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AVMA Take 2
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Yes, it's another round of that classic guessing game - Animal, Vegetable, Mineral, Abstract [or any combination thereof]. This effort - '03/'04 should address any queries, but then again, may just serve to confuse and baffle which some might say is the point of the game. Patience, integrity and a decent search engine may be useful ....
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Was it made by Cosgrove Hall?
From The Magic Roundabout?
[GL] Yes
[Rosie] No, I think that was pre-1980.
Just checked Magic Roundabout = 1965
Dangermouse?
Count Duckula?
I'm aware I could go on for some time with this, but I'll be a semisportsman and not list out the lot.
Darren] Ooh, go on.
Sorry for the delay, the weekend interupted me.
[Darren1] No, but you're close
[Darren2] YES. Hoorah, take a bow.
Bow. Wow. Right. Let's see...

Vegetable/Abstract

It's Monet's waterlilies, obviously.
The flower of immortality that Gilgamesh was given by Utnapishtim?
That todger-shaped turnip in Blackadder II?
Is this directly related to art?
Is it an ent?
[CdM] Obviously no.
[Raak] Nope.
[Chalky] No.
[Dujon] No.
[Gusset Login] No.
Is it a geographical area?
Is it a fictional object?
Is it used as a metaphor?
Is it a living plant?
As opposed to a dead one.
[Chalky] No.
[Kim] Yes.
[Raak] Could be, but then again anything could be.
[Gusset Login] Yes and no.
Is it edible?
Is there just a single one?
[Irouleguy] I suppose it probably would be, but this is not specified.
[Raak] Yes.
Is it a tree?
A long shot - The Beanstalk?
[Raak] Not strictly speaking.
[Rosie] CORRECT! So it's your go next!
Right, earwig-o, earwig-o, earwig-o.

This one is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.

Blimey Rosie - if you're going to take a random lurker's guess, the least you can do is return to see the result :-) Well done. OK, let's crank up the line velocity and try to get this game moving again - which leads me to ask ...
Are we to assume that you will be online to reply to our questions around 1pm - 3pm and 12am - 2am as per your usual pattern?
Is it a work of fiction?
Is it the Welsh dragon?
(Chalky) - I'll try and have extended opening hours.
(Gusset Login) - No
(Darren) - No
Is it a mythical creature?
Is it human?
Is it singular or plural?
Is it an emotion?
(Gusset) - No
(Raak) - The Abstract part normally refers to humans.
(Iroule) - Yes, one of the two. All right, singular. :-)
(Darren) - No.
Does it have anything to do with religion?
(Raak) - No.
Is it an attribute of a living thing?
Is it a saying?
(Darren) - Yes
(Gusset Login) - No
Is it something unique to humans?
Is it a figure of speech?
Is it "dog tired"?
Is it a praiseworthy attribute?
(Darren) - As stated, it must be, but in a broader sense almost certainly not.
(Tuj) - No
(Kim) - No
(Raak) No. It's neutral.
Is it some flavour of "-ness"?
Is it human nature?
Tuj - Yes. Find the flavour. :-)
(Darren) - No.
Happiness?
Consciousness?
Doggedness?
Has it anything to do with the sense of smell?
Maybe a fragrance?
Loch-ness?
Anything to do with a geographical location?
(All) - No
Anything to do with time?
Is there any connection with art?
(Darren, Raak) - Both No.
Clarification
In my previous reply "All" means everybody, not just "all".
Baldness?
Is it a physical attribute?
Is it anything to do with morality?
(Raak1) - No
(Raak2) - Yes
(Darren) - No.
Maleness?
Beardiness?
Trombonism?
(all) - No.
(Darren) - Now, now. :-) Er, no. A clue is that I do have this attribute.
Trombonism
(Darren) That's an illness, not an attribute.
Ambidextrousness?
Rosie] I always substitute "flavour" for "type" in that sort of context, and you wouldn't believe how few people accept it.
(Tuj) - No {No problem whatever with the word "flavour". Perfectly obvious what you meant :-)}
Is it an attribute shared by more than half the population?
(Darren) - No. Byebyes at 3 a.m. tonight; I'm tired.
Anything to do with age?
(Raak) - No. :-)
Is it a {flavour, -ness, attribute} common to males?
Is it unique to people of a certain region?
(Irouleguy) - No more than females, AFAIK.
(Tuj) - No
Someone, no clues as to who, almost stumbled on the answer.
Youth, then.
A religious faith?
Deafness?
Musicality?
(Raak, Inkspot, all, Darren) - All No.
Although I mentioned that I had this characteristic, I doubt if anyone here knows it.
Left-Handedness?
Forgetfulness?
Truthfulness?
(Tuj, all) - No
(Snodgrass) - THAT'S THE ONE! Well done. Here's the baton.
Mmmm, Satisfied smile creeps over visage closely followed by panic on realising I have to run the next leg.....

OK. Lets have an ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections

The Great Bear
The ban on hunting?
Is the animal connection human?
Is it a character from a book?
Is it from Lord of the Rings?
Is it edible?
(Raak)(Rosie) Both No
(Dujon) Yes
Inkspot) (GL) (Irouleguy) Also All No
... but one of the NO's is strangely relevant!
Does this involve an activity?
Is it a character from a film?
Fox Mulder from the X Files?
Is it Orion?
A pig's breakfast?
Nudity or Nakedness?
[Rosie] Not as such
[GL] [Darren] [all] No No Thrice No
[Raak] No but I like your style
[Chalky] Absolutely not, what do you take me for?
Is the human female?
Is it a character from mythology?
[GL] It can be
[all] Nope
Is it an emotion?
Is it a dislike of The Lord of The Rings?
[Darren] Its not an emotion ut it can cause them
[Boolbar] No, although many do I understand.
Does it have a Latin name?
A film critic?
Is it a medical condition?
[Tuj] & [Duj] Both No I'm afraid.
[Chalky] Also no - but if it were there might be a cure! Dream on.
It's more conceptual..
A jelly baby?
Is the cause of the emotion another human?
Lust?
[Wol], [Raak] Sadly No.
[Rosie] Quite the reverse. The 'animal' may cause emotional feelings in others with this.
Is it a well-known saying?
Is it a little-know saying?
Is it connected with religion?
[Chalky] & [all] Fairly well understood phrase. Clue: 2 words with alliteration
[Darren] Far from it, quite un-Godly
Dog's Dinner?
[Chalky] I could see how these may end up as a Dog's Dinner but No
Cat's Cradle?
Is it an insult?
Re: dogs and cats, I think we established above that the animal connection is human. (Dujon's question.)
Is it some desirable characteristic?
Good God?
Tecnically connected with religion, possibly by being it's opposite
[all] No (both offerings)
[Darren] Not an insult but some may feel slighted by them
[Rosie] The 'giver' thinks they are but the 'receiver' may have a different opinion
Wolf Whistles!!!
Chat-up lines?
[Darren] No
[Rosie] In a very real sense these could be thought of as chat-up lines. :-)
Love letters?
I'm still not totally convinced that wolf whistle is wrong.
Valentines?
[Darren] No - and Wolf Whistles is wrong. So there!
[Raak] Valentines What? Volvo? Vermicelli? No, not Valentines anything
An honest opinion?
[Irouleguy] No but straying into the right area.
A practical joke?
[Raak] No - but arguably what I am thinking of can be mistaken for a joke.
A helping hand?
[Darren] Nope.
Clue. The road may be paved with good intentions!
Constructive criticism?
Full Frontal?
I thought the road to hell was paved with frozen door to door salesmen.
Sweet nothings?
Cat calls?
[Darren] [all] [Rosie] [Chalky] All No I'm Afraid
Is one of the two words an animal [not human]?
Do both the words begin with the same letter?
[Chalky 1] No. The reference is human, and points toward a job, profession or calling
[Chalky 2] Yes, hence the alliteration reference
The Devil's Dictionary?
[Raak] No, Wrong initial letter. Is being the Devil a Profession? Mmm, there are possibilities I suppose...
Evil Eye?
Busy body?
[Snorgle] [Darren] No No
Star signs?
Agony Aunts?
Cold callers?
[Chalky] No twice
[Irouleguy] No once
Clue: A statement is involved.
[Snodgrass] ... then make one and put us all out of our misery :-)
Turn your minds towards Election Time
Party Politics?
THATS CLOSE ENOUGH! I was thinking of Politicians Promises but
CHALKY has reached the gist of the notion of the glimmer of an idea so I willingly hand over the batton to CHALKY

Rousing cheers all round almost drowning out the sound of groaning and deep sighs of relief!

Well done Chalky. That was a toughy. I'd not heard "politicians' promises" used as a phrase before, but at least somebody got it in the end!
acknowledgements
Thanks Darren, and yes - my venacular doesn't encompass that phrase either, but hey ...
[Snodgrass] Thank you, kind sir [?] - some might say you've been over-generous.
OK - I'm conscious that weekend is due and this might be a slow-burner but here's a nice simple

M I N E R A L

[and if there are any animal bits then they're not important enough to redherring your efforts ... and I've just verbalised an abstract noun - so kill me :-)

Is it man made?
Is it bigger than a phonebox?
[GL] Yes
[GL] It could be but very unlikely
Do you own one (or more)?
[Bool] I do have it, yes. 'Owning', as such, may not be the correct word.
Is it a bone of some sort?
Is it a house?
Oh, a man-made bone isn't very plausible.
Smaller than a toaster?
Is it something more often owned by women than men?
I just realised a house smaller than a phonebox isn't very plausible either. I really should start paying more attention to Gusset Login's moves.
A fuse/circuit-breaker box?
If not "owned" is it shared?
Well, Raak stole my thunder. I was pondering on his contribution, a gas meter or a 'phone line. So, a 'phone line?
Should I by some misfortune be correct I would ask that Raak take the reins.
Is it metal?
A mobile phone?
... rushing in and rushing out
[Darren] No & No
[Tuj] It can be any size but not usually very large
[Darren] Yes
[Raak]No
[Rosie] can be
[Dujon] No
[Inkspot] No
[Darren] No.
Would most people usually have just one?
A Handbaaaaaaaaaaaag?
Is it to do with cosmetics?
Is it purely ornamental?
apologies
I've just realised I can't be here for a couple of days so I will hand the baton over to Darren [if that's OK with you D?] because he was the closest with his cosmetics question. I'll return to this later in the week, if an opportunity arises. :-)
Is it lipstick?
Speaking personally, I'm willing to wait for Chalky's return. We can just keep asking questions until she gets back and answers them all.
A silicone implant?
Mirror?
A dress?
[irouleguy] Usually
[Edith] No
[Darren] Yes!
[Tuj] No
[Darren] No
[Raak] No
[Tuj] No
[all] No

Oh yes - I realise now there's some vegetably bits in this but as it's cosmetics you'll soon guess it :-)

Mascara?
Lipstick?
[Darren] No
[GL] I refer the honourable gusset to my previous answer :-)
Wig?
I'm not honourable, I don't even read answers.
A lifetime subscription to "Facelift Monthly"?
Would you keep it in a handbag?
[GL] Nah
[Raak] No :-)
[Raak] You could keep it in a handbag, or anywhere really.
Is it a liquid?
[Raak] VERY good question. It can be quite liquid, but then again ...
Foundation makeup?
nail varnish?
[GL] No
[Inks] No
Is it a cream?
Vaseline?
Is it usually used on the face?
[Inks] yes, mostly
[Raak] No - altho' some use Vaseline for this purpose. It's a more generic term
[Darren] er .. ye-e-es but can be used on all the other bits aswell.
Petroleum jelly?
Suntan lotion?
Aqueous cream B.P.?
moisturiser?
So snorgs earns a Lurker's Victory! Moisturiser it is.

[Darren, Raak] Thanks for your contributions - your last guesses were relevant but those products have more medicinal applications, perhaps?

*hands over baton to snorgle*


Mineral
Is it man-made?
Do you wear in on your face?
(cutting to the chase, just in case)
Is it smaller than a phonebox?
Is it bigger than a breadboard?
Is there more than one?
Is it made of stone?
Anything to do with jewellery?
Can you eat it?
Gusset Login - Is it man-made? Yes. Darren - Do you wear in on your face? No. Gusset Login - Is it smaller than a phonebox? Yes. all - Is it bigger than a breadboard? No. Darren - Is there more than one? Yes. Inkspot - Is it made of stone? No. Raak - Anything to do with jewellery? No. Darren - Can you eat it? No.
Keyboard keys?
Are they soluble?
Can they be bought in packets?
Tuj - Keyboard keys? No. Botherer - Are they soluble? No. Darren - Can they be bought in packets? Yes.
Is it used in DIY?
Does each example contain a single mineral element?
Is it mainly metallic?
Does it run on electrical power?
A drawing pin?
Paper clips?
Screws?
Do they come in packets of three?
Extra strong mints?
CDs?
wtfRU snorgle?
Are they decorative?
[Rosie] Yes/no questions only, please.
Lives snorgle yet?
Teeth?
Are they exclusive to Cardiff?
(all, esp. Darren) Sorry for being so flippant.
Would most people find them pleasant to look at?
[Rosie] Oh, that's not a problem. I'm the one who was being flippant!
Has snorgle forgotten about this game?
Sorry! - off work yesterday due to horrendous incident, went to doctor etc..just remind me if I missed anyone.
Darren - Is it used in DIY? No. Kim - Does each example contain a single mineral element? No. Rosie - Is it mainly metallic? No. Inkspot - Does it run on electrical power? No. Chalky - A drawing pin? No. Gusset Login - Paper clips? No. Darren - Screws? No. Raak - Do they come in packets of three? No. Tuj - Extra strong mints? No. all - CDs? No. Rosie - wtfRU snorgle? *THWAP!* Darren - Are they decorative? No. Rosie - Are they exclusive to Cardiff? No. Darren - Would most people find them pleasant to look at? No. Gusset Login - Has snorgle forgotten about this game? No.Kim - Lives snorgle yet? Yes!
Is it mostly made of plastic?
Gusset Login - no.
Mostly ceramic?
Darren - no.
Are they made of glass?
Are they made of a man-made substance?
Nylon?
Is it made to be decorative or ornamental?
Is it something you wear?
Raak - Are they made of glass? No. Darren - Are they made of a man-made substance? Yes. Darren - Nylon? No. Inkspot - Is it made to be decorative or ornamental? No. Gusset Login - Is it something you wear? No.
Is it foruse in an office?
Microchip?
Mobile Phone?
Rosie - Is it for use in an office? Yes. Gusset Login - Microchip? No. all - Mobile Phone? No.
Is it an electronic gadget?
Raak - Is it an electronic gadget? No.
Summary:
Is it man-made? Yes.
Does each example contain a single mineral element? No.
Is it mainly metallic? No.
Is it made of stone? No.
Are they made of glass? No.
Are they made of a man-made substance? Yes.
Nylon? No.
Is it something you wear? No.
Do you wear in on your face? No.
Anything to do with jewellery? No.
Is it made to be decorative or ornamental? No.
Are they decorative? No.
Would most people find them pleasant to look at? No
Is it smaller than a phonebox? Yes.
Is it bigger than a breadboard? No.
Is there more than one? Yes.
Can they be bought in packets? Yes.
Do they come in packets of three? No.
Are they soluble? No.
Can you eat it? No.
Is it used in DIY? No.
Are they exclusive to Cardiff? No.
Is it for use in an office? Yes.
Does it run on electrical power? No.
Is it an electronic gadget? No.
Extra strong mints? No.
CDs? No.
Microchip? No.
Mobile Phone? No.
A drawing pin? No.
Paper clips? No.
Screws? No.
Keyboard keys? No.
Treasury tags?
Ink?
Glue?
Kim - Treasury tags? No. Darren - Ink? No. Gusset Login - Glue? No.
Is it something that can be used?
Darren - Is it something that can be used? Yes.
Is it anything whatsoever to do with stationery?
Are they the middle name of a famous author?
Left field
Are they / is it
Is it a container?
Rosie - Is it anything whatsoever to do with stationery? Erm, possibly. Tuj - Are they the middle name of a famous author? None that I know of, but maybe they changed their name because it was too embarrassing? Because it would be. Inkspot - Is it a container? No.
Time for another guess:   Would it be the clear plastic tabs used on top of file folders in a filing cabinet?
Can it be used on its own? (ie. without the need for additional equipment)
A bottle of Tippex?
Dujon - Would it be the clear plastic tabs used on top of file folders in a filing cabinet? No. Darren - Can it be used on its own? (ie. without the need for additional equipment)Yes, but it is usually used with something else. Rosie - A bottle of Tippex? No.
Screenwipes?
Irouleguy - Screenwipes? No.
Does it get used up by being used?
Raak - Does it get used up by being used? No.
Is it designed to be looked at?
Is it for use with a computer?
Does it require a source of power?
A floppy disc?
mouse mat?
Wow.
Tuj - Is it designed to be looked at? No. Inkspot - Is it for use with a computer? No. Darren - Does it require a source of power? No. Raak - A floppy disc? No. all - mouse mat? No.
Can we have a clue?
Is it something to do with fastening things to each other?
Would you buy it in a stationers'?
Gusset Login - Can we have a clue? No. Raak - Is it something to do with fastening things to each other? Yes. Darren - Would you buy it in a stationers'? Yes.
Treasury tag?
If I happen to be right, someone else needs to pick up the baton as this site is blocked at work by websense as, apparantly, a "game"...
Bothererereeerrr- Treasury Tag - no. Someone asked that already. And a recent question should give a big clue..
An edge binder?
Out of shear desperation
simulposted at this time of night!!!!
Staples?
I don't want to be right. I'm not on here often enough. I was simulposted by that Inkspot!!!!!!!
My excuse is two very generous whishkeys what's yours?
None really
Back from work late? Wrapping birthday presents for brother and a friend?
That's the next version of this game by the way - excuses for playing MC at stupid times.
Inkspot - An edge binder? No. Tuj - Staples? No. You're getting closer though!
Split pins
Ooh, they're fantastic!
Tuj - Split pins? No. Maybe fasten is the wrong word..
Dash and Bothereration
I really should read these things, shouldn't I?
Sellotape?
String?
Pritt stick?
A hole punch?
(I suspect Rosie or Inkspot may be right.)
Post-It notes?
A paper clip?
Twine?
Raak] Paper clips were ruled out some time back.
A key ring?
Rosie - Sellotape?No. Irouleguy - String?No. Inksopt - Pritt stick?No. Darren - A hole punch?No. (I suspect Rosie or Inkspot may be right.) Darren - Post-It notes?No. Raak - A paper clip?No. Irouleguy - Twine?No. Raak - A key ring?No. You're getting warmer! (Back a bit..near the start)
elastic band?
have we had that yet? haven't got time to do caps or look back
A key safe?
A (two- or three-) ring binder?
Maybe you should try narrowing it down descriptively again..
Chalky - elastic band?No. Raak - A key safe?No. CdM A (two- or three-) ring binder?No.
Is it made of plastic?
Is it small enough to put in your pocket?
Is it part liquid?
Rosie - Is it made of plastic? Didn't you ask this already? As it happens, I don't know exactly what it's made of, but I think of plastic as hard, so no. Raak - Is it small enough to put in your pocket? Yes. Inkspot - Is it part liquid? No.
Is it Blu-tak?
A fridge magnet?
A summary of the yesses so far:
  • there's more than one
  • can be bought in packets
  • of a man-made subsstance
  • for use in an office
  • can be used on its own (but usually with something else)
  • to do with fastening things to each other
  • can be bought in a stationers'
  • small enough to put in a pocket
Outstanding questions: is it Blu-tak (Botherer), or a fridge magnet (Raak)?
Botherer - Is it Blu-tak? YESYESYESYESYES!
I can't believe it took so long. I even put a hint in the limerick game!
Handing the torchy thing to Raak

ah sorry, I meant to Bothererererer, of course.
steals torch from Raak to give to Bothererererer
The trouble is...
I can't access this site from work (websense thinks it's a game!) and will be limited to late night visits for the next few days, so it would be unfair for me to hold the torch... I nominate the first person who gives a damn...
Not me - I had a go recently.
Congrats Botherer. I'll give a "Damn!"
Alright if you want someone else to do it, I'm game

Abstract and Mineral

The salt of the earth?
[Raak] No.
Is it fictional place from a book or film?
Is it supposed or alledged to have magical, mystical, supernatural or way-out-there sci-fi powers of any sort?
[Inkspot] Yes, technically, but may not be best known for being in a book or film.
[sadie] Yes (depending on your definition of "way-out-there")
A mythological place associated with a particular culture eg Valhalla?
Is it from a radio series?
[Inkspot] No.
[sadie] no
Is it somebody's home?
Is the fictional setting on Earth?
Kryptonite?
[sadie] People live there for extended periods, if that's what you mean.
[Iroulguy] No.
[CdM] No.
Is it a place Dr Who?
Babylon 5?
following up from inkspot ... the Tardis?
Is it a spaceship?
Za'Ha'Dum?
The USS Enterprise?
Red Dwarf?
Just doing a bit of spaceship carpeting there.
[Inkspot] No, (but I guess it would be kinda fun - anyone for fan fiction?)
[Irouleguy] No.
[CdM] No
[sadie] Yes
[Raak] No.
[Darren] Close. But I need more than that
[Darren] No
[Darren] I've been convinced that you were close enough. (Enterprise NX01, from Enterprise) So please take the helm.
The Enterprise NC-1701-D?
agh! simulposted.. But I had the wrong one, anyway.. ;(
Thanks Gusset Login, and thanks to the mysterious person who convinced you.

The new one is Animal.

Hamster?
p optional.
Quadruped?
Alive?
human?
One particular animal or a species?
bovine?
legless?
Are they dangerous?
[Tuj] No. [Botherer] No. [Rosie] No. [Raak] Yes. [Irouleguy] Yes. [Inkspot] No. [Chalky] No. [Gusset Login] Almost certainly not, but then again it might depend who you ask!
Male?
George Dubya Bush?
[Inkspot] Yes. [snorgle] No. Anyway, he's still alive!
One particular human being?
[irouleguy and darren] I love questions that are either/or being answered with yes/no. example from this morning being: nights - do you want tea or coffee mate? housemate - yes.
Did he die in the last 50 years?
Did he die when he was older than 50?
[Chalky] Yes. [Raak] Yes. [Gusset Login] Yes.
Was he an actor?
Willie Rushdon?
[Inkspot] Yes. [Gusset Login] No.
British?
[Nights] I once answered an either/or chemistry question with Yes, because I thought both applied! My teacher wasn't too impressed, though. Maybe your housemate just wanted a hot drink, and didn't care what.
American?
nights] How come you don't know what your housemate drinks?
Did he die in the last 5 years?
[nights] Why would he drink Coffee Mate?
Did he win an Oscar?
[snorgle] Yes. [Irouleguy] No. [Gusset Login] No. [Inkspot] No.
Did he die more than 25 years ago?
[Gusset Login] No.
Peter Sellers?
I would just like to mention that I posted that before checking the clerihew game...
Did he appear in any of the "Carry on" films?
[CdM] No. [Inkspot] No, but he did have a connection to them.
Frankie Howerd?
Tony Hancock
Was he chiefly a comic actor?
[Raak] No (and Frankie Howerd was in at least two Carry On films, so I think we've already ruled him out). [Inkspot] No. [Rosie] Yes.
Was his fame mainly through film roles, rather than tv or radio?
[Inkspot] For most people he's best known from TV/radio.
Did he die this century?
Morbid stuff.
Benny Hill?
[snorgle] good point, although more likely he just wanted to get up my nose at 07h15 [irouleguy] cos he keeps changing his damn mind [gusset login] excuse me for having south london lexical usage patterns... [darren] sorry I'll stop this and shut the hell up now.
Kenneth Horne?
Spike Milligan?
[Tuj] If you mean in the 21st century, then no. 20th, yes. [Raak] No. [Botherer] No. [Irouleguy] No.
Derek Nimmo?
John Le Mesurier?
[Raak] No. [CdM] Yes! CORRECT!

So, with that remarkable insight, CdM takes the chair for the next round.


PS. For those who aren't aware of John Le Mesurier's connection to the "Carry On" films, he was married to Hattie Jacques (well, until their divorce).
[Darren] Yes, it was the connection to the Carry On films that was the clue that got it for me -- though I was sure I was right with Peter Sellers before, when I posted and then saw you had started a clerihew with him.

Much as I would like to start running with the flaming chair (I even have an idea in mind), I think I must decline for the moment. I am not going to be online much longer today (seeing as how it's already evening here in Singapore), and I am spending the weekend in Khao Lak, far from the internets. Perhaps I can sneak in later sometime. In the meantime, anybody else want a go?
ooh ooh can I?
Go for it!
Expose our utter ignorance of youth culture
[nights] Yeah, if you've got an idea, go ahead.
[nights] please do
very well. our topic is a mineral. I think.
Is it a single object?
Is it man made?
Is it a hosuehold item?
Darren] Am I really likely to be half a decade out in my time-reckoning? That's a fair chunk of anyone's life.
Is there more than one of it?
[Tuj] I wasn't sure why you'd say "was it this century?" when "was it within the last five years?" would have been more to the point! I was just hedging my bets.
Is it a household item?
No hosuehold, that's quite unlikely really. Darren] Fair enough. All is forgiven ;]
answers
[raak] no, [inkspot] yes, [tuj] not exactly, [darren] yes. [tuj] that's the same question again you berk.
What do you mean "I think"?
Is it a dwelling?
[Irouleguy] Yes/no questions only!
Is it found in all societies?
Darren] We can have either/or as well, can't we? (not that mine was)
CD?
nights] Whoa! Steady on! I think you'll find the first contains a typo, as referred to in the corrected second.
[tuj] oh yes, silly me. you can put that down to the fact that 14h08 is a little early for a sunday. and no, not a CD.
[irouleguy] I've been thinking and it IS. sure of it now. and yes, all western societies at least, AFAIK.
[darren] no.
Does it have a connection with religion?
Is it big enough to get inside?
Is it made of metal?
Is it related to jewellery?
Telephone box?
Is it machine-made?
Smaller than a toaster?
answers
[inkspot] not as far as I'm aware.
[darren] yes.
[gusset login] no.
[raak] no.
[all] no.
[irouleguy] yes, probably.
[tuj] yes.
this is remarkably entertaining!
Is it part of a bigger thing?
Smaller than a toaster but big enough to get inside...?
Part of the engine from the Heart of Gold's infinite improbability drive
Is it some sort of container?
Does it have moving parts?
Is it bigger than a slice of toast?
Is it a vehicle?
Does it include a means of storing digital information?
Changing tack somewhat.
answers
[tuj] no. and I think I should have made myself a little clearer. I assumed that 'big enough to get inside' meant 'inside my house', as in 'not outside'. I now see that you or whoever meant 'so big I can fit inside this thing', which you certainly cannot. erk.
[inkspot] pardon me? no.
[raak] no.
[insport again] no.
[gusset login] yes.
[darren] no.
[darren again] no.
are we having fun yet?
Would it be found in offices?
Is it something that can be attributed to a particular inventor?
Does it have a practical use?
Do people usually refer to it in the singular?
answers
[raak] not usually, it's not associated with them.
[inkspot] not as far as I know.
[darren] definitely.
[juxtapose] no.
Scales (for weighing)?
Is it made of stone?
Is it a mirror?
answers
No to all three. Sorry.
Is it made of a ceramic material?
Compact discs?
answers
no and no.
Is it made of plastic?
Is it a pair of something?
Would I be most likely to find one in the kitchen?
Would you find it in the bedroom?
Is it a brick?
can you do a summary?
this one seems to have been hanging around for bloomin' ages!
Would you hang stuff off it?
Summary
They are: mineral, man-made, multiple objects, found in all Western societies (as far as nights knows...), machine-made, smaller than a toaster, bigger than a slice of toast, something that has a practical use, referred to in the plural.

They're not: a household item ('not exactly' was the actual answer), a CD, connected to religion, made of metal, related to jewellery, a phone box, a container, anything with moving parts, a car, a means of storing digital information, usually associated with offices, something that can be attributed to a particular inventor, scales, made of stone, mirrors, made of ceramic material.

The six questions immediately above are pending.

Are they something you mainly use outdoors?
Are they something that you use up by using them?
answers
[raak] yes. (murmurs from audience)
[inkspot] yes. (more murmurs from the audience)
[tuj] no.
[darren] no.
[all] no.
[darren again] no.
[irouleguy] thanks for the summary, that's all correct so I haven't contradicted myself which is always a bonus.
your answers are yes (which further woke up the audience) and no in that order.
Shears?
Wellies?
Although those are more likely rubber rather than plastic.
Sunglasses?
Flip-flops [plastic beach shoe thingies]?
I thought sunglasses - but they have moving parts
answers
[inkspot] no.
[raak] no.
[darren] no.
[chalky] as for your guess, it's...

RIIIIIIGHT!!!

I was beginning to think no-one would get it. the flip flops in question actually serve as slippers for me, as I like my feet to get lots of air, but our carpets are a little suspect. so I hand the baton on to Chalky...
surprised
er ... thanks nights :-)

And now for:

A N I M A L / A B S T R A C T

A character in a novel?
Scooby-Doo?
Living?
Is it a mythological being?
Male?
irouleguy] No
CdM] No :-)
Tuj] Abstract - so difficult to know, really :-)
Darren] No
nights] maybe, maybe not
Would this have anything to do with painting?
Is it from a nursery rhyme?
Long shot because I can't be bothered to think at this time of night - is it the Cheshire Cat?
Fictional?
Does it appear in one specific culture?
Is this a type of creature, rather than a specific (abstract) animal?
sorry about delay - weekends are difficult
Dujon] No
Inks] No
Rosie] No
Raak] No
nights] Yes
Darren] depends what you mean by 'creature' - but I would say No - if I understand your question correctly

.. and going back to Tuj's earlier question, ie. "Living?" - [to clarify] There is a possibility.

Is there a religious connection?
Loch Ness Monster?
Is it some sort of symbol?
Irouleguy] No
Darren] No
Tuj] No ... but I had to ponder a bit before I replied :-)
Is it a reptile?
Raak] No
Is this a depiction of a human form?
Does it have any nationalistic connotations?
Dujon] to cut to the chase - it IS human. I'm amazed no-one has asked yet.
Rosie] No. [good question]
Royalty?
The aristocracy?
Raak] No
Irouleguy] No
Does its image appear on coins or notes?
The one culture it's specific to - is it Western?
Raak] No
Irouleguy] Yes
American?
all] No
European?
British?
Darren] Yes
nights] Very much so!

So after all that kerfuffle, we've established that it's human and very British.

Biggles?
Is it a leader?
King Arthur?
Is it a particular person?
GL] No
Darren] No & No
Raak] Not A particular person ...
Is it Dr Who?
Is it a role that has been filled by various people?
Darren] No
Raak] It isn't a role, as such. But 'various people' wakes the audience up.
The House of Commons?
The Prime Minister?
Is it a collection of people? - (e.g. a choir or a rugby team)
Raak] No
Darren] No
Dujon] YES!
Do they appear on television?
Raak] No, I don't believe they did.

that was a clue

Does (or did - after looking at your last answer), this group of people have a common interest in music?
Duj] They had a common interest in something - music was a by-product
Did they appear (as much as one can) on radio?
Is it a fictional group of people?
Darren] Indeed they did!
Rosie] We've done the fiction question already, dear :-) No.
Did they appear on radio?
The Goons?
Raak] YESYESYESYES [see above]
CdM] No.
Have they appeared on radio in the last few years (excluding reruns and archive broadcasts)?
Raak I don't think so - they were very much 'of the time'
Was the time they were of in the 1960's?
ISIRTA?
GL] No
Raak] Whatever that is - it isn't that.
Are you old enough to have heard the original broadcasts?
Round the Horne, dear?
Is the answer of the form: "the cast of such-and-such a show"?
Raak] 'fraid not - and I suspect, neither were you :-)
nights] No, poppet
CdM] No

Clue: Inkspot's early question, if asked at this stage in the game, might receive a ripple of applause from the audience.

Were they on 'ITMA'?
Were they on any wartime radio programme, darling?
Was it meant for children?
Surely it can't be The Grove Family , m'dear?
Irouleguy] er .. wassat then?
Darren] Yes, sweetie - my mother tells me they were.
Inks] Oh yes. Loud applause.
Rosie] No :-)

I'm thinking this may be rather obscure.

Listen with mother?
Toytown?
The Ovaltineys?
Children's Hour?
all] No
Raak] No
Inks] No

.. as for CdM - once again, the Maestro strikes!
Well played . Hope you've time to stick around and set one :-)

I know about The Ovalteenies [- tineys?] through my mum, who was one of those 'heppay gels an' boys'. Apparently, if you sent away lid labels from Ovaltine, you received a bronze coloured badge. In my mind, I'd always sort of connected that song with WWII, but mother says it started before the war - in the 1930s, and had absolutely NO connection. She can be a bit fierce like that. I believed her - so didn't bother googling. Apologies if I therefore answered anything wrong.


Chalky] Well done - seriously obscure. ITMA's the ancestor of all radio comedy. Check out the cast list. "It's that man again"
I'd congratulate you on a job well done Chalky, but only if you call me 'poppet' again...
Getting in a quick comment before CdM surfaces
ITMA] I don't recall hearing the show, but I wouldn't be surprised if we listened to it. My father had a good sense of humour - he loved the Goons too. I do remember watching a movie ITMA not so many years ago and recall Tommy Handley reminding me constantly of Richard Briers. I'm not sure whether it was facial features, his voice or mannerisms.
[Chalky] Good one, my dear, although I don't recall the Ovalteenies.
oooooooh
[Chalky] And ISIRTA, which Raak mentioned, was "I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again", which was in some ways a predecessor to ISIHAC. Only much funnier.

Anyway, this next one is Usually Vegetable and Mineral, but could be Animal (and I supppose you could make a claim for abstract, but that would be unhelpful). I will do my best to keep up with answers, although the fact that I am eight hours ahead of most of you won't make it easy.
Too obvious! It's a pizza - the veges are veges; the mineral bit's the remains of the delivery person's helmet when you knock the whatsit out of 'em for being late and the animal portion is, well, best not say.
VERY CLOSE!
...er, or it would be, except it wasn't. So, no, it is not a pizza.
Is it edible?
CdM - ISIRTA] *doh* 'course it is - thanks - my brain doesn't see these programmes as initials.
A painting?
Ratatouille?
[Chalky] Edible? It's not inedible, but you wouldn't normally eat it.
[Raak] Painting? No (but perhaps an early ripple of applause).
[Irouleguy] Ratatouille? No.
Would one wear it?
[Chalky] Wear it? No. It is true that it could be associated with clothing, but one would not normally think of it in that context.
A tapestry?
[Raak] Tapestry? No.
Some form of artwork?
[Irouleguy] Artwork? Not normally, no, at least not in and of itself.
Is it man-made?
[Inkspot] Man-made? Yes.
Is it decorative?
[Raak] Decorative? Not normally, no. (It is possible to imagine circumstances where it would be, but I think that is probably more misleading than helpful.)
Has the vegetable part been processed in order to be a part of this?
Is it used by artists?
Does it contain writing?
Is the mineral part mostly or usually wood?
Oh my God - the bifurcation's spreading
Is part of it metal?
[Iroleguy]I thought wood as a vegetable?
Is it something that can be made from either natural or artificial substances? (eg rubber or neoprene)
[Raak] Vegetable Processed? Yes
[Raak] Used by artists? It can be.
[Darren] Contain writing? No.
[Irouleguy] Mineral part wood? No. And neither is the vegatable part.
[Inkspot] Part metal? No. [Rosie] Can be made from natural or artificial substances? Yes. (Some applause.)
[Irouleguy] er, or the vegetable part.
A paintbrush?
Ink?
[Raak] Paintbrush? No.
[Darren] Ink? (Major applause). Very close, but I want something more precise.
Is it used in a domestic environment?
[Chalky] It is not typically used anywhere. (Well, I can think of one place.) But focus on Darren's answer -- he has basically gotten there.
(And yes, it can be used by artists, as I said. But normally you would not think of this as something that was being used.)
Well, it is gone midnight here in Singapore, and I am about to go to bed. And so, since Darren really did get the answer, I think I should pass the baton to him, rather than keep you all waiting until tomorrow. I was surprised how hard it was to answer some of those questions; my apologies if I misled in any way. The exact answer I was looking for was:

An Inkspot.
CdM] Nice one
self] Write out 'Wood is not a mineral' 100 times
Thanks to CdM! (It's the second time I've won one of these on a "ohhh... close enough"!) [Irouleguy] What about petrified wood?
Now we are Abstract.
Is it a human construct?
Is it an action?
Is it part of, or found in, all cultures?
Darren] True...
Is it a belief system?
Is it related to music?
[Rosie] Yes, but not necessarily. But yes.
{Inkspot] Yes.
[Irouleguy] I'm not sure if it's found in all, but certainly many.
[Gusset Login] No.
[Tuj] Indirectly, it can be.
[Rosie] Actually, just make that yes.
Is it a narrative activity?
Is it a physical activity?
[Raak] No.
[Irouleguy] Yes.
Dancing?
[Raak] No.
Is it a sport of some kind?
Is it done with the whole body?
Does it involve more than one person?
Is it something that only humans can do?
sorry - I think you've answered that last one already with your 'human construct' answer.
Is it restricted to adults only?
[CdM] Mostly no, although some people treat it like one.
[Inkspot] No.
[Gusset Login] Yes.
[Chalky] (1) Well, this is the reason for my vagueness about the "human construct." I'm going to say yes and no, depending on how you look at it. (2) No.
[Gusset Login] I need to be a bit more vague again. A better answer is this: normally yes, but sometimes no.
Is it a game?
[Chalky] No.
Whistling?
[Irouleguy] No.
Sex?
[Raak] I was waiting for someone to say this. No, it's not sex.
Waving
[Inkspot] No.
Drowning? (oblig.)
Is the part of the body the head, or part of the head?
Does it involve communication of one form or another?
Is it legal?
[Irouleguy] (1) No. (2) What part of the body?! I never mentioned a part of the body.
[Kim] Yes.
[Gusset Login] Yes.
talking?
[Inkspot] No.
[Irouleguy] (2) I wasn't really fair there, was I? The answer is generally no.
Acting?
[Raak] No.
txtng?
Do you need equipment of some sort to do it?
[Raak] No.
[Chalky] No.
I'll provide a clue if anyone wants one.
Summary
It is...a human construct, an action, found in many (if not all) cultures, a physical activity, involving communication of some sort, legal
It could be...related to music (indirectly), a solo activity
It is not...a narrative activity, dancing, a sport (though some people treat it like one), done with the whole body, a game, whistling, sex, waving, drowning, restricted to humans, talking, acting, txting [sic], done with equipment, generally done with the head

I'm having trouble with the idea that this is a human construct but not restricted to humans. So, yes, a clue might help, but I'll have a couple of guesses as well.
praying?
pointing?
[Irouleguy] No, and no.
Here's a clue: Raak has guessed a number of activities which can be associated with this. Not always, of course, but certainly sometimes. In essence, you're getting towards the right area.
And in response to Irouleguy's doubts, there is at least one type of animal (other than humans) which can do this activity, although I don't think it does it for the same reason!
Performing?
[Chalky] No.
Is this something which would be acceptable if performed in public?
Well, Raak has guessed dancing, sex, and acting...
Yoga?
[Dujon] Depends where you do it, but generally yes.
[Raak] No.
[CdM] What would you hope would go with them?
Smoking ?
Drinking alcohol?
[Chalky] No and no. (You're getting colder.)
Partying?
[Raak] No.
Applauding?
Drinking alcohol?
Oops, didn't notice Chalky just asked that,
Conversation?
[Irouleguy] YES!!!! (Well, actually it was "a ripple of applause" but you're easily close enough.) Just to explain my animal comments above, I don't think I imagined seals clapping in circuses.
[Raak] (1) No. (2) No.

So, Irouleguy is in the driving seat for the next lap.


WOO-HOO!
Darren] No you didn't imagine that - it was when you said one type of animal that I started to work it out.
Anyway, this is something else completely different - MINERAL
Antimony?
Mainly metallic?
Tuj] Antimony? No
Darren] Mainly metallic? No
Is it a monument?
Is it man-made?
Is it a single thing?
Inkspot] Is it a monument? No
Darren} Is it man-made? No
Raak] Is it a single thing? Um...yes and no. It's a collective noun, like 'the Alps' (but it's not a mountain range).
Is it a geographical feature?
Is it, collectively, larger than the Earth?
Is it an astronomical feature?
ImNotJohn] Is it a geographical feature? No
Darren] Is it, collectively, larger than the Earth? Um...define 'larger'.
Raak] Is it an astronomical feature? Yes *murmurs of approval from the audience*
Is it outside the Solar System?
Is it a consellation of stars?
consellation/constellation
Is it the Oort Cloud?
Darren] Is it outside the Solar System? No
Inkspot] Is it a constellation of stars? No. (I'd consider a constellation mineral/abstract.)
CdM] Is it the Oort Cloud? No - but closer
The asteroids?
Raak] The asteroids? No
The solar wind?
The rings of Saturn?
The Milky Way?
Rings around Uranus?
....and stop sniggering at the back
Raak] The solar wind? No
Darren] The rings of Saturn? YES!! We have a winner! And so the baton passes straight back to Darren.

OK, well, I'm back in the chair, it seems.
This one is MINERAL.
Is it man made?
[Inkspot] Yes.
Is it typically used inside?
Does it use electricity?
Is it mainly used for work, or for enjoyment?
[CdM] Inside the house, you mean? If so, yes.
[Raak] Yes.
[Irouleguy] These days, the latter.
A computer?
[Raak] Yes, but I need you to be more precise.
A computer running Windows?
An Amstrad?
A Macintosh?
[Raak] (1) No.
[Irouleguy] No.
[Raak] (2) No.
Is it a specific make or model of computer?
A BBC?
[Raak] Yes.
[Irouleguy] Close, but not close enough.
BBC Model B?
A BBC Acorn?
BBC Model A (Acorn)
[Raak] No.
[Irouleguy] A BBC Acorn? No such thing. Acorn produced all the BBC computers via a licensing deal.
[Inkspot] No.
Sinclair Spectrum?
[Raak] No (colder).
A Commodore 64?
[Raak] No, equally cold.
Hm, what's on the hot side of a BBC from a C64 or a Spectrum?
Is this type of computer still in current use (other than by retro geeks)?
Is it a BBC 'something'?
[Raak] No.
[Chalky] No.
I did give you a clue before. Remember, the BBC didn't make the BBC Micro - it was made by Acorn. So, what you might be looking for here is another (retro, we've established) computer made by Acorn, of which there were several.
Was this model named after a minute 'object'? - there's two I can think of.
Acorn Atom?
.. the one that was launched in 1980, she says knowledgeably.
Google? Wassat then :-)
Acorn Archimedes
Absolutely fascinated when reading the story about what they did back then
[Dujon] Yes.
[Chalky] No, too early.
[Inkspot] No, too recent.
The clues, together with Inkspot's posting of the history, strongly suggest the Electron.
[Raak] Absolutely so. It is indeed the Acorn Electron. CORRECT! It's Raak's turn.
The next is VEGETABLE
Is it edible?
Is it edible?
Sorry.
Is it commonly found indoors?
Is it a vegetable?
Is it something that has been processed?
[Darren] No.
[Tuj] It can be.
[Chalky] No.
[CdM] Yes.
Is it an item of furniture?
[Darren] No.
A crucifix?
YES
Game to Irouleguy.
Wow, that was quick.
Hell's bells!
I suspect telepathy!
Raak set it on Good Friday - what else could it have been? Do I sense someone else who grew up Catholic? Anyway, our next subject was also a cause of anguish and tension, albeit on a much smaller scale. It's VEGETABLE/MINERAL, ABSTRACT and the colour's a sort of clue.
Anything to do with Ireland?
Desultory Church of Scotland, actually.
Raak] Anything to do with Ireland? A very faint connection, but a misleading one
CoS? Is that like Anglican?
The green eye of the little yellow god?
Anglican? Certainly not, Anglicans are almost Papist idolaters from the point of view of the CoS. On the other hand, it can't really be described as Protestant either. It's full, Sunday best title has the word "Episcopalian" in it somewhere, but I don't have much idea what that means. Just one of the meaningless background elements of childhood.
Raak] The green eye of the little yellow god? No - actually 'clue' may be something of an exaggeration. More of a set of lateral thinking connections, really. The colour's really not the best way to get there.
Is it the title of a book?
Does it have punctuation in it?
Is it a fictional object?
Is this something to do with grass?
Inkspot] Is it the title of a book? No
Tuj] Does it have punctuation in it? Yes (odd question)
Darren] Is it a fictional object? Yes
Dujon] Is this something to do with grass? No. Really, I'm sorry I ever mentioned the colour.
Is the vegetable part wood?
Would it be found underground?
Irouleguy] Of course an odd question! What else would be expected though? Anyway, could be more useful than the green thing.
Raak] Is the vegetable part wood? Yes
Tuj] Would it be found underground? No
It was a comment, not a criticism, and it probably will be more useful than the green thing.
Is the mineral part metal fixings of some sort?
Raak] Is the mineral part metal fixings of some sort? Yes, but there's other (more important) mineral parts as well.
Is this a tool with a wooden handle and metal business end?
Is it part of the folklore of a particular people?
Is this a weapon?
Is the apostrophe a possessive one?
Raak] Is this a tool with a wooden handle and metal business end? No
Inkspot] Is it part of the folklore of a particular people? No
Dujon] Is this a weapon? No
Tuj] Is the apostrophe a possessive one? Yes
Harry Potter's staff?
Is the mineral a gem stone?
Raak] Harry Potter's staff? No, but thinking along the right lines
Inkspot] Is the mineral a gem stone? No *audience launches into karaoke version of Michelle Shocked's 'Anchorage'*
The Mona Lisa's Smile
Does have connections with Lords of the Ring?
'Cos if it does I'll back out as I know sweet nuffin' about it.
Inkspot] The Mona Lisa's Smile? No
Dujon] Does it have connections with The Lord of the Rings? No
Does the fictional work date from 1950 or later?
Is it from a television series?
Does it have any magical properties?
Raak] Does the fictional work date from 1950 or later? No
Inkspot] Is it from a television series? No
Darren] Does it have any magical properties? No

Do we want a clue?
Is the object man made?
Prospero's staff?
With Inkspot's and Raak's questions immediately above to be answered, the state of the nation seems to be (I hope I've not missed something):

It is not/does not:

The eye of the little yellow god
The title of a book
A tool with wooden handle and metal business end
Have anything to do with grass
Not found underground
Part of fokelore of a particlar people
A weapon
Harry Potter's staff - but the right line of thinking
Contain a gem stone
The Mona Lisa smile
Have connection with Lord of the Rings
From a television series
Have magical properties

It is/does:

Have a very faint connection with Ireland but this would be misleading
Have punctuation in it
Fictional
Wood in the vegetable part
Contain a possessive apostrophe
Have metal fixings of some sort - but there's (more important) mineral parts as well
Pre-date 1950

Inkspot] Is the object man made? Yes
Raak] Prospero's staff? No, but the answer could be said to lie on a point midway between two of Raak's guesses
Dujon] A good summary
Is it somebody's staff?
Darren] Is it somebody's staff? No
Was it supposed to belong to a particular person?
Does it have a knob on the end?
Darren] Was it supposed to belong to a particular person? Not sure what this means. It does belong to a particular person - the form of the answer is {person's name}'s {object}.
Raak] Does it have a knob on the end? I refer the honourable gentleman to my last answer but one.
Is it any sort of ship?
Was the owner a real person?
[Irouleguy] Re: the "particular person" question. That was what I meant.
Is it too heavy for a single person to lift?
Is it something that is worn?
Raak] Is it any sort of ship? No
Darren - Was the owner a real person? No
CdM - Is it too heavy for a single person to lift? Good question - yes
Inkspot - Is it something that is worn? No
Is it something large enough that a human could get inside?
Is it a building?
Darren] Is it something large enough that a human could get inside? No
Raak] Is it a building? No
Is the object made from stone?
is it connected with transport?
Would it help me if I understood your reference to "Anchorage"?
'Cos, like, maybe I'm being dumb, but I know that song pretty well, and yet I have no idea what you were getting at...
Was Shakespeare the author of the fictional work in question?
Inkspot] Is the object made from stone? No
Chalky] Is it connected with transport? No
CdM - Would it help me if I understood your reference to "Anchorage"? No.
Sorry - it was just a joke about being cold. It's the only song I know about Alaska.
CdM - Was Shakespeare the author of the fictional work in question? No
Could a human wrap his/her arms around it?
When you said "Harry Potter's staff" was the "right line of thinking" did you mean something more than that it was of the form {person's name}'s {object}?
Is it time for me to shut up and let someone else ask a question?
19th century?
Is the person's name more than one word?
CdM] Could a human wrap his/her arms around it? Almost certainly not
CdM] When you said "Harry Potter's staff" was the "right line of thinking" did you mean something more than that it was of the form {person's name}'s {object}? No
CdM] Is it time for me to shut up and let someone else ask a question? Not at all - they're good questions and it's not that busy today
Raak] 19th century? Yes
Darren] Is the person's name more than one word? Yes
A clue for Friday afternoon
The person in the answer shares a name with the author of the fictional work.
Lady Windermere's Fan?
Is the fictional work - a film?
Is the fictional work - a play?
Raak] Lady Windermere's Fan? No, but in several respects the closest approach yet.
Chalky] Is the fictional work - a film? Not originally, but it has been filmed.
Chalky] Is the fictional work - a play? No
Was the fictional work originally written in English?
Was the film made before 1950?
Is there more than one filmed version (including cinematic and television versions, if applicable)?
Is it an item of furniture?
Is it anything to do with Oscar Wilde, or in fact Dorian Gray, and am I allowed to ask more than one question at a time?
Tom Brown's Schooldays?
As abstract as you get
buit it's not the title of a book.....*retracts already abstract answer*
CdM] Was the fictional work originally written in English? Yes
Inkspot] Was the film made before 1950? No, for all versions (see below)
Darren] Is there more than one filmed version (including cinematic and television versions, if applicable)? Yes, according to IMBd three (one cinematic, two television). Obligatory trivia - the actor playing the person in the answer in the first TV version was once in Blake's seven, and also has a connection to the colour clue.
Raak] Is it an item of furniture? Yes, though that's not its primary function
ZK] Is it anything to do with Oscar Wilde, or in fact Dorian Gray, and am I allowed to ask more than one question at a time? No, and no, and apparently yes
ZK] Tom Brown's Schooldays? I refer the honourable gentleman to his subsequent answer
Is the entire answer a phrase that is in reasonably common use?
(For example, do you think it would be an acceptable solution in a crossword?)
CDM] Is the entire answer a phrase that is in reasonably common use? No - it'd only really be acceptable in a crossword if the whole crossword was themed around the author.
Is the author Dickens?
Is the person male?
is it a musical instrument?
Regarding the mineral part: (a) is it in part glass? (b) you said there are "metal fixings" but are there also other metal parts?
is it a timepiece of any kind?
Raak] Is the author Dickens? No
Darren] Is the person male? No
ZK]Is it a musical instrument? Yes
CdM] Regarding the mineral part: (a) is it in part glass? (b) you said there are "metal fixings" but are there also other metal parts? (a) No; (b) Yes
ZK] Is it a timepiece of any kind? No
Is it a piano?
I can't think of anyone who has a piano except in Jane Austen novels so I don't know why I'm asking!
Having a guess
Did Jane Fairfax have a piano?
*applauds*
You have definitely got the right person (having checked all the imdb clues). And I am guessing that the piano is right as well.
ZK - YES!!! Congratulations! I'd thought after the last round of answers that someone must get it soon. The colour clue is that everyone thought that the piano was a gift to Jane Fairfax from the Dixons, which leads by association to Dixon of Dock Green, which Ania Marson, who played Jane Fairfax in the first TV version of Emma, appeared in a number of times. I did say it wasn't so much a clue as a lateral association which wouldn't help...
I'll shut up now and hand over the baton to ZK.
thank god for that
I don't know why, but I developed an obsession with this round! I'm glad my brain worked the right way....eventually.....shame on me because I've only read Emma once! I do own that version, though. I think I got it for my 13th birthday. I must say I didn't get any of the Dixon clues. Anyway...
What was the irish connection?
I guess this is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.
A constellation?
[Raak] No. But cool :)
Are the connections to a specific animal?
[Tuj] Yes.
Would this animal have appeared in an animated film and a musical?
[Dujon]Certainly, but I suspect you're barking up the wrong tree.
Toto?
Is the animal human?
[Raak] No.
[Gusset Login] Yes! Yay :)
Are they female?
Are they best known for the animated film/musical?
Sorry, the Irish connection. JF had been with the Dixons in Ireland before she came to Highbury.
Anything to do with Gilbert & Sullivan?
Is it connected with religion?
Anything to do with Walt Disney?
Would you like an extra strong mint?
Female?
What are your major influences?
Is it one human or a group of them?
Could you hold this for a second?
Can I quote you?
Did you threaten to overrule him?
Was the person written about before 1900?
Did you *threaten* to overrule him?
Would you like a cup of tea and a Hob-nob?
Is there any truth to the rumors?
Did you THREATEN to overrule him?
Can I count on your vote?
I say, are you still there?
If not, where are you?
Is your absence some sort of clue?
When do we give up waiting for ZK to come back?
Is "ZK's absence" the answer?
Anyone for a picnic?
Does anyone else have sand in their sandwiches?
Did anyone bring a corkscrew?
Is it anything to do with Thora Hird?
Did they walk with a limp?
Did they walk with a lisp?
Did they float in the air?
Is it "Walking in the Air" sung by Aled Jones?
Is it time to start a new game?
Are they Roman?
As ZK is away in Rome on a student jolly, would someone like to step into the breech wilth an alternative AVMA?
Inkspot] Me, Raak and Darren have all had recent goes - why don't you do it?
Since Inkspot hasn't stepped up to the challenge, and since I handed one over earlier, here's a new one. It is:

VEGETABLE
Is it made from more than one vegetable?
Well jumped in CdM...on with the game.
Is it normally eaten by humans?
Is it processed?
[Inkspot] Made from more than one vegetable? - No
[Rosie] Normally eaten by humans? - Yes, in part
[Darren] Processed? - No.
A banana?
[Raak] Banana? - No
Is it a fruit?
A pomegranite?
[Irouleguy] Fruit? - No.
[Raak] Pomegranite? - No.
A cereal?
[Chalky] Cereal - No.
Is the 'normally eaten by humans' bit a seed?
(Long shot) - RHUBARB?
[Dujon] seed? - No
[Rosie] Rhubarb? - No.
Clarification: I go back and forth on whether I should say this is "normally" eaten by humans. Perhaps it is most accurate to say that part of this is sometimes eaten by humans, and that this is in no way unusual.
Is it grown on farms?
Is it eaten in all societies?
Is it a root crop?
Is it tobacco?
[Raak] Grown on farms? - No. (Although had you phrased the question differently I might have given a different answer.)
[Irouleguy] Eaten in all societies? - Strictly speaking no. However, to the best of my knowledge, all societies eat something somewhat similar to part of this thing.
[Inkspot] Root crop? - No.
[Chalky] Tobacco? - No.
Is it a liquid?
Is it grown in frames?
Is it a tree/s?
Is the part that is eaten a leaf?
Is the part that is eaten a stalk?
Is it a nut?
[Inkspot] Liquid? - No.
[Irouleguy] Grown in frames? - No.
[INJ] Part that's eaten = leaf? - No.
[INJ] Part that's eaten = stalk? - Part of the part that is eaten is a stalk.
[Raak] Nut? - No.
Is it a fungus? (if so I'll go for porcini/cèpe)
[INJ] Is it a fungus? - Yes.
[INJ] porcini/cepe? - No.
cinnamon?
[all] Cinnamon? - No. *points to last answer but one*
Is the answer the name of a specific mushroom?
Is it a generic mushroom?
[INJ] Name of specific mushroom? - No. (But had you phrased the question differently I might have given a different answer...)
[Raak] Generic mushroom? - No, I don't think so (although I am not exactly sure what you mean by a generic mushroom).
Is it a specific variety of mushroom?
[CdM] That answer hadn't been posted when I typed my question
[CdM] I just meant, is the answer "a mushroom".
A mushroom?
Is the answer the name of a specific fungus?
A toadstool?
[all] Specific variety of mushroom? - No, or at least not exactly, but see my answer to INJ below.
[Raak] A mushroom? - No.
[Raak] A mushroom? - Still no.
[INJ] Specific fungus? - It is a specific variety of fungus. However, it is not sufficient to identify the variety.
[INJ] A toadstool? - No.
Black truffles?
Magic mushrooms?
[Irouleguy] Black truffles? - No.
[Raak] Magic Mushrooms? - No.
Is it a specific fungus rather than a specific bit of a mushroom stalk?
Clumsy question - but having picked my way through your replies ..
Is this a fungus which people eat unknowingly (i.e. if they knew they'd rather not)?
No, I don't suck my toes. ;-)
[Chalky] Specific fungus? - It is a very specific fungus.
[Dujon] - Eat unknowingly? - No.
Yeast?
Does this specific fungus have anything to do with Edible Fungi?
That gigantic white truffle in the news recently that was exhibited for so long that it went off before it could be used?
[Chalky] Yeast? - No.
[Chalky] Edible Fungi? - I don't understand the question. Part of this specific fungus is edible, but that has already been established.
[Raak] Gigantic white truffle? - No, but a ripple of applause from the audience.
[Chalky] Just noticed that I missed a question of yours way back there -- back at a time when every time I tried to post there was another question. :-) Er, anyway, no, it isn't a tree.
Is it any sort of truffle or part thereof?
Not many edible fungi beyond mushrooms, toadstools, and truffles.
Hmmmmmm... I have tried to answer very carefully, but I think I have still ended up being misleading. The edible part is a specific variety of mushroom, but it is not strictly correct to describe the whole as a mushroom. The whole is a specific variety of fungus, but as I said before it is not sufficient to identify the variety.
Is it a mushroom that grows on some other type of fungus?
Would you find the edible part for sale in a supermarket?
[Raak] Continuing my clarification, the answer is a particular fungus, which has as its fruit (spore) an edible mushroom. I would guess that the mushroom is sold in some supermarkets, but I do not think it is commonly found for sale. (By the way, some of my reading has led me to the discovery that fungi are not necessarily classified as either animal or vegetable, but are a class on their own, so we may have to rename the game AVFMA.)
Oh, and it is highly unlikely that you or I would find the edible part for sale in a supermarket, but Dan or Dunx might.
[CdM] If you went down the AVFMA road, you'd have to add a couple of others to the list, too.
Does it grow in a mutually beneficial arrangement with conifers?
[flerdle] Mutually beneficial relationship with conifers? - Definitely not.
(But despite that, the audience applauds, somewhat confusedly.)
Would this be ingested as a medication rather than a food?
[Dujon] Medicine rather than food? - No.
[CdM] Many of your answers seemed to be pointing to the fruit of Tricholoma magnivelare, but that's obviously not right. Sorry.
[flerdle] Tm? - No, but in some ways you are getting very close.
Shiitake mushrooms?
[Irouleguy] Shiitake mushrooms? - No.
Mycelium?
I'm thinking it can't be the cultivation of mushrooms on hardwood logs because you would've given a hint when I asked about trees some time ago - I still think this is some form of parasitic mushroom.
Chanterelle mushroom?
The Honey mushroom? [ Armillaria mellea]
Forgive the multiposts - I've only a few free minutes today - and I've been googling. S'amazing what you learn ....
[Chalky] Mycelium? - No, but the audience applauds the parasitic mushroom comment.
Chanterelle? - No.
Honey mushroom? Major applause from audience. The mushroom is indeed a honey mushroom (the fungus is actually Armillaria ostoyae, but to be honest I haven't quite figured out the differences among the different armillarias). However, as I said before, identifying the variety of fungus is not sufficient to answer the question. For clues, see some of my responses to Raak's recent questions.
Are we looking for a specific Armillaria ostoyae, ie. a single organism which exists somewhere on the planet?
[Darren] Specific Ao? - Yes. (The audience is getting very excited, and a couple of individuals have been escorted from the room.)
The Giant one found in Oregon in 2000?
"Officially known as Armillaria ostoyae, or the honey mushroom, the fungus is 3.5 miles across and takes up 1,665 football fields. The small mushrooms visible above ground are only the tip of the iceberg. Experts estimate that the giant mushroom is at least 2,400 years old, but could be 7,200 years old."
That was a quote, btw - I was in a rush

Did you know that Mushrooms have over 36,000 sexes! Unlike us mere mortals who have only the 2 [and a bit, arguably]. No wonder they proliferate.

[Chalky] Yes! I mean, come on people, it's only one of the biggest and oldest living things in the world...
*hands the button, sorry, baton, to Chalky*
yippee
Why thenk you, Mr CdM. What a splendid subject for AVFMA-ing!
That was a steep learning curve for me - not being a mushroom eater. There's something about the thought of all that grubby foraging which quite turns my stomach. They smell gorgeous and I'll happily cook them for other people - just can't eat them. Pity.

Anyway, enough of this self-disclosure. It's high time we had ...

ABSTRACT ANIMAL

Is it a fictional human?
K9?
[GL] that was 2 questions - but ..
Fictional - No
Human - er .. Yes
[Raak] K9 - Not this time [one day, one of your early guesses will be correct] :-)
Are there religious connotations?
Female?
Dead?
It was 1 question, although I admit a simple "no" would have confused us. Thank you
Is it a characteristic, in the broadest sense, of humans?
Related to religion?
A particular human?
Is it connected to faith in anyway?
Lucy?
on the basis of your 'er' in the response to human?
Linus? Charlie Brown?
Oh. That Lucy...
sorrysorry - been busy

[Darren] Are there religious connotations? - No
[Inkspot] Female? - Yes - but then again NO :-)
[GL] Dead? - No
[Rosie] Is it a characteristic, in the broadest sense, of humans? - I don't think so [if I understand your question correctly]
[Raak] Related to religion? - No
[Irouleguy] A particular human? - Yes
[all] Is it connected to faith in anyway? - Can't answer such a broad sweep question - surely everything's connected to some sort of faith, even if it's faith in ones own judgement?
[INJ] Lucy? - nah [ignore my 'er' - 'it' IS human ]
[CdM] Linus / Charlie Brown? - nah / nah [I thought he meant the one in the sky with Diamonds ..]
Is it (the particular human) an adult?
Hello flerdle :-)
[flerdle] Is it (the particular human) an adult? - Yes, mostly.
Do people dress up as this person?
Dame Edna Everage?
[Chalky, re: hello] Huh? *worries*
Is this person of a particular gender?
Is is a description? ie "fat cat"
Lilt
Lily Savage?
Sorry - ignore the first one
hidden a gender?

[Raak] Do people dress up as this person? - there ARE lookalikes, yes
flerdle - Dame Edna - No
[flerdle] The hello? Don't see you playin' this game very often, that's all. Sorry I worried you]
Darren - Particular gender? - Of course, yes
[Inkspot] No - nothing along those lines
[Irouléguy] Lily Savage - No

hmmm - crossdressing trannies - don't go down that path. If I was vague on the gender issue, there might be a good reason. It may help to think laterally. Don't worry about the Abstract part just yet either.

Mrs. Merton?
Is this a role (rather than the specific person who happens to fill it at any time)?
Dr Who's assistant?
[Chalky] I hadn't really even looked in here before. I suspect I'm not going to be that good at it, and may disappear at any time.
[Raak] No
[Raak again] NO - definitely real, living, breathing, active, etc.
[flerdle] No [OK - but your input certainly helped me get the last one :-)]
[Raak] re: your 2nd question above - The Abstract element could be described as a 'role' but it may be simpler to just guess the animal bit first - and the astract nature will follow quite naturally [I hope].
Does this person hold any kind of official position?
Are they associated with any particular country?
Do they have long hair?
[Rosie] Official position? - depends what you mean by 'official'. Er .. Yes.
[flerdle] Are they associated with any particular country? - At last! They are associated with two countries.
[flerdle] Long hair - Some and some :-)
Both European countries?
[Raak] Yes - they live in both.
Is the title of the role hereditary?
[Inkspot] No
Ask general questions about the people - forget the 'role' for now.
Are they pop stars?
Are they popular?
European countries?
sorry for delay - been watching The 100 Top Albums on C4 ...
[Raak] Pop Stars? Well - not really, but ... she was a pop star.
[Irouléguy] Popular? Oh yes, and quite recently - however, their star may be waning ...
[Tuj] European countries? - Done that one already. Have a quick read back :-)
Is Billie Piper a part of this?
Are the countries England and Spain?
The Beckhams?
Darn; pipped by time zones :-)
[Raak] No
[Dujon] Yes
[CdM] YES - they are the people *applause*

Now for the Abstract bit :-)

The appearance of Posh and Becks in the Simpsons?
Not that I actually know if they have appeared there.
They've launched a fashion label?
Is that the one called 'Thick & Thin'?
[Raak, Irouleguy, INJ] It's all those things ... in one word, then add that one word to their name and that's the answer ..
Posh and Becks dolls?
The Posh and Becks brand?
INJ] *grin*
The Beckham Phenomenon?
The all-singing-dancing-football-playing-and-generally-being-annoying-Posh&Becks show?
Beckhamania?
AHA!
[Raak] It's not the dolls specifically, so I can eliminate that one.

As for the other replies - you are all correct so I have to be fair and give it to the person who mentioned the word 'Brand' [mainly because I had in mind the phrase The Beckham Brand when I began].
Well done Irouléguy for getting there just before flerdle [with whom I agree wholeheartedly on the annoyance factor]
Commiseration thingies to INJ for also being correct.

*hands over to Irouléguy*


Something of a lurker's victory there, but I'm not complaining. Our next topic is ABSTRACT, and the colour is an association rather than a clue. it's also hopefully got a far lower annoyance factor.
Weather forecasts? :-)
Is it an emotion?
flerdle] Weather forecasts? :-) No - I like it though
Gusset Login] Is it an emotion? No - but there is a connection
Does it primarily exist in fiction?
Is it generally regarded as positive?
Is it associated primarily with humans?
Raak] - Does it primarily exist in fiction? Yes, though that may not be as helpful as it sounds
Darren] Is it generally regarded as positive? As previously
ImNotJohn] Is it associated primarily with humans? As previously
Is it a belief?
Raak] Is it a belief? No - but again there's a connection.
Apologies in advance for tomorrow - I'm working out of the office most of the day, and I won't get a chance to log on until early evening.
Is it a proverb?
Is it something religious?
Is it defined by it's absence?
Kim] Is it a proverb? No
Raak] Is it something religious? No
Gusset Login] Is it defined by it's absence? No
It is living (albeit in an abstract sense)?
Raak] Is it living (albeit in an abstract sense)? The question's not really applicable
Is it a pattern?
Is it a human concept?
Raak] Is it a pattern? Yes, of sorts, but that really doesn't help
Gusset Login] Is it a human concept? Necessarily, as it's an abstraction.
Can it be perceived by the senses?
Darren] Can it be perceived by the senses? Yes - only one of them though.
Is it perceived by hearing?
There are absracts that are more than human concepts (eg gravity)
Braille?
The sound of one hand clapping in the forest when no-one is there to hear it?
Gusset Login] Is it perceived by hearing? YES! *low murmur of appreciation from the audience*
There are abstracts that are more than human concepts (eg gravity) Conceded - I hadn't thought of it like that
Darren] Braille? No
Raak] The sound of one hand clapping in the forest when no-one is there to hear it? No.
Is it a piece of music?
Is it a sound of Nature?
Raak] Is it a piece of music? YES! *scattered applause from the audience*
Rosie] Is it a sound of Nature? No
Was it written since 1900?
The Internationale?
Is it a song?
Raak] Was it written since 1900? Yes
CdM] The Internationale? No - I did say the red was more of an association than a clue.
CdM] Is it a song? Yes
Was it a number one hit in either the US or the UK?
Is it sung by Kate Bush?
CdM] Was it a number one hit in either the US or the UK? Yes, in both (though not in the same year - a useful trivia nugget for quizzes)
Raak] Is it sung by Kate Bush? No!
The Beatles?
Raak] The Beatles? YES! audience screams, waves scarves, takes flash photos, etc
Is the red an association with the uniforms they wore on the cover of the Sergeant Pepper album?
Strawberry fields?
Raak] Is the red an association with the uniforms they wore on the cover of the Sergeant Pepper album? No
Rosie] Strawberry fields? No
Penny Lane?
Has it got the word "Sun" in the title?
Back in the USSR?
Raak] Penny Lane? No
Kim] Has it got the word "Sun" in the title? No - that was never a number one, was it?
ImNotJohn] Back in the USSR? No
Can't Buy Me Love?
Free as a Bird?
Darren] Can't Buy Me Love? No
Gusset Login - Free as a Bird? No
I want to hold your hand?
She Loves You?
Too slow - I agree with Flerdle.
Funny, because I actually agree with Raak :-) My guess was no 1 for too long in the UK to be technically correct...
ps sorry I haven't been around much this time, this week's been "interesting".
[Flerdle]I reckon you're right 'cos it's the only one that was a Uk & US No1 in different years (63 &64).
[INJ] Which one of my statements? :-D
Have a look here and turn to the next year... Very good site, btw, but can't get to the front page right now.
it looks completely dead now. Oh well.
I dunno, you take your eye off it for a minute...
And the winner is RAAK! (I did think the different years was a bit of a give-away). The red association is simply that it's on the red album. Over to you, Raak.
Well, that was a fluke, never heard of a red album, didn't look at the web sites, and I doubt I could name more than half a dozen Beatles songs.
The next item is a definitely concrete MINERAL (and no, the answer isn't "concrete").
A half-brick?
Manufactured?
[Tuj] No.
[Rosie] Yes.
A specific object?
Is it bigger than a phone box?
[I] Yes.
[GL] Yes.
A building?
The TARDIS?
[Kim] No.
[I] No (but murmurs from the audience).
Is it a planet?
[GL] No. (The audience goes back to sleep.)
The 'Heart of Gold'?
[I] No.
Some form of transport?
[Rosie] No.
Does it have moving parts?
[flerdle] No.
Does it really exist?
[Darren] Yes.
Is it an object associated with a TV series?
Is there more than one of it?
[GL] Hmm...briefly.
[Darren] No.
Can someone get inside it?
[flerdle] (Laughter from the audience.) Well...there's certainly room.
10 Downing Street?
[I} No.
Is it in Britain?
[Tuj] Yes.
The Milleniun Stadium?
Wow, this one's rattling along. So: Stonehenge?
[R,D] No, no.
Is it bigger than a shipping container?
Is it in London?
Is it taller than it is wide?
[INJ] No, Yes.
[Kim] No.
Is it a permanent feature (i.e. not just in place for a predefined short period)?
[INJ] Yes.
The Millennium Dome?
Is the mineral liquid?
or metal?
or stone?
[I] No.
[INJ] No, YES!, no.

Summary:
It is: a single, existing, permanent, manufactured metal object in the U.K., bigger than a phone box and smaller than a shipping container, big enough to get inside (laughter), at least as wide as tall, um er briefly associated with a TV series, and without moving parts.
It is not: a form of transport, or any of the specific things mentioned so far.

And it's in London.
And has no moving parts.
Is the metal bronze?
Is it a statue?
Is it that "A Conversation with Oscar Wilde" thing near Trafalgar Square?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/224663.stm for those who've never seen it.
Big Ben?
Surprisingly (to me) wider than it is tall
[INJ] So, Big Ben's smaller than a shipping container these days, is it? ;)
Actually I'd guess the bell Big Ben probably is. I was getting confused with the clocktower (as so many others do). My vote's with your guess now.
INJ, Darren] Dammit! I was thinking of the clocktower as well. But without moving parts? If it's a physical bell, surely it has a clapper?
A ocean container is either 20 or 40 foot long by 8'0" wide and 8'0" tall whereas Big Ben is 9'0" diameter, 7'6" high.
Big Ben is the bell, which is fixed at the top (although it can obviously resonate). It is struck by a hammer on the outside, which (arguably) is not part of the bell. However, Raak is about to come along and say 'No' and put paid to all this speculation.
Yes, no, no, YES!! It is Big Ben (the bell). Over to you, INJ.
Onward, ever onward
Well - I may not be so conscientious about answering questions, but I'll do my best (I'm going home now, so no responses for a few hours).

This one is ABSTRACT

Is it purely a human concept?
Is it artistic?
[GL] No
[Raak] No
Is it generally regarded as positive?
Is it one word?
[Darren] No (but neither is it generally regarded as negative)
[Tuj] No
The speed of light?
[Iroul] No
Is it visible?
[Fl] No
Is it found on Earth?
{Iroul] Yes (a few murmurs from the audience)
Is it acoustic?
[Raak] No
[GL]No
(That's better, I'm back in my stride now - you know where you are with 'No')
Is it found on other planets or the moon?
Can it be perceived without instruments?
[Inkspot] 1. Not as such. 2. No
[Iroul]No (scattered applause)
Is it a current news topic, even if not high up the agenda?
[Rosie] No
Is it an atmospheric layer?
Inks] No
Is it related to mainstream science?
[Darren] Yes
Is it related to subatomic particles?
[GL] No (I could probably find a reason for answering 'Yes', but that would be much less helpful)
Is it to do with biology?
Is it to do with geology?
Sorry for the double move, but I just had that thought.
[Darren]1. No,
2. Yes (broadly)
Is it something that can be perceived by examining rocks with instruments?
[Darren] No (further audience reaction)
Does it have something to do with time?
{raak} No
Is the word "instrument" causing the audience reactions?
[Darren] I don't know, you'll have to ask them ;-)

(No - not as such - more just a general sense that the question could lead in the right sort of direction)

Volcanic activity?
[Iroul] No
(won't be responding for a few hours now)
Plate tectonics?
[Inks] No
(I did debate with myself whether or not to answer Yes to the geology question)
Is it something to do with chemistry?
[Darren] No
Is it an event?
Is it something to do with oil?
is the word 'earth' part of the answer?
[Inks] No
[CdM] No
[Iroul] No
This is fun, isn't it?
Can it be measured?
[Flerdle] No, not as such, but that's not a bad line of thought to pursue
I'll be available to answer questions until for about another 4 hours - after that I will probably be offline until Monday evening or Tuesday, so I'll start putting clues out in a couple of hours if no-one's got it by then
Is it the name of a group of people or a tribe?
Is it a job?
[Chalky] No
[Darren] No
Is it something to do with weather?
Is it a particular type of or name for wind?
[Flerdle] No
[Iroul] No
OK - to summarise those things which might help:
It is found on earth (though earth is not part of the answer - which is more than one word), it is broadly to do with geology, it is part of mainstream science, it cannot be perceived without instruments, it doesn't exist on the moon and not as such on other planets, it is not an event nor anything to do with weather (though that might have got the audience murmuring as well).
You've been concentrating a lot on what - there may be other productive lines of enquiry.
Is there more than one of it?
[Flerdle] No (but that's partly because of the specific description)
The Earth's magnetic field?
[Rosie] No - not quite (but loud and prolonged applause from the audience)
The north pole?
[Flerdle] No (the audience are on the edge of their seats)
The aurora?
Oh actually you can perceive that without instruments so ignore that one.
The South Pole?
Being a bit less clever, this time! Heh.
the north magnetic pole?
(since Darren took the other pole, and the tendency here is to be pedantic, I take it)
[Darren] No
Flerdle YES (Thunderous applause, with maybe just a slight tinge of relief, from the audience)
I might have given it to you anyway if Rosie hadn't already said 'the magnetic field'.

So, it's over to Flerdle


whoah
Oh. Ah. umm... M I N E R A L
Is it an object?
Is there more than one of it?
[Rosie] Yes
[Darren] Yes
Is it man made?
let's set a speed record
[Dujon] Yes
A household item?
Do you own one?
[Rosie] Yes
[Irouléguy] Yes and no.
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