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

Yeah, I saw the figure skating! (Albeit a day late, and also not at a point where I could get online ) She was great! When I heard that Michelle Kwan had gotten third place, I thought "is this another example of the problems in figure skating judging?", but when I finally got to see the performances, I'm *really* glad she won. That top three order turned out like I think it should have. It was great...

I'm afraid I've been socially isolated for about a week now! *sigh* I'm covered up in work. Not only here (at work) but at home too. I guess it's nice to know that I'm thought of in a fond light nowadays.. but I sure am tired!

I will try and email you guys when I have a breather.

Take care of you!

WINK

RL Sucks!

It'll get better. I promise. Make sure you get enough sleep; that seems to have a big effect on me.

Yes, we love you!



And I can't believe the Olympics are over!--so soon! *wondering*

You're not alone in working your brains out Wink. Both my best friends in RL are working two jobs. One of them, Rene is trying to get out of debt so that she can move out of her Mom's house and into a place of her own. And to get her computer fixed. I want her to fix it soon too, so that I can email her again. She and I went to see Dragonfly today and we had fun. Afterwards we got some Popeyes chicken, I love spicy food. I won a bet with Rene that David Morse was not in Titanic. Hee hee, she owes me $5 now. Don't let anyone give away the ending of Dragonfly if you decide to see it. It was a pretty good movie, but not something I want to see over and over again.

Speaking of movies (aren't I always?), I finally saw The Green Mile. I thought it was very good. I remembered that quote you mentioned Wink, about pieces of glass in the mind. I thought the villains in it did a fantastic job - talk about people you love to hate! Especially that guard named Percy. Oooh, he was pure evil. Not that Hanks and David Morse weren't good as the good guards. They just got upstaged a little. I liked the mouse, Mr. Jingles. I used to have two pet mice when I was in grade school. They were sweet and friendly, and would ride around on my shoulder. They loved Fruity Pebbles. I couldn't have mice now, my cat Micio would go crazy trying to get them. LOL (We need a mouse smiley) My sister was afraid Green Mile would bother me too much, but I knew it would be intense going into it, so it didn't really get to me too bad.

My sleep cycle has gotten more normal, we'll see if it stays that way. The only bad thing about being awake mostly during the day is that I can't tie up the phone lines very long, so I don't get nearly as much posted. I squeeze in what I can in the evening (after the folks go to bed). It's about eleven thirty now, and I'm feeling very fuzzy headed. Night y'all.

Thanks you two. I appreciate the support. Actually, I've been off to bed pretty early - sheer exhaustion, I think. One nice thing about the added responsibility is that, unlike the TV work I do, with print I can physically touch what I create. I can get a little more artistic with it. I like that. I think it will be a little tough working through the first few weeks.. getting into a rhythm. Once I have that down, I think it will smooth out and be fine.

I think I will go see 'Dragonfly'. It seems quite the departure from recent Costner films. I'm contemplating going to see 'Insomnia' as well. I'm curious to see if Robin Williams can really pull off the *bad guy* role. But in the past, I though of actors like Michael Keaton not playing serious roles from his comedic days an then he came out with 'Clean and Sober' and blew me away. So, you never know. I have a funny story about 'Green Mile'. They shot a lot of the opening and some of the prison sequences here in Nashville. A guy who used to work here as a show host got a part as an extra in the movie. And you can actually see him, if you pause the DVD and step it a few frames. In the opening sequence, where the prison workers are in the rock yard.. there is one guy wearing a straw hat and overalls without a shirt on, throwing rocks into a basket. He looks *straight* at the camera. That's our ex-host Kenny Marks. He used to go on-air during our electronics show and tell everyone that he was in 'The Green Mile' that it was *his* movie (never mind Hanks, or Morse, or anyone else in the film).. it was *his* movie. What a swelled-head he had! I really like that film. It was one of Stephen King's better stories... like 'Shawshank Redemption' and 'Stand by Me'.

Going to a hockey game tonight with my friend Steve. *NO* nothing has come of our relationship yet. Probably won't for some time. I'm still keeping patient and enjoying his company. That's all I can ask for right now any way. Glad to hear your sleep cycle is getting better, Ellen. I'm still going strong on the diet. Not sure of how much I've lost, but I got several comments yesterday that I was certainly losing weight and that's encouraging. Starting to exercise some now. Went for a long walk last night. It was so nice. Breezy, but mild. Today it is *cold*! *shivers* So I may not be walking outside again for a week or so. Doing mostly stretching and yoga type exercises. Got to firm up what I'm losing, eh?

oh, gotta run. Meeting time. I *hate* meetings. I will email you guys soon. Take care and love ya!


WINK

Got a breather and decided to jot a quick note to all my friends. It's been a flurry of snowflakes all afternoon. The temperature has certainly taken a nose-dive from yesterday's near 70 degrees! *brrrrr* It would be delightful to hear that the storm system has taken a turn and that we're going to get a few inches tonight! *ah* I *love* snow! It's so pretty. *blushes* We've gone over this before, haven't we? oops!

Bundle up and keep warm! Have some

WINK

Hi everyone!

I saw parts of the Green Mile about two years ago on television... But it happened to be the background to visiting with a friend I don't see too often... So I wasn't paying as much attention as I would have liked. It was good; the bit I *did* see made me want to ignore my friend and watch ... So I have to go rent that one sometime. It's interesting that you've brought it up... I'd forgottten about it.

It snowed for us yesterday and today it was still snowing when I woke up! It's light, but at least *there*. Very nice.

I hadn't heard about the movie "Insomnia." You got the jump on me there Wink! I went and looked up the preview, and it looks majorly creepy. Maybe too creepy for me. But it should be interesting, as you say, to see if Robin Williams can pull off a bad guy role. About the closest he's come to playing a bad guy was in "Dead Again" where he plays a shrink whose license was taken away.

No snow here. Tonight is supposed to be the brightest full moon of the year.

I like 'creepy' every once in a while. Gets my blood flowing! *jumps* Williams is a great actor. I'm sure he'll do well on this film, it will just be a shocking departure from his previous work. I thought the same thing a few years ago when Robert Downey, Jr. came out with 'In Dreams'. Did you see that one? He was the murderer in that film and *very* creepy. I was rather impressed with his work. But I find that Downey is an extremely versatile actor and can take on a lot of different roles. I just wish he'd get his RL in control. He's a wonderful talent and it's a shame his addictions keep him from really performing. I don't watch much music television, but I happened to be in a store and they played the video for Elton John's song "I Want Love" and in the video Robert Downey, Jr. is lip-synching the song. With the intensity of the lyrics and the vision of him along with them, it is a powerful video.

I am *so* glad that it is Friday. Work has been so very hectic. A friend of mine is leaving here and moving to Florida so we're having a little going-away party for him tonight. I'll probably go to that. Then I'll have my son for the weekend. Weather is supposed to be uncooperative, so we'll have to find indoor activites to keep us busy. Calling for snow again on Sunday. This last hit didn't stick around for more than a day, but it was so pretty seeing all the streets and grass covered in white. *ah* I miss talking to you two. Hope you haven't forgotten about me. I keep meaning to send each one of you an email, and then I get backed up and can't. I'm lucky to be able to post this message now. My BOSS just left for lunch and I figured I'd get in a little message while I could. Well.. looks as if I spoke too soon. Someone just walked in and I have to go. Please let me know how you are and what's up in your corner of the world. I promise I'll email soon.

Take care of you! (both)
and
WINK

I haven't forgotten you Wink, not at all! I look foward to your postings very much. Hope you have a good time with your son this weekend!

Yes, ditto!

Should I email you anyway and not expect a reply then? (Well, it's the weekend now...)


I watched the M*A*S*H movie (the first one) last night... Any interest here?

I saw M*A*S*H back in college, but I don't really remember it.

I went out to eat with my friend Sandie tonight, and tomorrow I'm going to a party at her friend's house, Mary. So I am little miss socialite this weekend. Sandie and I were headed to Outback Steakhouse, but when we got there it was closed. Had a big "For Lease" sign. Very dismaying to somebody as hungry as I was. To make matters worse, Sandie couldn't turn the heat on, because it was so cold and rainy that the windows kept fogging up. So I was freezing. My car doesn't fog up like that, so I am driving tomorrow night. LOL Well, we finally had a nice dinner at Grady's.

My kitty Micio says hello! She's keeping me company. Such a good kitty! She's my pride and joy. Dear Micio.

Poor JEllen....

*sniff*
I don't have a cat... I've got a bunny.. I don't think they would get along very well. A rabbit is nice, but not nearly as clean as a cat. Which means he doesn't spend much time on my bed or my lap, or anything like that...

I used to have a bunny Shee, but she wasn't very friendly at all. She hated to be petted or held. My kitty is just the opposite, thank goodness. She loves for me to pet her, and to scratch behind her ears and under her chin. She also likes to walk all over me. I'll be watching TV, and she'll climb up on my chest, and I have to watch through her ears.

Do any of you guys ever spend time in chatrooms? They're kind of fun, but they're also frustrating. I have a hard time sustaining any kind of conversation. It's not like h2g2 where you can look back at what you've said earlier, or think a while about what you want to say next. And some of the people are mean spirited, or just morons. I think h2g2 tends to attract very literate people, because they are people who want to contribute to the Guide. What do y'all think?

I spent some time in chatrooms when I first got on the internet some years ago and I have to say that the novelty wore off rather quickly. Although they did have their moments of entertainment, most times I ran into persons with small and dirty minds with no real contribution to a conversation or with the goal of making you feel rather uncomfortable with their overtly sexual rhetoric. Have you encountered that, Ellen? Seemed to me if you were a woman in the chatrooms, you'd be approached at least a dozen times with instant messages wanting to talk *dirty* in a private room. What a weird world we live in sometimes....

I agree with h2g2 attracting literate people. I've not met a person on here that didn't have something intelligent to say... even ones who haven't contributed guide entries. I spent a whole day, when I first got on here, and just *lurked* about in people's spaces - reading their entries and conversations - trying to get a handle on how to behave here... on what they were looking for. Most researchers here are very smart and are excellent writers.. even in their journals, they have a *lot* to say. I like that immensely.

WINK

Yes, I tend to agree... Although I've never spent any time in chatrooms... I've seen what goes on there, and I've heard from people like you and other friends, and it just isn't something that I want to spend my time on... Not when there's h2g2 right here, with people who are generally intelligent and well-spoken, willing to serve the same purpose for which I would use a chatroom, but doing it better. And with moderation. (Although the lack of foreign languages makes me still...)

I think that part of the reason is that which you mentioned, Ellen, and another part is that to survive on here, you have to be able to express yourself decently in writing. There is a following here; you don't just disappear when you log off and hide away. Other people can follow you around too, however that is... It is hard to get to know someone who doesn't type well here... I tend to write in no capitals to people that I know very well personally, because it is easier. But on h2g2, the only impression that people get of me is how I write, so I type with caps. --it gives a better impression of who I am. *gets the feeling she's talked about this before*

It's nice to find an intelligent community with chat capabilities that stretches to lots of nations and lots of subjects...

I would have to agree with both of your assessments. The chats can be fun from time to time (I like watching people get in fights LOL), but there's little substance to it. And I know what you mean Wink about every guy that doesn't want to spend money on a phone sex line, and thinks I can't wait to talk dirty to him.

I watched Purple Rose of Cairo tonight. It has some really funny lines, but the ending is so devastating. My favorite line is "I just met a wonderful new man. He's fictional, but you can't have everything." Jeff Daniels did such a good job in dual roles, as the guy who comes down off the screen, and the actor who portrays him. This movie makes me laugh at myself a bit, because I'm always mooning over Hollywood stars like the main character is.

I almost forgot - Congrats Shee on your Creatures article!

YES! Congratulations Shee!

WINK

I don't think I've seen this one.. although I like Jeff Daniels' acting abilities. He's rather surprising on screen. I'll have to check it out. Hey Ellen.. a lot of us are *star struck*. I find myself that way every once in a while.

Funny story to tell you guys. I finally had it with working too much and some friends decided I needed a night out last night. So we went out to have some food and good conversation. Turned out there was karaoke at the restaurant last night so it came down to where we all decided to get up a do a little tune. Well, all was okay at first... I got the crowd rolling with a rousing rendition of the Doors' *Roadhouse Blues* and my friend Trent sang Elton John's *Your Song*.. then it got ugly with my other pal Bryan singing a rather white-boy version of James Brown's *Sex Machine*. heh heh Then it was announced that they were having a contest. Winner would receive $35 and the admiration of the crowd. Well of course, the guys were *all* over it! But there's a catch... the DJ picks the song you sing! All I could think is *oh god*.. I'm going to have to sing some dorked up country song I have no earthly idea what the words would be! *yikes* But no.. my worse nightmare yet! *Ice Ice Baby* by Vanilla Ice! White girl can *not* rap! heh heh It was all fun and Trent ended up winning.. which was really good since we ran up a $138 tab! We're *so* bad! I had a chance to redeem myself, though, with *Bette Davis Eyes* by Kim Carnes and *Total Eclipse of the Heart* by Bonnie Tyler. *ah.. the 80s* I got a standing ovation on both tunes! It's amazing what a crowd full of drunks would enjoy listening to! heh heh

WINK