THE BADGER REPORT
Covering News for the Campus and Community
Broadcast: May 7, 2013
Surveillance cameras in Madison
By Greta Chizek
MADISON - Walking around Madison you may not notice them. But over 150 surveillance cameras are situated throughout the city and within the next year, the City of Madison will almost be doubling the number of cameras.
Data Manager of the City of Madison, Rich Beadles said the majority of the cameras will be placed downtown at high traffic areas. These are not your typical cameras, the days of grainy images are replaced with high resolution cameras that can be zoomed in to clearly identify a suspect.
Rich Beadles, Date Manager: It's one of those things when we aren’t attacked by terrorists how do you know you prevented it. I think that certainly that there are many criminals who realize that those video cameras are there and we think that they do serve as a deterrent and again if crime does take place it enables us to get criminals off the street faster.
These cameras are used for more than just security on the streets. Police officers are able to go back and identify suspects in high profile cases such as the Montee Ball assault just down the street on University and the shooting last May at Segrados.
Wisconsin's second annual grilled cheese competition
By Shelby Lewis and Xiumei Dong
MADISON - What comes to mind when you think of a grilled cheese sandwich? Bacon? Steak? How bout homemade jalapeno jam?
Here at the Iowa County Fairgrounds people from all over Wisconsin are here to celebrate the state’s favorite dairy product. Amateur and professional chefs are here showing off their cooking skills and cheese craftsmanship in hopes of winning the big championship title. The Wisconsin grilled cheese championship is where bread, butter and cheese combine to make one unforgettable afternoon of competitive cooking fun.
The dozens of grilled cheese sandwiches featured in the championship ranged from classic to contemporary to art nouveau. The only rule in the contest? Use real Wisconsin cheese. Wisconsin foodie host Kyle Cherek says a grilled cheese cook-off in Wisconsin was always meant to be.
Kyle Cherek: It’s a re-assertion of our heritage. The impetus for this event was that one of the organizers was out in California where they liked to think that they’re a dairy state. They produce a lot of it but not at the caliber that we do and they have a grilled cheese competition…and that’s just not right. I mean here in Wisconsin we got to have it.
Contestants used their imagination and creativity to take the classic American comfort food to a whole new level. Professional chef Evan Talbert won first place in the classic plus one category for his bacon jalapeno jam grilled cheese.
Evan Talbert: You stay busy all the time, but you get a chance to step back and just experiment with some different recipes…it’s always a fun time.
While hundreds of people came to watch the heated competition, they also came to eat. Attendees sampled everything from white cheddar and smoked ham grilled cheese to creamy tomato bisque.
Immigration: one of many WI issues
By Leah Linscheid
MADISON - Leopoldo Rocha is no stranger to languages.
Leopoldo Rocha, U.S. legal resident: I started learning English when I was about three, which is why I don’t have an accent.
Originally from Mexico, Rocha now lives in Madison as a legal resident working toward citizenship.
Leopoldo Rocha, U.S. legal resident: I’ve been here about 10 years, it’ll be ten years in august, so it’s definitely been about half my life.
He’s not alone. The U.S. houses a reported 11 million immigrants… and scores of others who are undocumented. Madison immigration lawyer Raluca Vais-Ottosen can’t say for certain how many immigrants live in the city, but her law office sees several hundred cases a year.
Raluca Vais-Ottosen, immigration attorney: We usually see on average about 2 cases a day of individuals who are trying to figure out if they have any options.
More often than not, those options come with a hefty price tag.
Raluca Vais-Ottosen, immigration attorney: It’s definitely more than 10000 I’d say, there’s attorneys fees, there’s forms…You’re talking about thousands of dollars by the end of it.
Now each of these folders are cases filed with the government, all with hundreds of documents for a process that can take more than a decade.
Raluca Vais-Ottosen, immigration attorney: That’s 15 years before you’re even allowed to apply for citizenship.
All these obstacles and more can take a toll on individuals looking to achieve the American dream.
Raluca Vais-Ottosen, immigration attorney: You can imagine for someone who doesn’t have a whole lot of education or a whole lot of money that this is a very difficult process.
There are resources in Madison to make that process a little easier to bear. Places like the catholic multicultural center on Park Street offer more than a place for prayer. They also provide English-speaking lessons and computer skills classes.
But for Rocha… what’s most important is reconciling where he came from, with where he calls home today.
Leopoldo Rocha, U.S. legal resident: It’s been a little strange to grow up in one culture and then really grow up in the next one. There’s parts of both in me.
Meningitis concerns on UW campus
By Hannah Kotovic and Hannah Erdman
MADISON - UW parents and students are raising questions about meningitis, following the recent death of a UW student. Kelly Burrows, a UW sophomore, said she was not aware of meningitis.
Kelly Burrows, UW Sophomore: I didn’t really know anything about the disease and it’s kinda scary to hear about.
The meningitis vaccine is not currently required in order to attend UW-Madison, but University Health Services has given out more vaccines since the event. UHS epidemiologist Craig Roberts said the event created more awareness about the disease.
Craig Roberts, UHS epidemiologist: So probably the one kind of silver lining about these situations is it does prompt people to get immunized.
Despite recent concerns on campus about meningitis, the disease is extremely uncommon and rarely fatal.
Roberts: So the risk and the probability of you getting sick from this is about somewhere between 1 and 100,000 and 1 and 200,000. So it’s a very very rare disease where it actually becomes invasive.
Meningococcal disease is an infection that can lead to inflammation of the lining of the brain, other wise known as meningitis. While it is not highly contagious, it can be transmitted through saliva. Because college students are more prone to the spread of illness, they need to be especially careful. University Housing Area Coordinator Jim Frazone, said a college campus can foster unhealthy habits.
Jim Frazone, University Housing Area Coordinator: They don’t sleep enough, unfortunately people aren’t really washing their hands or taking basic approaches that everyone did beforehand. And it is so, especially in dorms, compact and on top of each other.
UW freshman Philli Armitage believes it is difficult to focus on health while in college.
Philli Armitage, UW Freshman: It’s hard to stay healthy because of the lifestyle you lead. Your going, your very busy with work and other commitments, and going to the doctor is not a priority.
According to Roberts the symptoms of meningitis include a combination of a high fever, headaches and a stiff neck. For more health related information, visit uhs.wisc.edu.
Annual Crazylegs Classic held Saturday
By Olivia Truby and Ryan McGlynn
MADISON - This year’s Crazylegs Classic, held this past Saturday, saw an increase in security because of the bombing at the Boston Marathon. According to Liutenant Carl Strasburg, the police were being more cautious than in years past.
Lieutenant Carl Strasburg: Of course we have taken a look at what’s going on, not only in Boston, but across the nation. We’re doing our due diligence here in Madison to make sure it’s a safe event, and if something does happen, God forbid, that we’re here to respond to it quickly like they did in Boston.
Despite the recent events in Boston, the energy clearly could be felt at the start of the race.
Ryan Berns, a senior at UW-Madison, is one of 17,000 runners and walkers crossing the finish line to help raise money for the Wisconsin Athletic Department.
Ryan Berns, UW-Madison senior: Hopefully it brings everyone together. The Farmers Market brings everyone together too but this is everyone getting behind the cause of, you know, athletics, so I think it really brings everyone together.
Even after five years of volunteering, Madison resident Stan Richter says Crazylegs is more than just a run for those who participate.
Stan Richter, Madison resident: It’s just a happening…and it’s Madison…going down State Street and getting to walk on Camp Randall, I mean, is fantastic - the feeling that people generate.
Spring Game kicks off
By Heather Heggemeier and Megan Stoebig
MADISON - Football is back at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Badgers held their annual Spring Game at Camp Randall last Saturday to preview the 2013 season.
The game marks a fresh start for Wisconsin football - a new coaching staff, a significantly different defense and intense competition for open spots across the depth chart.
While many are competing for the prized quarterback position, it is Joel Stave and Curt Phillips who came out in the lead.
Gary Anderson, Head Coach: “Really, I hate to point to the impact of one day and one performance, but I find that in the last week those two were moving in the right direction with just feeling comfortable with what’s going on.”
New head coach Gary Anderson’s teaching strategies will also be under examination in the coming season.
One of these strategies includes focusing on the players’ academics before the season starts.
Gary Anderson, Head Coach: “Well, number one right now is to finish academically, and that will be a stress point. The coaches are gone, they’re on the road back and forth, but we have to be able to lock our minds and say we’re going to finish the semester the right way.”
The Cardinal defense defeated the White offense 61-47, utilizing the non-traditional scoring system that gave points for things such as stopped drives, tackles and more.
Linebacker Chris Borland says that despite the competition, the game was mainly good fun among teammates.
Chris Borland, Linebacker: “There was good energy. I thought we had a great turnout. The weather cooperated, and a lot of little activities and I think the fans had a lot of fun.”
Broadcast: April 25, 2013
MADISON - Planning out life after graduation can be a stressful time for any college senior. Between pressures to find a job and having to deal with a struggling economy, students like University of Wisconsin-Madison senior Caitlin Furin are faced with a difficult situation.
Caitlin Furin, UW-Madison senior: “Trying to find a job is a key part of figuring out where you’re going to go with your life, and when you don’t have that figured out, it’s pretty terrifying."
The Economic Policy Institute announced that the unemployment rate for recent college graduates averages at 8.8 percent. When including underemployment, the rate increases to over 18 percent.
Greg Iaccarino, Career and Internship Advisor: “Students are applying for the types of positions they would be qualified for, but their competition may be professionals who have been out of a job or laid off, or other professionals who have more years of experience than students, but are applying for these positions because of their own situations.”
However, Iaccarino said because of the large alumni base and school reputation, UW students have an edge.
Greg Iaccarino, Career and Internship Advisor: “We’ve talked with employers before, and employers are very selective on where they go, and we have found that even in the tight economy, a number of them are coming to this university, specifically to recruit UW-Madison students.”
Iaccarino added the employment rate for UW graduates is above the national average. Between 2010-2012, the number of UW business school graduates accepting full-time positions rose by over 15 percent. Employers completely filled both of the University’s career fairs this year, a positive sign for UW students.
When searching for a job, Iccarino said it’s important for students to remain patient and positive and utilize the resources the university offers.
Life after college
By Greta Chizek and Hannah Erdman
Student newspapers flounder in new online world
By Leah Linscheid
MADISON - Fame, not fortune, is what first attracted senior Ryan Rainey to the University of Wisconsin-Madison student newspaper, The Badger Herald.
Ryan Rainey, Badger Herald Editor-in-Chief: “See my name in print, having written something. That was the original draw for me.”
That was four years ago, when Rainey first stepped foot in the office of the Herald and began as a reporter. Now, Rainey is the editor-in-chief of one of two students newspapers on campus.
The Daily Cardinal and The Badger Herald have been competing against each other for student readership over the last few decades. The competition is unique to the university, according to UW School of Journalism Advisor Robert Schwoch.
Robert Schwoch, School of Journalism advisor: “We’re the only campus that breeds journalists that need to compete with each other.”
What makes The Herald and The Cardinal even more unique is the changing field of journalism they’re struggling to survive in.
Robert Schwoch, School of Journalism advisor: “It’s shifting away from print.”
Schwoch has witnessed a news market on campus that has increasingly shifted from print to the web.
Robert Schwoch, School of Journalism advisor: “Both The Herald and The Cardinal are going to have to address the fact that fewer students are picking up a newspaper. I can see both papers are languishing on the stands and in print.”
The ever-changing journalism field is forcing both newspapers to re-examine their online content model and their finances.
Scott Girard, Daily Cardinal Editor-in-Chief: “We’re going to do our best to expand our online efforts, and part of that is recruiting larger staff, assigning larger roles.”
Revenue streams of both papers have decreased more than 50 percent since 2005, forcing The Badger Herald to cut several days of print production and search for alternative funding.
Ryan Rainey, Badger Herald Editor-in-Chief: “It’s going to mean coming up with new, more interactive and attention-grabbing advertising for the web.”
According to Schwoch, change doesn’t necessarily mean the end for student journalism.
Robert Schwoch, School of Journalism advisor: “People are just as hungry for news as ever.”
Allergies are in the air
By: Makayla Mladenovic and Xiumei Dong
MADISON - With spring hitting Madison, students are stocking up on remedies to help with itchy eyes and runny noses.
Macy Huettle, University of Wisconsin-Madison Sophomore: “A lot of Kleenexes. A lot of Benadryl. A lot of sleep.”
Experts said allergies will be worse this spring, but University Health Services Medical Director Gerald Ryan noted it’s still too early to tell, because it all depends on the weather.
Madison ranks 12th on the list of the nation’s worst allergy capitols. Out-of-state students who did not have symptoms may still experience allergies, because they are not used to the pollens in Madison. Since allergies can develop over time, Ryan it’s important for all students to take precautions early.
Gerald Ryan, UHS Medical Director: “If you know you have seasonal allergies, and know you take medicines for your seasonal allergies, now’s about the time you get yourself going on it, so that when the pollen does hit, you’re kind of already somewhat protected from it.”
UHS pharmacists said antihistamines like Claratin help reduce symptoms, but can still cause drowsiness.
Rachele Odgard, UHS Pharmacist: “I often recommend that people know how they react to any of these before driving or combining them with alcohol.”
Ryan said it is important to distinguish allergies from colds, since antihistamines may worsen a cold. He added one of the main allergy giveaway is itchy eyes.
With the right precautions, students can still enjoy the warm weather.
Mifflin is point of contention
By: Jocelyn van Beek and Muge Niu
MADISON - The student community is shocked to find out that their Mifflin Street Block Party is no longer a city-sponsored event, but it turns out that isn’t exactly breaking news.
The controversy of Mifflin might just be a lack of communication among the Madison Police Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison administrators and students.
A Madison police statement to the community seems to convey one message: Mifflin Street Block Party is over this year for good.
Unlike last year, Madison police will have a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to house parties and city ordinance violations, but the university has its own disciplinary code of conduct.
Associate Dean of Students Kevin Helmcamp said part of MPD's statement suggesting the UW will penalize those students involved in Mifflin activities is inaccurate.
Kevin Helmcamp, Associate Dean of Students: “We expel for very few things. Someone walking down the street with a red cup in their hand is not going to trigger disciplinary action.”
Madison Police Lt. David McCaw said the criticism from students is shocking.
David McCaw, Madison Police Lieutenant: “Ironically, it’s the same letter that was issued last year. It was just updated with a few words and a new date."
Mifflin has not been a city-sanctioned event since 2011, partly because the price tag to fund a sufficient police presence is simply too high.
David McCaw, Madison Police Lieutenant: “Nobody has the time, nobody has the cost. Nobody is going to come forward to say, 'This is $200,000 for you, we want to pay for all of this so we can have a free party.' That’s just not going to happen.”
Rising costs to keep the block party safe has killed Mifflin as an official city sponsored event.
Police and UW administrators are encouraging safer alternatives,, but some students are still planning to celebrate the tradition.
Mifflin through the ages
By Jeff Cartwright and Ryan McGlynn
MADISON - The temperature may have been cold, but the Dane County Farmers’ Market was welcomed back with warm arms last Saturday.
Emily Campbell, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said she noticed a slower start than years past.
Emily Campbell, UW-Madison Student: "I was concerned that there wasn’t going to be a lot of vendors here, it seems like there’s fewer than usual. I don’t know if that has to do with the weather, if things haven’t grown yet, but I’m very excited to see what they have later in the year.”
Market Manager Larry Johnson has run the Farmers' Market for the past 11 years, and he said the weather is putting planting on hold for several vendors.
Larry Johnson, Farmers' Market Market Manager: “Some people can’t get in the fields just yet. One person who’s been growing for forty years said this is the latest he’s been able to get in his field, because it’s so wet.”
Gourd Vendor Larry Haas said some farmers, including himself, are okay with the delayed planting season after last year's drought.
Larry Haas, Gourd Vendor: “It’s terrible. You do a little more work, and you start pumping water out of the ground to plant your gourds, and water your plants, and it gets expensive. Now we’ve really had some wonderful rain, so I’m hoping for a very good year this year.”
Johnson said there are usually around 100 vendors on the Capitol Square during the market's opening day. However, last week only brought 80. Jane Langdon stopped by the market earlier in the day and noticed the smaller attendance.
Jane Langdon, Market Visitor: “Actually, we were commenting it would be nice if crowds were this minimal during the regular season, because it gets very crowded, but then it wouldn’t be this great farmers' market."
Johnson said as the weather continues to shape up, the market should attract 150 vendors in the coming weeks.
Farmers' Market opens
By: Kaitlin Riley and Olivia Truby
MADISON - More than 40 years ago, a party filled a largely student-filled Mifflin Street to protest the war in Vietnam. That party, ow known as the Mifflin Street Block Party, has always been a wild event.
Back in 1969, the party lasted three days with students going toe to toe with police officers.
Mifflin, or as it was called then, ’Miffland,’ had been the nucleus for the anti-war movement in Madison. Since then, it has transitioned from a political protest to a spring celebration before students buckle down to take their final exams at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Paul Soglin, Madison Mayor: “Well, probably the most significant change took place sometime in the late 80s, mid- to late 80s, where through that period, the focus of the block party was social and justice issues.”
In 1979, the city created an event stealing the name of the block party and positioned it in the Library Mall to drive students to State Street for music and activities. The event served as a way to control the original party in a smaller space. The initiative only last three years before students returned to the original Mifflin Street.
This year, the event has met serious resistance from the city as they direct people away from Mifflin toward a new, university-sanctioned event called Revelry. It isn’t the first time the city has tried to divert crowds from congregating at the block party.
Paul Soglin, Madison Mayor: “When it becomes so dangerous that we see these kinds of sexual assaults and we see this kind of violence…something significant has to change.”
If city officials and the Madison Police Department have their way, that change will be seen on May 4, as Mifflin will be no longer.
Broadcast: April 18, 2013
After strong start, softball slides
By: Nathan Palm and Olivia Truby
MADISON - The UW softball team is off to its hottest start in program history. They earned their first national ranking in over a decade.
But, the Badgers have cooled off lately. They dropped four of their past six games entering Tuesday’s double-header against Green Bay.
The Badgers fell, 2-1, to Green Bay in the first game but bounced back thanks to Whitney Massey’s two-run homer in the 6th inning, which gave the Badgers a 4-3 victory.
Yvette Healy, Badgers softball head coach: “It was a must. We’re battling. We’re trying to see post-season play this year. It’s everyone’s goal. And you’ve got to be able to come back after a tough loss and win and Whitney hit the big homerun and it was good.”
Much of the Badgers success in recent years should be credited to head coach, Yvette Healy. In just her third season, Healy has turned UW from a struggling program into Big Ten contender. The Badgers are already primed to break last season’s 34-win total, which tied the school record.
Whitney Massey, UW-Madison softball player: “I feel like she made our team a bunch of fighters. I feel like even when we’re down…I mean we were down the first inning here. She’s taught us to never give up and we’ve come behind so many times to win games and I think that’s what she gave our program.”
You really can’t underestimate the role that Healy has played in turning around the UW softball program. The Badgers look to keep their success rolling this weekend when they take on Ohio State.
New act hopes to prevent sexual assault
By: Megan Stoebig and Jocelyn Van Beek
MADISON - A new act on campus is designed to help increase sexual assault awareness among college students.
The Campus Save Act requires schools receiving federal funding to frequently sponsor educational programs.
University Health Services Violence Prevention Specialist Carmen Hotvedt says this increased awareness should change some of the misinterpretations about sexual assault.
Carmen Hotvedt, UHS Violence Prevention Specialist: “Men can never be raped ... We know that’s not true… from the junk of it only happens and it has to be very violent, and it only happens when a stranger does it. So we start from a place of debunking some of those myths.”
Campus Women’s Center, Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment and the Rape Crisis Center are groups coordinating some of the educational programs at UW. They intend to spread awareness by increasing outreach on campus
Anthony Lee, UW-Madison student: “They send out emails a lot around this time of the year… and I feel like I get a good idea of what goes on.”
Despite the increased awareness, Hotvedt says rates of sexual assault remain high on college campuses. About 1 in 4 women experience sexual assault before graduating.
Grandmaster Peter Paik says teaching self-defense at a young age is crucial in preventing these issues.
Peter Paik, grandmaster: “It’s like playing baseball. You start a child in pee- wee leagues and teach them how to carry a bat or swing a bat or catch a ball. Same thing with self defense - before you understand the moves you do, you have to be able to understand your body.”
Pothole problems post-winter
By: Heather Heggemeier
MADISON - This year’s spring potholes are less abundant than last year’s, but they’re still a nuisance for drivers and an expense to the city.
Madison Recycling Coordinator George Dreckmann supervises the “Pothole Patrol” - the group of city employees responsible for fixing potholes.
He says the team is starting their pothole work now. The challenge is that no asphalt manufacturers have started operations yet. So, they have to put in only semi-permanent patches first and switch to a more permanent patch made of hot asphalt in a couple weeks.
George Dreckmann, Madison Recycling Coordinator: "We are dependent on when they start the major construction season because that’s when most of the asphalt is used. The few hundred tons that we use to fill potholes is not enough to get an asphalt up and running."
Road construction also impacts the city workers’ ability to access certain streets.
George Dreckmann, Madison Recycling Coordinator: "Langdon and Park street we maintain and right now there’s not much we can do with those streets."
The pothole patrol will do a big push for the next month or so and then will continue at a steady pace until around November.
UW students return safely from Boston
By: Greta Chizek and Xiumei Dong
MADISON - Returning to their family and friends, two UW-Madison students who ran the Boston Marathon relive a close call to an incident they’ll never forget.
Lauren Ayala, UW-Madison senior and Boston Marathon runner: “It just kind of hit us all really hard. I think because we were so close to having been apart of it”
Abby Studinger, UW-Madison junior and Boston Marathon runner: “When the explosion actually went off, I am pretty sure I wasn’t that far away."
Studinger finished her race 15 minutes before the explosion. After crossing the finish line, she headed away from the racetrack. Two blocks later she was near a metro transit station when the first bomb went off.
Studinger: “You just kept hearing more and more rumors, we kept walking and hearing people around you and you heard people mentioning things about a terrorist attack and intentional. You didn’t know what to believe and it was very frightening and we just wanted to get out of there.”
Communication failures added to the panic. Social media became a critical tool for connecting runners with family and fans.
Studinger: “All of the cell phone lines went down in Boston and they turned a lot of them off. So it was really difficult to contact people, I couldn’t make any calls. But I did make a Facebook status that kind of got the word out and eventually I could send more texts”
Ayala said the Boston Marathon typically is a day of celebration. But the explosion turned the cheers to fear.
Studinger: “Some people try their whole life to qualify for the Boston marathon and it really is like the Holy Grail of marathons for those runners."
Regardless of their horrifying experience, Ayala and Studinger plan to continue running marathons. Studinger hopes to even run the Boston Marathon again.
Relay for Life brings community together
By: Greta Chizek
Broadcast: April 11, 2013
Mifflin Faces Competition
By: Jeff Cartwright and Shelby Lewis
Slow Food Madison holds successful camp
By: Hannah Erdman and Hannah Kotovic
MADISON - Slow Food's food camp ran all day Saturday with more than 200 participants, a significant increase from last year. The camp gave attendees the opportunity to learn about new ways to integrate food into a healthy lifestyle.
The Slow Food Madison chapter is the first and only chapter to hold a food camp, and its founder, Philip Crawford, said participants come for more than just food.
Philip Crawford, Slow Food Madison founder: “It’s somewhat of an event,” Crawford said. “So they can mingle with other people like themselves, who are interested in food and meet people in their community.”
Madison locals learned about many do-it-yourself projects from over 30 different presenters. Some activities included bee keeping, pasta making, jelly canning and gardening.
Gardening presenter Dennis Anderson came to the Food Camp for the first time.
Dennis Anderson, Food Camp gardening presenter: “It’s awesome to see people just interested in gardening,” Anderson said. “It’s something that’s just not taught in schools anymore; people are taught to go buy their food.”
However, those who attended the event, like Madison local Jenny Behren, showed an interest in creating their own food.
Jenny Behren, Madison native: “I want to grow some of my own food,” Behren said. “I have two little kids at home, and I want them to understand where healthy food comes from and where food comes from in general.”
Food Camp offers a chance to sample natural and organic food and learn new facts all in one place.
Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Linn believes people come to Food Camp because they’re curious to learn about new ways to use food.
Sarah Linn, Food Camp volunteer coordinator: “I didn’t know you could eat the entire honey comb, the wax part. So I did that today. I ate it.”
This year, some guests returned as presenters to volunteer their time and share their personal food hobby. Because of such a successful turnout, slow food plans to increase the number of events and presenters in the future.
With better weather, bike safety crucial
By: Leah Linscheid
MADISON - As the weather warms up, more and more Madison residents are dusting off their bikes and enjoying the city’s notorious lanes and paths. But with the increasing bike traffic comes increasing attention to cycling safety.
Many Madisonians have experienced bicycling accidents firsthand.
Tara Golshan, UW-Madison student and bicyclist on how frequently she finds herself on the pavement after a nasty bike spill: "Embarrassingly, probably a lot."
Golshan said most of her accidents have been small, with both parties walking away unharmed. Unfortunately, that is not the case for all bicycling accidents – all the more reason for bikers to follow the rules of the road and stay safe.
Madison is known for its impressive and safe bike lane system, a fact Golshan said she appreciates when she roams the city on her Trek.
Golshan: “I think Madison was rated one of the most bike-friendly places."
Former Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, an avid biker, knows firsthand how well-maintained Madison’s lanes are from his days in office. He said the city has been rated “gold” by the national League of American Bicyclists.
While Madison’s bike lanes leave little room for complaints by those who use them, ultimately it’s up to the bicyclists themselves to stay safe on their wheels.
Cieslewicz offered up his own advice for Madison bikers.
Former Mayor Dave Cieslewisz: “I would suggest just be aware."
Golshan: “Watching out for people and keeping an eye out, those are things people should do. Do people always do it? Probably not, and that’s why there are accidents.”
While city officials have not noted an increase in bike accident as warmer months approach, they warn that practicing street smarts is never a bad idea when it comes to bicycling.
MADISON - Walking 12 hours through the night didn’t scare away over 1,500 participants from attending the 13th annual Relay for Life.
On Friday night, UW-Madison’s Relay for Life raised over $155,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Olivia Welk, UW-Madison student: “I come to Relay for Life especially for my mom, Derise, who passed away in December 2010 from sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. On a larger scale, I relay because cancer is a horrible disease.”
New head football coach Gary Anderson and Dean of Students Lori Berquam joined the UW community in supporting local survivors. And this year’s relay raised record high donations, topping last year’s event.
Caitlin Devos, Colleges Against Cancer co-president: “The money all goes to the American Cancer Society. They are working to help people to get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back. There is a lot of money going towards research.”
With obesity being a contributing risk factor of cancer, Relay for Life promotes physical activity to prevent the disease.
Events like the one in Madison are being held across the country this April for National Cancer Control Month.
MADISON - Artist Weixin Xu talks about his never-ending project of remembering China’s Cultural Revolution.
Xu, artist and the Dean of the School of Arts at People’s University in Beijing, told students about his controversial project “Historical Figures: 1967 to 1977” during a three-day visit to University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Over the past five years, he has painted more than 100 portraits for victims, witnesses and perpetrators in the ten years of turbulence. Xu said his goal is to fight against the collective forgetfulness of that recent history.
“A disaster lasting for 10 years, it got everyone involved,” Xu said. “I painted the ‘important figures’ as well as the everyday people on the exact same size canvas with the same level of details, because everyone…everyone is responsible for the Cultural Revolution.”
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Q: What surprised you the most during your visit to UW-Madison?
您这次来Madison最大的感想是什么？
A: I didn’t expect to see such a beautiful and important university in the cold, far Midwest. You have a great art museum, a very vibrant academic atmosphere and the just size of the university was beyond my expectation.
我没想到在这么一个中部，又冷又远的地方有这么美丽重要的大学，漂亮的博物馆，学术氛围也很浓厚。规模也很大，超出我的想象。
Q: You said that your work has relatively less more value for Chinese audience, who do not have full access to the history of the Cultural Revolution. What is the value of “Historical Figures” for American audience then?
您说这个作品对中国观众的意义比对美国观众更大因为中国许多人对这段历史并不了解。那么您觉得《众生相》对美国观众的意义何在？
A: It lets American people know that Chinese artists don’t just have works for the auction houses, or arts for the spotlight. There also are people who keep exploring, people who willingly work in solitude. There are not many, but there are some. Right now in the West, the general perception of Chinese artists is that they only care about money. It’s not like that; many people here don’t know that. This is the greatest value of my work and my visit.
它让美国人了解中国艺术家不仅仅只有参加拍卖会，到处聚光灯下露面的艺术，也有探索，甘于寂寞，凭良心做艺术的人，虽然少。目前外界对中国的看法是一切为了钱，不是这样的，这一点他们国外的人不是很清楚。这是我来最大的价值。
Q: Do you truly believe art like yours can change China for the better?
您相信这样的艺术能改变中国吗？
A: Yes. Some people have said to me “What is the point of doing this?” but I think it takes effect gradually, quietly. For example one day at my exhibition, a worker who helped hang the portraits stood in front of one of my paintings and looked at it for 15 minutes. So now he knows what I painted and wrote about. That is the kind of change my artwork can provoke. As artists if we try to present the truths of history with various forms, eventually more and more people will know about them. Only if they learn the truths can they have better judgments. The society changes in a gradual way. The changes are small and slow, but if nobody does anything even those changes won’t exist.
是的。也有些人说你这个有什么用呢？我觉得这种作用是一点一滴的，润物细无声。比如有一次，我在美术馆布展的时候一个挂画的工人站在我的一副肖像前看了十五分钟，我画的什么写的什么那他就知道了呀。这样慢慢的，了解了历史的细节和真相的人越来越多，艺术家要用各种角度还原历史。只有知道真相，人们才能有更好的判断力，社会无形中就会改变。这是一个渐变的过程，不是激烈、直接、很快的改变。这种改变可能很慢，很微小，这个社会就是这样的，但是不做更糟糕。
Q: Your artwork is pretty controversial but it hasn’t affected your position as the Dean, if you continue to push the limit will it start to have negative effects on your teaching career?
您的艺术作品虽然很有争议但还并没有影响到您院长的职位，如果您继续挑战这个限度的话会对您的教职有影响吗？
A: The short answer is probably yes. The university I work at allows a greater degree of freedom to its faculty members. That freedom has a limit though and I’m pretty much at that limit now. I still want to explore more topics in my artwork, but I prepared myself psychologically, worse comes to worst I’ll resign the Dean position.
是的。我工作的大学相对来说给老师们的氛围还是比较自由的。但这个自由也有个限度。我已经到头了。我可能还有一些题材想要探索，不过我已经做好心理准备了，大不了不当官还是可以继续教书的。
Q: How far is today’s China from the Cultural Revolution?
您认为现在的中国离文革有多远？
A: The Cultural Revolution hasn’t ended, has it now? It’s still going on in various forms, how terrifying is that? It hasn’t ended at all. Coming to the surface, it becomes the “Chongqing Incident,” and under the water it can be seen in the relationship between one another. In a way, the Cultural Revolution hasn’t ended.
文革还没有结束。哪结束了呀？它在用各种各样的形式延续着，多可怕。它根本没结束，浮在水面上变成一个重庆事件，沉在下面是人和人之间那种关系。文革在某种程度上并没有结束。
Q&A with Chinese Artist Weixin Xu: Historical Figures in China's Cultural Revolution (with Chinese translation)
By: Muge Niu
MADISON - The annual Mifflin Street Block Party may have some competition this year. University sponsored event Revelry is providing a new way for students to celebrate the end of the year.
“It’s going to be a musical festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with about 12 acts throughout the day, spread out. We have two pretty big headliners right now. It’s Hoodie Allen and Toro y Moi. There will be art installations and also different food carts down Randall street,” said Jose Cornejo, Revelry spokesperson.
Unlike Mifflin, Revelry will feature a musical lineup including headliner Hoodie Allen and artists like Chance the Rapper.
Students have been criticizing the lineup since its release on Thursday. The Badger Herald released an editorial Monday pointing out the lack of well-known performers.
“We are in our first year. We accomplished a book that is a process that is done in nine to 11 months and we did it in a little under under four months,” Cornejo said.
Even if there is a lack of interest in the lineup, Revelry will be competing with the mifflin street block party on may fourth. Mifflin has been a uw tradition since 1969.
“If you don’t want to go to Revelry, we’re not making you go to Revelry. Go to Mifflin if you want,” said Cornejo.
Tickets are now available to UW students for five dollars.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AZUAFbtPeCo
Rainy weather helps farmers' crops
By: Muge Niu and Kaitlyn Riley
MADISON - Farmers who attended the pancake breakfast on the farm didn't complain about the wet weather. Following last year's drought, it's just what they need to recover.
Bryan Rowntree, UW-Madison agricultural student: “This year is shaping up to be very different. We’ve got a lot of groundwater in the past few weeks. And over the winter with all the snow, it’s really going to help the farmers. It’s going to be a much later spring than last year. Last year at this time we were planting the field, this year we are two weeks out.”
With the delayed planting season, farmers are scraping the barrel for feed.
Joan Mrkvicka, horse farmer: “It’s very hard right now in spring before they start cutting. Everybody is running out of hay, and so it’s very hard to find. They are going to hay auctions and paying a lot of money."
Normal rain patterns and more crop may yield lower future feed prices, but some farmers can't wait that long.
Mrkvicka: “Farmers are selling off their animals because they have to go out and purchase hay for twice the amount of money."
Given time, the fields may recover with the cool and wet weather predicted by the farmers’ online almanac.
Mrkvicka: “I think they will be able to start cutting the hay and get a normal amount, but I think the hay prices might still be up because I think farmers have to make their money. They didn’t make enough money.”
If the drought continues this year, dairy farmers say it will be impossible for them to recover.
UW Rugby to Play for Big Ten Championship
By: Ryan McGlynn and Makayla Mladenovic
MADISON - The Badger Rugby Club is taking on Ohio State this weekend in hopes of becoming the first ever Big Ten Rugby Champion.
The Badgers are underdogs going into the championship, but after knocking off Indiana last weekend to advance players aren’t concerned with the rankings.
“I think it is something we will take as motivation, as a positive and use it to our advantage,” said Co-Captain Jordi Heginbottom.
Badger rugby players say they are approaching the championship game with a chip on their shoulder and aren’t letting the hype get to them.
“I mean it’s any other playoff game, I don’t think it matters that it’s the big ten championship, you know everyone is really excited about it but when it comes to the today its just another game that we have to win, we want to win every single game and this one is no different,” said Captain Kurtis Shepherd.
The team is proud of its accomplishments over recent years and is working hard to bring another one home when they face Ohio State at 4:00 p.m. this Saturday in Cottage Grove, WI.
“You know we are really proud of the fact that we were the first ever Big Ten 7s championship winners and we won again this year so being the first big ten 15s would be a huge deal for us,” said starting flanker, Zachary Arostegui.
If the Badgers win this weekend they will make history and become the first ever Big Ten Rugby Champion. Big Ten Rugby will be doing a live broadcast of the game. Look to www.badgerreportnews.wix.com for more information.
The link for the live broadcast of the championship game is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/big-ten-rugby
Watch the full story here: http://youtu.be/zmoQbrRpDRc
Badgers Give Back
By: Hannah Erdman and Olivia Truby
MADISON - Student-athletes are adding one more commitment to their busy schedules. Between juggling classes, practices and games, these Badgers make sure to set aside time to volunteer in the Madison community.
Chris Borland, UW linebacker: “We have pretty busy schedules but being football players we have a platform. We get a chance to go out into the community and do some special events. I try to take the opportunity. I think it gives you more than you give to it.”
The Wisconsin Athletic Department launched the Badgers Give Back program last August that encourages student-athletes to get involved beyond the campus. This program advocates for education, physical fitness, families and a better community.
According to the Community Relations Coordinator for the Wisconsin Athletic Department, the Badgers Give Back program has logged over 4,000 hours this semester alone.
Kayla Gross, Community Relations Coordinator: “Really the student-athletes have a wide range of interests and the community has a wide range of needs from us so we kind of like to match that up as much as possible.”
The Badgers Give Back program coordinates events such as visiting patients at local hospitals, reading to kids in classrooms and helping with auctions and banquets. Whatever the event, it makes an impact on both the student-athletes and the community.
Brian Wozniak, UW tight end: “It kind of keeps us humble, it keeps us grounded. We get so wrapped up in football season and all that stuff and we kind of forget why we do and how we had the chance to do it and this kind of brings us back a little bit.”
After a friendly game of dodge ball, it’s hard to tell who had more fun -- the student-athletes or the kids.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G-svBsSIbLQ
Food Carts Stimulate Competition
By: Leah Linscheid and Hannah Kotovic
MADISON - People looking to grab a bite to eat in downtown Madison can choose from both food carts and restaurants, but the two are butting heads as they compete for business, and the city is about to get involved.
Steve Lawrence is a self-made entrepreneur and a self-proclaimed visionary for the future of Madison business. After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison three years ago, he stuck around to start one of the city’s most popular food carts, Fried and Fabulous.”
“I am an example of exactly the type of person that city policy is trying to promote,” Lawrence said of his start-up business.
According to Lawrence, Fried and Fabulous attracts more than 100 customers a night on Broom Street. But does that mean local businesses are threatened?
“Absolutely not. Don’t be ridiculous,” Lawrence responds. “Pita Pit sells salad in a pita, I deep=fry cookie dough.”
Students agreed with Lawrence. Katherine Kreuger, a UW junior who frequents Fried and Fabulous and other downtown carts, said the two food options cater to different tastes.
“I would go to any of the restaurants on Broom Street for, you know, regular lunch or dinner, but when I’m looking for something after the bars or late at night, then I’ll definitely go to a food cart,” Kreuger said.
Not everyone thinks restaurants and vending carts occupy their own market, however. According to Scott Resnick, a member of Madison’s Vending Oversight Committee, businesses like Pita Pit are in direct competition with food carts.
He added part of that competition comes down to production costs.
“When you have a brick-and-mortar store, you’re paying up to $700,000 to a million dollars to keep that store in operation, versus a food cart vendor, who might have a much lower investment,” Resnick said.
Pita Pit has recently gone to the city asking for vending restrictions, citing a loss of business due to vending carts like Fried and Fabulous selling right outside their door.
“This turned into a fairly ugly battle,” Resnick said.
The city’s Vending Oversight Committee has proposed a compromise that would limit the number of spaces the carts could sell from, a move that would ultimately decrease the number of carts located outside Pita Pit and other Broom Street businesses.
That compromise has satisfied both cart vendors and the Pita Pit, but Lawrence contends that at the end of the day, the choice comes down to the customers.
“Ultimately, people are going to decide where they want to eat,” Lawrence said.
Resnick’s compromise will go before the Vending Oversight Committee and City Council for approval. If passed, the measure will take effect sometime this summer.
Watch the full story here: http://youtu.be/tFH53RJu99M
Annual Maple Syrup Festival
By: Xiumei Dong and Muge Niu
MADISON - With the sweet smell of the cooking sugar and earthy scent of the wood fire, the annual maple syrup festival gives people a reason to get outdoors and into the woods.
About 1,500 people celebrated the spring tradition at Mackenzie environmental education center this year.
Derek Johnson: “The sugar maple is Wisconsin’s state tree, so there is a very strong tradition of maple syrup thing here in the state.”
In addition to providing the sweet treats, volunteers set up multiple sites to teach kids about the legends and the history behind maple syrup.
Johnson: “This one is how the early settlers making maple syrup into maple sugar for better storage.”
Johnson says it’s also important for kids to participate in the process of making maple syrup.
Johnson: “We actually show them how you would identify a maple tree, and then go through the technical process with them.
They get to help turn the drill, so as they’re tapping in to that tree, tap the spile into the tree, and in the bucket, so they do the whole process with us.”
Lisa Maddux brought her two daughters to the festival to give them an idea of where their food comes from.
Lisa Maddux: “To them their syrup comes from a bottle and the refrigerator but we wanted them see it really comes from a tree and some of the works that have to go into making it.”
At the end of the lessons, kids are rewarded with homemade ice cream covered with maple syrup.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_-_nGFpF-5Y
UW Football Holds "Open" Practice
By: Nathan Palm
MADISON - At first glance, it appears like a typical spring practice for the Wisconsin football team. But take another look, and you’ll notice a difference.
That’s right, several hundred UW fans were at Camp Randall Saturday afternoon as new badgers’ head coach Gary Andersen and the football team held one of two spring practices open to the public, allowing the badger faithful to get an early look at their squad.
This is quite uncustomary for the football team as practices are typically closed to the public, especially under the old regime of former head coach Bret Bielema.
But it’s a new era for badger football, and the fans are certainly appreciative.
Bob Johnson, UW football fan: “I like to be involved a little bit, ya know. I feel like I’m involved. I’m feeling like he’s letting us see what’s going to happen and getting us psyched up for the season."
Derrick Vancalligan, UW student: “I don’t know, I like it. Give the fans more of an option to see the team before the actual season gets going and I think it’s a great idea and they should do more of it.”
Well it’s easy to see the differences in coaching styles between former head coach Bret Bielema, and current head coach Gary Andersen. During practice, the badgers have music blaring and even fans are able to attend a couple practices during the spring now. And as they’ll tell you, that, is a refreshing change.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=72v13lT4i-g
Broadcast: March 21, 2013
Rebecca Blank, UW-Chancellor
By: Jeff Cartwright
MADISON - The University of Wisconsin-Madison has put forward Rebecca Blank as their next UW Chancellor. Blank released a statement that says she is “honored and delighted to be offered the job of Chancellor at UW-Madison. This is a world-class school and I have been continually impressed by the caliber, dedication and enthusiasm of its students, faculty and staff." Blank is currently the secretary for the US Department of Commerce, but she has a long history in academics. UW System President Kevin Riley cites her background in economic growth as a major reason for choosing her.
As big as the decision is, it seems that she is still somewhat of a mystery to University students.
Rachel Adams - “I haven’t really heard anything about her besides that her resume is 17 pages long."
Benjamin Gluck - "Well, I honestly should know a lot more, but I do know about the process more and that it was a really...intense process. I've been following just the interviews. They've been interviewing a lot. I know she was Secretary for US Commerce if I'm not mistake. That's about all I know."
Rachel Adams - "I know that us students haven't really showed any interest. A couple of my professors have said something but other than that, not really."
Benjamin Gluck - "I think the relationships students have with the Chancellor, at least mine, has been pretty distant and not all that strong. I'm actually going to the Chancellor's for dinner tonight, which is ironic that you're asking about it, so I hope to learn a lot more about the role of the Chancellor and the type of relationship he or she has with the students."
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will make its final decision on April 5th. If approved, Blank will assume the role in July.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uC0jqRlbk0
Memorial Union Renovations
By: Hannah Kotovic & Xiumei Dong
MADISON - Even for one of UW-Madison’s most iconic places on campus, the time has come to give the 160-year-old Memorial Union a facelift. The Badger Report’s Hannah Kotovic has the story.
Since the Memorial Union reinvestment project began last summer, the construction is changing business in the Union.
Christina Wiedbusch – “Every day there are less and less people coming in. We’ve actually had to cut hours, because we just haven’t been making as much money as we normally do.”
Molly Reppen – “People can’t walk down Landon all the way or they can’t drive down Langdon both ways. Also, it’s hard to access our buildings. We only have two entrances open during the winter.”
According to Union manager, Laverne Scholl, the construction has caused a decrease in traffic, which has resulted in fewer customers.
Laverne Scholl – “We’ve eliminated some staffing shifts in both Peet’s and The Daily Scoop because Peet’s is down 20%, Daily Scoop is down 28% in Business.
Regardless of the current impact, Union employees are hopeful the renovation will be beneficial in the long run.
Laverne Scholl - “And when this is all over, we are really confident we are not only going to go back to old levels but we are going to exceed them.”
We are currently in phase one of the Memorial Union reinvestment project, which includes the west wing, and the entire project is estimated to be completed by 2016. For the Badger Report, I’m Hannah Kotovic.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTA1v4RwS0
Shamrock Shuffle
By: Kaitlyn Riley & Shelby Lewis
MADISON - Madisonians spent Sunday celebrating St. Pattie’s day, but in a different way.
The cold weather couldn’t keep people away from participating in the 2013 Shamrock Shuffle Run and Walk.
Angie Bong - “This a whole group of family and friends who get together to do this, so this is a great way to get out and celebrate St. Patrick’s day and get out and get a little exercise and then just have some fun together.”
Each runner raised money for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County.
Missy Burris - “I wanted to do a charity run/walk for my bucket list. I love the boys and girls club. I think it’s important to have activities for kids to do after school. I have young children, so I use the boys and girls club too.”
While some do it for the cause, eighth grader Gus Newcomb says he’s there to run.
Gus Newcomb - “Oh I race. For right now, I’m trying to get a feel for where I’m at in the season and what the terrain’s like so it’s a good test.”
Race Director Steve Donovan says they had forty-five hundred participants, 300 more than last year.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTyUz8zTJ5M
NCAA Tournament
By: Nathan Palm & Greta Chizek
MADISON - Coming off an impressive showing in the Big Ten Tournament last weekend, the Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Team looks to keep its mojo going into the NCAA tourney.
The Badgers were faced with a daunting schedule in the Big Ten Tournament, playing Michigan, Indiana and Ohio State in consecutive days.
The key to success? Refusing to look ahead. Although cliché, the Badgers enter March Madness with the one-day-at-a-time mentality.
Mike Bruesewitz – “I don’t know what time we are leaving tomorrow, I don’t know what time we have practice tomorrow. Just kind of living one day at a time. We have a lot of guys like that on the team. If you ask me during the season who we play in three weeks or next week, I tell them the day we have a scouting report and that’s the way you have to approach the NCAA tournament.
The Badgers first face number 12 seed Old Mis, which features polarizing point guard, Marshall Henderson, averaging just over 20 points per game. Henderson is known for his smack talk just as much as his play on the court, which you won’t often see from Wisconsin.
Ben Brust – “I don’t even know how to trash talk.”
Sam Dekker – “If you’re talking about Henderson with that, I mean, that’s just the type of player he is. You know, what works for him, some people might not like.
But, you know, it works for him. That’s the type of person he is, the type of player he is, and you know, you have to respect him as a player."
Ole Miss ranks 7th nationally in offense, scoring over 78 points per game, so the Badgers will surely have their hands full. Looking at the West Region in the NCAA tournament bracket…If the Badgers take care of business in the first round, they’ll face the winner of Kansas State and La Salle University on Sunday, where the Badgers would compete to make their third straight Sweet Sixteen appearance.
MODA Fashion Show
By: Hannah Erdman & Muge Niu
MADISON - Student lifestyle magazine, MODA, attracted about 400 people to their largest fashion show of the year.
Mia Hanekamp - “Last year was unbelievable and this year just exceeded my expectations by so much."
The show not only drew fashion fans on campus, but also a greater fashion community of magazine editors and designers.
Mia Hanekamp - "The guests at this event were so much outside of the target market. We are so excited."
Hanekamp says an entire semester of preparation pays off in the end. Extensive networking brings local fashion professionals in search for talent.
Essential Barbie - "So we come here to scout for designers and to bond with other fashion enthusiasts."
Models at the MODA fashion show include both student volunteers and professional models.
Nu Kai Huiett - "I think it turned out very great. I love it, it was amazing. I didn't even think it would be as big as it was. I'm so happy I got to be a part of this show."
The runway showcased a total of 66 outfits designed by students and local stores. The show is a finale of the UW Fashion Week.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPYV1lr6vak
Hockey
By: Ryan McGlynn & Heather Heggemeier
MADISON - The Badger Men's Hockey Team is poised to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament this weekend as they head up to Minnesota for the WCHA Final Five. This past weekend the Badgers won their best of three series in two games against Minnesota Duluth by a score of three-to-one on Friday night and four-to-one on Saturday. The badgers special teams came up big in the games against the bulldogs said sophomore goalie Joel Rumpel.
Joel Rumpl - "This weekend I think special teams was huge for us. We made big, or I guess huge, steps in the power play - getting rebounds and points that way. And, our penalty kill did a great job for us not giving up any short handed goals so that was probably the biggest accomplishment for us this weekend."
The Badgers will face off against Minnesota State in the first round at 2:07PM Central Time on Thursday with the winner moving on to face the number one seed Saint Cloud State Blizzard on Friday. Senior Captain John Ramage said taking it one game at a time will be the key to their success at the Xcel Energy Center this weekend.
John Ramage - "You know what - right now we're not thinking towards that, we're thinking one game right now, play Mankato and that's the big factor right there. Right now focus on Mankato and try and keep winning and then we'll focus on St. Cloud if that's the case.
The winner of the tournament will ear their place in the 2013 NCAA Division One Men's Hockey tournament. The sixteen teams to be selected for the tournament will be announced on Sunday, March 24th at 9PM Eastern Time.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3loQMR5gzM
Madison CYC
By: Makayla Mladenovic & Jocelyn Van Beek
MADISON - UW students are paying drastically different prices for cycling classes on campus.
The SERF provides students with unlimited fitness classes for twenty-five dollars per semester. Cyc Fitness follows a different model. They charge sixteen-fifty per ride. Despite the high cost, some UW students say it’s worth the money.
Becky Goldberg---UW student: “Doing it to the music is a lot better than going to a class and doing your own thing. And you get, there’s benefits to it. It’s not just like you’re paying for nothing.”
Itai Messika---UW student: “It really does feel great. Just, like, having a rough day … coming here, sweating it all out, leaving … it makes me feel like a new man.”
While some students can afford these prices, UW freshmen Hannah Steenblock says she’d rather save her money and go to the SERF.
Hannah Steenblock---UW student: “I don’t really know anyone who has sixteen-ninety-nine to spend on one spin class because I usually spin three to four times a week, and, so that’s a ridiculous amount to spend.”
The UW’s “Group X” program offers a variety of over one-hundred fitness classes a week between the SERF and the Nat. UW Recreational Fitness Director, Lori Devine, says it’s important to make classes affordable to students.
Lori Devine---UW Recreational Fitness Director: “Even if you’re just going to the group cycling classes, that’s just pennies a class.”
The SERF provides members with inexpensive classes by following a more traditional approach. Cyc Fitness, however, creates a more intense experience with loud music and dim lighting.
Regardless of the different programs, cycling is becoming a trend among college students, and both Cyc Fitness and the SERF are providing a place for it. I’m Makayla Mladenovic for the Badger Report.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-h7FMrsTio
Broadcast: March 14, 2013
Wisconsin Pro Day
By: Olivia Truby & Hannah Kotovic
MADISON - Even in the middle of winter, badger football is still a priority at UW-Madison as players are taking next steps to reaching the NFL.
The 2013 annual Pro Day was held Wednesday in the McClain Center. Badger players hoping to enter the NFL completed a series of drills to prove their athletic skills. Prior to participating in Pro Day, select athletes attended the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Olivia Truby: "The purpose of Pro Day is to get the athletes back on familiar turf in order to improve their results from the Combine. Scouts and GMs from NFL teams across the nation come for their chance to see the NFL hopefuls."
Among the scouts and GMs was the Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson. Running back Montee Ball felt fortunate for the chance to make an impression.
Montee Ball: "Yeah, he just talked to me about just all the good stuff I've been doing on tape. You know, he said, 'You know how to play football, you've been doing the right things,' and he's very excited about me."
Participating in Pro Day doesn't guarantee next steps for athletes, but rather it gives them the chance to network with professional coaches.
Travis Frederick: "I would say it's incredibly difficult to have any idea where you stand with any of the teams. Obviously I'm doing my best and my agent is doing his best to get some feelers out there and things like that, but I really have no idea. For me, it's all about going out and taking every visit and every workout that I have as a business day and trying to go out and make some money hopefully."
Olivia Truby: "The athletes entering the NFL will soon find out their fate on April 25th where the draft is held on ESPN."
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDtRV2CemY0
Protestors Rally for Homelessness
By: Xiumei Dong & Shelby Lewis
MADISON - More than 70 people gathered at a protest last week to fight for more homeless shelter space in Madison. The Badger Report's Xiumei Dong has the story.
"What do we want? Shelter."
Xiumei Dong: "After helping the homeless surviving through the tough winter, Occupy Madison is hosting a rally here at the City County Building to help fight for better services for the homeless.
Jeremy Evenson: "We are trying to get a dialog with the city, at least sit down with them, talk to them about getting some serious solutions. I don't know if they are stuck, or, they just need to talk with us."
Each year more than 2,000 homeless people in Madison are turned away from shelters due to a lack of space. Jesus Rodriguez lost his house to a fire last year. He currently stays at the shelter nearby the Capitol, but says it is hard to be homeless.
Jesus Rodriguez: "I got yelled at because I picked up a tray for a handicapped person. I got banned for that, so it is kind of hard to go through your day, so hard, and go back in there."
For some, homelessness is a temporary problem, but for others it is a continuing battle.
Debbie Williams: "Don't get me wrong, I am a college-educated person. I went through my four years of college, certified as a medical transcriptionist. I just can't find a job. I don't know the area, but all the information I'm getting, I'm getting from the street. I'm not getting from human resources or women shelter, which I think is wrong because I shouldn't have to get them off the street."
Debbie says all she needs is a chance to make things right.
Debbie Williams: "Come on now, give us a break. Give us a minute; give us a chance. We can fix this."
For the Badger Report, I'm Xiumei Dong.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_fZ0Ra5A8M
Federal Cuts May Lengthen Airport Lines
By: Leah Linscheid & Megan Stoebig
MADISON - When it comes to flying, people are rarely impressed with the long lines associated with airport security.
Mary Coegal: "It adds more stress, 'cause you know, take your shoes off, take everything off."
And they're even less impressed with the wait.
Mary Coegal: "It used to be you could come to an airport and actually get here from here to there in three to four hours. And now two hours ahead of time, and I'm flying for four, to me it's an all-day thing."
But frequent fliers have little to complain about when it comes to this small-town airport.
Doug Darbo: "I don't see much lines here at all today."
Spokesperson Brent McHenry says security lines at Dane County's Airport are notoriously short.
Brent McHenry: "The average line time is about 15 minutes on our busiest day, which is a Monday."
But with some big cuts on the way from the federal government, that could all change.
Brent McHenry: "Sequestration will affect staffing levels at different locations throughout the TSA and the FFA system."
These federally-mandated cuts, known as sequestration, include more furlough days and even layoffs for security workers. That could translate into longer lines for fliers.
Mary Coegal: "It's horrible now, so I cannot imagine what it would be like then."
The Regional Midwest TSA Agency isn't sure which airports in Wisconsin will get hit with the cuts, but McHenry is sure they won't hit here.
Brent McHenry: "From the start we've been told there wouldn't be any changes."
Leah Linscheid: "Now Dane County Airport officials are adamant that these TSA security lines will not get any longer, but some fliers are still concerned."
Doug Darbo: "Well, I think if the lines get longer it would be some additional burden to a flier here."
With all that uncertainty, only time will tell if Dane County fliers will get stuck in longer lines.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW1hHLnv_8E
Decline in Hunting Licenses Reduces State Revenue
By: Makayla Mladenovic
You'd think in a state where hunting is so popular the number of hunting licenses and permits would be increasing, but they're not.
Wisconsin has seen a decrease in hunting licenses and permits in the past the ten years, which means a decrease in state revenue. Currently there's about 500,000 registered deer hunters in the state and the UW Applied Population Lab predicts that number will drop to 400,000 or fewer by 2030 if the trend continues. This would result in about a $20 million decrease in state revenue.
DNR Hunting and Shooting Sports Coordinator Keith Warnke says hunting means more than just money.
Keith Warnke: "Hunting is important to the state, both for the revenue that hunters bring in for conservation and to the state's overall heritage. It's just part of Wisconsin."
The DNR saw the largest proportional decline among 35 to 55 year olds, so less children are learning to hunt. To keep the hunting tradition alive, Grover Roach of the Deerfield Rod and Gun Club says it's important to keep younger generations involved.
Grover Roach: "We're not going live forever. We need the kids to grow up and know what they're doing. And the younger they learn it, then the better off they are."
The Deerfield Rod and Gun Club offers hunter safety courses to kids ages ten and up. They teach them ethics and laws and provide instructor-assisted interactive training. Grover says it's vital for parents to get their kids involved with hunting if they're interested. That's what Scott Pierce is doing for his daughter.
Scott Pierce: "She showed the interest and I was willing to support her with that. That shows she's willing to handle a firearm. She's actually interested in hunting and getting out in the field. She likes the outdoors, so I'm willing to help her and encourage her with that."
Parents attend to support their kids and teach them the roots of hunting and what it provides.
Jim Feuling: "Hunting at one time and shooting were parts of survival and gathering sustenance for people and too much lately we see as time goes on we get away from the old ways and we forget where we really come as far as a society and people."
Recruiting adults and kids to hunt is a primary focus of the DNR in addressing the decline and avoiding falling revenue.
Mykayla Mladenovic: "Warnke says they're trying to make it as easy as possible for adults to get their license. Last year the DNR started offering an adults-only hunter education course. They sign up, do the work online, then go to the DNR and are out within an hour. That way people still learn the rules and regulations and how to handle equipment, but can do it in their free time and work around their daily schedules, and hopefully get their kids involved."
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjDAklbD_q8
UW Chancellor Candidates Discuss with Faculty and Students
By: Jeff Cartwright & Heather Heggemeier
Who will be the next University Chancellor? Over the past week, members of the community lined up to meet one on one with the candidates.
It has been nearly two years since Biddy Martin stepped down from her post as UW Chancellor, but this week marks the final steps to finally filling that vacancy. Candidates came to campus throughout the past week to talk with students, faculty and the public.
Secretary of the Faculty Andrea Poehling: "So what we wanted to do was to make sure we had an opportunity for the public, the community and the campus community to be able to interact with the candidates."
Students, faculty and staff filled the Chazen Museum to talk face-to-face with the four candidates. The candidates have gone through a three tier vetting process that has led them to this point.
Member of Chancellor Search Committe Patrick Sims: "But obviously you want someone who knows what shared governance is because Madison is very unique in that regard and even if the person has an understanding of shared governance, there's still a bit of a shock factor once they get here because the extent and the depth to which it exists, I think, is pretty much non-existant anywhere else."
The candidates come from all over the United States and represent a range of professions. Rebecca Blank is the acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Nicholas Jones hails from an engineering background as Dean for John Hopkins University, Michael Schill is a law professor and dean at the University of Chicago and Kim Wilcox serves as provost for Michigan State University. The decision will be reached by the end of the month.
Andrea Poehling: "So after the fourth and final candidate comes then feedback is given to the Board of Regents and UW System President Kevin Reilly and they actually make the final decision about who is elected as Chancellor."
Whoever it is will have to deal with some large issues such as decreased state funding and ongoing shifts in the modern university education system.
B1G TEN CHAMPS
By: Sam Sussman and Jackson Dahlquist
“With a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line, both sides showed up, prepared, focused and confident, but it was the Badgers who punched a ticket to their third straight Rose Bowl appearance.”
Wisconsin’s season certainly had its fair share of ups and downs as the Badgers entered the Big Ten Championship Game on the heels of two consecutive overtime losses.
Most prognosticators across the nation had written the Badgers off.
Yet, the players remained hopeful, some even expecting a win.
Marcus Trotter, Linebacker “we knew that every game we lost was a really close loss. I mean three overtimes was unbelievable so…the whole team knew we could finish and we knew we were better than people were telling us so when we came out today and did what we did, I think we were expecting it.”
Expecting a win is one thing. Reading 70 to 31 on the scoreboard at games end is another.
Zac Mattias, Offensive Lineman “we really took practice hard all week. You know, we were ready for this game and the whole team came out and played awesome and I don’t think really anyone was expecting us to put up 70 points but you know it's great that we did and just congratulate everyone on the team. ”
While the three-headed rushing attack of Montee Ball, James White and Melvin Gordon gashed the Nebraska defense, the next opponent wont be as easy. Wisconsin is set to face off against the Stanford cardinal, a team which seemingly possesses the Badgers’ kryptonite- the number one rushing defense in the nation.
Curt Phillips, Quarterback “I haven’t done any kind of game planning for Stanford thus far. I watched them play last night. They’re obviously a very good football team. I’m just excited to get an opportunity to play them.”
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120612aah.html
TUDOR HOLIDAY DINNER CONCERTS
By: Stephanie Lallas and Brendan Caven
Jesters, a boar’s head and figgy pudding are not usually part of Christmas celebrations, but each year Madisonians experience those traditions at the Tudor Holiday Dinner Concerts. Thai Keith, a catering coordinator at the union, tells us why people keep coming back.
Thai Keith, Catering Coordinator: Grandparents bring their grandkids, there’s grandparents that came as their grandkids fifty years ago that are still coming and everybody in between it’s a family thing that a lot of people do traditionally and start every single year.
The Philharmonic Chorus of Madison entertains guests every year and performs traditional Christmas and holiday songs. Award winning choral director, Pat Gorman, tells us what these dinners mean to the choir.
Pat Gorman, Choir Director: Previous directors have all served a long time and it’s [the history] passed on from generation to generation. There are some really interesting stories from the beginning especially as it formed after the war and the kind of people it brought together and so yeah all the members learn the history after some point.
The presentation of the Boar’s Head, the Figgy Pudding Ceremonial and The Yuletide Toast are age-old traditions that wouldn’t be kept alive without the three hundred guests that attend the dinners each night.
Gy Stalnaker, Choir Singer: This is a festive occasion that has become a tradition for a lot of people and it’s very nice to be a part of that.
Stephanie Lallas, Badger Report: We’re about to indulge in the beef wellington feast, are you guys excited to dig in? Cheers to you, have a Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.
For the Badger Report, I’m Stephanie Lallas.
http://www.union.wisc.edu/tudor-dinner.htm
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120412aaa.html
Bielema Reactions
By: Mallory Warner and Ali Killam
MADISON - Fresh off a big 10 championship win, head coach Bret Bielema’s startling departure from Badger Football has left the campus in a state of disbelief.
“Wouldn’t he want to win the rose bowl? Wouldn’t he want to coach a rose bowl winning team?” Said UW student Alex Smith.
Students Bikrum Chahal and Kelsey Hipskind share similar sentiments.
“He finally had a third chance and he’s just going to give up like that?” Chahal said.
“I think he did a great job against Nebraska and it’s going to be weird not to have him here anymore,” said Hipskind.
This surprising decision leaves players in shock but they remain optimistic as they prepare for Pasadena.
“We’re still going to play in it and continue to prepare like we always would,” said Badger quarterback Joel Stave, “and hopefully go out and give ourselves a good chance of winning.”
Offensive linesman Travis Frederick said, “We are going to continue to be a team and continue to follow the mottos we’ve learned by and practice hard and I think we will do a good job out there.”
Wisconsin Rose Bowl ticket sales have soared since Barry Alvarez announced he would be coaching the Badgers. Students and players remain confident of a Rose Bowl victory despite a future without Bret Bielema.
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120412aaa.html
Campus Area Housing
By: Kate Bothe and Ari Crane
MADISON-The Opus Group’s recent proposal for a six-story, part residential, part commercial complex could mean the end to the Stadium Bar, a longstanding Badger game day tradition. Stadium Bar’s General Manager Tom Harberg questions the worth of replacing the bar for additional residential space. “When you’re taking out a successful business then I wonder whether or not that’s a necessity,” says Harberg.
This is not the first proposal for new housing that the campus area has seen in the past few months but it has certainly sparked the most attention, even on Facebook. While Campus Alderman Scott Resnick would also be sad to see the Stadium Bar go, he supports the need for more residential space. “Students have had that desire to live closer to campus and with the increased density of the high rises we’ve been able to do that,” says Resnick.
But what does this mean for students who choose to live farther off campus because it is more affordable? Whether or not these proposals will give students like Lanthrop Street resident Tim Butler an opportunity to live closer to campus is still in question.
“We chose to live down there based mainly on price, it was a lot cheaper. Even though it was a farther walk to class,” says Butler.
As community officials, campus area residents, and badger fans continue to weigh in on the issues raised in this proposal, it is uncertain what effect this and other new housing proposals will have.
The Opus Group will host a public meeting tonight in the Union South at 6pm to present proposal details and gain community feedback.
Sustainability
By Emma Austin and Danielle Willerman
MADISON - Union South was recently honored with a LEED Gold designation, thanks to its various sustainability measures. In its reinvestment project, Memorial Union is attempting to do the same. The Badger Report’s Emma Austin has the story.
Reducing waste and pollution, and improving productivity are all part of UW-Madison’s newest construction efforts to make buildings more environmentally friendly and long-lasting.
“The campus is incorporating sustainability in all of their projects. It’s becoming a new standard- just, really the right thing to do.”
As you can probably tell by the noise, I’m standing here in the midst of the Memorial Union construction where they are busy implementing new sustainability measures, just like those at Union South.
“We look at Union South a lot, kind of what we did at Union South to try to use some ideas from there that we could use on this project also. Things that work, didn’t work.”
One of the biggest sustainability efforts for Memorial Union is the recycling of older materials.
“We, for example, on the South side of the building have removed a piece of the theater, and there’s some beautiful old limestone. Each one of those stones was removed and it was catalogued with a number, it was measured, entered into a computer on a spreadsheet and photographed and sent to a quarry so that it could be refurbished, and then they will actually build the façade again with an elevation that shows exactly where each numbered stone will be placed.”
The first phase of the Memorial Union Reinvestment Project is set to be finished in 2014, with the second phase planned to begin this spring.
Campus Area Housing
By Kate Bothe and Ari Crane
MADISON - The Opus Group’s recent proposal for a six-story, part residential, part commercial complex could mean the end to the Stadium Bar, a longstanding Badger game day tradition. Stadium Bar’s General Manager Tom Harberg questions the worth of replacing the bar for additional residential space. “When you’re taking out a successful business then I wonder whether or not that’s a necessity,” says Harberg.
This is not the first proposal for new housing that the campus area has seen in the past few months but it has certainly sparked the most attention, even on Facebook. While Campus Alderman Scott Resnick would also be sad to see the Stadium Bar go, he supports the need for more residential space. “Students have had that desire to live closer to campus and with the increased density of the high rises we’ve been able to do that,” says Resnick.
But what does this mean for students who choose to live farther off campus because it is more affordable? Whether or not these proposals will give students like Lanthrop Street resident Tim Butler an opportunity to live closer to campus is still in question.
“We chose to live down there based mainly on price, it was a lot cheaper. Even though it was a farther walk to class,” says Butler.
As community officials, campus area residents, and badger fans continue to weigh in on the issues raised in this proposal, it is uncertain what effect this and other new housing proposals will have.
The Opus Group will host a public meeting tonight in the Union South at 6pm to present proposal details and gain community feedback.
Decision 2012
Election 2012: How Much Do YOU Know?
By Ali Killam and Sam Easton
MADISON - I’m Ali Killam with the Badger Report here in the streets of Madison to determine how informed voters truly are, in this year’s election. When asked, all respondents could name Joe Biden as the Vice President of the United States. Sounds easy, right? Apparently 15 percent of the public doesn’t know who the Vice President is. However, when asked to name foreign leaders, Madison students had a little more trouble. According to a 2007 Pew Research Center survey, only 36% of Americans could identify the president of Russia.
“Currrr, I don’t know.”
“I don’t know.”
Domestically, when it comes to the big social issues, such as abortion rights and same sex marriage, most respondents know where each party stands.
“Um, the Democrats are generally more pro-women’s rights and pro choice, where Republicans are more generally pro-life.”
“The Republicans feel as if you know, same sex marriage should not be legalized, across the board, where as the majority of Democrats feel, you know, the opposite.”
However, when it came to economic issues, such as health care and the environment, people got a little lost.
“Uh, I have no idea who supports that but I know it’s a thing.”
“It has something to do with health care. That’s all I know!”
For the Badger Report, I’m Ali Killam.
Photo Credit: Sam Easton
The Plight of the Non-Voter
By Jackson Dahlquist and Jose Cornejo
MADISON - Matt Kleist voted for Mitt Romney in the 2008 presidential primary but won’t be voting for him OR President Obama on November 6th. Instead, Kleist will join the millions of Americans who won’t be voting in Tuesday’s election.
"It’s just, there’s no one candidate that I can get behind and support this time...this election around," he says. "Voter turnout in the U.S. has steadily been declining since the 1960s. According to a U.S. Census poll, about 35% of voting-age Americans didn’t vote in the 2008 elections."
Kleist says his decision to not vote is as politically meaningful as casting a ballot for a candidate.
"Think about you it, you don’t want to go out there and vote for somebody just because somebody says it’s your duty to vote and not actually taking the time to become an informed voter," says Kleist.
Now while some students like Kleist choose not to exercise their right to vote, other students, like WISPIRG Intern David Meyerson, are out here on East Campus Mall and they say that one of the most important ways for students voices to be heard, IS to go out and vote.
"When students turn out in record numbers like they did in the 2008 election, politicians start to pay more attention to us and the issues that we focus on," says Meyerson.
WISPIRG has successfully registered 3,000 people to vote on campus this election season. Meyerson urges people to vote because if nothing else, it’s exciting.
"Absolutely... everybody is doing it and so should you," he says.
For the Badger Report, I’m Jackson Dahlquist.
Photo Credit: Jackson Dahlquist
Implications and Effects of Negative Campaign
Advertising
By Mallory Warner and Emily Connor
MADISON - Fueled by negative advertising, this year’s tight senate battle between Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson has become the most expensive race in state history. University of Wisconsin School of Journalism and Mass Communication Assistant Professor, Mike Wagner, explains why these candidates have resorted to a negative advertising strategy.
Mike Wagner, UW-Madison Assistant Professor: "Because it’s so competitive. Usually if one person is really likely to win and the other candidate is running but doesn’t have much of a chance, usually the advertisements are I love Wisconsin, I love America. But when the race is really close, then candidates are much more negative because they want to give you as a voter a reason not to vote for the other person."
Voter Steven Carlberg says that he is tired of candidates accusing others and laying the blame.
"I don’t want to hear about what everybody is doing wrong, I want to hear what you’re going to do to make it right," says Carlberg.
Even though the average voter may think negative advertising has adverse effects, Wagner says the strategy is extremely effective.
Mike Wagner, UW-Madison Assistant Professor: "The actual effect of negative ads is that is spurs people to go to the polls because negative ads are a signal that the race is close and your vote actually matters this time. So negative ads have the effect of increasing voter turnout and they also often have an affect of actually increasing the information that people know about the candidates."
Wisconsin’s senate race has gained prominence throughout the nation. The Federal Election Commission reports that currently over forty million dollars have been spent. Most of these campaign dollars have been spent on the negative ads.
For the Badger Report, I’m Mallory Warner.
Photo Credit: Darren Hauck Reuters
Election 2012: Obama's Rally In Madison
By: Arielle Crane and Danielle Willerman
MADISON - Mr. Obama started his last day of campaigning in Madison early Monday morning. The Badger Report’s Arielle Crane has more on his visit.
The cheers were loud yesterday morning as thousands of Wisconsinites came to Mr. Obama’s rally to keep up the high energy surrounding the election.
In its final push, both the Obama and Romney campaigns are focusing on the five swing states that will influence the outcome of this election. Speaking here in Madison, Mr. Obama motivates the crowd in hopes of securing a second term.
President Barack Obama: "Are you fired up? Are you ready to go?"
This burst of spirit is exactly what attendee Colleen Schell expected from the final hours of the President’s last campaign.
Colleen Schell, Rally Attendee: "I think he’s just going to try to energize people to get out and vote. I think people obviously all here already have their minds made up and most of the state has their minds made up so it’s more about energizing people to get out and vote, try to get all of your friends to vote."
With many voters’ minds already made up, Mr. Obama’s rally was meant to attract his supporters, even bringing singer Bruce Springsteen on stage to excite the crowd.
For the Badger Report, I’m Arielle Crane.
Photo Credit: Arielle Crane
Election 2012: The Era of Social Media
By: Stephanie Lallas and Emma Austin
MADISON - Both President Obama and Governor Romney have spent millions of dollars on social media efforts and have sparked more conversation on Twitter and Facebook about the election than ever before.
Katie Culver, UW-Social Media Expert: "I still think the Obama campaign is setting the gold standard when it comes to social media, in terms of fundraising, in terms of get out the vote, and part of that is because they’re not just using it now, ya know this goes back to 5 years ago, and registering millions and millions and millions of voters, they used social as part of that, they also used in person as part of that, and I think it’s been pretty impressive."
According to inc.com, two-thirds of Internet users are on social networks, and eight out of ten adult social media users are registered voters. The two candidates are definitely taking these statistics seriously. Obama has over seven thousand tweets, and Romney has over one thousand.
Jessi Conti, UW-Madison Sophomore: "They’ve made me look into issues more, if anything; sometimes they totally annoy me because I’m not as liberal as people that I know, and so if I read something that just seems stupid to me, it’ll aggravate me and I’ll wanna like take action or say something- I usually don’t but it’ll make me look into it or talk to my mom about it."
Students at UW-Madison are well known for their social media presence, and last year the University won Klout.com’s “Influencer Insanity” contest, a national title regarding social media.
Corine Deutsch, UW-Madison Senior: "I think just in the amount of tweeting and the amount of people on Facebook, you can see that there’s just so many types of people from celebrities to our peers to our parents, everyone’s on social media now."
For the Badger Report, I’m Stephanie Lallas.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Lallas
First Time Voters Make Their Voice Heard in the 2012 Election
By: Kate Bothe and Rory Linnane
MADISON - Across campus, Badgers filed into Memorial Union, Holt Commons, Gordon Dinning and Event Center, The UW Welcome Center, and various other polling locations to place their vote today. For some Badgers, this election was of special prominence.
“Today was my first time voting!” said freshman student Colin Suehring.
A survey conducted by Tufts University estimates that voter turnout increased by about 50 percent between the 2004 and 2008 elections. UW students hope to continue that momentum this year.
“It wasn’t difficult at all for me to register. It was really fast and easy, and then I just came here today and the voting process itself was pretty quick,” said Suehring.
“Wisconsin is the swing state, Obama has been here twice. It’s just an important thing- it’s out future. It’s important to me,” added freshmen Hunter Cochren.
As Wisconsin has remained under the watchful eye of the entire nation during this election season, Wisconsin voters, whether its their first time or their fourth, can be proud to know that their vote counts.
For the Badger Report, I'm Kate Bothe.
Photo Credit: Kate Bothe
Hurricane Sandy
By Brendan Caven and Sam Sussman
Photo Credit: NOAA Environmental Visualization Lab
MADISON - Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc up and down the East Coast for a total of nine days, causing more than 50 billion dollars of damage. But even though the storm is finally gone, its effects can still be felt even here in Wisconsin. UW students with friends and family out east are still concerned about their safety and well-being.
Jon Gorman, UW Madison Student: "My cousin, however, sent me a somewhat frightening text on Monday night, or I guess technically Tuesday morning at like 2 AM saying he had lost power, his cellphone was dying. He sent that one text saying you know saying you’re not going to be able to reach me and that’s something that you know really hits home."
The university has made services and assistance available for students who have been affected by Sandy.
Dennis Chaptman, Director of News Media Relations: "The university felt we really needed to reach out and be a touchpoint and provide resources to students from that area and… to give them the support they need at a very difficult time for them and their families."
But East Coast students and their families might not be the only ones to feel Sandy’s effects. The big storm might also shake up things in the political arena. I had the chance to sit down with a University of Wisconsin professor and talk about Hurricane Sandy’s potential effects on voter turnout and the elections come Tuesday.
Kenneth Mayer, UW Madison Political Science Professor: "There will be lots of people without power, lots of difficulty organizing the logistics of getting all the equipment and ballots securely to the places they need to go…"
It probably will have the effect of turnout being a little bit lower than it would otherwise be just because people have other things to worry about than voting.
For the Badger Report, I’m Brendan Caven.