Posted: 23^rd December 2013

Oh, the Stories

Back in 1968, Christmas was made memorable for this Editor by the crew of Apollo 8. The astronauts shared the first flyover images of the moon with us. They ended their broadcast with, 'We close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you – all of you on the good Earth.' I remember thinking at the time, 'Look at it. It's where we all live. Billions of people. And every one with a story to tell.'

Today, h2g2 is part of the promise of the internet – that we have a tool for telling our stories to one another. And what stories! In this issue of the Post, benjaminpmoore shares some painful truths about the limitations of helping. tucuxii opens a personal store of memories to give us a glimpse of the struggle for freedom in South Africa. Be sure to let them know you appreciate the lessons they've learned.

Sometimes, the problems of the world seem overwhelming. Willem has an insight on that. He's used his gift as a painter to muse on the subject of Pandora. The legend of the woman who opened the box is as relevant to our human perplexity today as it was thousands of years ago.

Oh, we're upbeat, too. We've got a quiz, and Rod's back with more woodcarving tips, and of course the Christmas crossword has arrived on time, thanks to our Bluebottle. Galaxy Babe's back to show us the stars, and Willem 's here to show us the beauty in which this terrestrial ball abounds. Magwitch answers the December Creat challenge in style, with a story about family gaming (what else?).Thanks to all of them.

We're as snarky as ever. Nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, you just have to laugh. But be sure to take time to reflect this season. It's what we're all about.

Pastey and all the teams are busy preparing new strategies and new tools to improve the function and outreach of h2g2. In the coming year, there will be an exciting Meet. We'll be using social media more and more. It's all in support of our continuing mission: to reach out around the world, and share our knowledge, insights, and personal experiences.

A happy holiday to everyone. Be blessed, and keep writing!

Dmitri Gheorgheni

• 
  Colours of Wildlife


Don't eat the eland.

• The Phyto-Philes

Leadwood.

• 

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PLEASE TO PUT A PENNY IN THE OLD MAN'S HAT

• 24 Lies a Second


Cinema: not just for Christmas.

• 
  Writing Right with Dmitri

True meaning?

• 
  I Couldn't Care Less

When you can't do enough.

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  Pre-Raphaelite Theatre

Commercial interest.

IF YOU HAVEN"T GOT A PENNY…

• Carols
  

Child in the Manger.

• 
  Mythology and Art


Pandora.

• The Post Quiz


Santa Clauses.

• 
  Create

Magwitch, memorable.

• Oddity of the Week

An American card.

• Rod's Green Man

More than a ha'porth here.

• Babe Among the Stars


The sky: free to all.

• 
  h2g2 Tribute


tucuxii has a story.

• Gheorgheniplex
  

Merry Christmas, Earth.

• Christmas!

The crossword is here.

• 
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