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

Hi!

Not doing the work on my story here - I've already finished it, and sent it back. I will have to wait and see what he thinks of my latest efforts. Nothing has been promised - but it's been worth having a go. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

Started the new temporary job today. Last night I was writing late into the night. Had a really restless night - I was feeling anxious about this new temporary job. But thankfully it seems okay. It's just a normal office atmosphere (whew!) and I think I'll be okay in this post for a little while.

I'll have a look at your writing this week..... Promise!

My Paine entry is resting in PR now, and I have the bluegrass outline in my head. By the way, did that music come through OK?

Hi

How's u?

Thanks - yes I did receive the music but forget to mention it. It rather reminded me of the film Deliverance. I love that film!

One of the guys from the writing group has joined the site. He's submitted a story - A10095554. It's a good story. Do you think you could pop over and say hi - maybe take a look at his work? As a newcomer I'm sure he'd really appreciate it.

I've heard nothing further about my river story - maybe it's not quite suitable for the anthology. But I'm pleased with the rewrite - I enjoyed doing it.

Flame

Doing well, thanks...

I had noticed GreyMouser's story previously, and like it.

I remember reading one or two fantasy stories with a Grey Mouser character, many years ago...please ask him how Fafnrd (sp?) is doing

I trimmed my long winter beard back last night. I had planned to do it at the equinox, but was impatient to see the wet weather disappear. (too many consecutive rainy weekends) I woke up this morning to bright sunlight and blue sky....

I have two pieces in PR at this time, Thomas Paine and Bluegrass. My creative engine is somewhat distracted these days, but I have no doubt that a dream will capture my attention before too long.

A little 'Deliverance' anecdote: a friend of mine knew one of the extras who acted at the dinner-table scene. He said it required several takes - the lady kept bursting into tears at a certain point.

Happy (belated) St Patricks Day to you...there was an unusual number of red-headed people at the house last night. The 'boys' were celebrating their Irish heritage in grand style. The soundtrack consisted of some Irish folk music, and it was good. I partook of a Guinness or two meself.

Wishing you righteous springtime weather, Flame.

Hi

Thanks so much for your thoughts. It really helped - and the story is almost there.

Now that's out of the way I've been reading your Bluegrass entry. I know very little about this genre - so it made it a very interesting read. I'm sure it will not be too long before it's selected for the PR.

There's quite a good writing competition happening. It's for sci-fi - and I wondered if you would be interested. If you click on the link and go to the submissions page you can see if it's suitable for you.

http://crowswingbooks.co.uk/4598.html

I'm happy to help.

I checked the Crows Wing page, and noticed Arthur Hook's name in there. Isn't he your teacher?

Hm. My stories here are too long for 'short', and too short for 'novelette'.

It's Andrew, lol. But yes!

You could always write a story to the required length. I wonder how you'd view the world in 2050?

Very grimly, I'm afraid.

Even barring large-scale war, the human population is in trouble due to its critical level of pressure on the planet.

We've been successful in fighting epidemics for the past century or so: too successful, perhaps. I notice that the curent disease threats have been either more persistent, or more fatal to the sufferer. But, supposing we can defeat disease, the problem of overpopulation will not go away.

To be blunt (and nihilist, to be sure), the human population needs to drop by more than half. Not 'birth control', but an actual mass die-off. I've toyed with this as a plotline, and figure there are several way to approach it. Vignettes, so to speak. Gallows humour tends to go rancid quite quickly, and the gloomy theme could only be competently sustained by Moorcock, say, or Harlan Ellison. Anthony Burgess....

But after this cataclysmic crush, I believe that human society would need to re-invent itself....

This has been a significant sub-genre. Is there room for yet another post-apocalyptic story? Hmmm.

Perhaps a future-historical view of a failed post-apocalyptic society, with three consecutive civilisations intertwined....

But it's difficult to envision a future along our mundane timeline, that wouldn't involve some revolution. A 'save-the-world' story....

Thanks for asking, but I'm obviously conflicted on the subject. I may just develop a germ of a plot somewhere in there.

Hi

How are you? Is the car working okay?

I'm really tired this week - probably need a few repairs myself! (Any offers?).

Flame

Hi Flame,

I wrote A10484903 for the car situation.

Haven't responded to your email, but for your success!

...hmmm...perhaps a holiday in the sun....

I'm a blonde when it comes to cars - probably when it comes to most things

A holiday in the sun - now there's a thought!

I just looked down the list of who's online. I'm really out of touch with this site. I know very few people here these days.

I've been conversing mostly on Phred's travelogue threads. Ron joins us on occasion...We have a fairly entertaining campfire going: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/classic/F2011264?thread=2416953

Here's a thread for you....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/planetearth/flashapp/

I've been glued to the TV every Sunday. The Planet Earth series has been utterly fantastic - probably the best I've ever seen.

You can take a peek......

Unfortunately, being non-UK, I don't have access to it. I'll have to wait for the pirate version.

you can't get into a bbc link?

The link comes up with a notice. The server directed me to the /nonuk/ page.

Eh. Dinna pay me telly tax?

LOL. The detector van is in your area right this minute.

Grrrrrr, that's so annoying. You really are missing something good!

Hi ya,

Good Friday here. A lovely long weekend.

Hmmm. I was wondering why the car park at work was not overflowing as usual this morning. The churchgoers have their day off.

I understand there's a drought situation building in the UK. Just to let you know, the rain you need has been falling in California. Also, the rain that the Midwest US needs is here.

The Yolo wetlands west of Sacramento are now a deep lake. Thus far this year, 600 inches of snow fell over the Sierras. Storm systems tend to get stuck in the valley and linger for a week or so.

Flooding is not really a threat where I live, but there are some areas threatened by weak levees.

Wishing you a happy weekend and Easter, and wondering which type of sun dance would work....