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

.
'Evening Bx4

I hope do you manage to go on the 'long sail' and enjoy the trip. Me I'm on another flying visit feeling well chuffed having got the modem to work via Linux! I feel like the command line King.

BSY

BTW I got the boat pictures to load at last - super vessel!

hi rg

linux: This is impressive. Keep it up it could be a new skill that you can add to your portfolio. Linux is quite big in some areas of the continent.

DB. Is much more disreputable looking than the one in the pictures, which seems to have been customise (all that teak flooring and stuff) and is much more gear laden. Where we sail there are few marinas where we can moor and DB is not without said gear really a two-handed boat

I hope we get a sail. I am quite taken with be away when the 'eschaton is immanetised' for the Today Board

Hi rg

I am in deep trouble. I let myself be diverted into winding up EOO and his gegner cronies and did not do much pricking out so tomorrow is visor down,

Apparently according to EOO, who I am convinced is incredibly stupid, possibly mad or the most obtuse man in the world, I have made many posts proclaiming my support for multiculturalism, and mass immigration as well as repeatedly calling him a fascist and a racist.

Strangely he can't find any posts to confirm any of this but persists nevertheless. I have never been a bogeyman before.
O_L will be proud

one or two people are recommending the Archers Bull Board as an alternative to the Today Board.

may the modem, the burner and the back all work well.

bsy

.
'Morning Bx4

Yes backs are precious. A few years ago I too went through months of sleeping on the floor. That said it wasn't all bad for I shared the room with the fire. Agreed the 'soldiering on' wasn't as clever an idea as getting myself checked out by the quack. But then again I would have had to endure extra car journeys to surgery and perhaps hospital which could have made things worse. The riding errors are a worry. I think there is an element of task shedding going on. Need to focus.

The Stingray laser tank you turned up was a dandy. Agreed it is not a mini tank. Like you I never watched all of Ewan and Charlie. The films were as much about the backup and camera crews as they were about our celebrity bikers. As a post script I caught an OCC programme where the NY based shiney spanner jugglers caught up with Ewan in London. The star was fashionably late for their meeting. I'll look out for the Ted Simon book. The reviews were good on Amazon.

The yawts circling the Alsters – could they have been in use training youngsters? It's just a thought as I'm sure one of the 'tall ships' was a training vessel based in Hamburg. The DAB thingy – does it use the iPod screen so you know which channel it's on? I do possess an iPod which I use when I go away. There is a sliding switch which can be used to randomise the 'song' playing order. Of modern technology; strangely we get a relatively good mobile phone signal though, as you know, live in a broadband black spot. It must be the masts…

I don't think I made clear that I 'gave up' smoking some ten years ago. I kept my pipe and tobacco and even know how to resurrect the latter in case I ever have the urge to go down memory lane. The trick is to steam the tobacco in a sieve for a few minutes before lightly filling the bowl in shallow layers tamping as you go. Getting wet – again this morning; car drivers don't appreciate that it's possible to get soaked in what to them is light mist. Perhaps I should have used the opportunity to treat some baccie behind the fly screen. As you say the cruiser brochure photos don't suggest that anyone's girlfriend is going to find herself in the drink. This is a million miles away from the 'carry craft' sailing of my youth.

I'm not sure when the MB will finally close. I removed the link a couple of days ago. No use crying about it. I'm sure we all had lives before mixing it with Gâr et al. 'We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on what’s currently in the news' Oh really. I remember the NHS thread that lasted for about eight posts before it was high jacked. I can't remember is 'hys' all pre-mod so as to prevent 'off piste' posts?

I'm not sure I agree that the EU is set to 'beat the nation state mindset'. I say this because one of the Government lines (as promoted in the HoL LTR debate) was that the new treaty makes nation states (national parliaments) more powerful. Like you I'm fairly sure there won't be a Euro referendum because Labour & LD peers voted down the amendment seeking to have it written into the LT enabling bill. Also I'll take issue about h2g2 – Brunel is the name of the directory whilst the server is BBC. Of the BBC they continue with Top Gear so as to deflect any criticism suggesting that they are the official cheerleader of Labour's Green Tax policy. Top Gear itself comes across as more of a children's programme than a motoring magazine. I agree we aren't quite the South East but I bet we have more cars on our roads than you. You've been lucky to miss our heavy rain or all those veggie seeds of yours would have drowned. I'm not clever enough for nail free joints to put back a shed roof. Maybe in a year or two…

Lots of flakturme stuff so I'm quite glad to be without the distraction of the TMB. In the evening I've been playing with my Linux set up whenever SO has put a soap on. I bet you're really enjoying being the bogey man on the TMB! Good luck with that. Thanks for the tip to go to The Bull. That will be a pint of Shires and there's my post. The back and burner were fine this morning thank you and let's hope it's a fair wind to Arran.

BSY

Morning rg just passing though

Fair wind for Arran: Not. Only 7kmh. At least it's cloudy. Might presage a change but the 5-day forecast is not promising:

http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/03026.html

Pricking out: I am in a state of grace I have not only reached my targets but exceeded them. (working far into the evening by the light of a couple of halogen floods.

However, you are mistaken in your belief that your rain would have prevented me from doing so. The polytunnel is dry and toasty.

bsy.

.
'Morning Bx4

I'm just passing through myself. You didn't mention that the seeds were for the Pollytunnel. They'll be nice and snug there.

The wind has been slight for days. One day soon I'll go out on RB and wonder why I'm being blown about having forgotten all about wind.

I'm sorry I couldn't get my head round your algebra on LTR. I'm too old and tired for all that. My fault; in hindsight I should have used a different approach in what became my XYZ post. Too late now - the shutters are coming down on the TMB.

BSY

Hi rg

just a quick pass

Weather report:Still no 'fair wind for Troy'. I may have to turn up an Iphigenia.

Nulabour: The fantasy continues: Just heard on the News. Six Labour MPs have written to the prime minister to say that rather than worrying about their declining core vote, instead New Labour should seek to reconnect with Middle England.

bsy

.
Morning Bx4

Sorry about the wind, hope things (literally) pick up. Your loss is my gain for riding RB feels like a computer game so precise is the steering. I've forgotten how to ride the winds.

There was something about New Labour on Today just now. My theory is that the lack of Tory policy is hurting the Government more than the opposition. Labour is much better at attack than defence. Mind you the opposition shouts for more cash for the poor should be bringing out the response of 'irresponsibility'. If elected will the first thing Cameron does is increase taxes? Labour is a long way from being chucked out. It's not Cameron they should worry about 'tis themselves. You won't be surprised I think they should stick to what they said they were going do.

I'm away to prepare for our guests. Hope to be back before six for end of TMB though not guaranteed to. Enjoy your weekend whether under sail or Polytunnel.

BSY

Hi rg just passing through.

Wind: None. We have pretty much abandoned the plan. The friends we were going to see on Arran are still wage slaves so arriving Sunday really not a good idea.

Loss/gain: Not so if I ride the boxer I create my own winds.

Policy: Possibly. Though it may eventually be problematic if you keep avoiding declaring any. People might notice

What they were going to do: Personally I were Skippy I would go for the kamikaze option. . Go for really radical left wing policies. If you are going to lose anyway why not?

Polytunnel: As I said I have met and massively exceeded my pricking out targets. The nurture is down to the SO. My job is simply to produce many exotic meals using the outputs.

End of TMB. I am not sure I'll bother. I was involved in an interesting exchange with psi on the Faith thread but we have just had an invasion of trolls.

Strange thing about their belied that they are witty is inversely proportinal to the actualit.

Finally convinced me that TMB is well past its by date

Have a good weekend
bsy

.
Hi Bx4

The guests have come and gone, just the tidying up to do. I guess Today must be glad to be rid of us (where we've been the guests). It is too bad about the DB trip being cancelled. I was looking forward to reading the mariner's tales. (Jumping to politics) I guess it's perfectly possible to start announcing policies three weeks before polling day. No one wants to listen to politicians anyway. What could be the result of a Kamikaze policy – surely not eighteen years in opposition? Actually I doubt this will happen.

It seems to me that you have drawn the short straw in vegetable production. Don't tell Bx4 SO though. Too bad about the 'invasion of the trolls'. You could simply ignore them? I agree poor old TMB has had its day. We should all enjoy the rest from it. Far better to go on a country walk; it's healthier too.

BSY

rg
Congratultions last word on a referendum thread

.
'Morning Bx4

Thanks! Ctoo beat me on the 'Labour and the Media' discussion so it was a score draw and three points on the coupon on the last day of the TMB.

Time for a country walk. Enjoy your day.

BSY

.
The Clegg on 5Live just said he wasn't in politics to be an annex to someone else's government. Mmm...

Morning rg
Catching up after last day on jousting with psi on faith thread

Riding Errors. Not being distracted by back pains? Not sure a burner run is the ideal treatment.

mini tank : The stingray is punted as a minitank. The Chinese one with a 'laser defense system' is a main battle.

Jupiter's Travels: I really enjoyed reading it almost as much as 'Zen and the Art of'. Very different kind of book, of course. I've got the Penguin version but I thought of punting for the new expanded version.

Circling yawtists. No it wasn't training. You wouldn't learn much going round it circles. I met one later (mexican wife in my German class). That's what they did. Suggested a trip down Elbe to sea for a bit of blue water. Freaked.

Tall ships: One is moored permanently here, the 'Rickmer Rickmers' which won one of the 'Tall Ship's' races.

http://flickr.com/photos/jmbgermany/2351079532/page2/

A museum, quite near the Landungsbrücken hub where I get the U-bahn

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2032926

At nearly 100m somewhat larger that DB

Carry craft: I learnt on a dodgy wooden 18-footer that I doubt if modern H&S would even allow in the water.

ipod thingy. I don't know as I don't own one but I don't thinks so. It seems to be a recharging station and speaker port.

I gather from your remark you can programme play lists

Masts. Your 'black spot' is a bit odd. The mast here carry both broadband and mobile. It must be technically possible in your area.

Gave up: Not entirely voluntary? I am not sure that 10 year old tobacco is that attractive even if re-steamed.

TMB. I find I mind less than I had, Thought. Weird that 'the premier speech channel' has no board dedicated to politics. HYS is no substitute.

Nation state: I think this may be spin. I don't think the power of the nation states are increased.

Of course the real issue is how we increase the power and accountability of the EU Parliament.

Brunel: It appears that Brunel is the name 'skin' see towards end of the wiki entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H2g2

Clarkson: I hear that Clarkson is in trouble for driving at excessive speeds on the highway. I hope they throw the book at him.

Traffic: Sure you are right our pop density is 9/km^2.

Rain: I hadn't realised how heavy the rain had been down your way. Reports of serious flooding to the south of you, Somerset & Devon.

bogeyman. I think the real bogeymen are in their heads

Flakturme days: Not the tekkies again.

The Bull: I am not sure the Archers boards are for me. I might start an anti Today campaign on Points of View'

the back: Glad that it keeps improving.

Morning rg

'mariner's tales': Being 'Stranded in the Doldrums' does not a tale make.

Policies: Agree. Policies don't feature much in modern politics. How could they.

Kamikaze: It may be the only alternative to continuing to compete on the middle ground. I think the NuLabour Project (Toryism with a human face') is past its sell by date'. I don't think it will happen either - Skippy is too risk averse.

Short straw: Indeed.

Country walks/TMB: Yes it is time to concentrate on other things.

rg
Clegg: Weird policy. The only was the LDs are going have power other than in coalition.
bsy

Ctoo beat me on the 'Labour and the Media' discussion so it was a score draw ....

Hi RG and BB4

Just dropping by, and following up on that earlier post on h2g2, I notice that HagenvanTronje - U3215277 - got in the last word on many a thread on TMB last night.

One of the silver linings of being placed on pre-moderation i suppose!!!

I will miss you all on TMB but retirement is prob the best idea - too many things to do which i have neglected , online chats are getting too addictive, so i will take a break for a few weeks at least (yes, its "visor down" time).

I notice Alice did get in a "holding" response regarding the last taboo - although i think your ultimately going to be disappointed in her ability to reply properly!

I couldnt resist putting a post up on Message Boards at the end of days, despite a strong "visor down" intent on friday afternoon!

Oh BTW we've just booked up a cottage in north Gloucestershire in october (on a very nice estate in the cotswolds) I will keep a look out for one of you whilst there!

Clear skies!



off for a

hi vj

Retirement if there was prize for most announced retirement....

I tkink quite a few of us are looking to forward to doing different things. I was trying to disengage any way. Only got sucked it by Delusion 2.

If I can only stay away from the religion boards.

miss: Yes I think many of us wll. Keep in touch. I still be lurking about here.

alice: I believe.


O_L has just signed up to h2g2. I think now that TMB is gone I might look at a bit closer at this board

Must

bsy

hi rg

just passing through but turned up tis and thought you might be interested.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article4027014.ece

must
bsy

.
Hi Bx4 (and VeeJay)

TMB - I took a short cut into LTR2 this afternoon and it was strange to see no reply buttons lit. I'm not too bothered by the riding errors as I've left the bike in the shed this weekend (boom, boom!). Seriously it's silly stuff like the U-turn just before parking. on a dead end road it's not important and if I had to retake my test I'd practice till I didn't get it wrong (or get the Chinese to develop one of their tank lasers into an auto pilot). I think the back issue does have something to do with it and that's why I'm walking up hill and down dale. I think it amazing to think that people sail ocean going yachts around the Alster? see. Then again to be honest my friends with the Merc have a motor cruiser that never ventures beyond the breakwater. The 100m 'Rickmer Rickmers' must be a monster. Our guests yesterday kept going on about the price of fuel (as if I could do something about it), I suggested they got a sail boat. Like you and the trainer 'eighteen footer' the 'carrycraft' would never pass muster so far as H&S is concerned.

I'm on Linux just now and can only run a limited version of the internet so cannot comment on your links (yet). Touch wood the system more stable which is fantastic. As best as I can tell - the trick was to disengage the screen saver! Before this it would freeze without apparent reason. Of technology yes the iPod can be programmed to play tracks (songs) in order, However my model (called the shuffle) has an issue with podcasts which play in reverse order for some reason. Why the masts here can't carry mobile and internet - I have no idea.

The giving up smoking bit was on medical advice. When the quack calls up my file a giant banner appears at the top "EX SMOKER". Tarred for life. There are places to post political stuff to on the BBC though this is via correspondent blog which is filtered. I guess that's the issue as a result of the TMB closing , unless we stepped out of line too often, we could all get our point across. I'll pass on the EU and Clarkson for now though I could try connect the two in terms of consequences for actions (or the lack of). One of the consequences of the recent wet weather was apparent on this afternoon's walk – numerous trees have fallen in the space of a week due to wash out. The Archers – Like you I can't see myself going to the Bull!

BSY

.
'Morning Bx4

On this morning's Today paper review it was reported that the Telegraph lead article suggested that Gordon Brown was unashamedly diverting money from 'rural projects' to 'Labour heartlands'. Whether true or not it appears to fit with your theory that Brown is gonna lose so he might as well be radical. Class War's the way to go. Not New Labour at all.

Clegg and the coalition - I agree this is the only way he's going to get into power for now. I suspect this is one of those 'say one thing before an election and do the opposite afterwards' moments. It's pure dog whistle from the 'real opposition'.

I caught part of Feedback last night and it was suggested that the TMB was going to be discussed on a future programme. I wonder whether overspend suggested in your Times article had anything to do with its closure?

BSY