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

Thanks Willem, it will be interesting to read more about this. So is this tribe what I used to know as the Bushmen of the Kalahari?

Hey Sorrel! Yes, they are sometimes called the 'Bushmen' and they live in the Kalahari. I would rather call them a 'people' than a 'tribe' ... or an 'ethnicity' ... difficult to know what term to use. But anyways, they are the remnants of a huge ethnic group that used to live all over Africa ... perhaps even initially coming from as far away as the Sahara Desert (which is in North Africa, while the Kalahari is in South Africa many thousands of miles away). But anyways, a few hundred years ago, the Khoi-San were mainly confined to Southern Africa. As an ethnic group, they differ from other African peoples by being rather smaller of build, and lighter-skinned ... sometimes a 'yellowish' colour rather than the dark-brown of other Africans ... and their distinctive culture and language. The language is very different from other African languages, but interestingly, many other local African language also incorporate some of the 'clicking' sounds and I'm sure this is a Khoi-San influence. However the clicks are very much more intricately developed in the Khoi-San languages than in any other African language.

Well in the past three hundred years or so the Khoi-San have been decimated in Southern Africa. They have been 'pushed out' of many of their lands either by other African groups, or by European colonists, and by now the Kalahari Desert is their last 'stronghold'.

***s I love K's company, it's nice to have an evening or two to catch up on hootooing and/or reading! magic (How nice to have someone around who understands that a person has needs that the S.O. can't fill all alone, and that even long-distance friendships are very valuable and life-affirming and necessary!)***

says it all, combination of sulking viking and lack of own personal computer right now means i can't post as much as i wish BUT wish you and k all the best.

PS: guess where the name penguin killer came from?

zdt

Another thing about the Khoi-San: Traditionally they have chewed the leaves of a particular desert plant to stave off hunger in times of famine. Pharmaceutical countries have latched onto the potential of this for a new anti-obesity drug, and the Khoi-San have managed to secure a deal for Intellectual Property Rights. http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianweekly/outlook/story/0,,1383777,00.html

I'd written a nice long posting during a slow spell at work this afternoon, then accidentally hit the "back" button on my browser instead of the "post" button. Maybe things weren't as slow as I thought...

Anyway, interesting stuff here from Edward and Willem- thank you both!

I'll give a brief synopsis of my weekend here, then toddle off to see what everyone else's been up to.

Let's see, Friday night K swung by and got me after practice, then we went straight to his place and to bed. Saturday we had lunch out, went to the record shop he used to manage and picked up a volume 2 DVD set of "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" and a reissue CD of Naked Raygun's "Basement Screams" for me and a vinyl copy of "Radio Tokyo Tapes" for K. We met K's friend T and his girlfriend for dinner, then hung out at her condo for drinks and watched "Joe". I really enjoyed that film!

Yesterday we went to bowling, and K's folks weren't back from Connecticut yet (they'd been visiting his sister and brother-in-law, who had their second child, a boy, two weeks ago) so we went to his grandparents' place for dinner and some card games.

K had an interview today, has the one for the job we REALLY both want him to get tomorrow, and has another next Monday. Next Friday is the last day the plant will be open, so keep the wishes and coming. K has asked me to thank you all for the thoughts and for caring that he finds good work. He certainly appreciates what good friends you lot have been to me.

That's about it. I'm hoping to get some resumes sent out, then I have some bills to pay online, then maybe I'll have time to read. I'll let you know once I hear from K how today's interview went. Off now to catch up on the weekend's postings.

Facinating stuff about the Khoi-san people. Good to know they'll be rewarded for their knowledge of a natural remedy
PC, I didn't get to make the chowder. I got all the ingredients but can't get butternut squash. I guess it's out of season.
Do let us know how K's interview went.

How weird that butternut squash is out of season... it's a winter staple here. I wish I could send you one, they're buy one get one right now!!

I will let you all know how the interview went as soon as I hear from him... he's supposed to leave for band practice in 20 minutes, Maybe I ought to call him?

He hasn't gotten home as of yet. Will keep you posted.

Meanwhile... it's been a week since we chatted last, Meg. How's things? Don't get to see you all that often, so I'm glad for the chance when I do.

Have just heard from him now. While tomorrow's position is still abit more preferable... he feels today's interview went VERY well. It's with a company downtown, doing customer service and purchasing, etc., for a small company that manufactures and distributes agricultural supplies. It sounds promising, indeed! (He had to stop back at the office to pick up his car, and called me from there. How sweet. )

So, thank you for all the wishes once again. Once he's got something set up, we can worry about me finding something *better*.

I'm trying to figure out how I'll last the next two hours with only three cigarettes. Considering it's well below zero with the wind chill just now, I'm not terribly inclined as of yet to venture out for more.

Good to hear the interview went well. Hope tomorrow's goes even better.
Perhaps the shops had just sold out of squash. I'll use the veggies up in a lasagne later this week. cooked a lovely paella tonight with just a little too much cayenne pepper. It was fine for beloved and I but the children drank a pint of water each during the meal
I understand about the ciggies. I don't smoke much, but what I do smoke is essential.

Well, if you do try it, I'd love to hear how you like it. Lasagna sounds awesome, too. And I've never tried paella yet, not from scratch. Good recipes would be much appreciated, I love the stuff, and have a bag of mixed seafood (shrimp, cuttlesfish, etc) in the freezer just begging to be put into a tasty dish.

I like spicy food a lot! K likes it too, but it disagrees with him sometimes. When I order vindaloo and the waiter asks how spicy I want it, my standard answer is "make me cry".

Great K had a good interview!
Maybe the next is even better.

Best of luck to you both.

Have not tried the soup yet but I'll let you know when I do PC.
********
Happy upcoming 1st marriage anniversary to Mad Meg
*********
Interesting reading Willems posts as always
*********
My new home spaces are painted and the lights are up.
Getting closer to being finished
I am really happy with the results.

Abbi, I am thrilled that your remodeling (understaement) is drawing near completion and that you are pleased with the results! That's awesome! What's your bathroom like, now?

Thanks for the lucky thoughts. It helps a lot having people who care in your corner!!

Mad Meg has her anniversary next month, and Vix's birthday is coming up. Two very special days coming up very soon!

I need to think of something else interesting to cook soon. I bought a jar of Tandoori Masala spices this weekend, has anyone any ideas what I can make Tandoori style that's meatless? It was kind of an impulse purchase. I also got some good Pakistani chili powder. The Mexican stuff I got last time isn't spicy enough.

Hi Abbi
great to hear you're happy with the work being done. The end is in sight yippee!
P.C. I don't use recipes on the whole. I usually make it up from what is on special offer and what needs using up from the fridge. I'm only planning the lasagne because I have to use aubergines before they get softer.
This paella was
1/fry onion garlic and red pepper,
2/add long grain rice and fry for 1-2 mins
3/add liquid - chopped tinned tomatoes, stock, wine if liked to cover the ingredients.
4/season to taste with salt,pepper and cayenne(I used 1tsp).
5/bring to boil and simmer for 15mins (until rice is cooked).
6/in the last 5 mins cooking time throw in the thawed seafood.
yummy
sorry no weights or accurate timings

No worries about timing or anything, I don't use recipes either, per se. When I post them here my measures and times are guesstimates at best. I do a lot of the same: using what's in the fridge up. I also will wander into the grocery store and wander about, wondering "what can I do with that eggplant (aubergines are eggplants, I think?)/squash/bag of scallops/etc. at home?" I find that those two techniques have been most effective at producing mouthwatering dishes.

But now I have an *idea* how to whip up a paella, thanks!!

Isn't it thrilling that the work on Abbi's house is nearly complete at last?!

Hi y'all! *waves*

Enjoyed seeing Leo win a Golden Globe yesterday. Whoo-hoo! And fun seeing Robin Williams get an honorary Oscar.

Good luck to K in his interviews!

JEllen

Hi JEllen!! Good to see you!

Thank you, too, for the good luck. I'm sure all of these wonderful wishes are going to pay off!

What fun you must've had watching Leo win his award!

Yes, indeed, love seeing Leo win!

I'm getting ready to have a nice long soak in a hot tub complete with candles and bubblebath.

Have a nice bath, JEllen! I think you've earned it, after the events of the past few weeks. Relax and enjoy your soak. I'd have one myself (thought of it a bit earlier), but my hot water tank's out again.

I'm heading off to bed very soon, within the next half hour or so. I've got all my candles lit and am listening to the Mekons CD K gave me for Xmas, and I'm ready to snuggle in. You lot have a lovely night now, and a good day tomorrow, and I'll check in again when I can. I'm doing a movie night tomorrow AND Wednesday- what a treat!- so will likely just peek in from work if I get a chance. Perhaps I can chat a bit more Thursday evening.

Nighty night, all.

PS- JEllen, I did get and read your email. I didn't reply because I wasn't sure what to say. Sometimes there isn't anything *to* say. Just know I know what's going on, I care, and I'm praying for you all.

Let me know if you'd like a chat again sometime soon, and we'll arrange a good day and time.