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).

Sketchy Reefer Catapults

I'm going to be in Chicago this weekend, rehearsing with my "crew" for our upcoming performance at IDKE Vancouver, so I'm going to miss most of the fun planned around town over the next few days. That doesn't mean you have to, though! There are more than enough shenanigans to choose from:

"Reefer Madness" at the Bartell, courtesy of local theatre hooligans Mercury Players Theatre. It was so entertaining when I saw it last week that I'll be in attendance, a couple of friends in tow, at this Friday night's showing.

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School: it's just killing me that I've yet to make it to one of these fabulous events (Sunday afternoon at the High Noon Saloon). They are, by all accounts, a raucous good time and feature Madison's hostess with the mostess, Olive Talique. Drawing, drinking and debauchery are the themes of the day and you get to ogle/sketch two super sexy ladies from local "caburlesque" group, Sexy Veronica's Peach Pies, so don't miss out!

A Catapult Western playing with Elsinore at the High Noon Saloon on Sunday (the 23rd), starting at 8pm. Why should you go see them? Because a few members of ACW are good friends of mine and I know for a fact are fine musicians. They opened for my own band this summer and were quite delightful.

Live music not your thing? Rather view or screen one of your own genius short films? Wis-Kino is having their regular monthly screening at Escape Java Joint this Sunday evening at 7pm. It's cheap, fun, local entertainment.

And of course, there's always the wonderful Dane County Farmer's Market on the capitol square Saturday morning. It's a great place to load up on some delicious local food to help you out with your own Eat Local Challenge. How's that going, by the way?