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

Off to the Beach - A87816289

Salt water taffy is serious business, apparently: On August 21, 1923, John Edmiston obtained a trademark for the name "salt water taffy", then demanded royalties from companies using his newly acquired name. He was sued over this demand, and in 1925, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that the phrase had been in common use too long (since 1883) to claim royalties.

The Supreme Court agrees to hear the oddest cases, doesn't it?

But that's a fun fact for sure!

[Amy P]

What is salt water taffy?

Nice photo! Now I'm thinking of beaches. Ahhhh, now I feel warm, and saltsea sunny.

Yes, what's salt water taffy?

Well, it'sl ike this.

When people go to the Shore, they buy candy - just as I suspect you do at Brighton.(I've heard of Brighton Rock.) A popular kind in New Jersey and Delaware is taffy.

In 1883,a candy maker's entire stock on taffy was ruined, he thought, in a flood. So when somebody asked if he had taffy, he joked, 'I've got salt water taffy'. The name stuck.

But, although there's salt and water in salt water taffy, it's not really different from plain, everyday taffy. It's just a candy made with corn syrup and sugar.

Here's how to make it. They call it 'candy and an upper-body workout all in one':

http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/candy/recipe-taffy.html

Aaaaah, it's a type of sweet! I see! Thanks, Dmitri.

P.S. I've also heard of Brighton Rock. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUKi3_QntE

I was thinking of Guide Entries and Graham Greene.

Ahhh! Really?? So that's the mystery of salt water taffy! I live and learn.

Well, mostly I learn, but I haven't lived because I've never tasted salt water taffy. . Wah.

Yes , Brighton Rock, and I never read the novel, or seen the film, but I have eaten a stick of Brighton rock, way back when. I remember it as stripy and sweet, with the words Brighton or Brighton Rock? running all the way through. How did they do that?

I always get Graham Greene mixed up with Graham Greene, the way you do. . That's Graham Greene the Native Canadian actor who plays Leonard, the shaman, in Northern Exposure. I think he was in Dances with Wolves also. Starring with Kev.

This is now waaay off topic, , which proves though that all things are somehow related to salt water taffy. Unless they aren't.

I'm thrilled with my new knowledge, thanks!

You know what the Edited Guide is good for?

So when somebody asks, 'How do you make Brighton Rock?', I can say: Here: A4552841



I like Graham Greene the actor, too. Talented man. He, Adam Beach, and Wes Studi. Great North American Indian actors.

Have you seen 'The Big Empty'? Adam Beach is a scream in that one.

Amazing! And this article tells me how they make the letters run all the way through a stick of rock!? My life is perfect. . Or it will be, when I've read it. Thanks so much!

No, haven't seen The Big Empty. I must put that on the list. I just saw it described online as a noir flavoured independent comedy? That could be my kind of thing.

Have to check out Adam Beach and Wes Studi, I do love a North American Indian actor.

Who's the fella from Northern Exposure who plays the ancient spirit guide, One Who Waits ... (checks) ... ah yes, Floyd Red Crow Westerman!

I'm glad you found his name, I didn't remember.

'The Big Empty' is amazing. You'll like it. Sean Bean's extraterrestrial Yorkshire cowboy will blow your mind. It's a clever project done by a bunch of cinematographers on their weekends. I think the people at the cafe and motel were good sports to help them out.

And the metaphysical message alone is worth the price of admission. I lie not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlPJNlW4PT0

'Brighton Rock' is quite a disturbing novel. My father was a big fan of Graham Greene the writer ... lots of his books here in the library.

Excellent! I'll be there. Sean Bean's extraterrestrial cowboy?? This cannot be missed. I only remember Sean Bean from Lady Chatterley, and that's very far from extraterrestrial cowboys. Or is it?? haha

What's the metaphysical message? I'm soo curious. Pleeeeeze give me a preview ... pleeeeze. I'll be nice to you, erm .. almost forever. .

Grr. I know you'll make me wait.

Brighton Rock is a disturbing novel? I didn't know that. I must read a synopsis. I think my Dad liked Graham Greene (writer) also, Willem. hmm. That's interesting.

Years ago, we read, I think, just about all of Greene's novels. 'Brighton Rock' was kind of disturbing, as I recall.

'The Big Empty' in a nutshell: it's about an invitation to the Beyond. And what's in your blue suitcase. And the importance of bowling shoes.

The story begins with an out-of-work actor who gets a mysterious assignment. He ends up in Baker, California, a truck stop. There he must wait for the arrival of The Cowboy. He also meets a lovable hooker, an ironic barkeep, two UFO nuts, a weird FBI man, a wild-child teenager, and her deranged bf, Adam Beach. The question remains, just what is IN that bowling-ball bag?

It's one of those 'haha - aHA!' movies.

What?? . Of course this remarkable synopsis will prove to be even better than the movie itself. Splendid!

Oh, and Willem? Have you seen 'Europa Report'?

We saw it last night. Best space movie EVAH.

I didn't think I'd like it. Independent, 'found-footage'-type film, out-of-sequence story. Forget it.

As space.com said, it 'puts the science back in science fiction'.

Realistic,well-acted, taut, moving. When I checked afterwards, I couldn't believe the only location for filming was Brooklyn. Then I realised...they didn't REALLY got to Jupiter. Don't ask me how they did it. I could have sworn they were weightless.

If y'all haven't seen this film, please do.