A descendant of the wild ass, the donkey is a domestic member of the horse family used for hauling goods since 4000 BC.
Donkeys are also related to zebras, although they’re often stockier, stronger and have much different personalities.
Female donkeys are called “jennies” or “jennets,” and a female ready to breed is known as a “broodmare.”
Ass is interchangeable with donkey, and “jackass” refers specifically to a male donkey. But a jackass is not a mule, and all burros are not jackasses.
The three pillars stood out clearly now, three pillars topped with two cross pieces in a way which looked stupefyingly familiar to Arthur’s addled brain.
“The three pillars,” thundered the man. “The Steel Pillar which represented the Strength and Power of the Galaxy!”
Searchlights seared out and danced crazy dances up and down the pillar on the left which was, clearly, made of steel or something very like it. The music thumped and bellowed.
“The Perspex Pillar,” announced the man, “representing the forces of Science and Reason in the Galaxy!”
Other searchlights played exotically up and down the righthand, transparent pillar creating dazzling patterns within it and a sudden inexplicable craving for ice-cream in the stomach of Arthur Dent.
“And,” the thunderous voice continued, “the Wooden Pillar, representing…” and here his voice became just very slightly hoarse with wonderful sentiments, “the forces of Nature and Spirituality.”
The lights picked out the central pillar. The music moved bravely up into the realms of complete unspeakability.
“Between them supporting,” the voice rolled on, approaching its climax, “the Golden Bail of Prosperity and the Silver Bail of Peace!“
The whole structure was now flooded with dazzling lights, and the music had now, fortunately, gone far beyond the limits of the discernible. At the top of the three pillars the two brilliantly gleaming bails sat and dazzled. There seemed to be girls sitting on top of them, or maybe they were meant to be angels. Angels are usually represented as wearing more than that, though.
LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING, Chapter 8, by Douglas Adams
Q: We’ve zoomed in September & October – how has that helped you?
A: Helped understand geometry.
Q: I’m glad to help. Who else have you asked for help?
A: Math teacher. Honors students.
Q: Tell me about your teacher. Is he/she good at explaining things?
A: They’re about to go on maternity leave.
Q: What does your teacher look like?
A: Pregnant.
Q: Tell me about your math class. Is it sometimes interesting, or always boring?
A: 30 people, 30 minutes, 5 days per week. Many days just study hall.
Q: How are your friends doing in math? Who is the smartest?
A: Lori
Q: When was your last test? How did you do?
A: October. Fine. 70 out of 100. C-
Q: When is your next test? How will you prepare for it?
A: Friday. Do review today.
We’re going,” he said excitedly, and shivered with energy.
“Where? How?” said Arthur.
“I don’t know,” said Ford, “but I just feel that the time is right.
Things are going to happen. We’re on our way.”He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I have detected,” he said, “disturbances in the wash.”
LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING, Chapter 2 – by Douglas Adams
Materialist world is the Bubble world. It’s inhabitants live inside a consumer-driven, status-obsessed bubble.
Possession is key. Those who can see beyond the walls of the bubble are deemed mad & deluded.
Glimpse of Truth will burst the fragile walls.
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
Venture capitalists expect some of businesses they back to fail; if that never happens, they aren’t taking enough risks. Similarly, a government program aimed at advancing technology is bound to end up with some lemons; if it doesn’t, it’s not extending the frontier.
Paul Krugman
Wedjat – Eye of Horus
Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few; and these few precious days I’ll spend with you.
Maxwell Anderson