I now have, and have paid for, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (HHGttG), in 3 different formats: paperback, leatherbound hardcover and now ebook. Short of seeking out a pirated digital edition, there was no real easy way of shifting the content from one form to another, or rather to shift it easily from pre digitial to digital. I’m hoping I don’t have to shift it again, whenever I get a non kindle compatible ereader. In that instance I may well need to hack the DRM and convert it to a standard format so I can be device independent. I figure these are early days yet for ebooks and ereaders – the market hasn’t really hit critical mass though it is now expanding at a good rate. I’d like to think that in a few years time, as things settle down, that format shifting, once in digital format, will be a straightforward affair. For now, it’s a bit of a headache.

As to why I’ve purchased yet another copy of HHGttG…well it’s my birthday in a few weeks and I turn 42. It’s also the first time in several years that I’ll be celebrating my birthday at home. In years gone by I’ve had enjoyable celebrations in Italy, Canada, UK, France (Paris of course) and even in transit (though that wasn’t so pleasant). I initially had ambitious plans of hiring a hall and catering, an animal on a spit, 50 or so friends and colleagues. As the event draws ever nearer, time is no longer on my side and my plans have changed, as have my desires. For the first time ever, I’m going to host a party at my place. Having successfully hosted for 3 guests, I figure I can handle 20-25…foolish chap I am.

A few folk have said my flat is big enough and can handle that many, so I’m off to a promising start. I am at least hoping to buy a fancy cake from somewhere and have started seeking quotes. For starters, possibly a mix of snacks and cheeses. Finger food is the go for the evening and I am still undecided as to whether I should brave cooking something myself or outsourcing that bit at least, to professionals. I’m a very basic sort of cook, trying to get up to speed with the rest of the world. I have a sneaking suspicion that yet another rendition of thai greeen curry is not the path to follow, though I’d like to do something a little more upmarket than sausage rolls and party pies. I should get in a case or two of wine too – folk will expect a tasty wine, so I shall pop over to Kemenys and stock up.

As it is my 42nd birthday, I will be encouraging all to dress up for a Hitchhiker’s theme. It’s been many years since I read the book myself (though I have read it several times), I figure an e-version was the best way to go so I can read it while I’m travelling. I have no idea what my own costume will be, or what ideas to base it upon. Whatever it is, it must be odd…and I like the idea of something obscure ie not Ford Prefect or Arthur Dent. I turned up to a mate’s 42nd at the start of the year with a pot of petunias, and told everyone I met I was having a whale of a time. I won’t be repeating that effort, though enough people got it.

Don’t panic, I just had an idea for the cake decoration.