Every week, I curate a list of the best links and articles to make you think and keep you informed. I hope you enjoy this week's selection.

Life/General:

The #unsentproject is the most tragically romantic hashtag we've seen (Hello, Giggles): This is a really interesting project. I am interested to learn more.
These linguists studied female Disney characters — what they found is startling (Hello, Giggles): A good analysis of the problematic nature of Disney movies.
The Top 7 Countries To Move To If Donald Trump Becomes President (Many Many Adventures): Although I most likely wouldn't leave the US (mostly out of necessity of FINISHING THIS DAMN DEGREE), I was interested to see what countries made the list. Sadly, Italy did not.
Turns out, we might have been using escalators wrong for years (Hello, Giggles): Reminds me of Rome.
A short comic gives the simplest, most perfect explanation of privilege I've ever seen. (UP Worthy): This is a great explanation of privilege. Unfortunately, people who don't believe in privilege (or don't want to) most likely won't be convinced by a comic.
How we used to die; how we die now (Exopermaculture): This is something I've thought a lot about lately as I've watched friends grow older and older. The way that we die now in many ways takes away the dignity of the dying and removes them from the comfort their own parents enjoyed in death. Is the convenience or the extended time worth it? Let me know what you think.
How it feels to be a poor mother living without heat during a blizzard (The Washington Post): This makes me grateful for the heater in my house, even if it doesn't work well. At least we have heat.

Life/Inspirational:

St. Thomas Aquinas’ 5 Remedies Against Sadness (Aleteia): Although I suppose this should have been put under the "Religion" section, I think that Aquinas' methods are sound for all faith traditions. And, honestly, they're good advice--especially that last one. Thanks, Molly, for sharing this with me!
9 Excuses Artists Need to Stop Making in 2016 (Huff Post): I think these are excuses we need to stop making, period. Certainly my art and my school work would benefit.
21 People Share Something Someone Said That Forever Changed Their Way Of Thinking. (Knowable): Some of these are really, really good and will challenge you. Which ones stand out most to you?
Let Us Wage Peace (Sojourners): Somehow I missed this lovely tribute to MLK last week on the holiday. I love it. Check it out.

Religion, Christianity, and Catholicism:

Church Trek: The Next Generation (NCR): This is a great reflection on what it means to be Catholic and the moments when we have sometimes overlooked our Church's failings in a way that we should rethink. I really appreciated the author's consideration of her daughter's decision to become Episcopalian. Also, no one should have to sign that form to be confirmed. Sacraments should not be politicized.
The Rebel Virgins and Desert Mothers who Have Been Written out of Christianity's Early History (Atlas Obscura): I have always loved stories about the desert mothers, especially Holy Melania. I'm grateful for this great outlining of the history. (P.S. Melania literally traveled with and preached beside Paul half the time. His bit about women not talking in Church? He didn't follow that rule himself. This is a case of the usual "we don't know what he was responding to in the letter, so we should probably proceed with caution" kind of situation.)
It's Time for National Confession of Sin (Sojourners): I'm not sure this really needs my commentary.

Books and Writing:

14 Secret Habits Every Book-Lover Is Guilty Of Having (Bustle): I relate to these pretty well. Numbers 2 and 3 especially.
Scientists find evidence of mathematical structures in classic books (The Guardian): Apparently Finnegan's Wake is more than just a hard book to read.
A Storied Stay for Literary Lovers: 10 Great Bookish Hotels (Book Riot): Some of these are just amazing.
Writing Begins With Forgiveness: Why One of the Most Common Pieces of Writing Advice Is Wrong (Seven Scribes): This is a good thing to consider if you're feeling guilty about not writing.

Geek Life/ Fandoms:

This person just realised that the Doctor Who episode they were watching is set... in their house (Radio Times): While it is rather disappointing that Moffat did not pay more attention to detail in this episode, this fan's realization is still really, really cool.
Tim From JURASSIC PARK Applies To Paleontology Grad School (Book Riot): Just for giggles.
Someone recut "Harry Potter" as a '90s teen movie and it WORKS (Hello, Giggles): Oh my gosh. This is brilliant! I could watch it over and over.

Pens, Paper, and Lettering:

The Paper Chase: Confessions of a stationery addict (Slate): Although my paper collection is not quite up to this level, I can relate through my own collection of over 100 fountain pen inks. I love June's reflections on stationery and the deep craving and comfort it bestows.
Fountain Pen Contentment (FP Quest): I enjoyed this article and also relate to the sentiment. For the most part, I'm really happy with my collection. There are a couple pens on the to-buy list, but I'll get them eventually. In the meantime, I love writing with my pens and I do write them dry.
Meet The Man Who Created Papyrus, The World's (Other) Most Hated Font (Fast Co. Design): Even as a calligrapher who has designed her own fonts (for personal use), I have never given much thought to who designed the fonts we used on a daily basis. Papyrus is one of those fonts that I have a love-hate relationship with, but I never considered who might have designed it. This is a great story and I thought it was really cool to learn more about the creator of such a well-known typeface.
Here's Why Writing Things Out By Hand Makes You Smarter (Business Insider): I completely disagree with the idea that typing is faster, but I also think that this argument is more important. You need to process what you write in notes, otherwise you learn nothing by taking them.

Simplicity/Minimalism/Natural Living/Farming:

Here’s Why You Should Avoid Toxic Tide Laundry Detergent Like The Plague (Healthy, Wild, and Free): I already avoid these because they're bad for the Earth, but also because my mom's insane allergies trained me to go natural from an early age. But for those of you who use Tide or other big commercial brands, please read this.
Our Wedding: PT. 1 | The Ethic Of Seasonal (Down Home Blog): I'm in love with this couple's wedding photos. So beautiful, so simple. And buying plates at Goodwill to avoid trash and add to the decor? Brilliant.
American Farmers are Rapidly Retiring. Who Will Succeed Them? (Modern Farmer): I frequently wish that I could have become a farmer instead. I love this video and admire these people who keep up the hard work of feeding the world good, healthy food.
Struggling with Consumerism (America): I, too, struggle with consumerism. I think we all do. The answer is to choose simplicity, but how do we do that in modern America?

Education:

Court rules Michigan has no responsibility to provide quality public education (Chicago Defender): It is a sad, sad time for education in America. Remember the link above about moving to another country if Trump wins? I think we should all move to another country because of this ruling.
Why Introverted Teachers Are Burning Out (The Atlantic): I totally get this. As an introvert who teaches at University, I can't imagine being a full time high school teacher, especially at a public school. Where is the silence?
Marc Chagall makes his presence felt at the University of Dallas (Dallas News): I haven't seen the exhibit yet, but I want to.
The Idea Woman: How Louise Cowan Made Dallas Think (Dallas Magazine): I love Louise Cowan and appreciate this article remembering her for the complicated figure she was.

Other Interesting Articles:

Breaking the Gender Binary: The Navajo had Four Genders (Spirit Science): I have always found the native ideas of the two-spirited to be interesting and helpful in navigating gender discussions. Although I know many of my friends are completely against or turned off by these ideas, they are not without precedent in the West, either.