[Cowman]

I am a big fan of Douglas Adams, although I think the new movie is an abomination, I should, perhaps, amend my theory. In addition to the regulation / stupidity proportion I would include an infrastructure / dependence proportion. When I grew up the only infrastructure we had was electricity and telephone. If something broke we would fix it ourselves. If we needed something we would make it or generate sufficient income to buy it. If we needed something done we did it ourselves. The nearest police were thirty miles away so we were armed and defended ourselves against bad guys. When I moved to the city none of my neighbors could fix something without hiring someone or calling a government service. After years, and even generations, of not doing for themselves they have lost the ability to do so. When the town or other government authority wants to get them to do something like voting for a corrupt official or a dumb regulation or paying more taxes all they have to do is threaten to cut the services they have become dependent on. much like a pimp telling his girls they will have to do things or their drugs will be cut off.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I think the new movie is an abomination...

As do I. I was very disappointed. It started well enough but took a left turn to nowhere and went straight into the loo. I am currently recording the BBC Radio weekly broadcasts of the Quandary and Quintessential phases of HHGTTG. They feature most of the original cast and are quite good.

When I moved to the city none of my neighbors could fix something without hiring someone or calling a government service.

My old man taught me how to fix stuff and I am in great demand among my friends and associates as a "fix-it" guy. I am amazed at how many people are unable to do simple tasks. I am teaching my son the same skills. He seems very apt. There may be hope for the next generation yet.