Jonathan Swift's satirical essay "A Modest Proposal" discussed how to prevent the children of poor people in Ireland from becoming a burden to their parents. One of Swift's solutions was to eat the children, as they represented a renewable food resource. Modest Proposal magazine -- named after Swift's essay -- has yet to advocate such economically viable cannibalism, but its founders, Ron Babcock and Ryan McKee (pictured), are definitely proponents of cutting-edge comedy. On Saturday, December 18, the duo will perform standup and sketch comedy at the "Super Happy Go Go Comedy Film Extravaganza" at the Paper Heart, 750 Grand Avenue. The crux of the event will be a series of comedic short films, including Tales of Mere Existence by Lev (a regular contributor to Comedy Central's Jumpcuts show), The Skateboard Kid by L.A.-based filmmaker Rob Sibley, and the première of Steve Moramarco's Left for Dead in Malaysia, which features Neil Hamburger. There will also be animation by Mike Hollingsworth (Comedy Central, Disney), and standup comedy by Las Vegas Comedy Festival finalist Kirk Buckhout. The event starts at 10 p.m., but if you show up at 8 p.m., you can catch the improvisational work of Galapagos. Admission is $5. Call 602-262-2020. -- Niki D'Andrea
Jar Hoppin'
Hip hop showcase at the Mason Jar
WED 12/22
And you thought only metalhead scumbags played the Mason Jar, eh? That's not to say they don't, but on Wednesday, December 22, the Jar, at 23rd Street and Indian School, broadens its musical horizons for the all-ages AZ Hip Hop/Agwela music showcase hosted by Atllas, featuring Mic Wyld, Mega Sosa, DJ Darrell D, Languistik, and the Arkiteks, starting at 8 p.m. with a $5 cover. Call 602-954-0455. -- Joe Watson
Horse Voices
Rockin' 7B gets choked up for Wildhorse
FRI 12/17
Still searching for that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling? Then grab a cup of Christmas cheer (or beer) and catch some caroling for a good cause at the Rockin' 7B Ranch, 35843 North 10th Street. The folks at the Rockin' 7B and the LUV Shack Ranch are raising money for some poor little ponies. The ranches are sister organizations of the Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, a nonprofit working to save wild or neglected horses from the slaughterhouse. Trot by on Friday, December 17, at 6 p.m. for wine, beer and food. Donations are accepted, and some of the homeless horses are up for adoption. For more information, visit www.mudpony.com. -- C. Murphy Hebert
Mm, Puddin'
Alice Cooper serves up a tasty treat
Sat 12/18
With the super-size list of entertainers on board for Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding show on Saturday, December 18, you'd think the event was sponsored by Costco. The musical lineup, set to take the stage at Dodge Theatre, 400 West Washington, includes Glen Campbell, the Gin Blossoms, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Ted Nugent, and half of Cheap Trick (musta been some kinda special). "It doesn't take much arm-twisting to get the acts," according to Cooper. "I just bill it as a big Christmas party -- which it is!" With comedians and dance ensembles, too, plan on a late night, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Although the show is only in its fourth year, Cooper hopes it "becomes the premier holiday rock event," he says. Tickets are $33 to $88. Proceeds benefit the Solid Rock Foundation, a Christian nonprofit organization that helps kids. See www.alicepudding.com.-- Douglas Towne
