Fair And Balanced

An Argument Of No Importance

It occurs to me that when I posted the link to my contribution to RPG.net's "Classic Tangnecy: The Cliffs Notes", none of you could read it because you aren't registered on RPG.net. So I have put it up over at N.A.O.W.F.I.T.:

Unhelig & The Nazi Playwrite

Tatterdemalion

If you get *any* of the elements of that joke, then I will love you forever.

We Live As We Dream, Alone

I phoned my new landlord yesterday, to find out when I was getting my keys. I should be getting them next week. Unfortunately, I'm currently the only person who'll be living there, as the other three students have decided to move somewhere else, one of them having dropped out and gotten a job.

So at the moment it seems I'll be living on my own, yet again. Is the universe trying to tell me something? And if so, why can't it e-mail me like everyone else?

Better news is provided by the fact that my TAG paper has been accepted. Commence rejoicing.

Because There Aren't Enough Nick Cave References In Professional Archaeology...

As you may know, I'm trying to submit my first paper, one for the Theroetical Archaeology Group 2005 conference in Sheffield. Below is the abstract for my paper, which is intended for the session "The fall from grace: archaeological approaches to human inhumanity". Enjoy.

Red Right Hand: The Benefits of Inhumanity

Inhumanity is, for obvious reasons, seen in negative terms. However, this should not blind us to the fact that inhuman behaviour can be to the advantage of those willing to utilise it. Any attempt to understand inhumanity must take this into account. Following the old police maxim “who profits from the crime?”, this paper seeks to provide a comparative analysis of the use of one particular kind of inhumanity – armed violence – and the purposes which it serves. With reference to the elites of the early Mycenaean period, and to more recent groups such as those participating in organised crime, the use of armed violence as a tool for the accumulation of wealth, power and status will be demonstrated.

A Gentleman Of Negotiable Honour

So, I have a job interview for the post of Study Assistant with the University's Disability Support Service.

I put this down to the fact that on the application form, where it asked "Why do you wish to apply for this post?" I said "Because I want to help my fellow man", and not "Because it pays £10 an hour".

8:15

First we got the bomb, and that was good,
'Cause we love peace and motherhood.
Then Russia got the bomb, but that's okay,
'Cause the balance of power's maintained that way.
Who's next?

France got the bomb, but don't you grieve,
'Cause they're on our side (I believe).
China got the bomb, but have no fears,
They can't wipe us out for at least five years.
Who's next?

Then Indonesia claimed that they
Were gonna get one any day.
South Africa wants two, that's right:
One for the black and one for the white.
Who's next?

Egypt's gonna get one too,
Just to use on you know who.
So Israel's getting tense.
Wants one in self defense.
"The Lord's our shepherd," says the psalm,
But just in case, we better get a bomb.
Who's next?

Luxembourg is next to go,
And (who knows?) maybe Monaco.
We'll try to stay serene and calm
When Alabama gets the bomb.
Who's next?
Who's next?
Who's next?
Who's next?

- Tom Lehrer, "Who's Next" (1965)

#7