There’s something about Russ. 

The earnestness in every word. The volume of those words, like a trickle that becomes a steady stream that becomes a torrent. 

The positivity that never quits. Enthusiasm that never wanes. The glass half-full that never empties. The name-dropping. The politeness. The cordiality. The conviviality. The smile. 

The sunglasses, indoors, at night. The celebrity wife. The strong religious faith he wears proudly. The high-fashion clothing and jewelry he sports. The “Let Russ cook’’ plea to allow his improvisational skills to shine, and the “DangeRuss’’ social media persona, carefully crafted.