Freshly Pressed: Editors’ Picks for September 2012

Another month, another assortment of posts—from simple yet poignant musings on existence and our connections to others to thoughtful and opinionated commentaries on the Internet, life choices, and the anniversary of September 11.

When You Travel Alone in Iceland…

One week will feel like months. You alone will bear witness to each meeting, vision, and song. No one will remember it for you. Because of this, each small moment will expand to hold multitudes.

Iceland. Wow. These ethereal images showcase the country’s natural beauty, but also document everyday life. We like this varied collection, which juxtaposes stunning landscapes with shots of people and animals. The words in this post also create a magical mood—readers sense the writer’s wanderlust and free spirit.

Lessons Learned From a 9/11 Survivor

The more I think about that tree, the more impressed I am. It fought to live so that we – regardless of our gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, and political views – could enjoy its shade, appreciate its blooms, and find comfort in its hug and wisdom in its story. It’s unconditional – just being, like that mother and son embracing each other in a school hallway eleven years ago.

In this post, Kevin recounts a memory from Sept. 11, 2011—an intimate scene at a middle school between a mother and son—and then goes on to describe the grounds of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. We appreciate the delicate way he weaves his personal story with thoughts on the Survivor Tree that stands at this site. It’s a tough topic to tackle, and he does it respectfully.

Defriended Over a Wedding, a Straight Man Gains Perspective

My younger brother is gay. Gay as laughter. Gay as the day is long. One of the finest moments in my life, and one of the greatest compliments anyone has ever paid me, was the day he felt safe to come out to me.

A brother shares his thoughts about being defriended on Facebook over photographs he posts of his gay brother’s wedding. The language is simple and direct, which is arguably the post’s greatest strength. Heartfelt and honest, the piece has generated nearly 1,200 comments.

Facebook Recognizes Your Face, But What About Your Privacy?

In my opinion, facial recognition can be downright creepy. The other day while uploading an album from a recent museum visit, I was asked to identify the “people” in a photo, which were actually deteriorated statues from the 12th century. Another time, Facebook suggested a tag of my brother on a picture of me. Ew.

Erika, a lawyer, introduces and frames her discussion on privacy with news of Facebook turning off its facial recognition feature in Europe. She presents a thorough, informative take and links to reliable sources. Furthermore, her friendly and accessible language and anecdotes of conversations with her husband make this piece engaging.

On Child-Free Weddings

Rather, what bothers me about “perfect” weddings is that so much emotional capital is staked on something so ephemeral, that friendships and familial ties are put in jeopardy for the sake of putting on a show.

Opinionated. Sharp. Entertaining. We are drawn to this original take on banning children from weddings and creating the “perfect” event, which has generated a healthy discussion. The author’s voice is particularly strong, and she also touches on larger topics of lifestyle choice, consumerism, financial responsibility, and the “American obsession with home ownership for its own sake.”

Directions for Distractions

If you cut his arm open and did the same to me, we’d both bleed the same red.

Noor’s musings on life, people, and the world are poetic and beautiful, and we love the miniature narrative she creates between two people who are seemingly different. Readers have responded to the warmth and uplifting mood of her post.

Equations of Everyday Life #2: Inane Celebrity Memes

For any chance at virality, the final Index number MUST be negative. This works perfectly fine for most of the personalities discussed above. If we are talking about Stephen Hawking, however, there is a better chance of finding virality in the singularity at the center of a black hole.

We read a number of pieces on memes this month, and Mark’s post was especially entertaining. This second installment in his Equations of Everyday Life feature mixes math, humor, and celebrity culture. Using Lindsay Lohan as an example, he presents a hilarious formula for measuring “inane celebrity meme virality.” Just read it—it’s fun.

One Is Never Enough

Unlike most addictions, the love of good books does not make one less, but rather more, of who you already are – provided, of course, that you try your best to be polite.

Bibliophiles are passionate, and William is no exception. Solid and articulate, this post celebrates books of all kinds, secondhand bookshops, and the relationships between book browsers and collectors, shop owners and workers, and the delightful books on shelves, waiting to be found.

There’s Something About Mr. Weebles

If I were in his shoes, I would have been spitting fire. Having cancer? Again? At the age of 40? Because of the treatment for the first cancer? I would have been mad at the entire world. I would have been a raging, self-pitying, sobbing basketcase and I would have been mean as hell.

“Madame Weebles” pens a lovely and intimate tribute to her husband, Mr. Weebles, who—having cancer twice—finished radiation and chemotherapy one year ago. It’s one of those inspirational, moving posts that can only make you smile.

The Blue Album: A Nostalgic Trip

She’s almost encapsulated by the music, beautiful memories of her trapped in the thick, forever-and-ever amber of crystal-clear guitars and sunny-day harmonies.

Every Friday on Freshly Pressed, we promote notable posts written in response to our Weekly Writing Challenges over on The Daily Post. Jackson’s response to “A Few of My Favorite Things” is quite the fuzzy, nostalgic journey: he muses on coming of age, music, and a past relationship. His words float like his daydreams—as you read his post, you feel like you’re swirling inside his head.

What do you think about September’s selections? Were there other Freshly Pressed posts this month that resonated with you?

Want more? Read the latest Freshly Pressed picks; check out our writing challenges, photo challenges, and other blogging tips and inspiration at The Daily Post; visit our Recommended Blogs; and browse the most popular topics in the reader.

For editorial guidelines for Freshly Pressed, read: So You Want To Be Freshly Pressed.

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