Long time, no see.
See it’s funny, because my eyes are closed here.
When I started this site, I would share a roundup of everything I had published that week, plus a few other links that I thought were interesting. I feel like that was actually a pretty good format, although a recap of my bylines these days would be a rather interesting mix (anyone want to read about a Texas winemaker and also how to incorporate data analytics at a law firm?).
Anyway, I miss the aspect of sharing interesting links, so, for my own purposes, this blog post will serve as a central repository of my favorite articles on the internet, 100% not by me. Yes, I realize this could be a Google Doc or something but this is my blog and I do what I want. Plus, who knows, maybe “Erin Russell’s Favorite Articles on the Internet” is good for SEO.
All-Time Favorite Articles on the Internet:
Italy by Antonio Elefano (The Journal Magazine)
A beautiful love story that captivates from the first line to the ending refrain. Also responsible for my view on love: “My mother had always told me marriage was the covenant of witnessing another’s life. I could observe you forever.”
It Will Look Like a Sunset by Kelly Sundberg (Guernica Magazine)
I appreciate about this story because it captures the intricacies of an abusive relationship. I’ve sent it to those “Why don’t you just leave?” people because it lays out so plainly how the abuse isn’t the full story.
A journey into my colon — and yours by Dave Barry (Miami Herald)
Dave Barry was my first introduction to humor writing, which may explain a lot. Though this article is behind a paywall now, I guarantee you it is worth two of your favorite dollars to read.
Here Are the Grossest Things We Could Find on Pinterest by C.A. Pinkham (Jezebel)
Look, I never said all of these were going to be fine writing.
The Great Pizza Orientation Test by Steven Molaro (The Sneeze)
This is the origin of the “None Pizza with Left Beef” meme, which fucking MURDERS me for whatever reason.
Two Medieval Monks Invent Bestiaries by Daniel Mallory Ortberg (The Toast)
You’ll never look at paintings the same way.
Week in Review: Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Relationship by Jordan Ginsberg (Hazlitt)
Looking back at this blog, it’s probably where I got my inspiration for how I structured my recap posts. Anyway, great story about relationships and beans.
Enjoli by Kristi Coulter (Human Parts)
I think about this essay every time I see a “vino + vinyasa” class.
Interview With a Woman Who Recently Had an Abortion at 32 Weeks by Jia Tolentino (Jezebel)
I have always been extremely pro-choice but this article makes me even more so.
The Lonely Death of George Bell by N.R. Kleinfield (New York Times)
We all die alone.
Dirty John by Christopher Goffard (Los Angeles Times)
My absolute favorite of the true crime genre. Edge of your seat the entire wild ride.
Two Medieval Monks Invent Bestiaries by Daniel Lavery (The Toast)
A classic.
That’s all for now. Maybe when I’m feeling more emo I will come back and add more “serious” ones. But look, we are on the home of cat memes, I am not making any promises here.
PS - Remember in my last blog entry when I was excited for 2020? LOL.