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Breaking (the mold): New Cardinal vision By Robyn Cawley and Erin Jordan MANAGEMENT TEAM
Welcome inspired artists, truth seekers and advocates of social justice. Welcome to The Daily Cardinal. We’ve been around for 128 years, covering World War I to the 2018 gubernatorial election — and today, the journalism industry looks as it never has before. We’re still determined to uphold the core values of our institution: holding those in power accountable, raising a voice for those unheard and ultimately, uncovering the truth. Our commitment to these values was recognized by members of The Daily Cardinal community, who trusted us to fulfill these leadership roles. But, we’re also ready for change.
In a time where digital content is just as crucial as our print copy, we are looking to evolve what we cover — and how we cover it. We’re looking for people with new ideas — people like you. We accept that we are not representative of all students at UW-Madison, folx from Wisconsin and citizens nationwide — and cannot tell their stories on our own. We not only want to ensure that these voices are included and heard, but that there’s an open invitation for anyone willing to share their story and help us tell others’. With the support of Cardinals before us — and future members of the flock — we promise an inviting, inclusive community as we learn to unveil the truth together. Join us in the revolution that journalism has become.
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Lollapalooza 2019: Festival Highlights By Francisco Velaquez SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The first-time feeling compares to no other. It is handled with care. Though it shows in just about every small detail around you, I find myself lost at the vibration hovering, cutting corners and seeping between Grant Park. Day 1 Normani is well on her way This year’s Lollapalooza Music Festival is my first. Excited, I stumbled into a blue sea of artists which floods the stage. A field of glitter is accompanied by a signature skyline. Fans, including myself, are nothing but patient. Normani is at the base of the Bud Light stage, following an “I love you all, let’s really make the first day something special!” She holds in her stature her power. The former Fifth Harmony member does indeed remind us why going solo may just have given her the upper hand. Joined by a band and a group of black backup dancers, Normani ignites the audience with a stellar opening dance number, a string of Rihanna covers — an effortless Lollapalooza debut. Though some may have expected guest appearances from artists such as 6LACK, Khalid or Sam Smith, Normani glides seamlessly on her own. She lends some of her best vocals on “Dancing With A Stranger,” where the crowd meets her eye to eye. It is clear that a superstar in the making is no stranger to her calling. Even without a released album, Normani fills her 45-minute set with some of her best collaborations and a medley of Fifth Harmony’s biggest hits. However, it is clear that through this transition Normani turns “Work From Home,” “Worth It” and “Bo$$” into a bonafide dance number. With astounding precision, Normani captivates a city while the whole world watches. H.E.R and the best parts of you After a 10-minute delay, H.E.R. graces the stage, performance-ready. switches guitars. Comfortable and joined by her signature background singers, H.E.R. sets a mood despite the piercing sun. As the camera nears, a reflection of the Chicago skyline can be seen through her sunglasses. The audience belts out some of her biggest hits, including “Hard Place.” “Get You” echoes throughout the T-Mobile stage; an anchor is drawn between a sea of people and a ship lead by the “Best Part.” There is no empty feeling; though frustration is drawn from “Focus,” a home appears on stage, representing a loneliness in all of us. It calms the crowd despite the unwavering doubt we may separately share. H.E.R. propels forth, without “Having Everything Revealed (H.E.R.) .”
Hozier Soars Standing at over 6 feet, Hozier is much taller in person. A friend and I contemplate walking over to him, but nervously we stand still. We consider Hozier’s larger-than-life persona in a string of interviews his team has scheduled right before his performance — onstage, for press and in real time, he is simply living in his element. A crowd favorite, “Work Song,” is accompanied with the vocals of Maggie Rogers. An awe-gawking duet engages in “Someone New,” though familiar faces are found, there is indeed “a life to art’s distractions.” As Hozier belts into the sun, we are collectively reminded that though we arrive expecting something, we fall fullcircle to both the old and the new. He proclaims, “You’ve got voices. I know you do. Don’t hide them from me, don’t hide them in the flames.” The Strokes re-energize day one As the day settles on the headlining set by The Strokes, lead frontman Julian Casablancas is full of energy. The 75-minute set pushes through the haze of firstday exhaustion and re-energizes the packed audience. Casablancas cracks jokes about Chicago seemingly during every song break. “Last Nite” serves as a slight encore. Though the hit was expected by the dedicated fans who wait past the 10:00 p.m. mark, excitement is still the best element of surprise as The Strokes close the first day of Lollapalooza 2019. Day 2 Tierra Whack finds her audience Tierra Whack takes us along for the ride in her Whack World. Striking visuals draw the already charismatic star above and beyond. I can’t help but consider Whack as one of the necessary artists we crucially need for the future. Though Whack World features a string of one-minute songs, Whack performs a 45-minute set with ease. When “Cable” is sung back to Whack, she looks out in astonishment as she proclaims, “The energy here! I feel you all.” It is complementary to think of Whack as more than just her music. There is emotion in the way she molds and morphs between mosquitoes and bottles onstage as she twists and turns out of them. Her “Hungry Hippo” anthem draws in an audience that she confesses may just be her best audience yet. Janelle Monáe’s royalty, easily an early afternoon headliner Black women on stage. Black women in the band. Black women on their throne. Easily, Janelle Monáe delivers one of the best Lollapalooza performances of the entire festival (and it’s only the second day!) An hour long set seemingly leaves fans wanting more. Monáe performs many of her 2018 hits from her Grammy-nominated
album Dirty Computer. She notably opens with, “Crazy, Classic, Life,” celebrating not only this star-studded moment for her but the “weirdos.” She makes a moving speech about the country’s gravest issues while also celebrating individuality and the undying need to be free, “even if we make others uncomfortable.” Immediately addressing the rights of marginalized communities, including black and brown people, the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Royalty is written all over the stage. With several outfit changes and a surrounding throne, musicians and dancers — all black — Monáe stuns and shows why her multifaceted performance could have easily been a headlining set. 21 Savage unmatched, unstoppable A hometown hero draws an unimaginable crowd. 21 is accompanied by headliner Childish Gambino for their collaborated song “Monster.” Gambino emerges on top of a pyramid staircase, arm in a sling with a neck brace to match. 21 has an undoubtedly notable discography. Fans rap along to some of his biggest hits including “Rap Saved Me” and “Out for the Night.” With past controversy surrounding 21’s citizenship, we are thrilled the southern-made singer is back where he belongs – on stage. Childish Gambino praises us, to go Childish Gambino’s headlining set featured three of his main requests for the audience: to love ourselves, to have fun and to ditch the phones. A “Childish Gambino Experience,” also alludes to the experience we all owe ourselves, to live as he states as though, “Everything is not forever.” In the spirit of the city, he asks “Do you hear me, can you hold me up?” Amid this high energy, Gambino races between the T-Mobile stage and a small platform in the crowd. This also doesn’t stop Gambino from making his way through the center aisle, touching adoring fans as he sings “Summertime Magic.” Though Gambino asked fans to put down their phones at the beginning of his set, he takes selfies and videos with fans near the railing. Consistently praising the crowd’s energy, Gambino is set to make this Lollapalooza headline a good Sunday come early as he says, “This is church for me.” Teasing fans on multiple occasions before hitting the stage again with renditions of “Sweatpants” and “Redbone,” fans sing every word. Upon closing his set, Gambino tells fans, “I felt you today,” and in celebration fans sing alongside Gambino. Day 3 Yaeji is eclectic Yaeji was introduced to me this day by a group of friends. I made an adamant effort to listen to new artists and experience them in full-concert-throttle. An electronic
house sound files throughout the American Eagle stage, and an eager crowd is defined in dance. Her style and precise use of elements of house music and hip-hop are mellowed in a light-spirited voice, both in English and Korean. Yaeji captivates an audience looking to find the vibration in the music. Her quirky, almost reserved demeanor is freed on stage and onlooking fans quickly fall into a whirlwind of trap, house and pop. Lil’ Wayne, that’s the headline Lil’ Wayne has always delivered energy. Although performances are more than only energy, one of rap’s biggest legends again reminds us why his reign has extended through the years. Performing some of his biggest hits, a packed field chants, “A Milli,” a staplesingle that has garnered critical acclaim. Lil’ Wayne’s worldwide influence began early in his life, releasing a project at the age of 12, it is no surprise that this moment was well in the works. Much more than a cliche of “Written In The Stars,” Lil’ Wayne is undoubtedly a potential headliner though not this time around — the unofficial headliner drew the biggest crowd in the south field of Grant Park by far. His remix of Lil’ Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” ignites a stage already soaring with high-level energy. Though some may say this is yet another remix, Lil’ Wayne makes sets with no surprise, the Tunechi effect. In 28 years, J. Balvin makes history as the First Latino Headliner at Lollapalooza There are always questions of community. In some ways, it is not when and how we can show this support, but sometimes, it is simply witnessing the power of faith and the hope for change. Now, at a pivotal and difficult time in the US, the identity of being a Latino-American comes with an endured hardship. Often some inclination of distance, but for Lollapalooza’s third night, the first ever Latino headliner J. Balvin draws upon the community we have long been building through music. A massive crowd of fans, many of Latino descent, gear quickly to the high energy from beginning to end. It is through this excitement that J. Balvin thanks Chicago and the U.S. as he states, “Thank you to the people around the world that came here tonight.” Reggaeton’s long-time influence has finally taken mainstream acclaim. It is because of artists like Daddy Yankee and Ivy Queen that we have performers such as Cardi B and artists like Bad Bunny and J. Balvin. Though Balvin may be the first Latino headliner, it is clear that U.S.-based music festivals will take note of including one of the largest demographic groups in our country today. J. Balvin constantly gives appraisal to his influences and even brings on stage
Wisin y Yandel to perform alongside him. J. Balvin was well-aware of the platform he had and most importantly declared that though he is making history, the Latino community must mobilize together to continue rising to the top and changing the social culture of who and what is represented. Day 4 Rosalia’s Con Altura When you think of artists like Rosalia, you can’t help but consider her in the same light as the infamous Frida Kahlo. They are in no comparison the same, but instead, both remind you that art can imitate life. Her set is nothing short of vocally noteworthy. Rosalia performs in bright turquoise, alongside a set of dancers, she pours a water bottle just above her ponytail, and of course, dramatically strikes every single note. Her a capella renditions and some of her biggest chart hits grow strikingly stronger with the crowd. If we were forced, albeit nothing more than encouraged to be put onto the Rosalia wave, it is her depth that will attract you, but if asked why you consider her a vital connection between fantasy and creativity, it is would be her passion for the art of craft, that will keep you. Meek Mill exposes biggest shadows Meek Mill will remind you to follow, distinctly, your need for justice. In a 45-minute set, Meek Mill becomes adamantly more honest. Though he is fresh out of a conference with rapper-turnedmogul businessman Jay-Z, Mill will remind that his claim to fame did not come easy. Although he becomes increasingly comfortable with the crowd, proclaiming, “I’ll smoke that shit right now.” He moves beyond Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” and Dababt’s “Suge,” that are no more than the radio hits that the predominantly white crowds will know and performs some of his most important and life-changing songs, intertwined with some of his most difficult moments. Ariana never disappoints A packed field welcomes Grande to the closing night at Lollapalooza. She performs her new single “Boyfriend,” with duo Social House. Grande’s clear, star-studded ability to sing ranges above the rest marks her as one of Lollapalooza’s best acts. Grande delivers a grandworth closing to a crowd of eager fans, and also to a crowd of tired and exhausted onlookers. Lollapalooza creates and carries conversations of unity and community. With a live Youtube stream and constant social media clicks, photographers and journalists alike provide stellar coverage of the fourday, 400,000 people festival. A legacy is created by Lollapalooza, and fans grow out of their shadows and reveal the real depths of art, fantasy and their own lives.
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Perfect Badger bucket list for upcoming year By Life & Style Staff THE DAILY CARDINAL
As summer has come and gone and the new school year approaches, there are many things that need to be done before classes start on Sept. 4. Lucky for you, The Daily Cardinal Life and Style writers came together with the essential checklist to ensure an idyllic 2019’20 school year in Madison: Study spots and coffee shops Madison is the perfect college town. The transition from campus to city that happens between Bascom and State Street is the perfect way to view our isthmus town. Here are a few places I’ve found to help me study, have a change of scenery and help me accomplish my studying goals. 1. Barriques Coffee. Offcampus hideaway. 2. Fair Trade Coffee House. Ethically sourced, great-quality coffee. 3. Michelangelo’s Coffee House. State Street wonder. 4. Poindexter Coffee. Cozy Sconnie hideout. 5. Indie Coffee. Did someone say all-day waffles too? Take it from a foodie Having just spent a summer interning for local food delivery service EatStreet and being a born-and-bred Madisonian, Katie Arneson knows a thing or two about the best food finds in Madison. 6. Casetta. Ready for a lifechanging sandwich? Head to West Washington for it. 7. Prairie Café and Bakery. Brunch people, unite! Colectivo coffee and snacks — yes. 8. El Grito Taqueria. It’s time to get serious about food trucks with these street tacos. 9. Hong Kong Café. I am what one would now consider a regular – you will be too. 10. Download EatStreet. I may be biased, and this isn’t a hidden gem, but it’s a necessity. Make freshman year a success These things on Allie Sprink’s must-have list made this big university feel like home her freshman year. While it feels like you’re removed from everything familiar, here is how you, too, can make Madison feel like home in no time. 11. Eat Strada pizza on the Terrace. Don’t let the long line discourage you. 12. Go to the Capitol at night. Visit our neighbor down State Street. 13. Paint at Memorial Union. Indulge in your creative side and take a break. 14. Go bowling at Union South. Strikes, spares and splits, oh my! 15. Join the Cheese Club. Indulge in the Wisconsin way of life. “Wisconsin traditions are a great place to start” — Elena Cata
From singing “Varsity” at your first game to rubbing Abe’s foot before heading to your finals, there are many traditions that, while sometimes cheesy, are what make being a Badger so much fun. Here are the traditions you are going to love to take part in: 16. Go swimming in Mendota. Don’t miss this chance while the weather is still warm! 17. Visit Picnic Point. For a barbecue, picnic, bonfire or a run – stop on by. 18. Pull an all-nighter in College Library. If you have to cram, do it in style. 19. Beat Michigan in football. While not entirely in our control, we can hope for the best. 20. Try every flavor of Daily Scoop ice cream. There are a lot, brace yourself. 21. Make it up Bascom wwithout losing your breath. Many have tried, and few succeed. Madison, Madison and more Madison Just when you think a town like Madison couldn’t possibly have more things to do, Cara Suplee gives us even more activities that are sure to make your year a success. 22. Hot Yoga. Madison has a bunch of hot yoga spots: Dragonfly, Inner Fire and more! De-stress and find your zen around campus. 23. The Farmers Market. Three words that make your Saturday amazing: Spicy. Cheesy. Bread. 24. The Lakes. We are an isthmus, after all, so rent paddle boards on Mendota or Monona. Don’t forget to keep them in mind in winter for ice skating. 25. Brats. The staple for UW-Madison, and the perfect food for after classes. 26. Music scene. From local to big-name stars, from a capella to DJ Khaled, indulge in the music that pours in and out of State Street at the Orpheum, Sylvee or on the street. It’s all about learning and growth, after all There are many things to do and places to see in Madison; however, there are other professional opportunities to pursue as well. At UW-Madison, you are surrounded by brilliant individuals and chances to network. Here is a list of professional must-haves Emily Kroseberg says are essential for getting ahead. 27. Attend the career fair. Companies across the nation come, so should you. 28. Attend the student organization fair. Aside from grades, extracurriculars matter too; join a club. 29. Career advisors are your best friend. Come prepared and update your resume. 30. Network, network, network. Connect with past, present and future Badgers and utilize the Badger network. Develop your LinkedIn, Handshake and Indeed.
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Father in favor of gun control achieves intimidation factor by cleaning toy rifle when greeting daughter’s boyfriend By Haley Bills ALMANAC EDITOR
Recently, a local dad took a concerned-fathers forum by storm with an innovative idea to “protect our daughters!!” In between the many lawn care tips and recipes “perfect for the backyard grill,” a niche of overprotective dads collaborate in order to uphold the traditional and patriarchal stereotype of an “ideal father.” Voices behind this topic are usually outdated and lack a moral compass, but it seems that a trailblazer has entered the chat. Under the name “BigDaddy06,” this dad offers somewhat refreshing ideas because of his unique stance on gun control. Most
notably, BigDaddy06 urges the others to stop with the old “cleaning my gun” trick when their daughter brings a boy home. Completely missing that this ‘helpless woman’ tradition while also holding male behavior to a low standard, this father at least recognizes that U.S. gun laws are completely out of whack. “You can catch me by the front door cleaning one of my son’s toy rifles when my daughter’s boyfriend comes to pick her up,” boasts BigDaddy06. “Keeping a pack of styrofoam bullets nearby really ups the intimidation factor — if anything were to happen... I’m locked and loaded.” Knowing that acquiring
Returning students hope renovations to Regent Street McDonald’s include functioning ice cream machine By Haley Bills ALMANAC EDITOR
As summer draws to a close, students look forward to all that comes with the fall at UW-Madison: reuniting with old friends, starting new classes, and jumping around at Camp Randall. But even among the best traditions, it seems that Badgers are yearning for something a bit more out of this semester. Ergo, a certain ice cream machine at 1102 Regent Street will be put to the ultimate test. UW-Madison students’ beloved neighborhood McDonald’s underwent a few months of construction that started last spring. Since it has been up and running for the past few weeks, passerbyers have admired its new modern and chic exterior. But a pretty face won’t be enough to win over the Badgers. After years and years of the same excuse, “our ice cream machine is broken,” some are skeptical that McDonald’s has simply put on a façade in order to distract from their disappointing ice cream circumstances. A few despondent voices
illustrate the gravity of the situation by sharing “I didn’t know wanting ice cream with my fries was such a pipe dream,” “I could never imagine actually being able to participate in the $1 ice cream cone deal, but it’s a nice thought I guess,” and “the let down never gets easier, especially when I’m blackout drunk.” Though most believe that a working ice cream machine is a feat that the company could never overcome, many speculate the possibility of reparation brought about by the renovations.“I hope they installed some sort of military-grade machine to make the McFlurry’s,” one student ventured. “I would feel like such a fool if they improved every other already-functioning part of the restaurant,” another commented. While it remains uncertain whether or not Regent Street Mcdonald’s will make amends with UW-Madison students, one thing is for sure: as the leaves fall this coming season, Badgers are no longer capable of handling yet another “McBummer.”
a gun has become as easy as tying the laces on a pair of New Balance cross-trainers, BigDaddy06 sells his idea by insisting that it retains an appeal to “old-fashioned family values” without making “you look like an idiot” who supports the gun industry. As it is noted that we may have stumbled upon yet another group of men who struggle with toxic masculinity, we urge the dads of this otherwise wholesome forum to “hold on to your jorts!” as we continue to monitor the chat for future messages that normalize good behavior out of young men and independence out of young women. GRAPHIC BY HALEY BILLS
BigDaddy06 shows off his impressive collection of mock guns.
GRAPHIC BY HALEY BILLS
A McDonald’s worker hands a dismayed woman a portion of a vanilla cone they are equipped to produce.
We’re always looking for more funny and insightful writers with fresh takes on topics ranging from the UW campus to international news. We accept and encourage creative submissions as well! Any and all submissions are more than welcome. You can send your submissions and any comments or questions to almanac@dailycardinal.com. All articles featured in Almanac are creative, satirical and/or entirely fictional pieces. They are fully intended as such and should not be taken seriously as news.
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Volume 129, Issue 2
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News and Editorial edit@dailycardinal.com Editor-in-Chief Robyn Cawley
Managing Editor Erin Jordan
News Team News Manager Sydney Widell Campus Editor Defang Zhang College Editor Dana Brandt City Editor Allison Garfield State Editor Jessica Lipaz Associate News Editor Will Husted Features Editor Sonya Chechik Opinion Editors Kavitha Babu • Sam Jones Arts Editors John Everman • Lauren Souza Sports Editors Nathan Denzin• Jared Schwartz Almanac Editor Haley Bills Photo Editors Kalli Anderson • Will Cioci Graphics Editors Max Homstad • Channing Smith Multimedia Editor Ethan Huskey Science Editor Tyler Fox Life & Style Editor Colleen Muraca Copy Chiefs Emily Johnson • Haley Mades • Olivia Poches Social Media Managers Miriam Jaber • Zoe Klein Special Pages Kayla Huynh • Justine Spore
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Lifelong lessons: Continuing studies in later years gives purpose to all learners By Sonya Chechik FEATURES EDITOR
With the summer coming to an end, emails, flyers and posters promoting back-to-school sales seem to be everywhere. These ads feature students ranging from kindergarten to college, capturing the long period in which young people are enrolled in formal education in America — but rarely do they depict an older man or woman smiling with their new Jansport backpack. Despite society’s image of a ste-
relation, not a direct cause and effect relationship, Ryff clarified. She’s curious how education, in particular the kind that occurs outside of formal institutions, can help people lead good lives. “How does education help us be good citizens? As we journey across adulthood, how does education help us continue to make the most of our talents and capacities, to grow and develop?” she asked. Research is not far enough along to address whether or not the same psychological and
Seventy-three percent of American adults consider themselves lifelong learners, according to a 2016 study by Pew Research Center. Ross is looking forward to another semester at Madison’s Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization, which provides a space for adults — typically 50 years old and over — to explore various topics through member-led discussion groups, lectures, travel and social activities, where he’s been a member for over 20 years.
Business and Advertising business@dailycardinal.com Business Managers Ignatius D. Devkalis • Kyven Lee Advertising Managers Nick Dotson • Ally Moore • Daniel Tryba Marketing Director Elizabeth Jortberg 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 Wisconsin-Madison 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.
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Individuals can continue to learn throughout their lives, bringing benefits to both the person and their community. reotypical student, learning has no age limit — it is a lifelong experience. Fred Ross will celebrate his 85th birthday next month and is as excited as ever to learn, haring that access to lifelong learning programming has contributed to his happiness as he grows older. “‘What do you do when you retire?’” he asked himself. “You have these wonderful years when you can still contribute to society, and you can still continue to grow. Learning is something that can go on forever, and I wanted to be a part of it.” Throughout individuals’ later years, continued learning is something that potentially offers a chance for personal growth and gives people’s lives purpose, according to Carol Ryff, who studies aspects of human’s lives that contribute to their psychological well-being, like finding ways to live a meaningful life. The number of years of formal education someone has had ties to both one’s physical and psychological well-being. People who are more educated tend to have higher mental wellbeing. Likewise, people with less education are more likely to have health problems earlier in life and don’t live as long. This research highlights a cor-
physical health benefits correlate with informal education, but the association strictly to formal education is not perfect, Ryff explained. Since there are some people with limited formal education in good health, it’s possible this may partly be related to their informal educational activity. Learning Takes Many Forms Most adult learning is informal, Knox said, and emphasized that people can get a valuable education from participating in a variety of activities outside of a classroom, and it is important to look beyond formal education. Formal education is classroombased, provided by trained teachers and usually results in a grade or degree. On the other hand, an informal education is any learning that occurs outside this setting — in one’s interactions with others, through books, in a place of worship or a community organization. Current research on lifelong learning is not a matter of whether or not individuals can learn throughout their life, but how and where this learning occurs. “In terms of the ability of adults at all stages of the life cycle to be able to learn, that doesn’t have to be argued,” Knox said.
“The impetus for me [to join PLATO], and I suspect for a lot of people, is the idea that learning is a journey and it’s not something you just do when you’re young — it’s something that you do throughout your life,” he said. Lifelong Learning in Madison Beyond organizations like PLATO, Madison Senior Center, or various senior living homes that can provide programming and support to Wisconsin’s senior citizens — it’s also the law that Wisconsin’s older residents be allowed to audit courses at UW-System schools for free. “I think a lot of the people [take courses] not only for their own interest but knowing that learning new things can be helpful to them later on and keep the mind going,” said Anne Niendorf, who advises senior guest auditors. PLATO is based in Madison and created by members, for members. Participants are both the teachers and the students and there is no set course curriculum — it just depends on what subjects members are interested in teaching or taking. Ross’s favorite part of PLATO are small group discussions because of the chance it provides to challenge and be challenged on
different subjects. In these discussions, he feels there’s a chance to accept what you don’t know and learn from what others who have different lived and worked experiences bring to the conversation. “Even though we get older and we’ve learned a lot in our journey through life, there’s an awful lot we don’t know,” he said. “What I have found are the people who really respond strongly to PLATO are the people who say, ‘Gee, I didn’t know that.’” While Ross most appreciates the intellectual opportunities at PLATO, the organization also provides social opportunities and assists seniors in building a new social network outside of their professional lives. The variety of settings in which learning occurs — whether a discussion, lecture, social interaction or something else — can all grant educational value. “Learning is learning,” Knox said. Learning for Everyone Three-quarters of adults are personal learners, meaning they’ve participated in at least one of a variety of activities — attending meetings, taking courses, reading — to further their knowledge about something that personally interests them, according to the same 2016 Pew study. Of these adults, 80 percent said their motive was to learn something that would help make their life more interesting and full and 64 percent said they wanted to learn something that would allow them to help others more effectively. In this sense, continued education not only benefits the individual’s mental and physical health, but can also benefit their community more broadly. By 2035, older people will outnumber children for the first time in US history, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau, bringing to head the question of whether social institutions can keep up with an aging society. “Does life continue to be meaningful and purposeful for people who are living into their eighties, nineties, and even past a hundred?” Ryff asked. Some are worried that aging presents people with a “role-less role,” meaning their role in society is not having one. When someone retires, they lose their role as a working professional. When their children grow up, they lose their role as an active parent. In order for people to live longer while maintaining meaning in their lives, they need to have roles and opportunities, according to Ryff. “One of the roles we can always have in our lives, if we so choose, is the role of a learner — to just be committed to learning all our lives,” Ryff said. “And I think the world would probably be a better place if everyone was deeply committed to continued learning in whatever direction interests them.” To read more, check out dailycardinal.com
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Does an influx of millennials in Madison mean an increase in rent? By Allison Garfield CITY NEWS EDITOR
This year has seen more millennials migrating to Madison than any other metropolitan area. To show for it, the downtown area now has three poké restaurants, two spin studios and a shop dedicated solely to açaí bowls. But what does the influx of millennials mean for your rent? Preston Schmitt, 27, has been living in Madison for nearly ten years. He first moved here to attend college since he started school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010 and continues to reside in various neighborhoods since graduating in 2014. He said finding an affordable place to live has not gotten easier post-graduation. “If you want to live alone as a millennial or young professional, you’re gonna have to set aside a significant amount of your paycheck,” Schmitt said. “It’s very hectic in Madison, [with] families and young professionals all competing for the minimal amount of homes going on the market.” Various factors contribute to why millennials migrate to certain areas — and why they choose to stay. One of the biggest considerations, according to a 2019 report by the National Association of Realtors, is affordability. The city’s rental vacancy rate — the percentage of all available units in a rental property that are unoccupied — rests at a shallow 3.68 percent, according to the latest Madison Gas and Electric information. This is below the national target of 5 percent,
meaning people struggling with lower incomes continue to compete for limited units that often are accompanied by high rents. Madison rents saw a higher annual increase just this year of $40, up 3.3 percent from the previous year, according to a report from Rent Café, a nationwide internet listing service. While the slight hike in rent is unfavorable to those with tight wallets, it’s not unexpected. Matt Wachter, manager of the office of real estate services, has been examining the issue with the Housing Strategy Committee for the past six years. So many young people are moving to Wisconsin’s capital that the average age of the person in Madison has gone down — and there’s been a huge swell in demand for rental housing, he explained. “That’s why we see many years of solid construction of a thousand, two thousand apartments per year just to keep up with all that influx of people coming here, mostly millennials,” Wachter said. A shortage of rental housing is not a new — the Housing Strategy Committee found this issue goes back almost ten years. “It’s not like we’re predicting some big change next year — we’ve been sort of in this state of a consistent shortage of housing in the city for a long time, and that’s not really changing,” Wachter added. This constant demand in the market is a good thing for economic stimulation, but it comes with challenges, namely
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So many young people have moved to Madison that the average age of the person in the city has gone down. However, a huge swell in demand for housing drives concerns of increasing rent rates. that lower-income households can struggle to find housing. Some people are trying to dodge the rising rent rates by turning to homeownership Schmitt lived in an outmoded apartment on the east side for three years following his time at UW, paying approximately one thousand dollars a month, before realizing he wasn’t getting his money’s worth. That’s when he embarked on the precarious adventure of purchasing
Second Harvest Food Bank launch pilot program to test performance of online ordering system at UW-Madison By Defang Zhang CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin launched its pilot program at UW-Madison, “Helpful Harvest,” testing an online food ordering system to connect people who are qualified to receive its resources. The three-month-long testing began in June, providing free groceries for anyone who submits an order through their website. As a member of Feeding America, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin was established in 1986. The new program is part of its overall commitment to providing free food for community members — and to tackle food insecurity statewide. The United States Department of Agriculture released its data on national food insecurity, stating that close to 12 percent of U.S. households were affected in 2017. According to Second Harvest’s data, nearly 10 percent of residents in southern Wisconsin struggle to put food on the table. However, it can be hard to find people who are going hungry, since food insecurity can be invisible. “We know that there is about 15 percent of people who need the help from the emergency food system, [but] they are reluctant to get that because of the stigma out there,” said Kris Tazelaar, the Communications Manager at Second Harvest.
To better combat stereotypes associated with receiving groceries from food pantries, Second Harvest offers participants anonymity when placing free food orders online. “If we can remove the stigma of having people walk through the doors of a food pantry, we are hoping that this will allow them to feel more comfortable as they ask for help,” Tazelaar said. As stories about hunger continue to draw public attention, recent data from the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates the problem is even more serious among college students. GAO conducted a review of 31 studies that focus on food insecurity on college campuses in 2018, concluding that up to a third of U.S. college students struggle with food insecurity. In an effort to undergird student wellness, UW-Madison has been promoting its food pantries, food assistance grants, as well as partnering with nonprofit organizations such as Second Harvest. “The initiative around this is that we are in the business of supporting our university community, and that means also providing assistance to those that need a little more assistance in order to be successful students at UW-Madison,” said Carl Korz, the associate director for dining and hospitality services at Wisconsin Union.
Starting in June, Second Harvest collaborated with UW-Madison as setting up two distribution locations on campus: the Union South hotel lobby and Bascom Hall. This provides university members with accessible locations to test out the pilot program. “I think that is a really good idea to do the online ordering, it allows people to choose food that they want, they are not feeling like they have to take someone’s discarded food,” said Lydia Zepeda, a UW-Madison professor of Consumer Science. Although the college food pantry partnership is well underway, as people focus on prevention, it is only a step to treat symptoms of food insecurity — but not its cause. “It is not an emergency anymore, it is a chronic and a structural problem,” Zepeda said. “I commend them tremendously for the work they do, but what we really need is better wages.” At this time, Second Harvest does not know the program’s longterm impact, but they are committed to going through the entire testing period and analyzing the final results. “Ultimately, we are helping Feeding America to see if it is a viable program nationwide, not to mandate, but to offer to some of its other member food banks,” Tazelaar said.
a home — precarious because homeownership rates for younger Americans have fallen sharply over the last decade. Schmitt still refined some useful principles on his journey from renting to buying: patience, snap decision-making and a newfound interest in HGTV. But he also vanquished the external stress that comes with homeownership. “There’s a lot of pressure for younger people to try new
things, to see the world,” Schmitt said. “At the same time, there’s the societal pressure of settling down, starting a family, being financially independent. I finally just took a step back and realized that I’m really happy here.”
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opinion
12 • Mail Home Issue 2019
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A Spotlight on Students: Wisconsin’s “Brain Drain” Beyond the Numbers By Kavitha Babu and Sam Jones OPINION EDITORS
Over the past ten years, an average of 6752 students have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison annually. After years of laborious classes and preparation for cycle after cycle of midterms, thousands of graduates walk off campus ready to take on the world as proud badgers. Yet, nearly 60 percent of graduates each year choose to leave Wisconsin to pursue their post-graduate ventures — be it to serve other communities with Americorps and the Peace Corps, join the military or enter the workforce. This phenomenon, accompanied by a lack of highly educated non-natives moving into Wisconsin, creates the deficit known as the “brain drain.” You may have heard this expression thrown into a spiel about graduate school or while scanning the headlines that advocate for corporate expansion and job mobility. But this isn’t simply a buzzword, it is a trend — and a jarring one at that. Many of these students bop down to Illinois — 16 percent of employed 2016’17 grads — followed by Minnesota, New York, and California, respectively. While the magnitude heading to our neighbors to the West and South may be attributed to family ties, the latter are most likely due to industry growth and job availability. As graduates move out of state to other cities and countries, the Badger State loses a large portion of its highly skilled and educated population. As highly educated clusters form in major metropolitan areas, regional economic disparities continue to grow in states of middle America, like Wisconsin. Wisconsin officials on both sides of the aisle have proposed various incentives — notably via state income tax adjustments — to attract corporations and individuals to the state, spurring innovation and thus, economic growth. While the Foxconn situation has prompted various criticisms from environmental to ethical concerns, pulling a large tech corporation has seemingly fared well for “superstar cities,” like Seattle and San Francisco. Not only does the brain drain and educated mobility reinforce such geographical issues, it also exacerbates political divisions, which can be detrimental in an era where the need of the Electoral College has come into question. According to the PEW Research Center, a larger portion of highly-educated people hold liberal views, while lesseducated people hold conservative views. Similarly, those living in urban areas tend to GRAPHIC BY KAVITHA BABU
hold liberal political views, while those in rural areas vote conservative. And so, with this nation-wide issue of the brain drain, of which Wisconsin graduates contribute to, Democratic areas continue to become more densely Democratic. Given the fact that less populous states are given more representation in the United States Senate, and less populous regions are given more weight in the Electoral College, it is sometimes the case that the will of the minority outweighs that of the majority. See the 2016 Presidential Election for further details. More than the political consequences, the brain drain leaves behind communities of rural America. Whether this takes form as lackluster or inaccessible healthcare, continued impacts of the 2008 recession, or an absence of resources to deal with crises like rising suicide rates — middle America deserves better. This kind of increasing economic and social segregation will only continue to erode the little cohesion that binds this country together. Despite being an issue driven by the job market and economic forces, the brain drain can be deterred through more incentives by local universities, cities, and state governments. And so, for the goodwill of Wisconsin as a state and the United States as a democracy, the brain drain that has persisted for nearly 80 years now, is a risingly predominent issue that must be curbed. But, what do the students directly impacted by this truly think? Learn more about why so many students are leaving the state, or are choosing to stay after snagging their diploma, straight from the sources themselves; here is what current students and recent graduates of UW-Madison have to say: Ari Baldassano, Class of 2019 “I stayed in Wisconsin because I was working part-time at a job I really liked that was offering me a full-time job after graduation. I’m not from WI so my goal is to eventually get back to Chicago, but I’m more than OK with staying here for a while to grow professionally before taking that next step. It’s hard to be living here financially though, I’m finding that after retirement, short-term saving, and mandatory expenses I really only have just enough to treat myself to a few coffees each week. Rent is very expensive, and my industry pays next to nothing so it’s a very thin line to walk to stay above water.”
C l a i r e VanValkenburg, Class of 2019 “I feel stuck. Like concrete shoes in quicksand stuck. President Trump is erasing years of progress on immigration reform, reproductive rights, healthcare and human rights… Why should we stay? Ireland has experienced a massive progressive shift as millennials replace Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers in civic participation across the island. The rule “don’t talk politics or religion at the dinner table” is ludicrous to the Irish, it’s more like “don’t bring work talk to the dinner table.” I’ve known some Irish friends for more than a year and a half, and I still don’t know what most of them do for a fulltime job. Instead, I know their hobbies, passions, political leanings, beliefs and morals. It made me realize how blown up and backwards America’s work culture is. The combination of the progressive wave of change in Ireland, and the people’s ability to yearn for, and be unafraid of meaningful communication draws me across the Atlantic. Dear Wisconsin, I tried to apply my talents here. UW-Madison treated me like a number, friends became enemies at the mere mention of divisive topics, and my tireless efforts at progressive change yielded little reward. So, I’m choosing to go where my talents are wanted, where they will actually be of use. I don’t want to change the world – I don’t believe that’s possible – I want to be a part of saving it. So while America bickers over whether life begins at conception, whether mental illness is grounds enough to restrict gun access, whether Facebook should have its own currency – I’ll be across the sea, with the kind of people who listen and get things done.” Cassie Doubek, Senior “Following my summer internship, I was offered and accepted a full-time position in Louisville, KY, so at least for the immediate future I am not planning on staying in Madison following graduation. As someone who is native to Wisconsin, it was especially important to me to experience living outside of the state at least for a period of time to gain a newfound sense of independence and success away from the place I had grown up in. Traveling, meeting new people, and exploring a new city away from home are all top priorities I have for myself post-grad. However, I am thinking I will eventually return to the Midwest eventually when I want to settle down more permanently and be closer to family. I would argue that it is important for students to experience life outside of Madison to broaden their horizons — Madison itself is full of businesses and events that
B R will continue to draw a talented group of individuals to further contribute to its culture and success.” Lauren Hoffarth, Senior “I am still deciding if I want to stay in Madison after I graduate. However, at this point I will most likely be moving to Washington DC. I plan to move because of the draw of more jobs related to public health policy, a desire to experience another community, and explore a bigger city. I understand the worry of a “braindrain” in Wisconsin, but I don’t think that the responsibility should be placed on the students to stay. I think it is important that the state and higher education institutions prioritize preventing a brain-drain from Wisconsin. In addition to retaining highly-educated students in Wisconsin is important, the state also need to focus on attracting graduates from other areas. I know that proposals like financial incentives to recent college students have been suggested on both sides of the aisle as a solution to the “brain-drain”. However, that would not convince me personally to stay in the state. Since I plan on moving primarily for professional development reasons, the only thing that would convince me would be more available jobs in my field of interest.” Becca Chadwick, Junior “I do not plan on staying in Madison post-grad because I want to travel elsewhere and experience parts of the country that are brand new to me. I have lived in the Midwest my entire life, and it’s always been a dream of mine to live in a warmer climate, so as of right now I’m planning on pursuing my Master’s of school psychology somewhere on the west coast. But before I head off to grad school, I am going to backpack through Europe for a month. My plans for the future are highly motivated by traveling and seeing the world, due to my quite sheltered upbringing in this frozen tundra we call home. I want to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone during my twenties before the real world really hits me. I’ve loved the city of Madison and all of the people I’ve met, but it hasn’t truly challenged me in the way I want to be.” Meg Groeller, Junior “I came to Madison from out of state and have never really planned on staying here after I graduate. I grew up around Chicago and will probably head back there or to the east coast around New York or D.C., being a political science major. I love Madison as a city but it’s too small for me and because I don’t plan on going into a career in education I don’t really want to live in a college environment for the rest of my life. I under-
GRAPHIC BY KAVITHA BABU
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stand the concern of a “brain drain” in Wisconsin and I do think it is important for some recent grads to stay however there are also students from other Universities that should also be recruited to come to Madison in order to prevent a ‘brain drain.’”
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Jenny Lindloff, Junior “Staying in Madison is always an option for me. My family is from around here and I grew up coming to Madison every week so staying here post-graduation wouldn’t be that hard. It mainly just depends on job opportunities related to the international economics field. As for a brain-drain, I’ve never really felt that it was a pressing issue for Madison. Sure, a lot of people leave the city post-graduation, but when your university undergraduate population is that of a decent sized city (more than 30,000), and when there are so many out-of-state students, you can’t expect all of them to stay after they graduate. In keeping students here, I could maybe see recent graduates wanting more things to do around the downtown area that don’t have to do with drinking or partying, but that’s more of a city issue rather than a university one. It would also help if there were more housing opportunities in the area that are oriented toward non-college students.”
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Izzy Boudnik, Junior “Up until recently, my post-grad plans included running as far away from the Midwest as I could, as fast as I could. But I’ve started looking at Madison in a different light - and I’ve realized that this is a community that shares many of my values and also has a lot of potential for growth. It has grown on me. Coercing students to stay in a particular place just because that’s where they attended college isn’t the right view. I think recent grads should go where their education and their particular gifts will do the most good, in Wisconsin or not. However, to keep students in the area, the state could invest in high speed rail — seriously! I think so many people at UW, especially in-state students, would have a more positive view of the state if they didn’t feel stuck here. Transportation options would decrease the anxiety that once you’re here, the only way out is an expensive plane ticket.”
Kavitha is a junior studying political science and sociology with a certificate in educational policy. Sam is a junior studying journalism, with certificates in environmental science and developmental economics. What are your thoughts on the brain-drain? Do you think it significantly impacts Wisconsin? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
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sports
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Mail Home Issue 2019
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Men’s Soccer
After long recovery, Elan Koenig ready to lead Badgers to Big Ten soccer title By Bremen Keasey THE DAILY CARDINAL
Elan Koenig has seen a lot during his five year career at Wisconsin. From his first season — when the Badgers won three games — to a historic Big Ten championship in 2017, the redshirt senior defender thought he had been through it all. Then, two weeks before a season when he was going to be counted on as a leader on the field after eight seniors graduated, Koenig tore his ACL, messing up the defensive plans and on field leadership. “It was a little difficult,” Koenig said. “I ended up missing most of preseason because I had surgery and showed up late, so I didn’t really get to have that first week experience with a lot of the younger guys.” Despite the fact Koenig couldn’t lead from the field, he was a fixture from UW’s bench, yelling instructions or encouragement to his teammates like he was another coach. “It’s hard for me to just sit on the bench and keep quiet. We had a lineup with guys that hadn’t had [game] experience, so even during games if I can’t be on the field, I tried to lead from the bench,” Koenig said. After a slow start to the season, Wisconsin came alive during Big Ten play and the Badgers won the most conference games in school history, finishing with a 10-6-2 record and just missing out on a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Now, with those inexperienced attacking players gaining crucial experience and continuity in the back and center of midfield, expectations for the UW soccer team are understandably lofty. “The expectation for us is to win a Big Ten championship,” Koenig said. Senior midfielders Mitch Guitar and Noah Leibold return to their roles in the engine of the midfield. Senior midfielder Duncan Storey is joined by flashy junior midfielder Alex Alfaro, who scored two goals and created many offensive
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After a challenging 18-month rehab, Elan Koenig is ready to be the anchor for the Badgers defensive unit. opportunities from the right wing. With Koenig’s return, the defense has what head coach John Trask described as the most experienced back line in his ten years coaching because five defenders are starters. Led by senior defender Robin Oloffson and senior goalkeeper Dean Cowdroy, Wisconsin’s defense saw key contributions from then-sophomores Ben Leas and Patrick Yim, who stepped up in Koenig’s absence to earn seven shutouts last season. UW’s freshman class featured some breakout stars. Oloffson’s center defensive partner, Zach Klancnick, earned All-Big Ten freshman team honors, but the duo who stole the headlines was forwards Noah Melick and Andrew Akindele. Melick tallied a team-leading six goals while Akindele had four goals and four assists as the pair earned All-Big Ten freshman team honors and helped turn a potential rebuilding season into a great campaign. “Sometimes you get worried that
when you lose a big group of seniors that had such a big impact that you’ll take a step back. But the younger guys stepped up and proved we’re not a program that is about one senior class,” Koenig said. After the big freshman seasons across the team, there’s always a possibility of teams figuring out their game play or a step back because of expectations; however, Trask has stressed not becoming complacent to the team. “The goal with all the young players who had some success is that they come back hungrier for more,” Trask said. With the return of that successful core and eye-catching young players, Trask believes the team can improve on its second place finish last year in the Big Ten. Wisconsin’s quest for the title takes them through maybe the “best soccer conference in the country,” according to Koenig — and the rankings back him up. The Badgers will face the defend-
ing champion and No. 1 Maryland Terrapins. Three other teams — Indiana, Michigan State and Michigan — are ranked in the preseason polls, but Wisconsin is just outside, and last season it beat Maryland, Michigan State and Michigan, which gives the current team a lot of motivation to show it belongs in the title race. “We’ve proven to ourselves that we need to be in that conversation every year and we deserve the respect of being in that conversation,” Koenig said. Recent results back up Koenig’s confidence. The Badgers have rattled off three straight 10-win seasons and John Trask agrees the winning culture of the program is in a “good place.” “Knowing the competition for playing time has gotten tougher and that we have a better winning mentality in the program is really exciting,” Trask said. Not only is Wisconsin looking to earn its respect across the Big
Ten, but even on its own campus. Koenig wants to ensure the success of the Badgers’ soccer program isn’t “overlooked” compared to the usual bellwethers of the football team, men’s basketball team, volleyball team and women’s soccer team who are “always good.” “We want everyone to know not only as teams in the Big Ten but also in our own athletic department that we should be respected as one of the best,” Koenig said. Koenig’s drive to continue the team’s legacy was shaped by the disappointment of his injury. Although he wasn’t on the field for that successful season, Wisconsin’s coaches encouraged him to step up and find a role as a leader in the locker room. Koenig said rehab was “long and horrible,” but the time off the field helped him find his place as a leader. Since he wasn’t able to travel with the first team, Koenig got to hang out with some of the younger guys who might’ve been struggling during their first season or also out with an injury. Thoughts of hoisting the Big Ten trophy again or the buzz of the locker room after big wins helped motivate Koenig during his recovery, and sharing his experiences with the other players, along with being vocal in team huddles or during games, he became a better leader. Now with the high expectations and excitement of being able to compete for Wisconsin for the first time in 18 months, Koenig is looking forward to the season and keep the program heading in the right direction. “It’s just another opportunity to get a ring, win some trophies, and leave a legacy for the young guys and, as a senior class as a whole, leaving our impact on the program,” Koenig said. The Badgers kick off the season at McClimon August 30 against the UC Davis Aggies at 7 p.m.
Kickoff Dates Women’s Soccer vs Depaul 5 p.m. August 22 Volleyball @ Florida St 2:30 p.m. August 30 Football @ South Florida 6 p.m. August 30 Men’s Soccer vs UC Davis 7 p.m. August 30 Cross Country - Madison, WI 6:30p.m. September 6