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

>>It really made me question my reactions, my sequence of reactions.

Dealer...I think that's the best definition of 'Art' I've ever heard!

My closest frind came out to me during a Genesis/Peter Gabriel reunion gig back in 19wibble. I couldn't think of anything to say at the time...I think he assumed I was shocked...but I can't particularly say I was. Not that I was particularly gay-conscious at the time, and not that he was even vaguely stereotypical (he learnt that later) or had given any grounds for (sorry - can't think of a more neutral word than) 'suspicion'...it's just that my reaction wasm sort of, 'Oh'.

Actually...I think I've revealed something far more shocking here. I can't believe we used to listen to such goddawful s***e!
I kmow what I like/ And I like what I know/ Getting better in your wardrobe...

What Edward said about Dealer's reactions and art.

>> Iocotan that was SHOCKING!

- I thought it was rather gauche, myself.

Oh, which reminds me, Blicky. What are teddybears?

Ben

I was wondering, myself...

Or am I being maladroit?

Maladroit? Never.


az

I'm just Malabarista, not Maladroit, I hope...

<>

Yes I know.... and it was SHOCKING! Hence my posting.

Sorry, it took me a while to get it, and I assumed others wouldn't either. I guess I was underestimating your intelligence...

If that's true Edward, then I think I'm finally starting to understand what the big deal is about art. After seeing plenty of artwork in museums, etc. I think I finally get why it's so important.

And there you were thinking it was just pretty pictures!

Try asking stuff like 'Why did the artist paint this and not that?'
or
Why in this style and not that?
or
Is this like any other stuff?

sorry, catching up.

er... in no particular order: i have a gay character in the novel I'm writing (which will probably never see the light of day) and he behaves like a "normal" person. It is only an issue because of his job (air force pilot) when someone outs him. It is a very minor sub part of a wee waffle somewhere in the middle. For no reason at all.

Kirk/Spock kissing? woo hoo - the gazillions of Lady Writers (and Readers) of Slash would have collective apoplexy. I (and a lot of the others) are very relieved that it is out there in Dr. Who (Az, btw, you really MUST see it it is fab) (I'm about to buy Traumschiff Surprise on DVD - but that's mostly because I Til Schweiger)

Right, reactions when we see something "out of the ordinary". It's forgiveable, if it's not overreaction for effect, because since we are all the centre of our own universes, we expect that everyone will generally look pretty much like us. Well, that's what I think.

Til Schweiger? Nah...

But I think the main reason sci-fi movie aliens are so humanoid is that it makes them easier to act, when the genre became established, robot actors or computer animation weren't an option...

I'm wondering how people here respond to beggars? I must say that personally I walk past them and say (well, usually mutter) sorry as I do. Which remains uncomfortable.

Does it make a difference for you if they're disabled?

Is there a system to provide help for these people? If so why are they on the streets in such numbers?

I refuse to give them money, who knows what it's used for, but I often buy them something at the bakery... Or just give them some of my food if I've just been shopping. But it all depends on the beggar, I won't give to just anyone; specially not the ones that I observe in different new clothes every day...

Most of the time I do give something. I always put it in their hand and make eye contact. I usually comment on the weather or their dog - well I am English, after all.

There is a corner in the town where I live where there is usually a begger, and sometimes a flower stall. The woman who runs the flower stall says "oh, put your purse away" and nods significantly towards the begger. The first two times she did this I made a point of going straight over to the begger and giving him some cash. I have not bought from her again, and I am annoyed with myself for doing it twice.

I buy the Big Issue when I have a couple of quid in my purse, and don't ask for change.

I don't think I have seen a visibly disabled begger in this country, though I have seen people in all kinds of mental and chemical states.

I don't give to the visibly drunk, but I will give to the quietly stoned, mainly because I am too dumb to realise that they are stoned at the time.

Ben

I have to admit whenever I see a begger without a limb I always go over and give some money (this happened a lot in Thailand). That said I do spend every working day fitting people with prosthetic limbs, so that probably has a lot to do with it.

I can't go past a Scottish Big Issue seller either. Unfortunatly this happens a lot in London.