Word of Mouth: February 6

What we’re reading

David Michael Miller, staff artist:

I often read history as an escape from the terrifying present, but of course that often ends up being déjà vu all over again. I'm reading Barbara W. Tuchman's The Proud Tower, her examination of the conditions that led to World War I that reaches further back than her breakthrough The Guns of August. She has a great knack for fleshing out obscure players with a single phrase, whether they be nihilist anarchists or the oblivious aristocracy. The problem today is that those two types have merged into an ultra-rich ruling class that seeks to destroy government. Looking forward to our own The Votes of November.

What we’re watching

Catherine Capellaro, arts editor:

Best Picture nominees. I've seen all but two (of the nine), and this is the year I'm going to see them all. I absolutely adored The Shape of Water, Lady Bird and Call Me By Your Name. Call Me is one of my favorite films of the last few years. Although Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri has some weird plot holes, it features tremendous performances. And you simply have to see Get Out! Marcus Theaters is doing Best Picture nominee fests on Feb. 24 (five films for $35) and March 3 (four films for $28). You'll have to wait for the Wisconsin Film Festival to find a better crop of films to hunker down and watch on a Saturday.

What we’re listening to

Angela Puerta, neighborhood planner, city of Madison:

Latin music during these freezing temperatures can warm our heart and soul. Madison Carnaval brings samba, musica nativista, choro, cumbia and other Latin rhythms to our town this weekend. I see it as a great opportunity to join a more diverse crowd, listen to good music and meet new friends! The Handphibians will hit the drums in celebration of their 20th anniversary. 

What we're eating

Rebecca Jaworski, advertising account executive:

When my husband and I moved here in the dead of winter four years ago, we didn't know many people and hibernating was very appealing. So, to battle our lazy tendencies, we made a pact that if a real live person invited us out to do something, we would always say yes. Choose real humans over TV humans. Now, we have a regular Tuesday night dinner tradition with our bocce ball team. We all take turns cooking for each other (or sometimes eating out) and it’s the perfect way to break up the week with good food, great friends and typically some pretty delicious beer and wine. This week — tacos from La Rosita! YUM!

What we're playing

Jeri Casper, web analyst:

I'm a big fan of Cards Against Humanity, and I'm looking forward to busting out my newest cards. I just got the Green Box for Christmas, and I also got several new cards as part of the Cards Against Humanity Saves America promotion, including "Two hamsters nibbling on a tiny burrito" and "Our dumb asshole president."

Perfect day

Sean Kennedy, digital editor:

There’s a good bit of snow in the forecast, so I think we’ll take my powder-loving dog to the dog park. That will only be a few minutes, because she’s more of a snowplow than anything else, so she wears out pretty quickly. Then maybe a little ice fishing? I’m starting to get into ice fishing with my brothers-in-law. We have no idea how it works, but we’re not about to let that stop us from a fun day on the lake.