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Animal-Vegetable-Mineral-Abstract: The Pants Memorial Game
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The chairperson selects an object/idea/whatever and announces whether it's animal, vegetable, mineral, and/or abstract. The others have to ask questions to figure out what it is. Whomever guesses the object correctly is given the chair for the next round; repeat ad nauseam.
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Is it an action?
Anything to do with water?
being a bit negative
Bob - No
Riff - No
Inkspot - Not really ... it could be ... sometimes ... vague, sorry
Boolbar - No
Is it an action?
We're not getting very far with this one, are we?
BM - no, especially if we don't read the last but one question :-)
Is is connected with the arts (other than music)
?
Would it have been known about in 1900?
Is it made of non-abstract things?
Kim - Not really
Boolbar - Yes
Raak - Yes, it is 'made' of abstract AND tangible things
Is it a scientific theory or principle?
Inkspot - mmmm ... tricky. I shall say No, but your line of questioning might lead you to the right place.
Is it 'historically'attributed to one person?
Is it a religion? (And if so, can I claim Christianity at this juncture)?
Can it exist/occur where there aren't any people around? Say, on Mars?
Is it a rule or law?
back again for a while :-)
Inkspot - No
rab - No
Riff - Yes
Bob - Sort of, yes.
Is it anything to do with mathematics?
Dazed [hello darling :-)] - In a way, yes.
Is it common sense?
...vague I know but I'm thinking...Oh!the pain,the pain! and going by William Hague's campaign, an oft misquoted commodity, which is what you would expect really.
Pythagoras Theorem
simulposted curses!!
Inkspot - that was one of the early questions .. snorgle's I think
Inkspot - No..not such an obvious mathematical connection
Is it possible for people to make one?
Gravity?
Coming in ... yawn ... rather late.
tending the night shift
Raak - I think we've established that it's an 'it'.. therefore, it's a common perception that people can make 'it' - although they may not be aware they are [Clue#2]
Duj - No
Sorry, Chalky, missed Btd's question earlier, I must only be slightly awake; I shall now retire.
Um... Is it something to do with physics?
I'm completely at sea.
throwing a lifeboat to Riff
Riff - No.
[all] Don't get too fixated on science [or even maths]. There are a whole bunch of questions that haven't been asked yet, which should simplify matters considerably.
Is it silence?
*throwing random things into the melting pot of ideas*
reading back...
i think I can count my own answer as no! :-) nvm, just me being inattentive...
Heat?
A quincunx?
Good morning :-)
Is it an effect rather than a cause?
Good morning Chalky, kettles on.
Can it be perceived by any of the five senses?
I'm away for the day from about 10am ....
.... so if this isn't wrapped up by then .. there will be a 10 hour hiatus ..
Rosie - No
Raak - What an interesting guess - it isn't correct but some might believe that the occurrence of such might have some bearing on 'it'.
Inkspot - It is both a cause and effect :-)
*coughs*
Is it one of the seven deadly sins?
& Rab's question?
Sorry rab :-) [I'm scurrying around a bit and missed the simulpost] Yes - and to save further questioning - All of them
Bob - No
Is it a maze?
Raak - That's probably a bit too tangible for an 'abstract' :-)
The choas theory
I googled quincunx and was pointed to the Law of Error, none the wiser so I'm stepping back as its time for a Kit-Kat.
Interesting - you answered "no" to the question "Can it be heard?"
Does it have something to do with the sun?
Inkspot - No
rab - Indeed I did. It was a specific question and I would have been misleading you if, at that time, I'd answered yes. However, as 'this' can be perceived by all the senses collectively, I answered yes. I feel it may be more helpful.
Boolbar - No, not really.
Sorry - I've got a train to catch
... but as I am continually astounded by your collective grey matter, I fully expect the answer to be here when I return this evening. Clue#3 - it has two sides - the one I'm thinking of is the happy/desirable side.
Is it beauty?
Is it good luck?
Is it the future?
I keep not noticing earlier questions/answers - I do apologise, it doesn't indicate any contempt for fellow questioners/answerers on my part...
This summarises all that chalky answered before catching the train. I’ve taken out the wild guesses and repeated questions and added the clues at the end.

This is an * A B S T R A C T * thing.
It is (sort of) a human concept.
It can’t be heard.
Is it found in a book? Yes, but most things might, wouldn't you say?
It is common knowledge [but that's not the answer].
It is not commonly considered art.
It is not fictional.
It can be a saying or verbal expression.
Does it have to do with language? er ... No. It would be very misleading if I replied otherwise.
It is not directly something to do with the weather.
It is not an emotion.
It is not a feeling.
Does it have to do with music? – No.
Is it an action? - Not really ... it could be ... sometimes ... vague, sorry.
Nothing to do with water.
It is "not really" connected with the arts.
It would have been known about in 1900.
It is 'made' of abstract AND tangible things.
Is it a scientific theory or principle? - mmmm ... tricky. I shall say No, but your line of questioning might lead you to the right place.
It is not 'historically' attributed to one person.
It is not a religion.
It can exist/occur where there aren't any people around e.g. Mars.
Is it a rule or law? - Sort of, yes.
Is it anything to do with mathematics? - In a way, yes.
Is it possible for people to make one? - I think we've established that it's an 'it'.. therefore, it's a common perception that people can make 'it' - although they may not be aware they are.
It is not Gravity.
It is not Heat.
A quincunx? - What an interesting guess - it isn't correct but some might believe that the occurrence of such might have some bearing on 'it'.
Is it an effect rather than a cause? - It is both a cause and effect :-)
It can be perceived by any of the five senses.
It is not one of the seven deadly sins.
It is not a maze.
It is not the chaos theory.
Does it have something to do with the sun? - No, not really.
- Sorry - I've got a train to catch

[Clue #1] It is not an emotion but it can have an effect on the emotions.
[Clue#2] It is an 'it'.. therefore, it's a common perception that people can make 'it' - although they may not be aware they are.
“There are a whole bunch of questions that haven't been asked yet, which should simplify matters considerably”.
Oops
[Clue#3] - it has two sides - the one I'm thinking of is the happy/desirable side.
Is it ambience?
Is it the act of winning?
Red Sky at Night?
From all that, I interperet it as being a natural occurance or event, the quincunx which I interperet from a quick browse as illustrating 'randomness'(is this right), is the scientific/maths a blind alley which leads down to something measurable even on Mars
Does is have anything to do with the weather?
it
Would I be pleased to have/be this?
Is it 'time'?
Is it a naturally occuring event?
I suppose I should ask in case I suppose erroneously
Even if Boolbar is not right, its a damn clever answer.
Analysing the analysing ...
rab - No, but getting closer
Boolbar - No, not exactly, but excellent guess. Winning could be considered a part of 'it'
Inkspot - No, but the portent itself has a connection
Kim - Not directly
Software - Yes
Dazed - No
Inkspot - Yes to 'occurring event' as for 'natural' - I would say more 'yes' than 'no', although the mathematics might prove otherwise [Clue#4]
Is it good luck?
Is it coincidence?
You know what Raak ....?
..... that's close enough. The answer was 'serendipity' but as this one has dragged on for a couple of days now, it may be best to leave it that a combination of your two guesses will do nicely. [insert smiley face here] I'm pleased because I was a-rootin' an' a-tootin' for you. So whilst ...
*the audience whoops and hollers [and exhales a collective sigh of relief] and waves handkerchiefs and garters and all manner of private apparel for that vair vair clever Raak*

... I shall prepare myself for the possible questioning of some of my replies :-)

The next object is MINERAL.
Stonehenge?
Congrats Raak, and about bl***y well time!
Man-made?
Metallic?
Inkspot: no. Btd: yes. Software: not usually
Used domestically?
Is it made from a combination of materials?
Does it have a practical function (as opposed to e.g. aesthetic)?
Is it consumable?
Is it unique?
Software: can be, but not primarily; Btd: yes; rab: yes; Chalky: no; Inkspot: no.
Does it require electrical power to function?
rab: no
Could you fit it inside a regular-size fridge?
Did it exist before the eighteenth century?
Is it today primarily manufactured on a factory production line?
Riff: yes. Breadmaster: yes (not a lot of people know that). Inkspot: yes.
Inkspot: But perhaps not on the scale that those words suggest.
Is it a tool?
Is it a musical instrument?
Chalky: yes. rab: no.
BTW, I've just realised that it can be VEGETABLE instead of MINERAL.
A dwelling?
This tool - is its function for the 'good of man'?
Software: no. Chalky: isn't that the function of every tool? But no, not specifically.
Is the mineral, stone?
Is it a calculating machine of some sort?
An abacus?
Is the 'vegetable' sort of this tool made of wood?
[Raak] Re 'good of man' - I meant the sort of tools that make killing machines - I should have been more precise
Inkspot: no; Boolbar: YES! snorgle: no; Chalky: yes
Slide rule?
A computer?
Boolbar: no; rab: YES.
Point to rab. Next!
Oops, meant to include one of these:
Coo
Despite being sorely tempted by an abstract, I did one of those last time so I think it's only fair I plump for a more tangible MINERAL on this occasion. Guess away.
Is it man- (or woman-) made?
Is it metallic?
Could you fit it in the fridge, next to the slide rule?
Outstep
Stepped out of the office for a moment to talk to my boss. We were discussing an integral and he suggested a few times that I "take it up the imaginary axis" which, I'm sorry to say, had me in schoolboy-snigger mode.

[Boolbar] Yes.
[Chalky] Bits of it are. (Oh, how I hate giving extra information away...).
[Riff] Probably not.

Was it created post-1940?
I'm afraid I don't know.
Does it contain electronics? (Valves count.)
Does it have anything to do with the arts?
Is it unique, being the one and only ever made?
Is it considered decorative?
Is it a device used for a specific purpose?
An atomic bomb?
I'm in a foul mood!
Do you own one?
Mornin'
[Raak] Yes.
[Bob] No.
[Inkspot] No.
[Dazed5] Not generally.
[Riff] It certainly has a primary purpose.
[Dujon] Bang.
[Boolbar] No.
Is it a calculating device?
[Raak] That is not its primary purpose.
Is it a computer?
Is it used for communication?
Does it have a screen for playing games?
Negativity
[Bob, Boolbar, Inkspot] No.
Is it used for transport?
Was it invented?
I mean that ships, the wheel are generic but vacuum cleaner, camreras where invented, does it fall in to either category?
Would one find it inside the home?
[Boolbar] No.
[Inkspot] Yes.
[Chalky] Possibly, but probably not.
Could it be considered a communication device?
Does it have wheels?
Is it a game machine of some sort?
[Boolbar] No.
[Breadmaster, Raak] I guess you could try and use this thing in those ways, but as that's not what it's designed for I'll say no.
Is it usually found in a hospital?
Was it invented before 1900?
Is it a photocopier?
Should every office have one?
[Boolbar] There are places where it is usually found, but I don't believe a hospital is one of them.
[Inkspot] I don't know when it was invented but that would be my guess.
[Chalky] No, but the way my mind works I can't help seeing at least a few similarities.
[Lib] That's a subjective question to which I would probably answer 'yes', but I expect the more usual answer would be 'no'.

Hmmm... not sure this spurious extra information would help anyone...

Is it a camera?
**** CORRECTION ***
To Inkspot's last answer, I would guess AFTER 1900. So, Boolbar, no - it's not a camera. Sorry...
Oh, so shall I go for a facsimile machine then?
Does it require electricity in order to function?
Would its primary use be for a particular profession(al).
ie stethoscope (doctor) V's a spanner (plumber/engineer/mechanic)
[Boolbar] You can, but I believe we have established that the primary purpose of this thing is not for the act of communication.
[Chalky] Yes.
[Inkspot] No.
Is it a machine for making something?
even though its primary function is not for communication, can you use it to communicate?
When in use, is it noisy?
That is, would it be obviously making a noise if you where (say) 20 feet away.
[Raak] I'll give a clue here - it is not used to manufacture something from raw materials, but it is a machine that processes something.
[Lib] Well, you could but I wouldn't sniff round this hole if I were you.
[Boolbar] No.
Is it a barcode reader?
Does it have an industrial application?
No to both, though Boolbar's notion of processing is closer than than of Ibid's, though I will throw in that this device contains no optics (e.g. lenses etc).
A punchcard reader?
A paper shredder?
A pasta maker?
printer?
although I'm sure that you could fit that in the fridge...:S
is it still in common use today?
Is it a scientific instrument?
An iron maiden?
Oh, wait -- those tend to be noisy.
A Thermostat?
An automatic cigarette-rolling machine?
Has it any connection with photo-processing?
Sorry for the delay
[Riff, 1] No
[Raak] No
[barbacoa] No
[Chalky, 1] Yes
[Inkspot] No
[Riff, 2] Ouch, no
[Boolbar] No - but (clue alert) it probably contains one.
[Breadmaster] No - although it might be adapted to perform this "roll"
[Chalky, 2] Probably not.
Would it cost less than ... say £200 to buy?
Cost
[Chalky] *googles* It seems so, yes.
A Laminating machine?
Does it process 'paper' in some way?
I ask because we seem to getting fixated on paper processing and for all we know, this machine could be a sausage maker.
[Boolbar] No, but you're getting warmer.
[Chalky] No, not paper.
It is some sort of alarm device?
Helping hand
[Raak] No.

Since I will wish to hand over the chair before leaving a little early this afternoon (probably about 4-5pm) I will give some hints as to what information would be very helpful, viz:

  • where it is most commonly found;
  • what it processes;
  • how it processes it.
I have a further clue up my sleeve which I will issue at about 3pm if we make no significant progress by then.
Is it a glue gun?
Is it a food maker of some sort?
Not a toaster but more along the lines of a breadmaker.
Does the application of heat 'mould' something, like glass?
Does it process a solid item?
Glue gun - Nah, it can't be that.
Is it found commonly in an office?
Just retract breadmaker,as you prevously said probably not found in the home.
Does it use water in the process?
Excuse the multi posting.
A hot water urn?
Hokey cokey
[Boolbar] No.
[Chalky] The heat is part of the processing, not really moulding, and almost certainly not glass.
[Boolbar] Yes.
[Inkspot, 2] Not an office.
[Inkspot, 3] I think not - although a small amount could be useful.
[Raak] Hence, no.
Is there a missing answer?
I keep searching back to find the answers to the food processing question. rab - I know you're probably fairly busy, but can we eliminate food as we have done with paper?
Is it something an interior decorator, electrician, plumber, or similar trademan would use?
[Chalky] Its primary function is not food related. However, less conventional uses of this device are limited only by our imagination, or perhaps an arbitrarily chosen numerical factor.
[Raak] No - or at least, not in order to do interior decorating, electrifying, plumbing or similar trades.
An iron?
as in shirts and all that
[Software] No - but you're not far off...
A steam engine?
A car crusher?
An electric seat warmer?
A trouser press?
[Chalky] Nope.
[Breadmaster] Nein.
[Raak, 1] Nay.
[Raak, 2] Hmmm... I was also looking for the manufacturer... should I give it him?
I see the light!
It's an orthopedic heated sleeping bag for midgets!
Oh, and yes, give it to Raak.
Raak the winner again!
Only if he can give 101 uses of the said Corby device.
Giving it to Raak
Go on. But refrain from over-effusive congratulatory words. I'm not sure Raak's really 'into' public displays of affection.
Kudos to Raak
[Chalky] However did you guess? [rab] Thank for those discreet and proper kudos. I shall arrange them artistically on my mantelpiece in a vase of water.

The next item is MINERAL and ABSTRACT.

A Jackson Pollack.
Erm....is it mainly chemical?
Is it mainly chemical?
Oops, sorry.
Is it The Rock of Ages?
Stab in the dark.
Does it exist only in the mind?
Is the mineral metal?
no question mainly because I'm unlikely to participate in this one.
I didn't guess - it was plain for all to see. It's only words on a screen.
[barbacoa] No, and no.
[Kim] (slight ripple from the audience, but) No.
[Btd] No.
[Riff] No.
Is it description for a collection of items?
[Inkspot] No.
Is it fictional rather than an actual place that appears in a work of fiction?
Is it Mount Doom?
...one of these days a questions will have so many riders it will run for several lines!!
[Inkspot] Yes; YES!!
Well done Inkspot.
Thank you Raak.

Lets see now, it's ABSTRACT and ANIMAL.

Cerebus?
Riff: No
Is it mythological?
Is it a cartoon?
Is it abstract solely because it is fictional?
Has it featured in a disney/pixar movie?
I say! Well done Inkspot - that must be a record? 6 questions and straight to the answer. Strikes me that you didn't get enough recognition for that, so to make up for it:
*Audience gasps in amazement, hesitates a bit, then breaks into rapturous applause for Inkspot!*
Is it an action connected to an animal?
*shuffles in late and starts handing out placards bearing the words "Congratulations Inkspot!!!!" for people to wave*
Thank you, both very much, *blushes*
Kayl [No]
Lib [No]
Raak [yes]
chalky [No]
Lotus [No]
Is the 'animal' element a human being?
a hobbit?
Is it originally from a book?
I too was most impressed by Inkspot's apparent use of ESP in the last one.
Chalky[Yes]
Zooological Keeper[No]
Breadmaster[No]
Is it a 'character' i.e. from a movie or play?
Zooological Keeper[No]
Flaubert's parrot?
Is it Gilgamesh?
Well, one-third human.
Is it someone we might have been told about in Childhood - like Jack Frost?
[Chalky] Wouldn't that be considered mythological?
Raak [No]
Breadmaster [No]
Chalky [Yes]

[barbacoa]in my mind, if is something is fictional it does not always follow that it 'mythological'.

Is this a Biblical character?
The sandman?
Raak [No]
Software [No]
Is this a character in a folk tale?
Father Christmas?
Jack Frost is though, isn't he? I don't mind if I'm wrong :)
The tooth fairy?
Raak [No]
Zooological Keeper [No]
Chalky [No]

[barbacoa] mythological and fictional is an old chestnut, and I still think there is a difference, even though it may be subjective and open to personal interpretation.

Summarising...
The answer is:
  • abstract solely because fictional
  • someone we might have been told about in childhood
The answer is not:
  • mythological
  • a cartoon
  • in a Disney/Pixar movie
  • a hobbit
  • a character in a movie or play
  • originally in a book
  • in a folk tale
  • in the Bible
  • Gilgamesh, Father Christmas, Flaubert's parrot, the Sandman, or the tooth fairy.
The bogey man?
Father Time?
Is it one person or a group of people?
Irritating curiosity
What was the answer to that link you posted?
Raak [No]
Boolbar [No]
Chalky [Yes, It is one person]

[barbacoa]Weapons of Mass Destruction

Is this person a nice person to have around?
Is this person male?
Boolbar]I would like to say yes, but very little in known about the persons character, as we are only told who they are and what they did...
Raak]Yes....muffled oohs in the audience
Mr Nobody?
The Man in the Moon?
Is it Solomon Grundy?
Did this person create something?
Would we find them in *any* form of literature?
Is this a character in a nursery rhyme?
Humpty Dumpty?
Jack Sprat?
getting warmer
Chalky [No]
Chalky[No]
Kim [No]
Boolbar [No]
Zooological Keeper[No] not directly but will be found in collections to do with the next question
Raak [Yes]audience brief muffled clapping
Raak [No]
Breadmaster [No]
The cow that jumped o'er the moon?
Is this a human person?
Software [No]
Raak [Yes]
Little Jack Horner?
the boy that stuck his finger in the dyke?
Is it Tom, Tom, the Piper's son?
Big Clue before bedtime!
Raak[No]You'll be getting this one aswell if your not careful ;)
snorgle[No]
Kin [No]
Looking for the person in the nursery rhyme about a man, who went somewhere (no animals other animals or people involved) but something happened, to make him never, want to go back ... ever!
Doctor Foster!
Take a chair!
Kim [YES]
A good win from Kim there coming up on the inside rail. Over to you.
Thanks, Inkspot, though you must admit, you gave us a lot of help.
OK...now then...Hmmmm.....Ah!
This next one is unquestionably MINERAL.
Is it man-made (oblig.) ?
Is it made of metal?

Nice one Kim
*Audience erupts into raucous cheering for Kim and his perfect recall of Doctor Foster's dubious exploits*

Would you like to have one?
[Boolbar] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Raak] No, but we may come back to the question of desirability later on.
Is it a combination of different materials?
Is it a geographical/physical feature?
Is it something one might have in one's home?
[Boolbar] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Raak] No.
Is it connected with the weather?
Is it the Moon?
Is there only one of this item?
Is it a particular object made of a particular substance, rather than the raw substance itself?
e.g. "diamonds", rather than "carbon".
[Chalky] No.
[Raak] No.
[Boolbar] *Murmur of interest ripples through the audience. Whispers of "interesting question" and "how can he answer that one accurately?".* Yes. Or, possibly, no.
[Riff] *More murmurs of excitement.*. If you had not supplemented the question, the answer to it would have been "Yes".
Is it an element?
[Boolbar] No.
Advance warning: I will be away from a PC for most of the afternoon and evening. I'll try to answer questions before I leave the office, but otherwise will probably not be able to get back on line between 2.00pm and 9.00pm tonight.
Is it larger than a telephone box?
Is it the Kaaba?
Might it be found underwater?
Is it found on this planet?
Is the object made from stone?
[Chalky] No.
[Raak] No.
[Breadmaster] No.
[Boolbar] Yes.
[Inkspot] Yes.
Is it a monument of some sort?
Is it presently located in only one country?
The Elgin Marbles?
The Rosetta Stone?
Is it *part* of a manmade thing (eg one of the stones in Stonehenge)?
Bear in mind here that the thing is neither a geographical feature nor manmade...
The Blarney Stone?
Going.....going.....
[Raak] No.
[Inkspot] I would refer the Hon. gentlemen to my answer to Boolbar's third question earlier today.
[Boolbar] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Breadmaster] No. It is itself, the thing, and what it is, too (A-hehhh-hehhh-hem!)
Nothing more from me until 9.00pm tonight.
Boolbar No3
How does Boolbar's third question
Is there only one of this item?your reply; Yes. Or, possibly, no
answer my question
Is it presently located in only one country
Is it a fossil?
The Stone of Destiny? (Also called the Stone of Scone.)
They may tak oor lives, but they will nivver tak oor friddom!
[Software] (Apologies for not having spotted your last posting.) No.
[Inkspot] I must confess I had some misgivings as to the quality of my response to your question. Boolbar's 3rd question was "Is there only one of this item? The strict answer to that question would be "Yes", but, it is alleged, there is at least one copy and there is some controversy as to which, if any, is the "real" one. The English, the Scots and the Irish all believe that they have the "one true stone". Given the rules of the game, I thought that my answer would be allowable. Turning to your question, "Is is presently located in only one country?", I considered that, given the (disputed) existence of at least one (alleged) fake, the same answer could be given. The strict answer to your question would, of course, have been "Yes" on the basis that the real one, to the extent that it even exists, could only be located in one country. I trust you will forgive me.
[Boolbar, again] No.
[Raak] YES! The answer is, indeed, the fabled Stone of Scone.
*Shouts of "Och, Aye!", "Hoots!" and "Nac Mac Feegle!" from the audience.*
 The stone belongs under a Chair, which now passes to Raak, with compliments.
Aye, 'tis a braw bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht, is it no?

Ahem. The next object is VEGETABLE.

Is it a living organism?
Raak]Congtrats on another superb win
Kim]The apology should be mine for not appreciating that the answer was the same and for the unintended brusque nature of the posting.
[Inkspot] No.
Is it edible?
Good guess, Raak. I'm determined to get one of these one of these days!
Is it a cricket bat?
Is it native to the UK?
Has it undergone a process of some kind to be in its present form?
[Inkspot] No offence taken, I promise.
[Breadmaster] Yes.
[Inkspot] Therefore, no.
[Software] Well, either maybe, or no. See the answer to Kim.
[Kim] Yes.
Is it associated with a cuisine from a particular country?
Although it is edible, is it usually thought of as something to eat?
[Inkspot] Not really.
[Boolbar] Yes.
Its not a tin of exploding peas, is it?
- topical, topical...!
Baked beans?
Does it contain fruit?
[Kim] No. [Software] No. [Boolbar] No.
Is it a vegetable?
Was it A vegetable?
oops
ignored the warning, sorry
[Inkspot] No. That is, it is VEGETABLE in terms of the game, but it does not contain anything ordinarily called a vegetable.
Is it usually consumed in solid form?
Is it somthing made from several ingredients like a jelly or a cake?
[Boolbar] Yes.
[Inkspot] Yes.
Compote?
[Software] No.
Is it usually served hot?
[Boolbar] No.
Are the ingredients all mixed together to form one homogenous product?
Is it a type of cake? cheeky supplementary question,Welsh cake?
[Kim] No. [Inkspot] No, hence no.
Is it seen as a seasonal food?
such as say a salad
Does it contain chocolate?
Is it sweet?
Confiture
It's Jam. With whole lumps of fruit in it. And my guess would be strawberry.
Is it trifle?
[Inkspot] No.
[Boolbar] Yes, and a ripple of applause from the audience.
[phahad] Despite the chocolate content, you wouldn't really think of this as being sweet.
[penelope] Not any sort of jam, marmalade, fruit preserve, or thing of like nature.
[Kim] No.
Would you describe it as being minty?
Is it made with choux pastry?
Exlax?
Is it a breakfast cereal?
Forget the homogenous choux pastry,(not paying attention....again!)
[phahad, Inkspot, Software, Inkspot] No.
Is it something contained within chocolate?
clapclapclapclapclapclap
[Boolbar] Yes.
Is it cocoa/cacao (bean or otherwise)?
[LotUS] I've already said it contains chocolate.
Er... a chocolate-covered billiard ball?
Wait a minute...
Boolbar - Does it contain chocolate?

Raak [Boolbar] Yes, and a ripple of applause from the audience.

Boolbar - Is it something contained within chocolate?

Raak [Boolbar] Yes.

I'm sorry. All I can say is.....WHAT?!
Is it a brand name?
Hmm. Another paradox strikes. Probably a good job there's no emaG esreveR here...
A chocolate centred chocolate covered caramel?
[ZK] I can't get past the 'not being sweet' thing either.
Straightening the way
[ZK] I took Boolbar's first question to mean, does the thing partly consist of chocolate? It does. I took his second question to mean, does the thing consist of chocolate enclosing something else? It does.
[barbacoa] No. Concerning sweetness, I personally wouldn't call chocolate sweet, especially plain chocolate. The thing that it is enclosing is certainly not sweet at all.
[Everyone] So, what unsweet vegetable thing might be coated with chocolate? I'm sure the answer will be waiting for me in the morning.
Oops, missed Riff's question. No, not a chocolate-covered billiard ball. (I think the billiard ball would be either ANIMAL or MINERAL, depending on its source.)
Is it those chocolate-covered coffee bean things you get in places like Starbucks?
We have a winner!
[Kim] Yes, it is indeed chocolate-coated coffee beans.
*blushes*
I'm so sorry, everyone. I feel I have once again crept up on the side rail and snuck in while others' back were turned. Oh, well, what the hell...
ANIMAL
I'm off to Milton Keynes now, so no responses to questions until about 9.00am GMT tomorrow. Line 'em up!
Is it human?
Is it a single, living organism?
Do worms get married?
Is it/are some of them alive just now?
Has someone been tapping my brainwaves?
[Breadmaster] No.
[Inkspot] Yes.
[Raak]Yes.
Is it a worm?
Native UK?
*Aaaargh* - Rewind!!!!
My response to Raak's last question contained a typographical error. The answer to his question is not, in fact, "Yes", but "No". Apologies to all for being asleep at the keyboard. Boolbar and Software invited to review their last questions in the light of this.
Does it end in "Saurus" ?
Was it native to a region of the world?
[Boolbar] No.
[Inkspot] My research indicates that the answer to your question is Yes.
Was it alive at any time since 1900?
How old?
[Raak] No.
Dodo?
Is it the pre-historic single-cell Radiolaria?
[Boolbar] No.
[Inkspot] No.
Is it a reptile?
Could it fly?
Was it a sea creature?
Clarification plase
Living or dead? Does the answer to Inkspot's first question mean that it is alive right now, or merely that it was alive when it, er, was alive?
Oooh, aaah!
[Inkspot] My research indicates that the answer to your question is "No".
[Boolbar] Yes. *Excited murmurs and a burst of applause from the audience.*
Is it a fossilised bird?
Clarification plase (sic)
*Struggles to resist urge to answer Raak's question with "Yes". Just succeeds.*
[Raak] My answer to Inkspot's first question may be interpreted to mean that, when they were alive (which, clearly, from my answer to your first question, they no longer are) they were individual, living organisms. I trust this is clear.
[Inkspot] Yes.
Archaeopteryx?
Paleontologists unite!
[Boolbar] Yes!
Boolbar wins by a head from Inkspot! The answer is indeed Archaeopteryx.
I was hoping someone would go for Pterodactyl first, so that I could come back with a witty remark about how I thought that was a verse form, but never mind. I pass the Chair in Jurassic Studies over to Boolbar, with compliments.
Yey!
Thank you! From an old bird to the next mystery item . . . ABSTRACT.
Is it a human concept
Standard opening
[Software] Yes it is. (standard answer)
Is it pleasant?
* collective sharp intake of breath as the audience first marvel at Boolbar's knowledge of flying creatures that have been dead for ages ... then break into well-deserved applause*
Takes a bow
[Chalky] It might be, but then again it might not be. Or then again, the question might not have any meaning.
Is it an emotion?
It's not The Matrix or some philosophical thing like that is it?
Is it the mind?
As technically speaking, the mind is not regarded as animal (apparently)
Was it ever thought of before the seventeenth century?
Another day, another question.
[Tuj] No.
[Zooo Keeper] No.
[Breadmaster] Yes.
Manichaeanism?
Wot?
[Raak] *looks in a dictionary* No. This game is sure educational!
Is it connected with religion?
[Raak] No. It's a very general thing so I'm sure it could be said to be connected with lots of things if you really wanted to try and find connections.
Do animals have this concept also?
Does it have its origins in philosophical writings?
Is it 'thought'?
"Manichaean (n): Someone from Manchester."
[Tuj] I wouldn't have thought so, but you never can tell . . .
[Kim] No.
[Riff] No.
BTW, saying that it is a human concept might lead you astray. If all life vanished from this planet (or any planet for that matter) then it could be argued that this concept still existed. A bit like the tree falling in the forest when there is no-one around making a sound.
Is it, therefore, logic?
Donning thoughtful Bertrand Russell pose.
[Software] No.
Is it life itself?
[Boolbar] Isn't it arguable that a concept must de facto be capable of conception (by beings capable of thought) and that if all life on any planet vanished then there would be nothing left capable of abstract thought and, accordingly, the concept itself would cease to exist. *Lao Tse: "When a tree falls in a forest and you are not there to hear it, does it make a sound?"
Lord Vetinari: "Yes."
Lao Tse: "How do you know?"
Lord Vetinari: "My sources are generally reliable."*
[Kim] No. oh, and yes I agree it is arguable.
Can you give us a clue? :)
Clueless
[ZK] Yes, I will if no-one has got it by tomorrow.
Is it the passage of time?
Can it be expressed in equations?
Audience start muttering and saying "ooooh"
[Chalky] No. But you have come out of the snow and are warming your toes in front of the fire whilst supping from a good hot soup.
[Ibid] I can see a way of doing it but it isn't something that you would expect to see in an equation.
Life, the universe and everything?
Or is it the restaruant at the end of the universe?
The ageing process?
[Software] No on both counts, but I guess the second question allows you to look at the fire through a telescope from about a mile away.
[Chalky] No. Could you put your soup down and move away from the fire please?
Finality? as in The End?
[Chalky] No. *opens door for Chalky*
Nostalgia?
[Boobar] Aha ... so I was closer with the passage of time thing then?
Is is Death?
I'll repeat that: "Is it death?"
[Chalky] No. *hands back her soup*
[Kim] No. *opens door a crack so Kim can see inside*
Evolution?
Darn you Boobar! I'm supposed to be cooking dinner, now I'll be glued to this until it's resolved :-)
Is it the Afterlife?
Is it purely a temporal phenomenon?
[Chalky] No
[Kim] No
[Ibid] I'd say it always exists (but with above silent tree argument noted).
C'mon let's get this cracked before tomorrow!
Is its time zones and British Summer Time?
Coming in late, been at home on leave and hardly managed to get near the pc, things to etc....makes note for back at the office must remember to work;)
Resurrection?
Tricky this.
Reincarnation?
[Inkspot] No, but you are in the right area.
[Tuj] No.
[Kim] No.
I may or may not be around until Monday. Hopefully someone will have a brainwave tomorrow.
Is it a measurement of time?
...not quite tomorrow yet where I am...
Is it a phrase to describe a 'time' event? or a phrase with a time element?
first example-high noon or sunset.
second example 'golden years/days'
Good guess, that. When you're metaphorical, you can't go wrong in terms of abstract.
The answer never comes . . . .
[Tuj] Not quite.
[Inkspot] Yes!! (to first part).
Is it one of the Seasons?
Or am I going too broad with this again?
Is it a relative time phrase?
As in yesterday, tomorrow, or the like, I mean.
Is it the passage of time?
This month?
[Kim] Bzzzzt - Repetition!
Is it "Now"?
[Chalks] Saaary! Must remember to read through previous postings....
...on which the sun never sets.
Bit of a long explanation this. Some mumbling and rambling. My assumption begins with some events such as calender months and weeks are subjective 'man-made'. On the moon with on side always in the dark the normal definition of night/day does not apply nor would yesterday,sunsets/dawn, time zones etc.. I've tried to word the question to avoid confusion with as seen from earth events, eg crescent moon, except eclipses.
1. Does it occur on the moon, if you were to live there?
2. Does it occur on earth and on moon?
3. Is it subjective man made??
The more I try to think the more I get confused ;)
Do I have to mention it again?
[Zooo K] No.
[Tuj] Yes! *An audience member faints, the rest gasp*
[Kim] No.
[Chalky] No. But the right area (see answer to Tuj)
[Kim] No.
[Inkspot] (1) I suppose you could define it on the moon using some sort of astronomic framework. (2) It occurs on the Earth because we have defined it. If we visited the moon, we would just use the Earth system and definition. (3) Taking your definition, yes. The more I try and answer these questions, the more I get confused.
Is it one of the seasons? a previous season?
bzzzzt
Repetition!
Does it descibe a period of more than seven days?
ZK]apologies, and only six moves previous. I promise not to do it again till next time.
Back tomorrow
[Inkspot] No to both!
Big Clue
Tuj came the closest - in fact I could give it to him, but he didn't put something in the right place. . .
Is it 'today'?
Or just a day?
Nostalgic for yesterday! Not me I'm far too busy, it's not like in the old days but then the summers were longer and hotter.
...and on the moon there is only today, there is no yesterday and tomorrow never comes...Mr Bond
An answer, an answer, there's always an answer . . .
[ZK] Try again . . .
[Inkspot] Is there a question in there (or an answer?)
The answer has been mentioned so many times but not as an answer.
I think it has to be "tomorrow".
...but, if it is, I shall abrogate the Chair in favour of Tuj.
Boolbar]I was hoping Tuj was around to step in and take the chair, but he does not seem to have been around much yesterday.
Heaves huge sigh of relief.
[Kim] It is indeed. If you want to give it to Tuj then by all means do so.

* Audience awakens from a long snooze and breaks into huge applause shouting out Kim and Tuj's names and slapping Inkspot on the back before dashing for the toilets *

plaudits
Well done Kim & Tuj et al. Last night, on returning from 36 hours of 'celebrating', I was surprised to find that this one hadn't been 'nailed'. Good choice Boobar :-)
re: the next one - I think whoever is 'around' now and for the next few hours should take the chair.
We want Tuj!
Where is Tuj based? If he's out of commission for any reason, then I'll supply the next one, but I propose to wait until 5.00pm UK time, to give Tuj a chance to play. Any objections to this?
Waaaah! Combination of monitor failure at work (not to mention the slowest-responding IT helpdesk in Europe and a son distinctly under the weather at home have prevented me from posting since this lunchtime. Sorry, one and all for the hiatus. OK, I see that Tuj is otherwise occupied, so I will take the chair once more. OK, since collaborations seem to be all the rage (cf. Britney, featuring Madonna), lets say: Abstract, featuring Vegetable.
Is the vegetable a food item?
Is it a biological process, like transpiration?
Is it a musical group?
like Boyzone featuring Robbie Williams?
Is it a figurative vegetable?
E.g. the apple of one's eye, the tree of life, etc.
Is it an insult, like Turnip Head?
Ping!
[Riff] Yes.
[ZK] No.
[Dazed5] No.
[Raak] Yes.
[Software] No.
Is the vegetable a fruit?
The Great Pumpkin?
Is it the title of a book and/or film?
Is it chocolate?
[Chalky] Yes.
[Raak] You're a good man, Charlie Brown, but no.
[Boolbar] Yes.
[Lib] No.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
Some people classify tomatoes as a fruit.
Are Oranges the Only Fruit?
Is it a recent book/film .... say post - 1990?
Temparature's rising...
[Raak] Super, but no.
[Inkspot] No.
[Chalky] No.
The Grapes of Wrath?
James and the Giant Peach?
oops - too recent.
Peachy
[BtD] The book isn't.
Four Weddings and a Banana?
A clockwork orange?
Here we go round the Mulberry Bush?
only guessed this after discounting Last Mango in Paris
Boolbar wins again!
Another fine drop goal sails majestically between the uprights from the golden boot of Boolbar. The answer is, indeed, Steinbeck's searing indctment and merciless evocation of loss and displacement, The Grapes of Wrath.
Consolation prizes to Software and Dazed5 - there must be a new game in there somewhere (perhaps a replacement for the current Pants game, which, to my mind, had run its course some time ago).
The Chair passes to Boolbar.
* audience, having just got settled, tosses aside popcorn and malteser boxes, and erupts into noisy raucous cheering for Boolbar - who has proved himself master of the Abstract Vegetable genre*
Surprised
Oooh, better do a quickie then. Animal
Is it a ... erm .... 'quick' animal?
Is it a person? are they alive?
[Chalky] Depends what you compare with. Faster than a dead tortoise, slower than a tortoise traveling at the speed of light.
[Inkspot] Yes, and yes.
Is he a he?
I was hoping to do a line about "It it a quick animal, as opposed to a dead animal?" Never mind....
[Kim] He is a he.
Osama bin Laden?
[Raak] No.
Is this person an artist of some kind?
As opposed to a big-nosed, pointy-chinned, syrup-wearing, washed up light-entartainment has-been, like for instance Bruce Forsyth.
George Bush?
A politician?
American?
Aan]
Please tell me it isn't a rugby player.
An actor?
oops pressed return instead of shift
Is he a writer?
Is it J. Wilkinson, the flavour of the week?
Waking from a slumber, I spotted that I almost won something up there. Never mind. Thanks, Kim - I don't think I'm on here frequently enough to be the chair for this fast-paced game!
No to you all!
[Dazed5] No. Although aren't we all artists in some way?
[Software] No.
[Raak] No.
[Riff] No.
[Breadmaster] No.
[Inkspot] No.
[Kim] No, he doesn't write for a living.
[Tuj] No.
British?
Is it an active sportman or has he retired?
[Breadmaster] Oh yes.
[Inkspot] Oh no. Not a sportsman - not retired.
Is he a TV presenter?
Ian Huntley?
Morbid - I know, but I had to get off my chest.
[Chalky] No.
[Inkspot] No.
A musician?
Does he have a connection with ISIHAC?
[Inkspot] No.
[Raak] Ooooh, there is a vague connection. * audience look interested *
Is he a known homosexual?
Just trying to narrow it down, you understand.
Is he an actor?
Does he work for one of the major UK broadcasting organisations (albeit not in an acting, writing, musical, TV presenting or sporting capacity?
)?
[Breadmaster] No.
[Dazed5] No, he still isn't. (See answer to Inkspot above).
[Kim] No.
Is he funny?
Is he a chef?
[Lib] He doesn't make people laugh for a living (he's not an entertainer).
[Inkspot] No.
Is he known primarily for appearances on TV or radio?
Does he read the News?
Or would that be regarded as an entainer? hmmmmm....
swap:- entainer/entertainer
Ian Hislop?
Is he involved with production or direction?
Is he alive?
[Breadmaster] No.
[Lib] Not out loud, but he probably does read newspapers. :o)
[Inkspot] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Software] Yes.

Clue - that vague connection that I mentioned, is it staring you in the face?

Is he a normal guy who acheived some fame, or infamy?
Apologies for my repetition above. We can, therefore, conclude he is not an actor.
[Dazed5] Yes, he's a normal guy. No he's not had his 15 minutes of fame yet.
Is it YOU [+y]?
And if not, is it one of us?
Is it me?
Deep Breath
[Chalky] You are correcto!!!!!!
I was going to pick someone else, but if the questions got too personal then I know a lot about me.

* Audience applaudes Chalky's sudden insight and carries her aloft to the chair chanting her name *

*makes the sound of one hand clapping*
Wahay
Gosh - that was a surprise. Now for a *V E G E T A B L E*
Is it edible to humans?
Ruling out such things as dining room tables
Is 'a' vegetable a clue?
A carrot?
Well, a basic answer's not out of the question, surely?
Dazed - No, not really, although it wouldn't kill you if you did eat it.
Duj - It isn't a clue :-)
Beth - No [basic answer :-)]
Is it a *product* made from vegetable materials?
Can't think of an example, but still...
Is it something made of wood?
Is it something manufactured?
Does it float on water?
Is it made of paper?
sorry to keep you waiting ....
Beth - Yes
Riff - No
Raak - Yes
Boolbar - Yes
Bob - No
Is it something made by humans in order to travel on water?
Is it more usually manufactured by hand, rather than by automated process?
Does it have moving parts?
Is it an item of furniture? A table perhaps?
Boolbar - No
Kim - Both nowadays
Breadmaster - No
Hi Lib :-) - No
Is it woven?
Do you own one?
..... (or more)?
Is it wicker-work?
Is it a piece of clothing?
Although a towel for example can be 'worn' it is not clothing, but a dressing gown as a piece of clothing could be made from towelling.
Is is machine-washable?
arrow_circle_down
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