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Welcome Back Fall 2012
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“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
page two A retired mall rat reminisces 2
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Welcome Back Fall 2012
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An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 122, Issue 3
2142 Vilas Communication Hall 821 University Avenue Madison, Wis., 53706-1497 (608) 262-8000 • fax (608) 262-8100
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Editor in Chief Scott Girard
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News Team News Manager Taylor Harvey Campus Editor Sam Cusick College Editor Cheyenne Langkamp City Editor Abby Becker State Editor Tyler Nickerson Enterprise Editor Samy Moskol Associate News Editor Meghan Chua Features Editor Ben Siegel Opinion Editors Nick Fritz • David Ruiz Editorial Board Chair Matt Beaty Arts Editors Jaime Brackeen • Marina Oliver Sports Editors Vince Huth • Matt Masterson Page Two Editors Riley Beggin • Jenna Bushnell Life & Style Editor Maggie DeGroot Photo Editors Stephanie Daher • Grey Satterfield Graphics Editors Dylan Moriarty • Angel Lee Multimedia Editors Eddy Cevilla • Mark Troianovski Science Editor Matthew Kleist Diversity Editor Aarushi Agni Copy Chiefs Molly Hayman • Haley Henschel Mara Jezior • Dan Sparks
Business and Advertising business@dailycardinal.com Business Manager Emily Rosenbaum Advertising Manager Nick Bruno Senior Account Executives Jade Likely • Philip Aciman Account Executives Dennis Lee • Chelsea Chrouser Emily Coleman • Joy Shin Erin Aubrey • Zach Kelly Web Director Eric Harris Public Relations Manager Alexis Vargas Marketing Manager Becky Tucci Events Manager Andrew Straus Creative Director Claire Silverstein Copywriters Dustin Bui • Bob Sixsmith The Daily Cardinal is a nonprofit organization run by its staff members and elected editors. It receives no funds from the university. Operating revenue is generated from advertising and subscription sales. The Daily Cardinal is published weekdays and distributed at the University of WisconsinMadison and its surrounding community with a circulation of 10,000. Capital Newspapers, Inc. is the Cardinal’s printer. The Daily Cardinal is printed on recycled paper. The Cardinal is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The Daily Cardinal are the sole property of the Cardinal and may not be reproduced without written permission of the editor in chief. The Daily Cardinal accepts advertising representing a wide range of views. This acceptance does not imply agreement with the views expressed. The Cardinal reserves the right to reject advertisements judged offensive based on imagery, wording or both. Complaints: News and editorial complaints should be presented to the editor in chief. Business and advertising complaints should be presented to the business manager. Letters Policy: Letters must be word processed and must include contact information. No anonymous letters will be printed. All letters to the editor will be printed at the discretion of The Daily Cardinal. Letters may be sent to opinion@ dailycardinal.com.
Editorial Board Matt Beaty • Alex DiTullio Nick Fritz • Scott Girard • David Ruiz
Board of Directors Jenny Sereno, President Scott Girard • Alex DiTullio Emily Rosenbaum • John Surdyk Melissa Anderson • Nick Bruno Don Miner • Chris Drosner Jason Stein • Nancy Sandy Tina Zavoral © 2012, The Daily Cardinal Media Corporation ISSN 0011-5398
For the record Corrections or clarifications? Call The Daily Cardinal office at 608-262-8000 or send an e-mail to edit@dailycardinal.com.
RILEY BEGGIN Beggin ’n’ eggs There are many things that are shudder-worthy when reminiscing about the good old middle school days. The amount of time I spent pondering the infinite importance of Juicy Couture sweat suits, my MySpace page name and Simple Plan lyrics are enough to make me blush in almost any situation. However, after spending far too much time in shopping centers this past summer due to my grandmother’s obsession with T.J. Maxx, I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing so uniquely shudder-worthy as remembering my career as a middle-school mall rat. Although many people may think of our campus’ relative isolation from any shopping center a curse, I know that it is a blessing in disguise. The fluorescent lights and shopping muzak that loops techno remixes of “Hey Soul Sister” every half hour might be enough to turn some people off of malls. I know this even deeper in my soul because I grew up in the shadow of the granddaddy of them all, the Mall of America. Given the size of the Mall of America, it really is the place to be for any self-respecting mall rat. And in middle school, I was definitely one of them (OK, I was still working on the self-respect thing.) To give non-Minnesotans an idea of what we are dealing with, the Mall of America is a four-level megamall housing hundreds of stores, a theme park, a movie theater and an
interactive aquarium. There are no windows to clarify the time of day, Auntie Anne’s pretzels on every block for carbo-loading and people that legitimately get their exercise from speed walking around the floors. Given the added benefit of feeling like every 13-year-old in a 20-mile radius was there, you could easily convince yourself that no life outside of the Mall of America is worth living. Underneath the buzz of normal consumer culture, the mall rat culture thrived. We would get dropped off in pairs or small groups, text our friends and hustle to the food court so we could gossip in the glow of the neon signs hanging above Johnny Rocket’s and Panda Express. Faced with
The Dirty Bird
paralyzing anxiety but a desire to prove to ourselves and our friends that we were sexually attractive (we weren’t), we attempted to chat up groups of male mall rats. This usually ended in a furious internal debate about which AIM screen name to give them, the one that focused on how cool and sporty you were (swimmrgurl92) or the one that showed how mysterious and intriguing you were (fieryredhead113). Ah, the angst! Of course, being the scourges of society, we weren’t allowed to be there without a parent or guardian and therefore were constantly being hunted by mall cops. As I am told now, our brains weren’t fully developed, which would explain why we viewed them as simultaneously the basis of everything wrong with the world and a huge joke that we
needed to pull pranks on. (That also explains why I think it’s a good idea to do a 3-story beerbong on Badger gameday, but who’s counting?) Like a pesky pack of kids on a sitcom, we flippantly and diligently evaded them. All that was missing was the chase-scene montage set to “Yakety Yak.” Luckily, I have outgrown my mall rat days. As in the final scene of “Mean Girls,” I pass by packs of current mall rats the rare times I find myself in a mall, and gaze upon them with both pity and understanding. They now have iPhones instead of Razrs and Katy Perry instead of Simple Plan, but I know we are of the same breed. Poor things, one day they will look back and shudder, too.
sex and the student body
New Dirty Bird on The Block Alex Tucker sex columnist Hello fellow Badgers! Welcome back to another ( h o p e f u l ly) e xc it i n g, gratifying year at the University of WisconsinMadison. Allow me to introduce myself as your official 2012-’13 Dirty Birdie. I’ll be here all year long to answer your juicy sex questions, so please feel free to send them in to sex@ dailycardinal.com. Since this is my first official column for Page 2, I would like to give you a little information about myself before you trust me with your sexual secrets and questions. My name is Alex Tucker and I’m a sophomore here in Madtown. I’m majoring in history and maybe something else that is perhaps less liberal artsy and more… career yielding? Hopefully?
We’ll see. I’m originally from the Chicago suburbs and you’ll find me all over campus, whether it be in the SERF getting swol, in the Sex Out Loud office handing out condoms or chowing down all over State Street. WARNING: I’m kind of a film/literature nerd, so you might see a few quotes thrown in here and there. For example, I’d like to start an article out with a good old “Cum, Forrest, cum!” someday, but I will do my best to be more creative than that. But Alex, you ask, what qualifies you to be our knowit-all de la bedroom? Well, in addition to being avidly interested in the subject (who isn’t?), I am a newly trained program facilitator at UW-Madison’s very own Sex Out Loud. That said, I’m not an expert, and none of the advice I’ll be doling out is medical or professional. I’ll be learning along with you all this year, so get ready for a wild ride—pun intended. I am most interested in
assisting readers explore their sexuality in a way that is safe and pleasurable. The best way to be satisfied in the sack is by knowing what you like and being able to express that to your partner. I would also suggest bringing openness and willingness to learn to the table; you never know what your partner might be into, or better yet, what you could be into. Make one of your goals this year sexual exploration; maybe you get off on things you didn’t even know existed! R e m e m b e r, this university has over 30,000 undergraduate students. There will be people from all over the spectrum of sexuality. From those who have never been kissed to those who have had tens or hundreds of partners, from those uncomfortable discussing homosexuality to those who are out and proud, this school really sexually diverse. Everyone can fit in, enjoy him or herself and take part in our university’s
sex life if they so choose. And whatever a person’s preference, ever yone (including me) should respond without judgment or forcefulness. And now we’ve come to it; the obligatory and extremely important consent note. I’m going to make this very clear: PLEASE, people, don’t rape anyone. Always make sure your partner says yes, and that he or she really means it. Taking advantage of someone can ruin that person’s life in countless ways. DO NOT DO IT. And for that, we thank you. We being the entire population. So get ready for a year of advice, tips and sensual stories, all jam packed with quasi-humorous sarcasm, puns and innuendos. See what I did there? That said, I cannot wait to hear from you. Send me questions, article requests, even your favorite sex tips and tricks. Hit me up, Badgers, and teach me how to fucky.
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Welcome Back Fall 2012 3 l
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Bucky Badger shows his UW-Madison pride by flashing the signature “W” on Bascom Hill.
stephanie daher/the daily cardinal
Construction on the new Memorial Union addition begins with a groundbreaking ceremony August 27th. Phase one of the construction is scheduled to last for two years.
shoaib altaf/cardinal file photo
Madisonians gather at the Farmer’s Market, which occurs every Saturday morning from late April to early November.
stephanie daher/the daily cardinal
Students purchase textbooks at the University Bookstore to prepare for the fall semester.
lorenzo zemella/cardinal file photo
2011 Heisman finalist and senior running back Montee Ball looks to lead the Badgers to a second consecutive Big Ten Championship Game win and a third straight Rose Bowl game.
wil gibb/cardinal File photo
A student relaxes on Bascom Hill with a book between classes.
wil gibb/cardinal file photo
Madisonians enjoy beautiful weather on the steps overlooking Lake Mendota at the terrace last spring.
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New university policy limits moped parking By Taylor Harvey The Daily Cardinal
Daily Cardinal File Photos
Clockwise from top left: Gov. Scott Walker, Vice Presidential nominee and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and former Gov. and U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Thompson.
Wisconsin home to rising stars of GOP By Tyler Nickerson The Daily Cardinal
The Republican Party has its historical roots firmly planted in Wisconsin, where the party was founded in 1854. Over 150 years later, a modern wave of conservative Wisconsinites have thrust the state back into the party’s national spotlight. Just four years ago, Wisconsin had two Democrats in the U.S. Senate, a Democratic governor and voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama over his Republican opponent in the Presidential election. But today, with Gov. Scott Walker, who is one of the most recognizable governors in the nation, chairman of the Republican National Committee Reince Priebus and VicePresidential nominee Paul Ryan all hailing from the dairy state, Wisconsin has become an ideologically and politically important state for Republicans. University of WisconsinMadison College Republicans Chair Jeff Snow credited the success of the three fresh-faced Wisconsinites to their willingness to risk their political
careers to make bold moves. Ryan, as House Budget Committee chairman, put forward a budget proposal that Democrats harshly criticize for its massive cuts to government programs that would allegedly hit the neediest Americans hardest and cut taxes for the wealthy. Walker faced a bitter recall effort against him for a similarly divisive budget bill. UW-Madison Political Science Professor Ken Mayer said while you cannot deny the national prominence of the three Wisconsin conservatives, it does not necessarily signal a shift in the electorate in the state. “I don’t think the emergence of Ryan, Walker and Priebus signifies an enduring shift in the Republican direction,” Mayer said. “That might happen, but I don’t think that this is a sign that that has happened or a cause that it has happened.” Wisconsin has voted for the Democratic nominee in every presidential election since Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, and an Aug. 23 poll shows Obama leads by two points in the race for the state’s 10 electoral votes,
even after the excitement generated by Romney’s vice presidential selection. But Snow said the recent rise of the “Cheesehead Revolution,” as Walker and Priebus have dubbed it, demonstrates the growing strength of conservatism in Wisconsin and the nation. “In many ways, Wisconsin is a microcosm of America,” Snow said. Despite Obama’s current advantage, Republicans will fight to win majorities nationally in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and polls indicate the party will likely gain control of both of Wisconsin’s Senate seats, with current U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., two years into his six-year term. Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson, who also served as Health and Human Services secretary under former President George W. Bush, leads U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., by six points in the race to take over retiring U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl’s, D-Wis., seat, according to an Aug. 23 CBS/New York Times/ Quinnipiac poll.
City increases downtown police presence following recent violent crime streak By Abby Becker The Daily Cardinal
After a summer during which crime and violence occurred frequently throughout downtown Madison, city officials allotted an additional $50,000 to increase the number of police officers patrolling University Avenue on weekend nights. The first major violent act involved a shooting on the 600 block of University Avenue outside Segredo in May which injured three people. In July, five people attacked Wisconsin Badgers’ senior running back
Montee Ball on the 500 block of the same street. One contributing factor to the increase in violence is “nomadic” groups of loitering people who stand outside bars on State Street and University Avenue and who may have gang affiliations, according to Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain. “There is a particular group ... not going into bars, displaying behaviors that [are] intimidating to some and showing a sort of disregard for law enforcement at times,” DeSpain said.
While gang-related violence does occur, MPD Lt. Dave McCaw said it is not as if “gang wars” are playing out on the streets of Madison. The MPD defines a gang as three or more people gathered together with the purpose of committing a felony or a crime, according to McCaw. DeSpain said there have not been any recurring incidents in the area since the additional officers started patrolling the downtown area on weekend nights. Crime Prevention Gang Unit
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University of WisconsinMadison students could see fewer mopeds and less congestion between classes this fall, after UW Transportation Services established a new Moped Parking system that aims to cut down intra-campus moped transportation. Under the new policy, which will take effect Sept. 1, students can purchase a $120 moped parking permit and choose one lot from a list of approved parking lots located throughout campus. The lots are offered at a firstcome, first-serve basis. This differs from past years, when anyone with an $85 permit could legally park in any stall at any moped parking lot on campus.
“Basically it’s kind of making the point of having a moped worthless.” Derek Hasanoglu sophomore University of Wisconsin-Madison
Moped owners who reside in UW dorms have priority to choose one of the 11 lots located near the residence halls. After two weeks, any unsold permits in these lots will be placed into the general availability pool. Students could be penalized with a $40 citation if they are not parked in their registered lot or in one of 12 all-access lots from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The 12 all-access lots, which
can be used at anytime, are located at various Southeast dorms, Chadbourne Hall, Camp Randall Stadium and various Lakeshore dorms. Registered lots are scattered throughout campus, stretching from the Fluno Center and Memorial Library to Engineering Mall and the UW hospital. UW-Madison students who own mopeds have expressed concern over the new policy. Sophomore and moped owner Derek Hasanoglu said having one parking spot on the whole campus is “just ridiculous when you’re trying to go to class.” “Basically it’s kind of making the point of having a moped worthless,” Hasanoglu, who has an apartment on campus and a parking spot on N. Charter Street, said. “My moped is obviously going to be sitting around more than it has to. If I’m going to walk from Humanities from my parking spot I may as well just walk from my apartment.” Despite student concern, a recent study conducted by UW’s Engineering Department confirmed the need for a safer moped policy, according to UW Transportation Services Specialist Michelle Bacon. Bacon said researchers discovered the same moped operators were traveling between four to five different lots per day, which contributes to the 30-40 moped accidents per year that cause injuries. Researchers also observed moped operators illegally parking by fire doors, which poses a safety issue, and on landscaping throughout campus.
stephanie daher/the daily cardinal
Students with mopeds can select one lot at which to park their vehicle, such as the lot by the Humanities building.
Survey ranks UW-Madison 19th among international universities UW-Madison ranked 19th among international universities for the second year in a row, according to a survey done by the Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. The ranking was determined by a number of factors, including alumni and staff Nobel Prize winners as well as research performances. UW-Madison is the highest ranked Big Ten University
to make the list and is one of only six public universities in the United States on the list. The 10 universities topping the list are the same as last year, with Harvard ranked number one, followed by Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Schools from the U.S. dominate the list, capturing 17 of the top 20 spots, as well as 53 of the top 100.
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Thompson to run against Baldwin in Senate race After winning the Wisconsin grandchildren. Republican Primary Election, for“We have always in mer Governor Tommy Thompson America…promised our chilwill run against U.S. dren and our grandchilRep. Tammy Baldwin dren that we are going in November’s general to give them a country election for a seat in the that is stronger and United States Senate. freer, fairer and safer,” Thompson defeated Thompson said. “I don’t three other candidates, think we can fulfill that including runner-up promise unless we take and businessman Eric our country back.” Hovde, who said in his THOMPSON Thompson began his concession speech after first of four consecutive the election that the loss marked terms as governor of Wisconsin the end of his political career. in 1986, and served as Secretary In his victory speech Aug. of Health and Human Services 14, Thompson said he is cam- under former President George paigning for his children and W. Bush.
Pocan defeats Roys to run for seat in U.S. House State Rep. Mark Pocan won on our progressive values and the Aug. 14 Democratic primary accomplishing real results,” for Wisconsin’s second congres- Pocan said in a victory speech sional district, which after the election. includes Madison, He also spoke of a and will run for a seat need for jobs to remain in in the U.S. House of the United States, what Representatives in the he called “meaningNovember. ful” campaign finance Three other candireform and the need for dates, including state health care access. Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, Pocan will run POCAN ran against Pocan. against Republican Chad Pocan received almost Lee in the Nov. 6 gener74 percent of the votes com- al election for a seat previously pared to Roys’ 21 percent. occupied by U.S. Rep. Tammy “I am really proud that we Baldwin, D-Wis., who will run ran a positive campaign based instead for the U.S. Senate.
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Regents approve budget, plan for new degree program By Cheyenne Langkamp The Daily Cardinal
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved $20 million in additional funding requests for new system-wide initiatives at its August meeting, which includes a program aimed at helping nontraditional students and working adults earn an online UW degree. The new initiatives are part of the 2013-2015 UW System biennial budget request, which is due to be turned in to the Department of Administration in September and will be subject to approval by Gov. Scott Walker and the state legislature next year. The new UW Flexible Degree program, created in conjunction with the governor’s office earlier this summer, will allow working adults and other non-traditional students to use previous college credit and work experience to earn a new online UW degree. Aaron Brower, UW System
President Kevin Reilly’s special assistant for new educational strategies, said he believes the program will be the future of higher education and the UW System must work to implement it now to stay relevant. “I think the flexible degree can literally be the Wisconsin Idea into the next 100 years and that’s a very exciting prospect,” Brower said. Regent Tracy Hribar, the current non-traditional student representative, said many of her contemporaries, who are state taxpayers and volunteers, need the program. “I personally could have gone back to school 10 years sooner if something like this had been available,” Hribar said. Hribar added it is “crucial” for the UW System to develop the online degree so it is meaningful and maintains the same high standards as traditional UW degrees. Also at the meeting, the board
approved the 2013-2015 biennial capital budget request, which includes UW-Madison construction projects on chemistry and agriculture related buildings. According to Reilly, there were “welcome differences” between the previous biennial budget and the preparation of the new budget, including a recent announcement from Walker that the UW System should not plan for further budget reductions and lapses. “The Governor is committed to positioning the state of Wisconsin for economic recovery and so are we,” Reilly said. Reilly said Wisconsin’s universities play a significant role in helping to power the economy by creating jobs and preparing people to fill those jobs and participate in Wisconsin’s communities. “In a very real sense when we ask the state to reinvest in the University of Wisconsin, that is investing in Wisconsin,” Reilly said.
Walker first governor to survive a recall election Governor Scott Walker state senators came in defeated Milwaukee Mayor Tom response to legislation passed Barrett in a much-anticipated early last year that, among gubernatorial recall other things, limited election June 5, making collective bargaining Walker the first governor rights for most public in United States history to sector employees. survive a recall election. While celebrating his Despite heavy voter victory, Walker called turnout, which experts for Wisconsin to move said would help Barrett, on from the bitter diviWalker earned 53 persion that has consumed WALKER cent of the vote while the state for the past year Barrett received 46 perand a half and to look cent. When the two met in the toward a future of cooperation. 2010 gubernatorial election, Barrett preached a simiWalker won in a similar fashion, lar message of cooperation beating Barrett 52 to 46 percent. in Milwaukee, but called The movement to recall on Walker and the state’s Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Republicans to “do what’s right Kleefisch and four Republican for Wisconsin’s families.”
Mark Kauzlarich/cardinal File Photo
Police respond to a shooting at 624 University Avenue outside Segredo that left three people injured. The shooting was one of a number of violent incidents that occurred this past summer.
crime from page 5 officers also patrol the area to identify gang members. However, according to Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, there are no loitering laws in Madison, which means police cannot arrest people for standing outside of establishments. Segredo owner Michael Hierl
said stronger loitering laws are needed in Madison to ultimately eliminate the problem. The shooting that left three injured in May occurred in front of Segredo, located at 624 University Avenue. “I don’t think the problem has been solved,” Hierl said. “I just think it’s no longer in front of Segredo.”
Resnick said the real problem is helping young kids from poor socioeconomic backgrounds who become involved with gangs because they feel they have no other alternative. The city is attempting to “attack the root of the problem” by reaching out to these young people in addition to increasing police protection, according to Resnick.
Things to keep your eye on this academic year The chancellor search
Mifflin Street Block Party
The search for the next University of WisconsinMadison chancellor will begin this fall with the creation of a Chancellor Search and Screen Committee in September, according to a UW-Madison news release. UW-Madison plans to have a new chancellor by summer 2013, when current Chancellor David Ward’s interim appointment ends. Ward was invited back to UW-Madison in 2011 after then Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin departed. Two student representatives will be appointed to sit on the committee and both will have voting rights, according to an Associated Students of Madison email. Faculty, academic staff and community members will also serve on the committee. UW System President Kevin Reilly and a special committee of Regents will review the committee’s selected candidates and make a formal recommendation to the full Board of Regents for approval.
The Mifflin Street Block Party may undergo significant transformations in May 2013 after Madison’s top police official said in a July 12 letter to the Wisconsin State Journal the event could be “eliminated” if not “drastically” changed. Madison Police Chief Noble Wray said a change in location is ideal to decrease the cost to the city and foster a safer environment for party attendees. “We can no longer tolerate this large event taking place in a highly populated residential neighborhood,” Wray said in the letter to the State Journal. “It has become too costly and too dangerous.” Following violence, including a stabbing, at the 2011 block party the Madison Police Department spent more than $195,000 at this year’s party due to the “need for additional resources,” according to Wray. Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said the block party needs student planners to facilitate cooperation between various stakeholders for the party to continue.
Adidas dispute A court will decide if the University of WisconsinMadison’s main licensing partner, adidas, violated its contract with the university after mediation failed to resolve an ongoing dispute. The issue stems from concerns that an Indonesian factory contracted by adidas did not compensate over 2,700 workers after shutting down in January 2011, which some university administrators say violates the school’s contract with the company. Ward entered a negotiation period with adidas, despite recommendations to cut ties with the company. But mediation came to a halt July 13 when the university called for the Dane County Circuit Court to decide if adidas met its contractual obligations. According to Vice Chancellor for University Relations Vince Sweeney, the university cannot take any further action until the court rules on the alleged breaches in contract, which has an undetermined timeline.
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CollegeFashionista founder Amy Levin shares her back-to-school style and shopping tips By Sammy Luterbach HEAD Style Guru at UW-Madison for CollegeFashionista
Besides Christmas and my birthday, back to school shopping was pretty much the highlight of my entire year growing up. My mom took me to the mall and I loaded up on what I thought was the highest of fashion. When I came home, I laid everything out on my bed, created outfits, and put on a fashion show for my parents complete with music. It was serious business. Picking out an ensemble for the first day of school was an even bigger deal; it had to be my best and coolest outfit, obviously. My third grade first day of school ensemble comes to mind: plaid, high-waist pants, an ivory, satin button-down, and brown suspenders. Clearly, I’ve always been a Fashionista. In college, the back to school shopping experience is quite different. I no longer dedicate a day to going out and buying everything I might need for the season; instead, I
buy pieces here and there as I need them (or can afford them). I no longer put on a fashion show for anyone with new pieces I might get, but that might have to change. The first day of school ensemble can no longer be too showy either; nobody wants to make the first impression that they’re trying too hard. It’s actually kind of a lot of pressure if you think about it too much, like I always do. To help alleviate any fashion stress related to going back to school, I asked Amy Levin, founder and creative director of CollegeFashionista, some key questions to keep in mind as you get ready for a fresh, new year.
CollegeFashionista needs in her wardrobe this fall specifically?
Sammy Luterbach: What items do you think a CollegeFashionista needs in her wardrobe throughout all of college?
AL: A white T-shirt, boyfriend jeans and a moto leather jacket. It has that sexy, “I’m cool” girl feel.
Amy Levin: A leather jacket, a white T-shirt, and a great pair of denim. SL: What items do you think a
AL: Leather pants—yeah, I am obsessed with leather, which can be faux or real, boxy oversized sweaters for class and wedge sneakers.
page on CollegeFashionista.com. We Wisconsin Style Gurus will break it down as we report on Madison’s street
style. Don’t miss out on the latest CollegeFashionista campus news and follow us on Twitter @CFUWisconsin.
SL: What’s your best advice for those trying to stay within a tight budget? AL: Shop vintage! It’s the best way to find unique, one-of-akind items without spending too much money. SL: What is your version of the perfect back to school ensemble?
Amy’s answers are perfect; tattoo them on your arms for quick reference. For even more back to school shopping advice, make sure you check out UW-Madison’s
CF Head Social Media Intern explains how social media is changing the fashion industry boutiques once a semester for a fun CollegeFashionista bash.
By Jamey Hastings Style Guru at UW-Madison for CollegeFashionista
Fashion blogs now rule because of the hundreds and hundreds of fashion bloggers bombarding the Internet from all over the world. It’s no secret that street fashion is more prominent in the fashion world than ever before because of the social media outlets that have spread to not only stylish citizens but those high up in the fashion industry. College students are known for their young, creative minds that fuel society. Put all these factors together and you have CollegeFashionista. com, one of the most established fashion blogs on the Internet and a fashionista’s haven. Here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, my beloved Head Style Guru, Sammy Luterbach, has had the incredible opportunity to not only write for CollegeFashionista since its birth in September 2009, but also help the company grow from 10 schools to hundreds of schools all around the world. In addition to being Head Style Guru, she is also Head Social Media Intern for the whole site, which means she helps oversee all social media platforms, one of the most important aspects of CollegeFashionista. I sat down with the Style Guru that probably knows more than any other Style Guru, to get the details on CollegeFashionista. Jamey Hastings: As the UW-Madison Head Style Guru, what is your responsibility? Sammu Luterbach: My main job as the Head Style Guru for UW-Madison is to stay in close
JH: What is your favorite part of being a CollegeFashionista Style Guru? SL: It has always been my dream to work in fashion, and being a Style Guru lets me get a head start. I am talking with people in the industry, reporting on Madison’s street style and learning tons of important marketing and social media skills. It’s so cool that this entire company is run online. There are hundreds of us all over the world coming together to create one successful business, and the majority of us have never even met in person. It’s fascinating, and I think CollegeFashionista is a model of the future of business. JH: Being Head Social Media Intern for the site, how would you say social media is important to CollegeFashionista?
photo courtesy Sammy Luterbach/collegefashionista
CollegeFashionista Head Style Guru Sammy Luterbach has been with the company since its inception in 2009. communication with the other Style Gurus in Madison. I reiterate important things everyone is supposed to know, answer questions, and try to help everyone stay on top of their game. There are a lot of details you need to remember with this internship, and they can get lost in the mix of our already busy lives, especially during
the school year. I manage the @CFUWisconsin Twitter account where I tweet out the articles published on our page, Style Guru facts and opinions and fun Instagram pictures. Once a month, I have a meeting with Amy and the other Head Style Gurus to discuss how everything is going for us, ideas, etc. I also usually plan events with local
SL: Social media makes CollegeFashionista so much more than just a website. It gives CollegeFashionista its own voice and personality. We are able to connect to so many different types of people through all of our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and Google+. Every platform offers something unique to our followers because each one allows us to do something different. It makes everything really interactive for all of the Style Gurus and the readers which is so fun! Everyone feels like they’re in on the action.
JH: How has social media become important to the fashion industry? SL: The fashion industry has glommed onto social media in a big way. I think all brands are interested in making themselves more accessible to their followers in the same way CollegeFashionista is. Plus social media is fast and free, which is perfect for our society and the fast-paced world of fashion; everyone needs a way to keep up with a world that doesn’t stop.
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10 • Welcome Back Fall 2012
Today’s Sudoku
Squeezy Lemon Peasy
Evil Bird
Education on the comics page? What kind of paper is this geez, The area between your upper lip and nose is called the philtrum. dailycardinal.com
By Caitlin Kirihara kirihara@wisc.edu
© Puzzles by Pappocom
Eatin’ Cake
By Dylan Moriarty www.EatinCake.com
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.
Caved In
By Nick Kryshak nkryshak@wisc.edu
Today’s Crossword Puzzle
First in Twenty
Answer key available at www.dailycardinal.com
SUMMER’S GONE ACROSS 1 Box-office smash 4 Stored fodder 10 Phony deal 14 “Without further ___ ...” 15 Phonograph inventor 16 Poet Angelou 17 “Quit it!” 19 Troubling sign 20 Bald bird 21 Coat named for a British lord 23 Quite a lot 25 Pastoral poem 27 Hurricane center 28 Makes a run for it 29 Direction from LA to KC 30 Western flick 32 Chanoyu ritual drink 33 Something nourishing 35 Digressing from the main topic 40 Hanging loosely 41 Newsworthy time in history 43 Russian prison camp 46 In need of heartening 47 Either of two illustrious Sugar Rays
49 Mispickel or cinnabar 50 Genesis shepherd 52 Word processor user 53 Business with many tables 55 Get ___ of (obtain) 56 Formicary dwellers 57 Place in a classic Frank Sinatra tune 62 Cambodian capital 63 Like some paths or now-clean rugs 64 Out ___ limb 65 Shipping container weight 66 Alpine warbling 67 Singer Charles DOWN 1 Held for a time 2 Words that end bachelorhood 3 Constantly losing one’s keys? 4 Swamp grasses 5 Stars who inspire fanzines and such 6 “Less filling” choice 7 Louisville Slugger material 8 “Can you ___ little faster?” 9 Contest submission 10 Houston problem 11 “To be, or not to be” speaker
12 “Affirmative, captain!” 13 Way of doing things 18 Canterbury story 22 “Merrily We Roll ___” 23 Frequently, to a bard 24 Toast spread 25 Monogram character 26 Insist on 29 Expire 31 Breakfasted 33 Santa ___, Calif. 34 Chang’s twin 36 Cosmeticsoverseeing agcy. 37 Church music maker 38 A house away 39 Yuletide decoration holder 42 Flight board abbr. 43 Amusement park vehicle 44 A Muse 45 Flatt of bluegrass 47 They play in Cleveland 48 Like garage floors 51 Type of prize you don’t want to win 52 Bicycle part 54 “Lies” anagram 55 Feed the pot 58 Zodiac lion 59 Family man 60 Biochemistry abbr. 61 Mary ___ Cosmetics
Scrbbles n’ Bits lassic
Tanked Life
By Angel Lee alee23@wisc.edu
By Melanie Shibley Shibley@wisc.edu
By Steven Wishau wishau@wisc.edu
arts As The Daily Cardinal flies—summer music in forests, farms and the Windy City 12
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WELCOME BACK FALL 2012
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Big Freedia
Making music aptly identified as “Bounce,” Big Freedia the Queen Diva brought a completely new vibe to the festival with her New Orleans booty bumpin’ beats. I have never seen a crowd grow as fast as hers once things kicked off: only ten people lined the front barrier to the stage when things got started, yet Freedia and her booty-shorts-clad dancers amassed at least a thousand Foresters in the field before the set’s end. Something else I learned from this show—it is impossible to sit still to Bounce Music. Freedia had no problem pulling approximately 20 audience members on stage to shake their thangs and damn, I have never before seen so much ass in one place. (It makes sense that she titled her latest album AZZ EVERYWHERE.) Even if you don’t have a booty, this music makes you want to immediately start shoving fistfuls of cornbread into your mouth just so you can bounce with the Queen Diva. If there is a booty deity, she is a goddess and her name is Big Freedia. —JB
Electric Forest Festival
Japandroids
There is not much to say about Japandroids other than they are the epitome of fast, fun rock. For a group with only two guys they spout energy with shredding guitar and galloping drum beats. The addition of a bassist would get them far, but even without it their beachy punk sound makes you want to do the pony and maybe scream a little. Japandroids are definitely worth checking out. —JB
Beach House
This was my most-anticipated show of the day, and Beach House did not disappoint. The sun was setting around 7:30 when they took the stage, and the whole set had an otherwordly feel as the band played with a gentle fluidity that was both relaxing and intense. My favorite song of the set was “Zebra” for its lilting vocal harmonies that really filled up Union Park to the brim. —MO
Rothbury, Mich.
Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago, Ill.
Vampire Weekend
I probably don’t need to inform you that Vampire Weekend blew it out of the water, but they did and I will. Their live sound was so crisp and tight it could have been a recording. They played all the favorites, but we were especially lucky to see “I Think UR a Contra” live because, as Ezra Koenig announced before breaking into the first chords, they don’t play it at festivals much but were prompted by the good vibes floating around Pitchfork. They also said the last time they played a festival was sometime in the George W. Bush era, so it was a real privilege to see them. The dancing was vigorous and the mood was all-around ecstatic. There was even a man scream-singing the tunes as he jumped around Zaboomafoo-style, if that is any indication of the kind of energy Vampire Weekend brought to Chicago. —MO
Atlas Sound
This was my first time catching any sort of Bradford Cox live show, and his stream-of-consciousness looping and the ethereal feeling of his echoing, melancholy guitar and voice completely entranced me. He definitely built up a mood that I would not expect to translate so well to a music festival, but the whole audience seemed to be sharing in the intensity of his set. To paraphrase a comment he made while bantering with the audience: I’m not here to put a smile on your face, I’m here to touch you inside. —MO
The Infamous Stringdusters
A surprising find at this festival came to me under the cover of trees, with an acoustic performance by bluegrass quintet, The Infamous Stringdusters. At a festival with “Electric” in its title, you would not think they had much business being there. Any assumptions of that nature were quickly dashed when they called out during their set, “Who’s heard us before?” and the small crowd at once threw up their hands and catcalled with voracious enthusiasm. Their high-energy, twangy sound catered to those in the String Cheese Incident realm and also to those looking to give their eardrums a break from the constant onslaught of bass reverb. The Infamous Stringdusters boast all the intensity of any electronic DJ, but they do it with a banjo, fiddle, standup bass, guitar and dobro. The entire ensemble was all smiles and high spirits for their entire set in the woods and certainly got those in attendance moving. —JB
Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club blew us both away with their wailing guitar riffs and driving, upbeat percussion. After standing mere feet away from them in the press area earlier, seeing them on the stage was like greeting old friends. They were gracious in their attitude and began each song with beaming grins and infectious energy. They offered fresh arrangements on their songs, such as slowing down crowd-favorite “What You Know” and reducing the melody to a lone guitar until exploding into a frenzied chorus as the rest of the band joined in to bring it home. They also previewed several songs from their forthcoming album, which we are anticipating more highly than ever after the glowing performance. —JB & MO
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, Tenn.
Phantogram
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he Daily Cardinal Arts Editors Jaime Brackeen and Marina Oliver spent the summer watching and reporting from various music festivals. Follow @DCArtsDesk on Twitter and keep reading the Arts page for fresh coverage of the Madison arts scene.
all Photos by Jaime Brackeen/the daily cardinal
Oh, Phantogram, how we love thee. New Yorkers Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter took Bonnaroo’s opening night by storm as they totally animated their paradoxically chill songs for a good third of ‘Roo patrons. The crowd was packed shoulder to shoulder, but still managed to dance it out to the duo’s surprisingly bass-heavy beats. A live touring drummer added a captivating edge to their classic, haunting sound and Barthel’s whispery vocals. When the opening notes of one of their most popular songs, “Mouthful of Diamonds” reached the crowd, it sent a fresh wave of positive vibes to all, your editors included. —MO & JB
Student Sunday - Sept. 23
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science Killer heat: beating a summer drought dailycardinal.com
By Corinne Thornton the daily cardinal
The forecast for welcome week this year is just about perfect. Highs are in the mid 80s with lots of sun. However, all those who resided in Wisconsin or the Midwest in general this summer can remember when temperatures soared into the mid-100s accompanied by high humidity and drought a month and a half ago. Some conditions were so severe that many Fourth of July firework festivities were canceled. Dane and Columbia counties even saw roads buckle and “pavement blow-ups.” Now that all of that is over, here are the final statistics for Madison from the National Weather Service: the highest temperature was 104 degrees on July 5; seven days total of
Revealing the dark side of Curie’s ‘beautiful radium’ By Kristen Anderson the daily cardinal
Row upon row of women sat in a musty factory hand-painting watch dials. Each woman brought her camel-hair paintbrush to her lips, drew it into a point and carefully drew on numbers with a radiolumiescent paint. One by one these dial painters mysteriously became ill. They suffered from anemia, bone fractures and jaw necrosis, and some even died. These women would later become known as the Radium Girls. Each time these women brought the brushes to their lips they were slowly poisoning themselves by accidentally ingesting radium , a highly toxic substance, from the paint. Radium sits at the bottom of the periodic table, in position 88. It is a highly radioactive element, meaning that it is unstable and spontaneously emits high-energy particles as it decays into radon gas. These high-energy particles can damage living cells, making it a serious health-hazard to humans. Radium is so radioactive that its metal form maintains itself at a slightly higher temperature than its surroundings. The element is the product of the radioactive decay of uranium, meaning it is found in all uranium ores. Radium was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898, earning them the Nobel Prize in physics in 1903. Marie Curie’s life is portrayed in this year’s University of WisconsinMadison Go Big Read book, “Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout” by Lauren Redniss. Initially, the adverse health effects of radium were not known. Radium was touted as
Welcome Back Fall 2012 17
record breaking heat in July; 14 lives and jobs of those working in days with high temperatures of Midwestern agriculture. 95 degrees or higher, seven days Also unlike previous years, of which were in a row (June most buildings have air condi30 to July 6); and less than half tioning, which is the most imporan inch of rain over 47 tant thing for people to days (June 1 to July 17). have during a heat wave, As of late August, Dane according to Richard C. County was still in severe Keller, a medical history to extreme drought staand bioethics professor tus, according to the U.S. at UW-Madison. Drought Portal. Keller is currently It could have been compiling an account worse. Prior to 2012, there of the heat wave that were six previous heat spread across France KELLER waves with similar intenand central Europe in sity and longevity: 1934, 1936, 1947, 2003. An estimated 70,000 peo1955, 1988 and 1995. This July over ple in Europe—15,000 in France 1,000 dairy calves died in the state of alone—died in early August Wisconsin from heat and the lack of from temperatures reaching 104 water. However, the heat waves and degrees. There is no death toll for droughts during the 1930s caused this summer’s heat wave in the a dustbowl which transformed the United States.
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“There wasn’t an epidemic of heat wave deaths this summer,” said Keller. “There is much more air conditioning in the U.S. and it is more widespread.” According to Keller, European cities have historically never needed air conditioning. The United Staters on the other hand has used it for decades. Places like the YMCA and VFW halls also provide a way for people without air conditioning to cool down. Cooling centers are necessary, but reaching out to people so that they can get there is also very important. According to Keller, the most at-risk populations during a heat wave are the marginalized populations—the addicted, the elderly, the sick and the very poor—who are so socially isolated that nobody thinks to check
up on them to make sure they are drinking water and staying cool. “The really high death tolls in the U.S. are among really disenfranchised populations, those in poverty, and those who don’t live in or have access to air conditioning,” said Keller. The Earth is experiencing more heat waves which occur more often and with increasing intensity in the age of global warming. “It is not a question of stopping the heat from coming, but of adapting to it because this is the new reality,” said Keller, “These adaptations can take many forms: more shade, more trees, in addition to getting everyone into air conditioning. And buildings that can withstand high heat as well as cold temperatures during the winters.”
Hormone takes up fight against cancer By Andrew Kerber the daily cardinal
“Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout”—Go Big Read 2012 a miracle element with healing properties. It was incorporated into beauty products like hair creams and toothpaste and even food. Marie Curie even referred to it as “my beautiful radium” and toured the globe with her discovery. Radium also played a key role in understanding the construction of the atom. Ernest Rutherford used radium as a source of alpha particles in his famous gold foil experiment. In this experiment, Rutherford discovered that a dense positive charge is located at the nucleus of an atom. The dial-painters subjected their bodies to intense radiation by ingesting radium. The human body handles radium similarly to how it treats calcium. The radium became concentrated in bones and was able to destroy them from the inside, causing the anemia, decay and cancer the women experienced. Eventually stories like the Radium Girls surfaced, drawing attention to the dangers of radium. French physicist Antoine Becquerel and Marie Curie both reported receiving burns to the skin after carrying samples against their body for a few hours. Curie later died of aplastic anemia, which was attributed to her extended exposure to radium. Radium has no major uses today due to its dangerous health effects. It has been removed from consumer products and widely replaced by less dangerous analogs. It is, however, being tested as a possible treatment for cancer by delivering radiation to the cancer cell.
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) recently signed a license agreement with AhR Pharmaceuticals for exclusive rights to the development and use of ITE, a hormone that has the potential to treat some types of cancer and obesity. The original intent of the experiments was to develop a cancer-fighting hormone. It was also discovered during testing that it has the potential to combat obesity as well. This hormone affects many biological processes in the body including cell division and blood vessel formation. The failure of these processes often leads to obesity and cancer. ITE can help both regulate and control these processes. ITE can fight both obesity and cancer because of the connections between the two diseases. Although cancer and obesity are different diseases with different effects, some types of cancer have origins and mechanisms in common with obesity.
In an email interview with AhR Chief Scientific Officer Jiasheng (Jason) Song, he explained why regulating cell division inhibits the development and spread of both these diseases. “Once the cancer cells can no longer divide, the cancer will stop growing and may start dying,” said Song. “Similarly, if primitive fat cells (the precursor cells destined to become fat cells) are prevented from dividing, our body will have less supply for fat storage.” ITE can also limit the formation of new blood vessels. All cells need blood to live, even cancer cells. The formation of extraneous blood vessels can facilitate the growth of cancer cells. If blood vessel growth is limited, harmful and infectious cells are less likely to thrive because of the lack of nutrients. “Cancers cannot grow beyond 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter without newly formed blood vessels to supply nutrients with oxygen and remove wastes,” said Song. “Similarly, fat tissue relies on newly formed blood vessels to support its survival and expansion.”
Although ITE has many effects that control both diseases, its functions are more effective against obesity. The two primary biological components in the growth of obesity are fat storage and brain signals. Some obesity treatments can also contribute to the growth of cancer because they involve higher volumes of insulin, a hormone on which cancer cells thrive. “All of the scenarios involve increased levels of insulin in obesity patients while certain cancer cells are extremely happy when plenty of insulin is available to them,” said Song. The tests done to evaluate the effectiveness of ITE have only been performed on mice through xenografting, a process where human cancer cells are implanted in mice. Experiments show that ITE may be able to fight cancer of the prostate, liver, ovary, breast, lung and liver. These effects have only been confirmed on a very small-scale basis, and further experiments will need to be done in order to ascertain the effectiveness and safety of ITE if used to treat humans.
Ask Mr. Scientist: of butterflies and aluminum Dear Mr. Scientist, I caught a good number of butterflies this summer and noticed they have some sort of powder on their wings. What is this stuff, and what does it do? —Hannah B. What seems like some sort of powder are actually tiny scales. Although butterflies are known for their colorful wings, the wings themselves are actually clear—the color comes from these little scales. In addition to creating beautiful patterns, these scales help reflect sunlight, provide camouflage and in some cases release pheromones to attract mates. Over the course of its life a butterfly will lose many of these scales, so touching its wings won’t kill it, but it’s best not to touch a butterfly’s wings.
Dear Mr. Scientist, I’ve never done it, but I’ve always heard that it hurts when you bite aluminum foil. Why is that? —Dylan I. Biting into aluminum foil does indeed hurt, but only if you have metal in your mouth (e.g. fillings, crowns, braces). Because of something known as the voltaic effect, an electric potential difference develops when these two different metals come into contact with one another. Electrolytes (like salt) that are dissolved in your saliva help electrons flow from the foil to your tooth and into the tooth’s root where nerves recognize this current as pain. In essence, this combination of two different metals and electrolytes creates a simple battery inside your mouth. Electrifying!
Ask Mr. Scientist is written by Michael Leitch. If you have a burning science question you want him to answer, tweet it @DC_Science or email it to science@dailycardinal.com
opinion Romney-Ryan: Radical? Ridiculous 18
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Welcome Back Fall 2012
Steven Nemcek Opinion Columnist
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he rhetoric spewed from the bowels of propaganda machines during presidential election seasons can sometimes seem daunting. How can one separate fact from fiction? This cycle, it seems that democrats have gone to new lows by trying to incite racial tensions in their attempt to divide America. Vice President Joe Biden described the GOP’s goals in a speech he gave in Virginia when he stated, “they gonna put y’all back in chains.” Democratic Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas proclaimed that “Mitt Romney, he’s speaking to a… segment of the population who does not like to see people other than a white man in the White House or any other elected position… I absolutely believe it is all about race and for the first time in my life I’ve been able to convince my children finally that racism is alive and well… All across this nation, and especially in Virginia.” Because the Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Paul Ryan, is a born and raised native of Wisconsin, it’s important that we go beyond the petty racism of the
left and actually examine policy. The large bulk of attacks levied at Paul Ryan are aimed at his controversial budget proposal that Mitt Romney has now incorporated into his platform. While serving on the House Budget Committee in 2011, Ryan proposed budget reforms that included reforming Medicare, Medicaid and the Food Stamp Program. Democrats charge that his proposal is a radical exercise in fiscal austerity that would let poor orphans starve and deny grandma and grandpa the medical services that they need. I find this completely laughable because I don’t think that Ryan’s budget goes nearly far enough.
Right now the national debt sits at over 100% of GDP for only the second time in our country’s history. The first time was after World War II.
One of the biggest problems facing America today is that only one party claims to have any interest in balancing the federal budget, and when given the opportunity, that party still manages to fail miserably. I don’t see why it is controversial in the least
to demand fiscal responsibility, and the fact that leftists have no desire to submit a budget at all (even with control of all three branches of our government!) is ludicrous. For those of you thinking “but Clinton was the only one not to have a budget deficit in recent history!” I would like you to note that the republicans controlled both the House and the Senate during his presidency. Anyway, it’s important to examine what Ryan’s budget actually does. The Bipartisan Policy Center analyzed Paul Ryan’s proposals and found that a decade out, in 2022, the federal government will still be spending more money than it is taking in. Other analyses have indicated that the Ryan budget won’t equalize the federal government’s deficit for more than 30 years. Right now the national debt sits at over 100% of GDP for only the second time in our country’s history. The first time was after World War II. If spending continues as it has for the last few years, debt by 2020 could hit 151% of GDP, putting us right in between where Greece and Italy are now. For those of you that say Ryan’s Budget is fiscally radical, I would argue that it doesn’t do nearly enough. On the other hand, if you
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want to argue about which budget cuts should actually be made, I would gladly have a discussion. For example, I would propose large swaths of cuts to our military-industrial complex first before we start cutting the entitlement programs. What Paul Ryan is more specifically criticized for is his proposal to reform Medicare. I think that it’s important, therefore, to contrast Ryan’s Medicare plan with President Barack Obama’s.
This cycle, it seems that Democrats have gone to new lows by trying to incite racial tensions in their attempt to divide America.
Paul Ryan would take the federal Medicare program and issue funds directly to states so that care could be administered locally. Starting in 2022 the current Medicare program would end for all Americans born after 1956, and it would be replaced with a voucher system, giving consumers more choice. The eligibility age would be gradually raised from 65 years to 67 years, as the American life expectancy
continues to climb higher. To me this proposal doesn’t seem very controversial. Obama on the other hand, unbeknownst to many liberals, has already cut a huge chunk of the Medicare budget in an act of sheer hypocrisy, as he criticized John McCain for wanting to cut funding to the program in 2008. When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed, funding to the tune of 716 billion dollars over the next decade will be taken from Medicare to pay for Obama’s new health bill. Admittedly, these funds are only cuts on expected Medicare growth. Obama’s Medicare plan, according to Matthew Yglesias of Slate.com, “proposes to make Medicare more closely resemble fixed-budget single payers systems like the one they have in Canada.” If we want to be serious about our fiscal crisis, democrats and republicans are going to have to come together to make cuts across the board. Partisan politics are all fun and games until our country goes bankrupt in the name of selfserving vanity. Steven is a junior majoring in biochemistry and political science. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
Topics to track this semester David Ruiz Opinion Columnist
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adisonians have grown accustomed to political excitement over the past couple of years. Fall 2012 promises to be just as exciting in terms of political conflict. The items listed below are hot topics to follow as the school year starts. Presidential Election: Wisconsin has been thrust into the spotlight of the presidential election for two reasons: Wisconsin’s status as a “swing state” and Paul Ryan’s vicepresidential bid. Although Obama won Wisconsin in 2008 by almost 14 points, Wisconsin has leaned right since that historic day. Gov. Scott Walker’s recall victory - the first time a governor has faced recall and remained in office - featured a slightly larger margin of victory than his initial election in 2010. The poll numbers from Walker’s election and recall show conservative strength in Wisconsin that the Romney-Ryan ticket hope to exploit come election day. According to
recent polls, Obama’s lead over a national conversation. Abortion Romney in Wisconsin is minus- and birth control will feature cule. Although the state only pos- prominently in the national camsesses 10 electoral votes, I wouldn’t paigns and these issues will echo be surprised to see a large down into this state-wide amount of campaigning in race. the state these next few Gun Control: After months. three shootings received The number Senatorial Election: nationwide coverage of months it The U.S. senatorial race this summer, gun contook for WI between Democrat trol and concealed carry to issue Tammy Baldwin and issues will definitely 100,000 concealed Republican Tommy attract attention this fall. carry Thompson is already The three shootings offer permits. escalating and is sure disparaging evidence to be a popular news regarding the future of item especially around gun control in the United Mass Madison. Tommy States. Concealed carry shootings in Thompson is Wisconsin’s advocates will posit the the United longest-serving governor Oak Creek, WI and States so far this year. and has a strong advanAurora, CO shootings as tage in early polling; howevidence for concealed ever, Thompson’s history carry; if one person in in Wisconsin isn’t all positive. Back either situation had a gun and the in 2000, Thompson chaired a com- presence of mind to use it, a gun mittee which authored the 2000 owner could’ve saved multiple GOP platform that supported a lives. The empire state building constitutional amendment ban- shooting offers contrary evidence. ning abortion in all cases including When police officers went to those of incest and rape. Missouri apprehend the shooter, a fire fight Senate candidate Todd Akin’s broke out where the police offirecent “legitimate rape” remarks cers injured nine passer-bys while have brought women’s rights into killing the shooter. The officers
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mark kauzlarich/Cardinal file photo
Former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., hopes to unseat President Barack Obama in the upcoming presidential election. in this case were highly trained handgun users but still caused a large amount of collateral damage. In Wisconsin, a hunting license is enough to receive a concealed carry permit. If trained police officers still have trouble hitting their targets how can a Wisconsinite years removed from his hunter’s safety class be considered a responsible concealed carrier? John Doe Investigation: Walker’s issues didn’t end when he survived the recall election. A John Doe investigation has been circling around Walker’s staff and his actions, specifically the time he spent as the Milwaukee county executive before he won his governorship. The investigation hasn’t created much news since last spring; however, earlier this
month it was announced that the scope of the investigation might have grown to include his time as governor, not just the time he spent in Milwaukee county. Any news regarding the John Doe investigation could be damaging to Walker, and the investigations longevity suggests – but does not prove – its importance. Party School Ranking: The University of Wisconsin - Madison fell to 13th in Princeton Review’s new rankings. Wisconsin’s plummeting party school ranking is an outrage that should inspire us all to live up to the halcyon days when Wisconsin was still ranked #1. Interested in writing about any of these issues? Join the Daily Cardinal opinion team by emailing us at opinion@dailycardinal.com
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Welcome Back Fall 2012
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How to Thrive in Madison’s Highly Political Atmosphere Nick Fritz Opinion Columnst
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s the 2012 presidential election draws nearer and nearer, political commercials and propaganda are pounded into the minds of voters across the United States. So what does this mean for students here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison? As a new batch of freshman roll in, be prepared for student organizations, local lobbyists and the occasional nut job to spread their own opinions on who the new president should be.
The bottom line is that educating yourself is the best way to avoid the political tension here in Madison.
For those of you who spent the last year here in Madison, you know what I am talking about. A simple walk up State Street during the months preceding the Recall
Walker campaign turned into a marathon of flyer dodging. Living in the state’s capital makes campus the epicenter of political tension. And now that Wisconsinite Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney’s vice presidential candidate, the people in Wisconsin are bound to get even more opinionated. I hope that those of you who were here during the Walker debacle know how to handle the tension that builds around the city. However, for those freshmen who are stepping onto campus with no idea what the atmosphere can be like, I am here to help. The very first and most important step every person should do is to get involved with student organizations. Yes, join a fun club where you can unwind, but also join a club with a more serious goal in mind. These clubs are a huge asset and will educate students on important issues. By no means should the club you join dictate how you vote. If you align yourself with the Democratic Party, consider attending events sponsored by the College Republicans. Although it may seem counter intuitive, attending these events will provide students with new perspectives and
good information in order to make more educated decisions. Also, don’t ignore all those people passing out flyers around campus. Take the opportunity to absorb the information they are giving out and do further research. Find out what is actually true and what is false. Again, education is essential. Knowing the issues inside and out will relieve a lot of the political tension that builds up around campus.
Be prepared for student organizations, local lobbyists and the occasional nut job to spread their own opinions on who the new president should be.
Not only will students experience pressure as they walk around class, but it is especially apparent in the political rallies at the capital. This in no way means these rallies should be avoided. In fact, I believe the exact opposite approach should be taken. Immerse yourself in events like rallies and protests around the capital. Take the opportunity to experience something that a lot of people will never get to experience.
aevyrie roessler/Cardinal File Photo
After Gov. Scott Walker’s controversial cuts on collective bargaining, protestors flooded the Capitol for months eventually leading up to a recall election, which Walker survived. The bottom line is that educating yourself is the best way to avoid the political tension here in Madison. If you are confident enough to form your own opinions based on the information from both sides of the spectrum, you will be largely unaffected by the crazy atmosphere. The only way to do this is to get involved with student organizations and immerse yourself in the culture here on campus. Living in the capital is both a blessing and a curse. There are always going to be opposing opinions flying around, but it is up to each individual to decide what they will choose to believe and what they won’t. I truly believe that listening
to both sides and using both sides’ information to do further research is the best way to make an educated decision. My intention here is not to scare anyone, but rather to prepare and hopefully inspire young students to get involved. If not, it will be difficult to participate in a lot of activities that are bound to arise because of the upcoming election. I am extremely excited to start a new year, especially one that is bound to spark interesting discussions on campus and entice students to get involved. Still feeling lost and abandoned in Madison’s intense political scene? Join the Daily Cardinal opinion team by emailing us at opinion@dailycardinal.com.
How to Stay Engaged On Campus Without Losing Too Much Sleep Kate Krebs Opinion Columnist
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et involved and have fun. This is common advice for both new and returning students, and the tried and true method works: people who are involved in extracurricular activities and have healthy social lives are proven to have higher test scores and healthier minds.
Many of these events are created or supported by students. So get out there and show support for your fellow Badgers! Even so, joining a bunch of organizations and committing to weekly or even monthly meetings can start to feel like a chore as the semester goes on, and sometimes it’s nice to do something a little more sponta-
neous with a night off. Of course, here in Madison partying is a good stand-by, but everyone has early classes at some point. Showing up to a nine o’clock pop quiz half asleep and hungover won’t help your grades or your reputation. Dorms often promote in-house activities meant to help new students make friends and keep underage kids from drinking. Some of these events are actually enjoyable, but after sitting through a two hour presentation about the history of Lakeshore my freshman year, I can confidently advise people living in dorms not to count on their RAs for entertainment. The best University sponsored events tend to be at Memorial Union and its newer counterpart, Union South. Some of the highlights to watch for are movie screenings and concerts, which are both frequent and free, so students can always go out and do something different without worrying about breaking their college budgets. The Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee
is great about choosing films students want to see; last year they coordinated a special early screening of “Paranormal Activity Three,” and they regularly show popular films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Harry Potter,” along with some more obscure indie films. There is a wide variety and lots to choose from, so there is always something for everyone. Though movies are tons of fun, live shows can be more social and a bit more exciting. If the Union isn’t hosting a concert on a particular night, the Comedy Club on State is a fantastic alternative. Because it’s live, it’s totally unpredictable, and new comedians come in every night. The Comedy Club hosts shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and presents “The Big Deuce Open Mike,” in which comedians can perform every Wednesday. The show is cheap – only $2 for entry – and everyone is welcome above age 18. For the classy art lovers looking for a mellow night out, the
Gorge Yourself On News at The Daily Cardinal
Chazen beats out its competitors, bringing the most bang for your buck. This art museum is free and features not only a standard gallery, but also different exhibits throughout the year. It is open every day except Monday, but closes relatively early – the latest night is Thursday, when it is open until 9 p.m. Which makes it perfect for nights before exams and morning classes. Everyone has their favorite
hangouts, but these seem to be the best for early nights and the easiest when it comes to planning, not to mention many of these events are created or supported by students. So get out there and show support for your fellow Badgers! Kate is a sophomore with a double major in English and Spanish. Did Kate miss any of your favorite late-night spots on campus? You can reach us through email at opinion@dailycardinal.com.
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Welcome Back Fall 2012
Max Sternberg stern words
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Mark kauzlarich/cardinal file photo
Participation in the student section is one of the highlights during any Badger gameday.
Five UW gameday traditions the daily cardinal
Wake up early enough to pre-game
It’s no surprise the pre-game drinking scene is a big part of what makes Badger gamedays. Keep this in mind when taking part in Friday night’s festivities—you don’t want to go overboard and wake up Saturday needing a Herculean effort to down a beer. Early season non-conference games typically garner an 11 a.m. kickoff, but Saturday’s season-opener against Northern Iowa won’t start until 2:30 p.m. Don’t use too much of that extra three hours sleeping.
Eat at Mickies Dairy Bar
Whether it’s eating off a hangover or gorging before the big game, Mickies Dairy Bar is the ideal place to start off your game day. The por-
preview from page 24 Purdue
The Boilermakers appear to be a dark horse in many peoples’ minds for the upcoming season. That label may very well hold true, especially with head coach Danny Hope’s resounding optimism for this year’s squad. “First time since I became the head coach at Purdue we potentially have a very good football team coming back,” he said. “We have a lot of experience. We have some maturity. We have a lot of team speed. For the first time in a long time experienced, accomplished quarterbacks. A lot of good signs for this upcoming season.” One of those “accomplished quarterbacks” is senior Caleb TerBush, who started all 13 games last season and looks to separate Purdue from the middle of the pack. “We’ve had a pretty good offseason. Everyone has devoted their bodies, their energy to getting better and making us one of those top-caliber teams,” TerBush said. “We’re really in it to just take it game by game and see what happens.” They will start Big Ten play with home games against No. 8 Michigan, No. 12 Wisconsin, and then travel to No. 18 Ohio State. If Purdue can manage to earn just one win out of that brutal stretch, they could very well have a shot at making it to Indy.
Illinois
If Illinois’ new head coach Tim Beckman had to bring one thing to
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Badger hoops, football on the cusp of something special
Football
By Matt Masterson and Vince Huth
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tion sizes are beyond generous— you could share a meal with a friend and still get your money’s worth. Get there early because the line can extend around the block, but it’s worth the wait for their signature dish: the Scrambler.
Participate in every cheer
Camp Randall is considered one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten, and its student section plays a factor in the Badgers’ homefield advantage. Be a part of that raucous crowd as much as possible. You might not know every cheer right away—and some might seem inappropriate— but there’s no better way to learn than jumping right into the madness. Reiterate the PA announcer’s first down calls, be ready for the wave, and...
Save some energy for Jump Around
If there is one tradition that defines the fan experience of UW Champaign, many Fighting Illini fans would certainly say the same thing: more consistency. Beckman said that correcting the offensive line problems is key to turning in more consistent and well-rounded football seasons Taking care of this business might come easier this year, as 14 starters return.
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Combined 2011 Big Ten wins for Purdue, Illinois and Indiana
6
Number of 2011 Big Ten wins by Wisconsin
“The major concern, as we all know, is the offensive line,” Beckman admitted. “The offensive line has got to be able to protect and block for you. And (junior quarterback) Nathan (Scheelhaase) is one of the great, great football players, there’s no question about it.” Scheelhaase, who said he spent ample time in the offseason mentally preparing for the upcoming season, simply wants to see more guys making big plays. “We have more guys than (former Fighting Illini wide receiver and current 49ers rookie) AJ Jenkins that are capable of making plays,” Scheelhaase said. “And if we use more guys like that, we’re going to be more dangerous as an offense. We expect a lot of guys to step up.”
football, it’s Jump Around. Every fourth quarter begins the same way in Madison—with the student section race, a two-second buildup to the pre-song climax and one glorious downbeat that precedes ten thousand fans shaking Camp Randall while they sing every line to the 1992 classic from House of Pain. Fans and players alike feed off the energy from this Badger tradition and help to give Wisconsin one of the best homefield advantages in the nation.
Stay for the 5th quarter
Just because there are zeros on the clock doesn’t mean the game day experience has to end. Tens of thousands of fans stick around Camp Randall for the 20-minute postgame party to dance and sing along to staples such as “Varsity,” “On Wisconsin” and “You’ve Said it All,” courtesy of the UW Marching Band. Junior wide receivers Darius Millines and Spencer Harris may have to be those guys to step up, as Scheelhaase led the team in rushing last season at 624 yards.
Indiana
Indiana’s poor defense has been in the spotlight year after year, but head coach Kevin Wilson wants that to change. “Everybody talks about our D struggling. We average 18.1 points (per game),” he said bluntly. “That’s as poor an offense as I’ve been around since 1999. So we need to score points, because that will help our defense.” The key to scoring more points will lie in the hands of sophomore quarterback Tre Roberson, who had a promising start to his career last season. He threw for 937 yards and rushed for 426 more. Expect Wilson to stress to his quarterback the need to take his time and keep the defense rested as long as possible. After all, Wilson himself isn’t 100 percent confident in his team’s defense and wasn’t afraid to admit to it. “I think we’ll be a lot better on defense, but we’re not at a point physically in year two to play lights-out, great defense,” he said. “Scoring points is going to be critical for our football team’s success.” Two bright points for Indiana this season include having 15 starters return, including all four defensive linemen, and that arguably their four toughest matchups of the season (Michigan State, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Iowa) all take place in Bloomington.
here are a few things that we at Wisconsin take for granted these days, bowl games and NCAA Tournament appearances chief among them. And while the kind of consistency that UW football and men’s basketball have shown over the first 12 years of the 21st Century would have been unfathomable to the Madison faithful for most of the 20th Century, it is very much the new norm. But this year both programs have a chance to really make their mark. First and foremost, Badger football is (thanks to some good fortune) in the driver’s seat for a third straight trip to the Rose Bowl. So for the juniors who have never seen the Badgers miss out on the Granddaddy of Them All, this year may be just another walk in the park. For the rest of Badger nation, who persevered through the eight straight losing seasons in the late ’80s and early ’90s, this is anything but a routine march to the conference title.
This fall could mark the start of a school year to remember when it comes to Badger athletics.
In the Kohl Center, winning is perhaps even more boring. Thanks in no small part to the gritty style of play that has allowed the Badgers to thrive under head coach Bo Ryan, there is seemingly no hype surrounding a program that seems poised for a third consecutive trip to the Sweet 16. Since 2003, the Badgers
team from page 24 regular season losses. Coaches and players will always insist that one play can’t determine a game’s outcome, but Wisconsin lost to Michigan State on a lastsecond Hail Mary and fell to Ohio State following a go-ahead, 40-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left to play. The safeties—redshirt senior Shelton Johnson and redshirt junior Dezmen Southward— should be fine. After all, head coach Bret Bielema said in the spring that the two could be the best safety duo during his head coaching tenure at Wisconsin. The concern instead comes from the defensive backs. Redshirt seniors Devin Smith and Marcus Cromartie will play a vital role in Wisconsin’s defensive success this season. X-factor: Based on the above paragraph, Wisconsin’s defensive X-factor has to be one of its defensive backs. Between redshirt senior defensive backs, Devin Smith and Marcus Cromartie, it’s more crucial that Smith plays at an elite level. This summer, Bielema said
have made five trips to the 2nd weekend, bested only by Duke, Kansas, Michigan State, and UNC. Prior to 2003, Wisconsin had made the Sweet 16 just three times. All told, Wisconsin has made athletic success a part of the pitch to prospective students, a 360-degree turnaround from the pre-Alvarez era during which the 5th quarter was just about the only reason to show up at an event not played on ice. While I would be the first to warn against the proverbial premature counting-of-thechickens, this fall could mark the start of a school year to remember when it comes to Badger athletics. On the gridiron, Wisconsin is favored in all but one of their 12 regular season games, the lone test being in the Big Ten opener in Lincoln, Nebraska. But even that game is pretty much a toss-up. With the way the Badgers have dominated in Camp Randall and with the two toughest tests coming at home against Michigan State and Ohio State, an undefeated season is not out of the realm of possibility. Yes, last year’s team was much more solid with far fewer question marks. However last year’s schedule also had the Badgers hitting the road to face the Buckeyes and Spartans. With those games played in Madison this year, the question marks are far less dubious. So yes, the consistency of the Badgers over the past decade has lulled many students into boredom when it comes to tasting the fruits of victory. But it has also gotten to the point at which I can sit here and seriously prognosticate about a national title potentially being in the fold in Madison. How can you possibly be bored with that? Do you think Wisconsin can continue its recent string of successes? Email Max at msternberg@wisc.edu. he believes Wisconsin would’ve finished undefeated in the regular season if Smith hadn’t been out for the year after breaking his foot during week two. Further, Bielema said the difference in play between Smith and Cromartie could’ve been the difference between a possible national championship berth and only a Big Ten title. An injury-free comeback season from Smith will go a long way in solidifying Wisconsin’s secondary, as the Badgers are rather inexperienced at defensive back. Redshirt sophomore Peniel Jean, next in line behind Smith and Cromartie, was just sidelined four to six weeks after suffering a foot fracture. That leaves only six total career games played between the next two defensive backs on the depth chart in sophomore Devin Gaulden (six) and redshirt freshman Darius Hillary (zero). If the Badgers are to win a third-straight Big Ten Championship, they will certainly need strong cornerback play. Smith is the guy to lead the way. —Vince Huth
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Welcome Back fall 2012 DailyCardinal.com
Football
Football
State of the 2012 Badger football team Offense
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Wisconsin is looking to three-peat as conference champions after defeating Michigan State in last year’s inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, 42-39, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
2012 Big Ten Leaders Division preview By Ryan Hill The DaiLY cardinal
About a year and a half ago, Big Ten officials spent hours on end attempting to find the perfect balance between the two, six-member divisions that the conference would be split into. Now though, the balance between the Leaders and Legends divisions already seems a bit unstable. The Leaders Division already has two teams ineligible for postseason play in Ohio State and Penn State due to NCAA sanctions. Additionally, Illinois, Indiana and Purdue have all had recent coaching changes and have been anything but elite. That leaves the two-time defending conference champion Wisconsin Badgers as the frontrunner to head back to Indianapolis December 1st for the second annual Big Ten Championship Game. Considering the ineligible teams, the marquee game in the division may very well boil down to Wisconsin at Purdue October 13th. If that doesn’t prove that we have a very unusual season ahead in the Leaders Division, I don’t know what will. After meeting up with coaches and players at Big Ten Media Days in July, here is a team-by-team preview of the Big Ten Leaders Division for the 2012 season.
Wisconsin
Montee Ball is back. Every Badger fan reassured himself of this throughout the offseason when UW’s quarterback situation and coaching turnover was bound to cause trouble. It seemed for a while that the 2012 season would depend solely on Ball’s performance. Now Badger fans can relax. The quarterback situation has been settled. Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien will start the season opener against Northern Iowa and seems much more comfortable after being reunited with the pro-style offense that he excelled in during his freshman year. O’Brien reportedly threw only two interceptions in fall camp. Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty more that should comfort Badger nation, whether it’s the returning
duo of linebackers, redshirt junior Chris Borland and redshirt senior Mike Taylor, the “big uglies” who will be paving the way for Ball and the rest of our extremely deep running back position, or the experienced secondary. However, Badger players must adapt to six new coaches under Bielema (four on offense, two on defense) if they want another run to Indianapolis. Players seem to have adapted nicely, however. “I wasn’t really worried at all,” Taylor said. “I feel like that’s what we do at Wisconsin, we have good years, we have good coaches, and eventually they’ll move on to bigger and better things and we’ll get new coaches that will do the same thing.” They must also limit the big plays on defense, something they failed to do too often in their three losses last season. Expectations are rarely this high for a team that loses 13 starters, but with only three other teams in between Wisconsin and Indianapolis, the Badgers season would be considered a disappointment by many if they can’t make their way back to Lucas Oil Stadium in early December.
Ohio State
New head coach Urban Meyer stressed at the Big Ten Media Days that his team wouldn’t be taking a breather by any means this season because of their postseason ban. “There’s no such thing as a buffer year in college football, certainly not at Ohio State and certainly not with myself and our staff and our players,” he said. Sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller returns and is looking to build on last season’s 13 touchdowns and 54 percent completion rate. He also ran for seven touchdowns in his Big Ten Freshman of the Year campaign. Miller took the reins during the fourth week of last season and should be much more polished this season under Meyer’s spread offense. Meyer’s presence has already affected the coaching staff enormously, as seven of his 10 assistants are new to the program. Don’t think for one second that
Meyer and the rest of the team, which returns a whopping 16 starters, will be letting their foot off the gas in a season where postseason play is out of the question. “Expectations are high,” senior defensive lineman John Simon said. “We’re just trying to go out and win every game if possible. We just gotta make sure we’re taking it one game at a time, we got a big training camp coming up and we just gotta make every day count.”
Bright spot: Wisconsin’s bread-and-butter on offense has always been a powerful run game, and in 2012 it may have the deepest backfield in team history. Senior tailback Montee Ball is a top Heisman candidate who is coming off one of the best seasons in recent memory, while junior James White has already rushed for over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns in his young career. Wisconsin also has good depth as redshirt sophomore Jeff Lewis and redshirt freshman Melvin Gordon have both impressed so far. Perhaps no team in the country is better equipped to run the ball this season than the Badgers. Cause for concern: For the second straight year, Wisconsin enters the season with a transfer signal caller taking over as the starter. Junior quarterback Danny O’Brien has won the starting job, beating out redshirt senior Curt Phillips and redshirt freshman Joel Stave, but he struggled last season at Maryland and will have to digest a new offense and playbook. Depth is also a concern for the Badgers—redshirt junior Jon Budmayr and freshman Bart Houston are already out
for the season, and redshirt sophomore Joe Brennan transferred to Towson earlier this month. O’Brien has the talent to succeed in this offense, but at this point the position is still a question mark. X-factor: With the departure of Nick Toon, the Badgers are left with just one legitimate threat at wide receiver in redshirt junior Jared Abbrederis. Spring and fall camps brought much competition for the No. 2 spot, and on August 20th redshirt freshman wide receiver Jordan Fredrick was listed on the depth chart as the starter opposite Abbrederis. A Madison native, Fredrick walked on at Wisconsin and redshirted his freshman year—much like Abbrederis, who only recently was put on scholarship. Fredrick takes longer strides and isn’t as shifty as Abbrederis, but he provides a bigger target for O’Brien at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. If Fredrick can step up and turn into another reliable target for Danny O’Brien, this year’s offense could have the potential to put up numbers similar to last year’s explosive squad. —Matt Masterson
Penn State
The Nittany Lions are beginning a brand new chapter. Their new promotional video for the 2012 season makes this clear. “We’ve got a bunch of kids back in State College right now that are sticking together, that have been through a lot of tough times over the last six months but have turned the page and are ready to move forward,” head coach Bill O’Brien said. Penn State fans know for certain that it will be a huge task to put points on the scoreboard. Losing junior running back Silas Redd to USC and having senior quarterback Matt McGloin under center isn’t necessarily a good formula for punching the ball into the end zone on a regular basis. However, O’Brien seems quite confident in his quarterback. “The quarterback situation, Matt McGloin is our starter,” he said. “He’s smart, tough, competitive; I’m proud to have him as the starting quarterback at Penn State.” The defensive unit appears to be in much less trouble despite losing all four secondary positions. Defensive tackle Jordan Hill and linebacker Michael Mauti should anchor the unit but will have to step up enormously if they want a chance to keep their own offense within striking distance. “I’ve heard the talk that (the NCAA santions are) so bad and what are we going to do?” O’Brien said. “I don’t see it that way. I see it as an opportunity. I see it as a little bit of adversity that we need to overcome.”
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lorenzo zemella/cardinal file photo
James White might not get the same press as Montee Ball, but he is still a crucial part of the Badgers’ run game. Defense
Bright spot: Led by redshirt senior Mike Taylor and redshirt junior Chris Borland, the Badgers boast one of the nation’s top linebacking corps. Taylor and Borland were the top two tacklers in the Big Ten last season, and both return as favorites for all-conference selections this season. Throw in promising redshirt junior Ethan Armstrong, who impressed coaches enough this offseason to be put on scholarship, and this trio
should provide fits for opposing offensive coordinators. Cause for concern: On the surface, Wisconsin’s secondary was solid in 2011. Their pass defense was fourth-best in the nation, surrendering just 163.6 yards per game. It was the last line of defense on a unit that ranked 13th in the nation in points allowed (19 per contest). However, it was also largely responsible for two plays that defined both of the Badgers’
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