I'm a big fan of sci-fi and so I like watching tv shows and reading books about it. One of my favorite sets of books is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy (consisting of 5 books, this is the first clue that there might be something a bit odd about the books).

They were written by the British author Douglas Adams. Originally they were a set of BBC radio broadcasts. They were so popular that Douglas Adams decided to compile them into books. The radio scripts were not exactly in order and so he had to do a bit of editing to make them make more sense (if you've read them you're probably wondering how they could be any more confusing than they already are). The result was 5 books (and one short story): The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; Restaurant at the End of the Universe; Life, the Universe, and Everything; So Long and Thanks for All the Fish; Mostly Harmless; and Young Zaphod Plays It Safe.


Now for a summary of the characters:

Arthur Dent -- Typical Englishman to whom the most odd things happen. He would much rather be back in his home sipping tea but this is not possible as his home (and the Earth it was sitting on) was destroyed. He spends most of the story wearing nothing but his night gown.

Ford Prefect -- A man from Betelguese (sp?). Looking only for a good time and avoiding saving the universe. He has been stranded on what was Earth for 15 years while writing an entry on Earth for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Zaphod Beeblebrox -- President of the Galaxy. He possesses 2 heads and 3 arms. A very cool and fun-loving guy who invented the Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster which when drunk is like having your brain smashed in by a large gold brick wrapped in a lemon.

Trillian -- The only surviving female from Earth. She appears to be Zaphod's girlfriend but you can never tell.

Marvin -- Marvin is the prototype of a new type of robot with a personality. Unfortunately, Marvin is terminally depressed. While he can be helpful at times, he generally just ends up sitting in a corner being depressed.

Slartibartfast -- He's the guy who is constantly pulling everyone else into saving the galaxy. Really a pretty froody guy who happens to look a lot like Moses in his robe and flowing beard.


Quotes

Douglas Adams books kinda lend themselves to quotes. If I had my way the whole book would be posted here as one big quote. However, I've chosen just a few of the funnier ones. Strangely enough, they sometimes make a lot of sense.


"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."

This just about says it all.

"`This must be Thursday,' said Arthur to himself, sinking low over his beer, `I never could get the hang of Thursdays.'"

I think we all know the feeling.

"`If there's anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now.'"

Zaphod, President of the galaxy

"`...and the Universe,' continued the waiter, determined not to be deflected on his home stretch, `will explode later for your pleasure.'
Ford's head swivelled slowly towards him. He spoke with feeling. `Wow,' he said, `What sort of drinks do you serve in this place?'
The waiter laughed a polite little waiter's laugh. `Ah,' he said, `I think sir has perhaps misunderstood me.'
`Oh, I hope not,' breathed Ford."

Did I mention that Ford is attracted to alcohol like dirt to white clothing?

"The main reception foyer was almost empty but Ford nevertheless weaved his way through it."

Ford on his way out of the Restaurant at the End of the Universe

"`The first ten million years were the worst,' said Marvin, `and the second ten million, they were the worst too. The third ten million I didn't enjoy at all. After that I went into a bit of a decline.'"

The ever cheerful Marvin

"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job."

While they were talking about the galactic presidency I think it also applies to our President.

"`Eddies,' said Ford, `in the space-time continuum.'
`Ah,' nodded Arthur, `is he? Is he?'"

Arthur can't quite grasp the concept of space time.

"`That young girl is one of the least benightedly unintelligent organic life forms it has been my profound lack of pleasure not to be able to avoid meeting.'"

The only compliment ever made by Marvin (he was talking about Trillian).



That's all the stuff I have for now. I'm gonna look through the books again and get some more quotes.