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

The last of my entries on tables has been published as part of the Edited Guide. I'm very glad to have that done.

Now, I *could* write a column to The Post about my experience. I might or might not include some updated statistics on h2g2's progress along with a abbreviated overview of how things have changed since I last wrote.

But honestly, I'm not sure when I'd have the time to do it. The holiday rush is upon me, and I already have little to no time to spare.

Ah, well. Things will get done as they get done. Or not.

Oh boy, Frag, I'm glad it's done too. Maybe now the editors will have some time for the rest of us.


[Please, I'm just kidding!]
[Ow! Don't hit!]

What are you trying to imply, FordsTowel?

I'm sure you're quite right!

When I started the whole business, I didn't realize it would become standard for h2g2 to feature only three entries a day. I thought all three of mine could be put out in a single day, while leaving some room for someone else to have a say also.

Oops!

It was all worthwhile, Fragilis.

I, too, was surprised at how involved your 'simple' project became. And I admire and respect your results. It was a marvelous serious of entries and an unexpectedly convoluted subject.

Congrats, once again. I look forward to your future entries with fond anticipation.



PS: Also glad you have a sense of humour.

Thanks, FordsTowel. I always love getting kind feedback like yours. And hey, it was fun.

Actually, I have a request to finish an old abandoned entry on sci-fi author Isaac Asimov next. I guess I'll be pulling his autobiography down from my bookshelf after the Christmas holiday ends.

Frag, it certainly sounds good to me. There may not be a lot to add to what's out there, but I'll be interested to see your treatment of him.

He's still a long-time favorite of mine; partly for his sci-fi, partly for his essays, and a significant left-over chunk for the 'Black Widowers' mysteries. (I even sorta enjoyed his book of limericks and his 'Sensuous Dirty Old Man' book.)

Will you be going back before the 'Lucky Starr' series?

Yeah. One thing I really should do is list some internet resources about Asimov. For one thing, his Bibliography is much too large to print as part of an Edited Guide Entry. I'd rather forward people to a complete list.

I intend to go through his autobiography 'I, Asimov' for additional material. Then I'll fill in what needs to be done. There simply won't be the space to include everything I'd like to, but it should be possible to give a good broad overview of the man and his works.

Merry Christmas Frag!

I just finished my series, too. I was able to limit the entire 'A Guide to Woodworking Tools and Terms' to just one entry.

As I'm sure you came to realize with 'Tables', this is not an easy task even with mundane subjects. I had to strenuously and assiduously avoid all of the painful and in-dept research you did with your series. In fact, I had to work rather hard at just forgetting those things that I might have known on the subject.

But, it seems as complete as needs be, and I'll never have to worry about whether it becomes an EG this time.



Hope the day is fantastic for you and yours.

Ha ha! I really enjoyed your guide to Woodworking Tools and Terms, FordsTowel. Would you mind if I recommended it to the UnderGuide people?

Happy Tuesday, Fragilis.

I'd be happy and honored to have my piece recommended, as long as the caveat stays pretty much in place. It wouldn't do to have people embarrassing themselves by using these terms as described.

I hope your holidays were bright and cheery. Have fun on your next topic.

Your 'Tables' experience has saved me again, Frag!

Those 'simple' pieces, like your series, can create quite a trap!!

I was just finishing up (I hope) what was to be a quick little table of common melting points - just a helpful little list - and got to thinking about the woodworking piece again.

I thought, 'perhaps a series describing real woodworking joinery would be a good piece'. I thought I'd playfully title it 'Joints I Have Known', but before long I realized that I was opening up a slightly different brand of canned worms than that of your 'Tables' series.

Why I'd have to write about physiological joints, drinking joints, mechanical joints, drug use, and who knows when I'd get to carpentry!!!

Thanks again for having shared your experiences. You helped me dodge a bullet.

Oh, dear. FordsTowel, you're being swept up in the chaos! I hope you enjoy a good rrriiiiIIIIIIiiiiiidddeeee.

I wonder how h2g2 would handle the topic of drug use under the header, 'Joints I Have Known.' Anyway, it's a great idea. I wish I had the energy to pop in and read your progress so far, but I don't have the energy to do everything I need to for my own sake right now.

All the same, I wanted to respond to wish you luck and let you know that I'll hopefully get back to you before too long. Take care.

HEY! I'M ON FIRE!!

Well, not real fire; it's a metaphor.
I just had my third article in as many weeks hit the Front Page. What do I do for an encore??

First the woodworking bit, then the Inherit the Stars entry, and now my piece on Burning Mouth Syndrome!!



There it goes! My head is officially to enlarged to navigate the doorway.

I had to go give that one a read, as I hadn't seen it yet. What an interesting condition! I can't imagine how difficult it must be to live with it.

I especially liked your honest admittance that the 'treatments' for burning mouth may be psychological in nature. Well done.

Kind words, and very appreciated.

BTW, had you heard that Zarquon, of the singing fish, is taking the Queen Mary to New York? She intends to wave to you from the Empire State Building, but you'll probably have to tell her in what direction she should aim the wave.

You're very welcome.

And no, I hadn't heard that about Zarquon. I'll drop by and say a word or two.