The most recent entrant in our semi-regular meeting the neighbors feature is the Critical Badger. CB didn't waste anytime getting into mixing it up with other bloggers and starting a handful of fiery discussions typically regarding the University and often regarding County Supervisor Ashok Kumar. He entered the Madison blogosphere in January of this year (in advance, happy one year) tackling the high profile issue of the muggings around the campus area adding a much needed student perspective. Without further ado, let's meet the Critical Badger.

1. Where did the name of your blog originate from, and when did the blog start?

I honestly do not recall what inspired the naming of my blog. I guess I am a critical guy. The first post was on Friday, January 19 th, 2007. A day that will not live in infamy.

2. What inspired you to start your blog?

The idea for the blog came about in the late fall of 2006. At the time, I was taking a seminar at UW on the topic of new media and politics. It explored the impact candidate websites and new media tactics (think Howard Dean) had on Presidential and Congressional elections. The seminar ran out of time when it came to studying blogs, which were of great interest to me after being involved with the media side of several political campaigns. I pitched the idea of an independent study to my professor that involved starting a blog and studying the blogosphere of Madison. He agreed and the website took off. I am actually continuing the research into a senior thesis on local blog networks across the country. From what I understand, my research is some of the first on this subject.

3. What is the most rewarding facet of writing on the internet?

I enjoy rabble-rousing. One former high-level political figure in Madison once called me a "conspiracy theorist" after a series of negative post on my blog. I guess I am doing something right. Especially on campus, there are not many forums for discussion outside what the two student daily's provide and a few student organizations that get involved with campus affairs. I am pleased to see my blog offer something of an alternative outlet.

4. Describe the space you do your writing in.

It always varies. The most common place is the desk in my apartment, which has a nice patriotic American desk calendar, a few lamps, hand sanitizer (after those really lengthy sarcastic posts), and my tricked out Dell laptop. Sometimes, if I really want to tick off my buddies, I will put a bottle of Fiji water on there too. I guess I succumb to the capitalist machine too easily. Other favorites include the Helen C. White library, Memorial Union, and occasionally from the bushes outside the houses of Badger Herald and Daily Cardinal editorial staff. This is where I stalk them. And thus why my blog is 1/3 editorializing, 1/3 news, and most importantly 1/3 gossip.

5. What do you do for kicks when you're not posting?

When I am not blogging, collecting Madison City Council/government trading cards (can anyone get me a Clausius? Really hard to find. I will trade a Joel Plant), or spying on the newspaper staff at UW, I think I am a pretty normal student. I spend quite a bit of time at Badger games, especially hockey and football. I should probably start a college football related blog at some point.

6. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Madison?

Non-binding resolutions. Just kidding. I think it is the iconic image of the downtown skyline from across Lake Monona. Absolutely beautiful. This is a wonderful city and I will miss it dearly when I leave after graduation. If I had to add a second or third thing, it might be the quirky politics and Bascom Hall.

7. Is there one thing about the city you wish was different or something the city is missing you wish it had?

I think at times, to borrow a term from a very-conservative fellow student blogger, Madison can be obtusely liberal. To the point where it drives away the moderates that make most political coalitions work. I also think we need more poetry slams.

8. Where do you enjoy eating the most in Madison (or Dane County)?

Kabul. Freaking love it. Oh man. Let me tell you, the beef kebab with extra yogurt sauce and the salad with extra dressing. Wow. If I am ever on death row, that will be my last meal. I think they put some type of drug in the dressing. Now, let me tell you, they could use a few bottles of Raid to take care of the pesky flies that always seem to swarm the place, but I am willing to overlook this to enjoy the sweet, sweet, goodness that is the salad dressing. The Critical Badger highly endorses this restaurant. I know of a few high-level ASM and Madison city government officials who also frequent the joint…

9. If you could replace the word "blog" in the cultural lexicon, what would you replace it with?

The insurgency of the masses. And typos.

10. Finally, name one person you wish kept a blog and what you think they would title it (can be living or dead).

Mike Verveer. I think it would be really interesting. Even though we disagree at some length over policy from time to time, I feel he is a wonderful inspiration to young students interested in getting involved with public service. His blog would provide incredible insight into the workings of city government and the criminal justice system.