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

When I went to the cinema to see 'Tenet' there were maybe 8 people in the screen (including us) and this was a Friday night, supposedly the cinema busy time. Showcase in town was good for social distancing. At first I wasn't sure how well it would work as I had my facemask on throughout the adverts and trailers and my glasses kept steaming up - but a sign before the film said that you had ot wear them when leaving the screen but during the film you didn't need to. The film was okay, not as good as his earlier films like 'Inception' or 'Intersteller' - lots of impressive spectacle but not enough character to make me feel I cared. Well, the main character was simply called 'Protagonist'.

Today's a day in which not much is working and I've not got full access to all the uni's systems, so it is a very long day.

Over the weekend it rained almost entirely without a break, though I did cycle to Winchester, which is still there. First time I've been there since ice-skating last December.

Hope you get well and through the course of antibiotics.

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Ah, that's good that the cinema was comfortable Not surprising that the sector is struggling, though, when they're that far below capacity even at busy times... That is fascinating that the protagonist's character wasn't developed enough to even provide them with a name - I see Awix noted that, too A87996316

Sorry the technology let you down today - I hope things go better tomorrow My boss sorted out the for me, so that was a relief.

The supermarket was very busy on Saturday, as if it were a bank holiday weekend. At times I felt as though I was going the wrong way down a one-way aisle, with so many trolleys moving towards me. There was no panic buying in evidence, though, so that was OK.

Glad Winchester is still there, and I hope you managed to dry off quite quickly after your cycle ride I was very lucky yesterday that the weather was dry with no wind, which was the opposite of the forecast, so it was perfect birdwatching weather. Burton Mere had fully reopened, but was not busy, so I had the hides to myself - very refreshing

Ah! So people are spending their time in supermarkets instead of cinemas! It must be because of the excitment that this time of year generates when the aisles are filled with both Halloween and Christmas stock.

Still not got the VPN working today, which was frustrating. I also had a team meeting without any sound, which I gave up on after 15 minutes of watching people and not knowing what they were saying.

I've got back from having a Covid test, which tickled, and there was a over the Covid centre. Been very changeable weather today - bright and sunny and dark and wet and windy and back within 20 minutes. Good you managed to enjoy perfect birdwatching weather at Burton Mere and had the hides to yourself.

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Ah! That explains it indeed

Oh no, that isn't good that the technology is still not working for you Sorry I can't help other than to send more I hope it isn't that your IP address has changed again...

Glad the test was not too bad. Lovely about the rainbow Yes, changeable weather here as well. Burton Mere was in its own microclimate on Sunday - my colleagues who live a few miles away had rain all day as forecast! It's currently torrential rain here, but it was sunny when I went out for my afternoon 'commute', so that was good. I got a bit wet yesterday, though - my waterproof coat is disintegrating so I'll have to try to find a new one somewhere... I can wear my winter coat in the meantime, though, as the weather is colder now.

I've now finished the course of antibiotics, so I enjoyed a proper cup of tea this afternoon without having to drink it quickly to fit in with the schedule

Hopefully our IT team will get back to me one day - it is frustrating not being able to do everything when times are busy.

Predictably, now that we're stuck indoors it is bright and sunny here I've been wearing the coat I bought an October or two ago for the & event lately when doing the school run, but it isn't suitable for exercising in. When running in the rain I wear my dinosaur hat, though in a month or so I may have to start wearing running gloves. Hands are the one thing that don't warm up when running in winter, I find. I'll also need new cycle gloves too - I've been wearing my winter ones all year because they have fingers.

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Gah, that is annoying that the IT team aren't able to be faster fixing such a fundamental problem... Good luck with it all

That is typical about the weather! I hope you at least managed to enjoy the solar warmth indoors - I certainly did in the sunny spells between showers.

Yes, I can imagine your hands stay cooler in winter as they are more exposed to the elements even when your body warms up with the running. What are running gloves? Warm but thin compared with padded cycling gloves? Glad the dinosaur hat works well for running in the rain and glad your coat is still going strong

Not easy to find a coat just by looking online, as the pictures aren't the clearest, but I have ordered one in the same brand as my disintegrating coat - it is free postage for returns, so that's helpful in case it doesn't fit right. Online shopping was easier than trawling the shops, though, as it was quicker to find coats that met my criteria of being waterproof and having at least two zippable pockets, a storm flap and a hood

Running gloves are generally lightweight and thinner than cycling gloves, but made of a smoother material - not sure exactly what. They keep my hands warm, that's the important thing. And there are base layers for keeping chest and arms warm - no chance for warm legs, though, as the choice is either shorts or the dreaded running tights. No one likes running tights. Women runners get all sorts of colourful leggings to choose from, and blokes get black running tights or tracksuit trousers, neither's particularly ideal.

Computer access still down and not heard a sausage from our IT department...

Tomorrow is getting worryingly close.

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Ah - that's good that running gloves are warm but also lightweight. What is the difference between leggings and running tights? Are there equivalents for cycling that could be adapted? So-called jogging trousers are good for birdwatching as they are warm and soft for sitting in, but I can imagine they're not the best for actually running in as they're not exactly streamlined.

That is frustrating that your IT issues are continuing and there's no sign of when it might be fixed Hopefully everything will be back up and running for you on Monday

All the best to your daughter

Running tights are, as the name suggests, tight - designed for maximum compression to improve circulation and aid muscles by removing metabolic waste such as lactic acid. They're not at all comfortable particularly higher up and look ridiculous... But if you're running numerous miles you're not going to look at your best when soaked in sweat and exhaustion anyway... Cycle clothing, well the decent stuff, has a lot of padding where the saddle would be, which wouldn't be an advantage when running long distances.

Today has been an exhausting day, with my daughter's operation. I'll tell you about it next week. I'm now listening to The Hunting of the Snark as part of the online Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

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Ah, that's interesting about compression to aid muscles. The tights I am acquainted with from my youth would be called baggies in comparison

Glad you managed to get through the day

Glad you found some good things at the online festival

I see Floating Bridge No 6 has been given a Boost! http://onthewight.com/isle-of-wight-can-depress-fans-cook-up-some-sweet-puns/

Ah Friday - the first hour was very difficult as she did not want to have an operation and really was crying out that she was fine and wanted to go home, so the medical team there decided to drug her and told her medicine was 'calpol' when it was actually a sedative, and she calmed down after that. I do feel guilty about lying to her about it, but it was the only way she would have allowed the operation and she was quite sleepy when she went it - and hasn't mentioned being sedated since. I don't think she remembers it.

So the operation seems to have been a complete success, we went in to hospital at 7:30am and came out before 4pm. Once she woke up again - roughly around 11am - she was very drowsy but happy and hungry, and now she still has some pain, but hopefully it'll all recover shortly.

As we left the hospital we saw the Banksy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52556544
I must admit I was cruel and asked her to pose next to it for a photo I'll probably put on by the end of the week. (No, I didn't take my camera to hospital but we had taken Lucy's tablet which has a camera)

If they weren't planning on auctioning it off at some point I thought as we're unlikely to ever see it again it seemed a pity to miss the opportunity, even under the circumstances. I'm hoping the thought that she's seen a Banksy will last a lot longer than the pain and discomfort. Maybe?

On Saturday I went to the Island for the (cancelled) & with two of the pubs in my hometown holding a mini Festival - including Boojum which is celebrating it's 1st Anniversary. It opened in October for the Beer & Buses, closed for a proper refurbishment, reopened properly the end of February just in time for lockdown... Down

How was your weekend?

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Glad all went as well as possible and the recovery should go well - that was a bonus about the Banksy!

Glad you got to do some as it is that time of year. A challenging start for Boojum, but good that it is able to celebrate its 1st Anniversary

I had a good weekend. The supermarket wasn't too busy on Saturday and I managed to get everything I needed, although a few shelves were low on stock. Luckily my new coat arrived and fit well - it passed the test of being windproof and waterproof so the bad weather didn't bother me. The weather on Sunday was very pleasant so I enjoyed going to a craft fair and a bird sanctuary in the grounds of the local garden centre, which was something different

I hope your technology managed to behave today - it was my turn to be locked out of the VPN, but the IT team managed to sort it out within 3 hours so that was fine.

I saw a classic , there was one opposite the Boojum & Snark, but I didn't get a ride. Mind you, I did get a free ride on the Islandline trains (the guards aren't allowed to ask people for tickets due to Covid restrictions) which are 82 years old and due to be retired in March. So possibly the last chance I have to travel on them before the brand-new 42-year-old trains. Hmm - I really should get round to writing about them. Mind you, I've been concentrating on drawing rather than h2g2 entries.

Which reminds me, someone actually bought a copy of 'The Nativities are Restless' - it wasn't you, was it? That brings the total sold up to 1. Before my next book I'm going to do my old original running ones in a just because I have realised it is easier for me to find what I've drawn if they're in books than notepads. If others buy a copy that's a bonus. And I have you to thank for that

Glad to hear you managed to get to go to a craft fair and bird sanctuary - is your area affected too much by the new restrictions? Did you get to have your new coat on Sunday if it was pleasant - have you jinxed us into having nice weather?

Talking of jinxes, VPN seems to be working this week but it probably won't now...

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Glad you got to ride the trains before they retire - I heard the news about the new trains, and didn't know they were 42!

Yes, it was me that bought The Nativities are Restless My pleasure re self-publishing - it is excellent to have proper bound copies of manuscripts, and a bonus if other people buy a copy indeed

My new wheelchair arrived today It's like getting a new pair of shoes when the old ones were disintegrating - it feels very strange. There are a few bits that still need to be properly aligned in the next few days, but it is much more comfortable to sit in at the computer, so that's a good start

I'm not sure what's going on with the new restrictions, but I'll check them out at the weekend before supermarket shopping. The weather on Sunday was bright, but not very warm, so my coat came in handy again I was outside this evening watching again so I definitely appreciate the coat's windproofness

Glad the technology has been OK so far this week I've been busy with meetings - in physical meetings it is sometimes difficult to juggle a pile of printed papers, and I found the same is true when the papers are electronic

Aha! It was you! I had wondered, but someone bought a copy of on the same day and I know you said you didn't need to, so that confused me a little. Has it arrived?

Is it feeling less strange now? Is it a case were it may take a while to settle in, and some days it'll feel normal but the next day goes back to feeling weird if you're just at a different angle... Particularly if there's lots to align and extra adjusting. What is the strangest change? Does width changes stick out more than, say, wheelsize or height? Is the cushion extra bouncy? Are you keeping the old one as a spare?

with all the meetings - I survived todays and everything was working again. I still unplug the second monitor to go to the lounge to get away from the desk when in meetings just for the variation.

Take care

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I received notification that the book was posted yesterday, so it should arrive soon

The wheelchair is still good to sit in at work, so that's something. The wheels are the same size, the height is the same and the cushion is the same. The width change is good, as it is an inch narrower so it fits better. The major issue is that the front wheels are out of alignment, so the wheelchair moves like a wonky shopping trolley at the moment, but that is fixable (one of those times I really miss dad - he could have fixed it in minutes, but I couldn't do it although I have been able to realign the backrest myself). The strangest change is that the brakes are below my knees rather than by my hips, so putting the brakes on and off is like Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes I've made enquiries to see if there are any other options, so we shall see, but I'm getting used to things like locking the footrests into position as those things help to keep the chair solid rather than wobbly like the old one was.

The old wheelchair is very decrepit even though it is only 4 years old, but I do have another wheelchair as a spare, so that's reassuring

Good idea to move around at work when you can Glad things were working. My meetings today went well as there weren't too many papers (I can manage 3 or so in the menu bar, but 11 was too much for my computer to cope with so I lost a few )

Thank you And you take care

Does seem an odd choice to have brakes there rather than closer to hand - so if you are in a situation where you may need to brake urgently, you have to shift your position to your knees? I imagine that that arrangement must suit some, though...

We've found out that following last year, when we had to rewrite every course as part of the Curriculum Review process and having rewritten many of the rewrites over the summer as part of the Transformation Academy process to make the rewritten courses Covid-compliant the new VC wants us to rewrite the rewritten rewrites as part of her new Future Ready process This means that no-one actually knows what versions of the courses they are supposed to be teaching or what students who have to do retakes are supposed to be on.

At nammet time today I managed to get to a country park for a half hour meet up with a work friend.

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Yes, that's a good point about needing brakes close to hand. I think the idea was that the low brakes are out of the way for people who transfer into the wheelchair from the side. However, the wheelchair supplier chap found some different brakes - a compact shape so they're still not in the way, but they sit within easy reach - and fitted them today

I found out why I couldn't fix the front wheels myself - there is a tiny screw that wasn't mentioned in the user manual, but once it was undone the wheel could be aligned. More work is needed to get the wheels to stay aligned, but they are better than they were. I practised lifting the wheelchair into the car, and it is much lighter than the old one, so that's good. The chair is definitely feeling less strange now

That is disappointing that you're having to rewrite the rewritten rewrites... Good luck with it all... I had an epic afternoon today, as a colleague asked me to help with task X that would have taken half an hour, but I somehow got roped into helping with task Y instead, and that took two and a half hours Satisfying to get it done, anyway.

Glad you got to have a catch up with a colleague I hope you have a good weekend. I've got a plan for supermarket shopping, and then I'll see what else I get up to.

Aha! I can see why if you want to 'park' the chair so it doesn't roll away while sliding in side to side having the brake out of the way is useful, but if you want an active brake it wouldn't be. I suppose it depends on what you are using your brakes for most.

But lightweight is definitely a plus.

Have you been doing any more X, Y or Zs?

Have the wheels moved into alignment better now?

It is indeed disappointing that we'll have to re-write the rewritten rewrites - the full rewriting process took 16 months and has only just ended (and we're dealing with the fall out as didn't think about contract law implications of changing every course, how it affects part-time students or suspended/repeat students). Having re-written to simplify every course I'm not sure what they want to do now unless they hope to merge or otherwise reduce the number of courses?

I've been spending a frustrating amount of time angry at Adobe Acrobat to accept my pdf for 'Running Commentary'. Lulu wants all documents as pdfs with embedded text, but I can't get Adobe Acrobat to embed text by printing to pdf, it is obsessed with uselessly printing to postscript instead and postscript files are blank.
It worked last week so I don't know what's changed, unless it is connected with the uni removing everyone's Adobe creative cloud licence (which means I've lost Photoshop, which is annoying as it means I can't easily resize pictures for h2g2)...? Can't think how that would make a difference as I can still convert things to pdf, I just can't then print them to pdf to embed text.

In puppet club yesterday we learnt about the power of prayer and what a difference it makes....
In that we learnt that under the current rules we would be able to do a basic Christmas puppet show - but an incredibly basic one. So whereas last year I used about 16 different puppets during the show, this year we would only be able to use one each, and we would have to stand still in isolated bubbles for each family group 2m away from other puppeteers. We would also be able to use the church hall, but under current rules we'd only be allowed an audience of 6 UNLESS the show takes less than 30 minutes and has a prayer at the start and a prayer at the end and contains a message about Christmas, in which case it can be classed as a Church Service and 75 people are allowed in

So we can do a show as things stand, but it'll be a bit of a step down after last year's performance.

Hope the shopping in the resource setting went well.

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Yes, I definitely appreciate the brakes being close at hand, and I do front transfer rather than side transfer, so they don't bother me if they stick up a bit, but these new brakes are excellent. I worked out how to fix the front wheels, too - the tiny screw controls a spring that keeps everything aligned I have another problem now, though, that there is a metal pin that fits into a plastic socket to hold the front footplates on, and the metal has chewed up the plastic already, but I'm liaising with the manufacturer about that.

I'll be doing X on Thursday. Yesterday my boss found another so that took some dealing with, but we have a plan. The rewrite of the rewritten rewrites is a task and a half for you, to say the least - that's not good that you're having to deal with contract law issues as well Good luck with it all

Aargh - that is frustrating about the dreaded non-embedded fonts. They plagued me as well, and I can't remember how I fixed it, but it took a while of trying everything, so I sympathise Extra strange that it worked last week, though, as your template should be fine I wonder if there has been some sort of update - I couldn't print to pdf today myself, but it suddenly worked after I opened Adobe and checked my account details. Sorry you've lost Creative Cloud - that is a very useful set of tools. I have to admit I haven't yet managed to find out how to resize photos in Photoshop, so I have to open Paint and use their Resize option - change to pixels and then select 600 or 400 etc

Wow, that is a logistical exercise about the puppet show The power of prayer indeed

Yes, some of the shelves in the less-local supermarket were worryingly sparse, but I got what I needed, and got a pile of Lego cards as well. I had a good time at Burton Mere at the weekend, too - always a pleasure to see a Water Rail rather than a rail replacement moorhen. I'm also having great fun with The Joy of Painting A88002641 - I found it on BBC Four, and just happened to remember where I put my box of acrylic paints, so I've been learning new techniques as well as enjoying the ASMR The cardboard envelope your book was sent to me in has been turned into pieces of canvas!