A found anecdote that speaks to the subject of our cover story this week, "Young and Sober": Jason Gay, sportswriter for the Wall Street Journal, in his column last Monday lamented the Badger loss in last Saturday's national men's basketball semifinal. "Wisconsin is my alma mater. (At least I think; I have no idea where the diploma is; it was a long time ago, and there was beer.)"
Yes, there was beer, the constant in UW lore. Madison has long, long had the reputation as a major-league college party town. But in recent years that reputation has become less endearing and more concerning as people wake up to the cost of an unrestrained drinking culture.
Author Maggie Ginsberg-Schutz recounts the circumstances that led to the founding of Aaron's House, a recovery facility for young people with substance-abuse issues. It is a needed addition in town and will be followed by other recovery facilities.
Along with your Isthmus this week comes the spring edition of our home living supplement, Abode. Sari Judge kicks it off with "The New 'Above the Store,'" about attempts to bring back the live-where-you-work concept of yesteryear. Michael Popke investigates "Diving into a Swimming Pool." In this climate, is a pool worth the effort and cost? That's a debate for your household, but we do find out that pools are easier to maintain and potentially safer than ever.
Erin Clune imparts "The Story of the Wisco Skillet," wherein a Wisconsin artist becomes an iron monger on the road to fortune, if not fame. Phil Davis offers 11 "Cheap Feats" -- inexpensive ways to style up your domicile. In "Emphasis," features editor Linda Falkenstein tells about a local concierge service and a couple of new purveyors of things for the home. There's also a calendar of coming events geared toward the home and garden and the "Green Your Home" spread sponsored by Madison Gas and Electric.
