INSIDE
BURLINGTON, VT
VTCYNIC.COM
VOL. 132
Free Riders
Monsanto
Grace Potter
Students turn UVM campus into their personal playground
UVM study to prevent crop loss funded, in small part, by Monsanto
Local Vermont artist takes the stage at Grand Point North festival
page 8-9 sports
ISSUE 3
Page 5 enterprise
page 11 arts
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 5
Life in the Sheraton
The
Word Hotel is a ‘unique’ experience
THEWORD@VTCYNIC.COM
The Fitness Center will be closed from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sept. 17 and Sept. 18. This is actually good news for all you gym rats out there — the Fitness Center is installing new equipment, hence the closure.
Former Vice President Al Gore is giving a speech at UVM Oct. 6. Tickets will be free, and limited. Read more about the event online at vtcynic.com
The UVM Program Board announced the Ying Yang Twins will be headlining Fallfest 2015 Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. Nitty Scott MC and Vee Tha Rula will also be performing. Tickets go on sale at the bookstore Sept. 15 and are $10 for UVM students.
Burlington Blackout is going to be the “biggest party” of 2015. Buy your tickets online and head to Higher Ground Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. to check it out.
Come cheer on the UVM field hockey team at the Catamount Field Hockey Classic. Games are Saturday 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The Word is a weekly collection of reminders, interesting events on campus, news items and more. Submit suggestions or comments to theword@vtcynic.com.
Following the demolition of the Chittenden Buckham Wills complex, UVM needed more housing for students, and chose the Sheraton. Life is a little different there, students say BY caroline alkire calkire@uvm.edu
After the demolition of the Chittenden Buckham Wills complex, students said they’re excited about the opportunity to live at the Sheraton Hotel and Quarry Hill apartments. The University was limited in their options for off-campus housing due to an agreement with the city. “UVM has an agreement with Burlington that says we have to provide beds to [a] certain number of students,” said UVM ResLife Coordinator Joe Russell. “When we began a conversation around demolition of CBW, we knew that to get approval for building new residence halls, the first step would be to replace number of beds within the residential system,” Russell said. Russell said UVM replaced the missing beds by starting with Quarry Hill and then approaching the Sheraton for rooms. Though a unique living experience, many students have found the situation ideal for their needs. Junior Isabella Sances is living at the Sheraton. “Everyone living at the Sheraton is an upperclassman, the majority being juniors,” junior Isabella Sances said. With plans to study abroad this spring, Sances said she found the idea of finding a subletter for the fall incredibly risky, and as an in-state student, living on campus at the Sheraton was a great deal. “If Living and Learning were an option for upperclassmen this fall, I would have probably continued to live there like
By Jill vaglica
@vermontcynic
instagram.com/ vermontcynic youtube.com/ cynicvideo
my previous two years,” Sances said. “However, I am meeting new people and enjoying the pool. I’m so glad I picked this option.”
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a good option for students who want to be close to campus or are not ready to live off campus. Students living in the Sheraton get a variety of benefits:
I am meeting new people and enjoying the pool. I’m so glad I picked this option Isabella Sances
Most students living at the Sheraton plan to study abroad or have no desire to live off campus, Sances said. She also said the Sheraton is
Junior
they have access to the hotel’s indoor pool, gym, free parking and shuttle service to campus shared with Quarry Hill students, according to ResLife’s
website. They also have on-site laundry, mail delivery, free cable TV, air conditioning and a 50 percent discount on food and beverages at Sheraton restaurants. Senior Ben Kennedy, a Sheraton Residential Advisor said, two Residential Advisors and a site manager rotate shifts on a weekly basis, meaning that they are on duty every third week for an entire week at a time. “When you consider that there are only two RAs and a site manager in a completely new complex with 120 students, it’s easy to see how we could feel overwhelmed,” Kennedy said.
See SHERATON pg 2
Technology thefts seem to be ‘crimes of opportunity’ jvaglica@uvm.edu
facebook.com/ thevermontcynic
Various shots of daily life at the Sheraton Hotel, where students now reside. JEN RAMIREZ AND WALKER
SULTZBACH/The Vermont Cynic
Campus has been hit with a rash of burglaries in the past week. Students received a CatAlert after at least eight laptops were stolen from Jeffords hall Sept. 3. There were two other thefts: one at the Rowell building and the other at the Given Medical Building, Friday, Sept. 4, between 1 and 2 p.m. Two laptops and a backpack, containing a wallet and an iPhone were taken from a classroom in Rowell. Two students left their backpacks in the room while they
worked in a nearby room for about 45 minutes. At around the same time, a UVM medical student reported a backpack and blood pressure cuff taken from the student’s locker in Given. Pry marks were found on the locker. There are no suspects for either of the incidents, UVM police Lt. Laurence Magnant said. “These thefts appear to be crimes of opportunity, and the more you can eliminate that opportunity, the lower your probability is of being a victim,” Magnant said. Leaving items unattended is a happens often, he said.
“I understand it may seem very convenient to leave something behind for a few minutes while you leave the room, but leaving items unattended is one of the most common mistakes students make,” Magnant said. “Folks are very trusting especially within this age group and being in a school environment,” he said. There’s about one burglary per day in Burlington, the majority of which occur in student neighborhoods, former Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling told the Cynic last year. Despite the UVM CatAlerts sent out warning students of the
burglaries, junior Kit Cummins is not too alarmed. “I’m not concerned,” Cummins said. “It’s awful that those students have had their laptops stolen. To me it’s a good reminder to be careful about leaving my laptop out.” More often than ever, college students are coming to school with the newest technology, particularly Apple products, which carry the highest value on the streets, Schirling told the Cynic last year.
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NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
CRIMELog
Pulitzer winner to give speech By Kelsey Neubauer kaneubau@uvm.edu
Eric Lipton — a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, UVM alumnus and former editor-in-chief of The Vermont Cynic — will be back at UVM next Monday, Sept. 21 to speak to UVM students, faculty, staff and community members in the Grand Maple Ballroom. Lipton’s talk, “Lobbying in America: White Hats, State Troopers, Ski Resorts and Buckets of Money,” will deconstruct the investigative process behind exposing the corruption involved in lobbying, Lipton said. “The talk is about lobbying in America — the subterfuge, and the rule-breaking, and the game-playing that goes on by corporations and nonprofits as they try to influence the American political system,” he said. Specifically, Lipton said he will be discussing three articles that have been published over the past two years involving lobbying. He will talk about a year’s worth of traveling the United States, where he found senators on ski vacations paid for by lobbyists, state troopers in South Carolina lobbying for railroad companies and various academics “enlisted,” to lobby for genetically modified foods, he said. “My year in 2014 began with a plane ride to Park City, Utah, where I found [a] New Hampshire senator on a ski trip paid for by lobbyists,” he said. “That night, I drove myself out to Vail Mountain,” he said. “I drove up to the Four Seasons to find a whole other group of senators with lobbyists.” Lipton said his time at UVM prepared him for a career in journalism.
Eric Lipton (right) accepts the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting at Columbia University in May 2015. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC LIPTON
He said he remembers sitting on the third floor of Waterman, where the University archives were located, writing his senior thesis. Lipton, a philosophy major,
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“These are skills I use everyday in my career,” he said. Kaila Carson, a first-year, said she feels it’s important to see how successful a UVM alumnus can be.
I can’t wait to hear more about the piece that he won the Pulitzer for and I feel so proud that a UVM alumnus won such a prestigious award Kaila Carson
First-year
struggled to analyze an obscure German concept called protokollsätze for the thesis. “I had to understand it so I could fight against it, in order to interpret it. I had to understand the philosophical terms and write back at it,” he said, “It was the hardest thing I have ever done.” This process of “understanding,” and “writing back at it” cultivated his ability to think critically and write well, he said.
“I am really excited to learn more about what he did to achieve such a great feat,” she said. “I can’t wait to hear more about the piece that he won the Pulitzer for and I feel so proud that a UVM alumnus won such a prestigious award.” First-year Audrey Tuck said she is interested in learning about how lobbying can be turned into tool for corruption.
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STORY CONTINUED FROM P.1 “Even when you’re not on call, you’re basically on call,” he said. Even though students are living in a functioning hotel, the older students living here are being treated in as though they are living in off-campus housing. “The students are given more freedom, but more responsibility,” Kennedy sad. Being caught smoking marijuana is a violation of the Sheraton smoking policy, and the offender would have 48 hours to vacate their room and turn in their key, Kennedy said. This differs from a traditional dorm where you would be written up, have to go through a conduct process and pay a fine. “The RAs were very clear in saying that any punishments and repercussions will result in moving out immediately or dealing with the Burlington police, as opposed to the UVM campus police,” Sances said. The Sheraton is not a dry residence hall, Kennedy said. “All residents of legal age are able to possess and consume alcohol in their rooms,” he said. Residents will not be kicked out for noise but will be asked to be quiet, said Kennedy. “We have hit some bumps along the way with things that we have no control over, including unrelenting issues with the Wi-Fi,” Kennedy said. Kennedy said he enjoys working with ResLife. “I love being a part of the ResLife team and community over here at the Sheraton, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the year,” Kennedy said. The longevity of this project is unknown to ResLife. “Right now our idea is that this will only be in place until we open new residents halls on Central Campus,” Russell said. “Of course, no way to predict the future, but right now this is the plan.” Sances said there is a sense of community among those living at the Sheraton. “My roommate and I have made several friends with people on our floor, and we even made a Facebook group for all UVM Sheraton residents in order to stay connected in what we can do to make this year awesome,” Sances said. “I love it. I still cannot believe I live in a hotel,” she said. “A lot of my friends here joke around and say that we are experiencing the ‘Suite Life of Zack and Cody.’”
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SEPT. 3 — SEPT. 7
by Jill vaglica jvaglica@uvm.edu
SEPT. 3 11:31 P.M. A female student was found passed out in the bathroom of Coolidge Hall. When UVM rescue arrived, she woke up and was taken to ACT1, the 24-hour detox center. Her blood alcohol content was 0.126. SEPT. 4 1:28 A.M. An officer saw a male peeing on the open lawn near the Catholic Center. The man’s girlfriend, a UVM student, was waiting for him nearby. The officer asked the male to stop. Public urination violates the city ordinance. 9:55 P.M. An officer came across a student in the Wing Davis Wilks parking lot trying to get in a locked car, which the officer found belonged to the student. The student had left the key inside their dorm and went to retrieve it after speaking with the officer. SEPT. 5 12:15 A.M Officers responded to a call about a house party at 53 North Willard St. and issued the residents a noise ticket. SEPT. 6 12:52 A.M. An officer smelled marijuana outside of Coolidge Hall and approached a group of students standing outside. One student had been using a bong and multiple students admitted to having consumed alcohol. Twenty-five grams of marijuana and a bong were confiscated. 4:04 A.M. Wing Hall staff noticed a male student passed out in the bathroom covered in vomit. UVM rescue took the student to the emergency room.
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THE VERMONT CYNIC
NEWS
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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
Increase in international students by John Riedel jpriedel@uvm.edu
S E PT. 2 – S E PT. 7
SGA Updates by alexandra shannon amshanno@uvm.edu
UVM seeks to recruit more international students as part of a growing trend among American universities entering the international market. This is a result of the “Enhancing Quality and Affordability Strategic Action Plan” set forth by President Tom Sullivan in 2013. In 2013, international students were just 1 percent of the undergraduate student body. UVM is working to increase international student enrollment by 5 to 7 percent, according to the plan. Today, the University is increasing international student enrollment through the UVM Global Gateways Program — a partnership between UVM and Study Group USA, a private international student recruitment company. Full-time students in the Gobal Gateways Program went from about 14 students in the 2013-2014 academic year to about 95 students in the 20142015 academic year, according to the Spring 2015 Enrollment Report. In the partnership, Study Group recruits international students to come to UVM and provides on-campus support for them, in return for a cut of their tuition. In the contract between UVM and Study Group USA, details of student support ser-
DEVELOPMENT OF AN IT’S ON US CAMPAIGN VIDEO Junior SGA Vice President Tyler Davis is creating an “It’s On Us” campaign video for UVM that promotes ending sexual assault. An email and poster will also accompany the video.
Kim Howard, director of the Office of International Education, discusses the resources provided to international students at UVM Sept. 8. The Office of International Education has expanded its office, as well as staff, as the number of international students increases. JEN RAMIREZ/Vermont Cynic vices provided by the company are redacted. The redactions are allowed under the “trade secret” exemption to Vermont’s public records law. Part-time student Peng Chen described the process of choosing a university in a foreign country as challenging. Chen is from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Chen said the Global Gateway Program gives him a chance to adjust to the climate and culture of Vermont in a “step-bystep process.” Chen also expressed concern over the logistics of UVM handling more international
students in the future. He said that the Office of International Education is helpful and likes to engage with students. “However, I think they are inefficient, which means it usually takes a long time to get feedback about your need,” Chen said. “If they can figure it out, I think they could be better.” Kim Howard, director of the Office of International Education, said Study Group’s primary responsibility is the recruitment of international students. “They assign staff members who work on this campus in the basement of MAT who literally are sitting right next to UVM
faculty who are delivering the course content,” Howard said. UVM’s admissions director, Beth Wiser, said Study Group helps the admissions office with the recruiting and marketing processes of bringing international students to UVM. “The University made a commitment to increasing the percentage of international undergraduate students,” Wiser said. UVM’s partnership with Study Group is a result of that.
VETERANS DAY EVENT The Committee on Legislative Action and Public Relations is working on creating more publicity for an upcoming Veterans Day event that recognizes and honors student veterans. REPORTS OF LITTERING IN THE AMPHITHEATER Student Action has been notified of littering in the amphitheater on Athletic Campus. They plan to make signs to discourage littering and organize cleanups.
RETENTION RATE INCREASE SGA wants to work on promoting clubs on campus to get more students involved. SGA is hoping this will help to reach the goal of a higher retention rate of students in clubs.
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THE VERMONT CYNIC
NEWS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
Rep. Welch talks with class about Iran Vermont’s at-large US Congressperson, Rep. Peter Welch skyped into an Introduction to International Relations class Sept. 10 to have a conversation about a major current international issue — the Iran nuclear deal BY alexandra Shannon amshanno@uvm.edu
Students in “Introduction to International Relations” participated in a Skype discussion with Rep. Peter Welch Sept. 10 about the Iran nuclear deal that is currently under negotiation. The deal requires Iran to limit its research and development of nuclear weapons for 15 years, according to an article published by the New York Times. Welch started the conversation by giving the class a simple background of the agreement and describing the goal of limiting nuclear weapons in Iran. “Everyone is in agreement, proponents and opponents, that Iran should not have nuclear weapons,” Welch said. “The question is whether
this agreement will accomplish that goal,” he said. Senior Sara Meotti agreed with Welch. “I think that we should do what we can to prevent Iran
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Everyone is in agreement, proponents and opponents, that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. The question is whether this agreement will accomplish that goal Peter Welch U.S. State Representative for Vermont
from developing any nuclear weapons, and I think that this is the most effective way: by letting them retain their sovereignty and improving relations with Iran,” Meotti said. Some opponents are concerned
The poster for the documentary “REUSE! Because You Can’t Recylce the Plant” played at Merrill’s Roxy theater Sept. 10. OLIVER POMAZI/Vermont Cynic
Focus of new film: finding ways to reuse BY Kelsey Neubauer Kelsey.Neubauer@uvm.edu
An environmental justice film premiered at Merrill’s Roxy theater this week. “REUSE! Because You Can’t Recycle the Planet,” directed by Alex Eaves, made its Burlington premier at the local theater Sept. 10. The screening was hosted by Eaves and the Peace and Justice Center. The Peace and Justice Center of Vermont has been a leader in working with businesses, nonprofit organizations, activists and volunteers for the cause of social justice for more than 35 years, according to their website. The film focuses on the necessity of reusing products. “One of the most important things about the reuse message is that recycling is not going to do it for us, it is not enough,” Eaves said. Eaves searched the country for people who find innovative ways to reuse, according to the
with what would happen if Iran violated the deal. Welch said if there were a substantial violation by Iran, the sanctions lifted by the agreement would resume.
film. Sophomore Claire Charde, an environmental science major and Greenhouse resident, said the film is a great way to engage the public on social and environmental issues facing the world today. “Good documentaries will help [expose people to public issues],” Charde said. “Think about the impact of the documentary about the Seaworld whale, Blackfish ... Seaworld became a huge topic of moral concern for a lot of people” she said. Eaves said that his documentary is unique in how it presents issues such as global climate change. “This documentary is not about problems, it is about solutions,” he said. Sophomore Charlotte Goodrich said UVM has allowed on-campus students to live a greener life. “It is so much easier to live more mindful here, as opposed to at home, because of all the propaganda surrounding living green, “ she said.
Welch acknowledged Israel’s opposition to the deal, but said the agreement would help achieve a common interest eliminating ISIS. “This is the complexity of geopolitics,” he said. “Tehran is
our adversary and Iran is Israel’s adversary, but Iran is adamantly opposed to ISIS.” “Israel is against ISIS, the U.S. is against ISIS and Iran is against ISIS, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how things may change once this nuclear issue is off the table,” Welch said. Sophomore Ellie Smith disagrees with the deal because of its potential to destabilize the Middle East. “I think that it is going to create unnecessary conflict in the Middle East, and I don’t think we should get involved with anything else currently,” Smith said. Welch said that compliance by Iran is not based on trust, but on the United States’ capacity to constantly monitor what Iran is doing. One student asked Welch
if he felt comfortable with the U.S.’s ability to inspect Iran for nuclear activity, despite the deal’s policy of giving Iran a 21 to 24-day notice if there was any suspicion. “The 21 and 24-day notice has to do with sites that are not known and where it is suspected by the IAEA that violation of the agreement may be taking place,” Welch said. Welch also explained the agreement in terms of increasing national security. “When it comes to national security, you do whatever you can to increase it, and that means you have to negotiate or be willing to negotiate and get a good deal for your country with countries that you don’t trust,” Welch said
ENTERPRISE
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
Terence Bradshaw, tree and viticulutre specialist, holds one of the apples in the orchard where he is conducting his research study Sept. 11. COLE WANGSNESS/Vermont Cynic
Monsanto invests in apple study Years after Montsanto and UVM made news with studies on bovine growth hormone, the company is back - but this time to help By Sarah Olsen & Courtney Cunningham SOLSEN2@uvm.edu —CECUNNIN@uvm.edu
Monsanto, a company currently suing Vermont for passing genetically modified organism food labeling laws, funded a small part of an ongoing study in UVM’s plant and soil department. Terence Bradshaw, tree and viticulture specialist at UVM and lead researcher of the study, said Monsanto is listed as an investor in a Feb. 15, 2015 presentation of the study. Monsanto maintains a partnership with biotech company Novozymes.
Novozymes makes fungicides for managing soil diseases and had given a grant to the study a year and a half ago, he said. “[Monsanto] wrote one check and that’s it,” Bradshaw said.
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“There’s no way I would compromise my integrity for 2 percent of my funding,” Bradshaw said. From 1986 to 1990, Monsanto-funded trials were conducted at UVM using bovine growth hormone, a synthetic hormone that can cause dairy cows to produce 10-30 percent more milk, according to a 1992 Cynic article. UVM had a contract with
There’s no way I would compromise my integrity for 2 percent of my funding Terence Bradshaw Tree and Viticulture Specialist
Out of the $470,000 that Bradshaw has received to fund the study, $9,000 was from Monsanto, he said.
Monsanto to conduct these trials, and there were concerns that BGH caused health problems in dairy cows, according to the article.
Bradshaw standing out in the apple orchards where he is conducting his research study Sept. 11. COLE WANGSNESS/Vermont Cynic
Monsanto and UVM refused to release public data on the alleged health concerns, arguing it was in the interest of academic freedom for them to not release that information, according to the article. Bradshaw’s study is on the effects various organic materials have on the reduction of apple replant disease, which causes poor growth and delayed cropping in apple trees planted in old orchard sites, he said. In Vermont, apple orchards contribute almost $20 million to the local economy, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2007 Census of Agriculture. Three treatments are being tested at an apple farm about four miles from campus to see if apple replant disease can be prevented or reduced, according to the study’s 2014 annual report. One of the three treatments being tested is Actinovate, produced by Novozymes, according to the report. Bradshaw’s study is still incomplete, so he doesn’t know whether Actinovate works yet, he said. The treatments are injected into the soil and the trees’ drip lines, which hydrate the apple trees’ roots, according to the report. Bradshaw said this $470,000 study is a very small project in the grand scheme of things. He said he has been working on organic apple production for the past 10 years. Highlighting the fact that Monsanto happens to fund part of this study doesn’t accurately represent that work, he said. Bradshaw said in the last week or two there’s been a lot of press about researchers who work with companies like Monsanto, the largest seed company in the world, according to a November 2008 study conducted by the Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concen-
tration. A Sept. 5 New York Times article discussed Monsanto’s funding of academic research and linked it to the GMO lobbying war that is happening not only in Vermont, but in other states.
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We will not accept funding from any source, including industry, that attempts to limit in any way the academic freedom of our faculty and their right to publish results Richard Galbraith Vice Provost of Research
All UVM research projects go through the Sponsored Project Administration, which oversees all research at the University, Bradshaw said. Richard Galbraith, vice provost of research at UVM, is one of the authorizing officials for the Sponsored Project Administration. “We welcome research investments from reputable sources that are targeted within the expertise of our faculty and the strategic priorities of the University,” Galbraith said. “We will not accept funding from any source, including industry, that attempts to limit in any way the academic freedom of our faculty and their right to publish results.” UVM received a total of $101 million in support of research projects during fiscal year 2015, Galbraith said. Less than 2 percent of that total was from industry or corporations, he said. To read more, visit enterprise.vtcynic.com.
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LIFE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
Pride in Vermont Vermont Pride held the Pride Parade and Festival this past Sunday. The parade originally began as a way to celebrate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, according to the Pride Vermont website. The event now “encompasses many LGBT heroes, struggles and victories,” according to the website. The parade began at the south end of Church Street at noon and ended at Battery Park, where a festival was held for the entire community.
(Top left) A fan dancer weaves down Church Street during the Pride Parade and Festival Sept. 13. (Bottom left) Rainbow flags and banners filled downtown Burlington throughout the parade. (Above) Amber LeMay invites all parade attendees to continue to Battery Park for the Pride Festival. PHOEBE SHEEHAN /Vermont Cynic
So Psyched
It’s the ‘forbidden fruit’: wanting what we can’t have Marissa Lanoff MLANOFF@UVM.EDU
It’s a part of human nature to want exactly what we cannot have. It’s the forbidden fruit. We are constantly trying to grasp what is just out of our reach. It’s the cute lacrosse player in our biology class, the 4.0 GPA in art history or the paid and prestigious internship downtown. We think to ourselves that if we could just achieve this one thing, we would transform into our best selves instantaneously. But exactly why do we want the unattainable? Author, professor and psychologist Robert Cialdini may have part of the answer. His theory of “social proof” states that you simply want what everyone else wants. If there is buzz around a topic or if something or someone is in high demand, we want it. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, women were shown the same picture of a conventionally attractive mate. Half of the participants were told he was single, while the other half were told he was taken.
Results showed that 59 percent of the women were interested in pursuing the “single” man, while an impressive 90 percent said they were interested in pursuing the exact same man that was “taken.” Perhaps these women felt that it didnt matter whether or not they claimed to be interested in the photo of the male because nothing could come of it. This man was off-limits regardless.
We think to ourselves that if we could just achieve this one thing, we would transform into our best selves instantaneously. This may be the reasoning behind our celebrity crush obsessions. No matter how deep our love for the star is, nothing can come from it, and there can be a level of comfort in that. “It’s very common for both guys and girls to perceive the person pursuing us as desperate instead of endearing, and suddenly strangely attractive as soon as that person moves on to the next one,” sophomore Emily Deporto said. “Things that we can have seem too easy for us, and we feel
ILLUSTRATION BY MARISSA LANOFF
we deserve more because it’s too easy,” Deporto said. “Why should it be okay for someone to just want us?” As humans, we love the chase. We like to work for things. We want to feel worthy of the things we incorporate into our lives. The harder we work for something, the more valuable it
must be. On the other hand, the harder we have to work for something, the less likely we are to actually achieve it. Perhaps we don’t even want what we think we do. And maybe deep down we know that. We outwardly lie to ourselves on purpose. Somewhere deep in our unconscious we feel undeserving of what we desire
most. If our target is insanely “hard to get,” the target is never hit and the cycle of low self-esteem stays intact, as we secretly planned the entire time. We tend to accept what we feel we are worthy of. Similarly, the longer we wait for something, the greater it seems in our minds. And as many of us painfully know, something “unattainable” could take quite some time to fulfill. Anthropologist Helen Fisher said that the longer we sit on an idea, the higher dopamine levels rise in the brain. That’s why the buildup is so exciting. It’s like a stretched out version of foreplay that makes the final result that much more exciting. “If you are more realistic with yourself it will make you a happier person,” sophomore Eva Bartels said. “If you are spending all of your time on something you knowingly can’t have, it’s emotionally draining and you could be doing better things with that same energy,” she said.
Marissa Lanoff is a sophomore Psychology major and Gender Sexuality & Women’s studies minor. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.
THE VERMONT CYNIC
LIFE
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
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Silent Disco dances into Vermont By Emilee Conroe econroe@uvm.edu
When Rhonda Bilodeau and Taraleigh Weathers sat down for breakfast several months ago, they hatched an idea to bring a festival to Burlington – a festival of the silent variety, that is. “I had this silent disco idea for a while and had tossed it around to a couple of people with little interest,” Bilodeau said. Bilodeau and Weathers brought that idea to life as the Silent Disco took over Oakledge Park Sept. 9. “I saw Taraleigh’s post on Facebook one day … about bringing that festival ‘feeling’ into your personal life, and it hit me that she would be a perfect partner for a silent disco business,” Bilodeau said. However, Weathers said this isn’t a typical festival. “Everyone receives a pair of headphones,” Weathers said. “Two different playlists play on two channels.” Music is then broadcast via a radio transmitter, with the signal being picked up by the wireless headphone receivers. “If you were to come upon a silent disco it would look like everyone was dancing to the music in their heads,” Weathers said. “There is no amplified sound.” Co-creators of Silent Disco Vermont, Bilodeau and Weathers drew on their love of dancing and the outdoors when creating the event. “One of my favorite places to
Silent disco attendees take to the water to dance at Oakledge Park Sept. 9. Wireless headphones transmitting two different playlists of music allowed attendees to have a soundless dance party. RYAN THORNTON/Vermont Cynic be in the world is anywhere on the shore of Lake Champlain,” Weathers said. She said she knew that a beach would be a perfect place for a dance party. “I’m also addicted to sunsets so I thought, ‘Why not marry the two?’” Silent discos were first developed in the Netherlands and gained popularity sometime back in 2005, when a silent
disco was held at England’s Glastonbury Festival so that the party could continue without breaking noise curfew, according to CNN. “It’s really different from anything I’ve done,” senior Caroline Krawczyk said. The playlists featured songs from artists such as Salt-N-Pepa, Major Lazer and the Grateful Dead, along with other tunes from local artists such as Phish
A different kind of library
and Madaila. Disco-goer Katie Delp said it was a unique experience. “I think it’s something that will draw people out to enjoy the lake,” Delp said. “It’s very appropriate for Burlington. I’m shocked this is the first on.” “It gets your sillies out,” junior Lynn Keating said. “I wish I’d thought of this.” The duo is already planning another silent disco Sept. 29
Award-winning author holds UVM book signing
By Charlotte Fisher & Katie Hickey
By Kristina Samulewski
Cofisher@uvm.edu—khickey@uvm.edu
It may seem hard to avoid racking up a pricey bill when it comes to buying textbooks, but some UVM students are trying to change that. Books 4 Equality is a free library accessible online for anyone to view, search and borrow books from, according to their website. “Equal access to textbooks for everyone. For free,” is the group’s mission statement. Started by UVM graduates Ben Kaufman, Javier Garcia-Bernardo and senior Alex Perkins, Books 4 Equality has grown since the program started last year. “I joined [Books 4 Equality] because I realized that there was a need for this in a college market, it’s crucial and important,” senior Brian Killackey said. The group now boasts over 1,000 books, said senior Kelly Molloy, who is responsible for social media outreach and marketing. “We had a collection cycle last semester where we put in over a thousand books from the UVM students and professors,” Ben Vaughan said, business analytics and development coordinator. With their stockpile grow-
ksamulew@uvm.edu
UVM graduates Ben Kaufman (left) and Alex Perkins started Books 4 Equality to provide student books. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOOKS 4 EQUALITY
ing, the group hopes to start generating revenue to get storage space, Vaughan said. In the meantime, the focus is building a “membership base,” he said. “We are trying to build a model, or a system that we can then make available to other schools and campuses,” Vaughan said. “You can save your community, in a sustainable way that won’t cost you anything other than a little work. You can get a lot out of it.” Toby Howe, who is in charge of business and community outreach, said they are hoping to make the program sustainable. “We are all leaving here in a couple years and we our hoping to pass this on,” Howe said.
“We want to be able to expand [Books 4 Equality] to other campuses.” Howe also said the group is always looking for volunteers and is hoping to hire interns this semester. Books 4 Equality uses online resources such as social media and their website for students to search through books by title or ISBN number, Molloy said. As for donations, the group will be tabling once a week but Molloy said their main opportunity to collect books will be at the end of the semester. “Our presence on campus definitely won’t be going away in the middle of the semester,” Molloy said. “We have some plans in the work.”
from 6 to 8 p.m. at North Beach. What makes the silent disco so fun? “When people put on those headphones they dance like no one’s watching. Even the most timid person has been known to let loose,” Weathers said. “The other great part is watching people who have no idea what a silent disco is walk up to one,” she said.
The summer reading assignment for the incoming class of 2019 opened up a conversation surrounding Western and Eastern cultures. The novel, “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman, tells the true story of Lia Lee, a young girl who has epilepsy, and the clash between Western and Eastern medical practices that the Lee family experiences as immigrants in Merced, California, according to the Student Life website.
“
I thought it did a really good job of highlighting cultural clashes between medical practices.
Rowan Kamman First-year
The book was part of the summer reading program for first-year students, according to the Student Life website. “I thought it did a really good job of highlighting cultural clashes between medical practices,” first-year Rowan Kam-
man said. “That was something I had known a little about but this book really expanded my understanding,” Kamman said. First-year Jessica Savage said she liked the book and that she found herself questioning Western medicine. “Once you started really reading and understanding Lia’s story, you got frustrated with Western medicine and started to question what’s right and what’s wrong,” Savage said. Fadiman spoke at UVM Sept. 15 and held a book signing following the talk. Fadiman is an English professor at Yale as well as an award-winning author, essayist and editor. “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” is her first novel, according to the Steven Barclay Agency website. Western medicine and started to question what’s right and what’s wrong,” Savage said. Fadiman, the author of the novel, came to speak at UVM Sept. 15 and held a book signing following the talk. Fadiman is an English professor at Yale as well as an award-winning author, essayist and editor. “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down”The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down is her first novel, according to the Steven Barclay Agency website.
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SPORTSfeature
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
Freestyle riders see campus as a bikers' playground Two students hop, grind and spin their way around campus — testing their limits and growing their friendship in the process By Zach Giroux zgiroux@uvm.edu
Action sport athletes of all extremes live by one motto: go big or go home. Catamount seniors Ethan Cole and Dan Sherry live life on the edge, one pedal at a time. The two said they don’t choose to spend their free time lifting weights or playing video games. The Connecticut natives would rather ride around on two wheels and hitting tricks around places on campus with their trick bikes. Cole and Sherry do freestyle biking, also known as “bicycle motocross,” or BMX. Their “stunts” include anything from jumping down staircases, to grinding on handrails and benches. The most popular places to bike on campus are the library steps, loading docks and any sidewalk with a smooth concrete surface. Basically, anything that is an abstract or obscure attraction under the sun is considered a “hot spot.” “You see someone doing a
trick and you’re immediately hooked ‘cause you think it’s the coolest thing in the world,” Sherry said. Students may look at a stone wall or a cement block as an ordinary campus feature, but Cole and Sherry say they see them as props. “It’s really cool to see kids of that level doing tricks on
“
it before I start thinking about it,” Cole said. time it’s all in your head,” Cole said. The riders’ lifestyle is off-putting to some because of the risk of bodily harm, along with the cost of the equipment, Sherry said. “You get a whole new
Biking is a lot of mental psych — if there’s something I’m scared of I try to go and do it before I start thinking about it Ethan Cole Ecological Agriculture major and freestyle biker
campus,” senior Alex Romac said. “You see that sort of thing on YouTube, but in person it’s much more impressive.” Freestyle biking demands a tremendous amount of physical and mental energy, Cole said. “Biking is a lot of mental psych – if there’s something I’m scared of I try to go and do
skateboard setup for $180 and a full bike is anywhere from $1300-1400,” Cole said. “I think that’s what puts off a lot of people. It’s an expensive sport, but it’s worth it.” The risk is worth the reward for these two adrenaline junkies, who say they spend more time on wheels than their own two feet.
“[Biking] is competitive, but in productive ways because it pushes the other person to step up and do something,” Cole said. Although it may seem like all Cole and Sherry do is bike around campus, that couldn’t be further from the truth. They also spend a large amount of time inside the classroom, making their school studies a priority. that keep afternoons open so riding on a normal class day,” Sherry said. Cole said without a sponsor he sometimes questions the time he puts into his craft. “It’s a really big commitment to be sponsored,” he said. “Since I’m already in times when I’m like, is this even worth doing,” Cole said. “I could get really hurt and there’s not a company to support me,” he said. Cole and Sherry underand bikers second. They know it’s essential to
keep a equal balance between their education and recreation. “Being seniors, me and Ethan obviously want to get good grades, but it’s our last year to enjoy being a kid on this awesome campus,” Sherry said. Freestyle biking is beginning to shift its gears in the community. “I think the progression of [biking] looks great,” said Mike Wierzbicki, manager of South Burlington’s Talent Skate Park. “There are spots to ride around Vermont, like Essex, which has the new dirt jump track, and I hear about people just riding in the woods,” Wierzbicki said. UVM currently has no ofbiking. However, bikers and skateboarders gather every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Talent Skate Park. For more information visit their website at talentskatepark.com.
(Top) Se (Bottom
THE VERMONT CYNIC
SPORTS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 6, 20 1 5
WANT TO SEE MORE?
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO youtube.com/cynicvideo
enior Ethan Cole jumps off the steps of Bailey/Howe. (Bottom left) Cole grinds on a rail by Jeffords Hall. (Bottom middle) Cole and Sherry talk by the steps of the library. right) UVM senior Dan Sherry jumps off a loading dock by a nearby trash container. PHOTOS BY OLIVER POMAZI AND PHOEBE SHEEHAN/Vermont Cynic
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ARTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
The Gallery
Art exhibit opens topic of sexuality izzy schechter
"Sex Objects"
ISCHECHT@UVM.EDU
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new exhibit may cause UVM students to question how society influences their view of sexuality. The Fleming Museum introduced the temporary exhibit titled “Sex Objects: Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality” Sept. 8. According to the museum’s website, the exhibit, curated by art history and anthropology students, features pieces intended to lead viewers to question how their perception of sexuality is influenced by society. The exhibit’s description on the Fleming Museum’s website asks two questions: “How do societies declare and cultivate their sexual standards?” and “How do the objects on view reflect ideas about beauty, desire, and gender roles?” The audience is asked to ponder ingrained ideals of beauty and sexuality. The show aims to make viewers realize that although society projects sexuality as something one must conform to, people should be able to experience it individually. Junior Lynn Keating is a
huge fan of the exhibit; she said it “makes everyone feel like an anthropologist” because of the way it plays with notions of sexual expression and anatomy. Some pieces communicate traditional themes of sexuality by conforming to gender roles and depicting sex as something that must be perfect. Others defy gender roles that challenge what sex is and argue that it is meant to be imperfect. These contrasting ideas showcase the differences between typical and taboo concepts of gender, attraction, expression and sex. The art that complies gender roles show women as objects of desire or mothering children. Men are depicted in a traditionally masculine manner with large muscles or fighting in battles. Yet the exhibit also features work that argues sexuality should not be ordinary, redundant or bleak. A striking piece by Madeline Veitch entitled “Quilt” delves into the imperfect side of human anatomy and sex. Veitch created a colorful
Pieces from the Fleming Museum’s temporary exhibit “Sex Objects: Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality” are displayed Sept. 12. The exhibit was curated by art history and anthropology students, and aims to make visitors question their perception of sexuality. JEN RAMIREZ/Vermont Cynic blanket out of underwear collected in Burlington. The quilt is made of ripped, frayed and discolored garments, thus revealing a powerful truth: sexuality does not always have to be clean and pretty. Similar themes were communicated through works like “Reflection” by Barbara Park
Racusen. The sculpture is of a woman turning away from a mirror, displaying her lack of confidence. A self-portrait by Matushcka, an artist and activist, shows the artist post-mastectomy, showing off her perceived flaws with pride. “Sex Objects” compares false
perceptions of sexuality with the reality of sexuality; it’s imperfect, interesting, bizarre, and still beautiful. Izzy Schechter is a first-year English major. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2015.
THE VERMONT CYNIC
ARTS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
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Grace Potter headlines Grand Point North at Waterfront Park Sept. 12. Potter organizes the yearly festival for the Vermont music scene. PHOEBE SHEEHAN/Vermont Cynic
Annual festival rocks waterfront Caroline shea CFSHEA@UVM.EDU
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louds of smoke floated over the crowd at Waterfront Park Sept. 12 as people danced in the mud and huddled cheerfully under umbrellas. The festival grounds functioned as a microcosm of all things Vermont, judging by the stands offering samples of kombucha, free scoops of Ben & Jerry’s and even yak burgers. Headliner Grace Potter described the festival as a chance to sing with “all her friends,” and the excited atmosphere reflected that. Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers got the crowd moving with a bluesy, bluegrass sound before Mike Gordon, known for his work with the Vermont band Phish took the stage. Gordon’s set was guitar riff-heavy with funky drum beats. After Gordon, Shakey Graves went on stage, who was one of the most anticipated performers of the night. The crowds pressed closer to the stage to listen to the Austin-based mu-
sician croon his trademark ballads. A versatile guitarist and vocalist who transitioned easily between heart-pumping jams and slow love songs, Shakey Graves was one of the highlights of a long day of incredible music. The anticipation for Potter was apparent later in the evening. After a decade with The Nocturnals, her solo album, “Midnight,” was released in August. Potter opened with a fan favorite, “Medicine,” and joked with the crowd about the gloomy weather. Potter sang several songs off her new album, including the wistful “Empty Heart” and the psychedelic, catchy headbanger “Delirious.” “Midnight” is quintessentially Potter, but it’s definitely a new spin on her classic sound. Potter has transcended expectations with her daring new work and another successful Grand Point North festival in Burlington. Caroline Shea is a sophomore and has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.
(Right) Shakey Graves performs during his Friday night set. (Above) Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips provides an entertaining set for festival-goers during the Flaming Lips’ headlining slot. PHOEBE SHEEHAN/Vermont Cynic
will gotterer WGOTTERE @UVM.EDU
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rand Point North Festival, a heady lineup performing in Burlington’s beautiful Waterfront Park, was a night of festivities, flashing instruments and special guests. Grace Potter, the curator and headliner of the two-day festival, brought down the house.
The crowd went absolutely berserk, whistling and cheering as the two friends embraced Not only did she do this with her third encore of the Talking Heads’ “Burning Down The House,” but also with her stacked setlists, psychedelic kimonos and impressive vocal capabilities. Hit songs, “Paris (oh la la),” “The Lion The Beast The Beat” “Apologies,” ”Ah Mary” and “Nothing But The Water” all made it onto the rocker’s first performance of the weekend. During Potter’s first set, special guest Mike Gordon of Phish was brought onstage to cover Harry Nilsson’s bassheavy “Jump into the Fire.” Gordon performed with his band earlier in the night, fully equipped with bubbly bass lines, goofy lyrics and instruments rigged with LEDs and visual effects. Guest appearances continued as country music icon, Kenny Chesney, performed the Potter/Chesney collaboration “Wild Child.” The crowd went absolutely berserk, whistling and cheering
as the two friends hugged. Many were in yelping bewilderment. Some even questioned his presence on stage as a group turned to one another and exclaimed, “Why is he here!” as if Chesney himself should be tending to more important obligations, such as playing in a field of grain for a group of angels up in heaven. Other notable acts included Levon Helm’s daughter Amy Helm, Shakey Graves, Madaila and Mal Maiz. Madaila, a Burlington based group, hit the crowd with a heavy dose of “neon pop.” Their most recognized songs, “I Know” and “Give Me All Your Love” made it hard not to move one’s hips as the band also danced in their retro, crotch-hugging tights.
“Our outfits are a visual representation of Mark Daley’s [lead vocalist and guitarist] personality,” band member Willoughby Morse said. “Basically all of our inner craziness is now on the outside.” The first night ended with an extended cover of the Talking Head’s “Burning Down The House,” in which all the bands joined Potter on stage. Auricularly filled with an eight hour day of music, the crowd poured in the Burlington streets making their way home to rest their ears and do it all over again tomorrow.
Will Gotterer is a senior English major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.
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THE VERMONT CYNIC
ARTS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
Experiencing arts abroad By Molly Duff Molly.Duff@UVM.edu
Burlington is well-known for strong community support, especially for artists, but 3000 miles away, the city of Rennes, France is no different. Located in the middle of the city is a community center, known as “Le Maison de Quartier de Villejean.” The center is open to all visitors and they can make use of the many clubs, classes, activities and spaces at the community center. These range from professional performances, to a club for well-being, to discussions held in the café. François Callo has been working at the Maison de Quartier for over 25 years and focuses on activities geared toward adults. “The goal of the center is to be a place of life, where everyone can come,” Callo said. “It’s a place for everyone where everyone has to respect others.” Mitchell Stitt, an exchange student from California, was welcomed into the center to use the dark room to process his film prints. “It’s pretty accessible and cheap; they don’t charge us for being foreigners,” Stitt said. “It’s just as accessible as my community center back home.” Callo said the center was a space primarily of discovery, often through activities and discussions, and a place for people to become informed. Within the Maison de Quartier, there are activities divided
Le Maison de Quartier de Villejean in Rennes, France is a community center that draws people from all walks of life to support community artists. The center, founded in the ‘70s, provides creative activities for individuals of all ages. MOLLY DUFF/THE VERMONT CYNIC by age groups and interests. Activities for children include arts, games and sciences. Adults and adolescents are often included in children’s activities, as the community center hosts a large number of family events such as movies, gymnastics and parties for holidays. Callo said the center also offers many activities geared toward older crowds, such as debates, language classes and art classes.
Often these clubs and activities are put on by community members. “Some also come here to hold activities,” Callo said. “They’re passionate about something, and they want to share it with others, so we allow them to do that here.” He said that the center would be ideally run and supported by the community alone. “The Maison de Quartier was created by the community,
Comedian jokes with students Katie Lazarus
"Brent Morin"
KLAZARUS@UVM. EDU
B
rent Morin opened his hour-long set with some jokes aimed toward the crowd, like pointing out that most of us were white. Morin came to UVM for the UVM Program Board’s annual Labor Day Comedy show Sept. 7. in the Grand Maple Ballroom. Morin, originally from Connecticut, now stars on NBC’s show “Undateable” and is a stand-up comedian. The comedian took his place on stage against a subtly red background after on introduction by one of UPB’s coordinators. Considering Morin’s success and obvious ability to host a good set, he walked on stage a little nervous. The comedian had to take off his jacket after a few minutes and was sweating a bit, although it was hard to tell if it was due to nerves or just the lights. He had an hour to perform, and about 40 minutes of his set was laugh-out-loud funny, (a
good ratio for stand-up). The comedian spent a few minutes feeling out the crowd and once he realized his audience was a group of immature college students, milked a hilarious story about having an erection while trying to take a
story more time. My favorite joke was a funny story Morin told about going over to an older woman’s house as a virgin and not knowing how to deal with the sexual experience. Morin’s style stemmed from telling overly personal anecdotes and stories on his life. Overall, it was well worth the $5 for the opportunity to see Morin live and hear some great jokes.
Considering Morin's success and obvious ability to have a good set, he walked on stage a little nervous math test. Having already seen some of his jokes online, the repeats were noticeable. Although I commend him for using new material. On one occasion, Morin took 15 seconds to describe a two minute joke about how women go too far rejecting men, when a simple “no” will often suffice. It was funny because it was a reference to his joke, and it would have been more effective if the comedian had given the
Although some might have cast the Labor Day Comedy Show aside as a “freshman activity,” it was an event intended for any student and a great way to welcome incoming students.
Katie Lazarus is a junior student. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2014.
in fact, this year will be our 40th year,” Callo said. Callo said the center was founded in Rennes in the ‘70s during a social revolution in which youths of the community demanded more support and space to spend time together. However, he said he’s worried for the future of the community center. “We have a lot of difficulty getting the people of the community to come to the perfor-
mances, because it’s often not something that they understand,” he said. Callo said cultural events can often be elitist in France and remain inaccessible to many who might not have the money for professional performances and concerts. “So the idea is to successfully bring people in, and make them curious,” he said. “The idea is to break this fear a little.”
Two strangers travel across the country in a new movie Colin Kamphuis
"The End of The Tour"
CKAMPHUI@UVM. EDU
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roundbreaking writer David Foster Wallace appears to have his innermost thoughts and fears laid bare in the new biographical film “The End of The Tour.” In the movie Dave Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg), a young reporter for Rolling Stone, interviews David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel) during his “Infinite Jest” book tour in 1995. Wallace’s 1,000-page novel made him an overnight sensation. Strong performances from Segel and Eisenberg perfectly encapsulate what the experience of road tripping with a total stranger might be like. Male bonding interspersed with funny awkwardness injects unexpected comedy into this film that asks more questions than it answers. Lipsky manages to forge a friendship with the relatable author, who despite his best efforts to portray himself as an “everyman,” emanates an intellectual air. The conversations between
the two writers expand from initial pleasantries to brutal indictments of American culture and the human condition. The subject matter swings from funny observations on human imperfections to dramatic contemplation on mental illness. The use of Wallace’s suicide in the beginning of the film to set the stage is a unique strategy that influences our understanding of the flashback that comprises most of the film. This plot point uniquely frames Segel’s character without becoming a dominant element. Based on Wallace’s history with mental illness and substance abuse, the film portrays the tortured artist. Beyond that, it is a profound movie that tackles weighty issues ranging from American consumerism, substance abuse and depression. Colin Kamphuis is a senior UVM student. He has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2014.
OPINION
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
S TA F F E D I T O R I A L
The international contract of mystery The contract between UVM and Study Group, a private international student recruiting firm, is partially redacted under a public records exemption — something the Cynic believes the campus community should know about
I
nternational students have been steadily flowing into UVM, from just 73 international undergraduates in 2009 to 268 last year. This steady increase is overall positive: International students bring a lot to a university. On top of making the campus more diverse — a deeply important way to cultivate graduates who will be more capable and empathetic human beings — international students bring two other deep incentives to any college administration: money and prestige. International students pay the full price of a UVM education — $53,864 — but, unlike their American peers, they will be hard pressed to find employment in Burlington because of restrictions on their student visas. The prestige factor stems from a core message a large international student population sends: people will travel from all over the world for a UVM degree. The incentive is so large, in fact, that UVM hired help in January 2013 from an Australian international student recruiting firm, Study Group USA. The contract between UVM and Study Group is valid until 2018. Advantageously, UVM doesn’t directly pay for Study Group services, aside from providing and maintaining the space for the Global Gateway Program (the moniker for the international student program maintained by Study Group for UVM).
Much of the contract is redacted under one of the 40 exceptions to Vermont's public records law
Rather, a cut of the international students’ tuition is given to Study Group as commission. But much like the rest of the arrangement between Study Group and UVM, exactly how much tuition is given per student is known only to administrators and the corporation. Last semester, the Cynic requested the contract between Study Group USA and UVM. Much of the contract is redacted under one of the 40 exceptions to Vermont’s public records law, in this case the exemption for trade secrets. The contract, in full, is available on the vtcynic. com website. Some of the key exemptions in the contract: The GPA necessary to become a matriculated student, the amount Study Group receives for students not
recruited by Study Group but still in their Pathway Program, and the amount Study Group will remit to UVM in tuition and room and board fees, and the tuition charge for Study Group’s “intensive English semester.” All the details of any student support services Study Group provides, and conversely, details of student support services
Much like the rest of the arrangement between Study Group and UVM, exactly how much tuition is given to Study Group per student is known only to administrators and Study Group
Study Group will not provide, 48 bullet points in total. This program undoubtedly is responsible for bringing hundreds of students from across the globe to our community. It’s responsible for sparking lifelong relationships and for helping foreigners and Americans alike to gain one of the best educations available to anyone in the world. Yet, what is strikingly odd about the contract between the two parties is that the most basic information within seems to have been redacted. It remains to be seen why the minimum GPA for a prospective student or basic tuition rates would be information deemed so sensitive as to have been removed from public view; but it seemingly shrouds important aspects of the contract in needless mystery – especially of a group of people we should wholeheartedly, and publiclly, welcome to UVM.
Staff editorials officially reflect the views of the Vermont Cynic. All signed opinion pieces and columns do not necessarily do so.
Portions of the Study Group — UVM contract. The contract, signed in 2013 and valid until 2018, is heavily redacted in some portions. These portions specifically outline services Study Group will, and will not, provide to the students in their program. CONTRACT PROVIDED TO THE CYNIC BY UVM
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THE VERMONT CYNIC
OPINION
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
A review of Demetri Martin’s comedy Sydney Liss-Abraham SLISSABR@UVM.EDU
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received a message late one night from my friend Ilyssa, explaining to me that a young well-known comedian named Demetri Martin would be performing at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Given my infatuation with stand-up comedy, I found myself buying the ticket almost instantaneously. The decision was not a total shot in the dark. I had listened to a couple of his sets on Pandora’s comedy station and, as a self-proclaimed stand up connoisseur, I considered him quite good. I got a couple of laughs out of it, so why not go and enjoy the show? Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the performance was postponed to a later date at which Ilyssa would be unable to attend. So who better to sub in as an audience member at a live stand-up comedy show than my goth friend, Daniela? We arrived at the Athenaeum Theatre and I was automatically impressed with the 1920s ambiance of it. I could go on about the aesthetics of any well preserved theater in Chicago but I will restrain myself. From what I could see from the nosebleed section, the dimly lit stage was rather barren — but rightfully so. A shiny guitar, a microphone, and a stool all sat casually waiting for Martin. Pre-drug Beatles music anxiously queued in the background as if someone was about to answer the final “Jeopardy” question. Meanwhile, the majority of the audience found themselves singing along, which was equally as silly. Just as I was beginning to give into the engrossing chorale of off-key goofballs, the lights dimmed.
Martin's robust voice came on over the stage sounding rather authoritative, a brief reminder that he dropped out of NYU School of Law to pursue comedy as a career
Martin’s robust voice came on over the stage sounding rather authoritative, a brief reminder that he dropped out of NYU School of Law to pursue comedy as a career. He made a few quick-witted remarks regarding the background music and some odd fellow in the front row. His abil-
Illustration by DANA ELLEMAN
ity to work with the audience before even stepping foot on stage validated his presence. The opener walked on stage with the signature Louis CK black t-shirt and jeans style. He even had the slightest gut of a worn down 40-year-old man. It was really the whole package. When he reached for the microphone stand to roll into the physical comedy aspect of his first joke, he couldn’t seem to lift it. The way he handled that situation was almost funnier than the forgettable underlying joke. Almost wrestling with the mic stand, he managed to pull it to the side. The opener appeared calm and collected throughout, even when the laughs subsided to interspersed chuckles. But a simple sarcastic commentary on the absence of giggles prompted more giggles. His sense of humor was a bit dark and defeated, which I could tell had entertained Daniela a great deal, but I too was impressed with his one-liner on coffins. He was smart enough to save his best joke for last, in which he described the most horrify-
ing thing he had ever witnessed through a three-inch gap. The description of a denture-wearing man chomping down on a two-month-old banana in the airplane seat in front of him was absolutely priceless. I was skeptical of him at first, but for an opener, this final story-form joke put him on par with the majority of Pandora’s comedy station. So finally, cue music and drum roll as Demetri Martin in the flesh ran out onto the stage. We enthusiastically applauded at his ability to run to center stage like the erudite, cultured crowd we were. The drums continued to roll as Martin made a physical effort to jump right on the last drum beat. His stylized, awkward and analytical comedy began with his failed attempts to land on the beat. Finally he ran off stage to appear to complain to the sound guys before coming back to land slightly after the final drum. And without further ado, he began his set. I should not pride myself on this as the majority of my
memory is extremely spotty, but when it comes to comedy I remember nearly everything. However, I just spent five minutes on the phone with Daniela trying to recall one measly joke in his first set.
er analysis. I even remembered spotting a few jokes in which a wittier punchline could have been inserted. They were mostly careful and simplistically worded. Maybe he was afraid of appearing demeaning toward the audience. Nonetheless, it was evident from the start that only a few (I’m being generous) of his jokes would be memorable. Then he picked up the lonely guitar that had been sitting on the stage longer than Martin had. He made fun of the guitar for being shiny and reflecting onto a wall, getting the audience to giggle at the illuminated figure near the left balcony. But from the moment he picked up the guitar, I became more judgmental. The purpose of a musical instrument for comedians is to add a certain rhythm to the set. It also acts as a safety net for when a joke falls short or an audience falls nearly silent. And, naturally, Martin used the device to its potential. When he would tell a joke he knew was more of a time-filler than anything else, he would start picking at a soft volume for the set up and then at the punchline he would play a loud strum pattern to evoke laughter. And it worked nine out of 10 times. What absolutely killed me as an adorer and admirer of stand up comedy was his last joke. His last joke, with guitar in hand, was a sex joke. A really bad, overused, boring sex joke. With one loud strum he thanked the audience and jogged off stage. I sat around bracing my ears for the word “intermission,” but it was not to be found. I genuinely felt unfulfilled. He fell short of my expectations. I was not expecting the comedic ability of John Mulaney or Mike Birbiglia, but again, I’d heard Martin’s sets prior, and I knew what he had to offer. I had a few laughs but ultimately failed to continuously suspend my disbelief. It was an odd combination of ennui and anticipation of a better, nonexistent, second set.
However, he lacked a deeper analysis. I even remembered spotting a few jokes in a which a wittier punchline could have been inserted. They were mostly careful and worded on a simplistic basis. Maybe he was afraid of appearing demeaning toward the audience
A total of three came to mind, my favorite being Martin’s commentary on dairy products. He discussed the time his friends came over to his apartment and told him to throw away some old milk. He replied pensively, “No, wait, I wanna see where this is going.” He seemed to have the ability to satirize almost any mundane situation with decent timing, as most comedians do. However, he lacked a deep-
But I still have respect for Martin as a comic. In following his train of humorous thought, I can see the direction he’s going in, and eventually he will figure out how to hone in on the more matured comedic style of which I know he is capable. Sydney Liss-Abraham is a first-year English major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2015.
SPORTS
15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC
PLAYER PROFILE
SQUARE WHEELS
New and old NHL talent set to collide this year Joseph GalLant
JPGALLANT@UVM.EDU
I
First-year defender Lauren Tucker takes a shot at Moulton Winder Field. Tucker earned Rookie of the Week honors Aug. 31. Tucker leads the team in points with eight points and two assists. Tucker joins UVM from Brisbane, Australia. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN JENKINS
New Catamount receives accolade By Eribert Volaj evolaj@uvm.edu
First-year Lauren Tucker started the field hockey season by being named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week Aug. 31. A defender from Brisbane, Australia, Tucker came to UVM this season wanting to help the team improve on last season’s record three wins and 15 losses. Lauren Baum, the sports information assistant for UVM athletics, also believes the team will see major improvements this season but she knows it will not be easy. “It’s always hard for a coaching staff when they are trying to usher new groups of athletes into a team, but it can also be challenging when they’re new themselves,” Baum said. “I see this year as a huge momentum shift for everyone and you can already see the confidence all around,” Baum said. Much of this positivity comes from players like Tucker, who said she expects the team to do twice as well as last year. “I think that I am fitting in well with my coaches and teammates,” Tucker said. “Everyone is extremely supportive and welcoming. I could not have asked for a nicer, more positive team.” However, there have been difficulties. “Preseason was one of the most challenging physical and mental obstacles that I have had to endure at UVM,” Tucker said. “Moving countries was a big challenge.” Baum also gives credit to the coaching staff, who she said are a crucial part of the team. Head coach Kate Pfeifer is in her second year of coaching the team alongside assistant coaches Kyle Lyons and Melyssa Woods. “[They] have done such a great job getting the upperclassmen and their first new re-
cruiting class to blend together and be on the same page, despite not having worked together very long,” Baum said. First-year Arlene De Leon said she is looking forward to this season. “I’m interested in watching field hockey because of the ongoing action,” De Leon said. “I think the new players will really help the team achieve their
goals.” Tucker said she does not want to disappoint the fans. “My personal goals are to play strong and give my absolute best effort every game,” she said. Tucker is averaging a goal per game through four games this season. Baum is excited for the future of the team.
“The field hockey team and staff bring in a fresh wave for UVM athletics,” she said. “This is a new era of UVM field hockey.” The field hockey team will be in action this weekend when they host the Catamount Field Hockey Classic where they will face Cornell University and Siena College.
Men,
Stop Sexual Assault and Rape Join “One in Four” What is One in Four? An all-male sexual assault peer education group that educates men about how to safely intervene in risky situations where an assault might happen, and how to support survivors of sexual assault/rape.
What Does One in Four Do? Members of “One in Four” present a program called “How to Help a Sexual Assault Survivor: What Men Can Do” to any group who will listen.
Interested? Contact: Keith E. Smith, men’s outreach coordinator keith.smith@uvm.edu 802.656.4428
t’s finally here. While the playoffs are still fresh in our minds, it feels like it’s been months. The sports fan’s purgatory is the summer block, where baseball is the only sport played, is coming to an end. Sure, baseball is fun, but who really wants to sit and watch a game that feels like there’s more time between innings than actual game time? But I digress. Back to the excitement for this weekend. The NHL will drop the first puck of the season this Sunday as the Nashville Predators take on the Florida Panthers. This season is highly anticipated. We will see the first overlap of generational players, that is, players who are seen as having so much skill and natural ability that they grace the ice once in a lifetime. Fans recall Sidney Crosby’s entrance into the league in 2005. He was designated as the next great player. Now comes Connor McDavid, who is the most hyped rookie since Crosby. McDavid has been under the spotlight since he was a teenager, when he earned a Reebok sponsorship at age 15. McDavid dominated junior play. He entered Canadian junior hockey with a waiver, since he was too young according to league rules. Despite missing time due to a broken hand after an on-ice fight, he managed 120 points in 47 games played last year. If you are not familiar with hockey, averaging over two and a half points a game is an impressive feat. While McDavid alone is enough reason to be excited for this season, along comes another generational player in the same draft, Boston University’s star Jack Eichel. While McDavid will be entertaining the Edmonton Oilers’ fan base, Eichel will be with the Buffalo Sabres. Eichel’s entrance to the NHL comes with the excitement of fans and a sigh of relief for UVM hockey, as they no longer have to face him in the Hockey East. Eichel’s dominance in college hockey will likely not immediately translate to the pros, but he should be able to demonstrate his ability as a complete player on a revamped Buffalo team. While the more significant NHL games are a few weeks away, this weekend should offer excitement for hockey fans as we see the first competitive play of the next generation of NHL stars colliding with the current pantheon. Joseph Gallant is an integrated biology major and a pharmacology masters student. He has been with the Cynic since fall 2015.
16
THE VERMONT CYNIC
SPORTS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2015
The benefits of playing on a turf field By Sarah Olsen solsen@uvm.edu
There are multiple fields around campus that UVM’s sports teams use. Joe Fischer, assistant athletic director at UVM, said there are two kinds of fields: turf and natural grass. The natural grass field are only used for campus recreation, while varsity teams play on the turf. Moulton Winder Field opened in 2005 and Virtue Field, which opened in 2012 are UVM’s two turf fields. “We still maintain [the natural grass] for campus rec, but we don’t have to keep it for varsity competition,” Fischer said. “Now we just play on the turf and we can play five games a day because that’s what they’re made for.” Fischer said turf is easier to maintain and believes more schools in the Northeast should adopt it. “We play lacrosse in February on it,” Fischer said. Fischer said prior to the turf installation, some of the varsity teams played at Centennial Field and on other natural grass fields, but they’d have to wait until April for the grass to thaw. The turf is two layers of 4-inch microfiber strands sewn together by a machine, he said. They put a layer of soil and rubber over the fibers to pro-
tect them, Fischer said. All they have to do to maintain it is make sure the rubber is replenished every so often, he said. The lines on the turf also aren’t painted. The turf that is a different color comes that way, Fischer said. Natural grass fields are fertilized once or twice a year. There is a bit of a more “elaborate” maintenance procedure than if it were natural grass because people play on it, he said. “There’s depressions so we go over and keep it as level as we
can because we don’t want danger spots,” Fischer said. UVM soccer players are accustomed to the difference between grass and turf. “There’s a huge difference between playing on Virtue and UVM’s grass fields,” women’s club soccer senior Gina Abbiati said. “I favor playing on Virtue Field because turf fields are more consistent whereas grass fields can be unpredictable and difficult to play on anywhere you go.”
scoreboard
A member of the maintenance crew applies spray paint to one of UVM’s athletic fields by the Gucciardi Fitness Center. PHOTO COURTESY OF UVM ATHLETICS
Visit vtcynic.com for more coverage and uvmathletics.com for schedules and tickets SEPTEMBER 9-SEPTEMBER 20
LAST WEEK
•
L
September 9 Loudonville, NY
3-2
Women’s Soccer at Siena
T
September 11 HOME
1-1
Men’s Soccer vs UNC Asheville
L
September 11 Ann Arbor, MI
3-1
Field Hockey at U. of Michigan
L
September 12 Ann Arbor, MI
8-1
5
th
3
rd
7-9
Field Hockey at Davidson
• •
September 12 Amherst, MA
Men’s XC at UMass Amherst September 12 Amherst, MA
Women’s XC at UMass Amherst
RECORDS
•
NEXT WEEK
At the Minuteman Invitational, senior Nikki Braceras finished 5th overall for women’s cross country and junior Patrick Coppinger finished third overall for men’s cross country. Junior Brian Wright leads men’s soccer in points with four and goals with two. Junior Nikki McFarland leads women’s soccer in points with four points and goals with two. Field hockey has two first-years from Brisbane, Australia in Lauren Tucker and Greer Wilson.
Men’s Soccer 1-3-1 Women’s Soccer 2-3-0
September 16 HOME 3 p.m.
Field Hockey vs Holy Cross September 19 HOME 11 a.m.
Field Hockey vs Cornell September 19 Bronx, NY 11 a.m.
Cross Country at Meet of Champions September 19 HOME 1 p.m.
Men’s Soccer vs Marist September 20 Kingston, RI 1 p.m.
Women’s Soccer at Rhode Island
Field Hockey 1-4-0
Men’s XC 5th (x1)
Women’s XC 3rd (x1)
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