Thursday, February 21, 2008
Drugs and alcohol dominate campus crime map in 07-08
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2/21/07
By Keith Whitcomb Jr.
Drug and alcohol violations account for most complaints to Public Safety, Director of Public Safety, George Hacking said.
Even if the incident is a case of vandalism, sexual assault, or property damage, drugs or alcohol is usually behind the act. Currently, Public Safety has things like Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois U., on it’s mind along with parking lot vandalisms. The Clear Text system, a service students can sigh up for free of charge, will allow the school to send out a text message to students in case of an emergency such as a shooting.
To deal with parking lot vandalisms, a security camera system is being looked into.
Still, the number of drug and alcohol violations compared to other kinds is staggering. Just take a look at this map and see.
While alcohol and drugs are the dominant problem, there are the oddballs though, such as a case of public urination in the Stonehenge parking lot on Oct. 10, 2007.
No more tripping over wires for the Northeast Kingdom
2/21/07
By Catherine Story and Blair Wolston
Wireless internet access is now available in the Northeast Kingdom wherever your Verizon Wireless cellular handset works.
Recent upgrades to the existing towers and a few brand new ones now allow residents of the Northeast Kingdom to connect to the Internet on any computer as long as they are within the coverage area.
This service is a recent addition to the Northeast Kingdom. The first indicator that something was changing came last summer when cell phone customers in the Burke area experienced an interruption in their service lasting nearly a week.
When their phones started working again there was a different symbol on their cell phone screens. What happened was all the towers were upgraded from standard digital, that was represented by a 1X on the screen, to an enhanced digital signal that appears as an EV on the cell phone's screen.
EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) is a telecommunications standard for the wireless transmission of data through radio signals. This is a breakthrough for areas where no other Internet service providers are available.
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What you need to know:
The cost is $59.99 a month for unlimited use, and it does require a 24 month contract with Verizon Wireless which will be included with your regular cellular bill (if you are already subscribing to their cell service already).
The modems are either PCI cards, for laptops only, or they now offer USB modems that will work in any device that has a USB 2.0 port built in. Windows or Macintosh is fine, and you can move the modem from device to device depending on your wireless needs.
Who should be interested:
This service is good for the traveling road warrior who must stay connected to his or her office whereever they go, or for the rural resident who previously had no way of getting high speed Internet at home.
The cost is comparable to Charter's high speed pipeline service but is not limited to one location. Users can take their laptop anywhere in the country and receive the same level of reliability they do from their connection at home.
There are a few different ways to sign up for this service:
Call 1-800-922-0204 and follow the prompts until you find a human operator.
Go to www.verizonwireless.com and click on “plans”
Visit a Verizon Wireless agent in your area to learn more information and get started
By Catherine Story and Blair Wolston
Wireless internet access is now available in the Northeast Kingdom wherever your Verizon Wireless cellular handset works.
Recent upgrades to the existing towers and a few brand new ones now allow residents of the Northeast Kingdom to connect to the Internet on any computer as long as they are within the coverage area.
This service is a recent addition to the Northeast Kingdom. The first indicator that something was changing came last summer when cell phone customers in the Burke area experienced an interruption in their service lasting nearly a week.
When their phones started working again there was a different symbol on their cell phone screens. What happened was all the towers were upgraded from standard digital, that was represented by a 1X on the screen, to an enhanced digital signal that appears as an EV on the cell phone's screen.
EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) is a telecommunications standard for the wireless transmission of data through radio signals. This is a breakthrough for areas where no other Internet service providers are available.
View Larger Map
What you need to know:
The cost is $59.99 a month for unlimited use, and it does require a 24 month contract with Verizon Wireless which will be included with your regular cellular bill (if you are already subscribing to their cell service already).
The modems are either PCI cards, for laptops only, or they now offer USB modems that will work in any device that has a USB 2.0 port built in. Windows or Macintosh is fine, and you can move the modem from device to device depending on your wireless needs.
Who should be interested:
This service is good for the traveling road warrior who must stay connected to his or her office whereever they go, or for the rural resident who previously had no way of getting high speed Internet at home.
The cost is comparable to Charter's high speed pipeline service but is not limited to one location. Users can take their laptop anywhere in the country and receive the same level of reliability they do from their connection at home.
There are a few different ways to sign up for this service:
Call 1-800-922-0204 and follow the prompts until you find a human operator.
Go to www.verizonwireless.com and click on “plans”
Visit a Verizon Wireless agent in your area to learn more information and get started
How far will students go for a break?
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2/21/07
By Allison Sullivan and Gwen Cook
As winter break approaches, LSC students prepapre for their exodus to locations far, and perhaps not so far, from Lyndonville.
While the majority of students are returning to their hometowns, there were some who were going to spend their break elsewhere.
Marissa Baggarly, a freshman English major, is one of them. A resident of Vernon, VT, Marissa is spending her winter break in Oklahoma at a basketball tournament.
The majority of the other students, who were residents of Vermont, are returning to their hometowns, or staying in Lyndonville.
Jenn Lemaire, a junior from Georgia, VT, is dividing her time between her hometown, and Lyndonville.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
LSC community donations in the red
Pete McKinneyThis is Pete McKinney’s 13th time giving a double red cell donation, a process that runs a person’s blood through a machine which separates the plasma from the red blood cells, enabling the donor to give their yearly maximum of blood in half the time.
“Most of the time the American Red Cross calls me for an appointment,” McKinney said. Because the process is more involved than a typical donation, the Red Cross prefers that people make appointments. Still, if there’s an open seat, walk-ins are welcome.
Kate GoldKate Gold, student success specialist at LSC, has given blood three times so far, owing to the fact that the Red Cross’s LSC blood drives are easy to get to for her. “It was the first time I could just walk down the hall and give blood,” Gold said.
Gold has some advice for other donors: Hydrate. Her first time donating wasn’t as smooth as she would have liked. “I was a little dehydrated, so it was harder to get the blood out,” Gold said.
Serena FranksSerena Franks isn’t sure if this is her third or fourth time giving blood, but “It’s just really nice to think you can do something so giving,” Franks said.
Serena heard about the Red Cross’s reported blood shortage on the radio and thought she would give.
Keith MayburyKeith Maybury, a local resident, also heard the Red Cross was having a shortage and decided he would give blood that very day.
“The cookies are always good,” Maybury said.
Samantha WinsorAlthough she has tried in the past, this is Samantha Winsor’s first time successfully donating blood. A low iron count kept her from qualifying in the past. “It was very discouraging,” Winsor said, but she kept trying because “My friend does it all the time.”
Derek PalmieriDerek Palmieri, a member of Kappa Delta Phi and an LSC student, donated his time as well as his blood to the Red Cross. He and the other members of his fraternity contacted the Red Cross when they heard the blood drive was coming through.
“We’re just really trying hard to get a more positive view in the community,” Palmieri said.
Willow“It was easy, and I thought I’d contribute to society,” Willow, a sophomore, said. This is her fourth time donating blood.
One million dollars to renovate Stonehenge
2/14/08
By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
The poor conditions of the Stonehenge residence halls prompted LSC to spend $1,000,000 in order to renovate the buildings in an effort to make them more energy efficient and more accommodating to students.
The plans to renovate Stonehenge are still being planned out due to the fact that with limited resources, LSC can only focus on the most crucial renovations, Thomas Archer, Physical Plant Director said. Initially the school wanted to restructure the buildings entirely but soon realized that the money would not be sufficient for such a task, Archer said.
The most important renovation to the Stonehenge buildings would be to make them more energy efficient since the school burns roughly 220,000 gallons of oil each year, and spends around $40,000 a month for the electric bill. “All the dorms have heating controls which were installed in the past five years,” Archer said. “The boiler rooms were also insulated in order to keep the heat from traveling up into the dorm rooms which forced students to open their windows, which in turn triggered the boilers to produce more heat due to cold air flowing into the Arnold building.”
All of the windows in the Stonehenge buildings have been measured so that they can be replaced in the future which costs about $250,000 for all six buildings, Archer said. The lighting will also be changed to be more efficient in order to lower the electric bill.
Aesthetically, each building will have new carpeting, paint, and flooring in places where it is the worst, Archer said. Not all buildings can be completely renovated due to the limited funding.
A new RA office/on call room would also be a possible addition to the buildings although it is not guaranteed that such a change could be made, Archer said.
A large portion of the renovations that will be made were issues brought up by students, Archer said. “We have to listen to the students as to what their needs are in Stonehenge,” Archer said.
LSC received money from the state, which was then distributed for the new building in front of Vail, upgrading HAC, and to do the renovations in Stonehenge, Archer said. Right now in regards to the renovations, “We are in a budgeting phase,” Archer said.
To be able to completely restructure each Stonehenge building would be ideal although it would eat into the budget too quickly due to the fact that everything has to be up to code, which would include installing an elevator which costs about $300,000, Archer said.
Student input is appreciated so that the school has a better idea of what needs to be fixed and enables them to make each building more “user friendly,” Archer said.
By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
The poor conditions of the Stonehenge residence halls prompted LSC to spend $1,000,000 in order to renovate the buildings in an effort to make them more energy efficient and more accommodating to students.
The plans to renovate Stonehenge are still being planned out due to the fact that with limited resources, LSC can only focus on the most crucial renovations, Thomas Archer, Physical Plant Director said. Initially the school wanted to restructure the buildings entirely but soon realized that the money would not be sufficient for such a task, Archer said.
The most important renovation to the Stonehenge buildings would be to make them more energy efficient since the school burns roughly 220,000 gallons of oil each year, and spends around $40,000 a month for the electric bill. “All the dorms have heating controls which were installed in the past five years,” Archer said. “The boiler rooms were also insulated in order to keep the heat from traveling up into the dorm rooms which forced students to open their windows, which in turn triggered the boilers to produce more heat due to cold air flowing into the Arnold building.”
All of the windows in the Stonehenge buildings have been measured so that they can be replaced in the future which costs about $250,000 for all six buildings, Archer said. The lighting will also be changed to be more efficient in order to lower the electric bill.
Aesthetically, each building will have new carpeting, paint, and flooring in places where it is the worst, Archer said. Not all buildings can be completely renovated due to the limited funding.
A new RA office/on call room would also be a possible addition to the buildings although it is not guaranteed that such a change could be made, Archer said.
A large portion of the renovations that will be made were issues brought up by students, Archer said. “We have to listen to the students as to what their needs are in Stonehenge,” Archer said.
LSC received money from the state, which was then distributed for the new building in front of Vail, upgrading HAC, and to do the renovations in Stonehenge, Archer said. Right now in regards to the renovations, “We are in a budgeting phase,” Archer said.
To be able to completely restructure each Stonehenge building would be ideal although it would eat into the budget too quickly due to the fact that everything has to be up to code, which would include installing an elevator which costs about $300,000, Archer said.
Student input is appreciated so that the school has a better idea of what needs to be fixed and enables them to make each building more “user friendly,” Archer said.
Free Personal Fitness Instruction offered by Exercise Science Department
2/14/08
By Amanda Wozniak
Special to the Critic
Personal fitness instruction can range from $35-$50 per hour in Vermont, but at LSC it’s free.
The Exercise Science department offers free instruction for personal fitness Tuesday through Friday to all students, faculty, staff and members. The fitness trainers focus on creating an individualized regiment for each person.
Fitness Facility Coordinator and Health Promotions Specialist, Gregory Ledoux said, “It’s an individualized program based on you and what you want to do.” The trainers help people set goals and reach them.
The service is part of the practicum class within the Exercise Science program. There are currently four seniors, Benjamin Stacy, Shane Meaney, Eric Gagne, Brynna Considine, and LSC graduate Adrian Guyer working as personal trainers for this service. They are all National Strength Condition Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainers. The trainers maintain consistent hours each week. Each individual session is planned for an hour time slot.
Ledoux said that everyone working in the fitness center, including the receptionist, is in the Exercise Science department so they’re all there to help users of the fitness center, but personal training is the next level of instruction.
“It’s a great opportunity for students. It gives us a professional atmosphere and allows us to work one on one with clients and see their progress,” Meaney said.
Guyer is working as a Fitness Facility Coordinator/ Strength Conditioning Coach focusing on athletes through a paid internship. “We’re trying to promote professionalism,” Guyer said. Based on the last four years Guyer said he has never seen as dedicated training as he has this year.
The LSC graduate said that the growth and success of this program will bring positive attention to the Exercise Science department at LSC. “It [the program] helps LSC stand out in the community,” Meaney said. “Our main goal is to get more of the community involved.” Community members that purchase a membership to the LSC fitness facility can take advantage of this free service.
Currently Ledoux estimates that only half of their session times are in use and that 60 percent of the people signed up for the free service are faculty and staff with only 40 percent being students.
Interested people can sign up for a time slot in the fitness center at the reception desk.
What someone signing up for a session could expect:
A Health Screening: filling out a health history form to let your trainer know of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Goal Setting: letting your personal trainer know why you’re there, whether it is to lose inches or gain them.
Fitness Testing: this consists of a mile run/walk, push up and sit up tests as well as a flexibility test such as, sit and reach. This gives your trainer an idea of your base line or at what level to begin.
Body Analysis: figuring out your body’s percentage of fat if it’s part of your goal to decrease it.
Your trainer can alter these steps to fit your specific needs. Once the steps are completed your trainer uses the information to create an exercise regiment specific to you. Usually after 6 weeks on the program they will make an evaluation of your progress and alter your exercise regiment as needed.
Personal Fitness Instruction Times
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
By Amanda Wozniak
Special to the Critic
Personal fitness instruction can range from $35-$50 per hour in Vermont, but at LSC it’s free.
The Exercise Science department offers free instruction for personal fitness Tuesday through Friday to all students, faculty, staff and members. The fitness trainers focus on creating an individualized regiment for each person.
Fitness Facility Coordinator and Health Promotions Specialist, Gregory Ledoux said, “It’s an individualized program based on you and what you want to do.” The trainers help people set goals and reach them.
The service is part of the practicum class within the Exercise Science program. There are currently four seniors, Benjamin Stacy, Shane Meaney, Eric Gagne, Brynna Considine, and LSC graduate Adrian Guyer working as personal trainers for this service. They are all National Strength Condition Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainers. The trainers maintain consistent hours each week. Each individual session is planned for an hour time slot.
Ledoux said that everyone working in the fitness center, including the receptionist, is in the Exercise Science department so they’re all there to help users of the fitness center, but personal training is the next level of instruction.
“It’s a great opportunity for students. It gives us a professional atmosphere and allows us to work one on one with clients and see their progress,” Meaney said.
Guyer is working as a Fitness Facility Coordinator/ Strength Conditioning Coach focusing on athletes through a paid internship. “We’re trying to promote professionalism,” Guyer said. Based on the last four years Guyer said he has never seen as dedicated training as he has this year.
The LSC graduate said that the growth and success of this program will bring positive attention to the Exercise Science department at LSC. “It [the program] helps LSC stand out in the community,” Meaney said. “Our main goal is to get more of the community involved.” Community members that purchase a membership to the LSC fitness facility can take advantage of this free service.
Currently Ledoux estimates that only half of their session times are in use and that 60 percent of the people signed up for the free service are faculty and staff with only 40 percent being students.
Interested people can sign up for a time slot in the fitness center at the reception desk.
What someone signing up for a session could expect:
A Health Screening: filling out a health history form to let your trainer know of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Goal Setting: letting your personal trainer know why you’re there, whether it is to lose inches or gain them.
Fitness Testing: this consists of a mile run/walk, push up and sit up tests as well as a flexibility test such as, sit and reach. This gives your trainer an idea of your base line or at what level to begin.
Body Analysis: figuring out your body’s percentage of fat if it’s part of your goal to decrease it.
Your trainer can alter these steps to fit your specific needs. Once the steps are completed your trainer uses the information to create an exercise regiment specific to you. Usually after 6 weeks on the program they will make an evaluation of your progress and alter your exercise regiment as needed.
Personal Fitness Instruction Times
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
2/14/08
By Jennifer Ingram
Critic Staff
The Lyndon Outing Club is one of the many clubs around campus that is geared towards students involved in activities and to keep them active.
Members meet every Tuesday in the Rita Bole Gym at 8 p.m. to use the climbing wall, and in the HAC lounge prior at 7 p.m.
“While the climbing wall may be popular now, it has potential to be huge,” Jameson Kneeland, House Representative and secretary of the Outing Club, said. “Because it’s so small we can have a lot of people milling around waiting to get on it. We could easily fill up a wall three times its size.”
The Outing Club is a student run club that provides opportunities for the LSC community to engage in outdoor activities and take part in what the Northeast Kingdom has to offer. It is a club that hosts activities that have to do with environmental issues. “Being a student run club it gives officers a great deal of experience in leadership positions, organizing events and budgeting,” David Coyne said. Coyne is the vice president of the Outing Club and acts as one of the trip organizers/ trip leaders.
The Outing Club takes part in many activities. Many of the activities take place off campus. However there are many activities that take place on campus.
“…We’ve got all sort of outings going on this winter/ spring,” Coyne said. “Activities that are currently being planned are swift water rescue certification course guest speakers for Earth Week. People should come to the meetings or wall to find out what’s going on,” Coyne said.
Another activity that is being tentatively planned is a college-wide climbing competition on the wall according to Kneeland.
The Outing Club have been involved in activities such as, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking, white water kayaking, canoeing, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and extreme kite flying.
In the past outings that members of the Outing Club took part in were trips to:
Mount Hor
White Mountains
Wheeler Mountain
Echo of Franconia Notch, NH
Overnight trip to Jay Peak on the Long Trail
Kayaking on the West River Whitewater in Jamaica, Vt.
The Outing Club has hosted many events such as:
The Meathead Films premier of their new east coast ski flick ‘Wanderland’.
Hosted a ski mountaineering movie from Marmot called ‘The Line’
Has hosted three gear swaps
By Jennifer Ingram
Critic Staff
The Lyndon Outing Club is one of the many clubs around campus that is geared towards students involved in activities and to keep them active.
Members meet every Tuesday in the Rita Bole Gym at 8 p.m. to use the climbing wall, and in the HAC lounge prior at 7 p.m.
“While the climbing wall may be popular now, it has potential to be huge,” Jameson Kneeland, House Representative and secretary of the Outing Club, said. “Because it’s so small we can have a lot of people milling around waiting to get on it. We could easily fill up a wall three times its size.”
The Outing Club is a student run club that provides opportunities for the LSC community to engage in outdoor activities and take part in what the Northeast Kingdom has to offer. It is a club that hosts activities that have to do with environmental issues. “Being a student run club it gives officers a great deal of experience in leadership positions, organizing events and budgeting,” David Coyne said. Coyne is the vice president of the Outing Club and acts as one of the trip organizers/ trip leaders.
The Outing Club takes part in many activities. Many of the activities take place off campus. However there are many activities that take place on campus.
“…We’ve got all sort of outings going on this winter/ spring,” Coyne said. “Activities that are currently being planned are swift water rescue certification course guest speakers for Earth Week. People should come to the meetings or wall to find out what’s going on,” Coyne said.
Another activity that is being tentatively planned is a college-wide climbing competition on the wall according to Kneeland.
The Outing Club have been involved in activities such as, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking, white water kayaking, canoeing, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and extreme kite flying.
In the past outings that members of the Outing Club took part in were trips to:
Mount Hor
White Mountains
Wheeler Mountain
Echo of Franconia Notch, NH
Overnight trip to Jay Peak on the Long Trail
Kayaking on the West River Whitewater in Jamaica, Vt.
The Outing Club has hosted many events such as:
The Meathead Films premier of their new east coast ski flick ‘Wanderland’.
Hosted a ski mountaineering movie from Marmot called ‘The Line’
Has hosted three gear swaps
Valentine’s Day Recipes
2/14/08
Gwen Cook
Special to the Critic
Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love towards your significant other. What better way to do that than with food?
For a college student with a college sized budget, this can seem rather daunting. First things first, you need to know that it’s the thought that counts. Second of all, making a romantic dinner isn’t that expensive, probably less so than going out to eat at a restaurant.
It’s good to know your sweetie’s favorite dishes beforehand so you know for sure that they will enjoy it. Also, make sure that the portion size is small. No one can be romantic on an overly full stomach.
Dinner should be served and eaten in a romantic setting. So setting a table in the dining hall or a booth at the hornets nest might not be the ideal location.
For those of you who can’t seem to find out your sweeties favorite dish, here are a few that would make a wonderful meal.
Fruit Salad w/ Orange Honey Glaze
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup cubed cantaloupe
1 cup cubed honeydew melon
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/8 cup orange juice
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. oil
Preparation: Combine fruit in large bowl. Mix orange juice, honey, and oil in separate bowl. Add to fruit mixture and combine.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients:
1 quart of fresh Strawberries
11/2 cup2 of milk chocolate chips
1/3 Tbsp. heavy cream
Preparation: Rinse strawberries in water and dry; leave tops on. Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes at a low setting; stir. Continue melting in 30 second intervals and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted. Dip strawberries in mixture and enjoy.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients:
1 package of pre-cooked breaded chicken patties
1/4lb. thinly sliced deli ham
1/4lb. thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Preparation: Place patties on microwave safe plate. Place desired amount of ham on patties. Place cheese on top of the ham. Put into microwave and cook on medium heat for 1 minute. If cheese isn’t entirely melted or patty isn’t warm, put in for another minute. Continue until completely warm and melted.
Gwen Cook
Special to the Critic
Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love towards your significant other. What better way to do that than with food?
For a college student with a college sized budget, this can seem rather daunting. First things first, you need to know that it’s the thought that counts. Second of all, making a romantic dinner isn’t that expensive, probably less so than going out to eat at a restaurant.
It’s good to know your sweetie’s favorite dishes beforehand so you know for sure that they will enjoy it. Also, make sure that the portion size is small. No one can be romantic on an overly full stomach.
Dinner should be served and eaten in a romantic setting. So setting a table in the dining hall or a booth at the hornets nest might not be the ideal location.
For those of you who can’t seem to find out your sweeties favorite dish, here are a few that would make a wonderful meal.
Fruit Salad w/ Orange Honey Glaze
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup cubed cantaloupe
1 cup cubed honeydew melon
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/8 cup orange juice
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. oil
Preparation: Combine fruit in large bowl. Mix orange juice, honey, and oil in separate bowl. Add to fruit mixture and combine.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients:
1 quart of fresh Strawberries
11/2 cup2 of milk chocolate chips
1/3 Tbsp. heavy cream
Preparation: Rinse strawberries in water and dry; leave tops on. Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes at a low setting; stir. Continue melting in 30 second intervals and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted. Dip strawberries in mixture and enjoy.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients:
1 package of pre-cooked breaded chicken patties
1/4lb. thinly sliced deli ham
1/4lb. thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Preparation: Place patties on microwave safe plate. Place desired amount of ham on patties. Place cheese on top of the ham. Put into microwave and cook on medium heat for 1 minute. If cheese isn’t entirely melted or patty isn’t warm, put in for another minute. Continue until completely warm and melted.
Music Review: Leerone puts forth honest debut, no one notices
2/13/08
By Matt Vercillo
Critic Staff
My editor pulled a mysterious black envelope from his bag and tossed it into my lap. “That’s for you,” he said. I opened it, inside was a bright packet of promotional information containing a compact disc. “Imaginary Biographies” by an artist called Leerone.
I had not asked for anything like this, and at first I was confused. Slowly I began to put the pieces together. In a conversation the day before, I had expressed some interest in doing a column with some music or entertainment reviews.
According to my editor, this package had come in the mail addressed to The Critic one day over the summer without notice, leaving the perfect opportunity for a review.
The envelope had been opened, but all the contents inside lay undisturbed. Fumbling through all the glossy pamphlets and stickers included with the CD, I came across what seemed to be a description of the music. Completely unfamiliar with Leerone’s work, I began reading it.
It was a good thing I wasn’t assigned to review the promotional material, it almost stopped me from listening. Immediately I was weary of the snappy buzzwords and hip rhetoric being used, seemingly overcompensating for a lack of musical quality.
Pretentious sentences like: “A cohesive mélange of mod British pop, pianissimo balladry, rococo classicisms, minimalist Euro-rock, soul-melting love songs, top-hatted show tunes, haunting musique noir and German opera of the Threepenny sort.” were strewn across the pages like the vomit of a public relations executive. Thankfully, these descriptions turned out to be even less accurate then they were cohesive.
By this time I was salivating with cruel anticipation of how bad the album probably was, and how ruthless I could be reviewing it with no conceivable consequences. I was getting ahead of myself, and realizing this I put the materials back into their envelope.
I agreed to do the review.
In spite of my initial reactions to the gaudy packaging, I decided to be objective, even if they had spelled music with a “Q”.
Listening to it, I was immediately a bit disappointed. It wasn’t bad. A flip though the liner notes revealed some background information on what I was hearing.
Leerone turned out to be the name of the multi-talented songstress responsible for “Imaginary Biographies.” A Las Angeles based artist that not only penned the entire album, but performs the lead vocals, piano, and synthesizer work as well.
For her debut album, Leerone puts forth an array of original material ranging from bright piano-driven pop tunes to sullen, more introspective compositions. However, the majority of material would fall into the latter category. For the most part, the mood of the album is low-key, subdued, and at times deliciously eerie. Aided by a haunting string-section for a large portion of the album, her wispy vocals seemingly float along a serene musical portrait.
Leerone’s competent lyricism and piano work amount to some sort of an intriguing mixture of Ben Folds and Tori Amos, with little bits of Leslie Feist thrown around for flavor.
All and all the music is listenable. The album is one that may not command a second look, but certainly would benefit from one. Though not necessarily the type of thing I would be inclined to listen to on a daily basis, I can easily imagine the songs fitting into a movie soundtrack or driving a hip new ad-campaign for Apple Computers.
Certainly worth checking out if you happen to find it in the used bin or on a friend’s computer, but not necessarily the type of thing to bend over backwards to find.
Leerone’s website is www.leerone.com, but I found her myspace page had been updated more recently. www.myspace.com/mynameisleerone is a good place to go if this sounds like the kind of music that you’re into. There you can also check out some audio clips of her music.
By Matt Vercillo
Critic Staff
My editor pulled a mysterious black envelope from his bag and tossed it into my lap. “That’s for you,” he said. I opened it, inside was a bright packet of promotional information containing a compact disc. “Imaginary Biographies” by an artist called Leerone.
I had not asked for anything like this, and at first I was confused. Slowly I began to put the pieces together. In a conversation the day before, I had expressed some interest in doing a column with some music or entertainment reviews.
According to my editor, this package had come in the mail addressed to The Critic one day over the summer without notice, leaving the perfect opportunity for a review.
The envelope had been opened, but all the contents inside lay undisturbed. Fumbling through all the glossy pamphlets and stickers included with the CD, I came across what seemed to be a description of the music. Completely unfamiliar with Leerone’s work, I began reading it.
It was a good thing I wasn’t assigned to review the promotional material, it almost stopped me from listening. Immediately I was weary of the snappy buzzwords and hip rhetoric being used, seemingly overcompensating for a lack of musical quality.
Pretentious sentences like: “A cohesive mélange of mod British pop, pianissimo balladry, rococo classicisms, minimalist Euro-rock, soul-melting love songs, top-hatted show tunes, haunting musique noir and German opera of the Threepenny sort.” were strewn across the pages like the vomit of a public relations executive. Thankfully, these descriptions turned out to be even less accurate then they were cohesive.
By this time I was salivating with cruel anticipation of how bad the album probably was, and how ruthless I could be reviewing it with no conceivable consequences. I was getting ahead of myself, and realizing this I put the materials back into their envelope.
I agreed to do the review.
In spite of my initial reactions to the gaudy packaging, I decided to be objective, even if they had spelled music with a “Q”.
Listening to it, I was immediately a bit disappointed. It wasn’t bad. A flip though the liner notes revealed some background information on what I was hearing.
Leerone turned out to be the name of the multi-talented songstress responsible for “Imaginary Biographies.” A Las Angeles based artist that not only penned the entire album, but performs the lead vocals, piano, and synthesizer work as well.
For her debut album, Leerone puts forth an array of original material ranging from bright piano-driven pop tunes to sullen, more introspective compositions. However, the majority of material would fall into the latter category. For the most part, the mood of the album is low-key, subdued, and at times deliciously eerie. Aided by a haunting string-section for a large portion of the album, her wispy vocals seemingly float along a serene musical portrait.
Leerone’s competent lyricism and piano work amount to some sort of an intriguing mixture of Ben Folds and Tori Amos, with little bits of Leslie Feist thrown around for flavor.
All and all the music is listenable. The album is one that may not command a second look, but certainly would benefit from one. Though not necessarily the type of thing I would be inclined to listen to on a daily basis, I can easily imagine the songs fitting into a movie soundtrack or driving a hip new ad-campaign for Apple Computers.
Certainly worth checking out if you happen to find it in the used bin or on a friend’s computer, but not necessarily the type of thing to bend over backwards to find.
Leerone’s website is www.leerone.com, but I found her myspace page had been updated more recently. www.myspace.com/mynameisleerone is a good place to go if this sounds like the kind of music that you’re into. There you can also check out some audio clips of her music.
Television Studies Professor Attends Poynter Institute
2/13/08
By Norman Johnson
Special to the Critic
Charlotte Albright, Lyndon State College assistant professor of television studies, is attending a seminar at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla. this week to study the evolving resources needed to prepare the new journalist for this rapidly changing industry..
Albright and 22 other educators from around the U.S. and the world are enrolled in: “Multi-media for College Educators,” a four day, 10 hours per day seminar. Enrollment in Poynter seminars is selective, not all applicants are accepted, Albright said.
“Some are coming from a print background and want to help their students learn how to create online versions of college publications, like newspapers,” Albright said. “Others, like me, are broadcast professors who want to teach storytelling in more than one medium, helping students to combine writing, audio, video, and graphics to expand the range of choices we have to engage an online audience.
“Here at LSC, News 7 reporters need to learn how to contribute video to converging media environments, and to re-shape their stories and scripts for the web,” Albright said.
Albright looked to the street for raw material prior to the seminar. She was working on a video “of a guy I spotted on a street corner giving directions to tourists. He’s homeless and can’t figure out a better way to spend his time on the streets; quite a character, and a contrast to the affluence of this booming city.” Albright said. “If I manage to cobble some sort of multi-media story together I will try to drop it into Blackboard and get my students’ feedback at the end of the week before I come home.”
“Teaching by blog, you might say,” Albright said.
Up until now, journalists have been relatively focused in newspaper, radio, or television. Today, that concept is changing rapidly. As large conglomerates buy up independent newspapers and broadcasters, some with agendas, profitability and technology is dictating what careers in the emerging newsroom will look like, especially for the small independent media company.
“Media companies are reorganizing their businesses. People who can function on all platforms will get the job, or keep their jobs when downsizing happens,” Dan Williams, LSC assistant professor of English/journalism with 13 years experience with CNN, said.
The late Nelson Poynter, a publisher who believed passionately that good journalism and good business are directly related, originally founded the Poynter Institute as the Modern Media Institute. The non-profit institute today is funded by profits from the Times Publishing Co., which is the St. Petersburg Times, Congressional Quarterly, and the Florida Times magazine.
By Norman Johnson
Special to the Critic
Charlotte Albright, Lyndon State College assistant professor of television studies, is attending a seminar at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla. this week to study the evolving resources needed to prepare the new journalist for this rapidly changing industry..
Albright and 22 other educators from around the U.S. and the world are enrolled in: “Multi-media for College Educators,” a four day, 10 hours per day seminar. Enrollment in Poynter seminars is selective, not all applicants are accepted, Albright said.
“Some are coming from a print background and want to help their students learn how to create online versions of college publications, like newspapers,” Albright said. “Others, like me, are broadcast professors who want to teach storytelling in more than one medium, helping students to combine writing, audio, video, and graphics to expand the range of choices we have to engage an online audience.
“Here at LSC, News 7 reporters need to learn how to contribute video to converging media environments, and to re-shape their stories and scripts for the web,” Albright said.
Albright looked to the street for raw material prior to the seminar. She was working on a video “of a guy I spotted on a street corner giving directions to tourists. He’s homeless and can’t figure out a better way to spend his time on the streets; quite a character, and a contrast to the affluence of this booming city.” Albright said. “If I manage to cobble some sort of multi-media story together I will try to drop it into Blackboard and get my students’ feedback at the end of the week before I come home.”
“Teaching by blog, you might say,” Albright said.
Up until now, journalists have been relatively focused in newspaper, radio, or television. Today, that concept is changing rapidly. As large conglomerates buy up independent newspapers and broadcasters, some with agendas, profitability and technology is dictating what careers in the emerging newsroom will look like, especially for the small independent media company.
“Media companies are reorganizing their businesses. People who can function on all platforms will get the job, or keep their jobs when downsizing happens,” Dan Williams, LSC assistant professor of English/journalism with 13 years experience with CNN, said.
The late Nelson Poynter, a publisher who believed passionately that good journalism and good business are directly related, originally founded the Poynter Institute as the Modern Media Institute. The non-profit institute today is funded by profits from the Times Publishing Co., which is the St. Petersburg Times, Congressional Quarterly, and the Florida Times magazine.
The truth about living off campus
2/13/08
Catherine Story
Business Manager
Living off campus has its perks and it’s downfalls for LSC students.
“I learned a lot about how to behave if I don’t want to get anything done,” Nate Puza, a ski resort management major, said. “We had a lot of parties.”
Puza, a senior, lived in two dorms on the LSC campus Crevecour and Rita bole. He has lived off campus for two years.
“I was a little too old to have so many rules,” Puza said. “I didn’t need someone breathing down my neck about a 6 pack in my room.”
Sometimes living off campus is not all fun and games.
“I have missed school because I didn’t feel like driving,” Puza said. “Then again I’ve missed school to go fishing.”
“When the weather is crappy it’s a pain,” Puza said.
“It’s also hard to remember to go grocery shopping, “ Puza said. “I’ve been eating a lot healthier. I just love having a kitchen. Cooking is something I love.”
A group of students have moved in just down the street from campus in an apartment they call “Shredville”.
“It’s awesome I feel so free,” Ryan Brainard, a ski resort management major, said.
“I live with a bunch of gnarly kids who like to shred.”
Each student living in “Shredville” pays $275 which includes heat and water.
“It’s cheaper,” Brainard said. “I didn’t like Public Safety and I wanted my own room.”
Another themed home off campus is called the Slanty-Shanty.
“We call our place the Slanty-Shanty because the foundation is really bad,” Joe Mula, a senior recreation major said.
“The floors are warped,” Mula said. “All of the support beams are supported by car jacks.”
There are four jacks holding up the floors.
“If we feel the floor needs to be adjusted we just jack it up a little.” Mula said.
The Slantsy-Shanty is in West Burke which can be a hike from the Lyndon state campus on winter days.
“Driving to campus is kind of a hassle when the roads are bad,” Mula said “It’s hard having to drive from parties.”
“It’s also hard having to pay for oil,” Mula said.
Even if the house is slanty there are perks to being off campus.
“You can have a girl over without asking your roommate to leave,” Mula said. “You can also cook your own means instead of eating Aramark.
“I like not having to worry about breaking any rules like no lighting candles,” Mula said.
Catherine Story
Business Manager
Living off campus has its perks and it’s downfalls for LSC students.
“I learned a lot about how to behave if I don’t want to get anything done,” Nate Puza, a ski resort management major, said. “We had a lot of parties.”
Puza, a senior, lived in two dorms on the LSC campus Crevecour and Rita bole. He has lived off campus for two years.
“I was a little too old to have so many rules,” Puza said. “I didn’t need someone breathing down my neck about a 6 pack in my room.”
Sometimes living off campus is not all fun and games.
“I have missed school because I didn’t feel like driving,” Puza said. “Then again I’ve missed school to go fishing.”
“When the weather is crappy it’s a pain,” Puza said.
“It’s also hard to remember to go grocery shopping, “ Puza said. “I’ve been eating a lot healthier. I just love having a kitchen. Cooking is something I love.”
A group of students have moved in just down the street from campus in an apartment they call “Shredville”.
“It’s awesome I feel so free,” Ryan Brainard, a ski resort management major, said.
“I live with a bunch of gnarly kids who like to shred.”
Each student living in “Shredville” pays $275 which includes heat and water.
“It’s cheaper,” Brainard said. “I didn’t like Public Safety and I wanted my own room.”
Another themed home off campus is called the Slanty-Shanty.
“We call our place the Slanty-Shanty because the foundation is really bad,” Joe Mula, a senior recreation major said.
“The floors are warped,” Mula said. “All of the support beams are supported by car jacks.”
There are four jacks holding up the floors.
“If we feel the floor needs to be adjusted we just jack it up a little.” Mula said.
The Slantsy-Shanty is in West Burke which can be a hike from the Lyndon state campus on winter days.
“Driving to campus is kind of a hassle when the roads are bad,” Mula said “It’s hard having to drive from parties.”
“It’s also hard having to pay for oil,” Mula said.
Even if the house is slanty there are perks to being off campus.
“You can have a girl over without asking your roommate to leave,” Mula said. “You can also cook your own means instead of eating Aramark.
“I like not having to worry about breaking any rules like no lighting candles,” Mula said.
Decision Day tours: How honest are they?
2/13/08
By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
Throughout the school year, there are a number of tours that are given; are specifically designed to give prospective students a taste of what campus life is like.
Student ambassadors are trained during the fall and go on training tour guides with a senior member of the student ambassadors, Donna Gile, admissions assistants said. Each ambassador is also given a cheat sheet supplied by the faculty and different departments so the correct information is given to each tour.
Although the ambassadors have cheat sheets, “they are not expected to know every detail,” Gile said.
Each tour group is geared towards specific majors although during decision day, “all majors are thrown together,” said Erica Hoyt, admissions counselor at LSC.
The purpose of giving tours on decision days is to allow the applicants to get a brief overview of the campus while the admissions department decides if they are accepted. Most tour groups are taken into the Wheelock residence hall because most freshmen will live there and, “we want freshmen to see freshmen dorms,” Gile said.
Families are encouraged to go on tours during the week but “programs are done on the weekends for convenience,” Gile said. Since most families can’t miss work or school to come during the week the majority of the tours are done on weekends, Gile said.
Since many students tend to go home on the weekends to work or for other reasons, “we always tell them [families] it is quieter on the weekends,” Gile said. The student ambassadors giving the tours are able to tell tour groups anything that is pertinent to the college because, “we don’t tell them not to say anything,” Gile said, “because they [the student ambassadors] are responsible enough that if they have a problem to keep it to themselves.”
By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
Throughout the school year, there are a number of tours that are given; are specifically designed to give prospective students a taste of what campus life is like.
Student ambassadors are trained during the fall and go on training tour guides with a senior member of the student ambassadors, Donna Gile, admissions assistants said. Each ambassador is also given a cheat sheet supplied by the faculty and different departments so the correct information is given to each tour.
Although the ambassadors have cheat sheets, “they are not expected to know every detail,” Gile said.
Each tour group is geared towards specific majors although during decision day, “all majors are thrown together,” said Erica Hoyt, admissions counselor at LSC.
The purpose of giving tours on decision days is to allow the applicants to get a brief overview of the campus while the admissions department decides if they are accepted. Most tour groups are taken into the Wheelock residence hall because most freshmen will live there and, “we want freshmen to see freshmen dorms,” Gile said.
Families are encouraged to go on tours during the week but “programs are done on the weekends for convenience,” Gile said. Since most families can’t miss work or school to come during the week the majority of the tours are done on weekends, Gile said.
Since many students tend to go home on the weekends to work or for other reasons, “we always tell them [families] it is quieter on the weekends,” Gile said. The student ambassadors giving the tours are able to tell tour groups anything that is pertinent to the college because, “we don’t tell them not to say anything,” Gile said, “because they [the student ambassadors] are responsible enough that if they have a problem to keep it to themselves.”
Stoddard-Imari agrees to plea deal
2/13/08
By Andrew R. Koch
Sports Editor
Hornets basketball star Kali Stoddard-Imari agreed to a plea deal in Caledonia County District Court on Monday after being arraigned on an underage consumption charge.
Stoddard-Imari agreed to the deal with the State Attorney in exchange for what he describes as “a kind of probationary period.” This was his second alcohol offense in Vermont.
Early on the morning of Jan. 9, Stoddard-Imari was walking down Broad St. with his fiancée on their way home from a party when he was stopped by a state trooper. Stoddard-Imari admitted to the trooper that he had been drinking. According to Stoddard-Imari, the trooper then became very rude as he questioned him repeatedly before issuing him the underage consumption citation.
When he got home, Stoddard-Imari told his mother about what had happened, and she told him that she believed he was racially profiled. It’s unknown at this time if Stoddard-Imari raised this issue in court.
According to the State Attorney’s office in St. Johnsbury, the terms of Stoddard-Imari’s plea deal include a suspended 10 to 30-day jail sentence, pending completion of administrative probation. Administrative probation is the least-supervised form of probation from the Department of Corrections. This also means that Stoddard-Imari won’t have to go back to court again for this case. In order to fulfill the administrative probation, he will have to attend reparative board sessions (similar to Diversion) and complete them. The timetable for completing those sessions will be determined by the Department of Corrections.
By Andrew R. Koch
Sports Editor
Hornets basketball star Kali Stoddard-Imari agreed to a plea deal in Caledonia County District Court on Monday after being arraigned on an underage consumption charge.
Stoddard-Imari agreed to the deal with the State Attorney in exchange for what he describes as “a kind of probationary period.” This was his second alcohol offense in Vermont.
Early on the morning of Jan. 9, Stoddard-Imari was walking down Broad St. with his fiancée on their way home from a party when he was stopped by a state trooper. Stoddard-Imari admitted to the trooper that he had been drinking. According to Stoddard-Imari, the trooper then became very rude as he questioned him repeatedly before issuing him the underage consumption citation.
When he got home, Stoddard-Imari told his mother about what had happened, and she told him that she believed he was racially profiled. It’s unknown at this time if Stoddard-Imari raised this issue in court.
According to the State Attorney’s office in St. Johnsbury, the terms of Stoddard-Imari’s plea deal include a suspended 10 to 30-day jail sentence, pending completion of administrative probation. Administrative probation is the least-supervised form of probation from the Department of Corrections. This also means that Stoddard-Imari won’t have to go back to court again for this case. In order to fulfill the administrative probation, he will have to attend reparative board sessions (similar to Diversion) and complete them. The timetable for completing those sessions will be determined by the Department of Corrections.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan: A woman of great experience graces LSC’s campus
2/14/08By Heather Perkins
Special to the Critic
Kazakhstani Ambassador, Byrganym Aitmova, put her knowledge about her country’s growth out for students and professors alike to hear in the Alexander Twilight Theatre.
The country of Kazakhstan has been independent of Soviet Russia for 16 years now, keeping the same president that had been elected over that time, turning more and more towards a stronger democracy. The country is multinational, multicultural, and multireligious. They respect all religions, but do not support any, and avoid the more aggressive ones, Aitmova said.
“We are like a smart animal, we try to be milked from all the good mothers, so we try to be well partnered in Asia, and of course we’re good a partner, advanced partner in Europe too. It keeps us more movement into our high, high development,” Aitmova said, in regards to the country’s development.
Kazakhstan has relations with countries all around the world, 150 being diplomatic.
When asked about the recent movie “Borat,” Aitmova asked in return how the United States population reacted to the movie. She then responded, “We called it a joke, but no one seen from Kazakhstan. Trust me, believe me.”
Aitmova sent a message back home to her government, urging them to send students to LSC. The country has free higher education, trying to bring in new opportunities for them: education, science, high technologies, striving to be an individual and realize themselves.
“We would like to use alternative sources. We would like to keep our country a green country with a good environment. And you know, three years ago, the president supported the idea to bring all young people to make their country a green country, and millions of trees were planted during these two years.” Everyone wanted to take place in this action, Aitmova said.
Kazakhstan is roughly six times the size of Texas. It is not either pure Asia or pure Europe, Aitmova said. With the country sitting between two giant countries, they share a mix of those around them.
It is one of seven of the biggest oil exporters, as well as having 99 of 105 raw elements from our periodic table in their country. They are fighting terrorism, illegal drugs, and extremist separatism, Aitmova said.
Aitmova is the current Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations. She started her career as a teacher, speaks a handful of languages, and is married with two children.
“Professor Strokanov showed me,” she said, “I know just without searching that many students, not only in the state, but all over the world, learn and teach, from the books and ideas of lectures from their professors. When I had just one minute to look on the face of your professors, I found they actually had so light a view, so light a presentation of their knowledge. And I am jealous because you are students of this college, not me. And I wish you all the best.”
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Alcohol and Marijuana @ LSC
2/7/08
By Amanda Wozniak
Special to the Critic
A LSC student was recently arrested for ‘the consumption of alcohol by a minor.’ Vermont State Police cited Michael Robbins, 18, as intoxicated at LSC on Jan. 23, he is now scheduled to appear in court. He subsequently withdrew from the college.
College students are known for partying, drinking, and doing drugs. Are these factors affecting their ability to succeed in college?
Based on the number of documented alcohol incidents on campus last year, “Alcohol use and abuse still remains as the largest problem that we face here at LSC,” Jonathan Davis, Interim Associate Dean of Student Affairs said. “Marijuana and Alcohol use and abuse are problems for all college campuses in the United States and LSC is not immune to this issue,” Davis said. Prescription drug abuse is also a rising problem for college campuses.
Three LSC students, who will remain anonymous, shared their thoughts on the topic.
One LSC senior that recently quit drinking said when he drank he missed too many of his morning classes. By missing the classes he got behind and when he did make it he was too hung over to pay attention.
He admitted that he smokes marijuana regularly. He also said that it helps him focus.
“Smoking pot doesn’t have the lasting affects on you and you don’t feel bad in the morning,” he said. “I don’t think that smoking [marijuana] affects my ability to do good in school.”
An LSC junior said that her drinking habits are what keep her at LSC. “I drink on the weekends,” she said.
If she quit drinking all together she said she wouldn’t be going to Lyndon. She also thinks her grades would improve.
“Using any substance sort of determines what crowd you hang out with,” she said. “The rowdy drunks tend to not have the best grades.”
One LSC graduate said his drinking did not affect his classes.
“I drank more often than I smoked [marijuana],” the former student said. “When I was in school we drank at the bars during the week and had parties on the weekends. Sometimes we’d smoke pot too.”
The former student said he graduated with a B average.
“I was tired a lot and probably wasn’t very healthy but it was worth it,” he said. “I’m not an advocate of drinking heavily. I think it takes a certain responsibility to not let your personal life interfere with your schooling, especially since it isn’t free.”
“Alcohol and marijuana just cannot be considered enhancing drugs and they do not contribute to student success,” Donna Dalton, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs said. The administrator said that these substances are not conducive to clear thinking and may cause difficulty remembering and completing assignments. “There is no doubt that substance use and abuse affects a person’s performance in all kinds of activities of daily living, including those activities related to being a successful student,” Dalton said.
By Amanda Wozniak
Special to the Critic
A LSC student was recently arrested for ‘the consumption of alcohol by a minor.’ Vermont State Police cited Michael Robbins, 18, as intoxicated at LSC on Jan. 23, he is now scheduled to appear in court. He subsequently withdrew from the college.
College students are known for partying, drinking, and doing drugs. Are these factors affecting their ability to succeed in college?
Based on the number of documented alcohol incidents on campus last year, “Alcohol use and abuse still remains as the largest problem that we face here at LSC,” Jonathan Davis, Interim Associate Dean of Student Affairs said. “Marijuana and Alcohol use and abuse are problems for all college campuses in the United States and LSC is not immune to this issue,” Davis said. Prescription drug abuse is also a rising problem for college campuses.
Three LSC students, who will remain anonymous, shared their thoughts on the topic.
One LSC senior that recently quit drinking said when he drank he missed too many of his morning classes. By missing the classes he got behind and when he did make it he was too hung over to pay attention.
He admitted that he smokes marijuana regularly. He also said that it helps him focus.
“Smoking pot doesn’t have the lasting affects on you and you don’t feel bad in the morning,” he said. “I don’t think that smoking [marijuana] affects my ability to do good in school.”
An LSC junior said that her drinking habits are what keep her at LSC. “I drink on the weekends,” she said.
If she quit drinking all together she said she wouldn’t be going to Lyndon. She also thinks her grades would improve.
“Using any substance sort of determines what crowd you hang out with,” she said. “The rowdy drunks tend to not have the best grades.”
One LSC graduate said his drinking did not affect his classes.
“I drank more often than I smoked [marijuana],” the former student said. “When I was in school we drank at the bars during the week and had parties on the weekends. Sometimes we’d smoke pot too.”
The former student said he graduated with a B average.
“I was tired a lot and probably wasn’t very healthy but it was worth it,” he said. “I’m not an advocate of drinking heavily. I think it takes a certain responsibility to not let your personal life interfere with your schooling, especially since it isn’t free.”
“Alcohol and marijuana just cannot be considered enhancing drugs and they do not contribute to student success,” Donna Dalton, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs said. The administrator said that these substances are not conducive to clear thinking and may cause difficulty remembering and completing assignments. “There is no doubt that substance use and abuse affects a person’s performance in all kinds of activities of daily living, including those activities related to being a successful student,” Dalton said.
SGA revises constitution
2/7/08
By Catherine Story
Business Manager
SGA members are revising their constitution in order to make up for waning student interest.
The new constitution removes the House of Representatives and the Student Senate. Instead there will be the executive board, elected representatives, and club representatives.
“Running the SGA if there is a lack of student interest will be easier,” Jonathan Maciel, SGA President, said about the changes to the constitution.
“The only other real change is that the treasurer has to be approved by the business department,” Maciel, a senior, said. This will help to ensure that the treasurer is qualified for the work that the job entails.
During budgeting the treasurer is responsible for organizing most of the meetings and providing SGA members with information about each club’s proposed budget. Currently SGA does not have a treasurer.
The SGA receives the student activity fee that students pay as part of their tuition. That amount is $94 per student. With 1415 students enrolled this fall the total amount is $130,600.
“$80,000 to $100,000 of that goes to CAB” Maciel said, “President Moore decides how much CAB gets each semester.”
SGA gets to divide the remainder between the clubs on campus and any student interested in holding an event on campus who can provide reasonable proof of planning as long as the SGA has the money.
“A couple of years ago a student got bands to come to campus,” Maciel said. Students propose these kinds of events every so often but they are not always organized enough and SGA does not always have the funds.
SGA just recently came back into session after disbanding due to lack of interest. Maciel emphasized the importance of student participation on campus.
“Every decision made on campus comes from a committee,” Maciel said, “and each of these committees has student representation.”
“I couldn’t even begin to list the committees that students are in,” Maciel said.
Maciel did however give a short list including the committee in charge of construction projects, the strategic planning committee, the library committee, and the committee involved in renovating the academic center.
“The number of people on each committee comes from administration,” Maciel said.
The administration often gives specific criteria for committee members. They will ask to have a number of commuters, non-traditional students, and residents.
“The school is also planning on holding a dining hall forum sometime in the next month” Maciel said.
“It’s hard to know what students are looking for if students don’t say what they’re looking for,” Maciel said. Steve Smith, Food Service Director, is planning the dining hall forum. He will also be a speaker during the April 31 SGA meeting.
By Catherine Story
Business Manager
SGA members are revising their constitution in order to make up for waning student interest.
The new constitution removes the House of Representatives and the Student Senate. Instead there will be the executive board, elected representatives, and club representatives.
“Running the SGA if there is a lack of student interest will be easier,” Jonathan Maciel, SGA President, said about the changes to the constitution.
“The only other real change is that the treasurer has to be approved by the business department,” Maciel, a senior, said. This will help to ensure that the treasurer is qualified for the work that the job entails.
During budgeting the treasurer is responsible for organizing most of the meetings and providing SGA members with information about each club’s proposed budget. Currently SGA does not have a treasurer.
The SGA receives the student activity fee that students pay as part of their tuition. That amount is $94 per student. With 1415 students enrolled this fall the total amount is $130,600.
“$80,000 to $100,000 of that goes to CAB” Maciel said, “President Moore decides how much CAB gets each semester.”
SGA gets to divide the remainder between the clubs on campus and any student interested in holding an event on campus who can provide reasonable proof of planning as long as the SGA has the money.
“A couple of years ago a student got bands to come to campus,” Maciel said. Students propose these kinds of events every so often but they are not always organized enough and SGA does not always have the funds.
SGA just recently came back into session after disbanding due to lack of interest. Maciel emphasized the importance of student participation on campus.
“Every decision made on campus comes from a committee,” Maciel said, “and each of these committees has student representation.”
“I couldn’t even begin to list the committees that students are in,” Maciel said.
Maciel did however give a short list including the committee in charge of construction projects, the strategic planning committee, the library committee, and the committee involved in renovating the academic center.
“The number of people on each committee comes from administration,” Maciel said.
The administration often gives specific criteria for committee members. They will ask to have a number of commuters, non-traditional students, and residents.
“The school is also planning on holding a dining hall forum sometime in the next month” Maciel said.
“It’s hard to know what students are looking for if students don’t say what they’re looking for,” Maciel said. Steve Smith, Food Service Director, is planning the dining hall forum. He will also be a speaker during the April 31 SGA meeting.
Non-Traditional and Commuting Students Face Many Challenges
2/7/08
By Jennifer Ingram
Critic Staff
It is hard to balance school life with family life. “I am always finding it hard to give the attention that both equally deserve,” Diane Tanguay, a senior and non-traditional student at LSC, said. Tanguay lives in Orleans with her husband, her teenage son, and her daughter who is attending college in NC and majoring in Pharmacy.
About 30 percent of LSC’s student populations are non-traditional students or commuters. There are many social, educational, and economic challenges that non-traditional and commuter students face everyday such as:
Dealing with bad weather
Many students travel from the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area and there are many days especially in the winter when the weather is different in the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area than it is Lyndonville.
Many commuters feel as though it is not safe to travel to get to college, however, if they use their own judgment and do not attend class because of the weather situation they are penalized by their professors for not attending class.
It can be snowy and miserable in the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area and then once over Sheffield Heights it can be totally clear and beautiful. There are many students who ask the question to themselves: At what point do you take a risk and travel over Sheffield Heights?
Cost of gas
With the cost of gas rising everyday there are many students who are feeling the affects. “Traveling from Orleans to Lyndonville five days this semester is putting a strain on my finances this semester due to the fact that gas is over $3 a gallon,” Tanguay said.
For many commuters it costs anywhere from twenty dollars to $50 a week to drive back and forth to classes that averages to be between $300 and $750 throughout the semester.
Social isolation
Being a non-traditional student can leave many isolated because they have other activities and responsibilities that they must juggle and tend to. For the most part, college students socialize after classes are done and they are doing something that they enjoy or participating in an extra-curricular activity.
The majority of non-traditional students are not involved in non-academic activities for the simple fact that they have families and responsibilities outside of college.
Difficulty with class structure
Many non-traditional students find it very difficult to transition back to school because they have been out of the routine of school for so long. Not attending classes for years many loose the skills that they learned in high school about taking notes. There are many professors who lecture very fast so as students you have to learn what is key information and write the information fast because the professors move at a rapid pace.
By Jennifer Ingram
Critic Staff
It is hard to balance school life with family life. “I am always finding it hard to give the attention that both equally deserve,” Diane Tanguay, a senior and non-traditional student at LSC, said. Tanguay lives in Orleans with her husband, her teenage son, and her daughter who is attending college in NC and majoring in Pharmacy.
About 30 percent of LSC’s student populations are non-traditional students or commuters. There are many social, educational, and economic challenges that non-traditional and commuter students face everyday such as:
Dealing with bad weather
Many students travel from the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area and there are many days especially in the winter when the weather is different in the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area than it is Lyndonville.
Many commuters feel as though it is not safe to travel to get to college, however, if they use their own judgment and do not attend class because of the weather situation they are penalized by their professors for not attending class.
It can be snowy and miserable in the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area and then once over Sheffield Heights it can be totally clear and beautiful. There are many students who ask the question to themselves: At what point do you take a risk and travel over Sheffield Heights?
Cost of gas
With the cost of gas rising everyday there are many students who are feeling the affects. “Traveling from Orleans to Lyndonville five days this semester is putting a strain on my finances this semester due to the fact that gas is over $3 a gallon,” Tanguay said.
For many commuters it costs anywhere from twenty dollars to $50 a week to drive back and forth to classes that averages to be between $300 and $750 throughout the semester.
Social isolation
Being a non-traditional student can leave many isolated because they have other activities and responsibilities that they must juggle and tend to. For the most part, college students socialize after classes are done and they are doing something that they enjoy or participating in an extra-curricular activity.
The majority of non-traditional students are not involved in non-academic activities for the simple fact that they have families and responsibilities outside of college.
Difficulty with class structure
Many non-traditional students find it very difficult to transition back to school because they have been out of the routine of school for so long. Not attending classes for years many loose the skills that they learned in high school about taking notes. There are many professors who lecture very fast so as students you have to learn what is key information and write the information fast because the professors move at a rapid pace.
Emergency defibrillators are now being implemented on campus
2/7/08By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
Defibrillators have been strategically placed around campus in case a person has a medical emergency.
A defibrillator is a device that is used to restore normal heart rhythm to patients in cardiac arrest, according to FDA Heart Health Online. The defibrillators around campus are automated external defibrillators, which automatically analyzes heart rhythm and delivers the appropriate voltage.
The defibrillators around campus are being placed in areas where there is heavy traffic, such as the residence halls, the gym, lobbies, and public safety, said Jonathan Davis Interim Associate Dean of Student Affairs. The Health and Safety Committee had discussed purchasing several defibrillators although each unit is fairly expensive, said Davis.
The defibrillators, which are made by Zoll, are automated so that they will give step-by-step instructions as to how to use them, said Davis. This insures that “it will not produce a charge unless it senses that it needs to,” said Davis.
Although the defibrillators can be used by anybody, the resident life staff are specifically trained to use them, said Davis. However, a broader training course is needed for the staff and public safety. In the case of an emergency it would be preferred that somebody with training would use the defibrillator, said Davis.
Ryanne Ayers, a senior English major and RA in Wheelock said she and the other RA’s spent three days training for different medical situations which included using the defibrillators. Should the need arise to use a defibrillator, “I feel confident because I’m not in charge of the shock,” said Ayers.
“It’s our job to make sure people are safe, it’s not just about catching people doing stuff they’re not supposed to,” said Ayers.
“We don’t want to put too many people in situations where they run up against something they aren’t familiar with,” said Davis.
The defibrillators are designed so that they will give step-by-step instructions by voice, such as telling where the contacts are to be placed or if CPR should be administered, said Davis. The proper electrical charge will be automatically chosen should a person need it, said Davis.
Each defibrillator case is alarm activated so that if the case is opened or tampered with an alarm will sound.
Currently not all of the defibrillators have been activated around campus but there are active ones next to the athletic department and at public safety.
Music and arts festival
2/7/08
By Matt Vercillo
Critic Staff
It certainly seems as if the wheels of LSC are in motion these days as plans are made for a regional arts and culture festival.
With many new projects and additions to the college already in sight, the college is planning another exciting attempt to expand the school’s horizons. In a collaborative effort with Ginn Resorts, LSC is planning an ambitious new project. The event is still in the early developmental stages, but some core concepts have been established.
September saw the introduction of Burke Mountain’s first annual fall music festival, which was headlined by the successful Vermont-based band Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. Expanding on the ideas and success of Burke Mountain Music Festival (which will remain as a separate, distinct event), this new festival would incorporate a similar format, but also add several other elements of entertainment that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. In addition to music, there will be other artistic and theatrical performances and exhibits.
Inspiration for the festival is actually being drawn from a preexisting event developed by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. ASU established the event known as “An Appalachian Summer Festival” over twenty years ago. Since then the festival has blossomed in to a prestigious and successful tradition. Over the years, the festival has hosted a wide variety of performers including Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Arlo Guthrie, and Bruce Hornsby; as well as various theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibits.
The new festival would not necessarily follow this archetype as far as the types of performers it books, but is drawing more influence from the goals Appalachian State established when creating their event. LSC and their partners are interested in ASU’s desire to establish an event that would make their institution more visible, help in setting a high standard of class and excellence reflective of the institution, and draw more people to the institution and area that may not come otherwise.
Right now, the goal is to draw around 3,000 people to the event, based upon the size of the school and the population of the area. The timeframe for the event would consider other local events as to not draw any attention away from pervious traditions and established events in the community. The idea is that the festival would occur late in the month of June.
By Matt Vercillo
Critic Staff
It certainly seems as if the wheels of LSC are in motion these days as plans are made for a regional arts and culture festival.
With many new projects and additions to the college already in sight, the college is planning another exciting attempt to expand the school’s horizons. In a collaborative effort with Ginn Resorts, LSC is planning an ambitious new project. The event is still in the early developmental stages, but some core concepts have been established.
September saw the introduction of Burke Mountain’s first annual fall music festival, which was headlined by the successful Vermont-based band Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. Expanding on the ideas and success of Burke Mountain Music Festival (which will remain as a separate, distinct event), this new festival would incorporate a similar format, but also add several other elements of entertainment that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. In addition to music, there will be other artistic and theatrical performances and exhibits.
Inspiration for the festival is actually being drawn from a preexisting event developed by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. ASU established the event known as “An Appalachian Summer Festival” over twenty years ago. Since then the festival has blossomed in to a prestigious and successful tradition. Over the years, the festival has hosted a wide variety of performers including Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Arlo Guthrie, and Bruce Hornsby; as well as various theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibits.
The new festival would not necessarily follow this archetype as far as the types of performers it books, but is drawing more influence from the goals Appalachian State established when creating their event. LSC and their partners are interested in ASU’s desire to establish an event that would make their institution more visible, help in setting a high standard of class and excellence reflective of the institution, and draw more people to the institution and area that may not come otherwise.
Right now, the goal is to draw around 3,000 people to the event, based upon the size of the school and the population of the area. The timeframe for the event would consider other local events as to not draw any attention away from pervious traditions and established events in the community. The idea is that the festival would occur late in the month of June.
“Ally” what is it?
2/7/08By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
Although there are numerous signs saying Ally on different professor’s doors, the purpose of these signs is unclear.
Ally is a service put in place by the Gay, Straight Alliance in an effort to give students a chance to talk to a professor about any issues they have. Although any student can stop in to talk to a professor with an Ally sign on their door, the service is intended for gay or lesbian students.
“Students said it was very helpful to see on the doors,” said Patricia Shine, professor of Human Services and an advisor to the GSA. Professors are part of the Ally service on a volunteer basis. Students should assume the professor is open and able to help, said Shine.
Any faculty member who has an Ally sign on their door is, “open to students speaking to us not as a counselor but as someone who could give them the help they need,” said Shine.
When Ally was first proposed during a faculty meeting there was “openness and interest,” said Shine. Unfortunately, the only way for new faculty to find out about Ally is through word of mouth. Most of the faculty members who are part of the Ally service have been around for a while.
Work-study program gives students employment opportunities
2/7/08
By Catherine Story
Business Manager
Work-study is an easy way for students who qualify to earn money on campus. When students choose their work-study at the beginning of the fall semester some jobs are more popular than others.
“We have more people coming and asking specifically for the library and athletics work studies,” Linda Wacholder, director of career services, said.
“Public Safety and the mail room are also popular work studies, “ Darlene Gilman, staff assistant, said.
“All work studies close quickly,” Gilman said, “ There is only a limited number on campus.”
“I like my work study because it will help me in my future career as an English teacher and a writer,” Trish Pennypacker, a junior, said. She works in the academic center as a writing tutor.
“When someone comes in and leaves knowing that they understand what they came for it’s a good feeling,” said Pennypacker, “Another plus is that it’s quiet and you can get your homework done.”
“I like working at the circulation desk because I get to see a lot of professors and students from my classes and chat with them,” Alia Wedemeger, a sophomore, said.
“I also get to do homework,” Wedemeger said.
“The flexible hours are another benefit.” Wedemeger said, “I only have class on Tuesday and Thursday and I get to work between classes.”
George Hacking has four students working for Public Safety on work-study.
“It’s a fun place to work,” Hacking said, “ Students are not usually tied to a desk.”
“Students get the opportunity to get outside and interact with students and faculty,” Hacking said. “They can also be held accountable for what could be a very serious job.”
“It’s an easy way to earn money,” Ashley Cutting, a freshman who works in public safety, said.
The mailroom is also a popular work-study and the reason was a little different.
“Harry Swett is why I like working here,” Tasia Bolduc, a second year associate degree student, said. “He’s a really positive guy who loves life.”
“Flexible hours,” is the reason Ben Lambert, a junior, likes working in the mailroom. “You get scheduled around your classes.”
Spring is not the best time to get work-study. Often the only openings are from students who either graduated in December or transferred to another school.
“Make sure you get your FAFSA in on time,” Gilman said, as a suggestion to any student interested in work-study. The due date for FAFSA this year is Feb. 15.
Gilman also recommended that students talk to their work-study advisor in the spring to ensure that their job will still be available the following year.
By Catherine Story
Business Manager
Work-study is an easy way for students who qualify to earn money on campus. When students choose their work-study at the beginning of the fall semester some jobs are more popular than others.
“We have more people coming and asking specifically for the library and athletics work studies,” Linda Wacholder, director of career services, said.
“Public Safety and the mail room are also popular work studies, “ Darlene Gilman, staff assistant, said.
“All work studies close quickly,” Gilman said, “ There is only a limited number on campus.”
“I like my work study because it will help me in my future career as an English teacher and a writer,” Trish Pennypacker, a junior, said. She works in the academic center as a writing tutor.
“When someone comes in and leaves knowing that they understand what they came for it’s a good feeling,” said Pennypacker, “Another plus is that it’s quiet and you can get your homework done.”
“I like working at the circulation desk because I get to see a lot of professors and students from my classes and chat with them,” Alia Wedemeger, a sophomore, said.
“I also get to do homework,” Wedemeger said.
“The flexible hours are another benefit.” Wedemeger said, “I only have class on Tuesday and Thursday and I get to work between classes.”
George Hacking has four students working for Public Safety on work-study.
“It’s a fun place to work,” Hacking said, “ Students are not usually tied to a desk.”
“Students get the opportunity to get outside and interact with students and faculty,” Hacking said. “They can also be held accountable for what could be a very serious job.”
“It’s an easy way to earn money,” Ashley Cutting, a freshman who works in public safety, said.
The mailroom is also a popular work-study and the reason was a little different.
“Harry Swett is why I like working here,” Tasia Bolduc, a second year associate degree student, said. “He’s a really positive guy who loves life.”
“Flexible hours,” is the reason Ben Lambert, a junior, likes working in the mailroom. “You get scheduled around your classes.”
Spring is not the best time to get work-study. Often the only openings are from students who either graduated in December or transferred to another school.
“Make sure you get your FAFSA in on time,” Gilman said, as a suggestion to any student interested in work-study. The due date for FAFSA this year is Feb. 15.
Gilman also recommended that students talk to their work-study advisor in the spring to ensure that their job will still be available the following year.
Men’s team struggling, looking for answers
2/7/08
By Andrew R. Koch
Sports Editor
The Lyndon State men’s basketball team has been a streaky bunch all season. However, most of their streaks have been bad ones, including the stretch they’re in right now.
The team has lost their last five games, as well as several of their top players as injuries and illnesses have hit the team hard late in the season.
“Injuries have been a huge problem with playing consistent basketball,” Head Coach Randy Rathburn, said last week. “Consistency has been directly related to injury problems this year.”
According to Rathburn, at one point last week he had only seven and five players dress for practice on back-to-back days. He said he had more players who were sick or injured on the sideline than players who were actually practicing.
“It’s tough for us as coaches,” Rathburn said. “I’ve never been in this position as a coach.” He added that forward Noah Fink and guard Ryan Somers have been shut down for the rest of the year due to injuries. He said there was a slight chance that guard Andrew Longley might be able to play in the last two games, but only if he was completely healthy.
However, the struggles have been going on long before this recent bout with the injury bug. The team has been unable to put together a winning streak of more than two games all season long. This is in spite of some players having great seasons, such as sophomore forward Joe Visker, who’s consistently scoring 15 to 20 points per game and junior center Kali Stoddard-Imari, who’s averaging a double-double for the season.
“The talent we have hasn’t played together very much,” Rathburn said, adding that this includes returning players such as Somers and newcomers such as Fink and guard Cesar Martinez. “Playing together will help them for next year and the rest of this year.”
One problem that Rathburn says has been plaguing the team all season has been at the point guard position.
“We haven’t had a true point guard all year. Cesar and Ryan have done as good as they can given their now positions,” Rathburn said.
Rathburn believes that his team can win the rest of their games this season by and putting in a consistent effort into every practice and game, and by competing hard in every game.
“Myself and the guys are very excited about what we can do. If we compete every game like we competed against Eastern Connecticut State, we can go 6-0 in our last six games,” Rathburn said.
Senior captain Mike Paul feels that the team’s struggles this year have come down to simply finishing games strong.
“We just can’t finish. We’re in a lot of games until the last two or three minutes, then the other team goes to the line,” Paul said on the team’s road trip last weekend to Maine. “We’ve lost a lot of eight or ten-point games. A lot of the games we couldn’t finish were against North Atlantic Conference teams.”
Paul also discussed how the way the team plays affects the way it practices, as well as how the team needs to go into each game mentally ready to play.
“We practice the way we play. When we come mentally ready, we play really well, and when we don’t come mentally ready, we don’t,” Paul said.
According to Paul, he believes the new players have meshed well with the team, and that most of them will be together for two to three years.
“The inconsistencies will work themselves out. I see this team doing really well. I think they can do some damage in the (North Atlantic) conference,” Paul said.
As for the rest of this year, he believes that there’s only one thing the team can do to try and make the USCAA tournament.
“Win out,” he said with a laugh.
By Andrew R. Koch
Sports Editor
The Lyndon State men’s basketball team has been a streaky bunch all season. However, most of their streaks have been bad ones, including the stretch they’re in right now.
The team has lost their last five games, as well as several of their top players as injuries and illnesses have hit the team hard late in the season.
“Injuries have been a huge problem with playing consistent basketball,” Head Coach Randy Rathburn, said last week. “Consistency has been directly related to injury problems this year.”
According to Rathburn, at one point last week he had only seven and five players dress for practice on back-to-back days. He said he had more players who were sick or injured on the sideline than players who were actually practicing.
“It’s tough for us as coaches,” Rathburn said. “I’ve never been in this position as a coach.” He added that forward Noah Fink and guard Ryan Somers have been shut down for the rest of the year due to injuries. He said there was a slight chance that guard Andrew Longley might be able to play in the last two games, but only if he was completely healthy.
However, the struggles have been going on long before this recent bout with the injury bug. The team has been unable to put together a winning streak of more than two games all season long. This is in spite of some players having great seasons, such as sophomore forward Joe Visker, who’s consistently scoring 15 to 20 points per game and junior center Kali Stoddard-Imari, who’s averaging a double-double for the season.
“The talent we have hasn’t played together very much,” Rathburn said, adding that this includes returning players such as Somers and newcomers such as Fink and guard Cesar Martinez. “Playing together will help them for next year and the rest of this year.”
One problem that Rathburn says has been plaguing the team all season has been at the point guard position.
“We haven’t had a true point guard all year. Cesar and Ryan have done as good as they can given their now positions,” Rathburn said.
Rathburn believes that his team can win the rest of their games this season by and putting in a consistent effort into every practice and game, and by competing hard in every game.
“Myself and the guys are very excited about what we can do. If we compete every game like we competed against Eastern Connecticut State, we can go 6-0 in our last six games,” Rathburn said.
Senior captain Mike Paul feels that the team’s struggles this year have come down to simply finishing games strong.
“We just can’t finish. We’re in a lot of games until the last two or three minutes, then the other team goes to the line,” Paul said on the team’s road trip last weekend to Maine. “We’ve lost a lot of eight or ten-point games. A lot of the games we couldn’t finish were against North Atlantic Conference teams.”
Paul also discussed how the way the team plays affects the way it practices, as well as how the team needs to go into each game mentally ready to play.
“We practice the way we play. When we come mentally ready, we play really well, and when we don’t come mentally ready, we don’t,” Paul said.
According to Paul, he believes the new players have meshed well with the team, and that most of them will be together for two to three years.
“The inconsistencies will work themselves out. I see this team doing really well. I think they can do some damage in the (North Atlantic) conference,” Paul said.
As for the rest of this year, he believes that there’s only one thing the team can do to try and make the USCAA tournament.
“Win out,” he said with a laugh.
LSC’s New Contact Sport
2/7/08
By Nathaniel Champagne
Critic Staff
With the start of a new semester, so too starts the official season of Lyndon State’s new lacrosse team, coached by Kingdom Trails’ Tim Tierney.
The team was created along with volleyball as LSC’s two new varsity sports and is said to be the fastest sport on two legs. I talked to “captain” Craig Salvagno for a rundown of lacrosse and what sets it apart from other sports. “Lacrosse is like basketball in that there are set plays, hockey in the physical and hitting aspects and soccer in the running aspect”.
For those whom are not familiar with the sport, lacrosse is a 10 person game consisting of three attack players or “pretty boys” as they’re called, three middies the “work horses”, with a defense made up of three anchormen and a goalie. Start of game is begun with a face off, which is much like a face off in hockey, the two center middies will fight for the ball which can often actually look like a fight. From there the game breaks down into set plays and instinctual reactions to whatever the other team decides to throw at them. The only thing these guys can’t do is take their sticks to each others heads and get caught.
Though they have not yet played any official games, their season will begin in the end of March.
The soccer field will become the new home of our lacrosse team, where they will play teams such as Johnson, Castleton, and Norwich, all of which have good records themselves. Although do to conditions outside the team has been forced indoors for practices where they have been rotating gym time with basketball, softball, and rugby. Even though they team has sufficient numbers to play, they are always looking to expand their roster, which is currently at14. The team is still looking to pick up new players; all someone has to do is stop by a practice.
By Nathaniel Champagne
Critic Staff
With the start of a new semester, so too starts the official season of Lyndon State’s new lacrosse team, coached by Kingdom Trails’ Tim Tierney.
The team was created along with volleyball as LSC’s two new varsity sports and is said to be the fastest sport on two legs. I talked to “captain” Craig Salvagno for a rundown of lacrosse and what sets it apart from other sports. “Lacrosse is like basketball in that there are set plays, hockey in the physical and hitting aspects and soccer in the running aspect”.
For those whom are not familiar with the sport, lacrosse is a 10 person game consisting of three attack players or “pretty boys” as they’re called, three middies the “work horses”, with a defense made up of three anchormen and a goalie. Start of game is begun with a face off, which is much like a face off in hockey, the two center middies will fight for the ball which can often actually look like a fight. From there the game breaks down into set plays and instinctual reactions to whatever the other team decides to throw at them. The only thing these guys can’t do is take their sticks to each others heads and get caught.
Though they have not yet played any official games, their season will begin in the end of March.
The soccer field will become the new home of our lacrosse team, where they will play teams such as Johnson, Castleton, and Norwich, all of which have good records themselves. Although do to conditions outside the team has been forced indoors for practices where they have been rotating gym time with basketball, softball, and rugby. Even though they team has sufficient numbers to play, they are always looking to expand their roster, which is currently at14. The team is still looking to pick up new players; all someone has to do is stop by a practice.
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