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

It's news around the world that PM Theresa May has appointed a Minister for Loneliness. I read that she stated:

'For far too many people, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life. I want to confront this challenge for our society and for all of us to take action to address the loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers, by those who have lost loved ones - people who have no one to talk to or share their thoughts and experiences with.'

One of the US's former surgeon generals agrees with the UK government. Dr Vivek Murthy also thinks loneliness is an issue that should be addressed.

Stephen Colbert, the raucous late-night host, didn't seem to understand. After all, he's surrounded by people every day. He riffed on the issue in order to trot out his fake British accents. I'll include the link: maybe you can see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEX56vZPZFE

If he were still alive, I'd nominate Fred Rogers for America's Secretary of Loneliness. He understood loneliness: he was an only child. Why do you think he played with puppets?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqxJnxySQV8

The h2g2 Post is way ahead of government here. We've been planning to tackle this issue for *weeks*. The Create Team are all over it: February's Challenge is going to be 'Spreading the Love'. We're pushing for contributions aimed at increasing the love on this planet. The Challenge will go up 1 February, but you can start working on it now.

Freewayriding is getting us ready for it with his serialised short story, 'Spreading the Love: A Fishy Tail'. The first part's been in this week's Post all week at A87902562. More to follow. Just because we're all about peace, love, and understanding doesn't mean we've turned off the snark. You'll love the story. FWR: as a writer, he's sort of 'Tom Holt meets Terry Pratchett in a dark alley'.

Pardon me while I go and practice on the organ. FWR keeps 'suggesting' recordings, and I have to brush up on my Beatles songs. I even mail-ordered a new book of arrangements...look out, Bluebottle...

In the meantime, here's my 'Michelle' video, in which we take a stroll along the hippie boulevards of the Haight-Ashbury District in San Francisco. It's amazing what you can accomplish with a little Heavy Leslie and the Library of Congress...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoXerjUhGss&t=133s

, friends! Start spreading the love!

PS Correction: I think that should be 'surgeons general'. Actually, I thought they were generals. Although at least one was an admiral...

"The h2g2 Post is way ahead of government here. We've been planning to tackle this issue for *weeks*."



I am lucky to have some people to talk to but I am very grateful for h2g2 and The Post providing me with a place to share my thoughts and experiences with likeminded people...

Loneliness is a difficult topic, as it is the case that I more often feel lonely in a crowd than I do on my own with my internet connection, but I think it is a good idea to focus on the topic. If people can build connections in whatever way we like best, then we can be more resilient in the face of challenges as there will be more resources we can draw on than if we're just trying to manage by ourselves...

Thank you for sharing your video too - I enjoyed the more restrained psychedelia, and I'm impressed by your use of the picture distortion tool

Thanks, Sasha. I agree with Mr Rogers that it's good to make things, even if we're not world-renowned directors. I'm enjoying that computer movie tool...

But yeah - that's what we're here for. Lonely in a crowd? Come to h2g2 for some 'adult' conversation, with a bit of silliness thrown in...

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I do not get visitors often, so basically I am alone. It can be boring not having a conversation with someone, but I'm not one of those type of people that go to "community centres" and sit around with a bunch of "oldies" (no disrespect) that ain't me (even that I'm "old" to) I have good hootoo friends who are as close to me as any friend etc around home.
Life is what it isif it changes or not, keep smiling!

I'm back to being lonely and now I don't even have my mother to moan to. Thank goodness for my cat. And hootoo of course

GB

Feel free to moan to us all day long.

But I suspect you're too busy making sure others aren't lonely to even notice yourself... I know you...