I've been focusing on my offline life lately. I should have something up in a few days, though.

If you don't know who Howard Zinn is, he's a historian and writer, most famous for A People's History of the United States. One of my favorite writers and a personal hero of mine.

RIP

Here's an article about Zinn's legacy: [link]

*The Alien Learning to be More Human

What it is: The classic story of an outsider (usually an ultra-rational, Vulcan-esque being) learning to adapt to humans and/or Earth. Often played with "humor."

Why it's annoying: It implies that other beings should have to adapt for US. Why should other, different beings have to adapt to humans? To me, this seems naive and extremely ethnocentric (not to mention speciesist). It also gives humans an undeserved sense of importance and implies that there's some quasi-mystical "specialness" about us--which leads me to the next annoying trend.

*Humans are the Best

What it is: Humans either defeat the "bad guys" due to some unique "specialness" the race possesses or other races comment on this perceived specialness.

Why it's annoying: This is really just a perverted form of humanism. Traditional humanism says that humans can solve their own problems, this pseudo version implies that humans are better than every other race and can solve their problems too.

More to come.

So, a female friend of mine has asked me to move in with her and her (single) friend. I'm conflicted about this. I enjoy all the stuff I have here, but on the other hand, it'd be nice to have my own place. Any advice?

...just go [link] here. Remember, even if your life blows, it will never be as hilariously pathetic as CWC's. (Incidentally, I linked to a random page to make sure the link is work-safe--however, many articles are not --so keep that in mind.) I very much appreciate Jake telling me about this crazy little gem (and telling me about CWC himself). It's a sure fire cure for whatever ailes you. At least YOU haven't created an extremely derivative character, numerous crappy comics, alienated all current and future friends (and all women), or made an ass out of yourself numerous times on VIDEO.

And remember, there's nothing wrong with schadenfreude (especially if the individual deserves what happens).

Feel better now? I know I do.