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

Hey there:

Umm...the next edition of The Post is going to be a "contributor's favorites" page where everyone who regularly contributes to The Post (i.e. me) gets to pick one of their favorite pieces on h2g2, and their favorite piece from another person, and they'll be put on The Post. This is because the editor, Shazz, will be away and this is the easiest and most interesting thing to throw together...now, I don't think I'm limited to choosing stuff that's been in The Post before, so I'm probably going to use this story as one of my picks...sound good? good ttyl, dear

DZ

Yay! Then maybe some people will read it. Luv, sounds good.

you betcha

DZ

This looks great. Any thoughts about a sequel?

Seriously I can think of a few ways he could survive. What do you say?

This looks great. Any thoughts about a sequel?

Seriously I can think of a few ways he could survive. What do you say?

I think that at the last minute he should be rescued from earth by someone he thought was human and has been a long-time friend of 15 years, to a space ship of hostil aliens with bad poetry, and go on a long string of adventures throughout the galaxy involving matresses, almost-tea, two-headed presidents of the...wait...um...maybe that idea's already taken... hehe

DZ

Well that just shows to go ya!

This entry was also featured a few weeks ago by <./>AggGag</.>/CAC. In fact, he said with a modest cough, you may recall 'twas I what gave it the wonderful title which is drawing 'em in like flies!
It really is a good little story.



~jwf~

Yes, jwf, skullock does owe his gratitude to you; but HEY...I'M the one who SHOWED it to you in the first place! I'm your little gopher-girl for stories every once in a while, remember! hehe

DZ

Yes, Much thanks to the both of you. I actually do have a little something in mind for the next chapter and as soon as i'm properly motivated i'll start writing it.

*sending motivation rays to skull*
*sending motivation rays to skull*
*sending motivation rays to skull*

DZ

Yuck! Gratitude. Double yuck. That particular socio-emotional response is right up there with pity and envy in my list of pet peeves and things to be avoided at all costs.

No I just think it's a brilliant title. Wasn't looking for thanks just basking in my own dazzlement. In fact, titles are generally my best thing. I've always wanted to work at a publishers and just come up with better titles to other people's books.

Like 'Crime and Punishment' would have become 'Outlaw Behaviour Leads To Recrimination and Regret'. And 'Around the World In 80 Days' might have sold better as 'Pan-Global Meanderings: the Whole Nine Yards in Less Than 3 Months'.

~jwf~ (self-titled)

Beautimus, jwf How oh-so clever of you...

DZ

BTW. If you've yet to actually read Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" you're in for some wonderful anachronistic and prejudicial surprises. All of the film and tv versions ignore and dismiss these several points. Written a little more than 100 years ago, it is already generally archaic, and fascinating for that reason.

First of course is Verne's very French attitude toward the British, especially the stereotypical Victorian 'explorer' type his hero represents. Obsessed with punctuality, able to solve almost any problem with money (particularly by bribing corrupt petty officials), with an absurdly 'romantic' sense of chivalry, an aloof disdain for most men, but with an uncanny ability to hold their noses and plunge into real crap, somehow emerging smelling like roses.

Americans and their technology are presented as fools. A train for example is backed up and takes a run at a collapsing trestle bridge, getting across even as the structure collapses beneath them. This is pure 'hollywood' of course since the excess speed of the train would cause it to collapse quicker and there is no way the momentum of a train will carry it acrosss the gorge unsupported. That's why Verne is called a Fantasy Fiction writer.


~jwf~

there's nothing like a bit of modesty