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

It has come to my attention that one of my professors next Autumn will be the author of The Book Of The Dun Cow, one of the earliest bedtime stories that I remember from when I was younger. Must not get star struck, must not get star struck, must not get star struck...

That's really neat, Affy. I like stories like this.

Did you give any more consideration to attending the meet? I think you and Baggers would have a good time together.

I'm planning on it, but there's still a lot of "ifs" in there. The folks at work have been getting increasingly demanding, and they hate it when people take time off around holidays.

The timing could've been better. I've gotten into this really bizarre (and probably unhealthy) weight-scale swing this past year, alternating from unhealthily thin to unhealthily overweight. My hope is that I can put less thought into enjoying the 4th of July food.

Oh, and I've decided: I won't wear a mask, but my name will stay secret to everyone who can't beat me at round of Mancala.

Great! You don't have to tell anyone your real name. I'm just happy you're coming. I know it's a long trip for everyone and the timing sucks. But there isn't ever going to be a good time or a good location for a US meet.

I've been trying to lose weight, but I'm not going to worry about it for the meet. I'm just going to have a good time and eat what I please.

I'm not worried about losing weight. I'm worried about *settling* on a weight. I have this weird metabolism because I'm a closet vegetarian in a house full of carnivores. So whenever I actually *do* eat salad, I tend to overeat. I've basically got a lopsided food pyramid.

"Overeat" and "salad" are not often used in the same sentence.

*gets out mancala set and starts practising*

I use them a lot in the same sentences. I'm possibly the healthiest overweight person in a twenty mile radius, because I eat all the right foods, but I eat them far too much.

I'm the perfect example of why kids shouldn't listen to their parents and eat veggies, basically. You just might like them.

Oh, and Bagpuss, I hope you're practicing the rules of Mancala that I'm familiar with. As the magical imp character here, I get to lay the ground rules for the challenge.

*wanders off to see if she can find out what the heck mancala is*

Bwahaha.

Affy - mostly I'm getting whipped by computer programs.

Don't play against computers to get better. Play against humans. Create your own mancalla board with pebbles and styrofoam cups or muffin trays.

Sadly no-one round here is interested in board games. I will try to get some practice in though.

Dangit, I just lost two of my Mancala pebbles this morning, too.