arrow_circle_left arrow_circle_up arrow_circle_right
Animal-Vegetable-Mineral-Abstract: The Pants Memorial Game
help
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.
arrow_circle_up
And for your guessing pleasure...
...we have ANIMAL, VEGETABLE & MINERAL (at least arguably; ABSTRACT could probably be applied as well but I wouldn't want to be silly about this. ;) )
Is this something made by humans?
Is it a building?
Darren - Yes; Chalky - No.
[Chalky] At least not in the conventional sense of 'a building'.
McDonalds Happy Meal?
Although, Arguably niether animal or vegetable, the mineral part would be the box.
Is it related to art?
Does it perform a practical function?
Is it associated with a particular part of the world?
Did it exist prior to 1900?
Is there only ONE of this?
Is it edible?
Is it a household item?
Is it a lead-weighted wooden cosh with a leather grip?
Is it something we would like to own?
Does this include packaging?
Does it emit noise?
LotUS helloo... ?
Would I be allowed to take it on a aeroplane?
Sorry for the long delay - didn't get a chance to check in at lunchtime
Here we go: Huxley - No; Raak - No; Bob the Dog - Not really; Inkspot - Yes; Boolbar - Yes; Chalky - Yes; rab - No (but then some of its constituent parts are); Martha - No; Raak - No; Ibid - You'd probably be fairly pleased if you did own it; Ibid - No (simple answer); Kayl - I'd say it can be quite a noisy thing; Bob - Hello *waves*; Ibid - No.
Phew.
Hmmm, let's try again, shall we -
Huxley - No;
Raak - No;
Bob the Dog - Not really;
Inkspot - Yes;
Boolbar - Yes;
Chalky - Yes;
rab - No(but then some of its constituent parts are);
Martha - No;
Raak - No;
Ibid - You'd probably be fairly pleased if you did own it;
Ibid - No(simple answer);
Kayl - I'd say it can be quite a noisy thing;
Bob - Hello *waves*;
Ibid - No.
Is it one of the seven wonders of the world?
Is it an island?
Does it have moving parts?
rab - No; Raak - No; Ibid - Yes
Is it in Europe?
Don't see how it could have existed pre-1900 and still have edible parts...
Tuj - No
[Tuj] But that's going on the strict interpretation of your phrasing. The fairest answer is 'It was'.
Is it large, compared to a telephone box?
Is it a coach and horses?
Is it the Last Supper?
Is it a collection of items given a single name?
Something akin to the Elgin Marbles
Is it owned by a country or an individual?
Is it safe?
rab - Definitely; Raak - No and No; Inkspot - In a way it is; Inkspot - Not really; Martha - Umm
[Martha] There's no easy way to answer that with a 'yes' or 'no' without being completely misleadng. I would have to answer, in fairness, though, "Probably not by today's general standards".
Is it a geographical feature?
Is it assocoiated with sport?
Is it a geographical region?
Raak - Probably not in the sense you're thinking but it could be said to be; Inkspot - No; rab - Yes (but same disclaimer as for Raak)
Does it exist still today?
Is it used to produce something useful?
Is it New York?
Is it das heilige röische Reich der deutsche Nation?
Um, römishce.
Oh bollocks you know what I mean.
Anything to to with transport?
Anything from a bridge, a car, a plane, trains or Aladins first magic carpet
Is it London Bridge?
Is it The Head of Steam?
rab - No; Boolbar - No; Raak - No; rab - No; Inkspot - No; Chalky - No; Raak - No
Rab is the closest so far. Inkspot was but he seems to have strayed off the course...
Is it an ocean?
Was it destroyed by a natural disater?
Is it in England?
Is it the Industrial Revolution?
To recap: Made by humans.
Not a building.
Not a McDonald's Happy Meal.
Not related to art.
Doesn't really perform a practical function.
Associated with a particular part of the world.
Existed prior to 1900.
Only one.
Some of its constituent parts are edible.
Not a household item.
Not a lead-weighted cosh with a leather grip.
Something we would probably be fairly pleased to own.
Doesn't include packaging (simple answer).
Can be quite noisy.
Wouldn't be allowed to take it on an aeroplane.
Not one of the seven wonders of the world.
Not an island.
Has moving parts.
Not in Europe.
Large (compared to a telephone box).
Not a coach and horses.
Not the Last Supper.
In a way a collection of items given a single name.
Not really owned by a country or an individual.
Probably not safe by today's general standards.
Could be said to be a geographical feature.
Not associated with sport.
Could be said to be a geographical region.
No longer in existence.
Not used to produce something useful.
Not New York.
Not rab's bollocks.
Nothing to do with transport.
Not London Bridge.
Not The Head of Steam.
Is it some sort of realm? The Roman Empire?
[Kayl] Apparantly it was in Europe.
Is it anything to do with summat up in space?
As 'rab's bollocks' [see Kayl summary] was the closest so far - can we have a translation?
oops - can't be space age - existed before 1900 - doh!
Is it a city, town, or other habitation?
USSR?
[rab]ah, true, my mistake
Bob - No; Inkspot - No; Boolbar - No; Kayl - No; rab - Yes followed by No; Chalky - No but retraction noted; Raak - No, Chalky - No
Is it specifically an empire? If so, is it the British Empire?
Was it more than 1000 years ago?
The Civilised World?
Is it larger than St. Paul's Cathedral?
Was it larger than Derbyshire?
Pre-1974 counties, etc.
Did it cover all or part of what is now considered the British Isles (ie UK + Ireland and various bits that no-one else wants)?
Rutland?
rab - Yes! but No; Inkspot - No; Kayl - Yes; Raak - Yes; Ibid - Yes; rab - No; Chalky - No
The British Empire?
Oops, didn't read the previous answers properly.
The Roman Empire?
The Holy Roman Empire?
Is it the Ottoman Empire ?
Or a test match Cricket Empire?
Was it southern european?
Did its influence extend beyond Euope?
Raak - No (to all three); Inkspot - Yes and Yes... but; BtD - YES!!!
And the fireworks fly for Bob the Dog!!! A tewnty-one scimitar salute to be given in Constantinople in your honour sir! And I cede the chair to you...
Oooh how nice!
Thank you LotUS - especially the 'tewnty-one scimitar salute'. Hmm now I'll have to think about this for a while...
Ok - that didn't take long. This one is Abstract/Animal.
Is it found in a children's story?
Is it a "nightmare"?
Has it appeared in a film?
Good one Lotus, any appearance of knowing what I was doing was purely coincidence;)
Is it Zaphod Beeblebrox?
Is it a unicorn?
Would it be possible to buy one?
Is it green
As in bug-eyed alien.
Is it mythological?
Is it connected to music?
Did it exist pre-1500?
Boolbar - yes.
Software - no.
Inkspot - 1)yes 2)no.
Raak - no.
Lib - the simple answer is yes.
Ibid - no.
LotUS - no.
Chalky - no.
Kayl - no.
The Cat In The Hat?
Has it appeared in a Disney film?
Is it a bear?
Does it share a name with an underground station?
Would I come across it in a Harry Potter novel?
Some sort of fantasy? (eg LOTR etc)
Does it feature in...
Is it (in theory) smaller than normal human size?
Boolbar - no.
Ibid - 1) no 2) no 3) no.
Boolbar - no.
rab - 1) yes, but not in the sense you are thinking. 2) It does not feature in LOTR.
Riff - arguable, but most people would say yes to this.
Was the film made before the year 2000?
Was it one of the main characters of the film?
Is it extra-terrestrial? (And if so, is it ET?)
Is it a computer generated creature?
Inkspot - 1) I think so. 2) yes.
rab - no. Chalky - no.
Was it a live-action film?
...a blind alley
Riff - There have been a few films, at least one has been live action, but this abstract/animal doodah is not usually associated with movies.
Was the story written by a British author?
Timmy?
The Famous Five; Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy, the terrifying dog ever, I lose count of the number of hardened criminals who yelled "...and keep that dog away from me!"
Snowy (Tintin's dog)?
Is it a mammal?
Inkspot - 1) no. 2) no
Raak - No. But warm.
Boolbar - "Yes".
Is it more human [as opposed to an animal]?
unless I've missed something - have we established that this is an animal?
Tintin?
Snow White? Toto?
I can't help but think of that pr0nographic Tintin comic strip now..
er... Lassie?
Asterix? or Obelix?
?
Old Yeller?
[Chalky] Well, it's arguably smaller than normal human size...
Chalky - yes.
Raak - no.
snorgle - 1) no 2) no.. (What this about Tintin!?) Riff - no.
Tina - Sorry - don't know Old Yeller.
Riff - That is because it is a diminutive human. Have I missed anyone?
Oh yes, Wol - 2)no. 1) - YES!!!
We have a winner! Well done all concerned! Again, Inkspot asked a lot of the right questions, Raak got searingly close with the Snowy guess. Asterx the Gaul it was, Wol, you have the chair!
Oooh - I think that was my first contribution to that game, so apologies and thanks to all of you who did the hard work. Standing on the shoulders of giants, etc.
OK - let's make this one swift - ANIMAL/MINERAL
It is sentient?
A pair of hobnailed leather boots?
Is it a robot/cyborg?
Is it edible?
Is it bigger than a microwave oven?
Kim - no; Raak - so close! ;-); Boolbar - no; Btd - no; Soft - no.
Steel-capped boots? Some kind of footwear?
[rab] sorry - don't be misled (I wasn't trying to misle, anyway). Raak wasn't that close.
Any form of clothing?
I'll take that as a no to both then.
[rab] Yes - it's a no-no.
It's not those leather-lined steel manacles again, is it?
[Wol] What about rab's last question (clothing)?
Is the animal content (mostly) leather?
A leather belt with studs?
Does is have a zip?
[Bob - that was a simulpost in case it looked as though I was leaping on your idea!]
Sorry - not with it this morning. No, it's not clothing (except in an extremely tangential sense which I won't tease you with). Raak - no; Btd - yes; Chalky - no (but close, oddly); Ink - no.
A bridle?
...or some sort of horsey harness stuff?
Is the mineral content metal?
Does it have fastenings?
Is it worn by an animal?
Could you buy it in M&S?
Just off to buy my prawn sandwiches.
Bondage gear?
Stirrups?
may as well keep guessing
Dog Collar?
As worn by a dog, not a vicar. (Although in some cases I'm sure it may well be . . .)
Let's cut to the quick - Boolbar: YES! I'm dead impressed by the speed of homing in on that (only 3 substantive contributions from me). So it's over to:
  • Boolbar -
    • Yikes!
    OK so let's go for . . . . . ANIMAL
    Kate Bush?
    [BtD] No. I thought that might be too predictable. :o)
    2 legs?
    Well done Boolbar (bit of a geezer) :-). I'm determined to get the answer one day soon. It keeps happening just as I'm on the verge of nailing it - but get called away for something trivial, like earning a living.
    Is it native to one particular continent?
    whereas migratory birds are incontinent.
    [Chalky] No. But keep guessing. This might be your lucky day.
    [Inkspot] It originated from one continent.
    Extant?
    Mankind?
    Would that continent be Australia?
    Furry?
    A hamster?
    Insect?
    Even a bee can cross continents
    [rab] Technically, no. Physically yes.
    [Raak] No.
    [Kayl] No.
    [Chalky] No.
    [BtD] No.
    [Inkspot] No.
    Is it a single instance of a deceased thing?
    [rab] Yes.
    By heck! It can be difficult deciding what the answers should be sometimes. But nice to see how people can go along the wrong tangent.
    A fossil?
    [Chalky] No.

    I'm off home now. I might be able to check in later, otherwise it will be 09:00 GMT tomorrow before I'm back.

    Actually - fossils would be mineral. Is it an animal product?
    The Iceman?
    I don't think so, since that would have two legs... so...
    Is it on show at a museum (or similar institution) somewhere?
    Was it a mammal?
    Was it a horse? If so, was it 'Seabiscuit'
    Since there is a film about that one out...
    Did it die within the last 50 years?
    Is it the proverbial dead do-do?
    [Chalky] I wouldn't call it an animal product no.
    [rab] (a) No. (b) A copy might be but I don't know to be sure.
    [Ibid] (a) Yes. (b) No.
    [Inkspot] It did cease to 'exist' in the last 50 years but I guess it is also still alive. (Is this a clue?)
    [Tuj] No.
    Is the species particular/associated to one continent?
    As in kangeroos - Australia
    Penguin - Antartica
    I know its a blind alley, but I'm a bit lost at the moment.
    Is it a named animal?
    ie;Shep the dog / Shergar
    Is it a dead human?
    In which case that narrows it down to mere 7,098,764,098,76410 :o)
    Elvis?
    Dead but still alive?
    Jake the Peg?
    Is it part of an animal?
    Is it smallpox?
    A good nights sleep, a disease that was eradicated but still alive in labs, are there any others?
    Hmmm, perhaps I better fill in a few gaps.
    [Inkspot 1] 'It' is associated with one country - but didn't always stay there. 'It' might be there now, or spread around more than one country - I don't know 'its' exact whereabouts at this moment.
    [Inkspot 2] 'It' has a name and I'd be surprised if anyone here had not heard of 'it'.
    [BtD 1] No.
    [BtD 2] No.
    [Raak] No. But at least someone is starting to think around the "not 2 legs" bit.
    [Chalky] No.
    [Inkspot 3] No.

    I think it is the existence thing that may cause confusion (it confuses me). 'It' no longer exists in a similar way to the last MC pilg not existing any more.

    Is it a team or group of people?
    Is it Monty Python?
    (by which I mean the Monty Python crew, not the nonexistent person of Monty Python him/her/itself)
    [Raak 1] YES! [Raak 2] No.
    A political connection?
    Ok, it's Monty Python.
    Have I won?
    Sorry, misreading on my part...
    Is it a sporting team?
    If so, I've absolutely no chance of gettting it.
    Is it the Welsh?
    Btd - no.
    Oh, er, they still exist.
    Anything to do with music?
    [Chalky] Political? None that I know of
    [Raak] Sporting? No.
    [BtD] Music? YES!
    Bum, simulpost! Blaah!
    The Beatles?
    Assuming it's not the Beatles, is it European?
    Rock music?
    If Raak is wrong we will need something to go on. I want Chalky to win this one...(I was going to say "I'm rooting for Chalky" but that didn't sound quite right).
    [Raak] No. [Darren] Yes. [BtD] I wouldn't say so, more "Pop". I'm not sure why I picked them, except they are well known and they popped into my head first.
    Can I have a 'p' please?
    I didn't make that clear. They are definitely pop, with a capital 'P'.
    Abba?
    Ooooh Bob!
    British?
    sorry to have 2 goes - I'm a bit busy this morning, so have to make the most of being on site.
    Does it begin with a 'P'? [Was that a clue?]
    now I'm being REALLY pushy. It was the rooting what did it.
    Rooting and tooting
    [Chalky] Super trooper! Abba it is! Here, have a chair....
    Excellent Boolbar.
    Yeaaa for Chalky!
    *ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MINERAL & ABSTRACT*
    Many thanks for the support, Bob - I shall wear it with pride.
    Is it The Restaurant at the End of the Universe?
    What! All 4?
    Is the animal aspect human?
    Boolbar - No. Raak - YES
    [Boolbar] The Abstract element should really be bracketted - I thought it might offer a clue - and judging by your first guess, which ain't 'alf bad, I did the right thing.
    Is the human aspect, one person?
    Is it an event?
    Teset the water, dipping in my little toe!
    Is the abstract aspect due to its being a collection, assemblage, group, etc.?
    Is it 'Australia'?
    Is it a product of the entertainment industry?
    Boolbar - No. Inkspot - Yes. Raak - mostly Yes. Bob - No. Darren - Yes.
    Is it for charity?
    Does it involve eating?
    Woodstock?
    Is it a performance?
    Is it a musical performance?
    Backtracking slightly.
    Chealsea flower show?
    Ibid - Don't think so. Boolbar - it might do. Kayl - No. Darren - YES. Kayl - music comes into it, yes. Softers - No :-)
    Is it a pantomime?
    Is it an outdoor performance?
    Boolbar - It isn't regarded as such. Inkspot - No.
    Funnily enough, I had considered Dracula - The Vampire Strikes Back! as a possible [and very topical] object for guessing.
    Has this performance happened already this year?
    Raak - Yes.
    Will it happen again this year?
    Does it happen on television?
    Was it held in the Royal Albert Hall?
    Is it taking place in London?
    The Eurobore Song Contest?
    Raak - (1) Yes (2) Occasionally. Inkspot - No. Bobthedog - Yes. Softers - No.
    Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?
    Does it have anything to do with Andrew Lloyd Weber?
    Is it a musical?
    Boolbar - good question but No. Kayl - bit late but Yes. Bob the dog - Of all the musicals in all the West End - ya had to go an' pick the RIGHT ONE!
    Well guessed Sir! [with admirable back-up from Boolbar, Raak and Darren]. As I'm not around much until Monday night - I'm rather pleased that one went so quickly. The CHAIR is yours ....
    Bah humbug. My time will come!
    This I did not expect - thank you Chalky - were you rooting too?! Kayl - good luck! OK - ABSRACT.
    Fermat's Last Theorem?
    Is an action?
    It is a concept?
    [BtD] Ta. :)
    Raak - no.
    Inkspot - no.
    Kayl - in a way - but misleading to say yes.
    Standard question. Is it found *solely* on earth?
    Is it in any way scientific?
    Is it a verbal expression?
    Is it possible to make one using only common household items?
    Is it religious in nature?
    Is it art?
    "Ah! The little grey cells..." Hercule Poirot
    Dr Q - strictly speaking yes.
    Software - not generally considered to be.
    Inkspot - not in the usual sense.
    Raak - yes.
    Riff - no.
    Kim - no.
    A brainwave?
    Is it a mistake of some kind?
    The "yes" answer to Raak's question seems to make it a material object, yet it cannot be, being Abstract. Therefore . . .
    Is it a term to describe a collection of objects?
    Does it involve words?
    Dujon - lovely, but no.
    Rosie - no.
    Inkspot - no.
    Raak - no.
    Life?
    Does it involve sounds?
    Riff - no.
    Raak - It can be expressed in sound.
    [Rosie] I have chosen something that is abstract but can be represented in a physical, tangible way using a range of media, many of which are commonly found around the average house.
    Raak - Your question 'does it involve words' was close - perhaps rephrase it.
    Does it involve waves?
    Does it involve writing?
    Is it a single abstract thing, or a group of... abstract things?
    It's not 'A badly phrased question', is it?
    Could it be considered a kind of message?
    A song?
    A painting?
    Kayl - no.
    Darren - it does.
    Tuj - not a y/n question - but I'm thinking of a single abstract thing.
    Breadmaster - not on its own.
    Rosie - no.
    snorgle - no.
    Does it require any electrical equipment to occur?
    Calligraphy?
    Does it have to do with musical notation?
    Is it a kitchen drama?
    Ibid - no.
    Raak - no.
    Raak - no.
    Inkspot - no.
    Raak is getting warmer.
    Can it be written down?
    Does it come in different types?
    Can be expressed in a variety of physical ways, including sound; involves writing but not calligraphy, words or musical notation; is not on its own a message; no batteries required. Thinkthinkthink...
    Is it an emotion?
    or an idea?
    Does it normally create a positive response?
    It's not actually 'music' is it?
    ...but then that would through the musical notation question out. Hmmm...
    Is it musical ability?
    Sorry for jumping in again like this.
    Kayl - 1) YES, 2) YES.
    Raak - 1) It does involve writing but it is not calligraphy (I think this is slightly different from your interpretation of my answer - 'calligraphy' is not the answer, however, this thing can be expressed using calligraphy. 'Words' is a little more complex - it is involved in words but is not a word if you see what I mean...
    Raak - 2) no.
    Riff - not really.
    Inkspot - not positive or negative.
    LotUS - 1) no. 2) no.(Keep jumping in!)
    The Koran?
    Is it the alphabet?
    Or if not the alphabet itself, is it a particular letter?
    [Raak] It's not religious.
    Er, since you've said there's more than one type, maybe I should specify our alphabet, as distinct from, say, the Chinese one.
    A word?
    Raak - no.
    Riff - 1) no. 2) yes!
    Raak - no.
    B?
    Riff - no.
    *sigh*
    Well, I don't want to be a bastard by making 25 more guesses in a row, so I'll just guess "Q", and then I'm going to bed...
    Riff - no.
    Bearing in mind that everyone should now have an equal chance - from now on I should ration guesses to one at a time - no multiple guesses (e.g. Is it A, C, D, E?) and no posting twice without allowing another player to have a turn. And I'll take first answers only. There is a clue in my first posting of this game...
    I'll chose the last letter of my third sons name 'M'
    T?
    A?
    O?
    K?
    (B t D) Everyone should observe these conventions anyway.
    F?
    Presumably the musical connection means it is a letter from A to G...
    H?
    Recall that the Germans extend the musical alphabet for some superstitious reason that escapes me for the moment.
    Pfff. C?
    Er... Raak's question "Does it have to do with musical notation?" was answered "No."
    X
    In which case I retract the H (so don't answer on that one) and invoke the mathematically unknown gambit.
    T?
    I'm guessing T because you spelt abstract as "ABSRACT" in your first posting..
    Sorry snorgle you got the right clue but Riff has already tried the letter 'T' - the RIGHT ANSWER! Congratulations Riff the chair is yours...
    Joy! [Bob]Thank you, sir -- good game!
    Okay: Abstract, but with an arguable Mineral connection.
    The Midas Touch?
    Curses, if it wasn't for you pesky kids.. :) I hadn't noticed Riff's guess actually..
    I post like the ninja!
    [snorgle] Nope.
    Is the mineral water?
    And I don't mean Mineral Water.
    [Rosie] No.
    The Diamond Sutra?
    Is it a human concept?
    [Raak] No.
    [Software] Er... yes... although I may be interpreting that question differently than you intended it. A bit vague.
    Is it the planet Tatooine?
    [Bob] No.
    Is it this game?
    I was pondering whether this game would be counted as Mineral or Abstract only the other day.
    Is it related to a specific country?
    Would it apply to smething humans do in everyday life?
    Is it a title of a film?
    The Rock of Ages?
    [Boolbar] No.
    [Snorgle] It could be, but isn't generally.
    [Software] Yes.
    [Inkspot] Sort of, but only coincidentally.
    [Raak] No.
    Is it something to do with computers?
    Is it connected to travel?
    Taking coals to Newcastle?
    Does it involve communication?
    (Boolbar) This game itself must be Abstract, possibly with Mineral connections. No pun intended.
    Is it something people generally will pay for ?
    thought i would add my rare tuppence worth over here.
    [Boolbar] Yes.
    [Inkspot] Not inherently.
    [Raak] What?
    [Rosie] Yes.
    [st d] No.
    is it Pi?
    Is in an email?
    [Riff] I guess that's a no. (To take coals to Newcastle, erstwhile centre of the former British coalmining industry, is like selling refridgerators to Eskimos.)
    Is it something that people do?
    Is it an internet chatroom?
    Selling sand to Arabia
    Software?
    [Bob] No.
    [rab] No.
    [Raak] Ah, I see. 'No' is correct.
    [Raak] Oog. Nnno... and then again, yes. Put it this way: it's a noun that's frequently verbed. That's probably a real giveaway, right there.
    [Bigsmith] No. [Software] Well, no, but some might argue.
    Does it need electricity to operate?
    Is it a browser?
    [Bob] Yes.
    [Inkspot] No.
    By 'computer' do we mean a traditional desktop device, in the main? If not, is it an SMS text?
    A mobile phone ring tone?
    [rab] Yes we do.
    [Raak] No.
    Is it Google?
    Is it websurfing?
    Bing bing bing!
    Google it is! Kayl takes the win!
    Oh, and here's a line:
    - where are you?
    Congrats! - Btd.
    kayl
    I think he's hiding.. Is that him?
    Right here
    Sorry, temperamental computer here. I'm afraid the noun/verb did rather give it away. Ok new one: Mineral/Vegetable is probably the best way of describing it.
    Is it edible?
    Is the vegetable part wood?
    Is it smaller than an average sized collie dog?
    A salted peanut?
    Is it hand made?
    Is it a diamond-studded carrot?
    you never know..
    ...or anything to do with Belgium?
    BNob? Argh!
    Btd - Heh heh heh!
    [Btd]YES. Damn, too easy. [Boolbar] No. [Chalky] Size doesn't really come into it. [Raak] No. [Inkspot] To a certain extent, but I wouldn't follow that fish. [snorgle] No, but what a fantastic idea. [Bnob] I first came across it in Belgium as it happens, but no, it's not essentially Belgian.
    Can you buy it in a supermarket?
    Is it something that can be drunk?
    [Schalky] Yes.
    [Boolbar] Yes.
    Is it alcoholic?
    Is it some sort of flavoured mineral water?
    Is the mineral part the glass container of the liquid?
    Wine?
    [rab]No.
    [Raak]No.
    [Boolbar]No.
    [Chaskly]No.
    Is it a 'fast' food?
    Or a soup?
    Is it sold in cans?
    [BtD]1. It can be served pretty fast.
    2.No.
    [Inkspot]It can be.
    Is it seafood?
    Coca-Cola? [or pepsi Cola]
    Is water the mineral part?
    I'd opt for Whole Earth Organic Cola with real cola nut extract. Is it that?
    Oh my goodness, I sound like a hippy. Man.
    Is it Bed Bull?
    [Boolbar]No.
    [UnChalk]No.
    [Raak]No.
    [Bob]No, sounds lovely though.
    [Inkspot] No.
    Although it can be drunk, is it generally regarded as a drink?
    Tonic Water?
    Is it Goldshlager?
    You know, that cinnamon spirit with gold flecks. Is that even healthy, imbibing a heavy metal?
    Is it served hot?
    Does it contain tomato?
    Is it fizzy?
    [rab]Yes, but I'd continue along this line of questioning if I were you.
    [Pchalky] No. [snorgle]Sounds lovely, but no. [Inkspot]It can be. [Breadmaster]No.
    Woop, sorry.
    [Boolbar] No.

    I really can't get the hang of these < br > breaks.

    Is it Norfolk Punch?
    No.
    Is it a dip to accompany food?
    Not conventionally.
    Is it normally served in a bottle?
    Is it savoury?
    [Ibid]Yes.
    [Shorty]No.
    Is it medicinal?
    Soya sauce?
    Does it contain cheese?
    Is is made from a particular fruit or vegetable?
    [Bob] I can never decide whether to put Bob or BtD, no. [Raak]No. [Boolbar]I can't give you that. [Inkspot] Yes.
    [Boolbar] Yes that was a hint.
    Does it contain lemons?
    Is it milk?
    Kayl] Put 'Bob'. I sometimes use Btd (never BtD). Bob's nice, I like 'Bob'.
    [i]Egg Nog?[/i]
    D'oh. Stupid chat-board meta-tags. Egg Nog.
    Is it milkshake?
    smoothie?
    Is it a fondue?
    Moving off at a tangent and trying to tie up in my mind, Boolbar - Is the mineral part the glass container of the liquid? (no), and Ibid - Is it normally served in a bottle?(yes)
    soya milk?
    Riff - if you put your answer in the bit that says Apropos you don't need tags - its automatically italicised.
    Is it sweet?
    [Inkspot] Maybe it contains salt.
    If this thing were milk or a product thereof, would that make it animal? And if so, eeeeoooo!
    Coconut milk?
    [Raak]No.
    [Bob]Yes, but as a characteristic of the final answer.
    [Riff]No.[Zoo Keep]No on both counts.
    [Inkspot]No.
    [snorgle]No.
    [Breadmaster]No.
    [Talky]No.
    Is it a milk derivative, like yoghurt?
    In a sense.
    Lassi?
    Sour cream?
    I have to confess - all this talk of milk and milk derivatives is confusling me, knowing that this is a 'Vegetable/Mineral' thing.
    Is it Danone Actimel Yogurt Drink?
    or similar done by Yakult healthy bacteria drink.
    Is it a product for people who can't have (or don't want) dairy products?
    Ahh... Soy Milk.
    [Raak]No.
    [Khalcy]No. The mineral refers to the minerals you find in milk, like Calcium.
    [Inkspot]No.
    [Boolbar]No.[Riff]No.

    You're following the wrong fish I should mention.

    Irn Bru?
    Made from girrders!
    Mineral water?
    Oooh!
    A cup of tea?
    Coffee?
    A frappucino?
    Or perhaps a nice hot mug of melted Cheddar?
    Cafe Latte extra foam?
    Danone Activ?
    It is, in fact, Herbie, a plate of steak and chips...
    Horlicks?
    Yumma!
    Is it purchased in liquid form? I'm thinking powdered milk?
    I have to say, this is really confusing me...
    Hot chocolate?
    me too rab - I suppose the next batch of replies might help. Kayl?
    Is it a hot chocoalte malt drink?
    Is it normally consumed from the recepticle it has been bought in?
    I've been trying to join together some of the yes answers with the maybes but to no avail put together they have completley thrown me; is a milk derivitive like yogurt(in a sense), that is a drink, can be served hot, normally served in a bottle, milk is a characteristic of the final answer, can be sold in cans.
    Is it a sauce?
    Stone soup?
    Instant coffee?
    which in my opinion is evil.
    Is it made from a particular fruit?
    Going back a couple of questions as I didn't chase up the 'yes' made from a particular fruit or vegetable.
    Lovells milky lunch bar?
    Cheesey Peas?
    Would it be served in a café?
    Oh dear. Having returned after 3 hours, I was rather hoping this one would be wrapped up by now. It is rather reminiscent of the PantsMC game - y'know the sort of thing - no replies for aeons; conflicting clues, etc etc. Some people [no names] used to get a bit tetchy. Great fun.
    [snorgle]No.
    [Bob]2(No)
    [Chalkos]No
    [Riff]no
    [Angus]No
    [Zoo Keep]No
    [Bob]No
    [rab]Usually liquid, extreme examples can be solid (clue!)
    [Chucky]No.
    [Inkspot]No.
    [Inkspot]It isn't normally consumed.
    [Boolbar]No
    [Raak]No
    [Lib]No
    [Inkspot]No, vegetable: grass.
    [Dixy]No.
    [Boolbar]No
    [Chalky] Not if you're lucky. Sorry about this, I've tried to give more clues.
    Is it a cleaning product?
    Is it some sort of plant food?
    [Boolbar]No.
    [rab]No.

    Ok, you're veering off in the wrong direction here guys. Stick with types of milk.

    Does it contain milk from a cow?
    [Raak]Any milk is possible, but cow milk is how you've most likely come across it.
    Is it mixed with someting else before being a drink?
    Definitly a daft question when it is not consumed but is a drink.
    Is it for human rather than animals to drink but not consume?
    Chalky] ...and while I'm at it...!! who's getting tetchy?
    sap?
    Does it contain caffeine?
    [Inkspot]No.
    [Inkspot]Yes. Sorry, I see the confusion. It is a drink, a form of milk, I'm just saying you wouldn't want to drink it.
    [Chalky]No.
    [Raak]No.
    To clarify the clarification: it is a drink in the measure that it is drinkable.
    It's not milk of magnesia is it?
    I mean, it's a laxative, so you wouldn't want to drink it...
    Ibid - Medicinal was eliminated
    [Ibid]No, form of cow milk that you wouldn't want to drink.
    Is it beestings?
    Raak]The sting of bees? No.
    Ah, just looked it up. No.
    the cud? [as in ...chewing the]
    Milk that has gone off?
    [Chalky]No.
    [Boolbar] YES! YES! YES!
    Well done Boolbar, that was quite painful. I was actually thinking of Sour Milk. Have a line:
    Hmmmm
    You see, I would have answered no to this question.
    Sorry about that, I guess you have to set a definition of 'drink'.
    Beestings
    [Kayl] Beestings is the watery milk that is first produced after a cow has had a calf, a fact which I only know because it was the first or last entry in one of the pages of Chambers Dictionary (Mid-Century Edition, 1953) in our house when I was growing up, and therefore was repeated in the header of the page.
    Hmmmm
    Not that I was desperate to win that particular round because I have been in the chair quite recently - but my guess of 'Sour Cream' received an unequivocal thumbs down with nary a hint that I might be on the right lines. But I'm not bitter :-) We had 'milk' in a Pants game [sorry to keep banging on about Pantics] and it was definitely an ANIMAL. The bacteria that cause it to go 'off' are arguably animal aswell.
    Clarse-ification
    I was wondering whether the product of an animal should be defined as animal, and I decided no on the grounds that anything man-made would therefore by extension also be animal.
    digging in
    Butter? Lamb Chop? Surely anything 'man-made' should be classified by its material composition?
    Well yes
    Absolutely - hence why it would be inconsistent to describe milk as animal because it's made of minerals but produced by a cow, but a CD mineral cos it's made of plastic and produced by a human.
    milking it
    Now your tending towards syllogism :-) We're arguing on two fronts here - firstly 'What is milk'? which we disagree on; secondly 'anything man-made should be classified by its material composition' which we agree on. I don't see the logical step from one to the other. Perhaps I'm a bit tired.
    it's brown and sounds like a bell
    [Chalky] If milk, an animal by-product, is 'animal', what about dung? By your argument it's 'animal', but surely it's 'vegetable', since that's what the cow ate. Or possibly 'mineral', if you figure it's been broken down that far.
    talking of turds
    Yes, I hear [see] what you're saying, Riff. We had an extensive discussion when this game began, much along the lines of this little spat, ie. how far should we break things down. I can't remember whether it was on the first page of this game or in the Banter Game and I can't be arsed to search back 'cause it's way past my bedtime. But just as a parting shot, and because I'm feeling mischievous - further to your cowdung theory - would you differentiate between the solid waste products of a meat-eating human and a vegetarian?
    Minutiae
    Bloody Hell! It's hard enough when you are in the seat to attempt to answer questions in a manner which does not mislead without having each move analysed when the game is over.
    Whilst I must admit the discussion has been most entertaining, Kayl, you have my sympathy. Regardless, carry on the discussion - assuming that Boolbar doesn't produce the gavel; as I said 'tis amusing to follow the arguments of logic. ... ;-)
    poo ingredients
    Mainly, I would hope that none of us would choose "the contents of a vegetarian's colon" for a topic. But, yes, I would probably call the vegetarian's waste 'vegetable' and the meat-eater's 'animal and vegetable' (since the meat-eater presumably doesn't live solely on meat... although, another animal -- a cheetah, say...)

    I really shouldn't have brought this up, should I?

    Bringing things up
    [Riff] I hope you're not bringing it up, or you'd be suffering from major digestive malfunction!
    Can we get on with it now, please?
    [Riff] Rotter! "The content of a vegetarian's colon" was exactly the topic I was going to choose if I got into the chair. I would have set it as abstract since its animal, vegetable or mineral content could not be ascertained without removing it from the colon in question.
    I do love sparking linguistic controversy.
    Blimey! I thought that was a question leading towards the correct answer, not the answer itself. OK, I'll try and pick something simple that shouldn't lead to confusion (ha!) and get someone else in the chair. VEGETABLE
    [Kim] I do apologise. Let me offer you, as a replacement, my backup idea: a chocolate-covered billiard ball. No one'll ever guess that.

    Oops!

    Oh, right, the game.
    Is it commonly used as food?
    [Riff] No. And it isn't a chocolate-covered billiard ball either.
    Is it a single item made from wood that I can throw at my pc?
    I'm only doing this because the server has been down all morning....STRESSED!!
    Is it something manufactured?
    Does it have a practical application?
    [Chalky] Spat is not the word I would have used, friendly banter seems more appropriate somehow. Do we agree though that the classification is purely on composition, and method of production doesn't come into it?
    [Inkspot] To answer your Q as a whole. Not likely.
    [Raak] No.
    [rab] By-products could have practical applications.
    Is it A vegetable in its natural state?
    [rab] Agreed - I should have prefaced the word 'spat' with the adjective 'friendly'. It was pure mischief on my part and I really should have remember that such posturing doesn't necessarily transfer well on to the screen. [Material composition - yes, which is why I still think milk should have in part an 'animal' classification :-)]
    Riff's question?
    [Boolbar] The food one.
    Aha - just seen the answer to Riff's question
    [Boolbar] Sorry - now where are my specs?
    [Chalky] Using dictionary.com :
    A plant cultivated for an edible part or the edible part of such a plant - No.
    A member of the vegetable kingdom; a plant - Yes
    Is it a living plant?
    As in an oak tree rather than oak.

    The public library - such an oasis of calm.

    Is it Michael Howard?
    Is it a whole plant?
    Is it a single, particular thing (as opposed to, say, oak trees in general)?
    Ha, nice to see I'm not the only one capable of starting minute pedantic arguments. See, everything is mineral really, and animal and vegetable are just more or less arbitrarily defined subsets of it, aren't they?

    [Kim] Unrelatedly, some friends and I once spent a lunchtime trailing after Michael Howard surreptitiously through Folkestone town centre. Our stalking attempt was foiled when he drove off in a very flash car. Curses!
    [Inkspot] Yes.
    [Kim] Great Guess! But No.
    [Raak] Yes.
    [Breadmaster] Taking your 'Oak Tree' senario. I was thinking of a single thing like "An Oak Tree" as opposed to "All Oak Trees" or "Some Oak Trees", but I would give the chair to any of those three as they would be close enough.
    Is it a tree?
    Is it a maple tree?
    Shame its not a Shrubbery! I want a shrubbery.
    A rosebush?
    [Lib]Don't we all? :)
    [rab] YES!
    [Lib] No.
    [snorgle] No.
    Is it indigenous to the UK? Silver birch?
    Bugger, off for the weekend so probably won't get this one...
    Is it an evergreen?
    [rab] It can be found in the UK but AFAIK isn't a native (except possibly scotland?).
    [Raak] Yes.
    Is it a Christmas Tree?
    [Btd] No. But I suppose it could be used as one.
    Douglas fir?
    Scots Pine?
    *Sings* "Ohhh, aahm a lumberjack and aahm OK, aah sleep all night and aah work all day!"
    Spruce?
    [snorgle,Kim,Raak] - No, to all of you. Strange that is the second Monty Python reference (clue?)
    Holly?
    As in 'Holly Grail' and 'Hollywood Bowl". ... :-)
    the Larch? The larch.
    How to recognise trees from quite far away.
    Cedar?
    The tallest tree in the forest?
    JGJG
    OJVVNBVJKNNJNHVJ
    Well done.
    Goddammit it, Snorgle must have it. Ghfhj's guess was pretty good though.
    Episode 12B. How to recognise different types of trees from quite a long way away. No. 1. The Larch. The Larch. - congrats to snorgle! Take it away . . . . .
    Animal
    the monty python hint gave it away, really..now, let's see..
    Human?
    Warm blooded?
    Is it a living, entity with polymorhing abilities?
    Moving right along to Red Dwarf.
    ...or is it something made from a dead animal?
    Is it dairy?
    To eliminate confusion as early as possible, or at least to try to! :)
    Raak - yes; plump - yep; Inkspot - no and I'll throw in the fact that it doesn't have 4 eyebrows either for free; Inkspot - ugh, no!;ZK - no.
    Is it Michael Howard?
    Male?
    Presently alive?
    Some told me recently that there are currently more people living than have ever lived. Can this be true?
    zk - no; kim - yes
    kim - click here re:population for some info..
    Four legged?
    Spurned!
    Oh sure, ignore my question, go on, I don't care. I hate this game anyway.
    *sniff*
    Are they lsted on celebdaq?would you recommend buying shares in them?
    Is the person known as a politician?
    Carefully phrased to be independent of whether the person is alive or dead.
    British?
    Riff (sorry! it was late!) Yes. Inkspot - yes (and no cheating and getting 2 questions in one!) Breadmaster - nope.
    Are they a 'singer'?
    By which I mean they get money to sing, not that they necessarily have any talent...
    An entertainer, in the broadest sense?
    i.e. including Frank Skinner, Nickel-arse Parsons etc.
    American?
    Is English his (their) first language?
    Is it a member of the British Royal Family?
    European?
    Another spurnee
    What about my last question?
    Osama bin Laden?
    David Blaine?
    Arnie?
    Ibid - no. Rosie - no. BM - no. Kayl - yes. Inkspot - no. Raak - you want to ask it again? Not Bin Laden, no. ZK - nope. barbacoa - nope.
    It's not you, is it?
    barbacoa - no.
    Nice try, though..
    BTW, when a said they're not an entertainer, I meant in the sense of Frank Skinner, Nicholas Parsons ,etc. All round entertainers. That's all.
    A sportsman?
    [snorgle] "Is the person known as a politician?" I don't see any answer to that question, or anyone else asking it. I notice Btd's "European?" has also gone unanswered.
    Is he regularly on television?
    I'd be very happy if it was one of the Knights who say NI but I fear it won't be.
    A movie star?
    Is he Australian?
    Someone in the world of Pop?...and would they cost more than £1.50 a share?
    One question but in two parts ...honest guv ;)
    Raak-I'm not deliberately not answering, you know! Therefore - not a politician, not European, not regularly on tv, not australian, not a popstar and yes, Riff, he is a movie star!
    sorry for ignoring you plump - not four-legged!
    am presuming then - an american movie star?
    Keanu Reeves?
    ooh, yes please!
    Chalky - YES! But ZK- he's canadian, I thought everyone knew that! Honestly, some people..
    It's your go now, Chalky. I saw Matrix Revolutions yesterday. Am sorely disappointed! Action scenes good, characterisation awful, ending complete cop-out. At least I got to look at cute Keanu for long periods though. We actually waited until the end of the credits (through all that outrageously loud dance music) on the off chance something else would happen. I said "That is the suckiest ending ever! It's like the end of The Empire Strikes Back, but without another part to make up for it. It's just never explained." GRR!

    Audience goes wild for Chalky, whoops, cheers, outrageous hand gestures, sausages, etc.

    *coughing*
    *Whilst cheering rapturously* would like to point out the order in which the entries came...I'm sure I knew he was canadian anyway. aren't all the stars canadian? eric mccormack is (I think), so is michael j fox, paul gross, mike meyers....
    Z.K. - it was simulposted, and you were wrong anyway..
    Dan Aykroyd, William Shatner, John Candy...
    * a bit embarrassed*
    I thankyou. That was somewhat akin to a lurker's victory. I haven't been around much this weekend, just popped in to catch up, hazarded a wild guess, and there you go ....
    [snorgs] Yes - I thought Matrix Rev was a pile of cack, but at least I didn't fall asleep during it [which I did during Matrix Reloaded].
    I'll post a new thingy tomorrow, if you don't mind. I HAD lined up a person, but we've just had one, so I'll attempt to think of something sparklingly original to brighten up a Monday morning :-)
    It's Monday morning ....
    ... and time for an * A B S T R A C T * thing
    Is it the gravitational relationship between Leonard Nimoy and Saturn?
    I think I've got it!
    snorgle
    sausages etc??!?
    Is it a human concept
    average opening gambit
    Can it be heard?
    Is it p?
    (Putting the question in the "Stance" because HTML doesn't work in Apropos.)
    Is it a good book to read by Jeffrey Archer?
    Is it found in a book?
    Is it common knowledge?
    [Btd]What is your problem with sausages? Do you want one?
    Might it be commonly considered art?
    Proper sausage
    snorgle] Yes please! I'm sausaholic.
    Is it fictional
    Is it a saying or verbal expression?
    Is it "the absence of Chalky"?
    Sorry to keep you all waiting ...
    Bob - the gravitational guess - No
    Bob - the snorgle guess - No
    Software - Sort of, yes
    rab - No
    Raak - No
    Boolbar - the J A guess - No
    Boolbar - the book guess - Yes, but most things might, wouldn't you say?
    snorgs - indeed, it is common knowledge [but that's not the answer]
    Breadmaster - No
    Bob - the proper sausage guess - No
    Marfa Farker - No
    Inkspot - It can be
    Rosie - No :-)
    Does it have to do with language?
    Is it something to do with the weather ?
    Is it an emotion?
    I really am a top sausage connoisseur. The best I've ever found come from here.
    Bugg@r
    got it wrong again, try this http://www.growingconcern.co.uk/homefarm.html
    Raak - er ... No. It would be very misleading if I replied otherwise
    Boolbar - No, not directly
    Bob - Emotion - No, but it can have an effect on the emotions [Clue #1]
    Bob - Buggary - No
    is it a feeling ?
    Does it have to do with music?
    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?
    arrow_circle_down
    Want to play? Online Crescenteering lives on at Discord