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

Well, I'm back to work after the long weekend. Yesterday was interesting, but I'd anticipated having to accomplish three days worth of work in one, and I pulled it off just fine.

Working on a special project here. The company I work for is not only offering a dollar-for-dollar matching donation scheme for any employee contributions to Katrina Relief (I pitched in the $450 we got for dog-sitting), but we're also working with the Red Cross towards putting some of the dislocated people into homes on our properties. It's not much, but it's something.

Labor Day weekend was all right- dog sitting was fun, the barbecue was fun. Why is it the longer the weekend, the more exhausted one is when returning to work? Sheesh!

That's about it. Everything is fine and I can't complain abut anything, except for the continuing state of affairs in the South. Thanks to all of my friends overseas for your concerns, I know it's sometimes difficult to pity Americans too much, when our government's so screwed-up. But thanks for caring about the rest of us.

Well, my shift's about to end, so that's all folks!

Hiya PCandy! How great that your company is matching employee donations!

Nice to get a lot done at home, bet that feels good PC.
It has to be rewarding work to be helping out with the disaster PC.

My friend working for VOA is placing some people in Colorado into Public housing. They want to stay here rather than return to their former homes. They are elderly and disables folks.

Matching funds are a wonderful way for companies to help.
Percentage of profits is too.
Those techniques are really catching on.

I wonder-
That company may have more of a future for you if it can afford to do that

There was not enough good publicity about the individuals and churches of all types getting to the people days before the government did. It is the first evidence of the governement money given to the churches for outreach (rather than official programs)going to where I think it should go.

All the faiths pooled their money to make one efficient agency for this particular problem. I had not heard of the pooling rescources before.

>I wonder-
That company may have more of a future for you if it can afford to do that<

I have been wondering that myself. I'm going to keep my eyes and ears open. A lot of people there have asked me how I like it there, and would I stay on if asked. I don't think I would want to stay on in my present capacity (though I haven't actually put it quite that way), but I'd be interested in seeing how things develop.

It might sound petty, but I'd prefer a position which pays a salary I can be *comfortable* with, working regular hours, than something that pays lots of commissions and stuff but involves endless overtime. I work to live, not the other way around.

Thanks for the good luck wishes, Abbi.

I am pleased that my company is matching donations. Some of the other employees mentioned that this has been done in the past for relief efforts both domestically and abroad. That's a good thing. Helping dislocated people find housing is a good thing, too, even if relocating can be scary.

Hey JEllen, hope you're feeling a little better today. I've seen some of your postings around and I've been thinking of you and your family, hoping everyone will be all right. What a terrible thing to have happen to some of your in-laws. Has everyone been located? Are they safe? My thoughts are with all of you. I can't offer much financially, unfortunately, but if there's anything I can do to help, I will try!

Also Hi, JEllen. Any news of the in-laws.

I'm sorry if some of my compatriots have been stupid on other threads. Please take comfort from the thought that they might not be specifically anti-American. The small-minded p---ks are simply exhibiting the 'F--- 'em!' mentality of eejits throughout the world. (cf..'F--- 'em - they're only Ayrabs!'). I mean...*obviously* there are many lovely Americans, so take care of yourself, hear?

On a tangentially-related theme...there was a repeat on BBC4 the other night of an old documentary based loosely on Dylan's 'Highway 61 Revisited' which traced musical influences from Hibbings, Minnesota down to New Orleans. Naturally, Memphis featured heavily, as did Mississippi blues and N'yorleans Jazz and R&B.. Anyone who fails to recognise the great American contribution to 20thC art is simply a fool.

Thank you for that, Edward.

I've been having some trouble posting the last couple days. Keep getting "server too busy."

The in laws are safe and accounted for, but some of them have lost their homes and belongings. They have rented an apartment in Baton Rouge, and my sister in law is headed down there this weekend with a truckload of goods gleaned from family attics.

Have had trouble myself shaking this depression, but not doing too bad all things considered. Plan to watch Kung Fu Hustle tonight, that may cheer me up.

>Plan to watch Kung Fu Hustle tonight, that may cheer me up.<

If you enjoy it as much as I did, it will, a bit.

Glad to hear that in spite of losing their wordly goods, your in-laws are safe and well. I don't have much in the way of household stuff left that's worthy of donating, but if you were interested, I'd see if I could take up a collection amongst K and myself, and family and friends, and ship it down there? Dishes, clothing, blankets, linens, that sort of thing? K and I have some dishes (not brand new by a long shot, but usable), and at least one or two extra blankets/afgahns. Possibly a spare alarm clock and stuff like that. I would be happy to send them if you want.

Aw, sweetie, that is so nice of you! But as I said, we've already collected an entire truckload to take down to Baton Rouge. I guess I would feel better if you donated it to some of the people coming into Chicago who have lost everything. But if I hear of something specific we are still lacking, I will check with you and see if you have an extra.

Hi Edward. *waves* Yah, I always feel slightly guilty, being a Memphian, that I don't like the Blues better.

Definiely if I had some tourism time in the US, Memphis would be on my itinerary, armed with a copy of James Baldwin's 'If Beale St. Could Talk'. You've got it all! Sun Studios...and of course Graceland.

Do you know the Colorblind James Experience's 'I'm Considering A Move To Memphis'.

I visited Graceland several years ago, driving through the area on my way from Chicago to see relatives in other southern states. It was a heck of a lot of fun!

Did you get to see The Toilet?

No, I didn't see the Throne Room. It's not one of the rooms on the tour itinerary, and I'm no good at sneaking off without being caught.

Here's a link the the official web site: http://www.elvis.com/graceland/

Best wishes for your relatives JEllen

They are lucky to have some family to help them out a bit.
I am glad they are safe and have an apartment.
Good you are trucking things down to them so quickly.