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

I have achieved a long-held ambition today. I am the subject of a feature article in the February 1 edition of my local newspaper, Bradford's 'Telegraph & Argus' (page 14, for anyone with access to a copy).

Under the headline ' A change of beat for Dave' and sub-header 'How music scribe penned a brand new chapter in his life', the article tells the story of my days in the music press and my new life as a student. There is a nice, big photo of me posing outside the University of Bradford in my Uni scarf, with a .

The story is pretty accurate. I was surprised that the 'T&A' reporter relied on shorthand notes, a technique which may explain why some of the 'quotes' attributed to me don't seem to me to be my exact words. I certainly don't remember saying that I would recommend the Combined Studies course I'm on to anyone, and I suspect the hand of the University's PR department there - especially as we did the interview in their office. But I am glad that I managed to get in a dig at the way Jobcentres push unemployed people towards taking absolutely *any* job, no matter how wildly unsuitable; and I would certainly recommend taking Combined Studies or any other Uni course as an alternative to putting up with that.

I was also happy that the 'T&A' ran a plug for the theatre auditions we're having at the University on Saturday. We're auditioning actors for three plays being staged at the Mill in May and June: 'Welcome To Paradise', 'Prodigal Son' and 'How Love Is Spelt'. I'm going to be assistant director for 'Welcome To Paradise', a wonderful satirical piece written by a local playwright named Andrew Crowther, about a society in which substance abuse and sexual excess are compulsory, because the economy needs them. Which, when you consider that the Blair administration recently allowed 24-hour alcohol licences in Britain after pressure from the booze industry, doesn't sound all that far-fetched. Be at the Mill at 1:30 on Saturday (Feb 4) afternoon if you'd like to help bring this or one of the other two fine shows we're staging to life. No previous acting experience required!

Anyway, I particularly liked the way the paper ran a great big picture of me with a tiny picture of Tom Jones inset (because I once interviewed him). It shows that they could see which one of us is the real .

Any chance of an online link? Or can you scan, upload & then post a link?

Congrats

Yes, plese do



(Somewhere or other I've got a recording of your PUDDING interview which I ought to release to the general public. I know I promised to do it all those years ago, but never anything about it )

"... plese ..."

That's being a tease, Ormy, to tell us about something we don't have a chance to read.

with pretty blue bows on

The good news is that the 'T&A' has an online edition. The bad news is that it's a subscription service. And I don't have a scanner.

However, Annie, seeing as it's you if you send me your postal address, I'll send you a copy of the paper. If you then want to put it online, please do, so that Hyp doesn't feel left out. I hate to see a grown librarian (and President) cry.

GD, I am very flattered that you kept that recording for so long. Again, if you want to put it online for the benefit of anyone who might be interested, that's fine by me.

You could bring me one over as well if you feel like a trip to Mars on April 7th at the Manchester Science Museum, that's looking like the next FC&MS&SC do

Further details will follow soon honest!

April 7? A Friday?

*waiting patiently and trying not to cry*

a trip to Mars on April 7th at the Manchester Science Museum??



Now all I need is a to get me to Manchester...

to load email

e-mail received, Annie.

In the absence of a , wouldn't the M62 get you to Manchester?

Yes.
And also a visit with my daughter.
Who might be persuaded to join the meet.

Come to think of it, getting to spend time with you & Granny Weatherwax, I need no further encouragement.

Put me down on the list!

I should say that I can't guarantee to be free for the meet this far in advance, but I'd like to come if poss. I'm still puzzled about the date, though. Are you really organising a meet on a Friday, Granny? Won't that prevent a lot of working Researchers from coming?

One thing I can guarantee, though: Annie, the newspaper featuring my beauteous visage is on its way to you by first-class post.

Mea culpa, it is of course April 8th a Saturday



Bear with me, things are fraught in RL, which is why I'm publicising it so early. By then I will need a or three.

My goodness. May I suggest more roles involving costumes. Erm particulary facial costumes. erm well masks actually. Ski masks!!

Is that unkind remark aimed at me, sengala? And if so, where did you see the photo in question? I thought it looked pretty good. My University's PR department clearly agreed, since they've put a copy of the article and the photo in a display case at the entrance to the main Uni building.

And just the other night, when I was getting a in the Students' Union bar, a very attractive young barmaid mentioned that she'd seen the article and had been impressed by my story. Her words made my day, if not my week.

Well I have to say I was somewhat stimulated. Mind you I had just had my afternoon G&T with a slice of lime (ever so much more twisted) and I quite forgot I am a lady. I can be an absolute bitch mind you and so I find it far better to be on my own om the road in my articulated Lorry. Sans G&T I might like to add as I am a responsible citizen.

Of course they may have put the photo there to keep away the buzzards.!!

Seriously, I'm still curious to know where you actually saw it. The Bradford 'Telegraph & Argus' isn't the 's most widely-circulated journal, and its online version is pay-per-view. Perhaps you paid for the privilege of gazing at me?