Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Since 2010, Square Pig in a Round Hole has been rewarding five favorite band names each week. Winners are (usually) listed alphabetically.

Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won’t know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Stranger’s Everout nightlife listings for abundant source material!

Okay, it gets dark alarmingly early now, and we’re in for a series of rainy days, but those election results continue to brighten my week. Yay, regular American people! That doesn’t happen so often, so I think we can be excused for a little rejoicing. And if you’re not rejoicing now, I hope you’ll see some benefits in the coming years.

Meanwhile, band names always brighten my week. If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. Also, check out the Battle of the Bands my pal Chantel is doing at The Swamp, picking new competitors each week from Square Pig. And…hit the subscribe button at the bottom to never miss a post.

Estate Plan
This one jumped out at me because I am the executor of my dad’s estate, and I am grateful every day for how relatively simple he made my job. He had a will, and I knew what was in it. I was already familiar with his finances. I knew about his funeral arrangements. Make a plan, and tell a responsible person what it is.

Fruit LoOops
I suppose trademark protection prevents them from spelling the first word in the cereal’s amusing, loopy way, but the extra loop in the second word makes up for it.

Improvement Movement
An organized effort to make things better, and it rhymes!

The Suitcase Junket
A long enough tour to require more than an overnight bag; or luggage full of pudding.

Toldyaso
An abbreviated retort that could also be a name in a fantasy or sci-fi novel.

Two last things before you go:

1. I run The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
2. I share highlights from this blog in my monthly author newsletter, The Storypunk Report, as well as news of what I’m writing and reading, upcoming events, and other goodies, including “Wizard in the Mosh Pit,” an exclusive short story just for subscribers. Click the link to check out the archive and subscribe below for future issues.