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Politicians denounce women’s income gap
Milwaukee students petition for ‘true’ shared governance Three University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students advocated for reformed student government by delivering over 1,300 student petition signatures to UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Michael Lovell’s office Friday, according to a Tuesday release from a student group. Approximately 5 percent of the student body signed the petition supporting “true shared governance” and a new, studentwritten UW-Milwaukee Student Association Constitution, available for student comment until April 12. The constitution would replace the Board of Trustees’ Student Association Constitution, which is supported by only 242 students and is scheduled to take effect May 1. “I … have no confidence in, declare that I am not represented by, and do not recognize the Board of Trustees,” the students said in the petition. The petition also states these students do not approve segregated fees being used by or paid to the Board of Trustees and assert their rights under a Wisconsin statute that gives students responsibility for formulating and reviewing student-life policies. Students Taylor Scott and Samir Siddique filed a complaint against the administration Jan. 14 for “affirmative action to not recognize the 2013-2014 UWM Student Association Elections,” according to another release. Lovell announced his retirement March 26 as UW-Milwaukee chancellor to become the first lay president of Marquette University Aug. 1. “My decision ... has been the most difficult one of my professional career,” Lovell said in an email to students. “But in recent weeks, as several people asked me to keep an open mind, I began to hear a calling to serve at an institution where I could more openly share my Catholic faith.” —Dana Kampa
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Numerous political lead- Department of Labor to proers including President vide information about federal Barack Obama and Wisconsin employees salaries to identify Democrats discussed plans pay discrimination. Tuesday to end pay inequaliDemocratic gubernatorial ties in the workplace for candidate Mary Burke also women in response to Equal expressed her support for Pay Day. equal pay Tuesday saying in Equal Pay Day gives nation- a statement Wisconsin women al recognition that women earn 80 cents to every dollar a earn less than men in the man earns. workplace. Women Burke said she earn an average of 77 wants to reincents to every dolstate Wisconsin’s lar earned by a man, 2009 Equal Pay according to the latest Enforcement Act as U.S. census statistics. part of her jobs plan cents to Wisconsin and called “Invest for every dollar many other states Success.” earned by a have taken action State Senate man in the United against workplace disMinority Leader Chris States crimination in addiLarson, D-Milwaukee, tion to Obama’s first discussed in a statement bill signed in office, the issue of the amount cents to the Lilly Ledbetter of households headed every dollar Fair Pay Act (2009). by underpaid women, a man earns Obama delivered and how the repeal of in Wisconsin, a speech Tuesday Equal Pay Enforcement according to Mary Burke announcing his plans by state Senate to sign an executive Republicans negatively order, that would proaffects families. hibit federal contrac“Our mothers, tors from retaliating against daughters and sisters deserve employee compensation dis- no less than equal treatment cussions, according to a White in the workplace,” Larson said House statement. Obama also in the statement. “That starts signed a presidential memo- with an equal wage.” randum Tuesday requiring the —Laura Grulke
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Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, discuses details of the new alcohol license density ordinance to take effect July 1.
City council approves new alcohol policy By Patricia Johnson THE DAILY CARDINAL
City council members unanimously approved a new alcohol policy Tuesday that seeks to expand the vicinity for establishments to obtain alcohol licenses and provide clear definitions for different types of alcohol-serving businesses.
“We support ... the ordinance amendments as a more focused approach for the downtown of today and tomorrow.” Susan Schmitz president Downtown Madison, Inc.
The new alcohol ordinance, effective July 1, will establish a smaller alcohol overlay district between State Street and University Avenue. Future
additions of new taverns, brew pubs, liquor stores and accessory retail alcohol sales will be restricted within the new overlay district but existing establishments will be unaffected. By creating a smaller overlay district, businesses in the greater campus and downtown areas will have room to grow. The current ordinance, passed in 2007, restricts the establishment of businesses that generate more than 50 percent of their revenue from alcohol sales in an overlay area that covers most of the campus and downtown areas. Susan Schmitz, president of Downtown Madison, Inc., spoke at the meeting and expressed the importance of the approved amendments to the current alcohol license density ordinance.
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COURTNEY KESSLER/CARDINAL FILE PHOTO
President Barack Obama discussed an executive order signed Tuesday aimed at equalizing women’s pay.
Gov. Scott Walker signs 62 bills Tuesday, including revenge porn ban, drone use restriction By Andrew Hahn THE DAILY CARDINAL
Gov. Scott Walker signed 62 bills Tuesday that the state Legislature had approved in the final session before the end of the legislative year. Among the legislation was a bipartisan measure to restrict the use of drones. The bill outlaws the use of surveillance drones by
individuals or law enforcement officers without a permit, except in case of an emergency. State representatives of both parties lauded the bill’s enactment in a joint statement Tuesday. “While Democrats and Republicans have passionate debates over many policy areas, the Drone Privacy Protection Act is the epitome of the type
“This law will guarantee that our civil liberties remain intact.” Tyler August state rep. R-Lake Geneva
of consensus bipartisan legislation that the people of Wisconsin should expect from
A season to remember
our government,” state Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, said in the statement. “I applaud Gov. Walker for signing this bill today. As technology advances, we must remain ever vigilant to ensure our privacy laws evolve,” state Rep. Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva, added. “This law will guarantee that our civil liberties
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remain intact.” Another measure Walker signed Tuesday would criminalize the distribution of sexually explicit images without the subject’s consent, commonly known as revenge pornography. The act would be punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and impris-
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On this day in history... 1019 B.C.—David slays the Philistine champion Goliath. 1872—Samuel R. Percy patents dried milk, a powder derived from beef jerky. 1912—The Titanic leaves Queenstown, Ireland for New York City. Check back with Almanac in a few days to see how the trip ends. 1945—The battleship Admiral Scheer is sunk by a Royal Air Force bombing in Kiel, Germany. E8 was an excellent choice. 1945—The National Football League requires players to wear long stockings. Most teams ignore the rule and continue to play completely naked. 1947—Baseball suspends Brooklyn Dodger Leo Durocher one year for playing completely naked.
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WID lab allows 3-D neutrino imaging For the first time, data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory is able to be visualized in 3-D using the Living Environments Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, according to a news release. Buried deep beneath South Pole ice, IceCube is a detector that uses neutrinos, which are nearly massless and electrically neutral particles, to observe outer space. The LEL is housed in the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and projects 3-D images received from the IceCube’s sensors, creating a virtual reality
that permits users to look “inside the ice” and navigate space with a joystick. The LEL will help to illustrate events revealed by neutrino interactions better than two dimensional imaging. In addition, it allows for the direction, energy and type of neutrino to be determined by analyzing the intensity and sequence of the light seen in neutrino events. The project’s next phase will consist of compiling a record of noteworthy neutrino interactions, LEL researchers said in the release. NICK MONFELI/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Man robs State Street pharmacy for pharmaceutical drugs Sunday An armed man robbed the Community Pharmacy on State Street Sunday morning, according to an incident report. The suspect entered the pharmacy, located on 341 State St., brandishing a knife and demanding pharmaceuticals, according to Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain. The man left the pharmacy with several bottles of drugs including Oxycontin. Police described the suspect as a white male between the ages of 40- and 60-years-old. He allegedly wore two yellow sur-
gical masks and wire-framed sunglasses to obscure his face. Additionally, the suspect wore dark blue hospital or jail pants, a loose-fitting green hoodie and a baseball hat. Surveillance cameras captured two images of the man leaving the pharmacy, according to the MPD. Officers searched the area with the aid of a police dog, according to DeSpain. The suspect remains at large, and police recommend citizens call 608266-6014 with any information regarding the matter.
Madison Affirmative Action Commission Chair Theola Carter discusses the possible formation of an advisory subcommittee to improve various demographic issues in the city.
City commission creates subcommittee in response to demographic change report Madison’s Affirmative Action Commission discussed future city development plans Tuesday following the release of the city’s demographic change report in January. The report included three recommendations for Madison’s Common Council suggesting the city address an increased need for senior housing and transportation, establish livability assessments for all Madison districts and revitalize career pathways for Madison’s younger residents. The Affirmative Action Commission, which consists of 11 members appointed by Mayor Paul Soglin, approved the report and recommendations as well as began the process of creating an advisory subcommittee. Norman Davis, Department of Civil Rights affirmative action
council from page 1 “The [2007] ALDO did not work as we had hoped. It did not address the licensing issues that directly affect safety and the management of usual businesses,” Schmitz said. “We support ...
SHOAIB ALTAF/CARDINAL FILE PHOTO
Gov. Walker signed 62 bills Tuesday, some of which addressed revenge porn, mental health services and drones.
walker from page 1 onment for up to nine months. “Studies have shown 90 percent of revenge porn victims are women,” state Rep. John Spiros, R-Marshfield, who is also the author of the bill, said in a statement. “We are standing up for Wisconsin women and letting offenders know this despicable practice will not be tolerated in our state.” Spiros also authored a bill signed Tuesday that would allow Wisconsin businesses and residents to purchase rifles and shotguns from any other state. Current law mandates
that rifles and shotguns may only be purchased from states bordering Wisconsin. “This law does not change the rules for obtaining long guns and rifles; it simply provides a greater variety of longs guns, rifles and retailers to choose from,” Spiros said in the statement. The Wisconsin Hospital Association praised Walker for signing the Mental Health Care Coordination Bill, which would allow mental health care providers to coordinate in the same way physical health care providers can, according to a statement Tuesday.
“The amendments are trying to get at a very valid criticism of our existing alcohol license density ordinance.” Mike Verveer alder District 4
the ordinance amendments as a more focused approach for the downtown of today and tomorrow.” In addition, the new ordinance provides specific definitions for different establishments that can receive alcohol licenses. Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said by creating clear definitions, establishments will follow the appropriate regulations associated with their titles. “The amendments are trying to get at a very valid criticism
division manager, described the future subcommittee as a “sounding board” for the commission by helping to develop public works contractor policy and take input from minorities and female workers in the field.
“When you go to the library, you don’t see people of color, and people of color blanket the city.” Theola Carter chair Affirmative Action Commission
The subcommittee would also discuss options regarding career revitalization in the public works field and should not face problems regarding its establishment, according to Assistant City of our existing alcohol license density ordinance,” Verveer said. “Some establishments are, frankly, pretending to be resturants and I don’t want that same situation to occur.” Verveer said some establishments claim to function as nightclubs which qualify for conditional use within the overlay district when they are, in fact, taverns. Taverns are not allowed as permitted or conditional uses in the overlay district. Multiple members of the public spoke in support of the ordinance, claiming it would provide “flexibility” and benefit businesses downtown. Mary Carbine, executive director at Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, said a study measuring the growth in food and drink industries in Madison since 1998 shows very little improvement. Carbine said the new ALDO policy will advance the production of the industry with “more predictability.” “I do think it’s important that the city and downtown stakeholders continue to do what we can in strategizing and thinking about how to ensure a long-term, healthy retail mix downtown,” Verveer said.
Attorney Adriana Peguero. The commission also focused on the lack of libraries in the less affluent East Washington Avenue area, with Ald. Joseph Clausius, District 17, calling it a “disservice.” Commission Chair Theola Carter specifically cited the lack of minority librarians in existing libraries as a recurring problem. “When you go to the library, you don’t see people of color, and people of color blanket the city,” Carter said. Members of the commission agreed creating future libraries will be essential to community development. “Libraries need to think of themselves as not just lenders, but community centers,” Department of Civil Rights Director Lucía Nuñez said. —Irene Burski
Man knocked unconscious on Gilman Street An argument between two groups of men on West Gilman Street turned violent early Sunday morning when a 22-yearold man was knocked unconscious, according to a Madison Police Department report. The incident occurred on the 400 block of West Gilman Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. One man kicked the victim in the head, knocking him unconscious, according to the report by MPD spokesperson Joel DeSpain. A second man then kicked the victim again when he was still on the ground. The suspect who delivered the first blow is described as a 6-foot tall man with a lighter complexion, wearing a black hoodie over a white T-shirt and blue jeans, according to DeSpain. The man was also described to have a “fade” style haircut and a tattoo on his upper back. The second suspect was not described in the report. The victim was transported to a local hospital and diagnosed with a concussion following the incident, according to DeSpain.
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Self-powered electronics may be the future By Suma Samudrala The Daily Cardinal
Xudong Wang, an assistant professor of material science and engineering at the University of WisconsinMadison is a researcher in the field of nanogenerators, a technology that harvests mechanical or thermal energy into electricity. Wang was one of the early pioneers in the use of nanomaterials to harvest mechanical energy. While research on mechanical energy harvesting already existed, Wang helped advance nanomaterials for this application. While doing his postdoctorate at Georgia Institute of Technology, he developed the first nanogenerator. Recently, Wang and his team have been working with piezoelectric material, a material that can generate electric potential based on strain put on the material. The team created a porous piezoelectric nanogenerator and showed that environmental vibrations, or mechanical energy, can be harvested. This new area of development could pave the way to self-powered electronics. First, the team created a thin polymer film from piezoelectric material consisting of the chemical compound PVDF. When the hydrogen atoms of PVDF’s structure align opposite to the structure’s flurorine atoms, gives the film electric charge if strain, pressure or mechanical stress is placed on the material. However, instead of using just a polymer film, the team made a polymer film with micrometer spaced pores, allowing for the material to act like a small sponge. “With those pores, it is possible to control the mechanical property [of] stiffness of the polymer film, so that the polymer film will be able to respond to the environmental vibration once it is attached to a heavy device like a smartphone,” Wang said. Currently, different nanomaterials are developed, including nano wires, rays of nano materials, nano composite and thin films. By using nano-scale materials, energy harvesting devices have “the potential to show higher efficiency … better lifetime, [and] high sensitivity to the mechanical source, so we call that the nanogenerator,” Wang said. The team made a centimeter squared polymer sheet and attached it to a metal weight and a piece of foam. After creating surface vibrations, they tested for the generation of electricity. They were able to succeed in harvesting energy by connecting the mechanism to a capacitor to record the generated energy. A mattress on top of a bed
is a good example of this film. For example, if an individual laid on the bed and the floor was vibrating, energy can be absorbed via the damping effect. Damping is a property of a material or a system that indicates energy dissipation. Similarly, Wang and his collaborators attached a polymer sheet to both a very heavy object and foam and exposed the system to vibrations on the surface. A damping layer was created by the polymer sheet so that the heavy device drove vibrations and harvested energy. The success of this new development paves the way for future discoveries of technology that can charge phones on the go without the use of electrical cords. To charge a cellphone battery, however, a larger polymer sheet is needed. “The output ideally is proportional to the volume of the sheet,” Wang said. “So if you make the polymer sheet with uniform property and same size [as the] foam and 2 mm thick [similar to the thickness of the cover of the phone], I believe it will produce enough energy to charge the battery.” Another area to address would be finding energy sources to charge the phone. For example, if the phone were to lay stationary on the ground, the mechanism cannot be utilized to charge the phone as there would be no vibrations or movement. On the other hand, this mechanism would be beneficial if the phone were placed on a passenger seat in a moving car. Nonetheless, the proof of this concept by Wang and his associates shows the simplicity of the mechanism and the start of the development for self-powered electronic devices.
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UW study finds cause of canine tremors By Catherine Steffel The Daily Cardinal
A team of researchers led by Ian Duncan, professor of neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, reported last November in the journal glia that they have found the genetic basis for canine tremor disorder. Their findings hold implications for dog owners, dog breeders, and families of individuals with certain disorders. Canine tremor disorder is autosomal recessive, which means that both parents of a dog must be carriers for the dog to show tremors. The syndrome is characterized by tremors that grow in intensity for several weeks after some Weimaraner and Chow puppies are born. While only a small number of pups are affected by canine tremor disorder, and the trembling diminishes and stops in most cases, research shows that it persists longer in Chows than in Weimaraners for reasons still unknown, says Duncan. Researchers have long known that canine tremor syndrome is caused by a unique, tract-specific disruption in the myelination in the spinal cord during canine development. But studies have not managed to find the genetic basis for the canine tremor disorder which is sometimes called “shaky puppy syndrome.” A lack of myelin, a fatty substance that protects nerve fibers, disrupts electrical signals which are ultimately responsible for movement. The unique hypomyelination of the spinal cord giving rise to tremors was the hallmark that Duncan and other researchers studied to direct their search for the genetic basis of the disorder. “A gene is involved here,” Duncan said. “This gene is involved in instructing the cell to make myelin in these areas in early development,” so it is natural to extend research to locate this gene and the mutation which leads to canine tremor disorder.
Unlike animal models like the jimpy mouse and myelin deficient rat, which have a human analog in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, canine tremor disorder has no known human analog. This is unfortunate, as animal models often aid symptom identification, prognosis and treatment planning of their human counterparts. However, there are a “number of descriptions of development disorders in children with delayed myelination,” Duncan said. Because canine tremor disorder is potentially a new disorder, it might have a human analog. Greater knowledge of this could help humans diagnose and treat human disorders based on the same genetic mutation. Duncan and his team were able to isolate a mutation in the gene encoding the FNIP2 protein leading to the myelin defects in Weimaraner puppies. Duncan and his team studied samples from unrelated pedigrees and a control group unaffected by the disorder using a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. This analysis is the “gold standard” in this type of research with small samples, says Duncan. It identifies gene mutations using localization by examining genetic variants in a group of animals to see if any are associated with specific traits. Isolating a single canine chromosome using GWA was not enough to determine the genetic basis of canine tremor disorder; the researchers needed to locate a specific gene and gene mutation. G e n e sequencing was performed a n d r e ve a l e d a deleted nucleotide in a gene encoding FNIP2. In dogs with canine tremor disorder, the mutation causes FNIP2 to be shorter than in normal dogs. This results in the hypomyelination
found in Weimaraners. The process of myelination is not yet fully understood. In addition, the study notes that the function of FNIP2 in the myelination process is also not fully understood, and the long term effects of hypomyelination are still unknown. However, this research makes great strides. In addition to identifying the genetic basis for canine tremor disorder, researchers developed a DNA test for hypomyelination to assist owners and breeders in identifying affected and carrier dogs. The test is simple—breeders or owners submit a blood sample or mouth swab. DNA is isolated and sent to a genetics test lab at UC Davis, a research affiliate. Breeders are able to use test results to select mating pairs to avoid producing affected dogs. Also, the genotype of more dogs with the syndrome can be determined for future research. “People with these dogs will be told that tender loving care will get their dogs through this …and they will have a normal dog.” What is most important about this study is that it “recognized, identified and defined” the genetic basis for canine tremor disorder, Duncan said. We know now from animal studies that there is recovery with time; thus, a child with a similar disorder may also improve with time. There is hope for these families, commented Duncan.
graphic by Mikaela Albright
Ask Ms. Scientist: Runny Noses and Bird Maps Dear Ms. Scientist, Why do our noses run when we eat spicy foods? —Tia D. Chemicals, such as capsaicin in chili peppers and allyl isothiocyanate in wasabi and mustard, are responsible for the hot sensation when eating spicy foods. However, they don’t only irritate your tongue. They also irritate your mucus membranes, which line your nose, throat, sinuses and lungs. Your mucus membranes function to keep dust, pollen and infectious agents out of your lungs by producing snot and tears when they are irritated. Even though spicy foods are not infectious agents, the irritation still causes mucus and tears to be produced, resulting in a runny nose. The spicy chemicals produced by the plants evolved as defense mechanisms to prevent herbivores from eating them. graphic by Mikaela Albright
Dear Ms. Scientist, I can’t even remember the directions between my home in Illinois and Madison. So, how does a bird know where to fly when migrating greater distances? —Tasher L. There have been many studies about this. However there is still controversy as to how this phenomenon occurs. It depends on the species, but here are some hypotheses. Often, diurnal birds create “mental maps” during their first migration with their parents and remember where to go for the rest of their life. Birds may also create an olfactory “mental map” from gradients of environmental smells, which allows them to navigate even if they have never seen a place before. Some birds are able to sense changes in the magnetic field, allowing them to differentiate between north and south. And other birds learn to navigate from the different positions of the sun and stars and different times of year. Ask Ms. Scientist is written by Corinne Thornton. If you have a burning science question you want her to answer, tweet @DC_Science or email it to science@dailycardinal.com.
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‘Divergent:’ weighing book versus film By Allison Garcia THE DAILY CARDINAL
It’s easy to bash a movie like Divergent, especially when the best-seller written by Veronica Roth is such a page-turner. Although it’s fair to argue that there are too many plot changes to accurately depict Roth’s dystopian Chicago, that’s not what should be valued when comparing the book to the movie. What we should be asking is whether or not the integrity of the book is conserved. So what is Divergent, the book, really all about? Tris, the main character of the series, longs to find out where she belongs in a society that prides itself on categorization. In a city divided into five factions that represent selflessness, bravery, intelligence, honesty and kindness, she finds that the definitions of these qualities have been lost through the erosion of time. What hits home with this novel is its message about what it means to be brave: “We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” The guts it takes to participate in a reckless and daring act could never compare to the courage it takes to make a sacrifice for what or who you love. In the end, being selfless and being brave
GRAPHIC BY MIKAELA ALBRIGHT
don’t seem all that different. Hand in hand with bravery comes the idea of fear and how it controls people. The characters are horrified by anything ranging from simple fears like moths or intimacy to deeper terrors like helplessness or their capacity to take away life. In a world where fear consumes its victims, Tris is capable of managing it to show her true bravery. Through the brutality of initiation in the Dauntless faction, where putting oneself in
danger is not only encouraged but also rewarded, each of the characters learn to lean on one another as a method of survival. Loyalty to friends, family and loved ones is an obvious value for each of the characters, especially Tris. This makes it easy for a reader to fall in love with everyone in her life. Regardless of whether or not the plot was altered to fit cinematic standards, these themes needed to be preserved in order to capture the true essence of Divergent. All things considered, the
movie does an incredible job showing the political system involving the separate factions. This was easily done with eccentric outfits and various stereotypical characteristics represented in each division. Through the almost clichéd actions of the characters audiences can make snap judgments about who to like and who to see as an enemy. The true definition of bravery is packed heavily into Divergent. We get a glimpse of sacrifice from Tris as we watch her take a friend’s place and
Video games lacking in laughs ADAM PARIS sega WHAT?! Finding humor in games is generally like trying to search for some really blunt needle in a stack of crap—it’s pretty unpleasant and usually barely worth the effort. Writing in games is generally horrendous, so trying to garner any amount of hilarity out of stilted scenes is about the best you can get. Games like “Metal Gear Solid” usually play on traditional video game tropes in some illfated attempt to make you laugh. Sometimes it’s successful, like the never-ending ladder climb in the third entry that made me feel like director Hideo Kojima was simply toying with me. Other times, such as the “stare intently at big boobs” button in a cutscene, I was more disturbed than tickled. Part of the issue stems from trying to create any intelligible dialogue outside of cutscenes. Generally they are the only portions that remotely resemble traditional narrative writing, besides conversational gameplay. They allow creators to try to set up a scene that plays more toward the strengths of a directed scene. However, they usually use these portions to grab a fistful of exposition and shove it down your throat. It tastes like disappointment and anchovies. One of the easiest ways for video game creators to try to create some humor is finding one central group of relatable, likable characters and building up their relationships. All the best sitcoms stick a common
group of people together, and you gradually watch them grow together through their self-destructive tendencies. Sitcoms can also take an incredible amount of time to gel and find the proper roles for each character. The lengthy nature of video games would seem to make them an incredibly viable platform for that sort of character development. Creations like the “Uncharted” series or “Persona 4” are probably the gold standard for inciting humor in one continuous video game. “Gold standard” being used loosely of course, since these games still rely on violent beats that sometimes destroy the illusion of a band of merry friends just joshing around. However, the banter between the group’s characters feels far more realistic, witty and hits actual comedic beats unlike almost every other game. The main difference between the gradual evolution of a sitcom’s characters and most those in video games is that the latter is generally released in one ten to fifty hour chunk as opposed to the slow understanding stemming from individual television episodes. The episodic model is starting to pick up a bit more steam in the video game industry nowadays. “The Walking Dead” stands out as the prime example for how to create an episodic game, but the characters were fairly well defined from the beginning. In television for example, Troy on “Community” evolved from a jerk jock into a lovable pop culture dunce. That sort of complete transformation is rarely possible, not only because few episodic games rely solely on humor, but also because their story arcs are pretty concrete even from the
start. Minute changes simply aren’t as feasible. Within the past year or so there has been a movement towards games that challenge players’ fundamental dexterity. “Octodad: Dadliest Catch” puts you in control of an octopus masquerading as a family’s father in a suit. You control each of your four individual limbs as you try to survive the day without alerting outsiders to your actual nature. The humor and challenge derives from the impossibility of performing mundane tasks like making coffee. Recently “Goat Simulator” was also released and was perceived as more of a joke than actual product. However, the mere premise of controlling a goat in the ridiculous sandbox the developer created results in a series of hidden calamities throughout the world. Reviewers soured on both of these products, but I appreciate them both for trying to inject some humor in a way that’s exclusive to the medium. Relying on the basic mechanics of other mediums is sometimes counter-productive to the industry’s growth, in my opinion. There are always the “Lego” games to fall back on if someone is looking for a few easy laughs, but the dearth of humor in video games is depressing. When it’s easier to laugh from trying to break a game than playing it, there’s a fundamental problem. I just played “X-Men Legends” again this weekend, and it’s rather telling that I chuckled more at the absolutely appalling textures in this 2004 game than any release in recent memory. Has a recent game release cracked you up? Let Adam in on
have knives thrown at her. It is not until we see both of her parents die for their faction and witness Tris turn the gun on herself rather than the man she loves, however, that we see what it means to be brave. The fear factor in this movie is what makes this dystopian world feel a little less impossible. Shailene Woodley, playing the role of protagonist Tris, masterfully pulls off an almost impossible task of seeming determined and terrified at all times. The fears in this movie are relatable because no one wants to feel helpless, even in less extreme situations. As a whole, the film lacks character development. Throughout the book it is easy to grow attached to Christina’s brutal honesty and Will’s witty charm. Even Al, who in the movie hardly shows up until his betrayal, has a loveable soft side that only appears in the book. Aside from Tris and Four, it is difficult to grow attached to any other characters in the adaptation. By and large, the movie does a respectable job of capturing the true meaning of Divergent. Although I do not recommend wasting money at the theatre when the more holistic experience of the story can be found in a library for free, the movie is definitely worth catching. I can’t wait to see what surprises lay in the sequel, Insurgent.
RECORD ROUTINE Todd Terje impresses with debut
It’s Album Time Todd Terje By Rose Lundy THE DAILY CARDINAL
Good things come to those who wait, and Todd Terje fans have certainly waited. After making music for 15 years, the Norwegian dance music producer has just released his first full-length album, It’s Album Time. Originally named Terje Olsen, the Scandinavian DJ based his stage name on legendary dance music producer Todd Terry and began establishing himself by reimagining famous songs by artists such as Michael Jackson. Last year, Terje coproduced some material on the fourth album of Scottish indie band, Franz Ferdinand. It’s Album Time pulls together previously released songs and new music, including a collaboration with Bryan Ferry on “Johnny and Mary.” As close as house music can come to a ballad, “Johnny and Mary” is a more melancholy version of the 1980s song by Robert Palmer. Ferry rasps, “Johnny’s always running around trying to find certainty/He needs all the world to confirm that he ain’t lonely.” It is the tragic story
of a couple who is hopeful for a better future, and yet knows hope to be futile. Terje then goes on to explore Cajun and Latin American influences on tracks like “Svensk Sås” and “Alfonso Muskedunder.” Complete with buzzing trumpets, syncopated handclaps and jazz scat singing, these tracks are reminiscent of jazz composers like Pat Metheny. “Swing Star Part 1” and “Swing Star Part 2,” both previously released on 2012 EP It’s The Arps, tie together two very different sounds. “Part 1’s” eerie, wavering riffs trickle like a waterfall, providing stark contrast to the electronic, upbeat rhythms of “Part 2.” Driven by a vibrating bass line and snapping cowbell, “Part 2” still manages to tie the two tracks together with the same mystical wind chimes drifting over its energetic groove. The album ends with Terje’s most famous song, “Inspector Norse.” The seven-minute track weaves its way to the climax of the entire album, gently placing layer upon layer of futuristic melodies. The intensity builds, releases slightly, then is heightened even more so than before. With one final jazzy riff, It’s Album Time bows out with the distant voice of a crowd singing along, wishing the album would never end. As the listener, I too found myself grasping at the lingering essence of summer on Terje’s masterpiece.
Rating: A
comics
6 • Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I’m a Survivor
Today’s Sudoku
© Puzzles by Pappocom
Did You Know... A TWATTLE-BASKET is a very talkative person. dailycardinal.com
First in Twenty Classic
By Angel Lee graphics@dailycardinal.com
Eatin’ Cake Classic
By Dylan Moriarty
Solution, tips and computer program available at www.sudoku.com.
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
Today’s Crossword Puzzle
Evil Bird Classic
By Caitilin Kirihara
Caved In Classic
By Nick Kryshak
Dawg Vintage
By James Strum
Answer key available at www.dailycardinal.com
Bootylicious ACROSS 1 Daisylike fall flower 6 Antony of antiquity 10 Cookbook amt. 13 “___ on you!” 14 Musical medley 15 Guitar bar 16 Northern carnivore 18 Muslim leader 19 Slow the progress of 20 Christmas toymaker 21 Big brother of 10-Across 22 Floppy, compact and others 24 Figures of speech 26 Used a rocker 29 Place-kicker’s prop 30 Military mix-up 31 Swamp thing? 33 Aquarium organism 35 Feathered friends 38 Bullets, briefly 39 Bluish greens 41 Cork’s country 42 “Mea culpa,” in slang 44 Yawn-inducing 45 Fishline hangup 46 Accident mementos 48 Classic TV’s “The ___ Squad” 50 Psych 101 subject 51 Wheezing cause 53 Like some wars
55 Period of economic growth 56 An ideal, in Chinese philosophy 58 Gradually develop 62 Sicilian gusher 63 It may be blowin’ in the wind 65 What happened next 66 Showstopper for a diva 67 Pool table material 68 Ship emergency letters 69 Diplomatic necessity 70 Big name in chicken DOWN 1 Piedmont wine city 2 It just fills up space 3 Use the flat part of the shovel 4 Fix firmly in place 5 Make additional revisions 6 Cut the grass 7 Succulents for lotions 8 Brooklet 9 Dracula’s bed 10 Percussion instrument 11 Involuntary muscle contraction 12 Splendid displays 15 Urbanizes
1 7 Usher elsewhere 23 Famous peeps 25 Brylcreem amount 26 Cheat out of money 27 Their mascot is a mule 28 Cemetery fixtures 30 Deli meat 32 Carriage driver 34 Guy’s hoedown counterpart 36 Wind resistance 37 Showy lily 40 Digger’s tool 43 Certain water blocker 47 Snare drum sounds 49 Sell off stocks 51 Assists in a bad way 52 Bantu language group 53 One with gags 54 In a humble manner 57 Indefinable surrounding 59 Meadowlands 60 Governor’s nix 61 Biblical paradise 64 Flying mammal
opinion dailycardinal.com
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
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7
Wisconsin prisons’ racial disparities must be fixed HALEIGH AMANT opinion editor
I
t may come as no surprise to many that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Even more unsurprising to some might be the racial disparities in our prison system (black men are more likely to be sent to prison than white men in this country). But what did seem to shock many, including myself, was a study done by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee finding that Wisconsin has the highest incarceration rate of black males in the country, with 13 percent incarcerated. That is nearly double the country’s rate and can be summed up with just one major Wisconsin city: Milwaukee. Before even getting to the huge problem in our home state of Wisconsin, the issues with racial disparities in American prisons in general need also be addressed. Michelle Alexander, a law professor at The Ohio State University, recently wrote a book called “The New Jim Crow.” In her book, Alexander presents a powerful and troubling thesis: “The American prison system is ‘The New Jim Crow,’ a racial caste system making use of the “War on Drugs” to incarcerate and keep social, political and economic control over black, and to a lesser degree, Latino men.” While Alexander does have
her critics, her findings are not easily dismissible. While some may dismiss her theory as overly zealous, who can answer the question of why, despite there being very little difference in illegal drug use between races, has there been almost 20 to 50 percent more black men incarcerated on drug charges in some states? Perhaps it’s linked to poverty, or certain neighborhoods? Some point to the unnecessary and odd difference in sentencing of powder cocaine versus crack cocaine. These drugs are essentially the same and do the same amount of damage to the users. The kicker? Users of crack cocaine are generally black, while users of powder cocaine are primarily white. Crack cocaine offenses, starting in the 1980s, have been given much more severe punishment than powder cocaine offenses, making the racial disparities even stronger. Why are we punishing differently for the same type of drug? And what can be done about all this? While keeping drugs off the streets is important, how necessary is it to send a man to jail for mere possession of marijuana? Take a walk through University of Wisconsin-Madison campus neighborhoods, and I guarantee you will find at least a thousand more to send to jail with that logic (Not to mention they will mostly be white kids, as UW is lacking in diversity, but that’s a whole other issue).
So while the American prison system’s incarceration disparities are troubling in themselves, where are we to go now with the unwelcoming reputation of being the number one state to incarcerate black males? The UW-Milwaukee study done by Lois Quinn found that 49 percent of black men in Wisconsin have spent time in prison by the time they have reached their thirties. Similar to Alexander’s thesis in “The New Jim Crow,” Quinn believes it has to do primarily with the increased focus on the “War on Drugs,” which has created new prisons, mandatory sentencing guidelines and a push toward prison rather than treatment as a direct response to drug offenses. Quinn also points to racial segregation, poor job opportunities in Milwaukee and Milwaukee’s intense drug policing system. While Minnesota keeps their incarceration rates down by creating drug treatment options as the “first response” for drug offenses, Wisconsin’s policy uses stop-and-frisk tactics, even stopping cars for minor traffic offenses in order to ultimately search for drugs. Add to this all the problems faced by black men after they leave prison, such as the near impossibility of finding a job as a felon and consequently ending up back in prison, and we have ourselves a real circular issue that should alarm us. Something has to change. I
GRAPHIC BY MIKAELA ALBRIGHT
don’t claim to be an expert on drug policy, but it shouldn’t take an expert to realize our current system isn’t working. United States Attorney General Eric Holder realizes the huge problem with America’s prison system and is endorsing a proposal that reduces sentencing for those convicted of drug offenses. Holder is also pushing for an end to the mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for those convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. This would greatly decrease the prison population and though it is only a start, it is an important one. In Wisconsin specifically, we have our own changes to make. A group of Wisconsin journalists have started “Project Milwaukee” in response to the racial issues in Wisconsin. This project includes in-depth reporting on vital issues in the
region, including racial disparities in incarceration. While getting the information out there is a huge step, much more needs to be done. For instance, we might look into Minnesota’s treatment approach for drug offenses. Not only would this keep incarceration rates lower, saving money, it would provide an opportunity for first-time offenders to get the help they need without labeling them a as felon and basically assuring they will never find a job and remain in poverty (where drugs are rampant), or go back to prison. Whether or not “The New Jim Crow,” holds any merit, the issue is there in the numbers from the UWM study—numbers that are utterly unacceptable. Haleigh is a senior majoring in political science. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
Letter to the editor
University of Wisconsin-Madison lacks initiative in diversity planning DEVON HAMILTON Although it is my exceptional privilege to be on a scholarship that covers my cost of education here at UW-Madison, I often feel that this campus has cost me much more than the $26,000+ in tuition I would otherwise have to pay. Following my heart and pursuing my student community’s rights has literally cost me my health. I’ve witnessed students of color with beautiful dreams and intentions be bullied by malicious people at this institution and on multiple occasions be pushed to withdraw or drop out of this university. These are a few of the many issues I have experienced while trying to fit in at this university. While UW claims to support a diverse, inclusive campus, their “commitment’ to diversity typically does not extend beyond the mere presence of students of color and basic diversity programming. I feel as if my statistical worth is more valuable to UW-Madison than my experiences and that my mere presence fulfills UW’s expectation of itself. This is evident in the quality of diversity programming which often fails to effectively address the needs of students. UW has displayed an ability to at least conceptually understand the significance of diversity in higher education. Their decision to photoshop a black student’s face by the name of Diallo Shabazz onto an admissions brochure, for instance, is one of their deceptive attempts to demonstrate how much they actu-
ally embrace the concept. I make these accusations because I am one of the few students who has been able witness just how much has been taken from students of color at this university and how our existing resources have been manipulated and depleted. We have been deprived of our own history. People forget student organizations including the Multicultural Student Coalition, the Black Student Union, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán, Wunk Sheek and the Asian Pacific American Council each used to have budgets in the hundreds of thousands, and in a few cases the millions of dollars. We used to be able to develop job descriptions to pay ourselves for the work we did to facilitate change on this campus. Now, we’re starving for resources, competing for scraps, expecting nothing but pocket change. We consider a grant for $1,000 from our student government a win, yet a decent meal to serve our community in any Union space costs a few hundred dollars. Why has it become so difficult for students of color to simply sit and eat together? These specific organizations that primarily serve multicultural communities have steadily been losing funding at a much quicker rate in comparison to other organizations. In addition, they have had their eligibility threatened often enough to pressure the majority of them to lose their GSSF standing and be brought down to an RSO status. As a result, these organizations
have struggled to function effectively and build community among its constituents, further dividing the student of color community. Students hardly have the opportunity to experience quality diversity education in the classroom and the reduction of multicultural student organization resources does nothing to reinforce their professional development. Although there are systems of accountability that are put into place to protect these resources, their current effectiveness remains questionable.
While UW claims to support a diverse, inclusive campus, their ‘commitment’ to diversity typically does not extend beyond the mere presence of students of color and basic diversity programming. One of these methods of accountability is the university’s diversity plan which, is updated every ten years or so. However, in an example of UW’s ‘commitment’ to diversity on this campus, our previous Chief Diversity Officer decided to ignore his duty in the development of a new plan to instead write a book on how to do it. He then decided to leave. Fast forward a year and a half later and what we are left with is a committee composed of few ethnic identities developing a draft that is more like a list of strong suggestions than an actual plan. It is my
understanding that it was designed this way to allow different departments to be creative with their solutions to resolve these issues in diversity. However, in doing so, this plan provides little to no accountability should these departments fail to meet these guidelines and initiatives. An example of this lack of accountability is the redundancy of one of the sections in the draft. One of the plan’s quoted goals is to “Integrate the principles of inclusive excellence into the fabric of university life.” To accomplish this goal, the plan then proposes to “Integrate the principles of inclusive excellence into the fabric of university life.” That’s about as credible as me saying that I feel comfortable that my university values diversity because they tell me they value diversity. The redundancy is maddening and a testimony to the weakness of the plan itself. Nowhere in the plan is inclusive shared governance discussed. We have a chancellor that has made a conscious decision to cease any increases in spending on diversity education, yet this plan does nothing to address the years of budget cuts nor even suggest a minimum level of funding for these programs. This document is supposed to help protect student of color rights here at UW. The Posse and PEOPLE programs came about from a diversity plan almost twenty years ago. At this rate, what significance will come of this one? Students fought back when
CEO came to UW and told students of color how we don’t deserve to be here. We respond back with harsh Facebook posts on the multiple occasions white students have written articles vilifying the concept of affirmative action and ignoring legacy students. So why are we not infuriated with all that’s been taken from us? It is apparent in how much UW has invested in diversity initiatives, but the existence of these programs on campus is simply not enough to assume inclusivity. We are currently at a significant crossroads in diversity education here at UW with the decisions on the diversity plan and the plan to consolidate each of the ethnic studies programs around the corner. If students don’t make enough noise soon, they will consider the current attempt for consolidation, and the subsequent cutting of funding and faculty, as a success in diversity education. If students of color don’t demand back our rights, then we’re saying that it’s okay for them to take away our student organization resources, so long as they do it with a smile. And if students don’t begin to pay attention to the current diversity plan being proposed, then for the next decade or so UW will be held to a very weak system of accountability on these key issues. If we as students of color don’t stand for our own rights, then who will? What are your thoughts and opinions on the state of diversity on UW-Madison’s campus? Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
Sports
WEDNESDAY APRIL 9, 2014 DAILYCARDINAL.COM
Football
Badger offense ready for spring game By Cameron Kalmon THE DAILY CARDINAL
Wisconsin will meet with an audience for the first time since the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl. The Badgers replenished offense and defense will meet in Camp Randall 3 p.m. Saturday. The spring game is a chance for the Badgers to showcase their talent in a friendly scrimmage, offense against the defense. Last year the defense in their cardinal jerseys, trumped their white-garbed offensive opponents 61-47. However, this season will look different for the Badger offense.
unable to turn the tides and the Badgers were beat, 34-24. This year it appears as though the talents of another pigskin slinger may be displayed instead. This spring, Stave has had issues with his shoulder again. However, the Badgers are not short-staffed in the quarterback position. There are some familiar faces that will return to Camp Randall along with some new ones.
“They’re good athletes, and they have really gotten a lot better this spring.”
Quarterbacks
It was head coach Gary Andersen’s first display of management at Wisconsin. Although the offense seemed to struggle, last year was an exhibition of talents for redshirt junior quarterback Joel Stave and his receiving core. Stave was the starting quarterback for the Badgers in the 2013 season. Stave left the Capital One Bowl early due to a shoulder injury, a recurring affliction since breaking his collarbone. Senior Curt Phillips took over but was
Joel Stave quarterback Wisconsin football
Redshirt junior Tanner McEvoy is back behind center for another shot at being the play caller. Early on in the 2013 season, McEvoy had been hyped as quarterback talent but earned his first letter with the Badgers after being moved to safety, where he played 11 games. Another familiar face, red-
NITHIN CHARLLY/CARDINAL FILE PHOTO
Redshirt junior running back Melvin Gordon was the leading rusher in last season’s spring game with 74 yards on 17 carries.
SHOAIB ALTAF/CARDINAL FILE PHOTO
Redshirt junior quarterback Joel Stave has been struggling with recurring shoulder issues. shirt sophomore Bart Houston will be gunning for the position this season. Houston played in two games last season, one against Tennessee Tech and the other against UMass. The young gun ended the season with a single pass for eight yards. New to the party is freshman D.J. Gillins, practicing with the Badgers after early enlistment at Wisconsin. Gillins is a four star recruit, according to ESPN.com, and is also ranked as the No. 17 dual-threat quarterback. The spring game is a chance for these players to prove their talents and win over the hearts of the loyal Badger fans. “I think they’re really good quarterbacks,” Stave said about his competition. “They’ve done a really good job this spring, they’re good athletes, and they have really gotten a lot better this spring.”
Running backs
Entering into the spring game, the running back core will be short one athletic asset they utilized in the fall. Running back James White ended his career with the Badgers earning the recognition of being the No. 4 all-time in Wisconsin running back history with 4,015 yards.
“We know there are a lot of guys out there and we want to be considered one of the top if not the best.” Melvin Gordon running back Wisconsin football
His talents will be missed amongst both Badger fans and players. However, redshirt junior
Melvin Gordon will be returning along with new running backs coach Thomas Brown. Gordon led Wisconsin in last year’s spring game with 17 carries for 74 yards. He scored the one true rushing touchdown in the game, as the scoring is specialized to conform to the style of play. Last season Gordon led the Badgers in rushing yards, carrying the pig skin for 1,609 yards. In this year’s match, Gordon’s efforts will be aided by the talents of sophomore running back Corey Clement. In his first season with the Badgers, Clement earned seven touchdowns and ran the ball for 547 yards. “[Corey and I] just want to be considered as one of the top groups in the nation,” Gordon said. “We know there are a lot of guys out there and we want to be considered one of the top if not the best.”
Going through the five stages of grief after Wisconsin’s loss GREY SATTERFIELD 50 shades of grey
S
aturday night was sickening. When Traevon Jackson’s pull up jumper clanged off the rim and fell to the floor, the city of Madison fell with it. It’s nights like Saturday that make it hard to be a sports fan. The mood this week can only be described as grievous. Not to be dramatic, but Saturday night was agonizing. Depending on how invested you were, you could be anywhere in the five stages of grief, the emotional states after suffering through the death of the 2013-’14 Badger basketball season.
Stage 1: Denial
When the horn sounded it just didn’t feel real. The season couldn’t be over. There was no way.
Tough loss, but they’re going to play next week right? Denial was rampant. Did Harrison’s shot actually go in? Let’s all go to State Street anyway. We didn’t actually lose; we’ll all still party anyway. But it wasn’t the same; the chill of the spring night and the chill of defeat carried the somber night away. The mixture of shock and alcohol made everything feel like a nightmare, but at least you wake up from those.
Stage 2: Anger
“I HATE KENTUCKY!” rang out from every corner of campus. And there was so much to hate about the Wildcats. First, their recruiting philosophy: Saturday was another epic chapter in the war for college basketball’s soul. Two ideas competed: Kentucky’s one-and-done philosophy and Wisconsin’s fouryear student-athlete. Wisconsin fans despise the idea of recruiting someone who will only play for a year. What
about building a team? What about growing as a player? What about getting a degree? Hatred of Kentucky and their coach was palpable. But the most hatred was reserved for Aaron Harrison, the freshman guard who made the shot of his life with six seconds left in the game. That was a lucky shot; he was four feet beyond the 3-point line. What’s worse is that it was a selfish shot. That was the quintessential, douchey intramural jump shot. Anyone who’s ever played basketball before knows a guy who would rather jack up an ill-advised 3-pointer than make a pass. Harrison wanted to impress NBA scouts and be the guy, and sure enough, the shot went down.
Stage 3: Bargaining
In sports it’s known as the “what if” game. What if Harrison misses? What if Traevon makes that shot? What
if he gets fouled? What if Kentucky was fouled on their last possession? What if we went to overtime? One-point basketball games are always heartbreaking for the losing team. Just one bounce of the ball and the Badgers would have been 40 minutes away from the championship. Just ask Arizona what it’s like to get punched in the gut during the tournament. March Madness is so cold. Sixty-eight teams get in and 67 of them have their seasons end in heartbreak.
Stage 4: Depression
Speaking of heartbreak, the sadness and disappointment lingers. It was really hard to watch Monday’s national title game. It’s equally as hard to be excited about the upcoming NBA or NHL playoffs, or the dawning of a new MLB season. That’s the worst part of the NCAA Tournament: It ends the entire season; it ends Ben Brust’s career. It stings, and it will sting
for a while. Walking past the players on campus brings everything back up. I can’t tell who’s more sad; the players or the fans.
Stage 5: Acceptance
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel though. The Maui Invitational kicks off Nov. 23. Next year’s Badger team will almost certainly be one of the favorites to win the Big Ten and return to the Final Four. Sports are full of heartbreak and crushing defeats like Saturday night, but at the end of the day, sports are about one thing: hope. There is always next year, and with it comes the birth of the new season and the birth of a new dream to cut down the nets in Indianapolis and be national champions. What stage of grief are you going through after Saturday’s NCAA Tournament loss? Tell Grey your feelings by emailing gsatterfield@wisc.edu.