The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Fan or friend: How parasocial relationships became commonplace

Fan or friend: How parasocial relationships became commonplace

Molly Dever, Culture Staff Writer October 1, 2021

You’ve probably seen the phrase “parasocial relationship” if you’ve spent time on the internet in the past few weeks. This term describes the psychological relationship that pop culture fans...

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Jam scene returns to Burlington

Max Gerlach, Culture Staff Writer September 30, 2021

Alongside the nostalgic crunching of fallen leaves and the soft whistling wind, this autumn hosts another exciting sound. From basements, to bars, to backyards, Burlington’s live music is back and...

The ‘Twilight Saga’s’ 10 year grip on pop culture

The ‘Twilight Saga’s’ 10 year grip on pop culture

Shayla Blair, Culture Staff Writer September 23, 2021

There are certain movies that society deems timeless classics. “Twilight” is neither timeless nor classic, but that might be why we love it so much.   The first installment in the four-book series...

A Philadelphia Pride flag, which represents intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community and a legacy of activism, flies over Burlington Pride Sept. 5.

Burlington Pride rejects ‘rainbow capitalism’

Laura Clifford, Culture Staff Writer September 13, 2021

Looming rain clouds couldn’t dull the bursting excitement of Burlington’s annual Pride Parade and Festival.  Organized by Pride Center VT, hundreds of students and community members clad in rainbow...

Palladino standing on the edge of a small cliff overlooking a mountain range.

Student hikes Appalachian Trail in 97 days

Cyrus Oswald, Culture Staff Writer September 9, 2021

Many UVM students spend their summers in Burlington or their hometowns, working summer jobs or internships. Sophomore Ben Palladino decided, instead, to hike 2,190 miles.  Palladino completed the entirety...

Senior Liv Marshall stands on the steps of the Howe Library Sept. 1.

Cynic Fit Check: Back to school edition

Sophia Venturo, Culture Editor September 6, 2021

We all know the first week of school is a fashion show. Here’s what UVM students wore to bid summer farewell and greet fall. Sophomore Mara Wyman  “I literally ordered all of this online,”...

Culture Staff Recommends: Burlington Hot Spots

Culture Staff Recommends: Burlington Hot Spots

Quinn Johnson, Culture Staff Writer August 31, 2021

As summer winds down and the start of classes creeps closer and closer, UVM students from across the country will begin their pilgrimage back to campus.  UVM first-years and transfers may have difficulty...

A sign reminds students to put their masks on before they enter Aug. 28.

Despite University-wide mask policy, RAs not required to enforce masks in dorms

Ella Ruehsen, News and Sports Editor August 30, 2021

Residential Advisors are no longer tasked with enforcing masking despite UVM’s indoor mask policy, said Gary Derr, VP of operations and public safety.  Last year, RAs enforced the Green and Gold...

Mask on? Mask off?: Navigating unclear cultural expectations post-pandemic

Mask on? Mask off?: Navigating unclear cultural expectations post-pandemic

Sophia Venturo, Culture Editor May 20, 2021

The past year seemed to be one day played out on a continuous loop.  After the lockdown procedures last March, the shock and disruption of the pandemic wore off, a “new normal” set in and we accepted...

Professor Elizabeth Fenton has a printing press in the basement of her house.

English professor brings book-making arts to campus

Willow Scherwinski, Culture Staff Writer May 13, 2021

An early modern steel machine sits in a Burlington basement, stamping baroque letters on blank, delicate pages. Elizabeth Fenton, English professor and UVM alumna, is using her newly acquired hobby...

Senior Cole Thorton poses inside the Cosmic Grind on Church street April 24.

Cynic Fit Check: Cole Thorton

Sophia Venturo, Culture Editor May 7, 2021

Cole Thorton is a senior studio art major and barista at the Cosmic Grind on Church St. You can find Thorton’s art on his Instagram @swimsinink THE CYNIC: Describe your style. THORTON: I’ve been...

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Vermont movie theaters face reopening challenges

Emma Adams, Culture Staff Writer May 6, 2021

Many movie theaters, especially ones that are family-owned or local, have become haunting, life-sized playhouses emptied by economic turmoil. With social distancing restrictions lifting, movie theaters...

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