Wednesday, October 28, 2015 - The Daily Cardinal

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

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finding fungi on Lakeshore Path

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Activist to run for circuit court seat

Lawmakers approve state hiring, firing alterations By Andrew Bahl THE DAILY CARDINAL

The state Assembly approved a bill Tuesday that would initiate major reforms to the state’s civil service system, along with other measures to eliminate the state treasurer position and relax concealed carry restrictions for knives. Civil service reform passes after lengthy debate After almost four hours of deliberation, the Assembly moved 57-35 to approve a bill that would change how the state hires and fires public servants. The proposal, authored by state Rep. Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, and state Sen. Roger Roth, R-Appleton, would speed up the hiring process for positions in state agencies, remove civil service exams in favor of a resume-based system of awarding positions and make it clearer which offenses are fireable.

By Negassi Tesfamichael THE DAILY CARDINAL

Recent updates remove a requirement that applicants disclose some prior criminal offenses and would set aside $6 million for merit bonuses to state employees. ANDREW BAHL/THE DAILY CARDINAL Proponents of the bill argued it included common sense The state Assembly approved a series of bills Tuesday, including reforms to the system and would one that would change how the state hires and fires employees. increase the state’s abilities to hire talented applicants. your best friends serving the state.” Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said “The truth is [civil service The argument turned heated Tuesday it is not likely to be taken reform] accelerates the hiring at points, with Jorgensen accusing up by his body until January. process so Wisconsin can com- Steineke of “running away” from pete with the private sector for the the debate. Assembly Speaker Treasurer amendment passes best employees,” Steineke said. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, hit back The body also approved the Democrats argue the bill would that Democrats weren’t “using first iteration of a constitutional create corruption and allege it would facts” in the debate and accused amendment to eliminate the state open the floodgates to Republican the minority party of not giving treasurer position. associates being appointed to pub- proper notice on the amendments The treasurer has lost much of lic service positions. they offered, all of which failed. its responsibility in recent years and “By and large the civil service The bill now moves to the state the bill’s author state Rep. Michael system has delivered the best,” Senate where it has a more uncer- Schraa, R-Oshkosh, argued that the said state Rep. Andy Jorgensen, tain future. Steineke has said he position is unnecessary. D-Milton. “Today you’re scrapping is working with the Senate to “It’s a do-nothing job,” Schraa said. the whole thing … Instead of the pass the bill in its current form, best serving the state, you want although Senate Majority Leader lawmakers page 2

Community activist and attorney Rev. Everett Mitchell now aims to bring restorative justice approaches to the Dane County Circuit Court, after launching a campaign for the fourth branch seat Tuesday. “Given the disparities we’ve had in our communities, I’ve realized that if we are going to have any systemic change, we need to have people involved in the systemic change itself,” Mitchell said. Mitchell currently works as the Director of Community Relations at UW-Madison, and also serves as a pastor at Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Madison. Mitchell previously worked as a domestic abuse prosecutor for Dane County, which he said informed him of the various issues people of color face in the courts. “The issue was a mix of race and poverty,” Mitchell said. “If people were of color and poor, they

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Latest Campus Master Plan nears final stages By Peter Coutu THE DAILY CARDINAL

The Facilities Planning & Management project team unveiled the newest stage of UW-Madison’s Campus Master Plan during its third public open house Tuesday. The Campus Master Plan is a collective effort between Facilities Planning & Management, planning consultants and the univer-

sity community to establish a process of orderly growth for the campus. The plan is updated every 10 years, with the most recent being finalized in 2005. The current master plan is now in month 10 of the full 24-month planning period. The broad goals for the new Campus Master Plan are focused on making the landscape of campus more intentionally connected

while better utilizing green spaces and parking locations. In this stage of the project, there are still multiple concept designs for each of the several main areas of campus, which are separated into seven areas: Observatory Hill, the Central Superblock, South Campus, University Avenue,

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MUSIC HALL

‘Le nozze di Figaro’

The University Opera performed “The Marriage of Figaro,” a Mozart-composed 18th century comic opera, for the final time Tuesday night. + Photo by Michael R. Anderson

COURTESY OF UW COMMUNICATIONS

Many areas of campus, including Observatory Hill, will be affected by the 2015 Campus Master Plan. Proposals include creating a large demonstration wetland and reducing water runoff on the hill.

“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”


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MPD chief, other law enforcement praise ‘Just Mercy’ This year’s Go Big Read book impacted more than just the 5,000 students who received a copy at the Chancellor’s Convocation, as area law enforcement read Bryan Stevenson’s “Just Mercy.” Stevenson, who gave a campus lecture Monday on the impacts of race and mass incarceration, visited recruits training at the Madison Police Department, according to a Tuesday blog post by MPD Chief Mike Koval. This past summer, Madison police directed recruits to read the award-winning book before their training began. Koval said Stevenson had never thought about using his book as a learning tool for recruits, but was excited to work with police.

“Just Mercy chronicles how justice has decidedly different outcomes for those who are persons of color and poor than those who have means,” Koval wrote. “Stevenson has spent his entire adult life acting as an advocate for the voiceless.” Koval said Stevenson’s emphasis on law enforcement being “guardians” and not “warriors” resonated with him. UW-Madison police have also used “Just Mercy” in training sessions on impartial policing, according to UW Police Chief Sue Riseling. “I’ve dedicated my life to working in this system that is so profoundly flawed,” she said in a Sept. 10 statement. “I personally found the book, at times, very gut-wrenching.” —Negassi Tesfamichael

Online course to focus on climate change and health The last of this year’s UW-Madison Massive Open Online Courses will explore how climate change can affect public health and the policy that comes with it, according to a Tuesday university press release. MOOCs, which are offered online to an unlimited number of people from anywhere in the world, are free, non-credit courses that allow participants to watch educational videos, participate in discussions, read articles, take quizzes and complete educational activities. Launching Nov. 9, the last MOOC is expected to explore policies that address climate change and offer health and social benefits. Policy topics could include renewable energy, sustainable food systems and urban transportation design.

The course will also help participants develop skills to communicate the scientific and policy connections between climate change and public health. Jonathan Patz, a professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, will teach the course along with several guest experts and scholars. Patz has published more than 90 papers and three books concerning climate change and public health, and has served in several organizations dedicated to researching climate change. The course will officially end Dec. 7, but will remain open and unmoderated until the end of the year to serve as a free educational resource. —Laura Grulke

WILL CHIZEK/CARDINAL FILE PHOTO

Rev. Everett Mitchell has been a longtime supporter of restorative justice. He will run for a seat on the Dane County Circuit Court to fight what he says are injustices in the courts.

seat from page 1 didn’t get equitable treatment under the courts.” Various area leaders have already backed Mitchell, who will seek to replace incumbent Fourth Branch Circuit Court Judge Amy Smith, a 2009 appointee by then-Gov. Jim Doyle, who is not seeking re-election. “Everett has shown how deeply committed he is to serving the people of Dane County as a community advocate, prosecutor, and pastor,” said state Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, who is

The bill passed on a voice vote. The state constitution requires that an amendment be approved twice by the state Legislature and a majority of voters in a referendum. Knife bill approved amid debate A measure that would allow for the concealed carry of knives without a permit was passed over the arguments of some Democrats who

plan from page 1 Charter Street, Linden Drive/Willow Creek and West Campus. The project team presented at least two concepts for each area of campus. Each concept has unique features and the first option for Observatory Hill, called Prairie and Wetland, aims to protect and enhance the historic view by removing parking lot No. 34 and creating a larger demonstration wetland. This concept would also include stormwater facilities and landscape designs to reduce water runoff. Providing multiple options allowed members of the public to share their opinions. A resident new to Madison, Mike Kimball, attended the meeting to learn more about the city and its future. On his favorite aspect of the new designs, Kimball said, “I really liked

believe the bill is too sweeping. Bill author state Rep. Kathleen Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls, said it would clarify a gray area regarding which switchblades are legal to carry. But some members disagreed. State Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee, argued the bill would legalize “constitutional carry” and should be rolled back. The proposal was approved on a voice vote and now heads to the state Senate. the pedestrian and bike-friendly aspects in general. It’s really encouraging to see the new open green spaces.” The team focused on adding nature areas to each concept, including planting more trees along streets. Numerous designs also included protected bike lanes, most notably in both of the University Avenue concepts. The two concepts differed only on which side of the street the bike lane would be to best avoid the daily traffic of 36,000 cars. Members of the public can read more about the new concepts, ask questions and voice their opinions online at www.masterplan.wisc.edu. The fourth open house for the Campus Master Plan will be hosted Feb. 24 in the Gordon Dining and Event Center from 7 to 9 p.m. This open house will show the the first complete draft of the master plan.

“It’s not about being tough or soft. It’s about being smarter, more inclusive of the individual,” Mitchell said. Mitchell graduated from Morehouse College in Georgia before earning a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology before receiving his law degree from UW-Madison. Three Dane County judicial seats are open for next spring’s elections. Madison lawyer Valerie Bailey-Rihn announced in June her candidacy for the third branch seat, vacated by Judge John Albert, who is retiring.

Madison West chemistry teacher awarded fellowship By Katie Scheidt THE DAILY CARDINAL

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Everett’s campaign treasurer, in a Tuesday statement. Mitchell’s UW-Madison colleagues also praised him. “Everett Mitchell is smart, wise, and compassionate,” UW-Madison law school professor Michele LaVigne said in a Tuesday statement. “To the core of his being, he believes that justice is indeed for all. Dane County needs him.” Mitchell said critics will point to comments earlier this year where he said businesses should not pursue harsh consequences for juvenile shoplifters.

Madison West chemistry teacher and UW-Madison grad Helen Yan won a fellowship as a Teaching Fellow cohort earlier this month, distributed by the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation. The KSTF, which has awarded over 250 fellowships to the most promising teachers around the country, “seeks to improve STEM education by building a stable, sustainable cadre of networked leading teachers” according to Ebony Freeman, communications and development manager at the foundation. Broken up into five phases throughout the first five years of teaching, the fellowship helps talented new teachers to identify their strengths in the field and develop professional connections. On top of this, the fellowship also awards its members with stipends, funding for professional development, grants for teaching materials and leadership opportunities. Yan received her master’s degree in inorganic chemistry in 2011. In her first year of teaching at Madison West High School, Yan said she hopes her fellowship will help her encourage students to pursue careers in the STEM field and to “demonstrate that [succeeding in chemistry] is something all of her students are

capable of.” Yan noted that because chemistry classes are the first courses that college STEM students take, it is especially important to leave a positive impression on students early in their education. Moving forward, Yan said

she is hopeful that Madison-area schools will try to improve the STEM learning experience. Yan also said one way to achieve this goal is for counselors and teachers to “set a good example by being positive about students and their abilities in science classes.”

COURTESY OF KNOWLES SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Helen Yan, who received a fellowship prize, said she hopes to set a good example for many of her students in STEM classes.


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RECORD ROUTINE

Demi Lovato proves she is an artist worth paying attention to in new album CD REVIEW COURTESY OF HOPCAT.COM

The inside of HopCat is brightly decorated and there is space for a large crowd. The bar is an island with access to bartenders from all four sides.

Night Journeys through Madison with Denzel

HopCat stands out as top venue DENZEL TAYLOR On the town

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finally paid a visit to Madison’s new restaurant and bar, HopCat. The establishment finished construction over the summer, opening July 17, and is already a successful business with six other locations. I wasn’t sure what to expect prior to making a visit, but I heard consistent hype about it so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have my own experience. I definitely picked a prime time to visit HopCat, the Friday night of UW-Madison’s homecoming weekend. The bar, of course, was completely full, and more visitors regularly arrived during the night. I imagine those without a specific destination in mind were easily attracted to the two large, yellow, bolded signs and cat logo. Walking up and down State Street, the new bar can’t be missed. After stepping inside, I was immediately surprised by the sheer amount of space. The first floor alone looks like it could easily house over 200 guests, so I can only imagine what the total capacity is. Even on estimate, it is clear that HopCat is one of downtown Madison’s largest bars. But there’s more than just size for this establishment’s attraction.

HopCat’s design is simple. The outside is a basic black and gray, and the interior has primarily solid color patterns. This simple design makes the two colorful side walls pop. Just like the bright yellow signs outside, the most inattentive person couldn’t miss them. Both walls have graffiti designs along their entire stretches, and I believe they are the most attractive part of the interior. The wall closest to the door is designed with splatter-painted colors and large, sharp letters that may take a while to recognize as saying “Hello Meow.” It sure took me a while to walk up and down the floor a few times before I realized the welcome. I would be impressed with anyone who can resist chuckling at the message. The far right wall is a bit different. There are clearly lined shapes and black spots that, with an abstract approach, may look like a bunch of cat heads. These graffiti designs were my favorite part of the interior and I was excited to see the second floor designs. Unfortunately though, the security guard informed me that HopCat closes its second floor every day at 10 p.m. I thought the policy was odd, especially for a very active weekend, like a Big Ten school’s homecoming. But perhaps HopCat’s employment isn’t large enough for late evening work that covers two floors. Nonetheless, my disappointment was short-lived

because there was still much more to enjoy on the first floor, like the many framed mirrors that decorate the back wall and the large Frank Zappa poster with a short bio of his rock ’n’ roll career in the corner. When I finally took a seat at the counter, a gentlemen behind me conversed with a friend about his liking of the poster, claiming himself to be a bit of a rock ’n’ roll fanatic. It was nice to hear that I was not the only one who liked what I saw in the place. During my two-hour stay, I noticed and overheard guests pointing at and discussing different parts of the design. The people were enjoying themselves, which is always the biggest plus of any service establishment. But beyond the appearance of the place and guests, HopCat’s strongest feature is its menu. The bar features a crazy selection of over 100 different tap beers. Since my arrival, I was repeatedly impressed by this sheer size and quantity in nearly every aspect. The bartender had to approach me three times before I was ready to order. There were just so many options. The top of the menu features a bolded collection of beers dubbed “The Local 30,” which includes popular choices like Spotted Cow, Island Wheat, Lust, Horicon, Fixed Gear and Fuel Cafe. But I encourage guests to go beyond them and try one of the other 70 plus flavors like Badger Brau, Lizard

and Thwacki. I ordered the Spectra Trifecta; I was served immediately and enjoyed the new flavor while conversing with a friendly group of three. We talked about the qualms of adulthood and joked about the difficulties of getting a second date. I noticed the bartenders genuinely responding to any interesting comments they heard, pulling more enjoyable interactions from the guests. That is what I believe a downtown bar is all about. I was told earlier that day I had to order the “Crack Fries,” and constantly heard guests rave about them. I couldn’t help laughing out loud when one gentleman, who was obviously a little drunk, asked his friend if the bartenders are selling crack, then proceeded to repeat the question to one of the tenders. The moment was priceless and I just had to order them. I came to know why the fries are a perfect partner to a delicious beer. Frites better watch out, because a new flavor is in town that is monstrously good. I will definitely go again. I want to stare at the walls, try more of the beers, talk to new folk, actually see the second floor, eat more “Crack Fries” and see what other food the place offers. HopCat is new to Madison, but the Badger community treats it well, and vice versa. Do you love HopCat? tell Denzel at denzeltayloruw@gmail.com.

‘Scream Queens’ concocts show of humor, horror BEN GOLDEN Golden age

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he television series “Scream Queens” is like bubblegum: fun to pop in your mouth and chew for a little while, but eventually it loses its flavor and you need to spit it out. It’s a gum that has a taste that is not for everyone, but if you have a longing for some retro Bazooka and like the funny comics on the wrapper, your cravings will be quenched. “Scream Queens” seems like the logical next step for showrunner Ryan Murphy, who seems to find a middle ground with this show that falls between “American Horror Story” and “Glee.” It is packed with recognizable talent and offers a horror-comedy blend with just the right amount of off-color humor and

disturbing gore. Unfortunately, this show has the potential to spiral down to a disappointing sizzle like the oncepopular “Glee.” It is like the crude yet entertaining cousin that comes to visit; they probably won’t be around long, but while they’re here to visit, you might as well enjoy it. The show has a fun vintage theme with bawdy humor that makes you hesitate before laughing to wonder if it’s ethical, but then laugh anyway. It reflects the strange, lewd, dark humor of the ’80s movie “Heathers.” The music content alone will give you a dose of nostalgia. The show takes place in modern day, but the influence is still ever-present. For example, at a slumber party college girls dance to “I Melt With You,” something you would never see happen at a modernday university, but it’s done just for throwback’s sake. Murphy attempts to bring back the spoiled Brat Pack in the form of sorority girls. As you can

imagine, this is the type of show Greek lovers and haters would love to watch. “Scream Queens” is faithful to its name, featuring over-the-top shrieking as sorority girls get picked off one by one by a serial killer dressed as the college mascot, the Red Devil. Emma Roberts plays the sorority president, Chanel. She pulls it off well, with viciously hilarious one-liners that will give you an auditory double-take. Her minions are assigned numbers instead of names, each having their own quirk. To give you some sort of idea, Lea Michele plays a psychopath with a fetish for dead bodies, Abigail Breslin has serious self-esteem issues and is regularly “Eiffel Towering” two frat twins, and Billie Lourd always wears earmuffs, experiments with lesbianism, oh, and is Charles Manson’s biological daughter. To continue with the wackiness of it all, Jamie Lee Curtis plays a horny, corrupt dean who has it out for the sorority. Almost

all the characters lack a moral compass and the harsh humor reflects that on many levels. It will turn some viewers off, but the shock value will draw more viewers in. “Scream Queens” is not trying to be a masterpiece, it’s only trying to have some fun. Just like that one mean girl you know, the show isn’t very deep and lacks a filter, but you’re back for more because you admittedly love to hate it. The show highlights and dramatizes everything that is wrong with the self-obsessed, millennial teenager and dresses it in vintage clothing. It’s fun to look in the mirror and laugh at our ridiculous generation. Just as Ariana Grande desperately clings to the keyboard and tweets her last status as she is being stabbed by the killer, we value our image enough to risk our common sense, and that in itself can be disturbing yet comical. Do you love “Scream Queens”? Let Ben know at bagolden@wisc.edu.

Confident Demi Lovato By Rose Lundy THE DAILY CARDINAL

First things first, I have never been a fan of Demi Lovato. I didn’t watch her on Disney Channel and I never considered seeing her in concert with the Jonas Brothers. That being said, Lovato’s newest album, Confident, released Oct. 16, surpassed my admittedly low expectations. Lovato has released five albums since 2008, with each one establishing her personality and individuality, while simultaneously moving away from her “Camp Rock” days. Confident promotes this sense of maturity immediately with brassy horns and a heavy intro. Lovato sings, “You’ve had me underrated,” and the listener is left thinking that she might be right. The album’s single, “Cool for the Summer,” brings out Lovato’s playful and rebellious side. Some have criticized the track for resembling Katy Perry’s 2008 breakout hit, “I Kissed a Girl,” but Lovato’s EDM-influenced track is strong in its own right. Lovato teases, “Don’t tell your mother,” and even drops an F-bomb. Tracks like “Old Ways” and “Yes” bring out a sultry R&B flavor, and contrast with the anthemic bravado of “Lionheart.” The vocals are rich and powerful, but at times can be overwhelming. Lovato hammers the listener with her powerful set of lungs and, while this is impressive, it also can be draining to listen to. The final track, “Father,” deals with Lovato’s complicated relationship with her dad, who died in 2013. She builds the song from a delicate, painful crooning into a sweeping, gospel power ballad. Confident hasn’t completely convinced me that Lovato is a noteworthy artist, but the album undeniably proves that she is more than simply a former Disney star and is worth a second listen.

Grade: B-


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An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 125, Issue 33

2142 Vilas Communication Hall 821 University Avenue Madison, Wis., 53706-1497 (608) 262-8000 • fax (608) 262-8100

News and Editorial

edit@dailycardinal.com Editor-in-Chief James Dayton

Managing Editor Emily Gerber

News Team News Manager Adelina Yankova Campus Editor Bri Maas College Editor Ellie Herman City Editor Negassi Tesfamichael State Editor Andrew Hahn Associate News Editor Laura Grulke Features Editor Gilly McBride Opinion Editors Sergey Fedossov • Cal Weber Editorial Board Chair Conor Murphy Arts Editors Allison Garcia • Conor Murphy Sports Editors Jake Powers • Zach Rastall Almanac Editors Dylan Anderson • Liam Hutchison Photo Editors Will Chizek • Kaitlyn Veto Graphics Editors Bethany Dahl • Yi Jiang Multimedia Editors Steven Rybeck • Jen Wagman Science Editor Sai-Suma Samudrala Life & Style Editor McKenna Gramoll Special Pages Editors Kerry Huth • Justine Jones Copy Chiefs Theda Berry • Ellie Borstad John Joutras • Sam Wagner Copy Editor Erin Guarnieri Social Media Manager Madison Schiller

Business and Advertising business@dailycardinal.com Business Manager Andrew Hahm Advertising Manager Corissa Pennow Marketing Director Victoria Fok

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 Dylan Anderson • Theda Berry James Dayton • Sergey Fedossov Emily Gerber • Max Lenz Conor Murphy • Cal Weber

Board of Directors Herman Baumann, President Phil Brinkman • James Dayton Victoria Fok • Emily Gerber Andrew Hahm • Janet Larson Don Miner • Corissa Pennow Nancy Sandy • Jennifer Sereno Jason Stein • Tina Zavoral

© 2015, The Daily Cardinal Media Corporation

For the record Corrections or clarifications? Call The Daily Cardinal office at 608-262-8000 or send an email to edit@dailycardinal.com.

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Managing our ecosystems in smart and efficient ways By Margaret Liu The Daily Cardinal

In an age where many things are micromanaged and controlled for the most efficient results, aquatic ecologist Stephen Carpenter says that this kind of management may end up being detrimental in the long run. Carpenter works for UW-Madison’s Center for Limnology, which sits upon the picturesque shores of Lake Mendota. Limnology is the study of inland waters such as lakes, rivers, wetlands and ground waters, and Lake Mendota has long been heavily involved in ecology and limnology studies. In fact, limnology as a science was founded in 1875 on the same shores of Lake Mendota that many of us run along today. The Center for Limnology works all over the state, dealing with Wisconsin fisheries, water quality and ecology, as well as with invasive species in the Great Lakes. About ten years ago, Carpenter and his team became interested in how we manage and predict ecosystems. Ecosystem management takes

many forms: providing grazing land for livestock, maintaining highly productive fisheries, maximizing agricultural output or limiting algal blooms in lakes. The norm for management has always been to tightly control the variance of the ecosystem, not allowing for disease, growth or exposure to harsh elements. However, there is a huge flaw for how we manage ecosystems; we only worry about the short term. “The basic idea is that humans tend to make the short term predictable and don’t worry too much about the long term,” says Carpenter. “There is a lot of evidence about that from behavioral economics and from just empirical studies about the way people make decisions. Managing for short-term predictability may have unexpected long-term consequences… If you suppress the variance over the short time frames, you’ve got to be increasing it over long time frames.” In essence, the variance of an ecosystem is conserved, much like how energy is conserved. It can never be destroyed completely. If we heavily manage and control a system in the present

time, that variance will be conserved and may show up in the future regardless of any efforts. “Now there’s actually a mathematical theorem that proves that [conservation] for a certain class of systems, called linear systems. Ecosystems are not linear so that theorem does not strictly apply. What we asked is that is there something like that theorem that operates in ecosystems.” Their theory was put to test using three simple ecosystem models: nutrient pollution in lakes, sustaining harvest and maintaining cattle in a grazing land invaded by inedible shrubs. In all cases, after the shortterm period passed, the system began to collapse. In the lakes, algae blooms went out of control. The farms experienced resource collapse. Finally, the cattle herd’s grazing land results, despite managing for the shrubs, showed that shrub growth actually increased. How can we manage resources and ecosystems then? There is already a movement in ecosystem and global management to think about safe operating spaces, which can be thought

of as a safe range for the amount of short-term management possible. If resource managers could define the threshold and breaking point of an ecosystem, then it would be possible to define an operating space where most long-term consequences could be avoided. It is easier said than done, as operating spaces can drastically change simply because variance is being managed. Nevertheless, it is still important for resource management and the public to be conscious about the issues of resource and ecosystem predictability and management. The implications of Carpenter’s research are huge. Realizing that these patterns of variance exist is incredibly important to all of us. All seven billion of us on the planet depend on the resources that ecosystems produce, whether through agriculture or natural means. Managing what we have in an intelligent way should be something that we can all think about, whether it’s deciding to ease up the lawn fertilizer once in awhile or advocating for smarter management.

Taking a stroll on the Lakeshore Path By Jordan Gaal The Daily Cardinal

The light shines through the branches and casts illuminated streaks on the surface of the Lakeshore Path. The nature preserve is quiet and still as the wildlife prepares for the winter transition. Beautiful trees thrive, reaching to the sky. Today, however, researcher and plant pathologist Jessie Glaeser has her eyes on the ground. Glaeser researches fungi for the United States Department of Forestry and leads the Center for Forest Mycology Research. She has a careful eye trained to spot fungi on fallen and rotting trees. On this cool, crisp autumn day, the hunt for fungi may be more of a foray. This is an ancient European term for pillaging that is now used to mean a walk collecting fungi and mushrooms. The combination of recent freezing temperatures and lack of rain have reduced the moisture, which the fungi need to truly thrive. “Fungi always need water to grow,” Glaeser says. “That’s like the key point.” However, in no time, Glaeser manages to identify a variety of unique fungi species. Pocket knife in hand, she wastes no time kneeling in the dirt to overturn a rotting log. Using the sharp tool she marks the areas of the fallen tree afflicted by the fungi. There are two distinct colors that make up most fungi. The white rot appears bleached, while the brown rot blends in with

the dirt. It quickly becomes quite apparent that there are many different types of fungi. There are mushrooms with distinct “gill-like” structures and others with spongy pores. Glaeser makes use of the small magnifying glass dangling around her neck next to the trusty compass to identify the pores too small for the unaided eye. Perhaps the most important distinction for mushrooms and fungi is which ones are edible, and which ones will send an individual to the hospital. Most wild mushrooms and fungi may not only be poisonous, but also covered in bacteria. “It’s not [that it’s] really poisonous,” Glaeser says. “It’s just not edible.” She drives home edible mushrooms with a story. Legend has it, a group of graduate students in Korea—“It may have been Alaska,” Karen Nakasone adds as the experts recall the tale—collected mushrooms. They misidentified them and ended up with hospital-worthy stomach aches. U.S. Forest Service experts Karen Nakasone and Beatriz Ortiz-Santana join Glaeser. Together, the three women encompass the entire fungi knowledge of the forest. Nakasone notes that even though most fungi are brown and white, they can be found in brilliant colors such as violet and even green. She focuses on differentiating fungi by the color of the spores release for reproduction. “This could be a brown

Jordan Gaal/the daily cardinal

Walking along the Lakeshore Path, Glaeser, Nakasone and Ortiz-Santana teach the group about fungi and mushrooms. spore,” Nakasone says. “You can tell sometimes if you just turn it over.” Turning over many fungi reveals their true color. Walking through the forest,

most notice the stunning wildflowers and commanding trees. Glaeser is fascinated by the thriving ecosystem of fungi decaying the foliage right below her feet.


opinion dailycardinal.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

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Eliminating net neutrality is a priority tim Heinzel Opinion Columnist

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t first glance, net neutrality seems like a great idea. It proclaims to keep the Internet free, equal and void of discrimination. Freedom, equality and anti-discrimination certainly are important American principles, but they are meant to be applied to citizens’ relationship with government, not citizens’ relationship with private businesses. Internet access is not a right, and all of the intricacies and stipulations of the service should be left up to the Internet company and its customers.

The way to a better Internet isn’t through regulation­—it’s through competition.

At a technical level, net neutrality makes it so all “packets of data” have to be treated equally. Treating all data equally ignores the reality that different Internet activities have different levels of priority. Streaming video requires a constant, active connection, whereas browsing text-based websites or receiving email requires much less band-

width and only an intermittent connection. Internet bandwidth is a finite resource, and it needs to be allocated according to the demands of consumers. We see the principle of priority-based allocation in numerous other industries. Those wanting to reduce wait time at amusement parks pay extra for fast passes. People pay different rates for shipping depending on how fast they want to receive an item. The same concept should apply to the Internet. If a certain website wants their data prioritized, they should pay for it. One example of the net neutrality issue involved Netflix and Comcast. Comcast began to slow Netflix’s transmission of data because of the vast amount of bandwidth it required. Netflix eventually had to pay Comcast to get its data prioritized to the point that video-streaming customers were satisfied. Netflix wanted net neutrality so it didn’t have to pay the increased costs associated with prioritizing its data. Its business relies on a constant stream of data, so it can’t afford to “wait in line” like the rest of us when bandwidth usage is high. Now that Netflix and other net neutrality proponents have gotten their way, the costs associated with the demands they place on the network are distributed across all customers instead of

just themselves. If we want a system where Internet users pay according to the data they use, we can’t have net neutrality. While net neutrality is inherently an issue relating to allocating the finite resource of bandwidth, some portray it as a free speech issue. Internet companies would supposedly censor traffic or block certain websites for profit. That doesn’t appear to be happening. The only issues of throttling are related to excessive demands on the network. Historically, if there’s any entity to fear censorship from, it’s the government.

A faster and better Internet will emerge as the result of new technologies and market competition.

While the United States government hasn’t censored the Internet as much as other governments, governments are the only organizations that have a reason to block content. Internet companies could care less about the content they allow customers to access, provided that those customers are paying for it. That explains why many Internet service providers don’t block illegal

downloads and are often reluctant to do so when governments demand they do.

Internet access is not a right, and all of the intricacies and stipulations of the service should be left up to the internet company and its customers.

The way to a better Internet isn’t through more regulation— it’s through competition. Now that the Internet is seemingly a public utility in which all data must be treated equally, lower-end users will subsidize the demands of those who require more data. If an Internet service provider can’t charge more to users and the high-bandwidth websites or throttle their data transmission, then everyone, including light Internet users, will be paying more. While net neutrality theoretically requires all data to travel at the same speed, it seems as if supporters of net neutrality think that regulation will somehow increase the speed of all traffic regardless of how limited bandwidth is. Traffic jams happen, and it’s not a surprise that those wanting a fast lane would be expected to pay for it. To create a more competitive Internet, it is up to local govern-

ments to free up public infrastructure for new companies. Google Fiber, which provides gigabit Internet (100x faster than most existing connections), is attempting to expand to new cities at great prices. All it needs is municipalities to allow it to move in. Additionally, even just the threat of Google Fiber moving into a city can get existing Internet providers to increase their Internet speeds. Overall, when local governments embrace competition, they see better results. A faster and better Internet will emerge as the result of new technologies and market competition. It can’t emerge as a result of net neutrality regulation, which only further entrenches monopolies and places the costs of prioritized data upon all customers instead of just those who demand it. Our focus should not be on regulating the Internet; rather, we should focus on easing the requirements for competition by getting lobbyists out of the regulatory field and removing restrictions that prevent innovative companies like Google Fiber from moving in. Tim is a freshman majoring in finance and economics. What are your thoughts on net neutrality? Do you agree with Tim’s opinion? Please send all comments, questions and concerns to opinion@dailycardinal.com.


opinion 6

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

dailycardinal.com

courtesy of wiki commons

Third parties, like the United Nations, stand by while the Russian military continues to bombard the Syrian military with several detrimental airstrikes.

Russia under the microscope in Syria Jack Kelly Opinion Columnist

R

ussian warplanes in Western Syria have carried out several airstrikes that are believed to have killed dozens of civilians. According to a Human Rights Watch report, these bombings appear to be war crimes committed by the Russians. These aerial attacks took place in the northern part of Homs governorate Oct. 15th as Russian and Syrian planes were supporting a ground offensive against rebel troops. Russian forces have faced numerous allegations of targeting civilian areas since they began their bombing campaign in Syria last month. Russia has strongly denied these allegations, stating that its airstrikes are not targeting civilians. It should be noted that none of these allegations have been confirmed, and the Russian Foreign Ministry has called the Human Rights Watch report “another piece of disinformation.” The most lethal of these airstrikes

in Homs was reported to hit a house in the village of Ghantou. It has been reported that a family celebration was occurring, and 46 members of an extended family were killed. Another airstrike hit in the town of Ter Maaleh, reportedly killing 13 civilians, and a local commander of the rebel group: the Free Syrian Army. In its report, the Human Rights Watch said that residents of these towns believed “the strikes were by Russian forces because the sound of the planes were different from the sound made by Syrian air force planes, and the Russians fly much higher.” However, the Russian Foreign Ministry once again stated there was nothing to the report. There were also accusations against the U.S.-led coalition that has been carrying out a bombing campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq in the Human Rights Watch report. In 2014, the Human Rights Watch called for an investigation into U.S. missile strikes in northwestern Syria. These strikes were ones that reportedly killed seven

civilians. The Pentagon said at the time that the military would look into such claims, but since have not found any evidence to support them. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition group based in London, reported in May that the coalition airstrikes had killed more than 50 civilians near the city of Aleppo alone. The U.S. military vowed to investigate the report, and the U.S. Central Command stated that at the time there were no coalition forces in the area. However, they are said to still be looking into the report. With the accusations of over 100 civilian casualties being reported around airstrikes from the Russians and an absence of any sincere complaints against the U.S.-led coalition in recent months, I am left wondering once again if it is time for the United Nations to stand up to the Russians. In the last month, they have become exponentially more militarily active within Syria and have faced little resistance against such acts. It is time for the other

leaders on the world stage to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for these actions, and force the Russians to loosen their holds in Syria. To begin, the Russian ground troops that have become abundant around cities such as Latakia should be recalled home. There is no reason for a nation that is supporting their ally through airstrikes to have ground troops in one of the most prominent cities in Syria. The other ground forces that the Russians have deployed in Syria should also be recalled. Once again, there is no need for tanks, war jeeps and shortrange helicopters to be present in a nation that the Russians are supporting from the air. Another curious point of information is that when the Russian arms buildup first occurred in Syria in late September, the Russians claimed they were only going to use these weapons to defend Syrian cities. Nearly a month later, the Russians have been viewed supporting several Syrian offensives against rebel groups. It should also

be noted the Russians first claimed they were in Syria to fight back against the terrorist group ISIS, not against the rebels. With these points in mind, I believe it is time for third party intervention in Syria. The United Nations needs to step in and force the Russians to remove all troops from Syria. There is no need for there to be a physical Russian presence in Syria when they could send air support from afar. If they refuse, I believe that sanctions, whether economic or alternative, should be enforced against the Russians. I fear this may be another Russian ploy at a land grab if its ally, President al-Assad, falls to the Free Syrian Army. Such an event could be catastrophic in the world of global politics, and could lead to greater conflict than a civil war. Jack Kelly is a freshman planning on majoring in journalism and strategic communications. Please send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.

Debate needs to return to its origins Ben Miller Opinion Columnist

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et’s get something clear. Being opposed to same-sex marriage does not make you homophobic. Being opposed to abortion does not mean you hate women. Supporting marijuana legalization does not make you a hippie. Supporting climate change legislation does not make you a tree-hugger. Despite my perpetual love for politics, it is increasingly hard to love something that is in complete shambles. There was once a time in which politics was rooted in debate. Each man had to argue his side, applying logic and reason as support. Debate was an art. Its goal: to find truth. What happened? In modern politics, debate has been replaced by name-calling and whining. It’s no wonder Congress can never get anything passed!

Someone against abortion likely views an unborn baby as a real, living individual human being that has a right to life.

Last week, a group in support of traditional marriage was peacefully protesting on the cor-

ner of University Avenue and Park Street. Their protest was calm and peaceful. No name-calling. No whining. Their bagpipe player was quite annoying, but it was no worse than any other street performer you’ll often find while walking State Street. Although many disagree on their views, it was refreshing to see a protest that was not aggressive or hateful. Unfortunately, the people on the other side were not happy. A quick scroll through the popular social media app Yik Yak showed the dark side of controversial issues. Nearly every top post was targeted at the group of protesters. Curse words flew left and right, making the term homophobic seem mild. The amount of hatred was unfathomable. The irony is that people were accusing the protesters of hatred. Does the Westboro Baptist Church show hatred towards homosexuals? Most would agree, yes. Does a peaceful protest against same-sex marriage show hatred? Some may argue yes. I beg to differ. Not all people agree on certain issues. Just because someone disagrees with you, you don’t have the right to show blind hatred towards them. Especially if they’re stating their opinion in a peaceful way. The people that weren’t protesting were the ones showing hatred. People spitting, name-calling, cursing.

courtesy of wiki commons

The old sport of debate is getting swept up in its modernization. No longer are people concerned with thoughtful banter between opposing parties, but instead attack each other without evidence. Through it all, the protesters stood firm. I find it so ironic that the people showing hate towards others were the ones accusing them of hate. If you can’t respect another’s opinion, it’s time you get an ego check. How would you feel if the roles were reversed, and you were the protester? The truth is you may be wrong. With the ignorance of logic or reason to come to a conclusion on what is true, we have fallen into a state of believing things that simply don’t hold up to reason. Every single belief should be logically challenged. The problem is that so many aren’t. This either causes people to believe in something illogical or accuse the opposite side of being illogical despite the fact it is. Is there a logical argument for same-sex marriage? Yes. Is there a

logical argument against same-sex marriage? Yes. Which position is more logical? That’s for debate to decide. However, no matter what the issue, it is important that you get in your head that, just because you disagree on an issue, it doesn’t mean the other side is wrong. It’s possible that you may be the one that’s wrong! It’s about time people get an ego check. Disagreement should be settled through debate. Sometimes it may end in a stalemate. The point is that it’s civil. Politics in our society has devolved to a level that is barbaric and disgusting. A person that is against same-sex marriage likely sees value in the traditional formation of a family. It doesn’t mean they want to discriminate against gay people. Someone against abortion likely views an unborn baby

as a real, living individual human being that has a right to life. It doesn’t mean that they don’t respect women. A person in support of legalization of marijuana likely is tired of hearing about another drug crime-related death. It doesn’t mean they’re a ‘pot-smoking hippie.’ A person in support of action on climate change likely wants to be responsible about how much we waste so that we can uphold the beauty of nature. It doesn’t mean they’re a ‘tree-hugger.’ Let’s stop with the name-calling and learn how to discuss issues rather than whine about them. When you’re the one crying “Wolf!” you may, in fact, be the wolf yourself. Ben Miller is a freshman majoring in political science. Let us know what you think. Send us an email at opinion@dailycardinal.com.


comics dailycardinal.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 • 7

“I loved that cat. He was like a dog.” Today’s Sudoku

Future Freaks

By Joel Cryer graphics@dailycardinal.com

© Puzzles by Pappocom

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

Fox meets Awks Classic

From the Daily Cardinal Archives graphics@dailycardinal.com

Today’s Crossword Puzzle

Subversion

ACROSS

53 Emulate Sherlock Holmes

19 Checks for fit

1 Money used in Thailand

55 Circumstance’s partner

24 Carve, as into memory

6 Foot bottom

56 Rat-a-___ (drum sound)

26 Chesterfield, e.g.

10 Secluded lowland

59 Gets belted often

27 Rainless and dusty

14 Universally accepted prin-

62 Moisturizer additive

29 Stops introducing evidence

63 Up to the task

30 Tolkien flesh-eater

15 Ear-related

64 Type of ray

31 Cry in “A Christmas Carol”

16 Letts live here

65 Mythical monster

33 Small mound

17 More pressing matters

66 Not new

35 Part of the alimentary

20 Havana residue

67 Rathskeller staple

ciple

canal 36 Some sweater necks

21 A bundle 22 Speaks from the soapbox

DOWN

37 While lead-in, once

23 Large stringed instrument

1 Rum-soaked cake

39 “The Matrix” hero

25 “Meet Me ___ Louis”

2 Allies’ opponents

40 Serengeti antelope

26 Flavor enhancer

3 First-rate

41 Stuff that seeps

28 Dresses like a justice

4 ___ out (get all dressed up)

45 Sultanate on Borneo’s coast

32 Spinachlike plant

5 Aroma

46 Brought forth

34 Notable time periods

6 Too lenient with

47 “It’s all the ____ to me”

35 “___ been meaning to tell

7 Mayberry sot

49 Haggard of Nashville

8 Fleur-de-___ (symbol on

50 Blithering sort

you ...” 38 Certain sailing vessel

Quebec’s flag)

52 Sends junk mail online

42 TV revenue source

9 Sound rebound

53 “It’s now or never” time

43 Donated, temporarily

10 Reacts to a bad joke, per-

54 Old Testament twin

44 Student’s scribblings

haps

55 Rock heap

45 Tops to go with skirts

11 Hits the weight room

57 “Spumante” lead-in

48 A taste for life

12 Everglades flier

58 “Better you ___ me!”

49 Surrealist Joan

13 Roll call refusals

60 Abbreviated wts.

51 Arrangement containers

18 Actor’s gig

61 Budgetary excess

By Tom Taagen graphics@dailycardinal.com


Sports Sports Bringing football to a new community WEDNESDAY, October 28, 2015 Dailycardinal.com DailyCardinal.com

Illinois’ Mandarin football broadcasts could blaze a trail for Wisconsin and other schools Story by Ben Pickman

I

t’s safe to say that Bart Houston had thrown a myriad of touchdown passes before Saturday’s 24-13 win against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Yet it’s not hyperbolic to say that Houston’s two touchdown passes on Saturday were unlike any he’s ever thrown prior to this weekend. That’s because, unlike at Wisconsin, sitting up in the sterile booth hanging high above Memorial Stadium are David He and Bruce Lu. He and Lu aren’t American and didn’t grow up enamored with football. Instead both He and Lu grew up in China, thousands of miles away from the likes of Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Yet like Michaels and Collinsworth or Buck and Aikman, He and Lu make up a football broadcast duo. However, there is one major difference: He and Lu broadcast their games in Mandarin and their broadcasts are the first college football broadcasts ever in a second language. They are the Marco Polo of Chinese broadcasts, except instead of exposing Europe to textiles, bronze and ceramics made on the Silk Road, they are tasked with venturing to the red zone, exposing China to college football, a far less glamorous but substantially more profitable product. He’s first time setting foot on American soil was not until he began school at the University of Illinois. He had never seen a football game before; he didn’t know the difference between pass interference and offsides. And he had never even thought about broadcasting. “I had never done it before,” he said. Later adding, “I never thought

I’d do something in broadcast.” But since nearly 12 percent of the University of Illinois’ student population consists of Chinese students, the university realized they had an obligation to engage a large portion of their student population that differed from the rest. Karl Feak, the assistant director of Fan Development and Marketing at the University of Illinois, remembered Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Relations Mike Waddell pitching the idea to him a few years ago. “A lot of our Chinese students are interested in football, but didn’t really know much about the game,” Feak recalls Waddell telling him.

“The students on campus think it’s pretty cool. They are interested and have tuned in.” Karl Feak assistant director of sports marketing University of Illinois

Shortly after that conversation, the tandem, as well as other members of the athletic department, began hosting a “Football 101” seminar, which was less like a discussion seminar and more like a mini-NFL combine designed for students who couldn’t differentiate an end zone from a time zone. But to Feak and his associates, “Football 101” was really just the beginning. “We wanted to build off that program and start offering more programming directed toward helping our Chinese students learn more about football and also become fans of our team,” Feak said. Feak pointed out that prior to the Mandarin broadcasts, “Chinese students and interna-

kaitlyn veto/cardinal file photo

Thanks to David He and Bruce Lu’s Mandarin broadcasts, Illinois football can be enjoyed by the university’s growing Chinese population.

tional students were not coming to games.” Yet since the broadcasts began, Waddell and Feak have seen an increased number of Chinese students watching Illini football in the stands. On multiple occasions, Waddell has been seen walking around the student section, observing the masses of Chinese students using earbuds listening to He and Lu’s broadcast. Such an exercise serves as a barometer for Waddell and his associates to track the popularity of their experiment. And for He and Lu it was also truly just an experiment. He said that his lack of experience was “really a challenge,” adding that the two of them “just pretend that people listening are blindfolded.” Both He and Lu disclosed that many listeners watch the games on the Big Ten Network without sound and simultaneously listen to their broadcast instead. But unlike He, Lu, the play-byplay man of the duo, was more acquainted with football before arriving in Champaign. He first came to the states during his junior year of high school as part of an exchange program. He lived in Kansas City, and it was there that he fell in love with both high school and pro football. “I felt like I instantly fell in love with the sport,” Lu said. Lu said that watching the Kansas City Chiefs for an entire season further enhanced his passion for the sport and admitted that broadcasting games was “somewhat a dream job for me growing up.” Even with a budding passion for football, Lu began this fall as the broadcaster’s equivalent of a rookie. “I’m still trying to pick up the flag calls, penalty rules,” he said. “Illegal formation, that’s the penalty I’ve never understood.” Meanwhile, He needed to watch “one game a day” over the summer and even talked with an announcer at NFL China, the network entrusted with broadcasting football games such as the Super Bowl to the Chinese populace, to prepare for games. Yet even with their inexperience pertaining to the nuances of football, both He and Lu agree that the hardest part of the broadcast occurs not on the field, but in the booth. “Trying to keep the energy up. That’s the biggest challenge,” Lu said. Reid Magnum, the sports director of WSUM here in Madison, echoed Lu’s sentiments and admitted that the energy, as well rhythm, of calling a game can be especially difficult for most tandems. “The best ones know when the other person is gonna stop talking and when the other person is gonna start talking. And they kind of set them up and know where they are going,” Magnum said. Even in another language He and Lu have formed the chemistry Magnum referred to. It shows as the duo is beginning to understand their roles more and more as the season progresses. And as the color commentator, He tries to keep it simple when

calling games. “Time, score, situation. Time, score, situation,” He said. “You need to talk about those three things over and over again.” Magnum again echoed He’s sentiment and recognized that even in a different language, “painting a picture” using the time, score and situation is the most important job of a radio broadcaster. Not surprisingly, according to He, Lu and Feak, the response to their games has been nothing but positive.

“Any way that you can get people to understand the sport and feel like it’s closer to them is for the better.” Reid Magnum sports director WSUM

“The students on campus think it’s pretty cool. They are interested and have tuned in,” Feak said. “In general I’m not sure it could have been a much better response.” The duo receives a ton of positive feedback via WeChat, a “Chinese WhatsApp” as they described it, and interacts with their users, explaining aspects of the game they might not have been able to eloquently describe in the moment in more depth. The duo has done so well, so quickly, the school is thinking of expanding into more sports this coming winter. “The goal is to expand the program into more sports,” Feak said. “It is unique and a growing trend. Some schools haven’t seen a need to go into that space yet. But I would hope these kinds of steps would make international or Chinese students feel more welcomed.” With more than 5,000 Chinese students on campus, the University of Illinois has the largest Chinese student population in the country. They have seen a growth of more than 4,000 percent since the year 2000. And such efforts not only help integrate the international students currently on campus, but also increase in the international popularity of the school. The University of Wisconsin, much like the University of Illinois, is currently admitting more international students per year than ever before. For example, UW-Madison has seen a growth in international students of more than 300 percent since 2003. As a result of the influx of international students, the question of integrating Chinese and international students into the community has become a major question for administrators. For many, one answer is obvious: sports. “Some students might attend just one game at Camp Randall for the sheer spectacle of a Big Ten football game. Other international students are fans who buy seasons for their preferred sport,” Jason Jonely, the associate director of the International Student Services office at UW-Madison, said via email.

But for many international students, football is not their preferred sport for many of the reasons Lu and He posited. Instead, the university has turned to soccer as a means to draw international students to sporting events. “International Night with Badgers men’s soccer is an excellent way to increase attendance,” Jonely wrote. “We also have a number of international students who are athletes; highlighting these students might be a way to further engage international students.” Among those international students is freshman Sam Brotherton. Brotherton is from Auckland, New Zealand, and played on New Zealand’s under20 national team before arriving on campus. His presence will not only make the Badgers a better soccer team, but will also likely increase the popularity of the university in New Zealand, something that Feak said was a mission of Illinois’ Mandarin broadcasts. Magnum, one of the voices of Wisconsin’s campus, harked on the importance that sports have on forming a stronger and more widespread community. “Any way you can get people to understand the sport and feel like it’s closer to them is for the better,” Magnum said. “As soon as you get that relations factor, it will make people feel like it’s something they can enjoy.” And yet even with the rising international population on campus and countless benefits to the second-language broadcast, Wisconsin is yet to join the Fighting Illini in the secondlanguage space. One issue, according to Magnum, is that, “there is only so much [physical] space for broadcast.” Yet an even more likely reason for why Wisconsin is yet to experiment with such an idea goes back to simple statistics. Even with Wisconsin’s rising international population, it is still a fraction of the Chinese population attending Illinois. Couple that with the fact that no one international demographic occupies a large chunk of the student population like how Illinois’ Chinese population makes up almost 12 percent of their student population, and it seems reasonable that Badger broadcasts are still only in English. “I’m sure some people are seeing how this goes. And then based on the success that they have would think about these other things,” Magnum said. Magnum’s likely right in his sentiments. Because the Mandarin broadcasts are an overwhelming success on campus and international students populations are rising yearly, it is more than likely that in the near future, people all around the world will be able to listen to Badger games in their native language. And when parents of Badger students are listening to Badger football on the radio in Mandarin, they’ll have He and Lu to thank for blazing the secondlanguage trail.


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