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

Now that this epidemic of sharing personal information has broken out, I shall come clean and admit that I am in fact A MAN. There said it now ... better out than in, as my mother probably said.

Must go now, before Heart of Gold picks up another parking ticket. Even the infinite improbability drive does not seem to loosen them from the windscreen. But it always seem to amuse Marvin. How's that for improbability?

oh, billypilgrim, a *gasp* stereotype! I dont know whether to be complimented or insulted.

Nice to find out that I at least sound like I know something about computers, tho. I must confess that I made the same 'stereotypical' mistake about a mouse [that shall remain anonymous] some time ago. Never told her about that, tho.

One of the unexpected [to me] charms of the Guide is that you may meet any number of ageless, genderless beings, become friends, and then later may, or may not, find out the specifics. It doesnt affect the conversation, and no one seems to have any urges to 'pretend' to be what they are not. We all start out being 'people'...er...beings. The amount of experience and wisdom may or may not relate to age, but becomes apparent as we talk with one another. So there is no AGE stereotype.

And, unless the name we have chosen clearly reflects a sexual identity, we are sexless unless we choose to reveal that information. The importance of this turns out to be quite minor in most conversations.

How delightful.

So, Toker, dont worry, your admission of sexual preference will not affect our relationship. [my sexual preference? the answer is: yes]
And thank you for the bestowing of my new royal title, I will enjoy it. To paraphrase Mel Brooks, 'it's good to be the Queen'.

}:=8
the Dragon Queen of Damogran

PS. And I am glad that you have found SOMETHING to amuse Marvin.

Hi there, your royal bluness,
I just wanted to thank you for solving a mystery for me. I never knew that Vitamin C was a hangover cure until you told me so, but I have been taking it regularly of late in a bid to get through a British winter without constantly catching colds. I've had some good, well-lubricated nights out recently (notably the London h2g2 Christmas get-together) when I've certainly downed enough beer to "earn" a hangover, but have nevertheless woken up the next morning feeling fine. I wondered how I was getting away with it. Now I guess that it must be the Vitamin C!

Glad to be of help [you ole git].

So how WAS the h2g2 xmas party??? Made me want to grab one of those special holiday fares to London, but common sense [and my bank balance] set in, so I didn't.

royally,
}:=8
The Dragon Queen of Damogran

Your scaly majesty,
Despite the Vitamin C, I had actually got a cold (my first of the winter though, which is good going) and was also a bit short of cash, so I skipped the bowling and just went along for the drink in the evening. It was a great evening full of lively chat, and I will never forget the introductions. You know how when you join a gathering like that, someone always points to everyone else in turn and goes "this is Phil, this is Sue, this is Mike..." or whatever? It's a bit more fun when it's "this is Towel Master, this is Psyduck, this is The Grim Squeaker..." etc! As for the "old git" factor, I'd say that there were around 20 people there when I arrived and that they were divided roughly evenly between student types and us seniors. One of the youngsters actually said to me that he was enjoying the evening because he didn't usually get to talk to many older people! Cheeky young git - but he's the one with the acne...
Photos were being taken and will doubtless be posted somewhere soon.
And I must say that Peta was both very charming and very generous with her expense account. As she left I shouted after her "So long, and thanks for all the beers"!

Thank you for sharing your party experience. I would have loved so to be there.

On the other hand, it might be somewhat disillusioning to actually meet people you have formed an opinion of. I would hate to have a charming online image spoilt by some off chance comment in person. And that's the risk you take when you go to something like that.

It does appear that many of the Londoners do know each other, tho. So for them the danger is somewhat minimized. And hey, life is 'frought' with dangers.

And the comment about 'talking to older people'. LOL! How great that the gathering gave a chance for that to happen. And how nice that he could say it. [cheeky or not]

How nice to know that Peta is consistantly charming. I would have expected no less.

Looking forward to the pics. Will watch the main page for that.

her glorious majesty,
}:=8
The Dragon Queen of Damogran

Actually, I hadn't met any of the others face-to-face before, though as a result of the meeting I have discovered that Psyduck lives very near me. There were no unpleasant surprises - just amusing ones, like discovering the secret identity of The Grim Squeaker, who turns out to be someone who posts to h2g2 under several different guises. Dear little Grim has been one of my favourite creations on the site, so I was delighted when his creator promised to bring him back in the New Year!

Just to let you know, that Alice (my daughter, not Billy's cat) thinks that your name should be pronounced 'blood dragon'.

But 'The Blood Dragon Queen of Damogran' has a rather sinister ring to it.

Your obedient servant,
Tokes.

Alice the Cat thinks that "Blood Dragon" sounds scary, so she's gone under the covers...

Oh, dear me. Oh goodness gracious, me. Mercy goodness.
Being Queen brings such responsibility.

Perhaps you are misunderstanding her????

Is this a young child, perhaps with a charming childish lisp????

I am very sure that I am not a blood dragon. I AM blue, after all.

Tell Alice [the cat] to come out from under the covers.

the most kindly and friendly [not bloody]
Dragon Queen of Damogran
}:=8

(Alice [the cat] pokes head out, looks 'round, realizes that it's only her friend bluDragon {no blood] come for tea. Yawns, stretches, tries to scratch the rug [No, Alice.], comes out and says "hello.")

There, there, Alice [the cat].

[pets Alice gently]

C'mon Alice, curl up on my lap for a bit. It's cozy warm there. I am scaley, but they are quite soft and comfy scales.

--And I'll just put the crown over here on the table out of the way so as not to alarm anyone--

}:=8

Alice [the cat] is (like most cats) not bothered one way or another about crowns. She (like most cats) is well aware of and happy with her own place in the realm of things. We could learn a lot from cats.

(Alice purrs in agreement, then {not being much of a lap cat} curls up in a comfy spot against one of bluDragon's wings. Purrrrrrrrrrr.)

More tea...?

Let me see now ... ah! a clue ... that crown over there .. yes, i must be at BluD's house. I probably should have realised when I passed the two beefeaters (old fashioned guards, not the chain of mediocre restaurants with the same name).

I have been standing by my casting couch over at Godot's. Waiting.

*giggles* We used to make those (round tuits) and leave them lying in places where a need had been found.. you know.. On the piano after mum had said, "I'll dust that off when I get a round tuit."

(Though I have to say that I probably got more of them than anyone.. with the possible exception of Dad. )

*nodnoddles* ... I find that being on a 'normal' shift (up days, sleep nights) wears me down in no time at all, and no matter how hard I try, eventually I'll be up all night and falling asleep during whatever day things I'm supposed to be doing.

What I do find rather odd is other people's opinions on that.. I mean.. no one finds it strange if you work 'third shift' (or 'hoot owl shift' or 'graveyard shift' if you prefer) for an employer.. So why do they think it an aberration if you work those same hours for yourself?

Just never did understand that. *sigh*

Oh well.. I'll just go merrily along with the 'normal shift' on the other side of the world.

'Nonnie

*blinkblinks* "Your obediant servant" .. Hrm... Have you used that line before?

Hi Blu,
I have something rather distressing to tell you. My local pub regularly gets in "guest beers" - i.e some brews that aren't on the usual menu, but are on offer for a limited period. Last night, I'm sorry to say, I found them selling a guest beer called... "Dragon Slayer"!
I want you to know that I refused to touch the stuff, and considered demanding to see the manager so I could ask why he was threatening my friends in this fashion. On balance, though, I decided I'd rather not be locked up over the festive season.
Anyway, the good news is that the offensively-named beverage appeared to be a rather strong ale, so anyone who consumed a lot of it would probably be incapable of doing damage to any life-form other than themselves.

Yes, you have uncovered one of the dirty little secrets of greggil [human] life. And the reason that dragons are an endangered species, and why some of us actually go round disguised as greggils. Aaackkk!

I am very touched *sniff* by your reaction to the nasty brew. *chin quivers, sensitively* It is greggils such as yourself that make it all worth *sob* going on.

Of course, you are right *snigger* about the limited abilities of some of those who laughingly consider themselves to be *smirk* 'dragon slayers'. With or without the addition of strong ale. We are usually quite able to handle them. hehehehe...

royally yours,
blu
}:=8
the Dragon Queen of Damogren

PS howdja like my new title? neato, huh? The arrival of the crown on my homepage is expected momentarily.

It's a suitably majestic title. I am proud to be numbered among your loyal subjects, Ma'am. (Goes down on one knee, bows head, takes HRH's
wing-tip in hands and gently kisses it.)