Hypocrisy as violence, plus escapism

Griper Blade has an excellent post today about the hypocrisy of some of the people who are the most vocal about "supporting the troops." Apparently Bill O'Reilly has been up to his usual windbaggery, pulling statistics out of his loofah-loving arse and refusing to take responsibility for any of his lies. Even worse, the head of a major national charity that purports to serve veterans has been shown as quite the fraud, with only 25% of the money they raised actually going to help veterans and kick-backs paid to top military brass for promoting said charities. I can't sum it all up better than GB did, so I urge you to check out the post for the illuminating and disgusting low-down. In my opinion, this kind of hypocrisy is nearly if not just as bad as committing real violence against the very people who've sworn to protect us.

Meanwhile, in balmy Wisconsin, everyone and their uncle seems to be gearing up for the big game on Sunday, understandably ready for some pleasant distraction from the sub-zero temperatures and bleak national news. If your whole weekend won't be filled with Packers (or Giants) related mania, there are a few other fabulous events going on around town that you could check out:

TONIGHT - Mercury Players Theatre presents the opening night of "The Pillowman" by Martin McDonagh. I happen to have the inside line on the quality of the acting ensemble, and the play itself sounds like a good one. "A writer of ghoulish fables gets dragged in for questioning when a series of murders seem to be echoing his stories."

Immediately following the performance there will be an after party next door at the Mercury Lounge, featuring the mad rock stylings of the 'tain't (full disclosure: this is my current side project), and 2-for-1 drinks at the bar with a ticket stub from the play.

SUNDAY - Two totally awesome events, one of which you can go to and still catch the game later that night! Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School will be taking over the High Noon Saloon from 2-5PM with their regular slate of drinking, drawing and debauchery.

That night, starting at 7:00PM, Wis-Kino hosts its regular monthly screening of short films at Escape Java Joint. Optional theme is "Cool/Uncool Presence" (whatever that means).