h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

How true. Over on Ask, people have been talking about foraging for food. They've brought up mushrooms and greens and nuts and berries. But what about foragining among the potted plants?

I was having a conversation with some people this week about the group who only eat what others throw away. I was saying that it can be quite easy and reasonably hygienic if you stand around at the back of a restaurant, particularly a take-away restaurant and let them know you are there. A friendly kitchen porter may give you a whole, uncollected meal which has been waiting for too long.

This led to me thinking that standing outside the back of Pizza Hut with a mobile phone and ordering a Pizza with all your favourite toppings for you to come and pick up and then sitting and waiting could be the dishonest pinnacle of this endeavour.

I think that would be abusing the system, in very deed.

I'm travelling to Atlanta, Georgia for a conference at the beginning of June. Do you have any tips for a naive Brit living in Sydney?

I've been told that ticking the "yes" box next to, "Are you now or have you ever been a member of a terrorist organisation?" is not a good move with the immigration folks.

I have an Indian friend whose father has the same name as an international terrorist and he always has to give himself and extra couple of hours to deal with airport security.

"What is your name?"
"Nirmal Singh"
Tap, tap, tap, click, (noise of red light coming on).
"Hmmm. Could you stand here for a minute with your hands in the air, while I speak to my supervisor?"
"I am a different Nirmal Singh. I am not the international terrorist!"
"And what do you think he would be saying at this moment?"
"OK, go and see your supervisor, but tell him about the note from my doctor excusing me cavity searches!"

This must be awful.

Definitely wear socks without holes, and slip-on shoes. Also watch the toiletries. They're insane at airport security.

You'll like Atlanta. Visit Underground Atlanta (shops on Peachtree Street), the Carter Center, and the zoo. Also take in the 'Gone with the Wind' Museum, if you can. It's interesting. If you have time for a short trip out of town, try Stone Mountain. A5404141

The view is worth it.

Oh, and do not venture out in the downtown area after dark alone.

You'll like the subway system, it's cool (left over from Olympics). But the air pollution is terrible there.

Oh, Elektra reminded me about the Coca-cola Museum. Also fun.

That's great. A Gone with the Wind museum. How cool is that. Though, frankly my dear, I couldn't be sure if we'll get time to visit it.
I'd forgotten that we were visiting an ex Olympic city. So from one Olympic city to another, while actually having a home in the current Olympic city while I'm missing the 'Lympics.