vantage Point Facebook page.

MATTHEW KUPERMAN The Vermont Cynic

Literary and arts journal, Vantage Point, Volume XII, Feb. 16.

The journal showcases contributions from students and staff.

10

F E AT U RE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

A night on the ‘drunk bus’

By Becky Hayes News Editor The student-dubbed “drunk bus” is much more than a late night ride downtown.

Officially called the Late Night Off-Campus Shuttle, this bus brings students to and from campus and downtown on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Cynic took a look at what really happens on the “drunk bus” by riding the route with driver Walter Gulfield.

At 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, Green Mtn. Concert Services officer Tom Rider stood in his yellow jacket outside the Living/Learning Center, to ensure that students got on and off the bus safely. “[I like] mingling with the students, making everybody feel safe and having a good time doing it,” Rider said.

Rider said he has been doing this job for three years and has not run into a problem where he wouldn’t let students on the bus.

The only time students do not get on right away is when the crowds get too big and there isn’t room on the bus, he said.

“That always happens, and you just have to let the students know that the next bus is coming,” Rider said.

The worst part about this job is cold nights; the best is watching all the smiling faces, he said.

One of the rules of the bus is no open containers, Rider said.

“We have them dump it out and put it in a trash can on the bus,” he said.

This did not stop many of the

students from whipping out water bottles full of colored liquid and even a 40 ounce bottle of malt liquor once seated on the bus.

“If I finish this on the bus do I get 100 bucks?” sophomore Danielle Marder asked her friends of her discolored Vitamin Water.

The bus stopped on Athletic Campus and opened its doors to a line of pushing and shoving students, some clad in short skirts and heels.

By 11:01 p.m., the bus was so crowded that there was standing room only. Students swayed back and forth even when the bus wasn’t moving and used other students to keep themselves from falling over.

By 11:15 p.m., with windows fogged from the sheer number of bodies onboard, the security officers announced on their walkietalkies that 53 people were on the 35 seat bus.

By this time, the buzz of chatter limited talking to the person sitting next to you, and the entire bus smelled of alcohol.

Sophomore Jillian Blaisdell said she has personally gotten to know a number of the security officers and bus drivers during her rides downtown, and one friend commented on how Blaisdell was Facebook friends with one of the drivers.

The night’s driver, Gulfield, said the late night shuttle is a great service for students because it gets them back and forth safely.

“My favorite part is the interaction with the students and seeing them enjoy themselves,” he said.

rd on the d runk b a e H us ...

“I’m “Is not paying to get in Trinity in anywhere.”

Vermont?”

THE

University of Vermont

At 11:35 p.m. one student yelled to a friend that it NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic was their stop, but Sophomores Danielle Marder (center left), Tana McCoy (center) and Liz Cote the bus had already (center right) ride the Late Night Off-Campus Shuttle, Feb. 17. Another student begun to pull away. (left) drinks a 40 ounce beverage on the shuttle.

Many others on the bus made jeers and catcalls at the find on it. sophomore Danielle Marder said. student who had missed her stop.

“I love the bus unless people Resnick said she once watched throw up on it; [then] it’s not someone play the trumpet on the cool,” Resnick said. bus.

When students get sick, the Another odd occurrence on bus does have to be evacuated, the bus is when friends lose track Gulfield said. of other friends and they “disap“I personally offer them a pear,” Resnick said.

CATS plastic bag if they aren’t feeling “You never know where your Shuttle well,” he said. “We hope it doesn’t friends are gonna be,” she said.

Stop happen.”

“You might find them here, you Gulfield crossed his fingers might find them there. It’s the as he said that students do not magic of the bus, man.”

Use cell phone time for reference get sick often, and it has not hapAlthough most of the comTimes are for fall and spring pened to him this semester, al- ments from students were posisemesters only.

Times may vary due to conditions. though other buses have been tive, there were a few complaints Please arrive a few minutes early evacuated recently. about the shuttle.

At 11:45 p.m., the bus stopped “You can’t bring food on,” in front of the Davis Center on sophomore Tana McCoy said.

For complete schedule visit our website Central Campus.

“One time we stopped at Mike’s www.uvm.edu/tps “Anybody for the library?” and we had a whole pizza, and Gulfield asked when no one got they were like, ‘no, no, no.’” off the bus. “Any studiers here toSophomore David Ornstein night?” said nothing was bad about the Later in the night, students bus except running for it if you To make sure students do not welcomed interviews and said are late to the stop. miss their stops, Gulfield said he meeting new people or making “Running for the bus definiteenjoys trying to teach them where friends were some of the main ly sucks,” Ornstein said. “Nothing the correct bus stop is since the reasons the “drunk bus” is so [else is bad]; he’s the best driver route changed at the beginning of much fun. ever; I got a cramp from running, the semester.

“It’s convenient,” sophomore though.” “[The new stop] has a more Matt Hollingsworth said. “UsuSophomore Liz Cote said that central location and is a safer stop ally there’s a lot of cool people.” the bus is convenient unless it is because the bus doesn’t go out A number of students com- too crowded. into the intersection,” he said. mented on the strange things that “That is the worst,” Cote said.

Sophomore Alexis Resnick people encounter when riding the “I don’t know if you can swear, said her favorite part of riding the “drunk bus.” but the fucking worst.” bus is all the fun people you can “I saw someone get tackled,” Around midnight, McCoy, Cote and Marder sang the single

by Steam, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” on their ride to Hyde Street.

“It’s the best, honestly, when everyone starts singing songs and you’re just belting it out,” McCoy “I don’t eat my fucking said. mammoth Other songs students menchildren bitch.” tioned singing on their bus rides “The drunk bus included “All Star” by Smash is for happiness Mouth, Aretha Franklin’s “Re“Do spect” and “We like to party” by and good you want the Vengaboys. feelings.”

Resnick and sophomore Blair any acid?”

Borax chanted the chorus of “We like to party,” until meeting up with their friend at the Pearl Street Beverage stop.

“We like to party,” Resnick said. “But what we really like is the bus.”

Although she was still headOFF-CAMPUS ing downtown, Marder said she enjoyed the ride home more than the ride down the hill.

“The ride home is good because you’re so drunk — everyCampus Area Transportation System one’s ready to crash but still hanging in there,” she said.

CATS Returning to campus past midnight, the bus continued its rounds without much of a lull in crowds, Rider said, until the last stop downtown at 3 a.m.

D I S T RAC T I O N S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

11

Want more Cynical comics?

Visit our website: www.vermontcynic.com

College Life by Rodney Rhea

Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

Crossword

brought to you by bestcrosswords.com

ACROSS 1- Pro or con 5- Me too 10- Hindu music 14- Nabokov novel 15- Aired again 16- Egg-shaped 17- Formerly, formerly 18- Inert elemental gas 19- Fermented 20- Escort or lover 22- Jumpy 24- “...___ the cows come home” 25- Pest control brand 26- Slender 29- Backslide 33- Embankment 34- Extended family 36- Affirmative reply 37- Black bird 38- Factory 39- Emeritus: Abbr.

40- Tampa Bay player, for short 41- Pealed 42- Golfer Calvin 44- Lounges 47- City in S Arizona 48- Draw with acid 49- Biblical verb ending 50- “Honor Thy Father” author 53- Faultfinding 58- “So be it” 59- “Til ___ do us part” 61- Bond classic 62- Connections 63- Diamond flaw?

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#uvmproblems They got rid of the chicken cibatta sandwhich at marke tplace...........#uvmproblems #imgonnacry

@JesssSchwatrz The girl in front of me in lecture has a personalized mason jar... #uvmproblems

@sandra_dgaf I just thought you were a really tall girl and it turns out your a guy... Dude #cutyourhair #uvmproblems

@N_Davis11 it’s warm enough outside to wear only a sweatshirt, the sun is shining, and the air smells of weed. #springiscocming #uvmproblems

@thejensmeoww blirpit. #uvmproblems

@bearbluni a girl taking a tour just told her parents it smells like a skunk here. hunny, that’s not skunk. #uvmproblems

@ErinWhipple

12

Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

We need to share the city THE VERMONT

C YNIC

EDITORIAL BOARD

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

802-656-0337

Managing Editor Corrie Roe

cynicnewsroom@gmail.com

News

Becky Hayes

cynicnews@gmail.com

Opinion

Peyton Rosenthal

cynicopinion@gmail.com

Sports

Mike Eaton

cynicsportseditor@gmail.com

Life/Feature Hannah Ullman

cyniclifeeditor@gmail.com

Arts

Natalie Slack

cynicartseditor@gmail.com

Layout

Devon Meadowcroft

cyniclayouteditor@gmail.com

Web

Colleen McClintock

vermontcynicweb@gmail.com

Photography Natalie Williams

cynicphoto@gmail.com

Copy Chief

Jasmine Hughes

cyniccopyedit@gmail.com

Illustration Dana Ortiz

cynicsketches@gmail.com

Video

Jon Polson

cynicvideo@gmail.com

STAFF Assistant Editors

Devin Karambelas (News), Lauren Drasler (News), Mackenzie Jones (Photo), Homer Johnsen (Photo), Julia Dwyer (Sports), Ann Cromley (Life), Grace Buckles (Layout)

Page Designers

Danielle Bilotta, Lilly Xian, Grace Buckles, Meg Ziegler, Alana Luttinger

It looks like Burlington is “so done” with college.

The opposition to downtown conditions that seem to have pitted quiet families against their loud, drunk college-aged neighbors is getting more intense.

First, the city council tried to limit housing in Burlington’s high density residential zone to prevent large groups of college kids from living together.

The zoning law would have limited the number of occupants in a single residence to four, a move targeted at students creating noise downtown.

This is simply not a viable solution: as many landlords have pointed out, the move would cause students to spread out into Burlington. This will not solve the noise and underage drinking problems.

In a separate but related case, the Burlington Police Department is upping its downtown weekend patrolling, which will directly lead to more confrontation between students and officers on the streets of Burlington.

The move is apparently a response to the complaints that UVM regularly receives from non-college residents of the downtown area.

We recognize that the residents of Burlington have a right to be upset to a certain extent; families exist downtown and have the right to live worry free.

However, a line needs to be drawn. Burlington is a college town and UVM students will drink and venture downtown on the weekends.

No amount of taxation and policy will change this behavior.

The solution: Downtown neighbors need to begin an open dialogue.

We believe this starts with students. Letting your neighbor know that you are going to be having a party is a good start. Giving them your cell and giving them permission to call if the noise is too much is even better, and could avoid confrontation with the police.

Permanent residents should try to understand as well. While Burlington is not your typical city, it is still a city. Noise happens.

And can’t we all just get along?

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Correction The Cynic article, “New clubs recognized” printed in issue 19 incorrectly identified first-year Jess Fuller as a sophomore, and failed to correctly identify Storm Moszkowicz as the president and cofounder of Electronic Dance Music Club.

DISTURBING QUOTE OF THE WEEK

COLUMNISTS

The imperative of intervention

ZACH DESPART

For nearly a year, Syria has been rocked by anti-government protests and a brutal crackdown by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

Despite restrictions on Syrian and foreign journalists, social media and the Internet have allowed the civil unrest to be broadcast.

The world is watching, yet has done nothing to stop the violence.

In Libya last year, the international community acted to stop pro-government forces.

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution in February freezing Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s asset, and then established a no-fly zone over the country.

But thus far there has been no such support for Syrian citizens. Protests in Syria began in March 2011, in a wave of uprisings in the Middle East that came to be known as Arab Spring.

The Syrian uprising, now in its 11th month, has killed thousands of civilians. Because government forces have restricted

access to journalists, the exact number of deaths is difficult to calculate. The U.N. estimates 8,000, twice the number the Syrian government has announced, with some 70,000 displacements.

The U.N. Security Council drafted a resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, but this was vetoed by China and Russia. Both nations, who have economic ties to Syria, continue to support al-Assad, even as the military he controls kills scores of Syrian civilians every day.

In Libya, the U.N. Security Council authorized member states to “use all necessary means” to protect civilians in Libya. China and Russia did not veto the resolution — instead they abstained from voting.

A group of states, including the U.S., France and Britain, used the resolution to justify air and missile strikes in Libya.

The major fighting ended in early fall; Gaddafi was captured and killed in October.

Yet while the citizens of Syria are also suffering at the hands of a repressive regime, the international community has not provided any military aid. The Arab League, European Union and many nations, including the U.S., have condemned the violence.

But the violence has only increased. For 16 straight days, pro-government forces shelled neighborhoods in the city of

Homs, and snipers have prevented residents from leaving their homes.

Nations like France, Britain and Italy have closed their embassies in Damascus and cut off diplomatic relations. The U.S. recalled its ambassador, Robert Ford, last month after Syrian security forces could not or would not ensure the safety of American diplomats. Last week, the U.N. General Assembly voted 137-12 to condemn the brutal violence and the al-Assad government, but such proclamations are nonbinding.

Yet no international body — not the United Nations, NATO, nor the Arab League — has authorized or even advocated the use of force against the alAssad regime.

It is clear that the regime will not respond to any amount of strongly worded scoldings from foreign diplomats, or only economic sanctions.

The Libya campaign proved a multinational coalition can stop a civil war and save the lives of thousands of civilians without sustaining any casualties or committing troops for an extended period of time.

It is well past time for the international community to intervene in Syria. Rhetoric will not stop the bloodshed — only force will.

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

“EVERYONE SHUT UP ABOUT CHRIS BROWN BEING A WOMAN BEATER … SHIIIITTT HE CAN BEAT ME UP ALL NIGHT IF HE WANTS” Annie Gregg, a Twitter user, complaining about the media and the public’s take on Chris Brown’s controversial performance at the Grammy’s this year after he beat his former girlfriend, Rihanna, before the Grammy’s two years ago.

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OPINION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

COLUMNISTS

Scandal within the Komen foundation

BIANCA MOHN

The peaceful days of the Susan G. Komen foundation are no more.

On Jan. 31, the breast cancer organization decided to cut funding for Planned Parenthood after five years of generous donations. How did the reputable nonprofit become entangled in a royal political mess? The story is quite a scandal.

In 2011, Karen Handel, fresh off her losing campaign trail as a gubernatorial candidate for the Georgia Republican Party, was appointed the senior vice president for public policy at Komen.

This was a suspicious career choice for Handel, who pledged to terminate funding for breast and cervical cancer screens provided by Planned Parenthood.

Known for the ubiquitous pink ribbon, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation has invested $2 billion in breast cancer research, advocacy, education, health services and more since 1982.

Does it not seem odd that Handel, who clearly does not support equal access to breast cancer treatment, would choose to work for Komen?

In 2012, the Komen foundation announced it would no longer fund Planned Parenthood because the organization was undergoing a congressional investigation by Cliff Stearns. Stearns is known for being an anti-abortion Republican from Florida who is investigating whether or not Planned Parenthood spent tax dollars on abortions.

According to Komen’s bylaws, it cannot fund any organization that is under investigation at the local, state or federal level. However, they regularly flout this rule.

It has donated $150,000 to the Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, even though it is under investigation for safety deficiencies by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Komen has continued to give grants to Penn State University despite the ongoing investigation of the controversy surrounding Jerry Sandusky, the football coach charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse over the past 15 years.

It appears as though Planned Parenthood is the only organization where Komen has enforced this rule. Is this a mere coincidence? Hardly.

Laura Bassett, a reporter from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, interviewed an anonymous source within Komen who said Handel was responsible for this circumstance. The source said Handel “herself personally

came up with the investigation criteria. She said, ‘If we just say it’s about investigations, we can defund Planned Parenthood and no one can blame us for being political.’”

In an interview with CNN, Handel denies that the conflict between Komen and Planned Parenthood was of her design. According to her, Komen was facing controversy from donors about its involvement with Planned Parenthood long before she started working for the organization.

In the interview, Handel said, “With over a dozen, if not two dozen, Catholic diocese around the country telling parishioners, ‘don’t support Komen,’ loosing race teams, donor questions, etc., I was tasked with identifying options that would allow us to move to neutral ground around this, so that we were on neither side of an issue [of] pro-life or prochoice.”

Who is to blame? Handel for her alleged agenda, the close-minded donors, or Komen itself for paying heed to their prejudice?

The core of the matter is that women’s health should not be the political issue it has become.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Counteract the dating violence Dear Editor, More than 20 years ago, I read a study of junior high school students in Rhode Island that included one finding I’ve never been able to get out of my head.

Students were asked if a man who spent money on a woman during a date was entitled to force her into sexual activity.

An astounding 25 percent of the young boys said yes – and even more astounding, 17 percent of the junior high school girls agreed.

You may think that sounds like a long time ago – and it was. But, sadly, dating violence remains a very real problem in our country, especially on college campuses.

Today while in college, nearly one in five women will be a victim of sexual assault, and one in 10 teens will be hurt on purpose by someone they are dating.

These aren’t just statistics, these are people you know: your roommates, your friends, your sisters, your classmates. This is a problem we all have to face.

My dad used to say that there’s no worse sin than the abuse of power. Whether it was raising a hand to someone weaker, or using any advantage to push people around, he taught me that if you saw abuse, you had an obligation to attempt to stop it. It’s a lesson to remember every day, but especially this February, during Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

Awareness is the first step to pushing back against a problem this big. When I held Senate hearings on violence against women more than two decades ago, domestic abuse in American

society was rarely spoken about in public. I’ll never forget the stories of abuse I heard in over a thousand hours of hearings.

The brutality of family members, acquaintances and strangers against the women in their lives was absolutely devastating.

It was those hearings that led to the Violence Against Women Act, and since then annual incidents of domestic violence have dropped by more than 50 percent. But for women in college and younger today, the risk is still much too high.

That’s why I joined with Education Secretary Arne Duncan last April to announce historic new guidelines for colleges and universities about their responsibilities under Title IX to prevent sexual assault. Under the federal civil rights law, schools have an obligation not only to respond appropriately when an assault occurs, but also to create a climate on campus that makes such violence unacceptable.

I also started an initiative called 1is2many to help reduce dating violence and sexual assault among teens and young adults. We harnessed the power of technology to get our message out, launching a national contest to develop “Apps Against Abuse.”

The two winning apps – which will be available later this spring – will let you get in touch with your friends quickly and safely so you can call for help if you need it and stop violence in its tracks. We’ve also made sure the National Dating Abuse Helpline can be reached by text, online, or phone 24/7.

Last month, the FBI changed the way the federal government defines rape. The narrow, outdated definition, unchanged

The American Lung Association’s 2012 State of Tobacco Control report highlights Vermont’s need to increase its investment in the comprehensive tobacco control program.

Although Vermont has been a leader in reducing the burden of tobacco use, the state falls short in tobacco control funding.

The legislature allocated $3.4 million this year, over a million dollars less than the previous year and a 37 percent cut since 2009.

Although the ALA applauds the governor for proposing to level-fund the program next year, it is not enough. The administration also plans to divert the remainder of the Tobacco Trust Fund, created to sustain future tobacco control efforts, to address other budget shortfalls.

Annually, 700 kids start smoking, 800 Vermonters die from tobacco-caused illness, and the state spends $233 million in related health care.

A recent study in Washington showed for every $1 spent on tobacco control, the state saves

Quick Opinions Bianca Mohn

Bianca Mohn is a first-year business administration major.

She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2011.

since 1929, said the assault had to be forcible and against a woman’s will to be classified as rape. It’s just not true, and it’s a point that I make on college campuses all across the country.

Rape is rape and no means no.

No means no whether drunk or sober. No means no whether in the dorm room or on the street. There is never an excuse.

Young women and men alike need to understand this. Under the new definition, rape occurs when there is no consent, and it also includes sexual assault against boys and young men in national law enforcement reporting.

These are important changes, but ending dating violence and sexual assault isn’t just a matter of laws and legislation. It’s about education. It’s about attitudes.

It’s about your participation.

I need your help to address this issue in your dorms and on your campuses. Studies show that men’s ideas about what other men think is one of the strongest determinants of how they act. So guys, you need to speak out.

The ultimate measure of a civilized society is how its laws and culture treat the abuse of women. Attitudes can change.

Violence can end.

But it can’t happen without universal understanding that dating violence and sexual assault will never be tolerated anywhere, at any time, for any reason. Period. That’s all of our responsibility.

Sincerely, Joe Biden Vice President of the United States

Put down those cigs, Vermont Dear Editor,

The core of the matter is that women’s health should not be the political issue it has become. With people choosing to support candidates based on their stance on abortion, one has to wonder why the government should be involved in such a deeply personal issue.

In an effort to save face, Komen released an apology statement on Feb. 3, saying that it will continue to fund existing grants to Planned Parenthood.

Will it renew these grants in the future? Time will tell.

While I firmly support Planned Parenthood and the services it provides, I recognize that others disagree. However, whether you support the organization or not, it should not be a major consideration when donating to breast cancer research and treatment. It should not be an issue for Komen either.

13

“The worst part of admitted student days is being scrutinized by the tour groups. I’m not an exotic zoo animal; I just want to get to class!”

$5 in related health care costs.

In order to continue reducing the burden of tobacco use, the ALA calls for lawmakers to increase tobacco control program funding to $4.9 million. Maintaining the status quo is pennywise and pound-foolish when you look at the return on each dollar spent on tobacco control.

Sincerely,

Kent Booraem Leadership Board Chair American Lung Association in Vermont

Have an opinion?

Send your quick opinion to: cynicopinion@gmail.com

Illustration by Andrew Becker

Peyton Rosenthal “I think soon, we’re all going to be able to go down to the beach.

Next week’s weather looks like 75 and sunny in the dead of February.”

14

Sports

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

The Knicks may have found their life(Lin)e

Jake’s take

Will’s spill

The Knicks were 8-15 after their loss to the Boston Celtics on Feb. 3 and had lost 11 of their last 13. Head coach Mike D’Antoni was a bad loss away from being fired, Carmelo Anthony was being questioned as a leader and as an effective piece of the Knicks future, and a feeling of cynicism — so prevalent WILL ANDREYCAK in the center of the basketball were relevant world for the last decade — began creeping back into Madison Square again and they enhanced their roster further by adding Tyson Chandler Garden. But then it all changed.

Despite the Knicks losing their two this past offseason. Entering this stars in the days following their loss to season, New York’s hope for this Boston — Carmelo would miss seven team was higher than it has been games with a groin injury and Amar’e since the turn of the millennium.

Stoudemire would miss four games deal- And then the fragile hope of Knicks ing with the tragic passing of his 35-year- fans began to crack and chip away old brother — they gained a new one in as the losses piled up and the Knicks were staring at an 8-15 the form of Jeremy Lin. Inexplicably, incredibly Jeremy Lin record on Feb. 4. Incredibly, has taken over New York and the NBA. Carmelo Anthony — the homeLin tops all NBA players in jersey sales, town kid and superstar everyone and ESPN and the sports media have had dreamt would end up already exhausted their use of Lin-as- in a Knicks uniform sociated puns in their headlines, but the — was being booed, most important development of all is labeled as a selfish that Lin saved a quickly fading Knicks player and team cancer. Then, in stepped season.

Lin led the Knicks’ seven game win Jeremy Lin and, well, streak — 8-2 overall — to put New York you know the rest.

Without Lin the back in playoff contention, on the way putting up an average stat line of 24.6 entire blueprint of Illustration by Stephanie Fienberg ppg, 9.2 apg, 4.1 rpg, and elevated his the Knicks rebuildown play in the final minutes of games. ing project would In his small 10-game sample, Lin is put- have been blown up, Mike D’Antoni ting up numbers that come awfully close would have lost his job, and the Knicks to resembling that of Derrick Rose’s would have likely continued their downMVP season of 2011 when he averaged ward spiral out of playoff contention.

This season would have been yet another 26.8 ppg, 7.2 apg and 3.4 rpg.

Am I getting a little ahead of myself chapter in the tragic story that is recent in comparing Lin to Derrick Rose? May- Knicks’ history.

Instead the basketball gods — maybe a little, but it’s hard not to when he has had such a drastic impact on the New be as repayment for the past decade of York City. Don’t believe me? Let’s look at cruelty — completely reversed New York basketball fortunes. They sent New York the last decade of Knicks history.

Between 2001 and 2010, the Knicks the most unlikely of saviors at the most were arguably the worst franchise in unlikely of times. In the course of two sports and undeniably the worst sports weeks, the Knicks went from being one franchise in New York. To make matters of the most dissapointing stories of the worse, the overwhelming mediocrity was NBA into one of the best, from long shot taking place in the city whose collective to making the playoffs into challenger in heartbeat pulsates within the walls of the Eastern Conference.

Other than the Bulls and the Heat, Madison Square Garden. In the past decade the Knicks had a combined record there isn’t a team that the Knicks can’t of 321-499 — good for a .391 winning beat in a seven game series. The differpercentage — and had a playoff record ence in talent between the Magic, Pacers, of 0-8. The organization was defined by Sixers, Hawks, Knicks and even the Celtbad personnel decisions, dreadful lead- ics is paper-thin. The likelihood is high ership from both players and coaches, that this year New York will not only win and off the court scandals that sapped their first playoff game in over a decade, MSG of its electricity and enthusiasm. but they will win a playoff series. And it In short, they were unbearable to watch is thanks in large part to an Asian-American from Harvard who, up until two and nearly unbearable to root for.

By 2010 the magic started trickling weeks ago, was squatting on any couch its way back to MSG. The Knicks failed that was available.

Linsane. to land Lebron James but they picked up Amar’e Stoudemire, traded for Carmelo Anthony, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Knicks

JAKE BIELECKI

Expectat i o n s were skyhigh for Carmelo Anthony’s first full season in a Knicks uniform, and the signing of defensive-minded center Tyson Chandler added fuel for the fire. However, after the first 22 games of the season the Knicks were a disappointing 7-15. It was clear that their lack of an effective point guard in a system that depends heavily on the position was their Achilles’ heel.

Enter Jeremy Lin. Jeremy Lin played a combined 54 minutes in the Knicks’ first 22 games. Since receiving 35 minutes of playi n g time against the Nets on Feb. 4, no player in the NBA has scored more points than the Knicks’ point guard in that nine game span. In those nine games, the Knicks are 8-1 and Lin is averaging 25 points and nine assists a game.

After high school, Lin wasn’t offered a Division I scholarship and his athleticism was questioned despite winning the northern California Division II player of the year. Asian-Americans only contribute to 0.5 percent of Division I college basketball players and many feel his race played a role in the lack of interest.

When evaluating Lin, one scout went so far as to say that he saw Lin’s lack of athleticism limiting him to the division III level in college. Lin isn’t a freak athlete; he has proven to be at least serviceable in that department. It’s fair to say that racial prejudice, likely unintentional, may have played a role in the lack of recruiting interest.

When Lin was asked about the subject he responded with this: “I’m not saying top-five state automatically gets you offers, but I do think [my ethnicity] did affect the way coaches recruited me. I think if I were a different race, I would’ve been treated differently.”

After a successful four-year career at Harvard, Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA draft. He eventually found a home in the Golden State where he

played 29 games for the Warriors.

With Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry demanding most of the minutes at the guard positions, this wasn’t a situation where Lin could make an impact.

Shortly after a brief stint with the Rockets, Lin was waived and picked up by the Knicks. It was rumored that the Knicks were considering waiving Lin in the days before his breakout to acquire veteran journeyman Mike James.

Fortunately for the Knicks, they didn’t. During this nine game stretch, Lin produced a 38-point game against the Lakers, 14 assists against the Mavericks, and a walk-off game winner against the Raptors. He played 35 or more minutes in all but one game and, most impressively, has a field goal percentage of over 50 percent in six of his nine contests, despite shooting more than 15 shots a game.

While Lin has certainly impressed, there are still aspects of his game that could use improvement. He’s turning the ball over at an alarming rate, easily the highest in the league since Feb. 4. Another question mark is Lin’s ability to defend the quicker point guards like Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo. Lin does a good job of creating turnovers, but he’ll need to work on staying in front of the players who are blessed with more athleticism.

Entering Wednesday’s action, Knicks are 16-17 and 0-1 since Carmelo Anthony returned to the lineup, and there are mixed opinions on how successful the Knicks can be with Lin and Carmelo playing together.

Skeptics point to Carmelo’s isolation and ball holding tendencies, two things that go against both Mike D’Antoni’s system and Jeremy Lin’s playing style, as a reason they might struggle on the court together. Others argue that Carmelo was thrust into that role because there was no point guard to run a cohesive offense.

In interviews, Carmelo seems supportive of Lin’s success and has also spoken about how it bothers him that some NBA analysts question his ability to collaborate with others, and call him a selfish player. As a result, I expect him to go out of his way to make sure he doesn’t impede on what the Knicks have accomplished with Lin. In Carmelo’s first game back, he only hoisted 11 shots and dished out six assists, showing his willingness to defer.

In the loss, opposing point guard Deron Williams scored 38 points and Jeremy Lin fouled out guarding the New Jersey centerpiece. Assuming Carmelo allows Lin to play his game while still doing what he does best – scoring the basketball – Anthony’s return should only help the Knicks come playoff time.

Track and field finishes fourth in AE championships

By Jeremy Karpf Staff Writer

On Saturday, Feb. 18, when races concluded at the America East track and field championships, UVM’s women’s track and field team stood in fourth place with 93 points.

The Vermont men’s team came in eighth with 30 points.

Albany defended their men’s indoor title as BU defeated Albany to take the women’s title.

The Catamount 4x800-meter relay team of senior Marissa Guerette, junior Julie McGilpin,

senior Jennifer Magoon and sophomore Yolanda Ngarambe set a new school and meet record, finishing in 8:58.53.

Ngarambe and McGilpin also had all-conference performances in the 800-meter run as they swept the top two spots with times of 2:08.36 and 2:10.35, respectively. Senior Alexa Mazur ran the 1,000-meter in 2:55.05, earning her third and all-conference distinction.

“We had a great meet; it was the best we’ve competed at an America East championship in my nine years here at Vermont,”

said head coach Matt Belfield. “I am very proud of our team and our coaches and support staff — the energy we brought this weekend was impressive.”

Senior Morgan Powers had an impressive day — she finished second in the 3,000-meter in a personal best of 9:33.63 and fifth in the mile, and set a new Vermont record of 4:49.05.

Other all-conference honorees were senior Michele Langone, who finished third in the 500-meter run in a time of 1:14.82, junior Mary Krug who finished third in the pole vault

with a 3.45-meter jump, and sophomore Brittany St. Clair, who was all-conference for her performance in the pentathlon.

For the men, the 4x800meter relay team of first-year Andy Stillman, first-year Briggs Deardorff, first-year Nick DeLune, and junior Ethan McBrien finished third with a time of 7:43.63.

First-year Mickey Krug also earned fifth place in the heptathlon, while placing fourth in both the high jump and long jump vents.

Stillman also finished fifth

in the 800-meter with a time of 1:53.04, and senior Connor Jennings finished sixth in the 3,000-meter run.

A non-Vermont athlete, Rich Peters, turned in the most impressive performance of the day when he ran a sub-four minute mile in 3:59.24 to set a championship record.

All-conference athletes will return to Boston this weekend for the New England indoor championships, also hosted by Boston University.

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

15

Becker excels in first year

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor

MITCHELL BRUMSTED The Vermont Cynic

Senior Lance Herrington follows a puck handled by a Wildcat player, Feb. 10. The Cats remain in last place of Hockey East.

Vermont busts losing streak Cats beat NH in overtime

By Diana Giunta Senior Staff Writer

The men’s hockey team skated to a win and a loss on Feb. 17 and 18 on the road against New Hampshire in Hockey East action. The first game resulted in a 4-3 Catamount win and the second game went to the Wildcats, 3-1.

The team’s record stands at 6-23-1 (3-19-1 HEA) following the weekend series.

“I think we played a pretty good game and I thought both goaltenders played excellent tonight,” head coach Kevin Sneddon said after Saturday’s game. “We tried to make a few adjustments on our strategy going into the third period, but we just didn’t make enough plays tonight and UNH did.”

Sneddon is taking the second game’s loss in a positive light, however, seeing that there is still some promise in the future of the team.

“Again, for the most part I thought we battled as if we were fighting for a playoff spot or home ice — it was a gutsy effort,” he said. “There are a lot of positive things for us to focus on and definitely some teaching points as well.”

The first game of the series was decided in overtime and the Catamounts came out on top.

“I’m very proud of our team; I think it just shows the kind of character we have, being down late on the road, finding a way to get the equalizer, and then playing to win in overtime,” Sneddon said. “I thought we did a pretty good job defensively tonight and Rob [Madore] was very good at times when we needed him.”

It was the Wildcats who struck first in the game, though, when Scott Pavelski sent a wrist shot into the net at 7:18 of the first period.

The Catamounts came back to tie it just seconds later at 7:53. Sophomore H.T. Lenz deflected a shot that first-year Michael Paliotta had taken, and tied the score at one.

UNH’s Eric Knodel knocked in a power-play goal at 19:10 of the first, giving the Wildcats a one-goal edge to carry into the second period.

Neither team scored again until the third period, when Paliotta picked up a pass from first-year Kyle Reynolds and scored at 8:31.

UNH had a quick answer

and took back the lead at 9:16 when Kevin Goumas scored from the top of the crease.

Lenz factored into the game again in a big way as the third was winding down into its final seconds. Lenz scored for the second time at 19:46 when he collected the puck from senior Drew MacKenzie and fired a slap shot into the net.

This tied the game at three and sent the game into overtime.

It was Mackenzie who scored the game-winner at 1:38 of the overtime period when he knocked in a rebound.

“There are a lot of positive things for us to focus on and definitely some teaching points as well.”

Kevin Sneddon Men’s hockey head coach The second game of the weekend held a different result for the Catamounts.

Vermont did score first in this game at 17:00 in the first period, when graduate student Brett Bruneteau knocked in a rebound off a shot his brother, sophomore Nick Bruneteau, had taken.

Bruneteau’s goal was the only one the Catamounts could muster in the contest, as three different New Hampshire players recorded the subsequent goals that brought the score to 3-1.

Vermont will host Boston University at Gutterson Fieldhouse for their next series on Feb 24 and 25. This will be the final home series of the regular season for the Catamounts.

Men’s basketball is cruising through the final stretch of the regular season, with a late season 10-game winning streak and at least a second place finish in America East, with a chance to claim the top spot.

The Cats beat first-place Stony Brook at home on Feb.12, a team they lost to earlier this season and the same team that pulled an upset against them in last year’s America East tournament.

This year is different, however, as this season’s athletes have put together a seemingly more successful team.

Their defense is among the best in the league, their offense is spread among all players and they have an increasingly threatening presence behind the arc in first-year Four McGlynn.

At the head of this successful season is coach John Becker, a first-year head coach from Connecticut who has been involved in UVM’s basketball program since 2006.

Becker is one of only five out of the 16 Vermont men’s basketball coaches to end the season with a winning record — an accomplishment that was reached well before the end of the regular season.

He is also UVM’s winningest first-year coach, notching more victories in his debut season than any other Vermont men’s basketball coach.

Becker shifts a lot of the credit onto his coaching staff and players.

“The coaching record is a great accomplishment and my coaching staff is great and we have a good team, so I feel fortunate,” Becker said. “It’s kind of a statement as to where our program is.”

And a statement it is. With one more win against the second-to-last place America East team UMBC — a team that has lost as many conference games as Vermont has won — along with a Stony Brook loss, the Cats will seal the top spot in America East, home court advantage in the championship game and an automatic NIT bid.

If not, they will still land in second place and remain in good contention for America East’s championship title.

Either way, this season marks the second consecutive that Vermont has excelled in the standings and Becker has an explanation for this recent surge as a mid-major power in college basketball.

JON POLSON The Vermont Cynic

John Becker talks to reporters in an interview last semester.

“The character and the work ethic of the kids we have is really what makes us successful,” Becker explained. “Everyone really likes each other, cares about each other, and everyone is about winning, not stats.”

Vermont is a young team and had to work through the lack of experience early in the season.

“We had a lot of guys who either never played or didn’t play many minutes — Clancy Rugg was a walk-on, didn’t really play last year; Josh Elbaum never played last year; Pat Bergmann and Ben Crenca and even Luke Apfeld to a certain degree were limited, minor role guys,” Becker said. “We lived through a lot of mistakes with those guys early in the season as they were gaining experience. Now that has paid off … now they’re performing and contributing in league play.”

The youth and lack of experience, however, is what Becker is most optimistic about.

“We still have a lot we can improve on; we’re still a young team,” he said. “We start two sophomores and our leading scorer is a freshman, so we have

Sports Shorts

things we can continue to get better at. Our best basketball is still ahead of us.”

That’s great to hear from one of the two best college basketball teams in America East.

And with better games, a promisingly exciting playoff appearance and the potential to make a return to the NCAA March Madness, the Cats are drawing more student support than ever before.

Becker says that student crowd involvement is key for the Cats.

“If we can get that student section sold out every game, it makes a place that’s already very difficult to play in all that more difficult, because students bring a whole different energy and it’s great,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for coming out against Stony Brook … hopefully we can get the championship game back here and keep the students coming.”

Patrick Gym, it appears, will only be more packed as this season comes to a close, as well as in the years to come.

Apart from UConn, Vermont has won more games than any Division I New England team in the last 10 years, and Becker has plans to improve even that statistic.

“We lose two important seniors in Matt Glass and Pat Bergmann, but we return everyone else and we have some good recruits coming in,” he explained. “Hopefully I can continue recruiting top-level student-athletes. I want to continue what we’ve been doing here, and that’s having a 3.2 GPA in the classroom and competing for conference championships.”

With a midday game on Feb. 25, Becker will have completed his historic first-year regular season. He can then look ahead to do what only one men’s basketball roster has managed to do — win an NCAA tournament game in March.

Even if Becker can’t manage another Syracuse upset, one can only be optimistic about the years ahead — he sure is.

“I’m really excited about the future,” Becker said. “Hopefully I get the chance to coach here for a long time. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

By Julia Dwyer Assistant Sports Editor

Men’s lacrosse loses season opener On Feb. 18 Vermont men’s lacrosse fell to No. 19 Colgate.

Following two goals from Colgate in the early half, first-year Andrew Buckanavage scored the first goal of the season in his first career game. Vermont earned a second goal in the first half from senior Cal Case, but was outscored by Colgate 6-3 in the second half, leaving the win to Colgate, 10-6.

Women’s hockey falls to Boston College in season’s end

The Catamounts travelled to Boston on Feb. 17 and 18 to face Boston College in their final games of the season. Vermont was unable to materialize a goal both nights of action — Feb. 17 Vermont lost 2-0 and Feb. 18 the loss was 4-0. The defeats dropped the Cats from Hockey East playoff action.

Women’s basketball defeats Maine VS.

The lady Cats earned a win 71-54 against Maine on Feb. 19 at Patrick Gymnasium. The win came on the Vermont women’s basketball’s Senior Day. Senior Ashley Hoyt shined especially with 13 points and nine rebounds in the game. While the first half was a tight match, the Catamounts were able to stretch their lead to 17 points.

16

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Vermont takes two before tough loss

By Taylor Feuss Staff Writer

Sophomore Sando Carissimo led Vermont men’s basketball to their ninth straight win on Feb. 15 against Albany. Carissimo nailed a pair of free throws with only nine seconds left, putting the Cats ahead 50-47.

Fans were constantly kept on their toes as the Albany Great Danes came out strong with an early 7-3 lead on the Catamounts. However, the Cats got back on their feet and came up with an 18-10 lead, thanks to a layup from senior Pat Bergmann with 8:21 left in the half.

As the final three minutes approached, senior Matt Glass gave Vermont a lead of nine points, their biggest so far. With that, Albany answered right back, scoring the final five points of the half. However, this was not enough to match Vermont, leaving the score at the half 2420, Vermont.

When the clock started back up, both teams burst out of their locker rooms ready to come out on top. During the first 10 minutes the teams tied twice and had six lead changes.

Fans were ready to erupt as the scores continued to fluctuate. With 10 minutes to go, Albany’s Mike Black sank a layup putting the Danes ahead 32-30.

Within the next four minutes Vermont battled fiercely, trailing Albany by a mere one point with 6:01 left in the game.

The Cats continued to prove their dominance with back-toback 3-pointers from Carissimo and Glass and a layup made by sophomore Luke Apfeld. This left the score at 46-37 with 37 seconds remaining.

Albany was unsatisfied and continued to challenge the Catamounts. Over the final 37 seconds the Danes pushed another seven straight points,

trailing Vermont by only two, 46-44. Albany kept up their momentum, adding another 3-pointer and leaving the Cats down by one.

With 21 seconds to go, Apfeld continued to rack up the score, dunking into the net, inching the Catamounts closer to the win. With this, Albany’s Jacob Lati hit a 3-pointer, turning the final seconds into a one-point nail-biter.

As tensions flared, the Cats never lost heart, and it paid off.

With 16 seconds left, Carissimo was fouled and went on to sink both free throws from the line, ending the game with Vermont on top, 50-47.

On Feb. 18, the Vermont men’s basketball team dominated over the Niagara University Purple Eagles, 92-70, in a genuine team effort.

Straight off a hard-fought win on the road against Albany, the Catamounts were ready to lay down the law on their home court at Patrick Gym. The Cats owned the court throughout the first five minutes of play, led by captain Matt Glass on a foul. From then on the Catamounts were unstoppable, scoring another 11 points, bringing the score to 13-3 with a timeout at 15:13.

Straight from the huddle, Niagara’s Antoine Mason scored two points from the foul line.

As the ball turned back over to Vermont, sophomores Brian Voelkel and Luke Apfeld earned a joint four points — Apfeld’s from the foul line.

Tensions in the gym intensified as fouls continued and both teams battled fiercely for possession. With a timeout on the floor at 11:52, Niagara trailed Vermont 17-10.

The Cats ran the floor, as first-year McGlynn and junior Brendan Bald hit back-to-back 3-pointers, forcing the fans out of their seats.

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

Sophomore Brian Voelkel looks to get the ball past the defense of Juan’ya Green of Niagara on Feb. 18. This win and a win against Albany on Feb. 15 came before an upset to Binghamton, Feb. 21.

For the last 10 minutes of the half, Niagara was back on offense with first-year Scooter Gillette scoring his team three points, one of which was a free throw.

Niagara’s run was short-lived as Glass regained possession for Vermont, scoring another three points.

After a few possesion changes and with Vermont’s 38-25 lead, sophomore Clancy Rugg came off the bench thirsty for more, scoring back-to-back layups, plus an extra point off a free throw. Rugg was just getting warmed up.

Coming out of the half, Niagara continued attempts to inch their way up. The Catamount’s defense remained solid, however, allowing little room for the Eagles to advance.

“Defense is where we win

THIS WEEK 2/24

Jersey Shore #worstshowever

Friday

Sophomore foreward for UVM men’s hockey @Cenzo14

Track and field N.E. championships Boston, Mass. @ 10 a.m.

Linderrella story of the year jeremy lin has lingle handedly played lensational lincredible I’m linpressed all he does is Lin Lin Lin gd jib

Shaquille O’Neal Former NBA player @SHAQ

Friday (2/24)

Punter for the Indianapolis Colts @PatMcAfeeShow

Rain 30°/39°

Saturday (2/25)

Light snow, windy 15°/32°

Sunday (2/26)

Partly cloudy 15°/30°

Monday (2/27)

Cloudly 31°/36°

Tuesday (2/28)

Snow Showers 22°/38°

Wednesday (2/29)

Partly cloudy 18°/33°

Thursday (3/1)

Mostly cloudy 26°/33°

Sunday

2/26

EISA championships Swimming and diving A-East championships Middlebury, Vt. Patrick Gym @ 9 a.m. @ 10 a.m.

SNOW REPORT

Pat McAfee

Saturday 2/25

Stay in school or hit the slopes?

Everytime somebody shows up at my house trying to sell me something I answer the door with The Leatherface mask and a choker on #Welcome

the four-minute mark, two of Niagara’s players had already been fouled out of the game, knocking down the team’s confidence. Vermont continued to bring the heat, with contributions from every player. This result was a final score of 92-70, in favor of the Catamounts.

The Cats came back out Feb. 21 against the last place Binghamton, dropping the game in a 57-53 upset. This loss gives Stony Brook the chance to secure the top spot in America East.

The Cats will need to beat UMBC on Feb. 25 and Stony Brook must lose to Maine on Feb. 26 for Vermont to finish in first. If that fails, the Cats will finish in second, still in good position going into the America East playoffs.

SCOREBOARD

athletetweets Anthony DeCenzo

games; we know that,” said McGlynn.

Possession constantly switched back and forth, with Niagara still trailing by 20. With 15 minutes remaining, Bald was triple-teamed by the Eagles, causing an uproar bringing the tension to its boiling point.

As both teams entered their huddles, persistent boos could be heard from the crowd.

The Catamounts continued to dominate the court in the final minutes, as McGlynn sunk his sixth 3-pointer of the game and Rugg totaled up to 15 points. “[Clancy] has always had talent; every day I always challenge him to get better.

He gets in there and he really battles. I’m excited to have him for the next couple years,” said head coach John Becker.

With a final timeout at

CC+ BC BBC+

A+ = don’t miss out, B = why not?, C = stay in school

LAST WEEK

Men’s basketball vs. Niagara (2/18) W (92-70) vs. Binghamton (2/21) L (57-53) Women’s basketball vs. Maine (2/19) W (71-54) Men’s hockey vs. UNH (2/17) W (4-3 OT) vs. UNH (2/18) L (3-1) Women’s hockey vs. Boston College (2/17) L (2-0) vs. Boston College (2/18) L (4-0) Men’s lacrosse vs. Colgate (2/18) L (10-6) Track and field A- East Championships (2/11) Fourth Place (93)

CONFERENCE STANDINGS A - East men’s basketball 1) Stony Brook 19-8 (13-2) 2) Vermont 19-11 (12-3) 3) Boston University 14-15 (10-4) 4) Albany 17-13 (8-7) A - East women’s basketball 1) Boston University 20-7 (13-1) 2) Albany 19-9 (13-2) 3) Hartford 18-10 (9-5) 4) UMBC 14-13 (8-6) ...

8) Vermont 10-18 (4-11) A - East men’s hockey 1) Boston College 21-10-1 (15-7-1) 2) UMass Lowell 20-9-0 (15-8-0) 3) Boston University 18-11-1 (14-8-1) 4) Maine 18-10-3 (13-9-2) ...

10) Vermont 6-23-1 (3-19-1) A - East women’s hockey 1) Northeastern 22-6-4 (15-3-3) 2) Boston College 23-8-3 (15-4-2) 3) Boston University 10-13-1 (14-7-0) 4) Providence 14-16-4 (11-8-2) ...

8) Vermont 4-22-6 (3-16-2)