Michael J. Fox Tours UW Facility
WKOW-TV 27
Author: jnweaver
Fox Calls Madison ‘Gold Standard’ For Stem Cell Research
WISC-TV 3
A Well-Known Hollywood Actor Comes To Madison
WIBA Newsradio
Actor Michael J. Fox hopes that the stem cell research that’s going on at the UW will lead to some treatments for dibilitating diseases…and eventually cures. Fox, who has Parkinson’s disease, toured the Waisman Center on campus yesterday….
Fox called the work the UW is doing the “gold standard,” and added that “there isn’t another Madison. There isn’t another Waisman Center.”
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Rep. Frank Lasee: Colorado’s TABOR does well, has support
Capital Times
“Capital Times Editor Dave Zweifel says I’m playing loose with the facts about the taxpayer bill of rights. Before he makes that accusation, he may want to get his own facts straight.”
Epic maintains mystique on road to prosperity
Capital Times
It’s arguably the greatest high-tech success story in Wisconsin, with a new $150 million headquarters rising from the snow-covered rolling countryside of western Dane County. Some 2,000 employees could soon call it home, with hundreds more expected to join the payroll in coming years.
…Epic Systems has its roots in the UW-Madison computer science department, where a group of graduate students decided to form a company to put their expertise to use. Their philosophy: Do Good, Have Fun, Make Money.
Six UW students fined for party
Capital Times
Six Madison students received big fines for alcohol violations after an investigation into a student’s fall from a downtown balcony.
The 18-year-old University of Wisconsin-Madison student fell from the balcony in the 900 block of College Court just before midnight on Jan. 21 and was taken to University Hospital with head injuries. Police said the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
‘Fight Club’ author delivers at UW
Capital Times
Novelist Chuck Palahniuk’s worshipful following packed the Union Theater Monday night and heard him read two stories from his upcoming horror anthology “Haunted.”
…”And it’s called the Distinguished Lecture Series?” Palahniuk said at one point, chuckling about the fact that a writer of such twisted stories was included in a prestigious lecture series that has featured some of the country’s great minds.
Keeping UW’s doors open
Capital Times
University of Wisconsin student advocates will collect signatures on doors in an effort to send a message to the state to “keep the doors of higher education open to all.”
Leaders of the group United Council of UW Students will travel to campuses across the state during February to encourage students to sign the unhinged slabs of wood.
Stem Cell Breakthrough
NBC-15
It’s being billed as a scientific breakthrough. Xue-Jun Li says, “I was very exciting, the first time, after I really got the very, very high population of the cells, what I want.”
Since 2001, Li’s been a part of a team of researchers, led by University of Wisconsin instructor, Dr. Suââ?¬â??Chun Zhang, which has been trying to develop a method to guide stem cell development. They’ve succeeded.
Badger Football Fans Could See Another Hike in Ticket Prices
NBC-15
The University of Wisconsin at Madison athletics board is considering raising football season ticket prices for the second year in a row. The university’s deputy athletic director says the department needs to come up with three-quarters of a million dollars.
One Badger fan says of the football games, “It’s what you do in Madison. It’s part of the Saturday experience, it’s the place to be.”
Madison Agents Bust Alleged International Steroid Ring
WISC-TV 3
After federal drug agents based in Madison infiltrated a major international steroid operation, an alleged key player was charged in federal court in Madison Monday.
Senior athletic trainer at the UW’s Sports Medicine Clinic, Dr. Tim McGuine, told News 3 this case should be on the radar of all parents, coaches, and school administrators.
Lasee: Trust a key issue in passing TABOR (Manitowoc Herald Times)
State Rep. Frank Lasee, R-Bellevue, believes when it comes to taxing and spending it�s about trust. The proponent of the so-called Taxpayers� Bill of Rights told a Manitowoc Public Library gathering Monday night he doesn�t trust his fellow legislators to curtail spending beyond taxpayers� means.
Colleges gain flavor by buying more food from local farmers (AP)
Mentions UW-Madison as being among schools nationally that have made a commitment to buying from local farmers.
Democrats try to change subject
Hartford Courant
Quoted: Charles O. Jones, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Alvarez says paying college athletes is unacceptable
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
During a relatively uneventful meeting of the University of Wisconsin Athletic Board on Friday morning, the subject of extra benefits and illegal cash payouts to athletes elicited strong comments from Barry Alvarez. “Paying athletes at the collegiate level it is unacceptable,” said Alvarez, UW’s athletic director and football coach. “That’s a sad state of affairs. For a number of years I didn’t hear much of that. All of a sudden, you’re starting to hear more and more of it in recruiting.”
University system should be retooled
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley’s offer to sell the local college campus for a buck may tee up a needed debate about the structure and future of the whole University of Wisconsin System.
UW stem cell experts make motor neurons
Capital Times
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have whipped up an exciting – but intricate – new recipe that could someday treat spinal cord injuries or provide a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Doug Moe: Dramatic fare: UW, free speech
Capital Times
Moe writes about a new book, “Restoring Free Speech and Liberty on Campus,” by Donald Downs, a UW-Madison professor of political science, law and journalism.
“It is compelling reading, and somewhat chilling, looking in hindsight at what for the most part good-intentioned people can do to something as seemingly unassailable in this country as free expression. It is also an optimistic book, for those who believe in the right of free speech, in light of what finally became of the (speech) codes.”
Drury is UW master plan’s indispensable woman
Capital Times
OK, you’re taking a year to write a 20-year master plan for the UW-Madison campus and you need to hear from everyone. That means a lot of meetings.
…Who schedules all these meetings? Who finds the meeting halls and gets the word out? Calling Gwen Drury.
Habitat’s Souper Bowl event Saturday
Capital Times
UW-Madison’s Habitat for Humanity chapter will hold its ninth annual “Souper Bowl” from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Madison West High School. Since this is the event’s 10-year anniversary, the group hopes profits from this year’s Souper Bowl will bring the event’s cumulative earnings to $100,000….
“As students, Madison gives us a great place to live and learn,” notes Allie Wenzel, UW-Madison Habitat for Humanity chapter president. “It feels good to give back to the city, and it is uplifting to see the community come together and support our cause.”
Decision anticipated in county birth control case
Wausau Daily Herald
Quoted: Carin Clauss, a University of Wisconsin-Madison law professor who specializes in employment law.
Intoxicated fans a major liability
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are inextricably linked to sports. Beer advertising and sales generate millions of dollars in revenue for leagues and franchises, and are an important part of the financial bottom line. But the sale of alcohol to fans – as evidenced by the mayhem at the Palace of Auburn Hills during a Detroit Pistons-Indiana Pacers basketball game this season – presents a real liability for sports teams and their partners.
Officials square off on tax measure
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Proposed legislation known as the taxpayer bill of rights, while not perfect, could force state and local governments into a much-needed revamping of how they deliver services, Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley said Friday.
A whole lot of building going on
Capital Times
Here is the list of recent, current and near-future building projects on the UW-Madison campus.
A Time to Build: Big plan on campus
Capital Times
The “fearless sifting and winnowing” that is part of the historic motto of the University of Wisconsin-Madison will take on a whole new meaning this year as the state’s flagship campus prepares to embark on a far-reaching – some will say ruthless – editing and revision of its buildings and grounds.
The result may well be a major weeding out of problem buildings over the next 10 to 20 years.
UW Stem Cell Breakthrough
NBC-15
The attention of the scientific community is centered right here in Madison, after UW researchers announce a major breakthrough in stem cell research.
Led by University of Wisconsin neurodevelopmental biologist Dr. Suââ?¬â??Chun Zhang, a team of scientists has developed a way to encourage human embryonic stem cells to become spinal motor neurons. Since spinal motor neurons dictate almost every bodily movement.
Balcony Falls Spur House Party Summit
WKOW-TV 27
Two students have fallen from balconies since UW’s school year began. In response to two alcohol involved, balcony falls by UW students at house parties, a summit on the risks of uncontrolled house parties will take place February 22 at the Memorial Union.
Susan Crowley of UW Health Services leads the PACE project, which develops strategies to decrease student binge drinking. Crowley told 27 News the meeting will involve the drinking issue’s stakeholders: students, UW administrators, police officers, landlords and representatives of neighborhood associations.
The ‘Blogging’ Boom
NBC-15
In 2004, it received ââ?¬Å?WORD OF THE YEARââ?¬Â honors from the folks who publish Webster’s dictionary, and Fortune magazine recently named it the top technology trend for 2005. But before you blink at term ââ?¬Å?BLOG,ââ?¬Â you may want to begin by hearing some folks blab about the benefits of blogging.
(UW-Madison professor Greg Downey and teaching assistant Aaron Veenstra are interviewed.)
Doug Moe: UW poker whiz reflects on win
Capital Times
JOHN STOLZMANN, the 23-year-old UW-Madison senior who won close to $1.5 million playing cards Thursday night in Mississippi, isn’t sure he’ll make a career of poker when he graduates in the spring.
“I’ll play poker for at least one year,” Stolzmann was saying Friday. “During that time I’ll also be applying to law schools.”
College Republicans Plan ‘Straight Pride Week’
WISC-TV 3
EDMOND, Okla. — A University of Central Oklahoma student group is planning what it calls “Straight Pride Week” on campus. Members of the College Republicans said despite objections from some, they have every right to celebrate.
States struggling with tax system flaws (AP)
Associated Press
Quoted: Former UW-Madison political scientist Don Kettl, academic coordinator of the Government Performance Project.
UW scientists make cells that control movement
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Using their own line of embryonic stem cells, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have become the first to make human motor neurons, the spindly nerve cells that control nearly all movement in the body.
Experts parse Social Security payout options
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Whether to set up private accounts has been the focus of debate over the future of the Social Security system. But an equally important set of issues has remained in the blurry background: How easy would it be to get money from the accounts? Karen Holden, a UW-Madison professor of public affairs and consumer science, helped in drafting a major report on the topic.
Women inspired by Lawton initiative
Capital Times
Laura Moore, a UW-Madison political science student, said she brought the word about Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton’s Wisconsin Women Equal Prosperity initiative back home to Wisconsin Dells, where she told her hairdresser about it.
Moore was among the student and young professional women inspired Thursday by Lawton’s talk on the initiative, which seeks to improve women’s ability to contribute to the state’s economic development.
UW men’s basketball: Ryan backs Butch against ESPN analyst
Capital Times
It was clear to Bo Ryan what he had to do after he learned an ESPN analyst called University of Wisconsin redshirt freshman Brian Butch the Big Ten Conference’s most overrated player.
“Don’t take potshots at any of my players,” the UW men’s basketball coach said after reading a statement strongly defending Butch, who was singled out by ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb at halftime of the Badgers’ 75-65 loss to Illinois Tuesday night.
Campus Notebook: UW building part for giant telescope
Capital Times
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are working on a $5 million imaging instrument that will be a major ingredient in a huge telescope being finished in South Africa.
The instrument is the Prime Focus Imaging Spectrograph. It will allow researchers to make digital images of objects in space. It will divide the object into many colors so they can study the composition and speed of movement.
Iraq veteran at UW says it’s time to get out
Capital Times
…(23-year-old UW senior) Laura Naylor, who majors in kinesiology, still considers herself a patriot and wouldn’t trade her experience as a soldier if she could turn back the clock. Still, while in Iraq, she also grew disillusioned with the war.
The longer the United States stays in Iraq the larger the insurgency becomes, she said. The best strategy right now is to get out, she added.
UW poker player wins $1.5M
Capital Times
A 23-year-old UW-Madison philosophy student from Sheboygan is the poker world’s latest million dollar baby.
Thursday night, in Tunica, Miss., John Stolzmann won the Jack Binion World Poker Open, and $1,465,944, topping a strong field of much better-known players including Chau Giang of Las Vegas, who finished second.
Dave Zweifel: Since when is college sports for the kids?
Capital Times
If some UW students still harbored the silly notion that college sports have something to do with them, they learned the awful truth this week.
Some of them actually thought that the fearless sifting and winnowing plaque up there on Bascom Hall included the Kohl Center.
Great state art includes Madison
Capital Times
If you want to see where some of your tax dollars go when it comes to the fine arts, you might want to take in the new show in the James Watrous Gallery on the third floor of the Overture Center. The public reception for the show, which runs through March 13, is tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.
The exhibit, “In Good Company,” honors the Wisconsin Arts Board visual arts fellows from 2004. They include seven visual artists from around the state. Among them is painter Nancy Mladenoff, a UW assistant professor of art.
For couch potatoes, fidgeting may separate the thin from the fat
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Quoted: Dale Schoeller, a professor of nutritional science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Massachusetts schools squeezed by budget (Daily News Transcript, Needham, Mass.)
Quoted: Andrew Reschovsky, an economist and professor of public affairs at UW-Madison.
Doyle scouting feel-good tales of state’s deeds
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Quoted: Charles Franklin, a UW-Madison political scientist.
SBC-AT&T merger talk has critics yelping
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Quoted: Barry Orton, a professor of telecommunications at UW-Madison.
UW women’s sports: Modern facilities a big plus
Capital Times
If there is one development in women’s athletics at the University of Wisconsin that makes Kit Saunders-Nordeen most proud, it is the commitment to housing teams in modern facilities.
“The facilities are absolutely terrific,” said Saunders-Nordeen, who worked in the athletic department for 26 years prior to her retirement in 1990. She was the UW’s first women’s athletic director. This weekend the university will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its women’s sports.
UW football: Ticket price hike eyed
Capital Times
The message Jamie Pollard delivered Wednesday was a forewarning, albeit a partially vague one.
“I think there will have to be a football ticket price increase,” said Pollard, the University of Wisconsin’s deputy athletic director. Pollard said the UW also is considering raising the price of men’s basketball tickets.
Doug Moe: Writer offers new take on Leo Burt
Capital Times
I HAVE finally found someone more obsessed than myself with Leo Burt.
Joe Brennan Jr. is 36 years old and in the graduate writing program at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He is currently revising a completed manuscript, “The Last Radical,” about Burt, who remains a suspect at-large in the bombing of the Army Math Research Center in Sterling Hall on the UW-Madison campus, a bombing that killed a physics researcher. The 35th anniversary of the bombing is this August.
Students’ protest foiled at UW basketball game
Capital Times
The UW-Madison student government association is crying foul after university officials thwarted its plans Tuesday to protest for more student seats at the Kohl Center during the ESPN-televised game against Illinois.
UW eyes razing Van Hise
Van Hise Hall, the tallest building in Madison, could be demolished under the long-range campus master plan now being crafted for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Gary Brown, the director of UW’s Office of Planning and Landscape Architecture, told The Capital Times that Van Hise – along with many other buildings that date from the 1960s and 1970s – has such basic problems that it would be cheaper to tear it down than to try to fix it.
Wisconsin sees wide job growth
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Signs of Wisconsin’s reinvigorated economy were evident in local employment numbers reported Wednesday.
Dylan, UW prof finalists for book prizes
Capital Times
NEW YORK — Bob Dylan, the unofficial poet laureate of the rock ‘n’ roll generation, has now been officially placed alongside such literary greats as Philip Roth and Adrienne Rich, not to mention biographies of Shakespeare and Willem de Kooning. All were among nominees announced Saturday for the National Book Critics Circle prizes.
Among the nominees for general nonfiction was UW-Madison Afro-American studies professor Tim Tyson’s “Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story.”
As world turns to Internet, so does Historical Society
Capital Times
…while the Wisconsin Historical Society contains one of the largest American history archives anywhere, fewer people have visited in recent years – 40 percent fewer than in 1987 – as more of them, including students at the nearby University of Wisconsin-Madison, turn to the Internet as their basic research tool.
So the Historical Society and many other institutions with large collections are doing something they see as a means of survival: They’re going digital…
Gard decides against gubernatorial bid
Capital Times
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Assembly Speaker John Gard said Wednesday he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2006, ending speculation he would join the race to take on Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle.
State’s year-end cash put at $89M less than planned
Capital Times
Gov. Jim Doyle will head into his next two-year state budget with a little less cash on hand, new figures show. The state will end its current two-year budget cycle, which expires June 30, with a general fund balance of $127.7 million, according to figures released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
The new figures are about $88.6 million less than the $216.3 million ending balance that Doyle’s administration had projected just two months ago.
State contract audits requested
Capital Times
Two Madison legislators have asked for an audit of state contracts with private firms.
Citing recent controversies surrounding state contracts, Democratic Reps. Spencer Black and Terese Berceau requested that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee order an audit that would determine whether information technology, engineering and other professional services procured through contract could have been performed at less cost by state employees.
Finley offers UW-Waukesha for $1
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
For sale: An 80-acre college campus, good condition, room for 2,000 students. Price: $1. That is the message Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley is sending state officials who want the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha to offer more four-year degrees. If the state changes the mission of Waukesha’s two-year campus, Finley said, state officials should take it over, along with the expense and headache of maintaining it.
State 9th in 2004 job growth
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin added jobs at a faster pace than all but eight other states in the last 12 months and added more factory positions than the next four states combined, according to preliminary data released Tuesday. Quotes Laura Dresser, a labor economist and research director at the Center on Wisconsin Strategy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
All states show rise in college test success
WASHINGTON (AP) — In every state and the District of Columbia, more students are passing at least one Advanced Placement test, a sign of progress in a nation eager to improve college preparation, the College Board reported today. (1/25/05 Capital Times print edition)
‘Hospital Poems’ images shocking
Capital Times
Be forewarned: The poems in Jim Ferris’ newly published collection, “The Hospital Poems,” grab the reader by the neck and give a good shake. The collection, which was chosen for the 2004 Main Street Rag Poetry Book Award, chronicles Ferris’ childhood and teen years, many of which were spent in operating rooms and hospital beds.
Ferris teaches disability studies and communication arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bayer named volleyball assistant
UWBadgers.com
Colleen (Neels) Bayer, a former two-time All-Big Ten Conference setter for the Badgers, has been named an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Wisconsin, coach Pete Waite announced.