Pure Madnesson

The February issue of Hustler Magazine hit the shelves today. Hustler has named Madison the #1 city for adult entertainment. This honor comes just as Madison's most well-known adult video store, Selective Video, opens its second location on the city's east side.

The magazine touts the two Selective Video locations, Visions strip club, and Red Letter News as shining examples of adult entertainment. The article also features the State Street Arcade and Bennett's famous smut-and-eggs.

Madison's #1 ranking comes as quite a surprise, especially given that the city did not even make the list last year. According to Hustler, Madison didn't make last year's cut because of one alderman's historic attempts to shut down the adult bookstore, Red Letter News. In late 2003, northside Alderman Brian Benford protested alongside his neighbors and tried to have Red Letter News shut down after the store was issued citations stemming from four men performing sexual acts inside Red Letter's video booths. Since then, Benford explains that he has given up his fight on the premise of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

The editors of Hustler see that the tide has turned for adult entertainment in Madison, citing the events surrounding the opening of Selective Video II on the city's east side as indicative of positive change. According to the magazine:

"Madison Alderman Santiago Rosas who represents the area did not even know the store had opened. In most cities, such events are marred by controversy and objections from both neighbors and elected officials. A representative so out of touch with his neighborhood that he doesn't even know that an adult video store opened is big news for the adult entertainment industry. Imagine the possibilities."

Though Rosas says he is adamantly opposed to the opening of yet another adult establishment on the east side of Madison, he took no action because he knew nothing of the store's opening. Asked how he could not have known, Rosas states, "How would I know about the opening of a new adult video store? I can't imagine we need it given the ease of accessing these pornographic materials through the internet. It's just so much more tasteful to receive that plain brown envelope via the mail."

County Supervisor Andy Olsen, who represents the area on the Dane County Board, says he is comfortable with the new store's location. Olsen claims, "I have heard no complaints from my constituents. In fact, many have indicated that they are pleased with the convenience of the new location. There's no more need to fight Beltline traffic to get to Selective Video's south side store."

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz issued a press release today claiming that Madison's #1 ranking by Hustler is just one more indication that Madison really is friendly to business.