This Week In Cool Stuff: 05/05/12

Okay, now that we've got all the intense blog posts out of the way, let's see what others have been saying this week:

-If you love Bon Iver as much as I do, you'll love Bon Iver Erotic Stories. As if Justin Vernon wasn't already sexy enough!

-Mark Scandrette writes a letter to his twenty-something self. Sample:

Twenty-something self, First, let me just say that you are a really great person. I like you and other people think you are quirky, fun and interesting, and the people who love you put up with your bad farts, chronic insecurities and  butt scratching. Let me get a few practical details out of the way. Please. Please start brushing your teeth every day maybe twice a day instead of just once a week. Pay more attention to what you eat. Exercise. Get over your obsessive guilt. Stop worrying so much about every dollar and penny. Get some tattoos before they become too cliche for someone your age. Learn to dance. Laugh more. And please forgive your parents. They did the best they could.

-Sarah Bessey announced her upcoming book Jesus Feminist.

-In response to Pastor Sean Harris (asshole!), Alise Wright writes a beautiful letter to the children of his congregation. Excerpt:

I’m sorry that this is a lesson that you’re being taught at church. In a place where you should be loved, you are taught that you are unlovable. In a place where your unique gifts and abilities should be celebrated, you are taught that you must fall within certain parameters to receive praise. In a place where you should never have to earn love, you are taught that receiving love depends on your behavior.

-And finally, in sadder news, Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys passed away yesterday at 47. As tribute, here's one of my favorite Beastie Boys songs.