Th..th..th... that's all folks! (Feb 28, 2012)
Well I guess it's time to say my good byes. I think I've done everything I can in this place, and have come back so often that it's probably a bit of a joke - but I intend this to be the last time. In reality I've been gone for a while. I've become far too unreliable for this place, and I fear I've either annoyed or just generally frustrated people to the point they don't care any more, so it's as well that I think I should leave it there - as frankly I don't want to let anyone else down.

Before I did go though, I wanted to leave some last comments, in case anyone does pop by.

First of all I've gained a lot from this site, I've gained real friends from this place. I've become more knowledgeable, I've enjoyed writing stories, and poetry and well lots of things - things I don't think I would have had the opportunity to else where.

When I first came here this place (under the BBC as it was at the time) felt a little like entering a debating chamber in ancient Greece. Every word I posted had a reply, every person was excited to be here. It just simply oozed energy, and I was very excited by it all. It's addictive that stuff when it really gets in to your system. I felt like I was part of something really great.

I created groups. I played around with web pages using GuideML. I wrote lots. I debated lots. I became part of what felt like massive revolutions - the reality of which is debatable - but they felt huge at the time. I was an ACE, I was a Scout, I was an Under Guide Miner, I was a Post Reporter, Post Sub-Ed, I edited the Fiction section. For a time myself and HPB maintained the Fiction Central.

I created voice for my story as an audio book which then went in to being an Aviators project. I defended h2g2 to the hilt. I felt like I had to return for every revolution. But I ran out. Ran out of energy for hootoo. It became too much hard work to deal with people. The place changed, as I have changed. It's not the place it was. And that's not the reason I've left. Because change ultimately can be a good thing.

I suffer from anxiety, and have a bit of a guilt complex - and often see problems where there are none - so my perception that I've upset or annoyed people may or may not be accurate. I just know I now find it exhausting. The fact that I don't voice these concerns probably makes it worse, but not withstanding I can't promise h2g2 any more of my time. I can't commit anything to h2g2.

The last thing I contributed to h2g2 was just before I started teaching again - a very time consuming job. I'd committed to help here. And I was mortified when I realised I couldn't help any more. And have stayed quiet ever since.

So I guess it's time to say toodleloo to you all. But not before I thank a few people.

To V.I.P you were a wonderful ACE and very patient with a newbie - I wouldn't have done as much here without you!

To Shazz, B'el and all the post team - thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to contribute so much to the site. I learned so much about writing and editing from working with you guys. It truely was a privilege.

To Rich (skanky or otherwise) thank you for having so much patience with my audio book - I know we didn't finish our plans, but what we did finish I'm deeply proud of. And of course for everything else!

Awix - for your support in the post, and Doctor Who conversations!

To all the members of the Terranic Army - Reefgirl, Ralph the Wonder Llama, Dr Anthea, Friendlywithteeth, Jedi Jade, Shoal Prexy, Spook, AJ Rimmer... and so so many more - I salute you!

To all the gang at the Boardroom of Evil - many of whom are gone - you're also awesome - that Daedelus game was epic!

To the members of the Evil Army of H2G2 - it just wouldn't have been the same guys.

To Clive the Flying Ostrich - apart from being an all round great chap, is also the holder of the keys to Story Time - finish part 3 for us will you?

To HPB - yeah I know, didn't ever get back to that Fiction Central did I?

To tonsilsrevenge - for discovering my mad story and putting it in the agggagcac - My h2g2 would have been very different without you!

And to lots of other frankly awesome people - whom if I've forgotten you I truely apologise, but I'm rambling on here so...

Anyway goodbye you lot - and thanks for all the fish!
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(2 replies, Latest reply: Feb 29, 2012)

*feet dangling in the air* (Jun 21, 2011)
Woo, we've been picked up! We're moving! I wonder where we're going!

*looks up at his coat being held by a giant thumb and finger pairing...*
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(2 replies, Latest reply: Jun 21, 2011)

A little wiser but more questions... (Jun 11, 2010)
I'm approaching the age of 28, which to some will appear young and to others... if not old, more mature. Unquestionably an adult, in theory...

I think I always thought I'd be... wiser by now. I certainly know more now. I've had more experiences in life as happens when you walk across this mortal coil. But several times I'm not sure I'm taking steps forward, infact at times I'm sure I've taken steps back.

I think I perhaps understand more now what people mean when they say the more they learn the less they know. I always thought that was a cool phrase, but I'm not entirely sure I got it's meaning. But I really I feel in life like... well I have a lot more questions. The more I try to solve my problems in life, the more I lift another layer, and there bright shiny and new are some fresh questions, blinking, smiling at me in the sun.

But some things... I feel like I've unlearned them - or at least that's my perception. Sometimes I feel more stupid, I'm less confident in what I do know, and sometimes appear stupid for hesitating. Yet in the long run I usually find people are surprised by what I do know, as if they were thinking "well why didn't you just come out with that in the first place?"

I feel like I'm on a journey, which I desperately want to undertake, but have no motivation for. Like theres some vital piece of the jigsaw I can't find - or has been hidden from me, that would make everything clearer but I've forgotten it. I feel like I have fleeting glimpses, which are snatched away, and then suddenly everything seems murky again. I want clarity. I feel like I know, ultimately there are no answers to my questions, because the questions themselves are irrelevant. It is my purpose, and my motivations, that are most significant.

I worry more about my mistakes, even if they are mistakes I've always made. They perhaps worry me more because they persist. But I also feel like my very questioning nature is keeping me from truely enjoying my life - but I enjoy discovery, the questioning of the world. I think I need a bank of daily instructions that will keep me mentally challenged, and physically fit, whilst giving me time to... play essentially, whether that playing be playing a game, reading watching television, film... whatever...

But somewhere along the line I'm missing the bigger picture. Better get that canvas out and start drawing I guess...
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( 1 reply, Latest reply: Jun 11, 2010)

A Neat Trick (May 23, 2010)
Ok I'm going slightly mad revising, so am procrastinating like crazy. So why not try this :

1) Go to this page : A68770047
2) Press the Ctrl key and the minus (i.e. - ) key together until you've zoomed out all the way (alternatively you can do this via your menu). If you get lost remember to press Ctrl and 0 together to reset it.
3) Guess who is looking back at you
4) Press Ctrl key and 0 (i.e. the number zero) key again until its reset.

Et voila! Cool huh? :D Try it out. Amazing what you can do with Hootoo. If you want to do the same thing to yourself Create a new guide entry go in to GuideML mode, and put in there. Now find a picture you want to use, go to this site : <./>http://www.glassgiant.com/ascii/</.> and enter the picture you want to use. Set the settings to how detailed you want it to be, and it will output a piece of ascii code art, copy that and plonk that in between your code. Et Voila. :D Let me know if any of you guys tries it!
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( 1 reply, Latest reply: May 23, 2010)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (Jan 1, 2010)
And may you all enjoy 2010, let it be a great year for you and your family!




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(30 replies, Latest reply: Jan 17, 2010)

Recruitment drive for stories and poetry in The Post (Dec 15, 2009)
Right you wonderful people, I'm looking for anyone and everyone - no matter what they think their skill level is in regard to writing and poetry - to start writing fiction and/or poetry for The Post!

With the Post back in its weekly slot, we're running out of stories faster than usual, so I thought now would be a good idea to start a recruitment drive. Now sadly I suspect that at least half my friends list has now Elvised. So if anyone knows or suspects someone who might want to write a story for the post (long or short) or write poetry, then please point them this way. Or even better write your own journal asking people for stories, if you feel so motivated!

So let those creative juices flow, its writing time!
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(14 replies, Latest reply: Dec 16, 2009)

Head Explode *splat* (Dec 13, 2009)
Its annoying.

I've 101 things to do, not to mention things I want to do for people on h2g2 *waves at friendly post people*. But my brain is so full of stuff to do with doing a 5000 word essay for my Masters degree, that I'm somewhat paralised.

Yeah I know, I'm lucky. I'm in education in a time of economic crisis - people are hardly going to feel sorry for academic boy. Although the money situation is hardly cut and dried, but that's hardly the subject for h2g2.

I have a problem with focus. Okay anyone who has ever dealt with me on h2g2 probably has that vague idea. To clarify I appear to have a problem focusing on more than one thing. My girlfriend seems to do this rather well - she volunteers for so many things I've almost lost track! And that's the problem - I like to volunteer for things, but in contrast I seem to struggle. I get - for want of a better word - scared. For want of an even better word I get terrified.

What's bizarre is that my h2g2 time was born out of a period when I was in the midst of education. Some of my best stuff was when I was a student first time around.

However wisdom has granted me the perspective to see that I have some fairly major gaping flaws. I wish that I could just control when the motivation can actually produce something productive. Well the rediculous thing is - is that it is entirely possible for me to control it. I just seem to let my emotions get the better of me. Sadly I am not a vulcan - not even half of one. I'm half Irish and half English, so I should at least be half lucky. So something should come up.

The most annoying thing is I find it rediculously easy to write this sort of crap, instead of something useful. This in a way is, I guess a way of procrastinating. And a good procrastination is sometimes needed to get the intellectual juices flowing.

I just wish I could just switch it on and off at times, you know? But then perhaps I wouldn't be human. I'd be a machine. Still, this is why I returned to education. To get my brain working again. To challenge myself. And by and large its worked! I just hate essays. Unless of course, it's something that I've done myself - but then isn't that what all the great historical figures in science have done? Write about their own work - not someone elses!

Okay I'm moaning now. Trying to make excuses. Better just get back to looking at that word document and hope that words magically add themselves... it only has to be in on Monday!
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For the glory of Kronk (Oct 27, 2009)
I have no idea what Kronk is, or stands for. It is currently a name with a huge void behind it. The idea of building this up to something huge amuses me, so I thought I'd see what people thought Kronk could mean (other than certain Disney characters I randomly found while searching google)...

For the Glory of Kronk!
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(4 replies, Latest reply: Oct 28, 2009)

Apologies to Stargate SG1 and Atlantis fans... (Oct 14, 2009)
...I wasn't a fan. That sounds a horrible confession, considering I loved the Stargate film. The film actually really inspired me, and I had high hopes for the SG1 series, though I'm not sure why, I didn't really like it. And I didn't really see much of it. I have to confess though, Stargate Universe has me quite excited. I've seen three episodes so far and very much liked what I've seen.

Admittedly it's being compared to the more recent incarnation of Battlestar Galactica - of which I was mostly a fan so that's not a bad thing necesarily. Though I think Stargate Universe has a very different world - they're not trying to find a new world, they've got one, they're just trying to get back. And theres the comparisons to Star Trek : Voyager of course - except Voyager didn't really seem to use the concept enough. They didn't seem that worried to be that far away from home, as the ship was pretty much luxury accomodation anyway, and they spent most of the time preaching to those in the other quadrant how great the federation was - don't get me wrong I liked a fair number of Voyager episodes, I just think it could have been much much better.

I don't really comment much on TV stories in my journal, maybe I should more.
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(7 replies, Latest reply: Oct 15, 2009)

The Post - What Communities are you in? (Oct 12, 2009)
I've already asked a few communities about what people like about them - although I've been distracted in the last few weeks with real life commitments. However I still would like to get some more information before I put anything together.

So really I thought I'd ask in my journal, for those who read it - or those who stop by - where do you reside when you're on h2g2? And why do you enjoy it?

I'm hoping ultimately to try and link communities in the post... although there is a fine community element there already - I would like to see proper links with the communities.
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(16 replies, Latest reply: Nov 5, 2009)

I really hope Shampoo X doesn't become an elephant (Oct 8, 2009)


I have used shampoo Y once, and shampoo Z once - though I prefered shampoo Y. This was quite useful when it became an elephant. Shampoo Y has become an elephant 3 times in a row now, and I really hope it becomes it for a 4th time. There are several reasons for this, even though its not a fantastic shampoo - its a bit rubbish really - but its the only one that really that gets to look anything remotely like an elephant - though it doesn't do the walk quite right.

See I'm quite worried that if shampoo X becomes an elephant, then it may look at first more like an elephant, it's going to smell (well worse than the current shampoo/Y elephant). And you won't notice the smell until its too late.

Shampoo Z used to be better, but it actually now seems to contain a rather stale tea, rather than actual shampoo - still it might be better than Shampoo X - because at least while I'm washing my hair I might be able to drink some of it - and I don't mind tea. But frankly it's unlikely to become an elephant, and even if it did I don't think I'd like an elephant without any legs (well one leg maybe).

See last time Shampoo X became an elephant, it ran through peoples living rooms - though only the living rooms of people who have to clean it... it quite liked the living rooms of those who fed it so didn't go through their living rooms. Shampoo Y does occasionally run through random living rooms - but it doesn't seem to mean it, it just does things a bit rubbish at times.

All in all I'd be quite happy to let shampoo Y stay as an elephant. I just have a horrible feeling that X might be the next to do it.
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(5 replies, Latest reply: Oct 9, 2009)

Normal Steve, Dream Steve and Drunk Steve (Sep 18, 2009)
There - it would seem - are three Steve's. Or three Terran's if you use my username to refer to me. According to my girlfriend at least .

Hopefully normal Steve is the preferred option. I'm just recalling a conversation I was having with my girlfriend the other night. Apparently she had a dream were I had lied to her about having children. I assure you dear reader, I have no children. However "Dream" Steve has 4 children. And apparently he had lied to the dream version of my girlfriend. Curiously, she was apparenly "mad" at me for day - not that I knew about this - being the somewhat innocent "Normal" Steve. This is taken completely in jest of course.

But it is fascinating that there are different interpretations of me. As the conversation continued we talked about the drunk versions of ourselves. My girlfriend has yet to see the "drunk" version of myself. Though I'm told he's quite funny. And also the drunk version of my girlfriend is quite fun. So a bizzare conversation insued about "Drunk" Steve meeting the "drunk" version of my girlfriend. Apparently this would just be a haze of drunkeness. lol.

So there is regular old me, dream me and drunk me! I hope theres no other versions of me running around behind my back
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( 1 reply, Latest reply: Sep 24, 2009)

I ponder at destiny... (Aug 2, 2009)
... and sometimes it ponders back. I do sometimes wonder what life has in store for me. I guess everyone must do at some time. I've had some crazy ideas for what to expect. But I guess the more we scrutinize the less likely it is we will get what we are perhaps thinking of at that moment.

Strange that at the moment, I feel like pondering, when things aren't going too badly. I'm on the verge of embarking on an MSc, and have a girlfriend. If you'd asked me a year ago I'd have said I'd surely have nothing much to worry about.

But sometimes, every so often, a strange /feeling/ I guess - in these moments that I'm pondering - which suggests fate (and perhaps what it has in store for me) is looking back at me. I feel strangely at ease at the moment, having just returned from Ireland. Strange because most of the time I was there I was quite anxious. Anxious for no reason other than I felt I should be worrying about something. Subconcious taking over, and challenging me to not worry. Except the very act of telling myself to relax, was causing me to be anxious. What if I couldn't relax? Whilst waiting in the airport to return I worried that I would not be able to relax on the plane... however a growing thought took a greater hold, with a growth in confidence, I actually managed to convince my subconscious that there was actually no point in worrying - on the one hand every time I had flown before, nothing had gone wrong - on the other if something did go wrong what would be the point in worrying, and if I was more relaxed I would be in a far greater position to do something about it.

And to my eventual surprise, and relief, I relaxed. I suspect this will not allow me to indefinately deal with this situation - however it is hopefully a significant dint in the iron constitution that is anxiety.

Numerous times before I felt convinced that I had beaten anxiety, only for me to succumb in times of great stress - and almost revert to zero. My confidence smashed - almost feeling worse than before because I was so sure I could control it.

So I now stand at the doorway of the future (to use an overtly dramatic metaphor), wondering where it will take me. There is no point trying to control my body or mind... perhaps more direct it (as like the seas there are many other ripples trying to change the tide) like an arrow, and hope that it follows the path I would like to take. Part of me hopes this is a turning point in my understanding of myself, but I guess the greater part is just hoping there is some destiny out there... or preferably destinies - and it/they take me to places where I can improve myself. And in turn the world about me.
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(2 replies, Latest reply: Sep 23, 2009)

A Technological Vision of the Future (Jul 19, 2009)
I remember describing a few years ago to some friends, an idea of where I thought mobile phones and televisions would go. And I thought, for posterity, before it becomes a reality what I thought would happen - that I would post my idea.

Basically its that the mobile phone would become everyones computer (desktops, even laptops perhaps, would become obsolete), where there will be screens all around the shops and your house where you can project anything which needs a larger screen. However all the processing power would be in the mobile phone. Any additional keyboards (which could be as able to follow you as an infrared keyboard) or additional add ons could just be plugged in and provided at convenient locations. I remember one of my friends thinking it was rubbish (and this guy at the time was doing a PhD in computer science), he thought that phones wouldn't progress any further. But I've seen in the last few years the rapid increase in the power of mobile phones - whether that be in the format of SmartPhones like those that Sony Ericsson makes, or the PDA's like the Blackberry. And the technologies are converging.

I remember when mobile phones (or rather ones that didn't require a briefcase to carry the battery) first came out I was amazed when I found out people had basic games on them - like snake. That was the first time I began to think that PC's were not the only way that technology could go. I guess the really clever person though, was whoever it was who thought they could sell the mobile phone as fashionable. So mobiles started to include more and more things to make them appear better than either the competition or just the previous model - so that people wouldn't feel their phone was "out of date". Genius bit of marketing there.

But now the big technology companies of now, and particularly the future seem likely to be mobile phone developers - and the companies that sell and provide the phone service. And curiously I think this is how a lot of companies could become caught off guard.

I think one of the reasons I'm thinking of this so much now, is that years after my original prediction I can actually start to see it coming true... I doubt I'm the only one to think of this. But I do know of a few people who didn't agree with me - and it would be interesting to have a conversation with them in 20 years time to see if I was right...
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Good old fashioned auld skule Terran rant (Apr 18, 2009)
Hello!

I needed a rant, the happy happy thing is in a state of flux, and I feel like I don't know anyone (bar one or two people) on here any more - and of course my natural paranoia is pointing towards the "everyone probably hates you" dial on the paranoia scale. So now is a good time to tap in to that creative streak that seems to come from these periods! lol

So what do I want, feel or need from h2g2 these days? I think I need and require the zaniness that seemed to come naturally with the site. I think its interesting, because there a lot of people I feel have actively and would happily see the back of zanyness on h2g2. For some its just a quiet corner of the web to retreat to - which I can sort of understand, but can't agree to. Because I see it as more.

One thing I must say before I go any further, is I'm chuffed how Firestorm seems to have turned out! Thanks to Rich and 2 legs and co for giving me the opportunity to write it, because if I enjoy one thing on h2g2 it is the fact that it had given me this fantastic chance to write and get people to read it. I love hearing people comment - good or bad to be honest! Though the bad tends to be quieter... I suspect this was mostly during my Legacy of Terry Horowitz story which in hindsight is an incoherent mess... but then it was written over a couple of years during a crazy period in my life!

I sometimes think I'd like to be a writer! But then in my arrogant moments, I think I wouln't like the constant rejection, even if it actually was half-decent, or even miraculously somehow decent. This is much more fun. Actually Rich's idea of the audio book/radio play basis for stories, links to how the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy actually got off the ground. I do wonder if Douglas Adams got any rejection letter for stories? Is rejection the very intethesis of creativity? Or just another step along the road I go? I don't really want the answer I guess, because I'll find it one way or another. For the record though there are far too many people willing to put a good idea down... anyway!

So I think this rant is spent - not quite as impressive as some of my offerings of the past, but for those happy few who peruse my journals, I hope it is sufficient! :p

Take care
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( 1 reply, Latest reply: Apr 27, 2009)

Marking an event : I'm actually quite relaxed (Mar 30, 2009)
I have no idea how long it will last, or whether it will happen again - its been such a long time since the last time it happened, that I can't remember it. But I am actually relaxed. So any decisions you think I should make now (if you catch me in time) regarding h2g2, which require being relaxed, say them now

Chilled out Terran
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(4 replies, Latest reply: Mar 31, 2009)

Become AWESOME - Like Me :-D (Feb 26, 2009)
As part of my h2g2 rehabilitation scheme (devised and initiated circa 30 mins ago), I am drawing the Awesome people of h2g2 - like me, together. No longer hide your Awesomeness, show how Awesome you are : A47947486 . Once you have displayed your Awesomeness credentials you shall be added to THE LIST OF AWESOME. Go forth and be Awesome, but no half measures! You must be entirely Awesome or you will not be added to the list! Complete awesomeness is required for membership . Special pivilages (such as extra Awesomeness) shall be given to people who are already Awesome prior to their application!

Well are you Awesome like me? Well? Come on then! A47947486
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(5 replies, Latest reply: Feb 27, 2009)

I need a writing challenge (Feb 19, 2009)
As if I didn't have enough to write with stuff Im doing for the post, I've decided I need something to charge my imagination, and get me to write something.

And basically I need one of you fantastic people to challenge me to write something. Preferably something completely original, and with a fantasy/sci-fi twisr... or at least some fantasy connection.

Maybe a basic plot idea, or it could be just a few words I have to have in it, or has to be based around a certain character (e.g. a frnehc sounding three eyed...erm couch. Or a mysterious man in a green suit...).

I will then write said piece of work... and then maybe submit it somewhere like the post... or alternatively just stick it in this journal...

Anyway, I need a challenge for my creative juices... so anyone kind enough to come up with something I could write about then I'd love to hear about it

Cheers
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(22 replies, Latest reply: Feb 24, 2009)

Brainwave! Rallying Call! (Feb 2, 2009)
I've just had a crazy thought and had to post before I forgot it! I've been thinking a bit lately about what's going on with YT (work out the initials for the video/music website), and I don't know how much you know but basically it's started killing off a lot of videos. Fair enough the artists have started to crack down or something, but i think the people they are really punishing are the people being creative on those sites! I don't think they even realise what they're doing. Those who really want illegal downloads or free music can just go to torrents or to msn music (lol!).

So what I think we need is a place were people can tell the music companies to sod off, somewhere where its easy for people just to make their own music, put their own stuff together and tell the money grabbing others to go and wallow and worry about their own self-importance!

I'm not normally this outward speaking on this issue, but I seriously don't think these people can see what they're doing. Despite everything I actually think YT is making them money. I've found out about songs (and I know many many others) that I wouldn't have found out any other way! And have bought them as a result. I seriously think you either embrace these things or get caught up in something worse. People just can't see beyond dollar signs and paranoia around the Internet simply because they don't understand it.

And I think communities like this can be a force for that change. For an Internet that doesn't need the music industry of the high towers. We can make music, videos... etc without these people. If they wont embrace it, then I think they're risking something far greater. People losing interest in them. The Internet is the media of choice, and if you wind up the people primarily using that media, then prepare to face the consequences.

Interesting I wonder how this will go down
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(8 replies, Latest reply: Feb 6, 2009)

Various Random Things (Jan 10, 2009)
Hmm... I needed to write in here, mostly because I'm up at 3 AM on a Saturday morning, and have spent most of the week not being able to sleep because of an annoying cough. Yes I've been off most of the week. Partly this is good, because I don't have to think about work... but mostly this is bad, because I've felt bloody awful. I'm getting better now, but this week has been quite surreal, and my body clock is way off.

So I might as well do this. I also need an outlet for something that needs to spew forth... like there's something I need to say... but I don't know what it is.

Something I've just noticed though... I downloaded Google Chrome a little while back, and I'm finding it mostly useful. A couple of niggling things, is sometimes when I'm logged in to something, and I click the back button it takes me out of where I was... but this is mostly not a problem... but anyway the reason I've just done a mental U-Turn, is Google Chrome seems to pick up my spelling mistakes... except somewhat amusingly, Google lol. I think I'll leave that.

I've also noticed lol has started appearing more in my conversations... mostly the fault of other people who say lol. But lol looks a fun thing to put :p Hopefully I shall continue to stay cool and up with the cool kids :p Not that I ever did.

Also, time is going scarily quick. Though I've been reading a book on this which is interesting.

Oh and BIG IMPORTANT THING : I know who I am! Or rather I know my personality type! According to this test http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp, which I've found is pretty accurate, I am personality type INFJ - which means I'm basically extremely rare. Which kind of explains a few things - and basically means there's a reason for my weirdness! :p If you happen to click the link, I'd be fascinated to know what personality type you are! :D

Fantastic Times and Places,
Terran
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(6 replies, Latest reply: Jan 13, 2009)

I just scared myself! (Dec 2, 2008)
Look at this : A44380866 . Its a list.

I casually thought I would make a list of all the stories, cartoons and poems I've done since I've been on hootoo... most of which have been while I have been donw while procrastinating, I thought there'd be tops 10 in the list (given that I was counting lists of stories some of which have a significant number of parts in them - the highest having 21 parts), but I've got over 34 stories on there! When the hell did I find the time to write all them!

I've forgotten more stories than I thought I'd have on the list!

Many of those were just something to do while I was trying avoid doing something else!

I really need to do something with these! So many are unfinished! But still...
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( 1 reply, Latest reply: Dec 3, 2008)

The H2G2 University of Mice! (Nov 28, 2008)
Hey I've just found somewhere I haven't been since I first started here : A542729

The H2G2 University of Mice, I thought it was such a wonderful crazy thing when I first started... and I still do!

Actually Rich if you're reading I'd like to make a suggestion for a new article in the post - remembering old groups and pages! (even if they're still going - like the thingites...)
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(4 replies, Latest reply: Nov 28, 2008)

"Hey, Mr Bluesky :D, please tell us why, you had to hide away for so long?" :D (Nov 26, 2008)
Gotta love ELO, even if just for this song. Every time I hear Mr Bluesky it cheers me up. Don't know why! But always has my head bobbing in a slightly mad way with a grin on my face... note children if you see this I'm not mad, just enjoying ELO!
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(2 replies, Latest reply: Nov 26, 2008)

"We're sorry, but your search for 'so long and thanks for all the fish' didn't find any matches." (Nov 21, 2008)
Okay theres something seriously wrong with that h2g2 search engine if it's not finding that... I thought they'd fixed it.

Ah don't you love procrastination
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(12 replies, Latest reply: Nov 21, 2008)

What if you had the power to change Time? (Nov 10, 2008)
On occasion I am exceptionally deep. I know I know, its a huge surprise, I never give the impression of being deep at all

I can't change time. No one I'm aware of can change time. But that's not to say that we may never be able to change time - and by proxy does that mean that people from the future already can? I don't know.

But who here hasn't thought of things that have happened in their past that they could change or direct differently? I would imagine there few honest people who wouldn't change anything. Of course the thing with time is that circumstances lead us down different roads. One left turn here or right turn there have radical effects ten years down the line!

Facebook scares me. Mostly because I see lots of people I knew in school on there now. And some of them have families. Some of them are married. Some of them I so wish I had spoken to more about what I thought of them, whether I liked them or otherwise. Some people I probably said too much.

But one struck a chord. For obiouos reasons I don't want to reveal who this is, but I seriously liked this girl, but did nothing about it... out of sheer terror. And she never knew, and its probably better than she doesn't know - because she's now married with two kids. For some reason that terrifies me.

Because it makes me think that if I could bend time to my will, if I had that power, I would want to take a chance to be with her. Maybe it wouldn't have worked out, but maybe it would have. But if I had changed time like that, two young children wouldn't exist. I would have caused them to cease to exist. I mean of course I can't change time, so why bother thinking about it? Because for me, thinking about these things is me. If I stopped thinking about things, I fear I would no longer be me.

But I ask a larger question really. And its one of power... perhaps something that is more tangible and closer to what is currently real. And that is what if you were given the power to change time to your will. To cause people to cease to exist (and perhaps replace them with other who didn't have the chance to exist) - even if you believed things would ultimately be better - would you for your own happiness change things?

I guess its like the genie in the bottle (or the monkeys paw if you're familiar with that story), in that you are perhaps putting your own happiness above others.

Okay change tack. I once saw an epusode of Star Trek : Voyager called "Year of Hell" and frankly it was one of the most fascinating pieces of sci-fi I've seen on TV. Essentially it was about this alien scientist with a family who dabbled with Time Travel and lost them... he even lost the people he knew - except those aboard his time ship. His eternal mission then became to set things back as they were - but how ever hard he tried he couldn't get his wife and family back. And he would kill whole civilisations (or rather erase them from history) to try and change things.

See so often these things wont even brush the surface of peoples minds... well to be brutally frank because they're currently not possible. But it does go back to that old chestnut, that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely... or maybe even a bit of Lord of the Rings - to paraphrase Gandalf "I would use the ring to do good, but through me it would weild a terrible power for evil"...

And that's what it comes down to. When I think back to what could have been am I wiping out those children that now exist (who may have existed anyway) because I couldn't bring myself to ask? And does that mean that if God, or a genie or whoever came to me and said "here you are shape this situation to make you the most happy", would that mean I was putting my happiness above everyone elses?
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(4 replies, Latest reply: Nov 11, 2008)