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CYNIC
Check out students’ favorite ski and snowboarding gear.
The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883
W e d n e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 , 2 0 1 4 – Vo l u m e 1 3 0 I s s u e 1 4 |
Orchesis showcase
See Distractions page 6
B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t
UVM disobeys league rule Accusation of
embezzlement Employee steals thousands from students Hannah Kearns Assistant News Editor
EMMA JANNSEN The Vermont Cynic
Senior guard Candon Rusin drives to the hoop as seniors Clancy Rugg and Brian Voelkel box out de-
Student dead in local motel News Editor A UVM graduate student was found dead at the Travelodge Motel in South Burlington on Saturday, according to the Burlington Free Press. Drina Vurbic, 33, of Euclid, Ohio, was in UVM’s doctoral psychology program, according to a letter from Annie Stevens, Vubric taught psychology at UVM as recently as summer 2012, according to UVM’s reg-
istrar. Vurbic was seen as very helpful, according to her students. “She is very conversational in her lectures so it’s not boring. Tests were hard but there were multiple extra credit chances,” according to a student’s comment on the Rate My Professor website. Vurbic was found unresponsive in her motel room by an employee of the motel, ac-
See VURBIC on page 4
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL GEORGE
A total of at least $185,000 was embezzled by a UVM employee over a six-year period ending in late 2012, according to the Burlington Free Press. Jody Farnham, an employee of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, recently pleaded guilty to a federal charge of embezzlement the Burlington Free Press said. As an employee, Farnham provided administrative support to the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese, according to the Burlington Free Press. The Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese provides educational, research and consulting assistance to cheesemakers. workshops in artisan cheesemaking, the Burlington Free Press said according to the charging document. The institute aims to help make the cheesemaking industry more self sustaining, and make it more robust, according to Tom Vogelmann, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. According to the Burlington Free Press, Farnham altered the tuition checks of enrollees in the cheesemaking program at the University and made herself a co-payee. She then deposited the
checks into her personal bank account. In addition, Farnham is accused of embezzling cash tuition payments from enrollees and using UVM credit cards for her own personal purchases, according to Burlington Free Press. An anonymous letter was received July 17, 2012, “alleging redirection” of registration funds for the institute’s workshops, according to a statement from Vogelmann in a Burlington Free Press article. After the anonymous letter was received, “we started an Vogelmann said. According to Vogelmann, UVM auditors received that record, and eventually called upon UVM police to assist with the investigation. The FBI also assigned an agent to work on the case July 19, 2013. Farnham resigned Jan. 28, Enrique Corredera, a University spokesman, said. The institute’s losses rose to $243,343, according to Corredera. Vogelmann attributed recent losses to a drop in the demand for workshops, and he pointed out the institute ran up a shortfall of about $50,000 after the alleged embezzlement
See EMBEZZLEMENT on page 4
UVM panel of trustees rejects fossil fuel divestment proposals Lauren Giery
A panel of trustees at the University unanimously rejected a proposal for fossil-fuel divestment at their meeting Dec. 18. This action puts an end to ommendation that the University’s endowment fund eliminates its holdings in companies that deal with fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which are widely regarded, according to an article in the Burlington Free Press. “In time, it is conceivable that UVM can and undoubt-
edly should divest from fossil fuel; however, their decision not to at this time comes as no ronmental Science major Tyler Davis said. “At least UVM is using fos-
both of which are currently more feasible than divesting,” Davis added. “To my knowledge, there is cially viable renewable energy source that would allow our university to fully divest from fossil fuels,” Davis said. Sophomore Rachel Rhodes
agrees with the University’s decision. “UVM is just a water drop in all the money invested in fossil fuels,” she said. The decision not to divest was made in the investment subcommittee meeting, a three-member group overseeing management of the endowment, including the Board of Trustees’ Budget, Finance and Investment Committee. “I believe that we are well served to not move this forward because I don’t think we believe that it is in the best interest of the endowment,” committee member Samuel Bain
See DIVESTMENT on page 4
BECCA ADAMS The Vermont Cynic
Members of Student Climate Culture Club protest against fracking and the gas pipeline in Vermont outside of Bailey/Howe Dec. 4.
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N EWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
Sorority supsension lifted Hannah Kearns Assistant News Editor The interim suspension that was placed on sorority Delta Delta Delta by UVM was lifted Jan. 13, according to Patrick Brown, director of Student Life. The sorority was placed on suspension after three intoxicated students were taken by ambulance to Fletcher Allen Hospital Dec. 7 while on their way to a sorority event in Charlotte, according to Vermont State Police. The suspension was lifted because “the Police report did ble for the individual behavior,”
Brown said. While they were placed on interim suspension, the Delta Delta Delta sorority was required to stop all organization related activities, Brown said. The students, who were members of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, were on their way to a winter formal event at the Old Lantern in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. via a chartered bus, state police said. The bus driver became concerned about the intoxicated students before their arrival at the venue in Charlotte. Rides were secured for the sorority members upon arrival at the parking lot, Maurice La-
mothe patrol sergeant, said in a Burlington Free Press article. The designated driver called police when the students got sick near U.S. 7 and F-5, Lamothe said. the students were transported to and treated at Fletcher Allen Hospital. Shelburne, Charlotte and Vergennes rescue squads responded to the scene with ambulances, the Burlington Free Press article said. Both Burlington and UVM Police were alerted in addition to the Vermont Liquor Control investigators, Lamothe said.
Employee lost to breast cancer Hannah Kearns Assistant News Editor
OLIVIA GATTER The Vermont Cynic
A student puts her luggage onto the Megabus Nov. 10. The travel schedule between Saratoga Springs and Burlington was reduced.
Megabus stop reduced in NY Hannah Kearns Assistant News Editor
The schedule of Megabus travel between Saratoga Springs, NY and Burlington was reduced, according to Mike Alvich, vice president of Marketing and Public Relations for the company. “I had a great experience with the Megabus this past semester and was very excited to take it again to visit a friend in New York. However, now I am to go when a bus is available,” He also said that if he, an occasional traveler to New York, is inconvenienced by the bus, then he cannot start to imagine the frustration the New Yorkers will feel when trying to get home. The company, which started in April 2006, “caught the imagination of the American people,” Alvich said. This is due to Megabus’ low cities, and 13 main hubs. The route between Burlington and Saratoga Springs began on April 2, 2012, according to Megabus.com. Fares are as low as $1, and increase as the travel date gets closer. The route will now operate northbound from Saratoga Springs to Burlington only on Thursdays and Sundays, and southbound from Burlington to Saratoga Springs only on Fridays and Mondays, according to Alvich. The changes took effect Jan. 8, he said. The bus service from Burlington to New York City via
Amherst and Hartford will still The schedule changes make sense for students who travel between Burlington and Sarayear Sarah Bullock. “Most students would be going home on Fridays and coming back on Sundays, so it works for college students,” Bullock said. As to why these changes bus company, “took a look at our demand over the past year and we weren’t getting the demand needed to meet the service,” Alvich said. However, according to Alvich, if demand starts to grow again, Megabus is open to increase the frequency of the schedule between Saratoga Springs and Burlington. “I think that this change is a huge convenience for everyone who has to travel that route,” “Reducing that route to only a couple of days a week would inconvenience students and their parents, who would then have to pick them up in Burlington,” Perlee said. Perlee also said that reducing the schedule could result in additional disadvantages, such as paying for cab fare. Sophomore Dana Elleman agreed that this change would be detrimental to some students, adding that there is no direct route to Burlington from her home in Syracuse, NY. The schedule changes are “catastrophic to people who travel between Burlington and Saratoga Springs,” Elleman said.
An employee at UVM, passed away Jan. 10 after a battle with cancer, according to a University Communications release. Jackie Gribbons served as a faculty member and in several administrative roles from 1966 to 2006, the release said. Gribbons was one of the original founders of UVM’s nationally ranked Higher Edprogram and implemented the
Title IX standards, the release said. “Jackie was pioneering in so many ways at the university and nationally (...) She recognized early on that our program is professional education and that you can’t just read about it in a book,” Kathy Manning, a professor in the HESA program, said in the release. According to the release, Manning met Gribbons during her job interview in 1989 and worked with her until Gribbons’ retirement. Gribbons’ legacy is intro-
ducing the campus practicum requirement for all graduate students and establishing many of the sites where they serve throughout the state, Manning said. “Memorial services will be held at the annual meetings of ACPA and NASPA. Donations in Gribbons’ memory can be made to the UVM Jackie Gribbons Fund that supports graduate student travel to professional conferences. At Gribbons’ request, there will not be funeral service,” according to the release.
New program created for law students Ethan Rodgers Earlier this year, UVM announced an Accelerated Sustainable Entrepreneurship MBA (SEMBA) program. The program’s focus centers on ecofriendly business development and teaches students ability are not mutually exclusive, explains UVM’s website. SEMBA takes one year to complete, with eight to nine months of formal classes, and three to four months of internships. SEMBA students will have access to various individuals and corporations that have been innovators in the business world. “After they graduate the program, students of SEMBA have the option of entering into Vermont Law School’s accelerated three year JD program,” said Cheryl Hanna, Vermont Law School’s Vice President of External Relations. According to Hanna, the program will take three years, two of which will be at Vermont Law School. The third year, students will complete an internship. There is heavy regulation and law around business and the environment. Therefore, knowing the relationship between the two is extremely advantageous, explained Hanna. “Sustainable business and environmental law really go
JONATHAN POLSONThe Vermont Cynic
Students walk between classes at Kalkin Hall Nov. 20. UVM now has an accelerated Sustainable Entrepreneurship MBA program. hand in hand. Having a background in both opens up new opportunities,” Hanna said. “And there is no better place to study than the number one environmental law school in the country.” Students who graduate from SEMBA are given the option to continue onto the environment-law focused accelerated three year program at Vermont Law. Students must take the LSAT, and if they qualify they can start the program that summer (or wait until the next fall). Hanna also explained that the relationship between the student and program is reciprocal. Students who apply independently and graduate from the three year accelerated program at Vermont Law School have the option of entering
“I like that there are programs available to students year Matt Coates said. “I think that there is a lot of interest in sustainability at UVM, and the program just makes sense.” The program will also be will be able to save one year in tuition from Vermont law school, and one year in tuition from a traditional MBA program. “President Sullivan is really tive ways to bring down costs and improve the educational Hanna said. “We here at Vermont Law are really excited to work with UVM and its students.
n ews
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
3
Sorority interest group created on campus Hannah Kearns Assistant News Editor A sorority interest group ing Oct. 22. The group curand is constantly changing and
Senior Kirsten Chatillon,
a true guide regarding how to create a sorority interest group. ue to push through those chalsaid. Chatillon said that SIG
WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic
dmuller commented that to recruit members for SIG, they hold informational meetings, send out emails, and meet with people individually. The group has had an ex-
trust in this group and in our
-
raised 52 cans. They also had
great responses and support.
Chatillon said.
-
great opportunity to get in-
-
Delta to the greyhound adoption center, and donated teddy “We wanted to create a Recently, SIG has partici-
Fracked gas pipeline opposed Employee made director Students Against the Pipeline work on informing the community Lauren Giery
of UVM learning institute Adam Moshinsky Cynic Correspondent -
-
According to the release, Cody-Hudson plans to increase nerships throughout the state
release.
-
and Distance Education (CDE) -
learning, which her inductor, release.
-
the Pipeline has held regular said.
Students Against the Pipeline news release.
-
older learners through classes PHOEBE SHEEHAN The Vermont Cynic
Members of the UVM Students Against the Pipeline speak in opposition about the fracked gas pipeline outside Bailey/Howe Dec. 4.
Cynical Time Machine
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A look back in Cynic history: Jan 16, 1926 opposition. ground is growing opposition, united in a coalition against the Dec. 3 news release. The students noted the -
nitude scale, according to the news release. decision
to
proceed
with
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N EWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
CRIME LOG Lauren Drasler
Jan. 4 11:52 p.m. Police were contacted after a door was found open on the Ethan Allen campus in Colchester. When police arrived, nothing was found to be disturbed and it was thought that the door might be faulty.
Jan. 6 11:46 a.m. An employee contacted Police Services after ice damaged his/her car in the Waterman parking lot. The ice, which was on the roof of the
New tool assists stem cell therapy Jill Vaglica A new tool that could help facilitate future stem cell therby a UVM professor and his colleagues, according to UVM’s College of Medicine. The development of this tool could potentially help year. Because stem cells have the potential to develop into a variety of cell types in the body, source of replacement cells to treat diseases, conditions and disabilities, and even regener-
DIVESTMENT
ate damaged tissue and organs. erative medicine has struggled to successfully graft cells from culture back into injured tissue. UVM Associate Professor of collaborated with the Center for Gene Therapy at Tulane University. His research team recently set out to develop ways to enhance graft success. Dr. Spees and his team focused on a type of bone marrow-derived “progenitor cell” or biological cell that forms “stromal cells” or connective tissue cells. They found that the medium contained Connective and the hormone insulin, and
said of their decision. Student activists attending the meeting told the that they were not surprised but they would continue their campaign nevertheless. “It’s a shame that Trustee Bain has decided to use his vast degree of control over this issue to subvert the will of the UVM community and attempt to enforce his agenda on the future committee he is leaving in less than two months,” Dan Cmejla, a member of Student Climate Culture said. The issue may be over for Bain, but it is certainly not for the thousands of students, faculty and community members who have made their opinion on this crucial issue painfully clear, Cmejla said. This move on the part of the Investment Subcommittee is unjust and the committee members should have give it due consideration, Cmejla said. “His [Bain’s] will is greater than the rest of the board,” Cmejla said. All governing bodies have nevertheless supported divestment, including members of
A student contacted Police Services after returning her room had been broken into. The student reported that he/she lived in the cottages on Trinity campus and after coming back to campus had, discovered that he/ she had been robbed. It is not clear when the burglary occurred, and no one has incident.
Jan 8 1:01 a.m. A person called the police after hearing loud music coming from an apartment at the Redstone Apartments. The person was not a student and was issued a noise ticket for the music.
BECCA ADAMS The Vermont Cynic
Jan 9 8:34 a.m.
Police were contacted after an intrusion alarm went Street. When police arrive, however, they could not determine a reason or cause for the alarm to have gone
receptors on the surface of a stem or progenitor cell. The team created their priming tool, “Cell-Kro,” which increases cell adhesion, proliferation, survival and migration, according to UVM’s College of
...continued from page 1
Jan. 7 8:46 p.m.
Jan 11 2:41 a.m.
College of Medicine. The group found that the protective ligands resulted in improved graft success, breaking the record for engraftment. These ligands protect injured tissue, promote tissue repair and support stem and progenitor cells in culture, according to UVM’s College of Medicine. -
Current fossil fuel investments continued
the back windshield of the car and caused more damage to the back of the car. No one was injured in this incident.
Police Services was contacted after a car that was ing lot rolled out of its space and down an embankment. No one was injured in this incident.
“together, they have a synergis-
EMBEZZLEMENT ...continued from page 1 had ended. When asked why the embezzlement wasn’t detected sooner, Corredera said, “Part of UVM’s mission is to foster economic development. Such activity often requires subsidizing programs that lose money but will lead to economic growth. That was the case with VIAC.” The Vermont Institute of tice the embezzlement, Corredera said. “It’s surprising to me that someone would do this,” Alison
student senate, and Student Climate Culture intends to escalate its campaigns, Cmejla said.
Medicine. In the future, “Cell-Kro” could potentially include human cardiac stem cells and trials, Spees said in an interview with the Vermont Cynic. single most important obstacle facing cell therapy,” Spees said. If successful, “Cell-Kro” could potentially be used to graft mans, Spees said. First-year Katie Arnone is excited about the potential breakthroughs in cardiolsaved my dad’s life after he developed heart problems, for which I’m forever grateful,” she said.
VUBRIC Grad student found dead in motel room ...continued from page 1 cording to the The employee proceeded to call the South Burlington police, according to the press release. Vurbic was pronounced dead upon the arrival of the South Burlington Fire and EMS personnel, the said. An investigation of the death is being conducted by investigators from the Medical den County State’s Attorney’s said. No foul play is suspected at the time, police said Saturday, according to An autopsy is to be completed early next week to determine the cause and manner of death. More information is to be released as it becomes available. If in need of additional support contact UVM’s Counseling ployee Assistance Program—for
Employee pleads guilty to charge
Contrary to Farnham’s actions, University employees are typically thought of as people who are looking to help stu-
need for the cheese industry,” said Vogelmann, due to the fact that there is a shift in clientele, as most Vermont cheese ar-
There needs to be a higher rigor of security regarding how
trained, and most of the artisans at the workshops were from out of state. “It’s very unfortunate that we had this incident occur, but it’s really a small part of the overall activity,” Vogelmann said.
to Vogelmann. A new layer of extra control will be implemented. In addition, extra time and money will be spent on the security of the mann. The Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese has now shifted its focus to science and research, mainly regarding issues in food safety, Vogelmann said. This research is a “critical
Join The Cynic Meetings Wednesdays at 7:00 in Waterman 427. Email Cynic@uvm.edu for more information.
Life
Burlington ranked top college town ther 30, 50 or 70 feet into Lake Champlain. It’s only a short 20 minute drive from North Beach. When winter comes, locals place an emphasis on embracing the cold by hitting the slopes. Dozens of mountain ranges are a short drive away
Allison Rogers Cynic Correspondent Among all the college towns in the country, Travel and Leisure Magazine nominated Burlington, Vermont as number one. The magazine’s website has numerous polls that rank the top cities to visit and has gained attention for their “most-desired” destination lists. In their annual World’s Best Awards survey, readers selected the University of Vermont as home to the country’s best college town. What makes Burlington such a special college town? Some locals will say the appeal of a lakeside city draws in such a broad assortment of characters. “It’s just the best,” junior Kellen Van Nostrand said. “There’s no place I would rather be.” Burlington brings in a mix of people that make tourists feel right at home. This small city attracts outdoorsy folks, health junkies, organic food lovers and music enthusiasts. From hippies to businessmen and everything in between. Besides the atmosphere, Burlington attracts many prospective college students.
or even to relax in the mountain resorts that attract ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the nation. The greater Burlington area holds tourist attractions that appeal to families. The Ben and Jerry’s factory takes guests on a tour of how the ice cream is made and gives a free taste of a
PHOEBE SHEEHAN The Vermont Cynic
A view of downtown Jan. 13 2013. Burlington was recently ranked the best college town in the nation by Travel and Leisure Magazine. The food, music and lakeside setting were factors in this ranking. Apart from UVM, Burlington holds various colleges such as Champlain College and Burlington Community College, making it a hot spot for college students to socialize and be involved in the community. When visiting Burlingout would be Church Street, with dozens of stores, local Vermont eateries and out-
Weekly health corner Jan. 15-19 Wednesday Jan. 15 Hair Care City Market 6 p.m. Joann Darling, a Vertunity to learn all-natural hair recipes. Darling will explore alterout natural shine using everyday household items.
Thursday Jan. 16 Detox City Market 5:30 p.m. tween “detox” and “cleanse” along with the science behind how the human body rids itself of toxins. In this lecture Greg Giasson, who runs the Alternative Roots Wellness Center in Essex Junction, will debunk many myths surround-
Friday Jan. 17 Meditate
Allen House 1 p.m. A 45 minute mediation welcome to everyone on campus and in the community. Instruction will be offered for beginner meditators to learn to be mindful and to practice peacefulness.
Saturday Jan. 18 Farmers Market Memorial Auditorium 10 a.m. Over 50 vendors will present locally grown and crafted items. Fresh produce, organic meats, artisan cheeses and savory treats will be available from Vermont farmers and artisans.
Sunday Jan. 19 Fight the Flu City Market 12 p.m. Cristi Nunziata, City Market’s herbal education coordinator, will present natural remedies and a variety of this season. Nunziata will provide samples of teas and
door music. Locals place importance on serving fresh “farm to table” food that is locally grown in Vermont. “We have the best, best food,” junior Sarah Spevak said. “And the music scene is unreal!” For those who are 21, the nightlife in Burlington, especially in the summer, is always busy downtown. Many
students dancing to outdoor local jazz and jam bands. When the weather is not sub-zero, a true Burlington local can be found at North Beach, a sandy shore on Lake Champlain with stunning views of the Adirondaks and the lake. If some are feeling adventurous, they can hit up red rocks or many of the
In autumn, the spirit of Vermont is shown in the foliage. Cider mill tours, apple and pumpkin picking and hayrides are all common attractions. Hiking Vermont’s numerous mountain ranges, state parks and berry orchards are other attractions that are accessible at little or no cost. “People all over the world travel to see what has always been right in my backyard. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” senior Alia BarbanoGeorge said.
where people can jump ei-
Tommy’s Column
Skiers stuck in old ways Tommy Gambino There are three mountains that deny access to snowboarders: Mad River Glen, in Vermont, along with Deer Valley and Alta in Utah. Deer Valley and Alta have never tried to include snowboarders at their mountain. To me, banning snowboarding is similar to the restriction placed on alcohol in 1919. After Amendment 18 was passed, the people had an opportunity to voice disapproval and the restriction was reversed. Amendment 21 repealed the law prohibiting alcohol. Why can’t the same be done for snowboarding? Mad River opened their mountain to snowboarders for a brief period starting in the 1986-87 season and ended with the 1992-93 season. There were complications in the past. Issues such as original single chair lifts, lems. The most known prob-
lem is the parking lot myth. The myth is that a few young snowboarders were harassing a woman in the parking lot. The information is only hearsay. This negative stereotype sees snowboarders as inconsiderate, rude mountain hogs, but I think those people belong to both sides of the force. down the mountains, cutpeople down, but then again, so do some skiers. Some people are just rude I guess. Some beginner skiers and snowboarders take up large portions of trails and make passing nearly impos-
sible. Beginners on both sides turn widely and at the rate of a sloth. The biggest question at hand is why have these ancient rules remained unchanged? Is the continuation of the rule solely meant to be exclusionary? Has the image of snowboarding really stayed in the past? When you ride in leather, tell everyone how “bad” you are, like Shaun White, and have the mentality of “oh, I have to be cool,” then those on the outside looking in will think this is what the sport is about. Tommy Gambino is a junior English major. He has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2013.
Illustration by Vicky Mooney
6
D i st r act i o n s
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
Fischer Villian Skis Bindings can be mounted either direction on these twin tips. Skis from senior Naomi Druy
Oakley Goggles These custom goggles, bought online, can withstand all kinds of weather.
Goggles from sophomore Kate Burke
Coolest Ski and Snowboard Gear Grenade Gloves Typically used for park skiing.
Gloves from junior Samantha Lucas
Burton Helmet
Helmet from senior Alex Morton
Burton Snowboard Snowboard from senior Alex Morton
Photos by Phoebe Sheehan and Walker Sultzbach
ARTS Local student producer hits Higher Ground Text
for you as an artist? MY: Amazing man, I never would have expected it to take ple of months. Going from never playing a live show in my life to going on a bus tour across the country was something I’ve only dreamt of. I can’t wait for this
Michael Swain Cynic Correspondent Burlington native and UVM student Cory Wythe, also known as Marvel Years, has been a musician most of his life. He started playing guitar ten years ago and recently began producing music for fun. Gaining success and experience, he became Marvel Years, a musician who blends electronic with rock and other styles to create his own unique He performed all over the U.S. last year, playing shows extending to the west coast. After being on the road for a year, Marvel Years has taken some time at home to produce new material, allowing the Cynic to catch up with him for an interview. Vermont Cynic (VC): How did you get into DJing? Marvel Years (MY): I started producing my own music for fun back in 2012 until it got to the point where I could eventually travel and play shows and get paid for it. I have never really considered myself a “DJ” in the traditional sense, but instead more of a live performance producer, where I play mainly my own music and layer live guitar on
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVEL YEARS
Musician Marvel Years poses for a photograph. His style is a blend of rock and electronic music. Last year Marvel Years toured all over the country, where he played shows as far away as the west coast. top of it. VC: How does it feel to be back home performing after a year of travel? MY: It feels a little slow going from non-stop traveling and playing shows to being back at home, but now that I’m time to work on new tunes, so
that it makes it all worth it. VC: ences for the up-and-coming album? How does this one differ from your previous ones? MY: The new album I am working on contains a massive es mixed with hip-hop and new school electronic production.
I’m stoked about how it has been coming along so far and it is going to be my best work to date. I have learned so much from so many people over the past year that this new album will be my most diverse work so far. VC: How was the past year
Cynical Listener
VC: What do you hope to accomplish in 2014? MY: Release a lot of new music and just grow as an artist, hopefully make this something I can do as a full time job for a long time. VC: What is it that makes your music and shows stand out from the rest? MY: I have been playing guitar for almost ten years now so I bring that out during my shows to bring the whole “live” aspect of it into play. I also record a lot of guitar into my music as well. VC: Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers? MY: I have a new remix and a new original [track] dropping in the next couple weeks and following that will be an EP, so keep tabs on my Facebook page for those things to drop. Marvel Years is opening for Lotus Jan. 22 at Higher Ground.
Cynical Viewer
2013: a musical spectrum ‘Her’ takes top honor Graham Wright tion took place among the characters that create it. New sounds dominated many of the genres that were becoming stale. The prevailing sounds of the past couple of years have developed further to be better than ever before. Instead of pointlessly rating the top albums, here are my favorite albums from a variety of genres.
Old - Danny Brown The Detroit rapper’s third full album, Old, was heavy, complex and simply impressive. Danny Brown’s previous albums were not as popular due to their experimental nature, but whether Brown intended to or not, he has now gained the attention and respect of a large audience. This is for good reason. and-coming genre “grime,” a hard0-hitting new sound coming from producers such as Darq E Freaker, who Brown
worked with in 2012. The album is an interesting blend of Brown’s emerging style as an indie, free willing word blender and his irresistible prowess as a raging party track wizard.
Random Access Memories - Daft Punk Although already electronic music legends, Daft Punk’s legacy wouldn’t be the same without their latest album. In a dance music scene progressing more and more toward computer-generated sounds, the duo sought to “Bring Life Back to Music.” The summer’s greatest hit was their track “Get Lucky,” which features a supremely catchy chorus line and a plucked guitar rhythm remiStevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” This blend of Daft Punk’s carefully designed electronic sounds and good ole acoustic instruments give depth and soul to epic disco/dance.
AM - Arctic Monkeys Arctic Monkeys is an English band with a rock-and-roll foundation that has evolved throughout their career so far.
most polished studio album yet, setting a larger sound stage with a slightly more American feel, similar to the respected band, The Black Keys. What has undoubtedly remained, however, is the Arctic Monkeys’ reign as the grandmasters of soul shaking heartache. Not only do front man Alex Turner’s lyrics croon and pulse with energy, the guitars and drums themselves seem to ooze with tantalizing sexual energy and frustration.
Electric Lady Janelle Monae The pop industry today seems to have produced an era of stars worried about their appearance and recognition, rather than focusing on developing a high quality pop record that can appeal to broad audiences. However, “Electric Lady” has an eclectic style that stands as a beacon of hope and a raised bar for the rest of today’s pop divas. Monae’s album deftly displays a vast array of musical scattered genre. undeclared major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2013.
Tim Butler Around 70 minutes into Spike Jonze’s “Her,” two principal characters have sex It’s an intense rush of feeling, full of desire, surprise and instinct. The movie fades to black as the two come down from their high, and transitions back into an angelic, silent view of a city skyline at night. The message is this: Everyone on this earth falls in love at some point in life, sometimes more than once; but, when it happens to you, the rest of the world doesn’t matter. “Her” follows a man who installs a hyper-intelligent operating system on his computer and falls in love with it. its core; its principal question proposed when Theodore— Joaquin Phoenix—asks a friend if she thinks he’s in love with his computer because he can’t handle a real relationship: “Is it not a real relationship?” “Her” has more questions to ask, though. It exists in a future not yet known to us, but it’s about trauma as old as love itself:
divorce, heartbreak, loneliness and the eternal search for another voice to guide us, laugh when we laugh and cry when we cry. To hear us say, “I love you,” and have it echo back to us. This is the truest piece of No modern love story more accurately represents the world we live in, and the way technology has warped the way we connect with one another. “Her” is a brutally funny will look at it in many years and I have no doubt that “Her” other was smarter, softer or more sincere than this one. future, but the world we live in today is tense, intimidating, stressful and psychotic. We lose pieces of ourselves in the chaos. What radiates from “Her” is the idea that we can evolve and learn from our mistakes. Sometimes things fall apart, and sometimes people disconnect from one another. frame of “Her” suggests that someone we can connect with —if only for a moment—and breathe in this air together. We won’t be here forever. & television studies major. He has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2013.
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9
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 , 2014
COLUMNISTS
Cheers to naked riders State of banks The amount of state tax
Seth Wade
Caroline Decunzo
The attitude and the atmo-
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sonhood,
corporations
and -
Photographing or videotap-
It was an undisputed fact ited nationwide; no one consid-
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debate as to whether or not the from SGA warning of the horrors
-
Being raised in an environ-
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as nonexistent, and now attendwrong, and then I thought it was such a thing existed, and that -
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source of nonstop disasters and
insubordination, but documented communications beThe state of North Dakota
I was determined to attend the event; such a thing was never
Expecting participants to be sober and to be on their best be-
ebrate the end of the semester, banking in her free time, be-
North Dakota’s state bank has proven to be an asset, deduring the 2008 recession and
participating in the Naked Bike Ride ranks among the most posi-
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Aside from issues of free -
suspect that’s what drove others
-
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-
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Libertarians’ mistake
-
The misassumption contin-
Josh Gachette
-
Disapproval of pay increase
-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
-
Dear Editor, Let’s dissect “Workers in increasing the minimum wage
In the wrote in favor of an increased goods and services, growing Rich consumers do not exhaust their resources on es-
president of Young Ameriof creating sob stories about -
of over 100 studies on the minimum wage showed that with regard to increasing the minimum wage, “the preponderance of the evidence points to
-
The nationwide organiza-
There are eight Latino and -
vive on one minimum-wage
that have rendered disadvantages onto women and minori-
President of Young
Sports
Womens hoops experience struggles Emma Oyomba Women’s basketball has had a tough time getting into the swing of things this season. Despite some hiccups in the Catamounts’ schedule, head coach Lori Gear McBride has seen improvement in her team. “The team has had some ups and downs but overall there have been great gains,” McBride said. contributed to the Catamounts success. doing a good job adjusting to the college game and contribut ing. in the starting lineup and have made valuable contributions,” McBride said.
The Catamounts fell to Al the TD Bank Classic and earned
pionship game against Wiscon The Cats travelled to New York to get their second win
ble hurt the team from a scor ing standpoint. America run
This two game winning streak did not create enough momentum to come out on top in the following games against Central Connecticut and Rhode Island. The game against Canisius Dec. 16 is the last win the Cata mounts have had to date. Ver
until
East
Champions,
the
Catamounts
half and kept the score close. into half time. The Catamounts fell under half.
This game was one that ju large lead and get another win under their belt. proud of.
named America East Rookies of the Week. Even with that honor both ing at the collegiate level and “The games are at a higher
KAT DOOMAN The Vermont Cynic
the last second,” White said. The Catamounts started their season in November with
Canisus game. I think we all worked hard and worked well game just shows us as a team how good we can be.” The Catamounts, who are
and added 11 rebounds to lead the Great Danes past the Cata mounts. Despite the loss against Al giving up.
their momentum going in the America East Conference that began Jan. 9.
conference games as we can, in order to put ourselves in a po America East Tournament,” McBride said.
NFL Picks
NFL Picks
NFL divisional finals Gutterson ranked top rink in the AFC championship.
Armin Milak The American Football Conference and National Foot ball Conference championship New England will travel to ver Broncos in what will be a showdown of two of the great est quarterbacks in NFL his
serious blows to its defensive recent suspension of Brandon to practice. Competing
against
the
league will be tough, but New England is respected for its ex tensive preparation and execu tion of game plans. sives will decide the winner of the AFC championship, as Manning is renewed. While this game could sure should come out on top.
sional round win against the
on the defending NFC cham
one of the most impressive sea sons for a quarterback. Manning ended the sea
a defensive battle which will come down to whichever teams apart the defense of the oppos ing team.
touchdown passes. He surpassed New Eng est fan base in the league. With perhaps the greatest
franchises, a feat never before In order to have that oppor through the relentless patriots
Rory Leland
are the four best teams in the league competing for a spot conference championships are two games that a fan would not want to miss.
campus is in a continual state of renovation. Waterman to the new Redstone have seen changes both big and small to the school’s landscape. Yet, in the center of Athletic terson Fieldhouse.
our paneled barn roof between to see how Vermont’s largest teams. The womens team has al
A recent Complex.com ar ticle titled “The Top 10 Coolest listed the Fieldhouse at num ber seven.
York Rangers held their train ing camps in Gutterson, and 18 in the nation. Things are team visited for an exhibition game, according to the UVM Athletics website.
Canada, arenas from around the globe are all praised, but
program. While sidewalks are blocked renovations are being put into
The Cats hosted Northeast While most of the rinks were listed for their exterior, Gutterson made the list for the “traditional barn atmosphere” of its interior. wood paneling that lines the
remains an unchanging monu ment to one of our school’s old est traditions. advance to the Championship
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
11
Club sports benefit entire student body Owen Parr
With over 40 club sports, UVM provides opportunities to get every student involved in sports one way or another. Other popular options within the community are intramural sports. This past fall, the university squash doubles tournaments and more. Although the University offers many Division one sports such as ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse and soccer, they are competitive. Many students participate in club and intramural sports in order to maintain their skills and have fun. “Club sports still give the opportunity for students to participate in sports and continue to partake in an active lifestyle,” Lauren Waller, club cheerleading squad member said. Club sports are popular in the community because of the competitive nature that they present, but without all of the commitment that is necessary to play a varsity sport. “Club sports also help build diversity within the school and helps grow the unity of the student population,” Waller said. Club and intramural sports letes. Students who played the sport at the varsity level in high school play alongside someone
who is just trying to learn the game. It gives a sense of variety for students to hone their skills. Students feel like they are able to pick up the game easier than simply having basic practices because they get to be involved in game-like situations. Such situations allow for great competition and teamwork skills and can be a fun way to escape from the pressures of the students’ course load. high school, I was able to carry my passion of trying new things and competing to the best of my ability into multiple club sports here at UVM,” junior Aerianna Ford said. Oftentimes club sports will play other schools, with one of the most popular to watch being club football. This season they recorded four wins and three losses. “After starting a varsity sport here, I realized that I would not have the time to take advantage of all the opportuniif I continued to be a division one athlete. “By switching to club sports, I was able to play multiple sports and partake in multiple activities without the intensity of varsity,” Ford said. Students have said that intramural sports are another option besides club sports for students who want to get involved in a sport. Options include broomball, quidditch or even squash. The University has seven
“
I joined the Cynic because two of my passions are sports and journalism. I quickly learned about the family aspect the Cynic has and I’ve made a lot of great friends. People should join [the Cynic] because of its community aspect and its great professional experience.
”
Stu Laperle Sports Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF UVM MENS FOOTBALL
racquetball courts and two squash courts that are available for use by simply showing a valid student ID card. Along with a pool, suspend-
Intramural sports have the added bonus of being coed, which allows students an opportunity to meet new people. This can be especially help-
basketball courts and tennis courts, there are a lot of options available. This provides students a great opportunity to participate in club and intramural sports. These facilities give access to all students on campus.
Unlike varsity sports, stu-
tramural sports are a great option.
is less pressure to be great at your chosen activity. Without the commitment atmosphere that comes along with club and intramural sports especially. In club sports, students are still able to play their fa-
vorite sports at a competitive level, without having the added stress of being a varsity athlete. Students say that they are fun and try new things while sport that they love. Club and intramural sports programs provide students the perfect opportunity to meet friends and stay in shape through the semester.
Corran’s salary increases Julia Dwyer Earlier this year, UVM’s athletic director, Robert Corran, signed a three-year conHis new contract, which runs through June 30, 2016, updates his base salary to $235,000 a year. This is a $35,000 increase from his previous contract and a 68 percent salary increase the 2003-2004 season. Tom Gustafson, UVM’s vice president for administration
and University relations, cites Corran’s salary as below average when compared to other athletic directors within the America East and Hockey East action as the main reason for the increase. “I agreed to get him to the median of his peers,” Gustafson said in an interview with the Burlington Free Press. “We’ve not had any NCAA problems ... we are dealing with pretty marginal facilities, and I think he does a great job,” he said. During his time at UVM, Corran has overseen the hiring of notable coaches Kevin Sned-
don of mens hockey, Mike Lonergan and Jon Becker of mens basketball, and Sharon Dawley and Lori McBride of womens basketball. Under his leadership the Catamounts have taken home the America East’s Academic Cup seven consecutives times. In the 2012-13 school year, only three athletic programs earned winning records while other popular sports such as seen little success. ica East and seventh in Hockey East among his peers.
Mens basketball violates NCAA Jake Bielecki Following forfeits against non-division one opponents it was uncovered that the UVM mens basketball team violated the National Collegiate Athletic Association regulation. Oral Roberts University and Stephen F. Austin State University were the two teams UVM played that started the violation.
The rule states that Division one teams can play no more than four games against Division two and Division three opbition, tournament or regular season game. against teams in lower divisions. tions against Concordia University and St. Michaels College, a tournament game against Sonoma State in Calif., as well as
games against UMass-Lowell and Lyndon State in Vt. There is no ruling on the infraction yet. But the Catamounts are fortunate when it comes to Umass-Lowell, which is a recent addition to Division one and the America East though not fully recognized until 2017. The UVM team currently awaits the ruling on this matter by the NCAA. More information will be provided as it comes.
12
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
S PO RTS
Mens club hockey improve their play winning ways further into the season while still having fun. “The atmosphere on the team and locker room is unreal,” sophomore defenseman Luke Nestor said. “Everybody is there because we love the game of hockey, plain and simple.” The club hockey team says they are a tight knit group. “As soon as you are on the roster you have 30 new friends,” Woodworth said. “What I love most is just being with the guys,” added Nestor. Coach Sherburne explained
Cam Panepinto Cynic Correspondant After over 60 players showed up for tryouts, only 32 UVM club hockey team. These 32 men are no strangers to adversity. They travel most weekends to games as far away as Florida for practice. With a few injuries to key upper classmen players and a tough schedule, the season did not start well for the club. After beginning the season without any wins, the team has found their stride, boasting a three-game win streak that improved their record to 3-7 overall. “The biggest challenge this year has been for the players believing in themselves,” Head Coach Daniel Sherburne said. “We started out 0-7, so remaining focused, positive and not giving up has been huge for us. We have had a ‘never give up attitude and we trust and respect each other,” he said. In the weeks before winter break, the team notched two wins against the University of Maine, winning 11-3 and 5-1 respectively. “Nov. 15 vs. Maine has been our biggest game so far. After starting the season 0-7 this
PHOTO COURTESY OF UVM MENS ICE HOCKEY CLUB
Head coach Daniel Sherburne talks with players while the Catamounts compete in a home game at the Gutterson Fieldhouse. Vermont’s recent three game winning streak improved the team’s record to 3-7. their hard work and perseverance,” Coach Sherburne said. The pair of wins was followed up with another Dec. 6 nail-biter 1-0 victory at home in Gutterson Fieldhouse. Despite their recent victothe recent success. With 12 games left, the Catamounts know that the season is far from over. When asked about their
most important game of the season, Sherburne explained, “The next game is always the most important game.” The hour before a game the locker room and the faces change. Every player prepares in his own way and you can see how each player readies himself the last hour before game time.” When asked if any one player has stood out this season,
Sherburne answered, “With 32 players on the roster, I feel everyone has a unique role to make the team a success.” With two on-ice practices each week and typically an hockey team improves every week. roadblocks along the way, the team remains determined to work hard and continue their
tween club and varsity hockey is that varsity are scholarship players, but club hockey players have an opportunity to competitively play a game they love. “Club Hockey in the U.S. is growing leaps and bounds,” Sherburne said. “The players get better and better. I wish that more of the UVM student population would realize this and come out and support our student athletes.” Not only is the club a competitive hockey team, but it is also a group of friends playing for the love of the game. “Playing with UVM on the front of my sweater has been my favorite part of my time here at school so far,” Woodworth said.
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