Jason Joyce · Storify

Reactions to news that Bret Bielema is leaving Wisconsin for Arizona

Jason Joyce — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:27:55 GMT

Storified by Jason Joyce · Tue, Dec 04 2012 17:27:55

Updated: Bielema to leave Wisconsin for Arkansas; news stuns even close associates : Sports

Some of the people closest to Bret Bielema had absolutely no idea before the news broke on Tuesday afternoon that the University of Wisco...

The key bit of that story comes from an unnamed UW source who quoted an Arkansas booster saying, "We're going to steal your head coach, the sky's the limit and we're going to do everything he wants for facilties. This place is going to spend more money than anyone ever dreamed of." College football is a big deal in Wisconsin, but in Arkansas it's the ONLY deal. There is no professional team down there, no other outlet for fans to obsess about in that football-crazy state.Here's the official statement from Wisconsin athletic director and former football coach Barry Alvarez. On Tuesday afternoon, many Badgers fans, and not a few commentators, were hoping Alvarez would announce that he planned to coach the Badgers in the Rose Bowl on January 1.

Barry Alvarez statement on departure of Bret Bielema - UWBadgers.com - The Official Web Site of The Wisconsin Badgers Athletics

The Official Athletic Site of the Wisconsin Badgers, partner of CBS College Sports Networks, Inc. The most comprehensive coverage of Wisc...

Dan Wolken of USA Today believes Bielema might be departing for more money, but also because it's rare for college football programs to remain successful for long periods of time.

Why did Bret Bielema leave Wisconsin for Arkansas?

Story Highlights Bielema compiled a 68-24 record as Wisconsin's head coach Wisconsin reached the Rose Bowl each of the last three seasons...

A blogger from Iowa, where Bielema went to school, takes a rosier view, wondering if Bielema is simply in search of bigger challenges. Right.

Harty blog: Bielema's decision might be about more than stuffing his bank account | Hawk Central

Money has to be a major reason why Bret Bielema is making what many consider a lateral coaching move by leaving Wisconsin for Arkansas. O...

Cap Times editor Paul Fanlund, a Badgers season ticket holder of 30 years, represents the view of many fans who are almost gleeful about Bielema's departure. Apparently, a record of 68-24 still holds room for improvement.

Paul Fanlund: To many UW ticket holders, Bielema's exit will be welcome

Sports reporters and columnists who regularly interact with Wisconsin's football program will have lots to say about Bret Bielema's start...

Inventive fans started up some online petitions, including one calling for Alvarez to coach in the Rose Bowl and another calling for UW to hire former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, who left Columbus after covering up NCAA violations.

The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department: Hire Barry Alvarez to coach Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl this year.

We want to win in Pasadena. Bret Bielema Rose Bowl Record: 0-2 Barry Alvarez Rose Bowl Record: 3-0

Welcome to Tressel For Wisconsin | Tressel For Wisconsin

PAST: The Wisconsin Badgers have enjoyed a proud history on the football field dating back to 1889. In 1896 the Big 10 Conference was cre...

On Twitter, fans like "Badger Bill" echoed the Fanlund reaction.

Thanks @ArkRazorbacks for taking Bielema off our hands! Be prepared for underachieving teams and horrible time-outs for the next few years
— Badger Bill · Tue, Dec 04 2012 15:45:00

Ben Worgull of The Badger Nation was in contact with players and recruits all day and reported items like the following.

One UW player in a text: 'We would love Barry to coach us in Pasadena.' Me: 'Why?' Player: '3-0'
— Benjamin Worgull · Tue, Dec 04 2012 14:43:56

Other local sports reporters expressed some shock at the reactions to not just the news of Bielema's departure but speculation about his successor.

Judging by reaction, next #Badgers coach will have to win nat'l championship and take in stray animals to be liked. 3 Rose Bowls not enough?
— Todd Milewski · Tue, Dec 04 2012 13:05:08

Funny, I can remember a time not long ago many #Badgers fans were complaining about #PaulChryst as O-Coord. Now praying he comesback.
— Robb Vogel · Tue, Dec 04 2012 15:11:06

Some Badgers players chimed in on Twitter as well.

Some Thanksgiving reading from your friends at Isthmus

Jason Joyce — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:50:21 GMT

Culled from the Isthmus archives: Recipes, entertainment recommendations, a history lesson and even an ethical dilemma

Storified by Jason Joyce · Tue, Nov 20 2012 14:50:21

There's something about spending a couple days in a small house with lots of relatives that will make you want to turn on the nearest TV and stare at whatever appears for hours. In 2007, our arts critic Kent Williams looked at a collection of movies and TV shows with Thanksgiving themes.

Thank you, Lord, for this programming - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Thank you, Lord, for this programming Kent Williams picks through the meager offerings of Thanksgiving-themed video "Home," Robert Frost ...

A feast often brings with it leftovers and Thanksgiving's bounty can give way to days of turkey-related dishes. In this 2008 story, Terese Allen provides some fresh turkey soup recipes that might break you out of a rut.

Inventive takes on turkey leftovers: spicy soup recipe - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Thanksgiving is my hands-down favorite holiday. No gift-giving pressures. No nonstop frenzied commercialization. Lots of playtime with lo...

In 2008, Linda Falkenstein told the story of an ill-fated July 4 pumpkin pie (?) and lists the essentials to avoiding mistakes with this holiday staple.

Hurrah for pumpkin pie with heavy cream - Isthmus | The Daily Page

A couple years ago I got real tired of being disappointed in the pumpkin pie I was baking at Thanksgiving. I'd been using a recipe off th...

More pie? Yes, please. Especially if it's this version, courtesy of Tenaya Darlington (aka Madame Fromage) which features blue cheese.

Madame Fromage: Baked Miniature Pumpkins with Blue Cheese recipe - Isthmus | The Daily Page

One of my favorite combinations at the Thanksgiving table is baked squash with some sort of savory stuffing. This year, I'm planning to a...

If you don't like cranberries (the official state fruit) or brandy old fashioneds (the unofficial state cocktail), then you're celebrating Thanksgiving in the wrong place. Marcelle Richards combines the two in this wonderful cranberry relish recipe.

Cranberry relish recipe borrows from the Wisconsin state drink (recipe) - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Cranberry relish recipe borrows from the Wisconsin state drink (recipe) Hit the sauce The brandy old-fashioned was a drink I hadn't recog...

Jay Rath digs into the history books to find out how our predecessors observed the holiday around these parts.

Madison and Wisconsin's first Thanksgivings - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Everyone knows the story. In the 1600s, starving European immigrants were rescued with gifts of food from Native Americans, with whom the...

Andre Darlington helps us out with one of the holiday's toughest (and most thankless) tasks: picking out a good wine.

Food-friendly wines for the Thanksgiving table - Isthmus | The Daily Page

After years of pushing recipes to the limit, I've finally learned to play Thanksgiving straight. We Americans have enough newness and cha...

And finally, perhaps the most iconic Isthmus Thanksgiving story: In 2007, Bill Lueders set out to kill his own Thanksgiving meal. Before being a locavore was a "thing," Lueders explores the turkey-raising business through the eyes of some conscientious local farmers and wrestles with the prospect of actually killing one.

To Kill a Turkey - Isthmus | The Daily Page

To Kill a Turkey If you're going to eat animals, shouldn't you be willing to do the deed? Ken Wulf told me exactly what to expect. I'd ho...

Tweets and photos from Live on King St. with Cloud Cult & MS MR

Jason Joyce — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:58:53 GMT

Storified by Jason Joyce · Sat, Jul 21 2012 07:58:53

They felled a tree outside our office today, no doubt to afford me a better view of #LiveonKingSt http://pic.twitter.com/jbLxpSJi · Jason Joyce

Cloud Cult sound check out our windows. Rawk! http://pic.twitter.com/Q89OE8s7 · Swink

Drinking an ice-cold Spotted Cow at a King Street bar in Madison before a free Cloud Cult street concert. They should have sent a poet.
— Stephen Thompson · Fri, Jul 20 2012 15:46:14

Cloud Cult duh #CloudCult #Madison http://instagr.am/p/NUki2cqdUD/ · Julia Mercer

Live on King Street: July 20, 2012 · jasonbjoyce

Liking Ms Mr already. #liveonkingst http://twitpic.com/a9vbmc · Evan Benner

Cloud Cult on King Street #jamsauce http://pic.twitter.com/2RKebAhb · Mike Tombasco

Right up in there. #cloudcult http://instagr.am/p/NU0LhDtBnU/ · justinnnnnnnnn

Taking a remix break to check out Cloud Cult on King Street... http://pic.twitter.com/NR2yz5P5 · GentlemanLoser

Thanks #cloudcult for a great concert. A perfect Madison summer night. #WInning
— Kelda Helen Roys · Fri, Jul 20 2012 20:32:53

#CloudCult put on an amazing concert tonight outside the #Majestic! Free show, good vibes, perfect weather : http://instagr.am/p/NVC9K8jfLF/ · Valerie Koschnick

Cloud Cult http://instagr.am/p/NU-0AUJFPc/ · Ri Liu

Cloud Cult. http://instagr.am/p/NVCwHZrE53/ · Cory Stevens

RT @ashedryden: Finally made it! Watching Cloud Cult from the @bendyworks office. #uxmad http://pic.twitter.com/Xbdbp6EU · Patrick Rauland

Cloud Cult - just a damn fun show @ Majestic Theatre http://instagr.am/p/NU9yuKKrYV/ · Janet Campbell

Cloud Cult #cloudcult #Madison #summer #indiemusic #majestic http://instagr.am/p/NVHaL8qdf0/ · Julia Mercer

Cloud Cult sounding bigger and better. Madison, WI. http://twitpic.com/a9wtke · Lori Delaney

Craig Minowa looks up King St at the Capitol. "It's a breautiful building." he says. "You're goddamn right it is" I yell. #cloud cult #a ...
— Chris Jones · Fri, Jul 20 2012 19:45:50

Cloud Cult @ Bendyworks http://instagr.am/p/NU5WC1A8VN/ · Corey Forbus

Cloud Cult was OHHH DAMNNNN SOOO GOOOD
— Jenny Trilk · Fri, Jul 20 2012 19:53:20

Billy Bragg joins Solidarity Singers on Capitol Square

Jason Joyce — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:20:12 GMT

The English singer-songwriter joined in on some classics, including "There is Power in a Union," a song he wrote.

Storified by Jason Joyce · Wed, Jul 11 2012 05:20:12

#TGFSW Billy Bragg just showed up to sing outside at SSA (state st side). Happening now (until 1pm)
— Nick Nice · Tue, Jul 10 2012 10:23:20

Billy Bragg - WI Capitol! http://instagr.am/p/M6JDv4S2jj/ · Emily McFadd

#BillyBragg at today's #SolidaritySingAlong. :) http://instagr.am/p/M6LMZGAUqU/ · Sara Blackthorne

Billy Bragg to Solidarity singers at capitol: don't mourn, organize. #wiunion
— Judith Davidoff · Tue, Jul 10 2012 10:42:12

Solidarity singers, the recall is over... If you dont like @ScottKWalker elect someone new in 2014, even though the votes will tell again
— Maria · Tue, Jul 10 2012 10:47:52

Billy Bragg sings with Solidarity Singers at Capitol http://pic.twitter.com/QT2tAQON · Joe Tarr

Billy Bragg at the Solidarity Singalong. http://yfrog.com/esw74omj · Jason Joyce

Billy Bragg joins the Solidarity Singalong at the Wisconsin State Capitol · jasonbjoyce

The Internationale - Solidarity Singalong with Special Guest Billy Bragg · 1rx100372

Billy Bragg will dedicate his Barrymore set to the Wisconsin protesters - Isthmus | The Daily Page

The American left needs Billy Bragg more than ever. Many of the London songwriter-guitarist's songs, including "There Is Power in a Union...

2012 Mifflin Street Block Party

Jason Joyce — Sun, 06 May 2012 02:18:43 GMT

Storified by Jason Joyce · Sat, May 05 2012 19:18:43

My blog post regarding #Mifflin2012 http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district8/blog/?Id=657
— Scott Resnick · Fri, May 04 2012 12:45:01

#SO to whoever is going to be THAT GUY we all cheer for before getting tackled by cops while trying to get away #mifflin
— UWshoutouts · Fri, May 04 2012 12:37:36

#mifflin tweeting commencing... Sorry for the next 24 hrs... Happy best holiday ever!!!! #mifflin2012
— Megan Howard · Sat, May 05 2012 05:17:13

Starting off strong #mifflin2012 @emilymcgee_ @ChanHegna @jennifmal http://pic.twitter.com/FZImw8Ga · Rachel McGee

We're three in and it's 7:38 #mifflin2012 #goodmorning
— David Claphan · Sat, May 05 2012 05:38:50

#SO to waking up earlier for mifflin than i ever do for class. priorities. #cincodemifflin
— UWshoutouts · Sat, May 05 2012 06:57:04

Outrageous? Yes out-rage-us? Never! Mifflin 2012 http://pic.twitter.com/2IEZXKFM · Vanessa Renz

you don't want to fuck with mifflin. why? cause mifflin, will fucking kill you. #nene #drinks #cincodemifflin #dontgo #hashtags
— Marjan Faterioun · Sat, May 05 2012 07:12:28

@AmandaPanosh @asaolson @harris_kelsie Original Four Loko!!! #drunkat9am #worththewait #mifflin2012 http://pic.twitter.com/gadzzKsQ · Devon Harris

The morning beer and the drinks that come after! B Day/Mifflin weekend. Hit me up, pregaming at the crib! http://instagr.am/p/KP3yy3oxS7/ · Jaime Rogero

Gotta love Mifflin!!! Bloody, beer, and a mimosa! Good morning! #Mifflin http://pic.twitter.com/zLqx6bHY · Sean Jurewicz

Mifflin precautions. Bring me to this address if u find me lol http://pic.twitter.com/oAf4ZhVl · Elliot Hass

Breakfast of #mifflin2012 Champions #dontgo http://instagr.am/p/KP4SMEF88b/ · Samantha McKeough

@jcup24 @NOHOdrink Breakfast of champions. #Mifflin2012 http://pic.twitter.com/CyMI1C35 · Zach Glowing

Madison police are set up on West Washington Avenue, with the drunk pen ready to go #Mifflin2012 http://pic.twitter.com/DOhDfeqE · Nico Savidge

Thanks for the advice @MarinaMany #mifflin2012 http://pic.twitter.com/CZWV141E · Krissy Many

Pregaming Mifflin http://instagr.am/p/KP5bxygMfd/ · Jessica Goch

Cinco de mifflin bitches!!!!!! http://instagr.am/p/KP50JXIkTo/ · Annemarie Hickey

Shit ton of cops on mifflin already. Ha.
— Ali Bee · Sat, May 05 2012 07:44:11

rule one for mifflin..dont accept open cans of beer from strangers
— Chelsea Beining · Sat, May 05 2012 07:44:19

UW dean of students' anti-Mifflin Street Block Party video bashed, parodied

Jason Joyce — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:26:56 GMT

A message meant to warn students is met with derision and parody.

Storified by Jason Joyce · Tue, Apr 24 2012 10:26:56

On Sunday, UW-Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam produced an awkward, stilted YouTube video advising students "Don't go" to this year's Mifflin Street Block Party. The video went viral and students almost immediately began to heckle Berquam on social media.

Dean of Students Message about Mifflin Street · perfekkt1

The video above is a copy, as the original was deleted from YouTube sometime late Monday. It's easy to understand why; it was a mess. Berquam appears to be unprepared and unaccustomed to communicating with students, surprising given that she's generally popular on campus. She encourages students to seek out other activities in the city, but offers no alternatives, and she repeats her "Don't go" line too often, which detracts from the good advice she offers. Watching it, one wonders if she consulted with any students at all before releasing it.

The Badger Herald: Campus lashes out on anti-Mifflin video

While many students are gearing up for this year's Mifflin Street Block Party and preparing for the changes that will be implemented at t...

What follows is a small sample of the criticism that appeared on Twitter Monday night and Tuesday morning, which included wide use of the #dontgo and #YOLO (you only live once) hashtags.

I think what the dean meant to say was don't go sober. #mifflin2012
— Michelle Veldman · Mon, Apr 23 2012 13:13:48

Regardless of opinions on #Mifflin2012, @LoriBerquam deserves more credit for trying to do her job. Keep it respectful, #Badgers
— Nate Moll · Mon, Apr 23 2012 21:22:59

Its more than just a party, its a tradition. We're not going to stop #mifflin2012 #sorrylori
— Jordan Paz · Mon, Apr 23 2012 22:17:59

Way to bring in a national audience to mifflin, Lori. #dontgo #mifflin2012
— Scott Ray · Mon, Apr 23 2012 22:34:16

The 'don't go to mifflin' video has been removed. Our student body just hazed the shit out of upper management lol
— Kevin Meister · Tue, Apr 24 2012 06:25:05

Serious ethical questions are raised by removing the anti-Mifflin video from YouTube.
— University and State · Tue, Apr 24 2012 07:55:28

This mifflin mess is very interesting. Gotta love social media.
— Jen Ayres · Tue, Apr 24 2012 08:04:28

Lori Berquam makes attending Mifflin sound like the equivalent of walking through a mine field. Overblown. I'M GOING! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f13Oz3IvrHk
— Nick Sunderland · Tue, Apr 24 2012 08:55:11

And of course a parody/re-mix soon showed up:

Don't Go To Mifflin REMIX (feat. Dean of Students) · heisman923

Bloggers have also picked up the meme.

Sports News on Tap: A Running Diary of 'Don't Go's' and SnoTap Sombreros

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love more; worry less: The "new" Mifflin

I love Mifflin. It is what I look forward to the most in the spring semester. It is a fun time when everyone gets together, friends or no...

Meanwhile, the cottage industry designing t-shirts for the bash appears to roll on, undeterred.

Sconnie Nation - Original Apparel Celebrating the Wisconsin Lifestyle - Sorry for Party Tee - Tri-Black

Sorry for partying? No, not really. Tri-Blend (50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon) construction Durable rib neckband Unisex size - wo...

Chris Rickert: Combative tweeter

Jason Joyce — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:09:21 GMT

Wisconsin State Journal metro columnist continues to mix it up with critics, this time over the issue of handing out condoms on campus.

Storified by Jason Joyce · Mon, Mar 26 2012 14:09:21

In a column last week, the Wisconsin State Journal's Chris Rickert courted controversy by siding with state Rep. Steve Nass, who questioned whether the UW-Madison health services ought to be distributing condoms on campus prior to spring break. Rickert argued that doing so amounted to "coddling" students and chided "university types" for being "dumb enough" to bring this criticism on themselves.

Par-tay! http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/chris_rickert/chris-rickert-bad-policy-to-coddle-uw-spring-breakers/article_5eabe3a8-73b3-11e1-afec-0019bb2963f4.html
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 05:29:10

Chris Rickert: Bad policy to coddle UW spring breakers

All of us well-educated Madison liberals can "tsk, tsk" at the regular bashing our beloved UW-Madison takes from the likes of such "anti-...

Local writer Josh Wimmer, an Isthmus contributor, was among those who bristled at Rickert's piece and called him out on Twitter.

Man, @ChrisRickertWSJ, you really are as stupid as everybody says. http://bit.ly/GH8GTd
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 07:34:18

@farwent Gee, thanks, Josh! Nothing convinces like an ad hominem attack!
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:38:32

@ChrisRickertWSJ It was actually a personal attack, not ad hominem: http://bit.ly/GO4f5l
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:41:49

@ChrisRickertWSJ I'm saying, "Having read your latest column, I am forced to conclude from that evidence that you are stupid."
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:47:58

@farwent But you aren't attacking the column are you? Just the person who wrote it. And you certainly don't specify any of your "evidence."
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:50:11

@ChrisRickertWSJ Well, sure, not yet. I thought it would be rude to deluge you with tweets. But OK! Here goes.
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:52:16

@farwent There are these things called email, the phone, Facebook ... They don't have 140-character limits.
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:53:09

@ChrisRickertWSJ But my intent was not to justify my opinion to you. It was to share something I found stupid and make that feeling clear.
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:56:33

@ChrisRickertWSJ Tell you what: I'll write a blog post.
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 08:58:02

@farwent Oh, I get it. No chance to respond then. Join the crowd.
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:05:51

@ChrisRickertWSJ What would possibly stop you from responding to a blog post?
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:06:19

@farwent Well, visiting your blog of course. Why would I do that?
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:09:35

@ChrisRickertWSJ Well, I will link to the post, and you might also have a Google Alert set up.
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:12:39

@ChrisRickertWSJ (But I will also note that the evidence *strongly suggests* you've had a chance to respond to my tweet, too.)
— Josh Wimmer · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:13:42

@farwent Yes, I'm trying to limit the time I spend online on these kinds of spitting matches. It's a weakness.
— Chris Rickert · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:29:29

On Friday morning, Wimmer obliges with a post on his blog.

Wisconsin vs. Syracuse: The internet weighs in

Jason Joyce — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:53:33 GMT

Storified by Jason Joyce · Thu, Mar 22 2012 14:53:33

The AP's Jim O'Connell is the dean of Big East basketball writers. His breakdown of the matchup is one of the best.

NCAA Men's Capsules: Syracuse-Wisconsin: The defense won't rest

BOSTON (AP) - One plays zone all the time. The other goes man-to-man from start to finish. Defense will be the key when top-seeded Syracu...

The New York Times buys into the "live by the 3, die by the 3" philosophy in assessing Wisconsin's chances.

For Wisconsin, It Could All Come Down to the 3

In the Sweet 16, Wisconsin's success could ultimately be defined by its outside shooting. A team that admittedly lives and dies by the 3-...

Grantland's Shane Ryan offers up eight factors which add up to a Syracuse win... but at least they admit Madison is a better college town!

The Eight Factors: Wisconsin-Syracuse

The Eight Factors measures four basketball criteria along with four non-basketball criteria to take the measure of who will win each Swee...

But former Ohio State walk-on Mark Titus, also writing for Grantland, says he expects the "Buzzcuts" to upend 'Cuse.

March Madness Mailbag!

This week, we asked for your e-mails about March Madness for another mailbag from Grantland's favorite walk-on, Mark Titus. Here are a fe...

Predictably, ESPN provides a nice overview of Sweet Sixteen matchups.

Viewer's Guide for the Sweet 16

And just like that we're ready for another round of NCAA tournament action. The Sweet 16 is here, starting with four games Thursday. Here...

But the eyes roll when the Worldwide Leader's so-called analysts start weighing in. Up first is Big East bobo and perennial Wisconsin hater Doug Gottlieb.

And ESPN's Gottlieb picks....Syracuse, of course - JSOnline

Boston - Wisconsin fans will be stunned - stunned, I say - to learn that ESPN college basketball Doug Gottlieb picks Syracuse to defeat U...

Same goes for Duke grad and ACC apologist Seth Davis of CBS, who had Vanderbilt beating Syracuse in this game in his original bracket.

Who's headed to the Elite Eight? Final Four?

Crazy upsets? Freak injuries? Dramatic comebacks? What else could happen? Everything, that's what. This is the NCAA tournament, folks. We...

Feingold on Piers Morgan

Jason Joyce — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:43:21 GMT

Storified by Jason Joyce · Mon, Feb 20 2012 19:43:21

Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, the Democrat from Middleton, has a new book out, While America Sleeps (Crown), and as a result, has briefly popped back into the national political spotlight this week.

In Book, Feingold Offers Insider's View of Senate Post-Sept. 11

In his new book, former Senator Russ Feingold assembles a narrative of how the Sept. 11 attacks and other acts of terrorism in the Washin...

Feingold's new book looks at America's response to 9-11 attacks - JSOnline

Wisconsin's Russ Feingold was best known in the U.S. Senate for his repeated efforts to restrict the role of money in federal elections. ...

He's expected to make a few TV stops as well, including Piers Morgan's CNN talk show Monday night, which led to some conflicting tweets.

Russ Feingold is all over TV this week. Is he planning 3rd party run?
— RonMwangaguhung · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:20:23

Senator Feingold looks ... presidential. #cnn #piersmorgan #progressiveunited
— Robin Marohn · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:21:31

Feingold "I will play whatever role official or unofficial to get (Obama) reelected"
— RonMwangaguhung · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:22:30

Russ Feingold is being critical of President Obama on @Piersmorgan what a jerk!
— Just Ann American · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:22:47

Russ #Feingold on @PiersTonight talking the usual pragmatic common sense that he is most respected for: #CivilLiberties strong on #Security
— Susan Nagy · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:25:38

Russ Feingold is an incredible asset to Wisconsin and our country at large. I hope he returns to elected office very soon.
— Matthew Bunch · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:25:47

#Feingold also gets #props for his #sexy #tealjadegreen #tiestyle / #Dems seem to lead my imaginary #necktiecompetition #marketingspeak
— Susan Nagy · Mon, Feb 20 2012 18:30:09

Russ Feingold was brilliant tonight on piers morgan. Next stop:The Daily Show tomorrow night. #feingold
— Kathi Leverenz · Mon, Feb 20 2012 19:01:29

State Journal's Chris Rickert has a Cieslewicz/Isthmus fixation

Jason Joyce — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:29:36 GMT

In the last five days, the Wisconsin State Journal columnist has gone out of his way to skewer Isthmus blogger and former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on Twitter, going so far as to hold up one of his own columns as an ideal. Why?

Storified by Jason Joyce · Tue, Nov 08 2011 13:29:36

Near the bottom of an Oct. 10 post on his "Citizen Dave" blog, Cieslewicz wrote that he couldn't understand why George Hesselberg remained "chained up in the literary dungeon" at the State Journal while "a columnist who is not Doug Moe and regularly commits the twin journalistic felonies of being both boring and incomprehensible at the same time, is allowed to roam the city a free man."

Ever since, Rickert has Tweeted about a handful of Cieslewicz posts, typically writing something like:

@IsthmusTDP @DaveCieslewicz Another nice press release.
— Chris Rickert · Fri, Nov 04 2011 07:34:36

When asked by a reader why he was going after Cieslewicz and if it had something to do with bike issues, he responded:

@MarkOnFire Thanks. I admit I've been dogging him because he called me out in a blog. Otherwise, I wouldn't.
— Chris Rickert · Fri, Nov 04 2011 13:49:29

@MarkOnFire No. I've praised Ride the Drive. I think he got fed up with me during the protests, called me boring and incomprehensible.
— Chris Rickert · Fri, Nov 04 2011 14:02:12

This week he took it a step further, essentially calling Cieslewicz a Democratic Party spokesperson.

@IsthmusTDP @DaveCieslewicz Cute. Still waiting for a blog not so blatantly obvious that doesn't fit neatly into Dem talking points.
— Chris Rickert · Tue, Nov 08 2011 07:42:27

Rickert even suggested that Cieslewicz should strive to write his blog more like Rickert's columns, offering up a link to one of his latest, apparently as an example of journalistic excellence.

@IsthmusTDP @DaveCieslewicz Try this, for example. http://t.co/GgfDAg8M
— Chris Rickert · Tue, Nov 08 2011 07:43:19

Finally, he took a shot at Isthmus itself, calling its content and readership "narrow."

@IsthmusTDP @DaveCieslewicz Although Dave's posts do match Isthmus' narrow market of readers and ideas. I guess that's a kind of success.
— Chris Rickert · Tue, Nov 08 2011 07:44:36