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Thursday, November 14, 2019
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Potter case shows true motives of NCAA By Bremen Keasey SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: an NCAA decision is hurting a student athlete. I could be talking about Chase Young’s suspension because he accepted a loan from a family friend to help his girlfriend travel to the Rose Bowl. Or the current weird eligibility battle for star Memphis freshman James Wiseman for accepting a gift from current head coach Penny Hardaway. Those cases technically follow the NCAA’s stated goal of protecting the amateurism of college athletics, even if I believe it’s a terrible misguided mission that has allowed the NCAA and universities to make billions of dollars based on what you could consider unpaid labor. I don’t like their rulings, but until the NCAA actually changes their rules, it’s the unfortunate situation athletes are shoved into. Instead, I’m talking Micah about Wisconsin forward Micah Potter, who despite sitting out a full season after he announced his transfer to UW for the Spring 2018, is still ineligible to play for the Badgers. And, not because of any alleged payments. Instead, he took the “student” part of the NCAA’s favorite exploitative phrase “student-athlete” very seriously, and he is not able to play. On Monday, UW officials were granted a “teleconference” with the NCAA’s Legislative Relief Committee. It was a chance for Potter, his lawyer, Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard and other UW officials to beg to the seven-man committee to let him play. It’s as if the NCAA is letting him have his one phone call from their police department.
especially since Gard said there hasn’t been a timeline on the decision from the NCAA. “Not many things make me raise my blood pressure. This is one that does,” Greg Gard said. In the NCAA’s Guide for Four-Year Transfers, it says on the top of its first full page “student-athlete success on the field, in the classroom and in life is at the heart of the NCAA’s mission.” Potter has already shown success in the classroom at both Ohio State and UW-Madison, but right now he’s not being allowed to be on the court. And unfortunately for Potter, the clock is ticking on his NCAA eligibility. As a Division-I athlete, the NCAA rules say an athlete has five calendar years to play four seasons, and Greg Gard — who is probably as frustrated at answerWILL CIOCI/THE DAILY CARDINAL ing questions about Potter is being forced to sit by the NCAA for a semester, after having already sat out a year at Ohio State. Potter’s status as he is about him being ineliAnd it’s a mess the NCAA cre- student-athlete,” Potter said in a And frustratingly enough for gible — thinks that the NCAA is ated all by themselves, and it’s statement after his waiver request Potter, many exceptions have been in the wrong with their refusal directly hurting Potter, who by was denied. “The penalty of a third made by the NCAA for this season of a transfer waiver. all accounts has done everything semester to what I have already sat for players who had played many “I don’t feel it’s right to have the NCAA could want from their out seems unjust.” games last season. [Potter] continue to wait when he has prized “student-athletes.” The That idea of unjustness was When the Badgers faced off such a small window to play. They only statistics that Potter has been echoed by Greg Gard, who said it against the Saint Mary’s Gaels in have eight semesters to compete, he’s able to put up since the 2018-2019 feels “unfair” to Micah to be forced to their season opener, the Gaels start- already sat out a year, if he gets one men’s basketball season is GPA: sit out an extra semester. ed guard Logan Johnson, a trans- taken away, he loses one-eighth of his and his is really good — a 3.5 GPA Technically, the NCAA is mak- fer from Cincinnati who played 32 whole career,” Gard said. during his time at Ohio State and a ing the right decision based on games for the Bearcats last year. He The NCAA does not have the 3.3 GPA in the spring and summer their bylaws. Under 14.5.5.1, a was granted an NCAA exception to best of reputations, to put it lightly. at Wisconsin. student will not be eligible until allow him to be eligible. That’s also not likely to change anySo despite acclimating well to the student “fulfilled a residence Meanwhile, Potter needed a “one- time soon. academic life at his new university, requirement of one full academic time NCAA travel waiver” to join his But letting Micah Potter play after Potter was still denied after appeal. year (two full semesters).” But teammates in Sioux Falls. And he did he’s sat out for a season would at least What does he think about it? considering that Potter already not play a minute last season. help one student athlete. “I don’t understand why I sat a whole season last year, it If that seems infuriating, imagAnd if you are truly “dedicated to am being punished additionally seems like a time when an excep- ine how steamed Micah Potter and the well-being and lifelong success of for doing what is encouraged of a tion could be made. his teammates and coaches are, college athletes,” then act like it.
Badgers defeat Wofford, start season undefeated By Jake Goldsmith STAFF WRITER
The Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) looked to continue their hot start after a dominant exhibition game over Whitewater, and a hard-fought 13 point victory over North Florida in their first league game of the season. The Wofford Terriers (0-2) came in to the Kohl Center following a high scoring, tough defeat against Auburn. They fought hard in the first half of the game, but the biggest lead of the first quarter was held by the Badgers at seven points within three minutes of the game.
Although Wisconsin held the lead all first quarter, the two teams seemed to exchange buckets for the remaining time, resulting in a two point Badger lead going into the second. Following a strong offensive showing from both teams in the first quarter, the tone of the game switched to a more defensive one that seemed to benefit the Terriers in the second quarter and going forward. During the second quarter there were multiple stretches of play where neither team could get a point before, a crucial three pointer by Wofford’s senior scoring leader Chloe
Warnik lead to a nine to three run for Wofford, which swayed the momentum and scoreboard to the Terriers going into halftime, with Wofford up two. The Badgers came out with a strong response in the third quarter however. With a few strong defensive possessions and forced turnovers, they only allowed four points for the first seven minutes of the second half. Senior guard Suzzane Gilreath hit a pair of big threes, and combined with senior forward Abby Laszewski for 10 straight points to boost the Badger’s lead to a commanding 12 points going into the final quarter, nearly guarenteeing a win. Freshman guard Sydney Hillard continued the Badger’s dominance off the bench, with eight points in two minutes to
start the fourth. Now with a 20 point lead for the Badgers, the Terriers called a timeout to stop the bleeding, but were never able to complete a comeback, with the final score being 78-65. Senior Suzzane Gilreath again showed her ability to score multiple ways on the floor going 5-10 from the three point line and making her two other field goals, while Sydney Hillard continues to show that she can have a strong impact off the bench as a freshman, with 14 points in 18 minutes and an additional five rebounds. Now with two 13 point wins in the bag, the Badgers will hope to build on this start when they go to Colorado to face the Buffaloes on Nov. 14th, before a nice three game home stretch in late November.
WILL CIOCI/THE DAILY CARDINAL
The women’s basketball team is 2-0.
“…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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An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 129, Issue 13
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News and Editorial edit@dailycardinal.com Managing Editor Editor-in-Chief Robyn Cawley Erin Jordan News Team Campus Editor Morgan Lock 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 Editorial Board Chair Izzy Boudnik Arts Editors John Everman • Lauren Souza Sports Editors Nathan Denzin • Jared Schwartz Almanac Editors Haley Bills •Jordan Simon Photo Editors Kalli Anderson • Will Cioci Graphics Editor Max Homstad Multimedia Editor Ethan Huskey Science Editor Alberto Kanost Life & Style Editor Colleen Muraca Copy Chiefs Grace Hodgman • Emily Johnson Haley Mades Social Media Managers Miriam Jaber • Zoe Klein Special Pages Kayle Huynh • Justine Spore
Business and Advertising business@dailycardinal.com Business Manager Ignatius D. Devkalis • Kyven Lee Advertising Manager Nick Dotson 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 Robyn Cawley • Erin Jordan Kavitha Babu • Sam Jones Izzy Boudnik • Max Homstad Lauren Souza • Ethan Levy Samantha Nesovanovic
Board of Directors Herman Baumann, President Jennifer Sereno • Don Miner Scott Girard • Josh Klemons Bzrbara Arnold • Robyn Cawley Erin Jordan • Ignatius D. Devkalis Nick Dotson © 2015, The Daily Cardinal Media Corporation ISSN 0011-5398
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UW-Madison students discover new music in a variety of ways, but campus house concerts offer additional connections between concert-goers and artists.
Campus house concerts: artists, students sharing in new music By Sammie Johnson STAFF WRITER
Most have had that moment when a new song comes on and your ears beam with satisfaction as your body bops along to a new and intriguing beat. Good feelings fill your head while you attempt to sing along to unfamiliar, catchy lyrics. While new music is prevalent on various streaming services and at nearby music venues throughout Madison, students at UW-Madison also have unique access to both support and discover emerging artists through house concerts around campus. Nick Spiroff loves to host local bands at his house — not only for the chance to host a good party, but because he has a decent space for music and can provide other students with a chance to hear something new. “There’s nothing quite like the joy of experiencing live music,” he said over text. “Without a local scene a lot of people wouldn’t be able to share in this experience or come across it as frequently.” Discovering new music and adapting one’s taste is part of human development, and much of this is solidified before we turn 30 largely due to a shift in our brains, according to a recent survey by music streaming service, Dreezer. By that age, we don’t find new genres and sounds as interesting or appealing, and we tend to prefer more nostalgic sounds — music that we are already used to, the study explained. A campus that fosters new music “There’s nothing better than listening to a song for the first time and falling in love with it,” UW-Madison freshman Maggie Jacobs said in a text. For those looking to enter the college music scene or further progress their prevalence as an artist, Spiroff said the commu-
nity here at the university is a great one. “I think that’s one of the coolest things about the local music scene, everyone is very supportive and friendly,” he said. “Before you know it, you’ve built up a tight-knit network of artists and friends. It’s a very symbiotic ecosystem—everyone helps each other get gigs.” One reason for this communal feel amongst local artists might be the individuality each young, new artist brings to the table. Differences among talented people create a unique level of respect for one another and respect from the audience themselves.
“At a smaller venue everyone gets to experience the show as if they were VIP.”
Maggie Jacobs UW-Madison student
“People really connect with authenticity,” UW alum and LÜM CEO Max Fergus said. “The quality of their music does not make the most impact, but the authenticity of the artist’s brand does.” LÜM — pronounced “loom” and stands for Live Undiscovered Music — was launched by former UW-Madison students in 2018 with the goal of making it easier for artists to connect with fans. The role of the internet
Sharing and producing music has grown rapidly in the last 20 years. And, despite the relatively distant relationship between artists and fans perpetuated by music app giants like Spotify and Apple Music, streaming services are typically the easiest way to both distribute and discover new music. Jacobs shared her love of live music but explained that she often finds new music online via streaming apps because they are the most accessible and offer a wide variety of sounds. Both UW-Madison freshman Brion Whyte and junior Benny Koziol make their own music and share it with their peers — most predominantly through streaming applications. “I think our generation is at a pretty amazing time when streaming technology and the abundance of listening options in music is really quite staggering,” Koziol said over text. It makes sense for artists to rely heavily on technology to share their music as the internet provides an opportunity for local artists to reach an audience that extends far beyond a house concert or small venue event. Artists, listeners connect Despite the prominence of online sharing in the music world, Fergus said artists — especially college-aged ones — gain popularity through a combination of live performances and through social media/ online sharing. Typically, live performances are in the equation of what makes a successful artist because of the unique perspective it brings to our consumption of music — listening through headphones or from a device is only one way to experience music. “There’s often a disconnect between the artist and the listen-
er when music is played through a speaker or headphones. Such connection can only be experienced live,” Jacobs said. And this isn’t true just for the audience — artists, too, agree there’s something different and incomparable about the in-person experience of music.
“There’s nothing quite like the joy of experience live music. Without a local scene a lot of people wouldn’t be able to share in this experience or come across it as frequently.”
Nick Spiroff UW-Madison student
“I don’t think I can ever forget [the night of my first live show], every aspect of performing is so fun and I love it,” Whyte shared over text. House concerts in particular can create a unique feeling of being apart of the action, contributing to a more connected overall experience with the artist. “Smaller venues make for a more personalized experience between the performers and listeners,” Jacobs said. “At a smaller venue everyone gets to experience the show as if they were VIP.” Music’s undiscovered territory can be in digital form, as it is usually more convenient. However, there is something to be said for how special the discovery of music can be in live settings. “Live music is a special thing — and it feels too good to help people experience it,” Spiroff said.
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Thursday, November 14, 2019
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City joins Climate Coalition as U.S. backs out of Paris Accord By Addison Lathers STAFF WRITER
The Trump Administration submitted to the United Nations intentions to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord on Nov. 4. It will take one year to complete the process of withdrawal, finalizing the day after the next presidential election. If a new president is elected, they will have 30 days to rejoin the Accord. However, counties across the United States are not waiting for a year to pass — they are taking action now. Last Tuesday, the Madison Common Council voted to affirm the City of Madison’s support of the County Climate Coalition as it continues to uphold the same standards in the Paris Accords. The City of Madison now joins counties already pledged to cut emissions and fight climate change, like Los Angeles County, Wa s h t e n a w County, Michigan and Denver County, Colorado. Dane County will pave the way for the rest of Wisconsin, according to Jared Schumacker, a representative for the Madison chapter of the Climate Reality Project. “Here in Madison, we have chosen a strategy of first having Dane County join the CCC, and then branching out to other counties in Southern Wisconsin,” Schumacker stated during the council meeting. “We intend to use Dane County as the leader in Wisconsin in the same way that is has been a leader in fighting the climate crisis in the past.” The Paris Agreement, originally formed in 2015, brought nations together with a common goal: to combat climate change. But on June 1, 2017, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would no longer be participating in the Paris Agreement on
climate change mitigation. Trump said the Paris Accords would place the United States at “a permanent disadvantage.” Counties across the United States did not agree with this departure and sought alternative solutions. The County Climate Coalition arose as the alternative. Promoted by Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, the coalition started in Santa Clara County, California shortly after the U.S.’s departure from the Paris Climate Accord. The County Climate Coalition is designed for counties to commit to —
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and exceed — expectations put forth by the accords. “To be entered into the County Climate Change Coalition you have to have demonstrated in the past that you adhere to the same goals as with the Paris Climate Accords,” Schumacker said. “Dane County has obviously already done a lot of that work. Whether it’s the solar panels they have put all over the city and continue to put up or the methane capture they have at the landfill, Dane County was already a shoo-in.” Schumacker also stated he chose to reach out to the Madison Common
Council since having the support of the largest city in the county, as well as the capital of Wisconsin, would send a message to other counties. With Mayor Satya RhodesConway and 19 of 20 alders sponsoring the item, the resolution to join the County Climate Change Coalition passed with ease. “Be it resolved, the Mayor and the Common Council join municipalities and states across the county in committing to the goals of the Paris Climate Accord to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability,” Ald. Lindsay Lemmer, District 3, recited from the resolution. The resolution detailed that since 2018: Madison City Fleet has reduced carbon emissions by nearly 2 million pounds. The city committed to supporting five new solar array projects that will increase instate solar capacity by 15 percent. For the first time in state history for a public entity, Madison public vehicles are using 20 percent biodiesel blends to fuel diesel trucks. Additionally, the city’s MetroForward plan will take 2.6 million car trips off Madison streets every year. The council also touched on their past promises in the resolution that all Madison city operations will use 100 percent renewable energy for all city operations by 2030 and in the entire Madison community by 2050. “[Madison] will continue to further the commitment made by the United States under the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the work of the County Climate Coalition,” Ald. Lemmer said. The County Climate Coalition will now begin reaching out to counties in southern Wisconsin to join the project.
ASM calls Chancellor Blank to sign more sustainability commitments, promise 100 percent renewable energy By Aylin Merve Arikan SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The Associated Students of Madison passed a resolution Wednesday with nearly unanimous support calling on Chancellor Rebecca Blank to sign sustainability commitments that set goals for UW-Madison. Last week Blank signed the Resilience Commitment, which “refers to the ability of institutions, infrastructure and communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change,” according to a university press release. The agreement has been signed by 435 other universities and colleges, including six UW System institutions. However, ASM’s new legislation pushes for UW-Madison to sign two other commitments as well — the Carbon Commitment and Climate Commitment.
“The Resilience Commitment does not require binding renewable energy commitments, while the Carbon and Climate Commitments include target dates to reduce carbon emissions,” the ASM legislation said. Sustainability Chair Sanauz Alaei introduced the proposed resolution to call Blank for a renewable energy commitment. The resolution was cosponsored by CLEAN — Campus Leaders for Environmental Action Now — and seven other student leaders in student council. “We think we need to take a stronger stand by also signing the Climate Commitment, which includes a target date,” Alaei said. The recent focus of both administration and ASM comes after UW-Madison earned a silver rating from the firstever STARS — Sustainability
Tracking, Assessment and Rating System — report it submitted. The STARS report rated the institution based on sustainability practices in four main categories: academics, engagement and operations, as well as planning and administration. With a silver rating, UW-Madison is between the two higher and two lower tiers available on the STARS ranking system. The Office of Sustainability at UW Madison views sustainability as an issue broader than just energy conservation practices. “Sustainability is a systems approach to getting things done and getting people together to find solutions to complex problems,” Director of Sustainability Missy Nergard said. The resolution was passed nearly unanimously with no debate within the council.
WILL CIOCI/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Small student groups examined multiple policy points at Memorial Union.
Diverse political discussions on display at Policy Idea Fest By Hope Karnopp STAFF WRITERW
Students with diverse political affiliations gathered Tuesday at Memorial Union to discuss pressing policy issues including healthcare, economics and immigration. The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Society and Politics Committee, the College Republicans of UW-Madison, the Millennial Action Project UW-Madison Chapter and the Political Science Student Association, asked students to gather in small groups to discuss current political topics. Facilitators encouraged students to ask questions beyond simply stating their opinions, and “find common ground” with their peers. Group leaders had a list of political topics with participants choosing which topics to discuss as a team. Students played a large role in facilitating meaningful conversation throughout the night. Former Political Science Student Association member and participant Logan Pearlman valued hearing from a variety of different backgrounds. “I heard some new viewpoints. It was interesting to see where we agreed and disagreed [on issues],” Pearlman said.
“It was very respectful. I didn’t hear any arguments. It was a good environment.”
Reagan Eckley UW-Madison student
Students often disagreed on topics including healthcare, gun control and immigration, but remained respectful throughout the evening. Society and Politics member Reagan Eckley praised the atmo-
sphere among students while talking about controversial issues. “I saw everybody at every single group talking at least at one point,” Eckley said. “It was very respectful. I didn’t hear any arguments. It was a good environment.”
“I heard some new viewpoints. It was interesting to see where we agreed and disagreed [on issues].”
Logan Pearlman UW-Madison student
Current events often wove their way into larger policy debates. Students discussed the ongoing impeachment inquiry, monopolistic trends within corporations, debate in the Supreme court around Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Twitter’s recent censorship decision. Often, students connected these topics to the positions of Democratic candidates — including firearms buyback programs and candidates’ economic policies. Students often backed their viewpoints with academic knowledge and personal experiences. One student discussed the historical use of quotas while talking about immigration, while other students in the group related their personal observations to their points. During breaks, students bonded over majors, classes and upcoming midterm exams. In the midst of serious debate, laughter often broke tense moments. Eckley stated she observed students challenging “the limits of what they could talk about. I heard people talking about things that I wouldn’t have necessarily thought of.”
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dailycardinal.com
BEST PLACES TO STUDY AND TAKE BREAKS O
ne of the most overlooked places to study on campus is the Sterling Hall library. It’s on the secluded 6th floor of Sterling Hall, and has big tables that you can spread out on. Because it’s on the top floor, few people know about it or use it, so it’s perfect if you get easily distracted or can’t focus when other things are going on around you. The library also has a ton of windows that let in a lot of natural light. If you can’t find a spot in the library, wander up a set of stairs to the 7th floor of Sterling to study in the lounge outside of the observatory. It also has many windows and pillows to sit on!
-Kalli Anderson
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he best place to study at UW-Madison is by far Grainger. Not only does is it a three minute walk away from my apartment, but I can also lock myself in a classroom and never be bothered. The chairs are comfortable and there are outlets everywhere, so I can always charge my computer if it is on the brink of death. Need a pick-me-up? You can head on down to the first floor and get a triple shot espresso to wake yourself up. Also, the student hourlys will try to kick you out at 10 p.m., but you can just stay in the classroom and they won’t bother you again. Stay until 3 a.m. if your heart desires! You may also reserve rooms to study in, and select ones with whiteboards and chalkboards to use.
-Kalli Anderson
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or us folx living on the West side of campus, Engineering Hall is a fantastic place to study when you know it’s going to be a late night. With large sprawl-able tables, the wide-open design and the always-necessary coffee and vending machines, this STEM hub has all sorts of seating and tables for use. While you will be locked out in the later hours, snag your engineering major friend and have them scan you in for a quiet spot to finish that paper or project you have so gracefully procrastinated. The best part? Union South — or rather, Badger Market — and its edible goodies are just a few steps away.
-Sam Jones
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ooking for a bright, shiny, spacious place to study? Head to the Microbial Sciences building. This sparkling space has tons of tables, booths and cushiony chairs, and boasts (probably) the highest chair-to-outlet ratio on that side of campus. If you’re like me and value natural light, you’ll really appreciate how one side of the building is completely glass, helping to keep you awake and dose you with Vitamin D as you work. In addition, Microbial Sciences is home to the Microcosm Cafe, so snacks and hot food is readily available as you need it. The biggest perk of studying at the Microbial Sciences building is how empty it is. This study spot is truly a hidden gem, so only tell your closest friends about it. Because Steenbock is directly across the street, it’s easily looked over as stressed students look for a place to work.
-Justine Spore
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or all of the fame (and infamy) that College Library’s window tables get, the computer lab on the second floor is an unsung hero of convenience if your documents live primarily online. There’s dozens of computers, with a solid amount of table space in between each one. Plus, rather than a few elusive tables near the windows, an entire row of computers overlooks Memorial Union to get those sunset (or sunrise) feels. Many computer labs across campus used to have Macs that could run both Windows and Mac operating systems, but these were recently replaced by Windows computers and Macs that only run their exclusive platforms. There’s plenty of both options to fit your preferences, and they’re all pre-loaded with goodies like iMovie, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. The monitors are large and the computers run with considerable speed, and whenever you’re wrapping up, there’s a printer nearby to help you out. Plus, if you need something, there’s always one or two librarian assistants nearby, not to mention the rest of the library’s resources of people, printers, and of course, books. Even better, if you need a break, you’ll have plenty of options between walking around the halls, playing a board game on the first floor or bothering your friend in the quiet section.
-CJ Zabat
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y favorite spot on campus to study or hang out is the Sunset Lounge at Memorial Union! There’s big comfy chairs if you just want to do laptop work or reading, or a few tables with chairs to do some more in-depth work. Be careful though, sometimes you’ll catch yourself staring out at Lake Mendota through the huge windows that surround the room. In the winter, there’s a fire in the glass fireplace that brings another element of coziness to the room. This space is quiet and bright, and ithe best place to get things done in my opinion. I’ve also definitely gone there to unwind, too! Curling up on one of the comfy chairs with a good book and a hot mocha from Peet’s is one of my favorite ways to relax on a chilly day between classes.
-Emily Johnson
opinion When there’s humanity, there’s hope: Finding some peace among pessimism
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SAM JONES/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Amid the negative headlines outlining economic uncertainty, environmental degredation, waning mental health and academic pressures, it can be dificult to be optimistic.
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issed deadlines. Group projects gone wrong. Being late without a text. There are a lot of reasons to be irritable with one another, to lose our tempers or to misplace our patience. This is particularly true as our already-low tolerance dwindles with each midterm, each final project assignment, and the looming break awaiting us in a few weeks’ time. But there are also a lot of reasons we should give each other a break — to cut ourselves, and others, some slack. To let go of that email that we certainly know didn’t go ‘straight to junk’ or cancelled appointment that you got out of bed for. We need to forgive one another for the balls we have dropped, the presentations gone awry and most importantly, for being human. This isn’t my inner snowflake screeching out in millennial distress, clawing for unearned validation or to be treated like a child; rather, I find it quite infantile that we as a society have let ourselves get to this point of eye-for-an-eye, dog-eat-dog reality. We should be treating each other as we are. People. You see, the job market is tightening — voluntary separations are climbing, companies are becoming more and more dependent on filtering applicants simply with the use of an algorithm, and tech disruption is overturning industry as we know it, leaving behind those unable to adapt. The effects of the 2008 financial crisis continue to ripple across advanced and developing countries alike, and some folks believe trade wars and corporate spending softening may lead to another recession as early as 2020. Suicide rates are climbing, especially among our youth. On average, there are 129 suicides each day in the United States, with an even higher rate in the state of Wisconsin. I felt nauseous reading Wisconsin State Journal’s story on UW-Madison’s Wireless Communication and Sensing Laboratory and the untimely death of graduate student John Brady. And again while scrolling through University Health Services’ Healthy Minds Study, where POC, queer folx and students identifying as “financially struggling” are “overwhelmingly more likely to endorse suicidal ideation.” And again and again, as I click and drag through every news story, data dump and social media feed so innocently sprawled across my lap-
top or phone screen. High school students are slaving over college applications, placing them — still grateful and proud — before a heap of mounting student debt. Pressures to rush or follow through on an education they hadn’t envisioned for themselves, self-worth classifications founded in GPAs, SATs, ACTs and the massively important curve mark what lies ahead. So, we urge them to jump, to dive headfirst and fearlessly so, since we want them to be better than us. We thought that once we entered college, the whispers of self-serving comparisons and school logos — with the corresponding world ranking, of course — plastered on our foreheads would simply vanish, replaced by camaraderie and collaboration. Yet, the curve remains — instilling an expectation that we should focus on being better than our peers, rather than bettering ourselves. The term ‘growth’ screams for monetary assessments and job outlook predictions, not fulfillment or well-being. Eco-grief replaces the lush rainforests and intense biodiversity we are so shamelessly carving away at, leaving indigenous folks and other marginalized populations even more vulnerable, even more forgotten. The elusive ‘climate denier’ and raging capitalist alike direct us and our gasguzzling addictions with their invisible hands, reproducing a chessboard of destruction and exploitation in a profit-driven waltz. But our wallets are not the ones waning, our lands have been left perceivably untouched for the time being. The war over resources is only benefiting us; a McDonalds popped up here, a new car unveiled there. Thoughts of losing our Uber privileges or instant gratification tendencies is horrifying, more so than the disappearance of entire Pacific island nations or the eradication of susceptible species. This ranking of everything we do — carefully tabulating who has wronged us and how badly, allocating how much damage is too much, deciding who is most worthy of their livelihoods — is precisely the problem. We have lost sight of, or are at least neglecting, the dire reality of the situation we have driven ourselves to. With all of these harrowing statistics, disgusting assumptions laid out so sterile and concerning realities brought to the forefront, it is easy to spiral into a depressive and hopeless state. But why? If we have
the opportunity to make this world — full of selfless people, breathtaking landscapes and enough love and resources to ensure that we aren’t entirely doomed — ever so slightly better, why wouldn’t we? We can’t expect that Jeff will plow through his amassed savings via charitable giving, that Bill will find a cure for every disease and cancer imaginable without privatizing, or that Elon will Wall-E us right out of this climate change dilemma — a waiting game only harms ourselves, those of us without the wealth and privilege to so slyly neglect our responsibility. We must take things into our own hands; regardless of how small this may seem. We all need to cut ourselves and others some slack, before it is too late
and we have no love left to give. If we want to instill societal tolerance, and if we are feeling particularly optimistic, acceptance and appreciation, we must recognize these troubling realities we are facing — so as to dismantle them. As Malcolm Gladwell stated in his book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference: “A critic looking at these tightly focused, targeted interventions might dismiss them as Band-Aid solutions. But that phrase should not be considered a term of disparagement. The Band-Aid is an inexpensive, convenient and remarkably versatile solution to an astonishing array of problems. In their history, BandAids have probably allowed millions of people to keep working or playing tennis or cooking or walking when
they would otherwise have had to stop. The Band-Aid solution is actually the best kind of solution because it involves solving a problem with the minimum amount of effort and time and cost.” So we all need to pull out our Band-Aid boxes, and rip them open with vigor. We need to frantically apply them, pushing hard on each broken person, institution and the like, and shower them with love and acceptance and appreciation — after all, that is all we can do as individuals. Sam is a senior studying journalism, with certificates in environmental studies and developmental economics. Is there more that you think we can do to counteract declining hope? Send your thoughts to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
melanin speaking 6
l
Thursday, November 14, 2019
dailycardinal.com
sunday mo(u)rnings mistakes with each chord.
By Tara Sherchok MELANIN SPEAKING
sunday mornings are the illumination of romanticism. They were meant for lovers who are serenaded by lovebirds, the symphony approaching adagio as it washes away last night’s
(-sunday mornings, however, were not made for lonely hearts that cry in chromatic and slowly but surely crescendo in pain) sunday mornings are some-
times greeted by rain, with windows wide open waving the loneliness in. The rain mocks in every articulated drop, each accent emphasizing the desolation of a room of one. Because waking up to empty bed sheets on mornings like these is
always the worst part. (-the diminuendo of the morning light hints at the crushing coda yet to come)
pillows and sickening seclusion. But the inevitable cadence rumbles as the melody plays the last note, and no one asks for an encore.
sunday mornings were never meant for longing, for gripped
(-sunday mournings were never meant for music anyway)
pinky promises By Tara Sherchok MELANIN SPEAKING
staring into your midnight eyes that hold entire galaxies, our pinkies interlocked with a
whisper of a promise, i knew right then and there that you were written in my epilogue. whether that means you will stay with me or end me, i don’t think i’ll ever know. but
being here with you, the stars twinkling as if they knew our fated despair, my heart has never felt more right in your hands. i’m begging you not to let go.
COURTESY OF SUNCHILD123/FLICKR
“Do I go with the flow / Or become the master of my sea?’
floating MELANIN SPEAKING
some days, I’m drowning in worry
lost
others, I’m swimming in joy
wandering
though at the end of the day
loss
I’m still tired and worn
coping
I don’t know where I am
I float in a sea of emotions
I don’t know where I’m going.
not sadness, not worry, not happiness
Do I go with the flow
By Alex Martinez
COURTESY OF ALI HOLDING/FLICKR
“staring into your midnight eyes that hold entire galaxies, our pinkies interlocked with a whisper of a promise”
more of a sea of “I don’t know”
Or become the master of my sea?
comics dailycardinal.com
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 7
Campus Plague
Across 1. Cooler for coolers 4. Builder’s guidelines 9. Procedures 14. Pop artist/designer Peter 15. Bottom of the barrel 16. Foolish 17. Many a lawyer’s office 20. First name in talk TV 21. Trojan War survivor 22. Regimen 23. One of the Jacksons 25. Wood for a final fire 28. Ultimately became 30. Rate indicator 32. Has permission 33. Takes a backseat 35. Able to vote, e.g. 37. Top-notch 40. Office recorder 42. Sing up high? 43. Pipe material 44. Seize 47. Indentations 51. Queens stadium name 53. Cat doctor? 55. Fellini film of 1972 56. Ducks 58. Groom, post-wedding 59. Country club? 63. Like one of the flock 64. Veep elected in 1968 65. ‘’To Kill a Mockingbird’’ author 66. Formal agreements 67. Develops compassion 68. Mickey Mouse’s beginnings? Down 1. Hinder 2. First host of 61-Down 3. Forced out 4. Tchaikovsky heroine 5. Crack or crock follower
by Max Homstad
Bunny Kappa Sandwich
by Lyra Dark
Today’s Crossword Puzzle
Today’s Sudoku
6. Before, in verse 7. Spot for news junkies 8. ‘’Adaptation’’ star 9. ‘’An American Tail’’ critters 10. Ready to serve, as ale 11. Sadie Hawkins Day racer 12. SASE, e.g. 13. Notice 18. Pro 19. Player’s payment 23. Pastime to throw you
24. Copycat 26. Gossip sheet 27. Hook’s partner 29. French city for gastronomes 31. Noted wordsmith 34. Wily 36. Pivot 37. Clunker’s savior 38. An eternity 39. Ruckuses 40. Healthful retreat 41. ABC outlets 45. Alaska’s neighbor 46. Chaos
48. Walk unsteadily 49. Insignia 50. Give the go-ahead 52. Datebook entry 54. Writer’s concern 57. Hidden treasures 58. Chops down 59. Bush league? 60. Juan Peron’s first lady 61. D.C. spoofer 62. Harden
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
To get in contact with any of our artists, please email us at: graphics@dailycardinal.com
arts
8 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
dailycardinal.com
A music trilemma: Is more the merrier? By Emily Knepple STAFF WRITER
A star-studded lineup of artists took the stage at the Alliant Energy Center this past Friday night. Headlined by The Chainsmokers, The World War Joy Tour included acts from Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer and Canadian native Lennon Stella. Lennon Stella opened the night off with a short set that showcased her obvious talent. With a history of playing a recurring role on the hit TV-show “Nashville” and being one-half of singing-sister duo Maisie & Stella, her stage presence was electric and came naturally to her. Her vocals took her a long way, even if the crowd did not, practically unresponsive throughout her set. But, Stella did not let that get in the way of her doing her job and I was pleasantly surprised by her performance. When first hearing about the show, I was quick to buy a ticket because of my long history as somewhat of a die-hard fan of 5 Seconds of Summer. As much as I should try and hide the days of having their posters plastered on my walls, or the times when I found myself near hysterics during an award show or performance, I simply cannot. When hearing that one of the bands I credit a lot of my upbringing was coincidentally coming to the city where I go to school, it seemed too good to be true.
5 Seconds of Summer put on a show that showcased crowd favorites, like “She Looks So Perfect,” possibly the one song you would know by the band if you know nothing else. I’m not sure if anyone can look at American Apparel underwear the same way after that song occupied the radio. But, the band also brought their new sound to Madison, playing recent single, “Teeth,” a dark take on a lovehate relationship. 5SOS can engage any kind of crowd, most likely a driving reason as to why they chose to tour with a band like The Chainsmokers, who have a completely different sound. Per their musical abilities, as well as their cohesion as a band, everyone in the crowd had a good time. and Guitarist Michael Clifford made it his job to make sure those in attendance were doing just that. During a break between songs, Clifford called out a small section of people for sitting down, encouraging them to get up and dance like everyone else. Without hesitation, they happily obliged. I had preconceived notions about The Chainsmokers before the show and never had been a huge fan. As I previously stated, 5 Seconds of Summer were the sole reason I bought a ticket in the first place. If there was an EDM act to follow with a few hits I knew, it was just an added bonus. But, bonus is not the word I would use to describe it. The DJ-duo set, composed of Alex
ZOE KLEIN /THE DAILY CARDINAL
5 Seconds of Summer light up the stage at the Alliant Energy Center this past Saturday night. Pall and Drew Taggart, took the stage with high energy, but it often fell short. Relying heavily on stage design, with pyrotechnics and a giant hamster ball that Taggart performs in, the show shifted entirely from their previous acts. While it is their headline tour, it almost seems like they strategically chose artists that would approach music differently in hopes of gathering a bigger crowd. Or, they like both 5SOS and Stella, which is possible, but essentially, a public relations perplexity. With their library consisting of mostly features, there was
no real singing on stage, either. The setlist included a variety of covers and originals, which allowed for the crowd to engage a bit more with lyrics they have a better chance of knowing. By the end of their set, the venue allowed people from the 300 sections to come down to the pit for free to fill up space. While some might argue that EDM is a different kind of music that elicits a different response, I didn’t necessarily feel like it was a real EDM show, either. Taggart sang throughout the show, covering up verses by artists other than him, often drawing a weird response from the audience.
There is irony in complaining about a live-show just because it might be different than what you are used to, or expect. However, I danced without complaint and made the most of it. My friend and I stood towards the back of the pit and watched in awe when the drummer played a solo with his drumsticks on fire, or when 5SOS came out to play their collaboration, “Who Do You Love?” The fact that these three artists, stretching along the spectrum, can gather a crowd in Madison just illustrates that there’s a love for music out there that is stronger than personal taste.
Big Wild brings unique electronica music to Madison By John Everman ARTS EDITOR
Every now and then, you hear a song or listen to an album and you find it nearly impossible to accurately describe what was just heard with words. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes it’s bad. Electronic artist Jackson Stell — known by his stage name Big Wild — has a sound that is nearly indescribable. And, in this case, that is a very good thing as the music blends genres with ease. This past February, he released his debut album, Superdream, to widespread praise from both critics and fans. Big Wild is now on the Superdream Tour and will be in Madison playing at The Sylvee this week — bringing his unique, futuristic sound that would make any 80’s-wave fan proud. Prior to his arrival, he spoke with The Daily Cardinal about his blossoming career, the past and the future. The first question I wanted to know about the rising artist is where does the name Big Wild come from? “The name is really about embracing the new, being adventurous and being curious,” said Stell. “I was going through a big period of change in my life and moving across the country to Big Sur, California… I was really inspired by the landscape.” Stell himself is a fan of other artists in the same genre or who create a similar type of music. He had a response indicative of his
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN AMBRE/MUSIC IN MINNESOTA
Electronic artist Jackson Stell — known by his stage name Big Wild — spoke with The Daily Cardinal. ever-changing style of music when asked which bands or artists he would call his main influences. “Honestly, it really varies depending on who I’m into at the time. I’ve been a big fan of Tame Impala for a while, but I’m also really into Glass Animals and Flume.” Before moving to California and deciding on the name Big Wild, Stell worked as a hip-hop beat producer in his home state of Massachusetts and was known by the name J Beatz. “I was really influenced by hip-hop producers when I was
first getting going, like Dr. Dre, The Neptunes or Timbaland. As time goes on, my influences seem to change and I think that’s also reflected in how, as you said, my music morphs into different genres depending on the project of the song.” I asked Stell how he would describe himself as an artist, and he seems to highly value the addition of singing to his music. “In terms of a title, Producer/ songwriter. I definitely come from a production background. But having written my own lyrics and getting more into vocals, I think it’s
fair to say that the title of songwriter should be a part of that as well.” Since it is a very difficult task to put into words what Big Wild’s music is like on any given song or album, I hoped Stell could do a better job offering a description of his sound. I asked how he would describe his music to someone that’s never heard it, and his answer was of someone that struggles to describe the sound as much as everyone else does. “That’s a tough question. I’d probably say, something along the lines of electronic, indie,
songwriter? I don’t know. It’s really just such a blend of different things. I’m not really sure how to give it a full description, at least based off genres.” I wondered what Stell considers to be the best part of being able to travel to different cities, sharing his music with thousands of people. He said, “I think the coolest part is being able to realize that there are people that are into my music all around the country. I think that’s pretty special. It’s always been kind of a goal of mine — to make something that’s universal and a lot of people can understand and relate with.” This is the best way to describe Big Wild to someone: it’s for everyone. There are so many layers and dimensions on every song. The attention to detail and level of dedication is inspiring and impressive to say the least. Big Wild has been to Madison in the past few years, but The Sylvee will be able to house the tons of fans sure to make their way through a cold Wisconsin night for a night filled with great music. “I have been to Madison. I played at a smaller venue… right in the middle of town. That was the only time, but it was really fun.” Big Wild — with EVAN GIIA and Ark Patrol — perform tonight, Thursday, at The Sylvee off East Washington Avenue at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m..