ARTS
SPORTS
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Arts and alcohol combine
Ski Coach talks Olympics
vtcynic.com
We d n e s d a y, Fe b r u a r y 1 1 , 2 0 1 5
Vo l u m e 1 3 1 I s s u e 1 9
Who will represent you? In 2013, Burlington created a new student-heavy ward, Ward 8. Now, with Election Day fast approaching, each campaign is scrambling to register students to vote.
Adam Roof Independent Prior Political Experience
District/Ward
Ward 8
District/Ward
Education
Hometown
Walpole, MA
Hometown
East District Brooklyn, NY
UVM
Education
UVM Senior
Carmen Scoles Democrat Prior Political Experience
Platform
Platform
•
•
•
•
Downtown Burlington
District/Ward
Ward 8
Hometown
Ithaca, NY
Education
UVM junior
Ward
Winoo
ski Riv
er
1
Progressive
Central Campus
et Spear Stre
Selene Colburn District/Ward
Hometown
• •
Education Bennington College (b.a) Simmons College (M.A)
EASt district Burlington, vt East Avenue
Trinity Campus
Ma in
Prior Political Experience
Athletic Campus
ee t
Democrat
8
The East District
Redstone Campus
Str
Brock Gibian
Ward
Pearl Street
•
• •
Colchester Avenue
Main Street
•
Prior Political Experience •
•
Horticulture
Club
member
Platform
In te rs
• ta te 89
•
Platform
By Jacob Holzman, Sarah Olsen and John Riedel
dents, said senior Joel Kasnetz,
Noise pollution, deadbeat
elected will be in a position to
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N ews
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
UVM fights tobacco Actor talks science Onnika Gullickson Cynic Correspondent
Kelsey Neubauer Cynic Correspondent Science and communication
Hurt by low student turnout
MARISA ROSENTHAL The Vermont Cynic Clifford Douglas (left), Wendy Pernal (center) and senior Morgan Mathews, sit as panelists in the Sugar Maple Ballroom Feb. 4. Together
“
communication in science will
...there’s a culture of smoking here and people will continue to smoke regardless of a ban.
“
Taylor Ratcliffe Sophomore
“Better communication will
CRIME LOG
Chocolate Sweetstakes
Jan. 31 12:46 a.m.
February 1 - 28
Enter at the Co-op to win a year’s supply of chocolate
Feb. 1 12:44 a.m.
Feb. 2 8:06 a.m.
We Local Beans
Recipe Contest February 2 - 15 1st Prize
$100 City Market gift card & Le Creuset bean pot from Kiss the Cook Enter at www.citymarket.coop
2:23 a.m. inspection, it was determined
—Jill Vaglica
Generously sponsored by:
N EWS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
3
Moving toward green motion Aidan Breen Cynic Correspondent
panies to reduce emissions, tion companies to become more
FREDDY MORIN The Vermont Cynic
Andy Scott (left), Louis Kiley (center) and David Kestenbaum, director of CST, discuss the details of their
Once a company becomes
Buzzing with the bees David Dubrul Cynic Correspondent
Board meeting incites protest Hannah Kearns News Editor
In a recent study conducted
“Not only do we demand
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If bees dissapear we will have worse diets overall because of it.
President
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Taylor Ricketts Professor
Kristina
Pisanelli,
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR RICKETTS
A professor in the Rubenstein School, Ricketts studies bees, their
crop is directly due to insect pollination, so in our simulation
ened
immune
system
and
NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic
John Ryan, director for Institutional Research spoke about academic excellence goals during the board of trustees meeting in
Life
University planning to dance for a cause Emilee Conroe Staff Writer Every year, around 13,500 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. Thirty-five thousand are currently in treatment, and 25 percent of all those diagnosed will die, according to kidsvcancer.org. UVM Rallython is working to change these statistics, one dance party at a time.
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Rallython is bringing the campus together with the medical center in a way it hasn’t before.
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Claire Schwaegler Marketing Chair Hosted by UVM’s Greek life, the Rallython will take place Feb. 20 in the Davis Center. The event will feature DJ’s, performances, speeches and a ceremony to “recognize everyone we
PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON MCKINLEY
Members of the 2014 UVM Rallython executive board pose for a photograph. Rallython is a yearlong fundraiser that ends with a 12-hour dance marathon. This year the event is partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network. said. dance for,” said sophomore “Children’s Miracle Network gives money to the “This is an opportunity to Claire Schwaegler, chair of hospital to use as they see appreciate that this is such a marketing for the event. fit,” Schwaegler said. “With bigger community than our Rallython is a year long the last donation, the hospiUniversity alone, and that fundraiser that ends with a tal was able to buy top of the there are so many more 12-hour dance marathon, line neonatal intensive care people present than just stuaccording to the UVM Greek dents,” she said. beds for premature babies.” life website. For the first time, all of First-year Hannah DahFollowing last year’s lin said she thinks the event the funds will be going to the Rallython, which raised is for a good cause. Children Hospital at UVM $40,000 for the B+ Foundation, this year’s 12-hour “And dance marathons Medical Center, Schwaegler dance marathon is partseem pretty fun,” Dahlin said. nered with Children’s Mirasaid. The Children’s Miracle cle Network. “I got my roommates and Network was created in “Rallython is bringing other people on my floor in1983 and has raised over volved. We named ourselves the campus together with $5 billion for 170 hospitals the Stars Hollow Dancthe medical center in a way across the U.S. and Canada, ers because the only other it hasn’t before,” Schwaegler according to their website.
dance marathon we’ve ever seen was on Gilmore Girls,” she said. A champion is named every year and becomes the face for the millions of children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and the vital work the network does, according to the website. Vermont’s 2015 champion, eight-year-old Noah, along with last year’s champion Danielle, will be attending Rallython to voice their appreciation, Schwaegler said. Noah was born with VACTERL association, which has forced him to undergo 20 surgeries. All but five of those surgeries have been at the Children’s Hospital, according to the Rallython Facebook page. “One of our co-presidents has been battling cancer off and on since she was a child and was recently rediagnosed. She’s been at the UVM Children’s Hospital receiving treatment, so it’s a very near and dear cause to us,” she said. Links to register for the event can be found on the Rallython Facebook, Twitter or UVM pages. Students can sign up individually or as a team to fundraise.
Giggling to a healthy lifestyle: Students react to GMO label law the great benefits of laughing Jackie Flynn Staff Writer
Allison Carey Weekly Health Columnist We all probably know what it feels like to laugh, but did you know that laughing with friends can offer health benefits? Check out this great list from the Gaiam Life website:
1. Laughing lowers your blood pressure, which will decrease your risk of stroke and heart attack. If you already have a healthy blood pressure, laughing will decrease your risk even more.
2. Laughing reduces stress hormone levels, and this cuts the negative effects stress and anxiety have on your body. Lowering stress and anxiety boosts your immune system so you can stay healthy this winter.
3. It’s kind of a workout. If you laugh hard and long enough, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, just like when you do crunches.
4.
Vermont residents are getting to know their food a bit better — it’s the law. Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a genetically modified organism labeling law May 8, 2014, the first statewide GMO law in the nation, according to ruralvermont.org. The bill will force food manufacturers to label products that have been genetically engineered starting July
Laughing boosts your T cells, which are specialized immune system cells that keep you healthy.
2016, according to CNN.com. There has been resistance to this law, including a hearing Jan. 7 at the federal district court in Burlington where “the first oral arguments were heard in Grocery Manufacturers Association v. Sorrell,” according to the Vermont Right to Know GMOs website. This case centers around a suit that was filed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association against the state of Vermont for passing the law, according to the website.
The lawsuit claims that Act 120, the GMO labeling law’s official name, will not advance public health and safety, according to USA Today. The bill was defended by Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell, according to ruralvermont.org. The Vermont Right To Know GMOs Coalition argues that GMO labeling will provide consumers with all the information they need to know about their food, according to their website.
5. It triggers the release of endorphins, and endorphins make you happy.
6. Laughing improves mental health by strengthening your sense of well-being. People who have a happy outlook on life can fight disease better than those who don’t.
Allison Carey is a senior English major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.
“There should be some sort of uniform labeling system that people can easily interpret. I think businesses would be hesitant because it is a new movement and they don’t know how consumers will react, but if they had a uniform labeling system, it would be a good middle ground for businesses and consumers.” hayden pochop Junior
“I don’t get why you would be against [GMO labels]. I think people should know what they’re eating. It’s their body.” Charlotte FITTERMAN First-year
“I think everyone should have the right to know whether their food has been genetically modified or not. People should also be able to make their own decision if they want to eat foods containing GMOs.” ALLI O'CONNOR Sophomore
Photos by Marisa Rosenthal
“On one hand, I believe consumers should generally be provided with whatever information they need or want when making purchasing decisions. On the other hand, the purpose of any food labeling regulation is to help consumers make informed decisions. Sometimes, a food labeling requirement can actually interfere with this ability.” Stephen pintauro Professor of Nutrition and Food Science
Li fe
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
Unconscious guides your dreams tion,” particularly of the unconscious mind, according to freudfile.org. Freud believed dreams were the brain’s way of pushing repressed or unconscious thoughts up to the surface, something he called “wish fulfillment.” He theorized that even seemingly simple symbols and ideas presented within a dream could have multiple meanings, according to Freud’s book “The Interpretation of Dreams”. Here’s a brief overview of some things that might surface within a dream and what each may mean, according to The Huffington Post:
Marissa Lanoff So Psyched Column It’s 4 a.m. and you wake up in a cold sweat. You had the pregnancy dream again. But you’re also a boy. What does it mean? What is your unconsciousness trying to communicate?
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I had this dream the other night that I woke up from my dream, only to still be in a dream.
Being chased In a dream, perhaps it’s not the chase that you fear, but rather what you’re being chased by. What in your life are you putting on the backburner? Whatever it is that you aren’t addressing may be looking for your attention.
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Emily Deporto First-year
Sigmund Freud, known as the father of psychoanalysis, was very preoccupied in the meaning behind dreams and famously said, “dreams are the royal road to the unconscious.” Psychoanalysis is a technique of “mind investiga-
5
Classroom This dream or nightmare often comes from how prepared you’re feeling about something. It could also represent learning a new life lesson or personal growth.
Death This one doesn’t have to be negative. It could simply mean the death of an old way or routine that’s making space for the new.
Falling This one is all too common, and is also known to wake people up in a panic. Falling uncontrollably may be interpreted as not having a good handle on your life.
Nudity Emotional exposure often shows itself in dreams as nudity. Nudity could be your unconscious way of expressing vulnerability.
Water
Pregnancy
Water could potentially show how you’re handling your emotions at that time by presenting itself as clear versus murky or calm versus choppy. We often ignore or avoid our emotions to stressful situations.
A baby can often mean a longing for a change in your life. Pregnancy in a dream, however, can mean you’re beginning to transition from childhood to adulthood, mentally. You are finally seeing yourself as someone who is
Illustration by Marissa Lanoff
independent and makes real life choices. Being pregnant in a dream is shockingly common amongst men as well, often meaning they are putting their manhood or fertility in question, according to astrology.com. Dreams can be beautiful, terrifying, and telling. But mostly they’re just great conversation starters. Let’s be honest with ourselves. “I had this dream the other night that I woke up from my dream, only to still be in a dream,” first-year
Emily Deporto said. Of course, there’s always the possibility that the people you see or the things you experience in your dreams are just a coincidence. How much weight do we really want to place on Freud, the man that handed out cocaine as medicine and invented the concept of penis envy? Marissa Lanoff is a first-year psychology major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.
Stories told through snaps Anthony Gemma Cynic Correspondent
Peace Corps Where do you want to go? Applying is now faster and more personal.
Peace Corps Application Workshop Friday, February 13 1:00 p.m. Morrill Hall | Lab 005
Choose Where You Serve. Apply in One Hour. peacecorps.gov -
855.855.1961
“Snapchat offers a great chance to bring your buddies into what you’re doing,” junior Paolo Filho said. The app had a rise in popularity over the past couple years, and is now the third most popular social media app among millennials, according to a report from comScore.
comScore defines the millennial demographic as people between the ages of
18 and 34, according to an article from techcrunch. com. “I’ll go on there a solid 20 to 50 times a day and look at people’s stories,” first-year Colin Powers said. Snapchat has a noticeable presence at UVM, including a university account that was created recently.
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The hype is just kind of gone.
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5, 4, 3, 2, 1 gone! This “here one second, gone the next” concept is the basic idea behind Snapchat, an app that allows users to send photos to friends that will only appear on screen for a maximum of 10 seconds.
Teresa Dotson Junior
However, the account has disappeared from snapchat. The student-run account used the app’s “story” feature to put the lifestyles of the UVM community on dis-
play. Junior Teresa Dotson said the account showed thousands of seconds of “alcohol, skiing and pot.” “The university Snapchat made me feel more connected to everyone here and to this school. Some of the snaps were funny,” sophomore Kaeli Mace said. First-year Cam Field said he’s “never seen a darker day” for Snapchat.
“The UVM Snapchat was fun because you could see people you didn’t know all over campus and what they were doing,” Dotson said. “You can still do that with regular Snapchat, the hype is just kind of gone,” she said. In regards to whether or not the app will remain popular, Dotson said that she definitely thinks it will.
Photos by Oliver Pomazi
ARTS
Studio mixes painting and alcohol Lian Valera Arts Columnist
Reality is an illusion created by the lack of alcohol. Nine-to-five work schedules, the bills that haunt us and the thoughts that we simply can’t express come
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The concept is simple: you arrive and are given a canvas, paint, supplies and alcohol.
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to an end at the Burlington Paint & Sip Studio. Conveniently located on Church Street, the vibrant studio matches the artists’ personalities. Brought to Burlington by Catherine Hover and her group of friends, they seek those who are eager to express their imagination on canvas. For those old enough, the studio offers a colorful array of wines and cocktails.
LUCI LOBE The Vermont Cynic
Gretchen Tisch, an artist at the Burlington Paint & Sip Studio, teaches a Burlington resident a new painting technique Jan. 25 at the studio on Church St. The Burlington studio recently opened on Jan. 2, and owner Catherine Hover also runs two studios that offer alcohol to pair with art in New York. The drinks are served by the artists themselves who are not afraid to add a little color to your drinks. However, those ages 7 and up can also join the studio and enjoy soft drinks, while creating original work. The concept is simple: you arrive and are given a canvas, paint, supplies and alcohol. A talented artist will
guide you through the process of painting and teaching the necessary techniques and styles. The session results in an original piece which the artist can take home. The whole ensemble provides for a feeling of absolute relaxation, simplicity and self-indulgence. Artist and studio assistant Gretchen Tisch said that alcohol complements
the session because it enables the painters to free themselves from worrisome thoughts, which allows them to paint as their body and mind desire. The use of alcohol to enhance individuality and innovation is often found throughout the writings of many famous figures, including Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway and Hunter S. Thompson.
DJ Spotlight: The ‘Birdman’ nails it radio goes global Colin Kampuhis
Sandi Omanovic Arts Editor The airwaves have been going global, musically speaking, every Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on WRUV 90.1. Isa ‘ISA’ Bufano, also known by his show name BLUEPOP, plays an assorted blend of pop, R&B, hip-hop and jazz on his programs. Bufano graduated from CCV and Champlain college with a major in media communications and hopes of a career in journalism or
broadcasting. Even as a young child Bufano said he wanted to be a DJ and he started spinning for WRUV this past summer. While Bufano gives audiences a taste of that local flavor, he said he likes to put on a global show, and that is why a significant portion of artists he plays are not from the U.S. Bufano said his musical stew includes anything from Arabic music to Nicki Minaj deep tracks and even ‘60s bebop; you never know what you’re going to get.
Arts Columnist Great pacing, an endearing cast and brilliant writing left me fixated for the entire 119-minute run. The movie is about former action hero Riggan Thomson, played by Michael Keaton, who at the end of his career puts on a play adaptation of Raymond Carver’s “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” as director, writer and headliner. Spending the last of his fortune on a last grasp at fame, Thomson is stretched to his mental and physical limits. With his drug-addicted daughter played by Emma Stone, a neurotic assistant played by Zach Galifianakis and unstable co-star, played by Edward Norton, Thomson struggles to prepare for opening night for his play. The border between reality and fantasy is blurred
as Thomson demonstrates powerful psychokinetic abilities, and the movie doesn’t reveal whether he’s imaging them or not. He also hears a voice in his head that speaks in a gravelly tone, criticizing his attempts to produce something of artistic value. The voice, which belongs to Thomson’s own Birdman character from his action hero past, mocks the production considering the play as beneath a movie star. “Birdman” was the most excellent film I’ve seen this year. Most notable, however, is the camerawork and cinematography. Shots stretch for much of the scene combined with seamless editing place the audience behind the actors through the maze-like Broadway theater, as if they were actually there. “Birdman” has gained recognition and has been nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Combining alcohol and art not only enhances creativity but also promotes the responsible consumption of alcohol while engaging in an activity not typically associated with drinking. Whether you’re seeking a night out with friends to release your weekly stress, a private party or simply some alone time, Burlington Paint & Sip will paint you a smile.
CITY COUNCIL DEBATE The candidates Ward 8
East District
Brock Gibian (D)
Carmen Scoles (D)
Adam Roof (I)
Selene Colburn (P)
The location and date
Brennan’s Pub Wednesday, Feb. 18 5-7 p.m. In coordination with
A RTS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
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Murder by Death unveils new love Liam Hughes Arts Columnist Trying to fit an artist into one genre is like using primary colors to describe a sunset. When I first heard of Murder By Death, I pictured a group in black and white make-up playing heavy metal, but that wasn’t even close.
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There’s a sonic cohesiveness that flows smoothly, while still maintaining distinction from track to track.
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The group, which got their name from a ‘70s spoof of mystery movies, is a fivepiece band, consisting of a singer/guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist and
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG WHITAKER
Members of the band Murder by Death are pictured. Their new album “Big Dark Love” possesses a creative sound that ranges from alternative to folk. a wonderful cellist. Their latest release, “Big Dark Love,” drives, grooves and swings its way through 10 tracks that range from alternative to folk. A healthy dose of instrumental variation is present throughout the record. It’s clear that Murder By Death isn’t afraid to bring in additional accompaniment. There’s a sonic cohesiveness that flows smoothly,
while still maintaining distinction from track to track. The album starts with synthesizer heavy songs with more of a bite to them, but with each track the synth becomes less and less prominent. The mood lightens until, before you know it, you’re listening to something akin to folk-rock, complete with banjos, mandolins and pianos.
Lead vocalist Adam Turla’s voice has a quality that could only be described as a stoic twang, and it sits perfectly with the instrumentals. The guitar sounds reminiscent of old country-western soundtracks. Slices of slide guitar add a country element to their sound, while the cello gives the core of the record a folky feeling.
Its dense synthesizer reminds listeners that this isn’t a folk record, though. The album’s theme of love might seem overdone, but the lyrics prove otherwise, expanding into deeper sub topics. The songs are mostly written from varying perspectives of love. The album has an overall sense of completeness. If put into two words, it
Romantic jazz is scheduled for Valentine’s Day UVM is for lovers this Valentine’s Day, and the evening air will be filled with romantic jazz. Aimée is originally from France and her band consists of guitarists, also from France, and a bassist and drummer, both from Australia. The band met in New York, Aimée said, where they all currently live. “In New York, there are a lot of people who came here to study music,” she said. Though the group comes from all over the world, it will be their first time performing in Burlington, Aimée said. Aimée has lived in New York for 10 years now, she said, and loves it. “I love the music … and all the amazing artists,” she said. Aimée said she first came to America in order to study music. However, it was her childhood in France, living near nomad encampments, that inspired her to start
singing, she said. Hearing this music “was very thrilling,” she said. “It’s music from the heart and not from the head.” In addition to her varying musical influences, Aimée said she also speaks three languages: French, Spanish and English.
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It’s music from the heart and not from the head.
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Molly Duff Assistant Arts Editor
Cyrille Aimee
“I like singing in English,” she said. “I sing most of my songs in English because I learned them from the song book in English.” Though she has embraced the American music scene, Aimée said she also performs in Europe, and is traveling to Germany in April.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA WEBBER Singer Cyrille Aimée is pictured. Aimée and her French/Dominican jazz band will play at the UVM Recital Hall Feb. 14
Aimée and her quartet are traveling now, touring Aimée’s most recent album, “It’s a Good Day.” Aimée said another is in the making. The albums include a number of originals, though Aimée said she also enjoys
doing covers, such as the group’s take on the classic “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Aimée and her quartet are bringing their tour to Burlington as part of the UVM Lane Series. “I look forward to mak-
ing people happy with music,” Aimée said. Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m., French and Dominican jazz singer Cyrille Aimée and her quartet will serenade their audience at the UVM Recital Hall.
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D i st r act i o n s
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
A FEW TIPS FOR TIPPING By Keely Agan As the collective college community we’re known for our love of going out to restaurants or ordering cheap, greasy foods like pizza and wings. In fact, late at night we seem to readily empty our already thin wallets just to satisfy our appetite for cinnamon sticks. What happens if we have just enough cash for the large pizza but not enough for the tip? Students often believe that not leaving a tip won’t be a big deal, and some don’t know anything about tip etiquette. Here is a how-to on tipping for those of you who didn’t know.
1
2
3
Why should I tip?
When should I tip?
How should I tip?
Waiters and delivery drivers work grueling hours at jobs that don’t pay nearly enough for their labor. This is because their pay takes tips into consideration. Therefore, without tips you are depriving them of an assumed chunk of their pay. This is one of those situations where you need to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. How would you like to have part of your well-earned pay taken away by some hungry college kid?
Always. There is never a time when you should overlook a tip unless, of course, your server legitimately offended you in some way. Don’t think for one second that just because you’re longing for a large pizza that it’s ok to make the delivery guy drive all the way to you without a tip for his services. “It’s very important to tip delivery guys because they pay for their own gas and are primarily paid through tips,” sophomore Stephen Tomaro said.
The standard tip is 15 percent of what the total cost of the food order was, according to CNNMoney’s website. If you have a smartphone, it’s really easy to use your calculator to figure out a tip. Just take your total, say it was $19.99, and multiply it by 0.15 to get the number that your tip should be. In this example, I should be giving my server a tip of about $3, making my total $22.99. If service was excellent, it’s common to bump the tip percentage up to 20 percent.
Puzzle of the week: Sudoku Fill the empty squares with the numbers one through nine so each number appears only once in each row, column and box. Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.37)
Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.45)
6
5
7
1
2
9
9 1
8
7
6
1
5
2 2
5 9 4
5
4
9 8
2
3 9
5
7
2
1
7 4
9
7
2 2
7
8
9
1
5
9 8
4
6 9
4
7
8 4
2
4
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Feb 8 19:23:23 2015 GMT. Enjoy!
5
1
4 1
8 2
5
6
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Feb 8 22:26:10 2015 GMT. Enjoy!
2
Opinion
Let’s better the board EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Cory Dawson cynic@uvm.edu 802-363-6696
Managing Editor
Stu Laperle newsroom@vtcynic.com
Arts
Sandi Omanovic arts@vtcynic.com
STAFF EDITORIAL Having a stake in the direction of our University should be second-nature to students. Even an understanding would suffice. The standing of the University obviously impacts all of us, but it’s a lifetime commitment, too.
B-side
Sam Heller bside@vtcynic.com
Copy Chief
Hannah Morgan copy@vtcynic.com
Distractions
Laurel Saldinger distractions@vtcynic.com
Enterprise
Jacob Holzman enterprise@vtcynic.com
Illustrations
Ciera Libenson illustrations@vtcynic.com
Layout
Alaina Hendrickson layout@vtcynic.com
Life
The STEM project update was presented by Provost David Rosowsky, complete with digital renderings, 3-D flyby views and blueprints. It was quite the spectacle.
Charlotte Fisher life@vtcynic.com
News
Hannah Kearns news@vtcynic.com
Opinion
Joseph Brown opinion@vtcynic.com
Photo
Erin Lucey photo@vtcynic.com
Social Media
Emma Oyomba socialmedia@vtcynic.com
Sports
Cam Panepinto sports@vtcynic.com
Video
Molly O’shea video@vtcynic.com
Practically speaking, your degree will gain or lose value as the University gains and loses prestige. On a deeper level, your alma mater will be a part of your identity in some form or another as long as you live. This is all the more reason to pay attention to those who ultimately have the say in the University’s direction — the board of
STAFF
Joseph Brown
Assistant Editors Somer Brown, Freddy Fields, Danielle Goglia, Katie Hickey, Marissa Lanoff, Kate Lipman, Luci Lobe, Sarah Olsen and Oliver Pomazi.
Copy Editors/Fact Checkers Nora Aronds, Ellie Bodell-Kudla, Jessica Brideau, Hunter Colvin, Alyssa Handelman, Mallory Joy, Emily Magoon, Mariah Noth, Drew Pizzo, Kristina Samulewski and Andjela Vukosavljevic.
Page Designers Eileen O’Connor, Pablo Torres, Harper Simpson, Zach Taylor, Jessie Wallace, Alex Touloukian, Caroline Mckell Crowell, Jane Baker, and Ava Chambers.
OPERATIONS Operations Manager Taylor Kammerer operations@vtcynic.com
Advertising Manager Cam Randlett cynicalads@gmail.com 603-249-6425
Distribution Manager Miranda Gajda mgajda@uvm.edu
ADVISING Faculty Adviser Chris Evans crevans@uvm.edu
trustees. Granted, yawns may follow that phrase. Boredom is, however, no excuse for not attending or paying no attention to the board of trustees’ actions and meetings. The STEM project update was presented by Provost David Rosowsky, complete with digital renderings, 3-D flyby views and blueprints. It was quite the spectacle. Updates to our curriculum were presented as well — a sustainability requirement will accompany diversity requirements for all future UVM students.
What’s more, an incentivebased budgeting system was officially put into place. The audience was full of administrators, faculty, student government members and a few local journalists. Of course, as every year, there were protests. The Student Climate Culture club continued their plea for the University to divest from fossil fuels despite repeated denials over the years from the trustees. SGA President Aya AL-Namee presented a strong case to let Student Climate Culture speak to
the board, and have them entertain the student groups protest — they work hard. These are a group of students that, however you may feel about them, have been consistent and clear with their message. One way or another, Student Climate Culture made an impact on the direction of our University. They had their voices heard; perhaps your voice should be heard, too.
A response to VOX’s letter
Web
Kyra Bevins web@vtcynic.com
Illustration by ALYSSA HANDELMAN
Having read VOX’s letter to the editor, which was published in the Opinion section Jan. 28, it’s apparent that there are some people who do not understand the function of a newspaper, insofar as to how its editors and advertisement team may proffer opinion. I’m writing to offer an explanation, which will address the glaring misconceptions of their letter. First, the assertion that the Cynic ever condemned “Jesus Lady” is entirely incorrect. Both the Life and News sections covered her appearance — objectively, it should be noted — but neither condemned her. To have done so would have been, to use VOX’s language, “irresponsible and harmful” in a journalistic sense. But for some reason, they would en-
dorse non-objective criticism of her. Whatever VOX thinks about the Cynic’s official views, which they may garner only from its staff editorials, it is extremely evident that VOX’s main concern is not with the Cynic’s journalistic integrity, but rather with the fact that an advertisement, included in copies of the paper, expressed views that disagreed with theirs. Their objection seems to do with the fact that the pro-life ad was “political.” Well, sure, in the sense that it didn’t endorse any candidate, referendum or amendment. Planned Parenthood, however, routinely does, and the Cynic publishes their advertisements. What strikes me as odd is that VOX cites as a breach of journalistic integrity that the Cynic published a political advertisement; but when it proceeds to elaborate on those violations, VOX seems to just list a number of reasons why they don’t like various — and unrelated — pro-life movements. Which is fine.
If VOX finds pro-life ideology disagreeable, they are free to write a letter outlining why prolife arguments are fallacious, or unscientific, or whatever. But to levy an attack on the Cynic’s integrity based solely on their own ideological preferences, it being disguised as a concern for the ethics of a newspaper, is as dishonest as it is ridiculous. Newsflash: Cynic ads don’t represent Cynic staff opinion. If they did, all of its writers would get their haircuts from Supercuts and join the Peace Corps. Interestingly, the VOX letter contradicts itself in the first two sentences of its fourth paragraph. VOX states that it’s acceptable for the Cynic to publish ads that provide perspectives from “politically divergent groups,” but they then go on to say that this is different from “cashing checks” from groups that do not “respect a woman’s choice to have an abortion.” Wait, what? You mean more than half of the nation has an opinion that is not fit to advertise?
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Why can’t an organization that disagrees with abortion buy ad space from the Cynic, but a group that supports it is perfectly allowed? Are only organizations that agree with abortion allowed to buy ad space? Moreover, why should VOX be designated the arbiter by which we judge an opinion according to its publishable merit? And is there any room to disagree with abortion — perhaps by disputing the amount Planned Parenthood receives from the federal government, or by questioning the dubious constitutionality of Roe v. Wade — before Vox accuses you of trying to institute the legal codes of Saudi princes to oppress women? Whatever the case, it remains to be seen how the Cynic’s journalistic integrity was ever in question. Or why VOX bothered to write in without a real argument. Joseph Brown is a junior political science major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2012.
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OPINION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 , 2015
On Islam and open speech Gaetano Martello With the recent murder of Stephane “Charb” Charbonnier, editor of the popular French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, Western culture has been thrust into a discussion about the limits of free speech, the rights of religious groups and whether or not criticism of Islam should be labeled as “Islamophobic.” Charbonnier was murdered alongside seven colleagues, two police officers and two other people by Islamist extremists due to Charb’s cartoons which depicted Muhammad in a derogatory manner. I will not try to defend the cartoons created by Charlie Hebdo. I will agree that the cartoons were not at all humorous and were produced with the sole purpose of offending particular groups of people. It is a rather unfortunate case that this is the example we are given of someone representing free speech, as it paints the picture that those who suffer the consequences of Islamic terrorism only suffer them because they had committed the most severe offenses against Islam. In other words, the general sense given is that one has to go to the extreme in offending Islam in order to be placed under the gun. Though this may be public sentiment, it is simply not true. Examples from an array of cases show how even the most moderate opponents to Islam have been threatened, attacked and killed, without having committed such morbid offenses in
Illustration by ALAINA HENDRICKSON
the first place. Indeed, the only thing needed to be threatened by these people is not necessarily to draw an offensive cartoon of their beloved prophet, or to call them names, or to regard them as uncivilized. One only has to say “I disagree with Islam.” If one’s voice is loud enough and has enough influence, they will be placed under the threat of violence under these Islamic extremists, and this is something that cannot be denied considering recent historical facts. Consider the filmmaker Theo van Gogh, a descendant of the great painter, who made a short film displaying the mistreatment
of women in various Islamic countries, called “Submission.” The documentary, though critical of Islam, was not especially offensive in the way Charlie Hebdo was. Van Gogh was shot eight times and his murderer attempted to decapitate him, cutting his throat with a large knife that contained a threat to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a participant in the short film and an outspoken opponent of Islam. Hirsi Ali is one of the best examples of respectful opponents of Islam. Her criticism comes from her personal experience living in Somalia, and is not directed in a hateful or offensive manner to-
ward Islam, but rather in a constructive manner, urging people to understand the human rights violations committed by so many Muslim regimes and extremists. She has received death threats so frequently that she had to be issued a higher security detail. Hirsi Ali was also placed in al-Qaida’s Inspire magazine as someone “wanted dead or alive for crimes against Islam,” along with Charbonnier, Flemming Rose — the commissioner of the Danish Muhammad cartoons — and Salman Rushdie, author of “The Satanic Verses,” a fictional work that offered an alternative view on Muhammad and the Quran.
Rushdie was also the target of a fatwa calling for his death by Ayatollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, not for going out of his way to offend Islam, but for producing a work of fiction. We should consider the facts. Whatever the reason may be, and this is not an endorsement of Christianity, but no one today would think of murdering someone for saying they hated Jesus, or for depicting the pope in an offensive cartoon. We haven’t had to watch the live funerals of the creators of “South Park” or “Family Guy” for slandering Christianity and Judaism as they have repeatedly done. We all know that this is true. To be critical of Islam for both its religious content and for its vast numbers either involved in — or in support of — terrorism and the constant repression of both non-Muslims and different types of Muslims, is merited by fact and should not be considered the views of a bigot or racist. The Quran, which commands members of Islam to murder nonMuslims on a consistent basis, is not something which should be allowed to avoid criticism simply due to Islam’s large population. The fact that the majority of Muslims are good people does not mean that we are to ignore the offenses of both Islam’s holy texts and its members who truly follow them. The crimes committed by Islam and many of its leaders and rogues are not to be ignored in favor of a distorted and stupid view of tolerance.
Gaetano Martello is an undeclared sophomore. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.
Oil and the American petrodollar Kevin Santamaria
The plunge in the price of oil has shaken the international markets. Russia’s currency nearly collapsed, the American shale oil industry fears extinction and consumers happily fill up their tanks at a lower cost. At the same time, the dollar saw itself rise in value relative to other currencies. This can be attributed to the fact that oil is priced in dollars. In other words, if any country wants to buy or sell oil, they have to do so exclusively in dollars. Economic theory tells us that a decrease in the price of oil will increase its demand — which is not necessarily what happened — and therefore it would also increase the demand for dollars. While this benefits the U.S. in a number of ways, such as being able to print money to buy oil and not having to worry about exchange rates, it creates a brick wall for an environmentally
friendly economy. Even if the U.S. reduces oil consumption, it can never truly eliminate its use as long as the dollar is dependent on oil. If the U.S. economy were to completely break away from oil right now, it would be committing economic suicide. The decrease in the demand for oil would shock the dollar, causing its value to depreciate drastically in relation to other currencies.
Economic theory tells us that a decrease in the price of oil will increase its demand — which is not necessarily what happened — and therefore it would also increase the demand for dollars.
Thus, the manner in which we maintain our currency — the most elementary level of economic policy — is incompatible with the creation of an economy that is not dependent on greenhouse emissions for growth, a sustainable economy. But this wasn’t always the case. Until the early 1970s, the dollar was tied to gold, a period known as the gold standard, until President Richard Nixon broke away from it in order to finance the Vietnam War. However, this meant that our currency could no longer be converted into gold and it became a piece of paper, or in economic terms, a “fiat currency.” In order to amend this, oil was agreed to be priced in dollars, which would help maintain a demand for the dollar. While mainstream economics attributes the period of “stagflation” the economy faced during the 1970s through the 1980s to oil price shocks, this can also be explained by the monetary policy of the era. Since the dollar was no longer tied to gold, a limited resource, the treasury could print more money to help pay for the war in the short run, but this
Since the dollar was no longer tied to gold, a limited resource, the treasury could print more money to help pay for the war in the short run, but this would later cause inflation in the long run. would later cause inflation in the long run. But this isn’t about whether the gold standard should be reinstated or not, but rather about how the fundamental mechanics of our currency prevent us from seriously addressing climate change. We can reduce oil consumption by promoting better fuel efficiency, but neither our econ-
omy nor our economic policy is prepared for a complete abolition of its use. Hence, as the 2016 presidential race gets underway, many candidates will say that they will address climate change without mentioning that as long as our currency is used to price oil, there is no incentive to heavily invest in renewable energy. Some Republicans will deny climate change as they receive funding from oil corporations such as Chevron Corporation and Exxon Mobil. Many Democrats will champion legislation to reduce carbon emissions on one hand and with the other write subsidies for fossil fuel producers. Therefore, if we envision a world where our economy is powered by renewable energy, we have to address the principles of our currency and its dependency on oil. Then, we can begin building an economy that is suitable for a better planet.
Kevin Santamaria is a senior economics and political science major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2011.
Sports
Coach shares his Olympic knowledge Zach Giroux Staff Writer There’s not much of a slippery slope or many bumps along the trail in the UVM’s head nordic skiing coach’s journey. Patrick Weaver was a member of the U.S. Ski Team from 1995-2000, and a two-time Olympian. He won the U.S. National Cross-Country Ski Championship in 1998 and 1999. He was a part of the U.S. Cross-Country World Championship Teams in 1997 and 1999, according to UVM Athletics. “I know what it takes to be the best or compete against the best,” Weaver said. “One of the biggest things I use is the simplicity behind the training. There is really no guesswork; it’s just hard work and determination. There’s no secret out there.” In his college years, Weaver skied for the University of New Hampshire Nordic team, where he was named an NCAA AllAmerican in 2001 according to UVM athletics. Afterwards, he became an assistant coach at his alma mater. He was recently inducted into the UNH Athletic Hall of Fame, he said. After competition, Weaver said he pursued a career in coaching. When first hired at UVM, he spent three seasons as
DAYNA WYCKOFF The Vermont Cynic
Patrick Weaver, head coach of UVM’s Nordic ski team, poses with skis Feb. 3. This year the team is undefeated. assistant head coach, before being named head coach in May 2010. In 2011, his first season as head coach of the UVM Nordic team, Weaver said he was named the Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association Coach of the Year. In 2012, Weaver went on to help Vermont win its sixth NCAA National Championship in program history. “We try to create an envi-
ronment where people want to work hard,” Weaver said. “If you have that environment where people buy in and know that they have to work hard to do well, then success kind of comes with that. We just try to let the results come naturally.” Three qualities that Weaver said are most desirable in a well-rounded Nordic skier are hard work, physical and mental toughness and a good heart. “You’ve got to love the sport;
it’s one of the tougher sports. The anguish you have to put your body through when you’re in one of those races sometimes, you question why you do it because it’s a lot of pain,” Weaver said. To competitively ski, you have to have that desire to want to push yourself to the limits, according to Weaver. The Catamounts have excelled both on the slopes and in the classroom, Weaver said. He
said he stresses the importance of student athletes’ time management skills. Weaver said that ski coaches are a rare breed. Unlike other coaching jobs, they participate in and endure the same workouts right beside their racers. They must to maintain an extraordinary level of fitness to undergo such training and conditioning, Weaver said. “As a ski coach, you’re not just the typical coach who shows up at game day with a suit and tie. Often times we’re running with the athletes, skiing with the athletes or roller skating with them,” Weaver said. During his time here at UVM, Weaver has received many awards according to UVM athletics, but he remains humble throughout his successes. Despite all of the honors he has received over the years, he said he gives the credit to the athletes that he coaches. “I love doing my job, and I get way more excited watching my athletes race and do well than I ever did for myself when I did well. I thrive off my athletes’ success just because I enjoy seeing them do well,” Weaver said. The UVM ski team remains undefeated this season after winning their 19th straight Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association carnival on Feb. 7 at Dartmouth College, according to UVM athletics.
Charity fundraiser set to fight diabetes again Somer Brown Assistant Sports Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF UVM ATHLETICS UVM men’s lacrosse opens 2015 ranked second to last in the pre-season America East poll. The Catamounts are returning most of their offense from last season. The Cats open their seasons Feb. 14 against Colgate University.
Team aims for consistency Freddy Fields Assistant Sports Editor After ending 2014 with a 5-8 record, the men’s lacrosse team looks to rebound this spring. Vermont was ranked second to last in the America East preseason poll. Bryan Capone, a junior defenseman and co-captain of the team, said he wasn’t worried about the low rating. “I really try not to let ranks get to my head too much, but the way I look at the rankings is that it is mostly based on the stats and numbers of how we performed last season, and who is returning,” Capone said. “So I think that being ranked sixth is a sign that we are being underestimated and absolutely motivates me and the rest of the team to prove a lot of people
wrong about our abilities,” he said. Head Coach Ryan Curtis, who is entering his ninth season with the team, was clear about the changes the Cats need to make. “First and foremost, our consistency needs to improve,” Curtis said. “Consistency in all aspects of the game from stickwork, to focus, to how we approach practice everyday. We also need to improve our possession differential.” Limiting unforced turnovers, not giving other teams second-chance opportunities and improving faceoff unit will even up possessions, Curtis said. The more our offense has the ball and the less defense we play, the better we will be, Cur-
tis said. The Catamounts have brought back most of their offense, including reigning America East Rookie of the Year Ian MacKay. The sophomore midfielder said he was optimistic about the team’s outlook this season. “We lost Graham Horvath and Patrick Clark on the offense this year and have been able to fill their spots in quite well I think,” Mackay said. “So things are looking good for us offensively, and I’m excited for this weekend to see all of our hard work put into action,” he said. The team lost its first preseason exhibition 15-8 at Penn State Feb. 7. Their home opener is against Colgate University Feb. 14.
Despite raising $20,000 last year, Downhill for Diabetes is focused on expansion. The fifth annual event, will take place at Pico Mountain Resort Feb. 21 in Killington, Vermont, raises funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation said Lynn Pratt, founder of Donations for Diabetes, the nonprofit that puts on the event. “In 2010, my daughter was 5 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,” Pratt said. “It is a lot to cope with and learn about, as well as keeping up with it on a day-to-day basis.” Pratt’s inspiration for the event came from her hopes of finding a way to put a positive spin on her daughter’s disease. “We needed to do something proactive and positive. We wanted to feel like we’re making a difference and not just keeping up with the routine,” she said. Because the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation already sponsors a 5K walk in Burlington — this year’s is happening on May 17 — Pratt decided to be more creative with her fundraising. “We thought, ‘it’s Vermont. Let’s ski.’ I wanted to get my
kids involved anyway, and the first time that they skied was at the event,” she said. Last year, the event raised over $20,000. Skiers collected money from friends and family and earned various prizes for their efforts. Those who earn up to $50 get a half-price ticket, and those who earn up to $500 ski for free on the day of the fundraiser and get a voucher to ski for free during any other day of that season. “We actually have quite a few people that can collect up to $500,” said Pratt. “Kids go out and fundraise like crazy, and then come in with an envelope with, like, $800 dollars in it.” Over 100 local companies participate in the event. General Electric in Rutland, the Rutland Regional Medical Center, and RLA Insurance Intermediaries are the fundraiser’s main sponsors. Pico Mountain donates all of its ski passes, so that 100 percent of the donations the event raises can go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Pratt’s daughter is doing well, she said. Since 2010, the family has noticed great developments in the field of diabetes research. “This money’s going towards something,” Pratt said.
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