The h2g2 Post 28.10.24

Created Sep 10, 2024 | Updated 4 Weeks Ago

A crest bearing the legend The H2G2 Post

Posted: 28^th October 2024

This week's title is Nature Would Life a Word. Clockwise from upper left: A passiflora in bloom, a black-and-white spotted calf with a heart-shaped patch on its forehead and two goats in the background, ripe apples on a tree, a naturally occurring optical illusion in which a disembodied deer head peeks up from the grass next to an unconnected and headless deer tail (Sasha took this and we aren't asking any questions because we're afraid to), a cloud formation that FWR thinks looks like a gorilla but which is up to interpretation, a tiny kitten snubbing the camera and with words No talk me, me ang'y, two dogs walking in the woods under a sign that says Strictly no motorised vehicles, violators will be prosecuted (the word 'strictly' gives it away that this is in the UK, Scotland actually), a pileated woodpecker on a tree trunk in western Pennsylvania, and surf splashing dramatically against a large rock in the sea on the French coastline.

Are you ready for the little goblins to show up at your door? Do you have enough snack food and scary movies to tide you over? We can help with the stories – even though novella season is over for the year (see shameless adverts below), FWR has happened along with some seasonal fiction for you, and I have some quasi-factual stuff, and Awix has weighed in with a cinema review. Bluebottle will warm your heart and send a shiver up your spine at the same time, so keep us handy on your devices come Hallowe'en night.

Speaking of Hallowe'en, we've got some downright spooky images in here, so, you know, caveat contemplator. That deer may give you nightmares (thanks, Sasha!).

Most online communities that are interested in nature are content simply to observe, but not Hootoo. No, indeed: we have some wildlife rescue going on here. Sasha's mom is mothering slugs. Tavaron helps toads on their migratory way. Paige takes the dogs out so that they can patrol the woods. Meanwhile, Willem continues to rescue the wildlife of the past from undeserved obscurity. Take a trip through Jurassic Park with our artist.

No matter where you live, you're probably going to see some unfamiliar specimens this week. I spotted a pileated woodpecker behind the Post Office. Superfrenchie found a gorgeous Passiflora. English clouds are featured this week: in true English fashion, they invite you to make bad puns, or at least to decide they look like something jocular.

I enjoyed collecting all these. Correction: I enjoyed having them all dumped in my inbox, Skype feed, or social media account with the usual, 'Here, don't say I never gave you anything.' Then I cobble them together and pretend we did it on purpose.

So: enjoy this, please. And send More Stuff. You have a mobile, because you are not me. There is a world out there. Share your observations. We aren't out for money, or power, or asserting the hegemony of our philosophy. We're just letting the galaxy know that Earth is more than 'mostly harmless'.

Have a good week.

Dmitri Gheorgheni

Cover for Life in Potentia, DG's new book, available from Lulu.

Cover for A Crime Has Been Committed, the latest omnibus book, available from Lulu.

Cover for A Trio of Tales, Paulh's new book, available from Lulu.

Why should you buy h2g2 fiction?	Proceeds go to site upkeep.
Plus, they're fun to read. And make great gifts.	Click the pics for details.

Quote of the Week:
Just had confirmation I will be getting my latest covid vaccination booster this week. I have on this occasion ordered the X Ray vision and ability to Yodel as the optional extras.

RS Archer