"Boring" features and English

[animeartistjo]

I scoff when writers describe their characters as plain, then go and give them green or blue eyes. In what world is blue or green eyes plain? Brown eyes, brown or black hair, are the key norm. It's genetics: darker features will normally override recessive genes like blue eyes, blonde hair. When your character is blonde, blue-eyed, and self-described scrawny, I begin to think Mary/Gary S(t)ue. Also, you know how the largest continents/countries in the world (China, India) have mostly brunette populations? Exactly.

I finally realized The Oatmeal is actually more than one comic and explored the archives. Here are some of my favorites:

• I learned the difference between i.e. and e.g.


• The most useful set of English writing points I've encountered


• How NOT to shake hands: good for business people


• A good summation of what no to do when writing e-mails


• Yes, tech-savvy people WILL judge you thusly by your e-mail address