Here's a completely random thought (that will reveal what a science fiction geek I am): why are aliens always naked?
Now, not every alien appearing in a work of fiction is nude, especially in novels. However, it is common in many films for extraterrestrials to appear to have advanced technology from us and yet be unclothed.
Could this be a statement on their complete advancement? Aliens that reach Earth when we are unable to move beyond our own solar system are clearly more developed than us. Perhaps in order for their technology to reach such heights they have moved beyond the need to clothe themselves? Our hang-ups on appearance could be interpreted in this view as holding us back; a societal restriction on our progression.
Another contradicting view could be that while they have developed spaceships far superior to our own, they are lacking our rich culture. Scientifically aliens might have progressed beyond us, but as a society they do not have our values, heritage, and artistic leanings. Isn't one of our greatest distinctions from animals not the ability to use tools, but our ability to make and appreciate art? The way we dress ourselves can be seen as an expression of our creative sides and our appreciation of aesthetics...
On the subject of older things (not really...) the last time I lived in Washington State was for a few years when I was in junior high. Then, like now, my family liked to visit various natural wonders, such as the Olympic rainforest (near Forks from the Twilight books...). It had been ten years since I last visited, but I found the same massive tree stump that I climbed up with a sister and a dog in tow. I repeated the experience minus the sister and with a different canine...
CONVERSATION