Goofing on Ayn Rand

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: "The Lord of the Rings" and "Atlas Shrugged". One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

-- Kung Fu Monkey

Of course, that's probably not strictly true. It seems to me that Randians tend to be up there on the social scale, usually born up there, but successful, whatever their other glowing faults.

As for myself, I'm not sure what to blame. Maybe books in general? Nah, it's probably just me - a little too much my mother's son.

Goofing on Ayn Rand

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: "The Lord of the Rings" and "Atlas Shrugged". One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

-- Kung Fu Monkey

Of course, that's probably not strictly true. It seems to me that Randians tend to be up there on the social scale, usually born up there, but successful, whatever their other glowing faults.

As for myself, I'm not sure what to blame. Maybe books in general? Nah, it's probably just me - a little too much my mother's son.

Facebook Victorious

I guess Facebook isn't going to implode anytime soon. Indeed, I suppose LiveJournal will be a memory long before Facebook begins its fade-away from history. It even has its own movie that is coming out, "The Social Network". David Kirkpatrick writes an article trumpeting this e-power. This is one of the more interesting factoids he coughs up:

In country after country, it has become so central to social life that if you are not on it -- regardless of your age -- you are probably not in very close contact with your friends. In my own research, for example, I have found that Facebook messaging is beginning to replace e-mail among the Italian educated elite and among businesspeople in Colombia.

And I'm still out of the loop. Even Father has an account! When I make a few friends, I'll probably join, too. I just never seem to get along with the other kids.

Facebook Victorious

I guess Facebook isn't going to implode anytime soon. Indeed, I suppose LiveJournal will be a memory long before Facebook begins its fade-away from history. It even has its own movie that is coming out, "The Social Network". David Kirkpatrick writes an article trumpeting this e-power. This is one of the more interesting factoids he coughs up:

In country after country, it has become so central to social life that if you are not on it -- regardless of your age -- you are probably not in very close contact with your friends. In my own research, for example, I have found that Facebook messaging is beginning to replace e-mail among the Italian educated elite and among businesspeople in Colombia.

And I'm still out of the loop. Even Father has an account! When I make a few friends, I'll probably join, too. I just never seem to get along with the other kids.