The Wisconsin Week Wire — November 1, 2006
Top News
Web’s ‘youth appeal’ lost on campaigns
By largely ignoring the interactive power of new media, political campaigns have squandered an unprecedented opportunity to mobilize young voters and increase their participation in political life, says a UW–Madison assistant professor.
Gubernatorial hopefuls reflect on UW–Madison, higher education
With Wisconsin’s general election just around the corner, Wisconsin Week asked the three candidates for governor a series of five questions related to the university and higher education.
Historian helps PBS paint vivid picture of California Gold Rush
A UW–Madison historian is one of the experts who contributed to the documentary “The Gold Rush,” which will run this month as part of the PBS history series “American Experience.”
Research
Icelandic swarms of midges may provide hints on ecosystems
Wisconsin ecologists have ventured into remote parts of Iceland to explore a startling phenomenon in which trillions of gnat-like bugs periodically rise up to form hovering swarms so thick they resemble waves of morning fog.
Web portal to paint ‘big picture’ of Wisconsin traffic safety
A unique Web site that pools information from many databases will help public audiences and Wisconsin transportation officials gain a broader perspective on traffic safety issues and needs.
Features
Trueba returns to advocate for accessibility
After a year as director of Student Accessibility Services at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., Cathy Trueba recently returned to Madison to become director of the McBurney Disability Resource Center.
Actor takes words from the page to the stage
Students in a freshman English seminar had a rare opportunity last week when American Players Theatre actor David Daniel visited the class.
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
Reminder: Phone directories offered online only
Starting this academic year, the faculty/staff and student phone directories are available online only.
Winter brings changes to bus routes
Starting Monday, Nov. 6, an extra bus will be added to campus Route 80, reducing the time between buses from seven to six minutes for the winter months.
UT’s ‘Arabian Nights’ to tell tale of tolerance
University Theatre will present “The Arabian Nights,” beginning Thursday, Nov. 16.
University urges civic action
With the Tuesday, Nov. 7, general election drawing near, faculty and staff can promote civic engagement by encouraging students to learn about the issues and vote, says interim Dean of Students Lori Berquam.
Milestones
UW Hospital gets coveted five-star rating
For the second year in a row, UW Hospital and Clinics has been named one of the 10 top-performing academic hospitals in the United States.
Community
CowParade auction to benefit new children’s hospital
After five months of “grazing” in Madison, Sun Prairie and Fitchburg, nearly half of the CowParade Wisconsin cows will be put up for auction on Friday, Nov. 10.
Halloween planning pays off with calmer, safer weekend
City and university officials breathed a giant sigh of relief on Oct. 29 as Madison’s Halloween “Freakfest” came off without a major disturbance.