About Elise

I hate talking about myself, so I’ll keep this short. My name is Elise Hines. I grew up in Flushing, Queens, which is the most diverse county in the U.S., and one of the most diverse places in the world. As a result, racial, economic, cultural, political, and philosophic homogeneity make me itch.

I went to Lutheran School, and after 11 years was not provided with any empirical evidence of the existence of god(s). However, I did leave with copious empirical evidence of the evil that is enabled by the practices of absolution and confession in the church. Humans can rationalize doing anything when they know they can pray it away at the end of the day.

I attended Townsend Harris H.S., which afforded me a great education in a safe environment. It was a challenge from beginning to end, but knowing your fellow alumni include Jonas Salk, Ira Gershwin, and Divya Narendra is a source of pride.

I did some time at Penn State, which happens to be awfully close to a state penitentiary. Going from the most diverse county in the U.S., to one of the least diverse counties in the U.S. (91.44% white) was abject culture shock. My five years there introduced me to real racism and prejudice, and toughened me up considerably. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

I spent a few years in Orlando, FL, which I (regrettably) cannot reclaim. I reside in Raleigh, NC right now, and It’s not a bad place to be, but will never replace Queens as my home.

If you could sum me up in bullets, it would look something like this:
  • I grew up in Flushing, so I hate the Yankees.
  • I love cold weather, shorts, and throwback kicks.
  • I abhor country music.
  • I’m shorter than you think I am.
  • I am incapable of suffering fools or foolishness.
  • I’m brutally honest and never mince words.
  • I refuse to have children, and I support population control.
  • I have a lot of eco guilt.
  • I am a straight ally.
  • I love technology and it will bankrupt me someday.
  • I like to write, but have little confidence in my ability.
  • It sickens me when women dumb themselves down to attract men.
  • I buck traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
  • I love my natural hair.
  • Conservatism makes me ill.
  • Logic and reason rule my world.