"Um, people of earth..."

[Chainsaw]

"This is Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz of the Galactic Hyperspace planning council. As you are probably aware, plans for the development of the outlying regions of the galaxy involve the building of a hyperspace express route through your star system,and, unfortunately, your planet is one of those scheduled for demolition. The process will take slightly less than two of your Earth minutes. Thank you."

Don't forget your towel today.

www.towelday.org

[YAKMAN is ICHIBAN]

I love Hitchhiker's Guide, but after the first 3 books it felt like Douglas Adams was dragged kicking and screaming into writing them.

No such feeling after so many Pratchett books. Discworld should enjoy every bit as much recognition here in the US as Hitchhiker's, and I'm not quite sure that it does.

I loved the Hitchhiker's Guide movie, even though it did so badly miss the mark in so many ways. For a great example...

The book (and the 80's miniseries)

" ...You hadn't exactly gone out of your way to call attention to them had you? I mean like actually telling anyone or anything.'
But the plans were on display...
' o n display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them.'
`That's the display department.'
`With a torch.'
`Ah, well the lights had probably gone.'
`So had the stairs.'
`But look you found the notice didn't you?'
`Yes,' said Arthur, `yes I did. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying "Beware of The Leopard".'

The movie

But the plans were on display...
' on display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them.'
"But you found the plans, didn't you?"