Word of Mouth 42-47

What we’re reading

David Michael Miller, staff artist:

I've been reading two books on Wisconsin's participation in World War I. I found the new The Great War Comes to Wisconsin to be a more pedestrian overview than I was looking for. A War of Their Own, about a deadly shootout between patriotic vigilantes and a family of draft evaders, gave me the dirty details I was after. The story of dissenters during that time has been woefully undertold.

What we’re watching

Thom Jones, systems manager:

I've always disliked Jim Carrey, except in the 1999 film Man on the Moon. And the new documentary on Netflix, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond kinda shows why. A fantastic in-depth look at the making of the movie, along with behind-the-scenes footage stored in Carrey's office for decades, gives a glimpse not only of the Andy Kaufman bio but also of Mr. Carrey himself. I came away with a new respect for the man, even if I still don’t care so much about most of his pursuits as an actor. Highly recommended.

What we’re listening to

Chris Lay, contributor:

The record I’ve played the most these past few weeks, without a doubt, is Jackie Shane’s Any Other Way. Reissued by Chicago’s Numero Records, this two-disc set collects the pioneering transgender soul singer’s mid-60s output in one place for the first time, along with extensive liner notes by ethnomusicologist Rob Bowman. Identity politics aside, Jackie’s voice, along with her incredible horn-forward band, is a force worth acquainting yourself with. 

Who we're following

Lindsey Bushart, advertising account executive:

@madisoncheesemonger. Like any respectable Wisconsinite, nothing makes me happier than a good cheese board! If that’s your jam, this IG account will give you all of the heart eyes and maybe a little Turkey Day inspiration.

Current outrage

Jeri Casper, web analyst:

"The myth of the male bumbler" explores how powerful men from Louis C.K. to Jeff Sessions employ our culture's "clueless man" myth to shirk responsibility. These men proclaim they didn't know what they were doing or didn't know what was going on, despite evidence that they are otherwise intelligent, confident and capable. Reading this, I recognized how this cultural conditioning shows up in my own life, when I assume the men who have abused me simply didn't mean to. We should all question this modus operandi and start holding people 100 percent accountable for their actions.

Perfect day

Halle Mulford, controller:

Some call this Hunter's Widow Week, but it's my time to embrace my inner child with my 2-year-old. The Madison Children's Museum, followed by a slice of Mac and Cheese Pizza at Ian's, beats a cold day in the woods. My husband may dream of the days our little boy gets to join him on the hunt, but for now, I'm the one soaking up the adventure.