Almanac

Ask Bucky

Ask Bucky is a service provided by Visitor and Information Programs. For more information, call 263-2400, visit the Campus Information Center in the Red Gym or the new Welcome Center, 21 N. Park St., or visit us at http://www.vip.wisc.edu. Below are two questions Ask Bucky recently answered.

Q: Was there a Becky Badger? If so, why isn’t she around any more?

A: Yes, Bucky did once have a partner. Although there have been many attempts to create a female mascot, University Communications has only photographic evidence of Becky Badger. The 1980 photograph shows “…a smiling, waving, bow-topped Becky Badger” at a UW–Madison football game. Unfortunately, most of Bucky’s female counterparts have not developed past the experimental state.

Q: Why has Henry Mall been under construction for so many of the past few years?

A: The construction around Henry Mall is part of the Central Campus Utility Project, which will upgrade the utilities of many university buildings. The project is predicted to end in the summer of 2007. For more information regarding major campus construction projects, contact Facilities Planning and Management at 263-3000 or visit http://fpm-www3.fpm.wisc.edu/majorprojects/.

Combustible Christmas special coming to public television

As in past years, the popular holiday lectures by chemistry professor Bassam Shakhashiri will be broadcast on Wisconsin Public Television at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 25. In other parts of the country, check local PBS listings for broadcast dates and times.

Titled “Once Upon a Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri,” the lecture uses colorful glowing liquids and chemical explosions to showcase the wonder and power of science. Now in its 37th year, the program is one of UW–Madison’s longest running and most popular public outreach events.

Play project invites submissions

The Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project, coordinated by UW–Madison Continuing Studies in theater, was created to foster the development of new works by Wisconsin playwrights. Three playwrights will receive artist residencies at Edenfred Mansion with workshops and readings through the University Theatre. One play will be selected for further development through the Madison Repertory Theatre’s Madison New Play Festival.

Submissions are due Monday, Jan. 15. Complete details are available at http:// www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/theatre/new-play-project.htm or by contacting Sarah Marty at smarty@dcs.wisc.edu or 263-2790.