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

...said I. Actually, it was more like okay, computer. Having clicked on computer, I clicked on my usb stick. Then, for some reason, I started listening to Radiohead.

Now I should actually copy the files to my usb stick and get on with some other stuff, preferably not on the computer.

Good album to get stuck listening too

I want to listen to it a lot more. Who couldn't love an album featuring a Paranoid Android? I really do need to listen to Radiohead more. I've been aware of liking them for ages, when I hear them on the radio, but I've never sat and listened to them properly. But I suppose that goes with the territory when you no longer have a stereo and all your CDs are in the loft anyway. However, I think they're on my mp3 player and they should sound great through the Creative wireless speaker, so I just have to remember to transfer them to the laptop.

I had an interesting conversation with someone yesterday about CDs (and DVDs). He was saying how disappointing the artwork is with CDs compared to vinyl, because the CD is, of course, so much smaller. He also doesn't have a TV, so had never had a DVD until he was bought one as a present. He was surprised how little you get inside (no booklet, no interesting info, just a single disc), but I pointed out that is because they want to sell you the double-disc deluxe version for extra money!

I've been very busy today collating information for a conservation project I was involved in last year (voluntary recording work). I hadn't realised that the deadline is this weekend! That's most of my time filled up for today and tomorrow. Also got to get on with some 'real' work (the stuff that pays), now I've finally got the meeting set up with our funder and major promoter. The hardest part of this project is, without a doubt, getting people to respond to you in a timely manor and trying to co-ordinate meetings so everyone can attend. The actual design work and supervising/teaching volunteers is peanuts in comparison. Another couple of weeks should see this project through, then I will be scraping about for some more work.

What have you been doing this week? Do you have any plans for the weekend?

It was the first Radiohead album I listened too, so it's probably my favourite. And I'm almost certain it will sound fine through your speakers...works okay on mine

My dad's like that about artwork on albums, which is one of the main reasons he doesn't like downloading, as there's no art work at all! Though he always bought albums because of the artwork too. I have to admit, I love artwork on albums, especially ones with the lyrics inside, but given how music's going, digital taking over, you can't get too precious. One of my favourite CDs I own is a copy of The White Album by The Beatles. It was an anniversary edition and was a miniature replica of the LP. In many respects it's a really basic LP, a lyrics poster and photos of the band, but there's something lovely about it.

Sounds like your project's coming on a storm, I'm glad 2012 is treating you well so far.

I've had a very boring week, I've been spending most of my time folding paper cranes for the next window at work and running work related errands, ie running over to the other practices to pick up documents and specs etc. And bar trying to buy my mum a birthday present, there is no plans for the weekend.

The only news I have is my inability to write an email to one of my best friends and say I'd love to make her wedding ring...but alas my brain's stopping me because it also involves explaining where I've been for the past year and a half. So my brain's a little nutty at the moment.

Anyway, planning a day of stringing paper cranes tomorrow, which will be thrilling

I'm sure your friend will be thrilled to hear from you, and the last eighteen months aren't really relevant if you don't want to explain them. My best friend and I go through periods where we don't get in touch, not deliberately and not always because we are 'so busy' we don't have time. It's just a natural part of friendship. But it's always nice getting back in touch. I have people I often only hear from once a year (and who are lucky if they hear from me that often, my bad!), but it is always so nice to hear from them again.

Once upon a long ago, I started collecting all the Beatles albums on vinyl. Of course, there weren't any CDs around at that time. But I did make the deliberate decision to collect them on vinyl rather than the (probably trendier, and certainly more portable) audio cassette for the very reasons we've been discussing. One day, I'll restart my collection. I'd like to get a stereogram again, and I don't think I'd really enjoy listening to them on something like a USB turntable or similar 'modern' piece of equipment. Apparently, vinyl is having a real resurgence now.

I've come around to thinking that as CDs don't really offer much in the way of artwork (in the way that vinyl did/can), I'll be happy just downloading in future, especially as I'm not likely to listen to the physical CD any more anyway. CDs are just clutter!

My project is nearing an end. Another week, or two if I'm lucky, and it will be finished. The upside is that I get paid. The downside is that I've really got to get on and find more work.

I'd love to be able to fold a paper crane. I don't suppose it's something you can explain on here, is it? What are the cranes being used for?

Well, self-employment means that the line between 'the working week' and 'weekends' is more than a little blurred. If anything, I seem to be spending more time working at the weekend than during the week. So, with that in mind...