Word of Mouth: January 30

Word of Mouth / January 30, 2018

What we’re reading

Catherine Capellaro, arts editor:

My antidote to the daily shitstorm of sexual harassment stories is How to Be a Woman by British columnist Caitlin Moran. The chapter titles alone will tell you something about Moran: "I Start Bleeding!" "I Become Furry!" "Why You Should Have Children!" "Why You Shouldn’t Have Children!" She’s hilarious, but she’s also got an incredibly generous, honest and non-judgemental approach to living. I can’t stop thinking about her test to determine whether you’re a feminist: "Put your hand in your underpants. a) Do you have a vagina? And b) Do you want to be in charge of it? If you said 'yes' to both, then congratulations! You’re a feminist."

What we’re watching

Ali Muldrow, organizer, GSAFE:

Dave Chappelle’s new Netflix comedy specials, e•qua•nim•i•ty & the bird revelation, open with a joke that puts the punch in punchline. From the first joke to last, Chappelle refuses to hold back — each joke is a mirror that requires we study our own foolishness. In the final special, in an intimate venue, Chappelle muses about his duty to speak recklessly. He champions the importance of being made uncomfortable enough to laugh and claims his rightful place as member of comedic royalty by admitting once and for all that he takes full responsibility for his truth. We should each do the same.

What we’re listening to

Chad Hopper, advertising manager:

With news of their apparent upcoming retirement, Slayer. All of it. Actually, all of it with Dave Lombardo on drums. Deep cut: "Ghosts of War" from the South of Heaven album. That'll give you a good taste of what the best thrash metal band of all time is capable of. 

What we're eating

Allison Geyer, staff writer:

OK, can we talk about late night food? This is a very important topic for me, a person who is incapable of eating "dinner" at a "normal" time. My current obsession is Mint Mark, the new cafe on Winnebago Street, which just started serving a ~truly dank~ fried chicken sandwich on Thursday nights for $7. But the best is and forever will be the late-night menu at Tornado Steakhouse. Because sometimes I just need to eat Coquilles St. Jacques at 12:45 am.

What we're playing

Tommy Washbush, staff artist:

I just recently played 2017's Thimbleweed Park, and despite having sort of a nothingburger of an ending, I can't recommend it enough to fans of old-school adventure games. The story centers around two federal agents who show up in a small town to investigate a murder, and the playable cast expands to five switchable characters, including a ghost and a particularly vulgar clown. The plot quickly goes off the rails, but the voice acting is great, and the game is packed with nerdy humor and easter eggs.

Perfect day

Faustina Bohling, diversity and inclusion specialist, American Family:

I just had a perfect day, as a matter of fact — enjoying coffee while catching up with Hedi Rudd, the “manager of first impressions” at Badger Rock Neighborhood Center. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, I was able to see and feel the visions of spring as I surveyed the greenhouses and listened to the sounds of youth. She shared the scope of the work done at the Badger Rock School and Center. Refreshing to hear about the coming together happening in the community as opposed to the pulling apart, for a change. An unexpected perspective, so I’m happy I stopped by!