Hygge, doggies, Yippies + other recommendations

What we're watching
Dave Cieslewicz, Isthmus contributor and former mayor of Madison:

The Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix. It’s classic Aaron Sorkin. Lots of characters and subplots, and yet it all comes together in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. About three-quarters of the way through, Sorkin imagines an argument between the earnest, buttoned-down Tom Hayden and the Yippie leader Abbie Hoffman: “My problem is that for the next 50 years when people think of progressive politics they’ll think of... passing out daisies to soldiers and trying to levitate the Pentagon. They’re not going to think of equality or justice, education or poverty. They’re going to think of a bunch of stoned, foul-mouthed, lawless losers. And so we’re going to lose elections,” says Hayden. Hoffman counters that he doesn’t care about winning elections or respecting any of the system. He wants a cultural revolution. Was Sorkin writing about what happened in 1968 or the argument on the American left right now?

How we're helping
Rachel Werner, creative director, The Little Book Project WI:

After fostering dogs via Underdog Pet Rescue for the majority of the time we've had state shelter-at-home guidelines, we formally adopted a puppy this month. The joy this new addition is adding to my family is immense — plus, it's been even more heart-warming to discover that local businesses celebrate animal lives being saved through foster care too. In particular, Bad Dog Frida provides free "welcome home bundles" for newly adopted pets, filled with sumptuous dog and/or cat treats, food and supplements. So if you adopt through a rescue facility in Dane County this year, keep an eye out for these special deals specifically created to pamper your new pet.

What we're reading
Michael Popke, Isthmus contributor:

Local bookstores are more important than ever, and I recently made purchases from both A Room of One's Own and Mystery to Me. That’s how I acquired Dead Man Dancing, the second novel in Madison author John Galligan's "Bad Axe County" series. This gritty novel is set in rural Wisconsin during the fictional county's annual three-day Syttende Mai Festival, which is shattered by two gruesome crimes. Galligan reintroduces readers to feisty Sheriff Heidi Kick, who not only is on the case(s) but also becomes the target of threats from white supremacists. Oh, and her husband is a sneaky bastard, too. A dark read for dark times.

What we're listening to
Jane Burns, Isthmus contributor:

If anyone would ever have told me my 2020 musical obsession would be from Patty Smyth (she of the kitschy “The Warrior”) and not punk goddess Patti Smith, I’d never have believed it. But such is the weirdness of this year. Smyth’s It’s About Time is reflective, contemplative and light years away from the fun 1980s pop of her band Scandal. Like Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, Smyth’s It’s About Time is grown-up music about what life and love feel like when you have a few decades under your belt. I absolutely love this record.