Good (bad?) word

"Usually, the MSM use the term 'alternative weekly' as code for 'a paper that readers should not take seriously.'"

-- Thomas Francis, New Times Broward-Palm Beach

It's a puzzle

The Chicago Sun-Times' conservative, scandal-plagued columnist Robert Novak today writes this about l'affaire Foley and the Republican leadership:

Dealing with Foley was complicated because he was a known, though never a self-proclaimed, homosexual. A desire not to be accused of gay-bashing may have influenced party leaders to set aside the e-mail that the former page described as "sick, sick, sick."

Since when are Republican leaders squeamish about gay-bashing?

Lend me your ears, and assorted body parts

Saturday night we trucked out to Spring Green for one last dose of American Players Theatre. The play was Julius Caesar -- it was closing night -- and we had great fun watching the bloodbath, including the moment when the poet Cinna is torn to pieces by members of an enraged mob, who then run off brandishing his limbs and various gory bits. Better than Atari!

It was a new experience for me: APT in weather that was cool, downright cold. (I've only ever been at the height of summer.) On Saturday the skies were clear, but the temperature was forecast to be in the low 40s. So we bundled up in hats, gloves and scarves for the first time this fall, and were perfectly comfortable.

What it was, was football weather, and football fans know better than anyone that three hours on a crisp autumn evening pass all too quickly, as long as there is carnage to look at.

My gift is my song

I enjoy playing music for charity. Musicians can't give away all their time, of course, but it's nice once in a while to perform for this or that worthy cause. Good for the soul.

But do you know what the best thing is about playing charitable events, as opposed to paying gigs? You don't have to wait around to get your money.

Good word

"Squeaky Fromme isn't the only one who can shave her head and make something of it."

-- Robert Christgau, on Sinead O'Connor

Moonlighting strangers

Okay, I promise not to make a writing habit of the interspersed periods, but tell me this notice in today's Rhythm section is not the Greatest. Ad. Ever.

Speaking out

For many days recently there were demonstrations at the Blair Street facility of Madison Gas and Electric Company. The protestors opposed MGE's plan to reduce pension benefits.

I biked through the demonstrations each day on my way home from work, and as I did I tried to make out what their placards said. One said, spelling MGE, "Money Greedy Executives." Another said, "MGE: Your Neighborhood Enron."

There was another sign that eventually I realized said "Future 4 Sale." But do you know what I thought it said at first?

"Futon 4 Sale."

Hey, when you've gotta move the merch, you've gotta move the merch.