Erica

Arthur C. Clarke calls it “the happy hum of humanity.”

I just want a respite from the constant, sub-aural, bone-deep vibrations of 6.5 billion of us thumping away in our daily lives 24/7 with electricity and gas motors, sound systems, drilling and pumps, talking, typing, conditioning the air, doors and windows, children crying, construction, war, et cetera to create the unceasing burr of sound verging on physical presence, like the cicadas in August as they rise to crescendo, drowning out every other sound, drowning out your ability to think, to act, to breathe it seems…

This is a must-do! The raw power, the forces of nature make you feel so free and yet so a part of everything. The ionized air smells cleansed, and everything is greener, clearer.

Just remember, if you feel the hair on the back of your neck standing up, bend over and grab your ankles, or lay down flat on the ground, ‘cuz negative ions are gathering at your highest point and turning you into a lightning rod. You want to spread them out over a broader surface.

I’ve read the increasing inaccurately named HHGTTG Trilogy books many times, and listened to the recorded BBC radio show that the books are based on, and seen the BBC TV series (groan). I think it’s great that it’ll be on the Big Screen, even if the movie’s total crap. I miss Douglas Adams. There aren’t enough people in the world who can crane their necks the way he did to get that particularly odd but clear view of it all. So, if you, too, can’t seem to get the hang of Thursdays, run down to the bookshop and get a copy to read in between practicing the art of throwing yourself at the ground and missing. And don’t forget your towel.