BUT, I got to thinking: This is how language evolves, which is a good thing. AND, this is a word that should totally exist. Especially in our hedonistic culture: We need more words that we can use to describe good things, tempting things, “worth it” things. Why? Because there’s so much information available to us these days, and so many experiences, especially when you include the interwebs, that we need editorial words that help us navigate it all. We need words people can use to get enthusiastic about life.

“Temptuous” certainly fits that bill. Let’s get it into our lexicon.

Oh and just because. Here’s more Gwyneth.

Crazy Led Zeppelin Guy from scott muskin on Vimeo.

So all summer long we have been woken up late at night by a guy driving down our street playing ridiculously loud music. But he doesn’t just do it once…he does it like four or five times in one night. We’re talking like 3 or 4 on the morning too–he makes a big loop out of it, apparently. It’s happened so often, I have been able to identify the music: Houses of the Holy, Physical Graffiti, or sometimes Led Zeppelin IV.

Better than gangsta rap, but still. Shit is getting ridiculous.

The other night I got up determined to do something. I wanted to get his license plate and call the cops. So I filmed him. Turns out the ability of a crappy DV cam to get a license plate in pitch dark is suspect, but I did get him on tape. And it got me thinking.

First, in the video, note how he stops a long time at our corner–there is no stop sign there for him. at first I thought this was just him being assy, but notice how he uses his turn signal too. He’s not being assy; he’s being careful.

I have actually tried to get his license several times just by running out the back alley and trying to get a good look at him. It’s a four door sedan, like a Mazda or something, and he’s a youngish white guy.

It’s a mystery why he does what he does; I suspect he’s got a little mental illness and this helps him keep his issues in check. But the more interesting thing to me is that I kinda need to have Crazy Led Zeppelin Guy in my life. He gives me something to grouse about, and something to be thankful against when I’m playing with my kid and enjoying my pretty great life: “Thank god I don’t feel the need to go out and drive the same twenty block loop over and over listening to Led Zeppelin.” Cuz really, that would suck.

I am sick and fucking tired of seeing new movies premiering about people who kill people. Why as a culture would we want to casual entertainment about murder?

Here’s why: We are a violent country. Almost beyond hope, I think. Just try getting a new cell phone out of its packaging…. In a world where Tilda Swinton and Ewan MacGregor getting it on ranks as NC17 but anyone can see people getting shot in the head on TV or even the network news, now we’ve lost Helen Mirren to the dark side. Sigh.

And don’t fucking say “but what about Pulp Fiction…didn’t you love Pulp Fiction?!?!?” No, I didn’t love Pulp Fiction. Okay, a one or two scenes.

First up: Fun infographic design! Gotta love when somebody can both inform you and make you feel at ease. Especially when you can learn the relationship between Dr. Dre and Professor Griff. The good folks at World Famous Design Junkies also have a beer name infographic. And if you like these and like words, go nuts with the Visual Thesaurus (requires paying for it eventually).

Rap Names infographic

yes, it's as fun as it looks

via Metafilter, of course.

How to Find My Novel: MN Book Awards from scott muskin on Vimeo.

How to Find My Novel: MN Book Awards from scott muskin on Vimeo.

That's me in the blazer.

I’ve done several book clubs now, and each has been such a great experience, it’s time I did a post about them. Most recetnly was a group of Grinnell alum (and a couple special non-Grinnellians), most of whom i didn’t know that well. They were celebrating their club’s (wait for it) 100th book. That’s right, they have read 100 books as a group. Which is more than ysome of you reading have probably read since college.

Not only do they read that many books, with kids and jobs and the whole deal also on their plates, but they also make dinner inspired by the book, they keep meticulous notes on their get-togethers, and they vote each book thumbs up or thumbs down (not finishing the book is not an option). And with all these rules, they still manage to laugh…a lot.

So kudos to them, and kudos to books in general. I thought reading serious books was supposed to be passe? Apparently not. I was so glad to see my “core demographic” is alive and well (and cute).