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

Am I late? I gave up coming in the first day because of all the errors.

I'll just agree with everybody else: Great speech, Marv!

Ok, so I don't think I can call myself a real salonista, as I'm never here, but I have been called a closet salonista and I'm proud of that! While the Atelier might not exactly have changed my life, some of the salonistas certainly have. Just a random small example: Today it's exactly nine years ago that an *old* researcher waved so friendly to the hordes of newbies after DNA's dead that it ended with me moving country and living with sunny for what is now getting close to eight years.

Thank you Lil, and thank you everybody else for keeping this place alive!



Oh, and Tifa, please don't eat *all* my favourite flowers!

*An "old" researcher enters the party space. She appears tough as nails, but if one looks closely, she is really a bit fragile.*

http://tiny.cc/f5gcp

*She heads directly to the bar, overhears ottox, and nods in acknowledgement. She orders a vodka matini, up with olives; an order familiar to anyone who may have also been a regular at L'Hotel Chrome. She takes her and a deep breath, turning towards the gathered Salonistas.*

Marv, that was a beautiful toast. Thank you for expressing so well what so many of us feel about the salon.

*Raises her glass*

I just want to say that the most interesting people I know inhabit Lil's Atelier.

Question : how many salonistas can you fit in one photograph ?
Answer : 8 if you were in the Shakespeare's head a couple of hours ago
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4610341548_b69a51d3a3_b.jpg

Witty, you look so... suave!

I've never been to a meet so I'm not certain who's who in the picture, Tod. Gimme a... sorry, the phlog... give us a list of names, left to right please?

What a wonderful photo, Tod. I'm just sorry I block the view on Mr Zen.

B'El, Zen and Bald Bloke to the left...

Lil, a Meet came to you! A fantastic meet, in fact. I remember fondly sleeping in the Sultan's quarters, looking at the Milky Way, seeing the mountainous desert... It was a great time!

*walks in with an Italian air about him - and a tux made of the finest Italian superlight wools*

I haven't quite had the time to tie the bowtie yet - fresh off the plane. Had to hurry hear and Marv's wonderful words and ltp's getting 42.

*reverently bows to Garius and Affy, orders a glass of Pinot Grigio and goes out to find a mirror to do the bowtie*

The gentlemen from left to right:

Mr Zen, Bald Bloke, Todaymueller

The ladies from left to right:

Bel, Beatrice, Agapanthus, Solnushka, Mrs Zen

Titania, I thought you'd be in London for the weekend? Did I miss something?

Sol looks like she's getting ready to sing.

Talking I expect, but my that is a hideous picture of me. In particular I must remember that I love hats, but hats do not love me. Still, that is a hootoo hat. Anyway, my throat hurts today. Was really reminded of the fact that I really like Salonistas, not that that needed underlining really.

You lot have made my life richer. Not only do I know more about the word, I understand it better though constant interraction with a cross section of people who are intelligent, witty (and Witty, of course), thoughtful, articulate and passionate. I like our varity, I like our disagreements and I like our similarities.

*Waves glass around in the air in a 'I love you all' kind of way*

I think I'll investigate the food. Although the phlog looks tempting. Ah, phlog. *Eyes mist over in nostalgia*

*Meanwhile the Star is prodding the large cybernephew beads on Hyps top and beaming. Under the mask.*

Pants! Missing apostrophe!

The really is a - like mum like son, isn't it?

Yes, he does take after me. Absolutely nothing to do with B whatsoever. *Grins*

To be honest, I am bemused by the Star's cuteness factor. He is very very cute.

'... know more about the world...' Now if only y'all could cure my lamentable proof reading.

Really enjoyed meeting so many Salonistas. What a great bunch you all were...I didn't expect any less. I was a bit shy at first but after a few I joined in.
The Tate modern was very good , definately worth a another trip.
My only regret is that I didn't get my hair cut as a piece of performance art.

Maybe next time, Tod.

I have blisters on my soles, and my legs ache that much that I have trouble moving. The joys of old age.

I meant to say, I thought Mrs. Zen was looking remarkably well, lots thinner. And Tod has excellent outdoorsman color. Or is that sunburn?

More phlog, please. *makes a minor adjustment to the harkonnen so as to remain standing/floating*

How about everyone tell of a particularly strong memory of life in the Salon?

I remember strongly discussing the 9/11 attack with Witty. I very fondly recall the Mary Celeste adventure (which while not Salon proper, was mostly salonistas). I am grateful for all of the support you all were when I lost my dad.

*eats a volauvent*