Don't Panic!

May 25th is Towel Day! Are you prepared? Do you have any idea what I'm talking about? And if you don't, shame on you!

Douglas Adams, the beloved author of the hugely successful The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, gave the universe the two most important pieces of advice for any traveler: 1. Don't panic and 2. Always have your towel handy. If you love travel as much as I do, then you understand the value of a handy towel. It will not only dry you off, it makes a handy wrap, a picnic blanket, a pillow, a seat holder... make up your own towel use.

I've kept a towel handy since I first read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. In my bag, in my car, in my luggage there is always a towel. To my 15 year old mind it seemed logical to keep a towel handy. And unlike the pen knife that was part of my necessary items, airport security and education nazis don't recognize a towel as a deadly weapon. No one is going to confiscate it and really, who steals a towel?

Begun in 2001, by fans to mark the passing of Douglas Adams, Towel Day has swept across the globe. There are plenty of things to do. Want a list of Towel Day activities taking place around the globe? I know you do. Check out http://towelday.org/

Take in a Vogon poetry slam. None in your area? Try writing some. Trust me, this isn't difficult. You can donate some towels to homeless shelters and next year organize your own drive. And if you live in the out-and-beyond (as do I) with no one willing to listen to poetry, least of all the Vogon variety and if none of your neighbors recognize the importance of 42, then take a towel to work and see if anyone in the office asks you why. For the love of Zaphod Beeblebrox, don't miss the opportunity to convince someone of the importance of that towel.

If all of this seems strange and confusing, remember Don't Panic! Pick up one of the funniest novels you'll ever read, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for years of enjoyment.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.