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

Another change in the norm!!

My previous journal entries have been generally quite introspective and thoughtful.

This time, however, it's different, I am asking for information on the Autogyro. I am currently helping to create a section on 360 on the Autogyro, in conjunction with Barry Jones's attempt to fly all the way round the world in an autogyro.

So, anyone reading this who knows anything about autogyros, or has written an entry on them to please drop a note or a link, so I can gather information.

Thank ye very much

FwT

Hi dear friend,

this really is a coincidence!! I saw the first autogyro flying in 1933 at an air show at Le Touquet in France. I believe that it was flown by it's inventor Sikorski. I have written about it somewhere, but really as I was five at the time I only remember being amazed at this extraordinary craft going straight up in the air. Incidentally Mermoz the famous French aviator also flew at this Show. My father was a great amateur pilot and held pilot's licence no 100 in South Africa. He was French and the French Government "lent" him a French aircraft called a Potez which he flew for pleasure.

Take care of my little Zantic. I am off on holiday for a week. Good luck with your research.

Kind regards AR1

Cool!

Thanks very much! If you have an entry on it somewhere, or an account that you could put online [once you've been on holiday naturally!] that would be fantastic!

It sounds like you had lots of exciting adventures when you were younger!

Have a great time, and thank you

FwT

did you have a good time?

Hi FwT in the luminous green jacket!

Yes thanks. A wonderful time. And would you believe it - the day before we left, we were sitting having a picnic at midday just below the hotel where we were staying. All of a sudden, my son said
"Look Ma, there's a helicopter"
Sure enough, it was coming towards us geting larger and Larger and LARGER, and then it came straight at us. I thought to myself
"Is this what they feel like when they see helicopter gunships coming at them, except that he has not yet started firing, although he is aiming straight for the hotel.".

Mercifully he banked slowly and literally scraped the hair back from our faces as he landed about 50 yards away from us. It was on a rescue mission - we never found out whether it was someone who had jumped over the cliff or someone who had got into trouble with the difficult surf. Anyway one of those brave winchmen was lowered and something on a stretcher was lifted up and off they flew.

I really do not know anymore about autogyros than what I have told you. I just had a father who was enormously interested in everything and who found a willing daughter in me!. And I am still interested in most things - except for my flaming hand control which is so complicated that if I push the wrong button to switch it off, I have to do a double take to get to the plug in the wall in order to switch it off - count to 20 - etc. etc. before it will work again!!.

I am trying to finish a biography of Methodist Missionary who went to South Africa in 1816. So I really feel that the rest of my knowledge is very much "Jill of all trades and mistress of none"!! However I shall look forward to reading your contribution. Sikorski was a Russian - or was he a Pole?
Warm good wishes AR1

Hi AR1 [In a non green jacket: I hope!]

Its my work jacket, for when I'm packing other peoples bags rather than being on a till...

I'm glad you had a good time, and don't worry about the AutoGyro thing...I'm helping every which way I can! At the moment, I'm converting their route plans [found from my p.s.] from word onto the 360...and talking to them as well!

What have you found out about the Methodist Missionaries? It'd be quite interesting to know, since I'm from a methodist background!

Must go to sleep

FwT

Hi FwT,

Forgive the silence. My hands and fingers are v. sore and it is difficult to type. Details in my journal if you are interested. Will write when I am better - soon I hope. Reards AR1

Don't worry: there's no rush, and I'd rather you were feeling better, otherwise I would feel guilty!

And don't you come back until you are fully better: or else!

FwT

Dear FwT,

Thank you. I have had a wonderful day. My friend took me to have lunch in France - I was able to speak my home language which I am rarely able to do - I had a marvellous meal and I did some super shopping.

I have come back feeling really good, and not so absorbed with my wretched hands and fingers. Practically forgetting them. In addition I am actually working up some enthusiasm to finish my biography. It is of a wonderful Yorkshireman called Barnabas Shaw who was born in the late 18th century and went to the Cape Colony in 1816. He wasquite remarkable and very little is known about him now. His name sake William Shaw was and is still far better known. Anyway, I shall keep you posted on the progress of this book which I am determined now to finish. And after today, feel that I might even finish it.

Go well, AR1

Are you French? Where do you live? I love speaking French, and on the occassional time we get french tourists at work, I love speaking in french to them, even if it is only do you want your bags packing for you! That's why I didnt finish French A-Level [I went on to Geography instead!] because it wasn't about the language much at all!

What is wrong with your hands and fingers? Your book sounds really interesting! Have you had any other books published?

FwT

Very dear FwT

RL questions so RL answers!!

First of all congrats on your A level results. And what is Human geography? I have visions.......????

1. Both my parents were French but I was born in South Africa. As I was their first born I spoke French before I spoke English. But we are not allowed to write in French on this web site.

2 My hands and fingers are the side effect of an illness called psoriatic arthritis which means psoriasis in all one's lower joints but it only affects the skin on one's hands and feet. It is incredibly painful and very disfiguring.

3. I have only had one boring academic book published - on the effects of housing policy on......!! But as a result of the research I was involved in I came across this marvellous man. And I could like to do honour (belatedly) to the wonderful visionary work he did nearly 200 years ago.

Have a good day my dear.

Go well. AR1

Thank you AR1 I've got a guide entry on human geography at <./>A757712</.>: it's just got past peer review

My old english teacher was born in S Africa too: she was the best

I wish you could speak French on this w/s: but this might be changing!

You poor thing Have a blue loo brush [in the absence of me being able to offer any real comfort ]

Your new book does sound very interesting! Tell me when it is finished, so that I can read it

Will talk later,
FwT

Very dear FwT,

Congratulations. !! I am so pleased for you.

I wrote a long reply to you after reading your Excellent article on Human Geography and I must have forgotten to send it!!. SO I shall write it again when I have the energy. I was SO imporessed with it. You wrote it beautifully and very clearly.

I must awa to bed. Fond AR1

That is so annoying when that happens isn't it!

Thank you very much for your kind words

I hope you enjoy your sleep

How be you AR1?

Did you have a good Christmas AR1?

My dear friend
Sorry I have been so remiss. I have had a very busy Christmas and although I have help everything tht I do takes so much time. I am tired, and it is late, but I promise to write to you over the next few days.
I wish you ever such good things for 2003. I am feeling quite optimistic as I ahve been to a new rheumatologist nad he seems to think that he will be able to help. How wonderfu.

Affectionate
AR1

Don't worry: I understand that Christmas it always busy

Do you have one of the special pieces of kit where you can speak into it, and it changes it into text on screen? It might make the PC easier!

Hope you have a good New Year!