Acorn Atom?
.. the one that was launched in 1980, she says knowledgeably.
Google? Wassat then :-)
Google? Wassat then :-)
[Dujon] Yes.
[Chalky] No, too early.
[Inkspot] No, too recent.
[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.
[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?
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.
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.
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
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'*
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
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?
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 :)
[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
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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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).
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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] 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.
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*
*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.
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] :-)
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.
[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 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 :-)
[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 :-)
[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*
[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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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).
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.
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").
The next item is a definitely concrete MINERAL (and no, the answer isn't "concrete").
A half-brick?
Manufactured?
[Tuj] No.
[Rosie] Yes.
[Rosie] Yes.
A specific object?
Is it bigger than a phone box?
[I] Yes.
[GL] Yes.
[GL] Yes.
A building?
The TARDIS?
[Kim] No.
[I] No (but murmurs from the audience).
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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
[Raak] No
Is it generally regarded as positive?
Is it one word?
[Darren] No (but neither is it generally regarded as negative)
[Tuj] No
[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?
Air?
[Raak] No
[GL]No
(That's better, I'm back in my stride now - you know where you are with '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)
[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)
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)
(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)
(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?
[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
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
[Darren] No
Is it something to do with weather?
Is it a particular type of or name for wind?
[Flerdle] No
[Iroul] 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.
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'.
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
[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.
[Irouléguy] Yes and no.
Is it a natural feature?
[Raak] No
Does it have a practical use?
[flerdle] I doubt a speed record is possible any more. If memory serves, someone once managed to guess one of these on Pants MC in the first move.
ah.
[Darren] Yes
Is it one word?
Darren] Genuinely? And if so is there evidence?
Do you own more than one?
[Tuj] How can there be evidence since Pants came down? All that remains is a memory of what was inside when we were last able to have a look. I still miss having Pants.
Is this essentially an electronic device? (meaning it's construction rather than its use)
'its construction' - *slinks off*
[Tuj] No
[Darren] Yes and No; to clarify my answer to your and Irouléguy's questions I have it, but number, as such, is not an issue
[Dujon] No
[Darren] Yes and No; to clarify my answer to your and Irouléguy's questions I have it, but number, as such, is not an issue
[Dujon] No
Double glazing?
what, here??
[Raak] No
Is it powered?
[Raak] No.
Is it (or are they) used at mealtimes?
Is it a container of some sort?
[Irouléguy] No
[Rosie] No
[Rosie] No
Is it used in the construction of a house, rather than being brought in afterwards?
[Darren] No
Is it decorative?
(This isn't mutually exclusive with "practical" of course.)
[Darren] No, but it could be, if you were creative.
Artexed ceilings?
[Raak] No
Is it of mainly man made materials?
Mainly metallic?
Something to do with interior decoration?
[Inkspot] Yes
[Rosie] No
[Raak] No
[Rosie] No
[Raak] No
It's too early in the morning, so some clarifications:
[Inkspot] Is it of mainly man made materials? Yes, as it is known now.
[Raak] Something to do with interior decoration? You could probably use it somehow in interior decoration, but to be fair, no, that's not the usual reason for having it.
[Inkspot] Is it of mainly man made materials? Yes, as it is known now.
[Raak] Something to do with interior decoration? You could probably use it somehow in interior decoration, but to be fair, no, that's not the usual reason for having it.
Would this have something to do with reading?
[Dujon] No
Would people have used this a thousand years ago?
[Raak] Yes, there is apparently evidence for it having been used well before then, but of course not in its modern form which is what I really want, so strictly, no.
I'm having some network problems here, so sorry for some delay over the next day or two.
Is it to do with cosmetics?
Summary
It is - a man-made object, a household item, with a practical use.
It is not - one word, a natural feature, double-glazing, powered, a container, used at mealtimes, used in the construction of a house, aertexed ceilings, mainly metallic, decorative, something to do with interior decoration, something to do with reading.
flerdle owns more than one of it, and something like it was in use over a thousand years ago, but its modern form is the answer.
A question about cosmetics is outstanding.
Is it some form of clothing?
It is - a man-made object, a household item, with a practical use.
It is not - one word, a natural feature, double-glazing, powered, a container, used at mealtimes, used in the construction of a house, aertexed ceilings, mainly metallic, decorative, something to do with interior decoration, something to do with reading.
flerdle owns more than one of it, and something like it was in use over a thousand years ago, but its modern form is the answer.
A question about cosmetics is outstanding.
Is it some form of clothing?
[Irouléguy] I suspect that "flerdle owns more than one of it" may be a misunderstanding. I interpreted flerdle's response to mean that it's a thing which doesn't usually have number, such as wallpaper (although interior decoration has been ruled out).
[Darren] hmmm... No.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Darren] Your interpretation is correct. And no, it's not wallpaper.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Darren] Your interpretation is correct. And no, it's not wallpaper.
A comb?
[Rosie] No.
Is it a liquid?
[Tuj] No.
Air conditioning?
[Raak] No.
Is it portable?
is it an aid to personal hygiene?
[Raak] Yes
[CdM] Yes
[CdM] Yes
Toothpaste?
ghhnnnn
[INJ] No
Soap?
I'd call soap vegetable (possibly veg/animal) but that's me. Still worth asking.
Toothbrush?
Razor?
Shaving foam/gel?
Dental floss?
Darren] Thanks - well spotted.
ker-ching!
[Darren] No.
[Darren] Still No.
[Raak] No.
[Kim] No.
[Irouléguy] YES it is indeed dental floss; remember, you don't have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.
I was hoping more of its qualities would come out but it was a race through the bathroom that got it in the end, thanks to CdM's astute observation. hmmm...
[Darren] Still No.
[Raak] No.
[Kim] No.
[Irouléguy] YES it is indeed dental floss; remember, you don't have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.
I was hoping more of its qualities would come out but it was a race through the bathroom that got it in the end, thanks to CdM's astute observation. hmmm...
Over to Irouléguy
ah, just too slow... I thought of toothpaste first, but realized it suffered from the one-word problem, and so went for my general question instead.
Is it a Higgs boson?
Is it something you'd want to show your friends?
Sorry for the delay, y'all - I'm off work so only switching the computer on intermittently. So, our answer is ABSTRACT. No colour clues, but with a connection to tomorrow's elections.
CdM] Is it a Higgs boson? No
Darren] Is it something you'd want to show your friends? Possibly
CdM] Is it a Higgs boson? No
Darren] Is it something you'd want to show your friends? Possibly
Opinion Poll(s)?
Is it a vote?
A broken promise?
A political party?
Gusset Login] Opinion Poll(s)? No
Darren] Is it a vote? OOH - close *audience breaks into prolonged applause*
all] A broken promise? No
Kim] A political party? No
Darren] Is it a vote? OOH - close *audience breaks into prolonged applause*
all] A broken promise? No
Kim] A political party? No
A tactical vote
A protest vote?
ImNotJohn] A tactical vote?
flerdle] A protest vote?
Both equally close, but not exactly right
flerdle] A protest vote?
Both equally close, but not exactly right
A wasted vote?
a transferable vote?
postal vote?
An informal vote?
A spoiled vote?
Darren] A wasted vote? Close, but no cigar
CdM] a transferable vote? Almost certainly not
all] postal vote? As close as the other close guesses
flerdle] An informal vote? Possibly
flerdle] A donkey vote? No
So that's what a donkey vote is. I always thought it was the loyal vote for a long-standing member - because healw-healw-healways gets elected sorrysorrysorry
Raak - A spoiled vote? Almost certainly not
CdM] a transferable vote? Almost certainly not
all] postal vote? As close as the other close guesses
flerdle] An informal vote? Possibly
flerdle] A donkey vote? No
So that's what a donkey vote is. I always thought it was the loyal vote for a long-standing member - because healw-healw-healways gets elected sorrysorrysorry
Raak - A spoiled vote? Almost certainly not
[Irouléguy] That deserves a thwap. *thwap*
A casting vote?
goodness, how many are there?
flerdle] *thwap* Ouch
flerdle] A casting vote? Almost certainly not.
goodness, how many are there? GOOD question
flerdle] A casting vote? Almost certainly not.
goodness, how many are there? GOOD question
A vote for a specific party?
A majority?
Does the answer contain the word 'vote'?
A proxy vote?
An illegal vote?
A Pop Idol vote?
Tuj] A vote for a specific party? As close as anyone else has got, but no
Raak] A majority? No
Chalky] Does the answer contain the word 'vote'? GOOD question - No
Gusset Login] A proxy vote? Close, but no
Gusset Login] An illegal vote? Almost certainly not
Gusset Login] A Pop Idol vote? Definitely not
One of the guesses above contains the answer
Raak] A majority? No
Chalky] Does the answer contain the word 'vote'? GOOD question - No
Gusset Login] A proxy vote? Close, but no
Gusset Login] An illegal vote? Almost certainly not
Gusset Login] A Pop Idol vote? Definitely not
One of the guesses above contains the answer
Protest?
flerdle - Protest? No
Normal service may be interrupted for some time, as I'm off out canvassing, knocking up, etc and I'm not quite sure when I'll be back. Clues
1) The answer could be in number 10
2) The answer is in the next government
Normal service may be interrupted for some time, as I'm off out canvassing, knocking up, etc and I'm not quite sure when I'll be back. Clues
1) The answer could be in number 10
2) The answer is in the next government
Brown?
An invitation from the Queen to form the next government?
Pop?
Is it a political post?
Is it marginal?
A mandate?
An exit poll?
A proxy?
...and then there was drinking. Apologies for the delay.
all] Brown? No
Raak] An invitation from the Queen to form the next government? No
ImNotJohn] Pop? No
Darren] Is it a political post? No
Kim] Is it marginal? No
CdM] A mandate? No
Raak] An exit poll? No, but partly correct
ImNotJohn] A proxy? No, but partly correct
all] Brown? No
Raak] An invitation from the Queen to form the next government? No
ImNotJohn] Pop? No
Darren] Is it a political post? No
Kim] Is it marginal? No
CdM] A mandate? No
Raak] An exit poll? No, but partly correct
ImNotJohn] A proxy? No, but partly correct
The result of the election?
Does the word 'proxy' appear in the answer
A swingometer?
I'm too old to stay up all night...
Raak - The result of the election? No
ImNotJohn] Does the word 'proxy' appear in the answer? No, but if you rearranged the sentence, the answer would be YES and the audience would go Whooooooo!
Darren] A swingometer? No
Raak - The result of the election? No
ImNotJohn] Does the word 'proxy' appear in the answer? No, but if you rearranged the sentence, the answer would be YES and the audience would go Whooooooo!
Darren] A swingometer? No
Does the answer appear in the word 'proxy'?
Is it an X?
In fact, reading back, I am quite sure it is ... and also that the credit really goes to Raak.
WACK-WACK-WACK-WACK We have a winner!
Raak] Does the answer appear in the word 'proxy'? YES!!
CdM] Is it an X? YES!!
Thnaks, everyone - that was fun. And now over to over to CdM in the studio...
Raak] Does the answer appear in the word 'proxy'? YES!!
CdM] Is it an X? YES!!
Thnaks, everyone - that was fun. And now over to over to CdM in the studio...
All right. This is ABSTRACT, with animal and mineral connections.
Is it a geographical feature?
Is it a fictional thing?
geographical feature? No.
fictional thing? No.
fictional thing? No.
Is it a human construction?
Is it an activity of any kind?
human construction? Depends what you mean by construction, but I would say no (except under a very broad definition of the term)
an activity? Not really an activity as we would usually use the term (although, again, maybe yes under a very broad definition of the term).
In both cases I think that the most helpful answer is probably no.
an activity? Not really an activity as we would usually use the term (although, again, maybe yes under a very broad definition of the term).
In both cases I think that the most helpful answer is probably no.
service announcement
I am going to Thailand for a week tomorrow (for those who don't know, the reason why is here). We are staying somewhere new, and so I do not know if I will have easy connection to the internets. If I fail to respond to questions here within 24 hours, someone else should take over.
urging all to follow that link
[CdM] Thank you. Hope the trip goes well for you all.
having followed link, seconds Chalky's urging
[Chalky, Iroul] Thanks. Of course, if nobody posts any questions, it will be a non-issue. :-)
Is it an emotion?
Is it located in a particular place?
Is it a saying or proverb?
Is it fun?
Is it generally regarded as positive?
Looks like CdM is in an internet-free zone - anyone want to do a quick interim one to see us through until he returns?
not so fast...
Having just found the internets again...
an emotion? no
located in a particular place? yes, it was.
saying or proverb? no.
fun? no. (except, just possibly, for one person, but probably not even for him)
generally regarded as positive? definitely not.
an emotion? no
located in a particular place? yes, it was.
saying or proverb? no.
fun? no. (except, just possibly, for one person, but probably not even for him)
generally regarded as positive? definitely not.
Anything to do with a tsunami?
Was it a single event?
Sorry for trying to kill you off prematurely.
The crucifixion?
Did this event occur pre 1900?
[Irouléguy] That's a fine guess you've made there and I was going to ask the same question, but then - He died to 'save' us all - so that might be constrooooood as a positive result :-)
Was it a natural disaster?
Generalising Raak's question.
Was the place in Europe?
tsunami-related? no.
single event? yes. (and it wasn't premature -- I had passed my own 24 hour deadline, after all)
crucifixion? no. (but a slight smattering of applause perhaps)
pre-1900? no.
natural disaster? no.
in Europe? no.
single event? yes. (and it wasn't premature -- I had passed my own 24 hour deadline, after all)
crucifixion? no. (but a slight smattering of applause perhaps)
pre-1900? no.
natural disaster? no.
in Europe? no.
Did this event occur pre 2000?
pre-2000? yes.
A political event?
was the event connected to religion in any way?
Did it involve death?
Was it a trial or legal process?
Chalky] I can never hear 'Jesus saves' without thinking 'but Keegan scores on the rebound'.
political event? no.
connected to religion? no.
involve death? yes. (*applause*)
trial or legal process? no.
connected to religion? no.
involve death? yes. (*applause*)
trial or legal process? no.
Was it the first occurrence of something?
first occurrence of something? it was a unique event, so in that sense yes, but it is not noteworthy for being a first occurrence.
So is the answer something along the lines of "The Death of ........"?
"the death of..."? yes. *applause* (although if I were to insist on the exact answer I have in mind, that would not be the phrase)
Was it the death/demise of a human being?
Or perhaps the death/demise of an animal?
Or maybe the death/demise of a concept?
Excuse my exuberance - just trying to narrow it down a bit.
death/demise of a human being? yes.
of an animal? no (except in the AVMA sense, of course)
of a concept? no
of an animal? no (except in the AVMA sense, of course)
of a concept? no
...of a male?
The assassination of John F Kennedy?
a male? yes.
JFK? no. (but some applause)
JFK? no. (but some applause)
...Martin Luther King?
...or Robert Kennedy?
John Lennon?
Does the answer contain a specific person's name?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Sorry for the multipost, but I suddenly thought "if not 'death' then ...."
The death of Lee Harvey Oswald?
cutting to the chase...
Raak WINS -- it was the murder/assassination of John Lennon.
Best wishes for your Thailand trip, CdM. Next!
ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.
Do the animal connections refer to a person?
[Raak] Thanks!
A cultural artefact?
[CdM] No.
[I] Yes.
[I] Yes.
White Elephant?
Is it a mythological creature?
Does it involve a gathering of individuals?
[all] No.
[Darren] No.
[Rosie] Yes.
[Darren] No.
[Rosie] Yes.
A fictional creature?
[Kim] No.
Does it involve sport?
Is it the Rugby pilg?
[Rosie] No.
[Darren] No.
I'll be away most of Saturday.
[Darren] No.
I'll be away most of Saturday.
A musical ensemble of some sort?
A science-fiction convention?
Does it usually involve money changing hands?
[Rosie] Yes.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Darren] Yes.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Darren] Yes.
A gig?
Is this a series of gatherings?
[Rosie] Yes. Although I think that only a musician would call it that.
[Dujon] (applause from the audience) No.
[Dujon] (applause from the audience) No.
The Last Night of the Proms?
More generally, is this one of a series of gatherings?
[CdM] YES! It is The Last Night of the Proms.
*decides against "The Death of George Harrison"*
All right... This is ABSTRACT
A decision?
An event?
decision? no.
event? I think the least misleading answer is no.
event? I think the least misleading answer is no.
Is it generally regarded as positive?
Is it a colour?
Is more than one person involved?
generally regarded as positive? no, nor is it generally regarded as negative.
colour? no.
more than one person involved? no.
colour? no.
more than one person involved? no.
Is ANY person involved?
any person involved? no. (More precisely, it is perhaps possible that people could be involved, or affected, but that is in no way a defining characteristic. I don't think it is a helpful line of enquiry.)
Is it something that happens/exists/manifests itself everywhere in the world?
happens/exists/manifests everywhere in world? If it h/e/m anywhere, then I suppose it could h/e/m anywhere, and I suppose it could therefore h/e/m everywhere in the world. Whether it does is quite another matter.
Does it have an existence independent of human perception?
existence independent of human perception? Well, if it has an existence, then that existence is independent of human perception. But it probably doesn't have an existence, in which case its existence is not independent of human perception.
Is it fictional?
is it fictional? *applause* It exists in fiction. Maybe it also exists in fact. Probably not, though.
The philosophers' stone?
philosophers' stone? no.
The Holy Grail?
Does it exist in a single work of fiction?
holy grail? no
single work of fiction? It is strongly associated with a single work of fiction, although it might exist in others that I am unaware of.
single work of fiction? It is strongly associated with a single work of fiction, although it might exist in others that I am unaware of.
The Da Vinci Code?
da vinci code? no. (you are up late, Chalky...)
Is it associated with religion?
Is it associated with magic?
[CdM] Yes, I am rather - have been painting and I tend to forget the time. Best be off now :-)
associated with religion? No.
associated with magic? No.
I forgot to mention that the audience applauded Irouléguy's question.
associated with magic? No.
I forgot to mention that the audience applauded Irouléguy's question.
Is it the Title of a work of fiction?
title of a work of fiction? no.
Was the work written before 1970?
Shelley's 'Ode to the West wind'?
written before 1970? no.
ode to west wind? no.
ode to west wind? no.
Is it part of a larger work like an aria?
The magic flute?
Is the specific work of fiction a book?
OK so, to sum up.
We have an abstract something that is associated with, but is not the title of, a single work of fiction written since 1970. It is not associated with magic or religion. It does not necessarily have any actual existence, but if it did it would not be restricted to a single location, nor does it necessarily involve any participation by a person. It is neither a decision nor an event. It is neither positive or negative, nor is it a colour. In addition there are a number of specific things it isn't.
So, it seems to be some sort of concept or idea.
We have an abstract something that is associated with, but is not the title of, a single work of fiction written since 1970. It is not associated with magic or religion. It does not necessarily have any actual existence, but if it did it would not be restricted to a single location, nor does it necessarily involve any participation by a person. It is neither a decision nor an event. It is neither positive or negative, nor is it a colour. In addition there are a number of specific things it isn't.
So, it seems to be some sort of concept or idea.
Was the work published before 2000?
part of a larger work like an aria? It is part of the work of fiction, but not really like an aria.
magic flute? no.
specific work of fiction a book? among other things, yes.
published before 2000? yes.
[INJ] I think your summary is accurate. I go back and forth a bit still on whether it is an event: I suppose it could be an event, although I still feel that no is the best answer to the question.
magic flute? no.
specific work of fiction a book? among other things, yes.
published before 2000? yes.
[INJ] I think your summary is accurate. I go back and forth a bit still on whether it is an event: I suppose it could be an event, although I still feel that no is the best answer to the question.
Is the book science fiction?
Any connection with Douglas Adams?
Any connection to television?
science fiction? yes.
Douglas Adams? yes *applause*
television? no.
Douglas Adams? yes *applause*
television? no.
The meaning of life, the universe and everything?
42? No. (but that would have been a good subject to have chosen, now you come to mention it)
The 'someone else's problem' field?
SEP? No. This kind of guessing could go on for a long time. :-)
I know it's unlikely, but - the improbability drive?
improbability drive? An extremely plausible answer, and therefore wrong. Although it wouldn't surprise me if operation of the ID were to lead to it.
A pain in all the diodes down Marvin's left side?
Interesting - the 'no' to television, from which I am tempted to assume that it did not appear/occur in the television series.
The shoe event horizon?
Did it appear only in the first series?
pain in diodes? no.
[I believe I am correct in saying that it did not appear in the TV series, although I don't really remember the TV version very well]
shoe event horizon? no.
only in first series? no.
[I believe I am correct in saying that it did not appear in the TV series, although I don't really remember the TV version very well]
shoe event horizon? no.
only in first series? no.
Was it seen by Arthur or was it an entry from "the Guide"?
seen by arthur/entry from guide? It was not seen by Arthur as such, although it had consequences for him (and he saw several of those consequences). As far as I recall the guide didn't say anything about it, although my memory may be letting me down there.
Does it involve hyperspace?
involve hyperspace? I suppose it very well might.
A brain the size of a planet?
planet-sized brain? No.
A bowl of petunias?
The total perspective vortex?
petunias? No. [Raak] Reminder: it is abstract. Reminder no 2: not in the TV series.
TPV? No.
TPV? No.
Did it happen on a spaceship rather than a planet?
spaceship rather than planet? It is hard to say where it happened. It is not even clear that is a meaningful question. However, in the radio series and book, it had implications on a planet and -- if I recall correctly -- on a spaceship as well.
The artistic necessity that holds a gigantic paper cup made of marble suspended in midair?
The birth of Zaphod Beeblebrox
(Which allegedly caused comets to streak across the sky and civilisations to rise and fall)
artistic necessity? no.
birth of ZB? no.
Did I mention that this could go on for a very long time with this kind of guessing? :-)
birth of ZB? no.
Did I mention that this could go on for a very long time with this kind of guessing? :-)
Is it a characteristic (or quality of something, as opposed to a thing)?
sorry, I didn't word that too well, but anyway...
Were any of the main characters involved?
My question may seem meaningless to someone who knows the answer and when it is finally I will probably think "what a duff question That was!". Have no fear, I shall ask you no more of this type of question.
characteristic of something? No, not really?
main characters involved? two main characters were very significantly affected.
main characters involved? two main characters were very significantly affected.
Does this appear/occur in the first book?
Inkspot] No - it produced a definite answer, which makes it a very good question for this round.
first book? No. (*some applause*) [Clarification: to be honest, it is many years since I read the books, and I always knew the radio series better anyway. It definitely did not appear in the first radio series, and I am pretty certain that it therefore did not appear in the first book.]
The act of falling on the floor and missing?
how to fly? no.
Bistromathics?
bistromath? no.
The Golgafrinchan exodus?
Most of the way through The restaurant at the end of the universe, and no nearer the answer, but re-confirmed in the view that the radio series was better than the books.
Golgafrinchan exodus? no. I need to start thinking of some clues...
Day 9
[CdM] hmm - doubt if any clues will help me, not being over-familiar with Adams's work. But please slap a couple of mighty ones in. Then someone can guess this soon. Very soon.
eeeeek
[Chalky] Day 9? Really?? In some ways I think that the focus on Douglas Adams may not be the best way to go. And if you have hung around the morniverse, you will also have seen many references to it.
teleportation?
*suddenly wonders if that's a word or not* I think I need a language transplant.
teleportation? no.
The problem that no-one who wants to be President can be trusted with the job?
Anything to do with sport?
George Bush? no.
krikkit? no.
krikkit? no.
Procrastination?
More seriously - is it something to do with the destruction of the earth?
procrastination? I'll tell you tomorrow.
destruction of earth? No.
destruction of earth? No.
Is it an abstract concept for the book's characters?
Does it have visible/tangible effects
(OK, I know that's two questions in one)
Although we associate it with HHGTTG, could it actually occur/exist in real life?
abstract for book's characters? Yes. (Good question)
visible/tangible effects? Yes. Though, in the context of the book/series, more easily visible than tangible.
exist in real life? I answered that somewhat cryptically earlier on. As far as I know, the concept is entirely fictional. But then I'm not a physicist, so I could be wrong. Or the physicists could be wrong. And while I think all of us here associate it with HHGTTG, something similar almost certainly existed in prior works of fiction, and I think it now has acquired something of a life of its own, in that I suspect people refer to it without knowing about HHGTTG. I could be wrong about that too, though.
visible/tangible effects? Yes. Though, in the context of the book/series, more easily visible than tangible.
exist in real life? I answered that somewhat cryptically earlier on. As far as I know, the concept is entirely fictional. But then I'm not a physicist, so I could be wrong. Or the physicists could be wrong. And while I think all of us here associate it with HHGTTG, something similar almost certainly existed in prior works of fiction, and I think it now has acquired something of a life of its own, in that I suspect people refer to it without knowing about HHGTTG. I could be wrong about that too, though.
The end of the universe?
milliways? No.
Are ghosts involved?
Anything to do with wormholes?
Are the two main characters very significantly affected Arthur and Ford?
ghosts? No.
wormholes? No, or at least not exactly, or perhaps yes. *applause from audience*
Arthur and Ford affected? Yes. *more applause*
wormholes? No, or at least not exactly, or perhaps yes. *applause from audience*
Arthur and Ford affected? Yes. *more applause*
Can't think of the name of the damm effect, but is it how Arthur and Ford got from Magrathea to the Golgafrinchan exodus?
extensive time travel in both directions interrupted by a good meal? No.
Hmmmm
Another clue, perhaps...?
Nonono. The way I look at it, you should all keep guessing, and at sometime in the way distant future someone will get the correct answer, and then it will show up here tomorrow.
eddies in the space time continuum?
-
is he...?
eddy's? YES! Well, strictly speaking, only one eddy, but I am certainly not going to drag this out any longer.
*exhaustedly hands the baton to flerdle*
*exhaustedly hands the baton to flerdle*
eek!
ok, quick and dirty... M I N E R A L
Is it a specific object?
[Darren] Yes?
[flerdle] Was that a question, or Australian intonation?
you've been watching too much Neighbours...
heh heh :-)
Darren's question was somewhat ambiguous, hence my uncertainty.
Darren's question was somewhat ambiguous, hence my uncertainty.
Are there many of these?
[Rosie] Yes.
Are they largely metallic objects?
woohoo
[Rosie] Yes!
Is it a Brass Monkey?
Is it mass produced or manufactured?
Are they machines of some sort?
[Gusset Login] Brass Monkey? No.
[Inkspot] mass produced/manufactured? Yes.
[Raak] machines of some sort? No.
[Inkspot] mass produced/manufactured? Yes.
[Raak] machines of some sort? No.
Are they tools?
Do they nedd electrcal power to be used?
An item of cutlery?
[Raak] Hmmm. Yes, I think.
[Inkspot] nedd electrical power? No.
[Rosie] item of cutlery? No.
[Inkspot] nedd electrical power? No.
[Rosie] item of cutlery? No.
Shovels?
Are they used with one hand?
[Irouleguy] Shovels? no.
[Raak] used with one hand? Hmmmm. Yes.
[Raak] used with one hand? Hmmmm. Yes.
Are they used together with other tools?
[Nea] Used together with other tools? No. That is, one of these can do its job by itself.
Do they have any connection to IKEA?
heh
[CdM] No. Sorry. But good guess :-)
Pliers?
Just so this doesn't last forever, I don't think that working your way through the contents of your toolbox is the way to go here...
[Irouleguy] Pliers? No.
Are they flexible or pliant?
Are they normally found in the home rather than a workplace?
[gabrielized] flexible/pliant? Somewhat.
[Inkspot] found in home rather than workplace? No, i.e. found in both, depending on home and workplace.
[Inkspot] found in home rather than workplace? No, i.e. found in both, depending on home and workplace.
Paper Clips?
Drawing pins?
[gabrielized] Just a quick btw: it makes it easier when we're putting summaries together if you put the questions in "Apropos," because it makes them obviously different from comments (like this one).
Anything to do with gardening?
[gabrielized] Paper clips? YES. Well done. Over to you.
WOW i got it? A N I M A L
Human?
A particular instance of an animal/human?
Dead?
Furry?
Does it have legs?
Are you still there?
Is it a fish?
Fictional?
# Rosie - Human? Yes # Darren - A particular instance of an animal/human? Yes # Tuj - Dead? Not exactly # irach - Furry? Not particularly # Kim - Does it have legs? Yes # Rosie - Are you still there?yes, sorry, this is a weighty responsibility! sorry! # Gusset Login - Is it a fish? No # Raak - Fictional? In a way, yes.
(new at this and not doing well with the formatting...) A Hint - it is mentioned in a popular novel.
Is this a character loosely based on a real person?
Male?
[Dujon - Is this a character loosely based on a real person?] Not a character but yes, based on reality. [Rosie - Male?] Yes.
Is the novel more than 50 years old?
[Rosie - Is the novel more than 50 years old?] No.
Anything to do with the Harry Potter stories
[Rosie - Anything to do with the Harry Potter stories] No.
Not something from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, then?
Is this a real person who makes an appearance in a work of fiction?
No, not HGTTG.
[CdM - Is this a real person who makes an appearance in a work of fiction?] This is a representation of a man that makes an appearance in a work of fiction; and figures prominently in that work of fiction.
A physical representation, like a portrait or a statue?
Raak! YES........................which one?
Is the person represented alive?
tough question. I suppose not, in a way, yes. Sorry, that's a matter of interpretation. The exact person dead, but could probably find others like that one now alive.
Is there just one of the physical representation?
Is the person the holder of some official position?
Any religious connotations?
Raak - there is just one original of this representation. Rosie - No indication that the person is the holder of any official position. Darren - There are no religious connotations to the person or the representation - apparently.
Is this best known as a painting?
Is it some sort of "modern art"?
Is the person anonymous?
It is a painting or more likely, a pencil drawing by someone very famous for art. Not modern art at all. The person, the subject of the sketch, is rather anonymous.
Is the novel in question the Da Vinci Code?
Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man?
Yes, in DaVinci Code, the Vitruvian MAN!!! YOU WIN!!
(ImNotJohn) Are you there?
Is it the ordnance survey symbol for a cairn?
Is it the ordinance survey symbol for CdM?
That's "ordnance" of course. Even having the word right in front of me didn't stop me misspelling it.
If ImNotJohn doesn't materialise perhaps Néa should start one. She got closest.
Sorry
Had to take a little bit of time off to work.
This one is MINERAL
This one is MINERAL
CdM - Y....No.
Darren - No
Is it man-made?
Is the Eiffel Tower?
Is it a specific object?
It just occurred to me that CdM might have an unfair advantage here.
[GL] - No is the answer that helps most
[all] - No
[Darren] - Yes
(Or alternatively CdM might have an unfair disadvantage.)
[all] - No
[Darren] - Yes
(Or alternatively CdM might have an unfair disadvantage.)
Is it on the Earth?
[Raak] Yes
The white cliffs of Dover?
Is it bigger than a house?
Mount Rushmore?
Basically watery?
Cold
[all] - No
[Raak] - No
[GL] - No
[Rosie] - No
[Raak] - No
[GL] - No
[Rosie] - No
In Europe?
Is it usually found inside a building?
Is it a notable precious stone?
Does it belong to someone well-known?
How did you do that?
[Néa] - Yes
[Kim] - Yes
[Raak] - Yes (startled pause followed by prolonged applause)
[Tuj] - Yes
[Kim] - Yes
[Raak] - Yes (startled pause followed by prolonged applause)
[Tuj] - Yes
The Crown Jewels?
The Hope Diamond?
(er, except that fails the Europe test. And possibly the belonging to someone well-known test...)
[Rosie] - No, but Yes, but No, but Yes, but NO
[CdM] - No
[CdM] - No
The Koh i Noor?
(trying to decide if that's a really stupid question or not, and leaning towards "yes", so asking it anyway)
The Star of Africa?
Well that wasn't that hard, was it?
[Néa] - No
[all] - YES
Cullinan 1 or 'The Star of Africa' (if you'd been struggling I would probably have accepted 'The Cullinan Diamond', but thanks to Raak's astounding intuitive leap it all went rather quickly)
So, over to all
[all] - YES
Cullinan 1 or 'The Star of Africa' (if you'd been struggling I would probably have accepted 'The Cullinan Diamond', but thanks to Raak's astounding intuitive leap it all went rather quickly)
So, over to all
drawing a line under it
That was unexpected
um...
MINERAL
Is it man-made?
Is there just one of it?
Is it on earth?
Is it a notable precious stone?
[ImNotJohn] - Yes
[Raak] - Yes
[CdM] - Yes
[Néa] - Nope
[Raak] - Yes
[CdM] - Yes
[Néa] - Nope
An engineering structure?
[Rosie] - I'll say, Yes, pending a clarification of the term "engineering structure"
Is it a building?
Is it bigger than a phone box?
Is it made entirely of metal?
Is it a sculpture?
Does it carry a means of transport?
Does it have a practical use?
Is it in Britain?
The Angel of the North?
[CdM] - No
[Raak] - Yes (Audience, titters)
[Tuj] - No
[Dazed5] No
[Rosie] - Yes (applause)
[Darren] - Yes
[Inkspot] - Yes
[ImNotJohn] No
[Raak] - Yes (Audience, titters)
[Tuj] - No
[Dazed5] No
[Rosie] - Yes (applause)
[Darren] - Yes
[Inkspot] - Yes
[ImNotJohn] No
Is it either the London Underground in general, or Mornington Crescent in particular?
Obvious, I know, but someone has to ask.
The inside of the Tardis?
Or rather, just the Tardis?
[CdM] - (Much Applause) No and No.
[Raak] - No
[Raak] - No
[Raak] - No
[Raak] - No
Is it the Northern Line?
[CdM] - YES! Well done. Over to you
And once again I sneak in on someone else's coattails, as it were. OK, this one is
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Is it in a fictional work?
Is it an emotion?
In fictional work? No.
Emotion? No.
Emotion? No.
A religion?
Religion? No.
A human construct?
Human construct? Yes.
Is it a form of entertainment?
Form of entertainment? smattering of applause. No, but it has a connection to a form of entertainment.
Is it audible?
Audible? No.
Samantha?
Samantha? No.
Is it connected to something competitive?
Connected to something competitive? Yes. The competitive aspect is perhaps not hugely important, though.
Is it a game of Mornington Crescent?
The Laser Display Board?
A bifurcation?
Points?
Ignore my last effort, which is not even abstract were it to actually exist.
Game of MC? No. substantial applause from audience
Abstract Display Board? No. (actually, I would have thought the LDB was very definitely abstract)
Bifurcation? 1. No. 2. Yes. Congratulations! You won on the second strand! Unfortunately you still need to get the answer on the original strand.
Points? No.
Abstract Display Board? No. (actually, I would have thought the LDB was very definitely abstract)
Bifurcation? 1. No. 2. Yes. Congratulations! You won on the second strand! Unfortunately you still need to get the answer on the original strand.
Points? No.
The rules of Mornington Crescent?
Rules of MC? No.
Is it a technical term in MC (such as knip)?
Knip (or some such)? Kno. (The audience is now concerned that it applauded too hard after Botherer's question.)
Is it game other than MC played in the Morniverse?
Morniverse game other than MC? No. loud applause from audience
Is it the Morniverse?
ISIHAC?
ISIHAC? No.
Morniverse? No.
Mornington Crescent?
MC? No. (a rather confused response from the audience; a few people applauding enthusiastically but most remaining silent)
Connected with a pastime or form of entertainment not in the Morniverse?
(Three questions for the price of one!)
Connected with Non-morniverse entertainment? Yes (but I doubt if that is particularly helpful).
A Tim-Tam slam?
Tim-tam slam? No. I'd keep focusing on the morniverse, if I were you.
mc5?
mc^5? No. (some applause)
Orange?
Orange? No. (stony silence from the audience)
A winning move?
A pilgrimage?
A winning move? Yes, but that is not sufficient. (loud and sustained applause from audience)
A pilgrimage? No.
A pilgrimage? No.
*The* winning move?
A lurker's victory in a game of MC?
The final move of the MC^5 long game?
The winning move? No.
Lurker's victory? No.
End of the long game? No.
Lurker's victory? No.
End of the long game? No.
hmmmmmm...
actually, you might be very very close with *the* winning move, but I need a clarification...
A cry of "Mornington Crescent"?
The final move of a game of MC?
The first move of a game of Reverse MC?
No, no, and no ... you weren't quite as close as I thought you might be. :-)
That's lucky, it's time someone else got a chance to set one.
The winner?
Do eeither of the words 'mornington' or 'crescent' appear in the answer?
The winner? No.
M or C? No.
M or C? No.
Is the answer the winning move of a game?
Is the answer the winning move of a game? Yes. (ushers are moving among the audience to try to get them to be quiet, and the riot police are starting to look nervous)
Baker Street?
(cconnection to another form of entertainment - but then again it wasn't supposed to appear in a fictional work)
Baker Street? No. (I said that the other form of entertainment might not be helpful. I simply meant that the form of entertainment in question exists outside the morniverse as well as inside it.)
is it theMC5 Audience when it *shouts, screams and generally goes wild for someone*?
Stora Mossen?
I never met a winning move I didn't like
MC5 audience? No.
Stora Mossen? No.
You're running out of time today, folks; it's gone 11pm here...
Stora Mossen? No.
You're running out of time today, folks; it's gone 11pm here...
Is the answer the name of a station?
name of a station? No.
Boardo!?
sorry CdM - are we keeping you up? :-)
Boardo? No. And no you are not -- I have been working up to now. But you are probably going to have to wait until tomorrow, now...
The Last Line Of A Limerick?
Checkmate?
Limerick?
Said Gertrude, that master of prose
"A rose is a rose is a rose"
There's wisdom, you see
In tautology:
An answer's an answer, I s'pose.
Checkmate? No.
Said Gertrude, that master of prose
"A rose is a rose is a rose"
There's wisdom, you see
In tautology:
An answer's an answer, I s'pose.
Checkmate? No.
The end of this game?
Is it a punchline?
[Raak] I think that is close enough!
The answer to this round of AVMA is "the answer to this round of AVMA". Over to you
The answer to this round of AVMA is "the answer to this round of AVMA". Over to you
After that rarefied flight of circular fancy, a very down to earth MINERAL.
Is it man-made?
Is it found on Earth?
[GL] Yes.
[all] Yes.
[all] Yes.
Is it a building?
[Néa] No.
Are there many of these?
Is it bigger than a bread box?
[Rosie] No. (But there are more than one.)
[all] Yes. (All of them are. Each of them is.)
[all] Yes. (All of them are. Each of them is.)
Does it move?
[INJ] No. At least, they're not supposed to.
Are it made of stone?
Are they to be found in Britain?
[all] Um...no.
[GL] Yes.
[GL] Yes.
That's all for today, I'm off shortly to a concert at the Aldeburgh Festival.
Were they all made after 1900?
I hope you enjoyed your evening the programme, not that I am in the least bit jealous.
Are these objects identical, more or less?
Would these consist of a soft, earthy substance, of a white, grayish, or yellowish white color, consisting of calcium carbonate, and having the same composition as common limestone?
[Inkspot] Yes. (The Orlando Consort, giving a concert of Baroque recreational depression -- Tallis, Purcell, Tomkins, etc. There was a BBC OB van there, so it might get broadcast at some point, but of course, that's nothing like being there.)
[Rosie] They're similar.
[Dujon] Soft? No.
[Rosie] They're similar.
[Dujon] Soft? No.
Are they composed entirely of a single substance?
[INJ] They are known for it!
Is the substance liquid?
[INJ] No.
Does the name of the substance appear in the answer?
[GL] Yes.
Is the substance iron?
Is it made to be decorative?
Are they all in the same city or town?
A brick outhouse?
[GL] No.
[Inkspot] Yes.
[Darren] Yes.
[INJ] No.
[Inkspot] Yes.
[Darren] Yes.
[INJ] No.
The Crown Jewels?
Concrete cows?
[Rosie] No.
[GL] YES! The Concrete Cows of Milton Keynes.
[GL] YES! The Concrete Cows of Milton Keynes.
(Gusset Login) Coo-oo!
[Gusset Login) Coo-ee!
Sorry, I was away for a few days
I assumed I had it wrong. um...
Vegetable
A potato?
[Raak] - No
Is it edible?
[Darren] - Yes, or part of it is
Is it processed?
Can you buy it in a typical U.K. supermarket?
[Darren] - No.
[Raak] - No
[Raak] - No
Does it grow wild in the U.K.?
[Raak] - Yes
Is the edible part of it a fruit?
Is it a nettle?
Is it later processed into a product?
Is it a magic mushroom?
[Kim] - No
[CdM] - No
[Rosie] - Yes
[rab] - No.
[CdM] - No
[Rosie] - Yes
[rab] - No.
Is it rhubarb?
Is it nicer with custard?
Is it a type of grain?
Is the edible bit green?
Dandelion and Burdoch?
Is it a mustard seed?
[Darren] - No
[Irouléguy] - No
[Raak] - No
[Tuj] - The websites I've checked are undecided about the green bit being edible.
[Dujon] - No
[CdM] - No
[Irouléguy] - No
[Raak] - No
[Tuj] - The websites I've checked are undecided about the green bit being edible.
[Dujon] - No
[CdM] - No
Hops?
Would you (well, not necessarily you personally) ever eat the edible bit in its unprocessed form?
[Chalky] - No
[CdM] - Yes
[CdM] - Yes
It might be worth clarifying that most products produced from it are not intended to be edible
Are those products flowers?
Oil See Rape?
or perhaps Linseed?
[Irouléguy] - No
[Chalky] - No (nor Oilseed Rape)
[Chalky] - No
[Chalky] - No (nor Oilseed Rape)
[Chalky] - No
Are the products produced from it mostly liquid?
Is it a tree?
[Darren] - No
[Rosie] - Yes
[Rosie] - Yes
Is the edible part a nut?
[Darren] - No
Is the product produced from it decorative?
Is the non-edible product timber?
[Darren] - That depends, can you think of any decorative uses for wood?
[Raak] - Yes
[Raak] - Yes
Is the answer a particular tree (such as a maple tree, for example)?
Are we looking for the final product?
[CdM] - Yes
[Darren] - No, it's a tree
[Darren] - No, it's a tree
So we are looking for a tree that grows wild in Britain and which has an edible part that is not a leaf or a fruit or a nut or a blossom...
A pine tree?
Licorice?
If I'm right, someone else needs to carry the torch...
The mighty oak?
My "other" computer is an Acorn but I've never eaten one.
Is the edible bit a vegetable?
[CdM] - Good summary, But you forgot to mention that the edible part can be eaten raw and it is mainly used for non-edible products.
[Raak] - No
[Botherer] - No
[Rosie] - No
[Irouléguy] - No, the whole thing is a tree.
Willow
The bark is edible in small quantities but is mostly used for medicinal ones
[ImNotJohn] - No, but you're thinking along the right lines
Is the edible part the sap?
Alder?
[Raak] - Yes, but also the bark.
[Inkspot] - No
[Inkspot] - No
Is it from the salicaceae family of trees?
[Inkspot] - No
Family Fagaceae?
Jesuit's bark aka cinchona?
[Darren] - No
[Irouléguy] - I've never heard quinine bark called that before... No
[Irouléguy] - I've never heard quinine bark called that before... No
Would a clue be useful at this point?
WE will ask the questions, Mr Login. Er, yes please. :-)
Very well.
It's a conifer and easy to recognise from a distance.
The Larch?
[Darren] - YES! Well done, it would have been easier if no one had asked about it being edible, which it is, apparently.
Ah, but it's the unexpected questions that can produce misleading answers which are so much fun!
So, this one is primarily VEGETABLE but I wouldn't be surprised if MINERAL or indeed ANIMAL could be involved in some cases.
Stovold's Mornington Crescent Almanac 2002 ?
Is the vegetable still alive?
[Chalky] I can see your reasoning, but no.
[Gusset Login] No.
[Gusset Login] No.
Is it man-made?
Austrian wine?
GL] I know the name from the Patrick O'Brian 'Master and commander' books.
[ImNotJohn] Yes.
[Irouléguy] Not typically, but some of them may well be.
[Irouléguy] Not typically, but some of them may well be.
[Irouléguy] Whoops, I thought you said "Austrian made?". It's not Austrian wine.
Is it monochromatic or multi-coloured?
[irach] Normally multi-coloured.
Is it largely wooden?
[Rosie] Sometimes it can be.
A set of children's building blocks?
[Raak] No.
A work of art?
Are you using, eating or viewing one now?
Does one normally use it at home?
Is it a book?
[Rosie] Could be, I suppose, but not normally.
[irach] (1) No, no and no. (2) Yes.
[Irouléguy] No.
[irach] (1) No, no and no. (2) Yes.
[Irouléguy] No.
Can it be read?
[Raak] No.
A chopping board?
[all] No.
Is it an item of furniture?
A cupboard of some kind?
[Raak] No.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Is it generally found in the kitchen? In the living room? In the bedroom?
[irach] (1) No. (2) I suppose if anywhere, you might find it there. (3) No. Well... depends on whose bedroom, I suppose!
Were you being sneakily literal in your earlier response to the question "is it man-made?"?
*slinks off to hide in the corner*
Eeeek... I didn't mean to post that question; it was prompted by a stupid misreading on my part. Sorry. Please carry on.
[CdM] It's not the product of a bodily function, if that's what you mean. It's a manufactured product.
Can one curl up on or in it if one is larger than an average-sized domestic cat?
Does it generally have a glass component to it, in addition to sometimes being wooden?
Is it elongated, and sometimes made of metal?
A coaster?
Is it a bookshelf?
[irach] (1) No.
[RedSnapper] No.
[irach] (2) Yes (elongated), but as far as I know, no (not metal).
[Raak] No.
[all] No.
[RedSnapper] No.
[irach] (2) Yes (elongated), but as far as I know, no (not metal).
[Raak] No.
[all] No.
In its normal use or state of being, is it found above eye-level when one (of usual adult height of say, five to seven feet) is standing and looking straight ahead in its direction ?
[irach] No.
Is it an implement of some kind?
[Rosie] Not really.
Would most players of this game be likely to have one in their homes?
[Darren] er, no, I didn't mean that at all. I simply had misread, and thought you had said it was not man-made. Then I realized my mistake, but posted instead of editing my question. In other words I was confused, which is a not unusual state-of-being for me.
[CdM] I would say no. As for your other unquestion, well, just look on it as getting an extra answer for free.
Is it smaller than a breadbin?
[Raak] Yes.
Is it connected with a hobby or interest?
Summary (is it just me, or are we having these more often?)
It is: man-made (as in constructed by humans); possibly, but not typically, Austrian; multi-coloured; possibly wooden; possibly, but not normally, a work of art; used at home, most likely in the living-room; elongated; smaller than a bread-bin; normally found below the eye-line of the average-height person.
It is (or was) not: Austrian wine; a set of children's building blocks; being used, eaten or viewed by Darren at 09.38 BST on Friday; a book; readable; a chopping-board; furniture; a cupboard; generally found in the kitchen or the bedroom; something you can curl up on or in (if larger than a cat); containing glass or metal; a coaster; a bookshelf; really an implement; something that most players of this game would have in their houses.
Who was it who said 'knowledge is power'?
Is it culturally specific?
It is: man-made (as in constructed by humans); possibly, but not typically, Austrian; multi-coloured; possibly wooden; possibly, but not normally, a work of art; used at home, most likely in the living-room; elongated; smaller than a bread-bin; normally found below the eye-line of the average-height person.
It is (or was) not: Austrian wine; a set of children's building blocks; being used, eaten or viewed by Darren at 09.38 BST on Friday; a book; readable; a chopping-board; furniture; a cupboard; generally found in the kitchen or the bedroom; something you can curl up on or in (if larger than a cat); containing glass or metal; a coaster; a bookshelf; really an implement; something that most players of this game would have in their houses.
Who was it who said 'knowledge is power'?
Is it culturally specific?
[Rosie] Almost anything could be!
[Irouléguy] Hmmm... its name would suggest so.
[Irouléguy] Hmmm... its name would suggest so.
[Irouléguy] So as not to be too misleading, though, it's not something I'd say is culturally specific.
bric-a-brac?
[Raak] No.
A walking-stick?
[Rosie] No.
A ouija board?
[Raak] No.
Is the vegetable part solely wood?
A pencil-case?
[Irouléguy] As I implied above, no. There doesn't have to be any wood involved, although there sometimes is.
[Raak] No.
[Raak] No.
If no wood, then necessarily plastic?
a ruler?
[Rosie] Not necessarily.
[all] No.
[all] No.
Is the vegetable part some form of dried grass (straw, hay, etc)?
A window box?
[Irouléguy] The funny thing is, it can be, but that's such an incredibly misleading answer!
[Raak] No.
[Raak] No.
Does anyone want a clue?
(Darren) Yes please. Most of the answers seem to be a Pythonesque "could be". I detect widespread bafflement, of which I'm part. :-)
"Could be" is partly because I'm a vague person, and partly because I don't like leading people up too many dark alleys. Anyway, a clue: it's a kind of puzzle.
Is it generally placed on the floor, or is it in fact part of the floor?
Can one place umbrellas in it? As part of its normal usage, that is?
[irach] No and no.
[RedSnapper] No.
[RedSnapper] No.
puzzled
Does this have any physical manifestation at all? Or is it purely conceptual?
confused
(Ansering my own questions) we're looking for the physical object. Is it essential to the game or puzzle? That is, can one play without the thing?
Dominoes?
[Effable] No, one cannot do this puzzle without the thing.
[Gusset Login] No.
[Gusset Login] No.
Can it be turned off, or easily hidden away when house guests arrive?
Would you allow house guests to use yours? Even if they were only casual acquaintances ?
[irach] Turned off? No. Hidden away? Yes.
[RedSnapper] House guests? Yes. Casual acquaintances? Yes.
[RedSnapper] House guests? Yes. Casual acquaintances? Yes.
Is it typically held in one's hand when in use?
A Rubik Cube?
[irach] Yes... and yet no.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
A "Fifteen" puzzle?
Is the 'puzzle' a word game?
Su doku?
I hope I'm wrong.
pick-a-stix [that game with long pointy things]
[Rosie] No.
[Dujon] No.
[all] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Dujon] No.
[all] No.
[Chalky] No.
irach's question about holding it is a potentially rewarding line of enquiry.
Scoubi-dou? (spelling?)
A Magic Wand?
One of those stick-like things that will spin one way but not the other?
Spinning plates?
Is it some form of writing implement?
Playing cards?
[Irouléguy] No.
[ImNotJohn] No.
[Raak] No.
[Kim] No.
[irach] No.
[all] No.
[ImNotJohn] No.
[Raak] No.
[Kim] No.
[irach] No.
[all] No.
A computer mouse?
A crossword puzzle?
paddle ball?
[irach] No.
[Rosie] No.
[all] No.
[Rosie] No.
[all] No.
Could you take it on a camping trip with you without having to lug an electrical generator? Can you leave home without it?
Is the vegetable part of it part of its name?
[irach] (1) Yes. (2) Yes.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Irouléguy] No.
Is it used in a recreation involving more than one person?
pooh-sticks?
Was this puzzle around in 1950?
Jigsaw puzzle?
[Raak] As far as I know, no.
[Chalky] No.
[Rosie] Yes.
[irach] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Rosie] Yes.
[irach] No.
Solitaire?
A piece of juggling apparatus?
[Rosie] No.
[Raak] No, unless you were a very unusual juggler.
[Raak] No, unless you were a very unusual juggler.
Another clue, anyone?
(Darren) Go on.
Is it normal to have more than one?
Does the puzzle/game involve trying to catch something?
Is it rectangular with specific places where one's fingers go?
[all] (1) Neither normal nor abnormal. (2) No.
[RedSnapper] Rectangular? Depends which way you look at it. Specific places for fingers? Yes.
[RedSnapper] Rectangular? Depends which way you look at it. Specific places for fingers? Yes.
It is hollow?
[Raak] Yes.
Does it have moving parts?
Does it have keys or buttons to place one's fingers on?
Does it rhyme with "cord"?
[Effable] No. It's got flexible parts though.
[irach] (1) No. (2) No.
[irach] (1) No. (2) No.
Is is a folded paper puzzle?
[Dazed5] No.
Does the puzzle involve getting things into or out of this thing?
Are you going to give us the clue Rosie asked for?
Are building blocks involved in any way?
Is it for children as well as adults?
Can you easily bend it? (assuming you have average, and not Herculean strength)
[Raak] Yes.
[all] I was going to but you seem to be getting pretty close now.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Chalky] Yes.
[irach] Yes.
[all] I was going to but you seem to be getting pretty close now.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Chalky] Yes.
[irach] Yes.
Cat's Cradle?
A Chinese finger-trap?
[Rosie] No.
[Raak] YES! Well done!
[Raak] YES! Well done!
So, it goes over to Raak for the next round.
A finger-trap made of wood?
The next one is MINERAL
[Raak] Yep, they can be made of wood.
Is it metallic?
is it solid?
Is it larger than a teacup? (An average one, not the spinning kind in Disneyland)
Is it man-made?
Is it a geological feature?
Is it on this planet?
Metallic? Yes.
Solid? Yes.
Larger than teacup? Yes.
Man-made? Yes.
Geological? No.
On Earth? Yes.
Solid? Yes.
Larger than teacup? Yes.
Man-made? Yes.
Geological? No.
On Earth? Yes.
Is there only one of this?
[finger-trap] After googling and finding a picture I can now state certainly that I have never seen nor heard of it - is it me, or generational, or geographical?
[INJ] More than one.
[INJ] (fingertraps) I saw them as a child in Edinburgh, erm, later middle C20.
Do they come in different sizes?
Is this used in the home?
Chinese Finger Trap - I've never heard of this either. T'was rather an anticlimax really :-(
Different sizes: Yes.
In the home: No.
In the home: No.
Do you typically see it when driving on the street?
[IMJ, Chalky - Type www.ebay.com and put in "Chinese Finger trap" in the Search box. You'll see pictures of this infernal device]
Could you lift it?
A poll of 7 friends in The Greyhound, Carshalton revealed only one who had ever heard of Chinese Finger Traps. I think The Object should always be well known, so no characters from cult novels etc, or obscure asteroids. The game is difficult enough.
Is it used in cooking?
Is it / are they used in industry?
Is it mobile?
Is it a construction of multiple parts?
[Darren et al] Sorry, didn't mean to complain - what is well-known to one person may be obscure to others. It did explain why we found it so difficult though.
Typically see while driving: No.
Lift it: Yes.
Cooking: No.
Industry: No.
Mobile: Yes (but not under its own power).
Construction of parts: Yes.
Lift it: Yes.
Cooking: No.
Industry: No.
Mobile: Yes (but not under its own power).
Construction of parts: Yes.
Is it bigger than a breadbox?
[Finger traps] I've heard of them, but didn't think they were made of wood. Normally it's straw or leather.
Bigger than breadbox: Yes.
Is it closer to being rectangular or circular when viewed head-on ?
Er...no.
Is one likely to encounter it/them in everyday life ?
[fingertraps] They can be (and are) made of all sorts of things, which is why I had to be so vague about it. I would have thought everyone would have heard of them. The thing is, it's hard for one person to tell what everyone else has heard of without asking explicitly beforehand. Still, someone got it in the end which is what counts.
[irach] Most people won't.
Meteorites?
Meteorites? No.
Powered by electricity?
No.
A container of some sort?
Yes. (amusement in the audience)
Is it associated with substances not normally mentioned in polite company?
No.
(The audience's amusement was due to the fact that "a container" is so precisely accurate a description that only a child would spontaneously think of calling it one.)
A chastity belt?
A pair of handcuffs?
No, and no.
Are they normally found above ground?
Yes.
Does it have any moving parts?
Let's see.. Metallic... Man made... On earth...Not used in cooking...Not used in industry...Made of multiple parts...Not typically seen when driving... Can be lifted...Not likely to be encountered by most people in everyday life...Not powered by elecctricity... Normally found above ground... Container of a sort (likely to induce chuckles)... Hmm .. sure sounds like a metallic bra by Jean-Paul Gaultier as worn by Madonna, but probably isn't.
Moving parts? Yes.
Metallic bra? No.
Metallic bra? No.
Industrial use, in a broad sense?
A waste paper bin?
Industrial? No.
Waste bin? No.
Clue yet?
Waste bin? No.
Clue yet?
Clue? Go on.
Try and find out its size.
OK - what size is it?
only kidding. Is it smaller than the Malaysian Peninsula?
Is it larger than the New Forest?
Smaller than both.
Is it larger than a thimble?
The Tardis?
*waves at CdM*
Have just taken the trouble to read back and it seems that it's BIGGER than a breadbox but you can LIFT it - the plot thickens
Have just taken the trouble to read back and it seems that it's BIGGER than a breadbox but you can LIFT it - the plot thickens
Bigger than a thimble.
Not the Tardis. And smaller than the outside of the Tardis.
[Chalky] Lots of things bigger than a breadbox that you can lift...or does breadbox not mean what I think it means?
Not the Tardis. And smaller than the outside of the Tardis.
[Chalky] Lots of things bigger than a breadbox that you can lift...or does breadbox not mean what I think it means?
Is it powered by human effort (like a bicycle)?
A suit of armour?
[INJ] Yes.
[Chalky] YES! Over to you.
[Chalky] YES! Over to you.
Oo-er! That was rather unexpected. OK - as I'm here ...
A N I M A L / A B S T R A C T
Is it a fictional human?
Are they male?
The Cheshire Cat?
[I] Fictional Human? Yes
[GL] Male? Yes
[R] The Cheshire Cat? No
[GL] Male? Yes
[R] The Cheshire Cat? No
Are they best known for being a character in a film?
Is he an adult fictional human?
Appears in Victorian-era literature?
Is he a comic book or cartoon character?
Is he a character in a novel?
Is it a specific single individual?
[GL] character in film? Arguable, but I'd say No
[i] Adult? No
[RS] Victorian era? No
[i] comic/cartoon? No
[I] novel? Yes
[INJ] specific individual? Yes
[i] Adult? No
[RS] Victorian era? No
[i] comic/cartoon? No
[I] novel? Yes
[INJ] specific individual? Yes
Does the name of the novel include the name of the answer?
Does this non-adult fictional male character that appears in a novel hail from the British Isles?
was the novel written in English?
Harry Potter?
Going for the obvious...
Adrian Mole?
Going for very nearly as obvious...
sorry for the long wait - I went out tonight
[INJ] name including name? No
[i] British Isles? Yes
[E] English? Yes
[Ra] Harry boy? Nah - 'though going for the obvious may not be a bad move - this is a relatively well-known child character in a novel which, I think, most of us will have, or been forced to have, read at some point in our lives.
[Ro] Adrian? No
[i] British Isles? Yes
[E] English? Yes
[Ra] Harry boy? Nah - 'though going for the obvious may not be a bad move - this is a relatively well-known child character in a novel which, I think, most of us will have, or been forced to have, read at some point in our lives.
[Ro] Adrian? No
was Dickens the author of the novel?
Was this young fellow involved with pirates?
William Brown?
Is the child the main protagonist of the novel?
Does he appear in one novel, as opposed to a series?
[E] Dickens? No
[D] Pirates? If you're thinking R L Stephenson, then No
[R] William? No
[I] main protagonist? certainly one of them, Yes
[Néa] one novel? Yes
[D] Pirates? If you're thinking R L Stephenson, then No
[R] William? No
[I] main protagonist? certainly one of them, Yes
[Néa] one novel? Yes
[I'll be away until lunchtime]
Piggy (from Lord of the Flies)?
I'm reasoning along the lines that it's 20th Century (although we only know that it's not Victorian) and that Chalky said we may have been forced to read it, which suggests something slightly more serious than HP or the Famous Five.
Was the novel written in the 20th century?
Just to confirm.
Wart?
Peter from 'The railway children'?
A Result
[I'm Not John] Your reasoning is exemplary - Piggy it is!
Well played - here's the baton ....
Well, what do you know?
Thank you, though you might have given the baton a bit of a wipe down before passing it on. The next one is
ANIMAL & VEGETABLE
ANIMAL & VEGETABLE
Sausages and mash?
[Raak] No (but think how good you'll feel when one of your stabs in the dark does work)
A partridge in a pear tree?
The New Forest?
Is the vegetable part still attached and growing ton the plant or is it detached, and parts now combined with the animal product in question?
Hamburger and French Fries?
Irish stew?
[GL] No
[Chalky] No
[Irach] No ;-)......Oh, all right then - No and Yes(ish), but you've made a lot of assumptions
[RS] No
[Irach] No
[Chalky] No
[Irach] No ;-)......Oh, all right then - No and Yes(ish), but you've made a lot of assumptions
[RS] No
[Irach] No
Is this something you eat?
I was wondering when someone would ask that
[Raak] Yes
Would this be served as a meal on a plate?
2 questions
[Chalky] No, but the answers you probably want are - No and Yes
[INJ] ah yes - was meaning: 'meal on a plate' as opposed to 'lolly on a stick' type of thing. But as you have vair kindly given me a precise answer ....
Would this be considered British food?
[Chalky] Yes
That's it until tomorrow morning now
That's it until tomorrow morning now
Fish and chips?
Is the animal part meat?
Haggis?
is this an accompaniment to a meal?
[RS] No
[Raak] No
[Iroul] No
[Chalky] No
[Raak] No
[Iroul] No
[Chalky] No
Is cheese involved?
Is it savoury [as opposed to sweet]?
[Chalky] No (small ripple from the audience)
Meetings until lunchtime now.
Meetings until lunchtime now.
Cheesecake?
Is cheese involved?
I know I asked before, but you didn't answer
Jaffa cakes?
Pastry?
ice-cream?
Buttered toast?
Is the animal part eggs?
Cookies and milk?
Back online
[Raak] cheesecake - NO
[GL] cheese - NO (sorry)
[Iroul] Jaffas - NO
[Chalky]Pastry - NO
[GL] Ice cream - NO
[irach] toast - NO
[RS] animal part eggs - YES (Partly)
[irach] Cookies & Milk - NO
[GL] cheese - NO (sorry)
[Iroul] Jaffas - NO
[Chalky]Pastry - NO
[GL] Ice cream - NO
[irach] toast - NO
[RS] animal part eggs - YES (Partly)
[irach] Cookies & Milk - NO
Some kind of cake?
An omelette?
Yorkshire pudding?
French Toast?
Is is a McDonalds Egg McMuffin?
pancake?
[Chalky] cake - NO (applause at the question and a bit of tutting and shaking of heads at the answer)
[Raak] omelette - NO
[Iroul] Yorkshire pud - NO
[GL] French Toast - NO
[Kim] Egg McMuffin - NO
[Chalky] Pancake - NO
[Raak] omelette - NO
[Iroul] Yorkshire pud - NO
[GL] French Toast - NO
[Kim] Egg McMuffin - NO
[Chalky] Pancake - NO
Is the vegetable part a fruit?
Is a cow in any way involved with its origins?
[irach] a fruit? - Mostly NO
[RS] Is a cow involved? - YES
.The audience sits in stony silence through those questions and answers
[RS] Is a cow involved? - YES
.The audience sits in stony silence through those questions and answers
Is it a well-loved traditional British pudding?
Custard?
Spam, sausage, spam, spam, bacon, spam, tomato and spam?
[Chalky] - YES (applause)
[all] custard? - Each to his own taste, but for me the answer is NO
Oh, you meant, 'is it custard?' - NO.
[Néa] - NO (I think most people would regard that as a touch savoury - unless you ignore the Spam, Sausage, Bacon and Spam)
[all] custard? - Each to his own taste, but for me the answer is NO
Oh, you meant, 'is it custard?' - NO.
[Néa] - NO (I think most people would regard that as a touch savoury - unless you ignore the Spam, Sausage, Bacon and Spam)
Pineapple upside-down pudding?
Spotted Dick?
[Raak] - NO
[Chalky] - NO (avoiding all the obvious comments)
[Chalky] - NO (avoiding all the obvious comments)
Is it bread and butter pudding?
Can't be long now
[all] - NO
Jam roly-poly?
Yorkshire Pudding?
Is it typically eaten at Christmas?
Rice Pudding?
[Raak] Jam roly-poly? - NO (but on the right lines)
[irach] still NO
[Néa] xmas - NO
[Chalky] Rice Pud? - NO
[irach] still NO
[Néa] xmas - NO
[Chalky] Rice Pud? - NO
How many words "on the card"?
I think this is a legitimate question, traditionally.
[Rosie] - it depends which version of the game you're thinking of, but I'm happy to answer. 3 (though there is a two-word answer which I might consider close enough).
Caramel pudding?
Dumplings?
lemon meringue pie?
[irach] Caramel pudding? - NO but sooooo close
[Raak] - NO
[Raak] - NO
Sticky Toffee Pudding
(not sure if that is any different from caramel pudding, mind you...)
Death By Chocolate?
Sussex Pond Pudding?
Sorry for the previous guess, didnt see it had 3 words.
And the winner is
[CdM] - YES - Sticky Toffee Pudding it is
I did have a little debate with myself over caramel pudding - I'd already decided to accept syrup/treacle sponge. I just wasn't quite sure what was meant by it exactly (for example is 'Crème Caramel' a caramel pudding. So, butter, eggs & milk for the animal and the fruit was because traditionally, it should be made with date sponge. So it's over to CdM.
[Dazed5] I wish I'd thought of that - I would have used it if I had.
I did have a little debate with myself over caramel pudding - I'd already decided to accept syrup/treacle sponge. I just wasn't quite sure what was meant by it exactly (for example is 'Crème Caramel' a caramel pudding. So, butter, eggs & milk for the animal and the fruit was because traditionally, it should be made with date sponge. So it's over to CdM.
[Dazed5] I wish I'd thought of that - I would have used it if I had.
All right -- I think this should be an easy one, actually.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
anarcho-syndicalism?
Can I buy a vowel please?
anarcho-syndicalism? Oooh, very close, in the sense that "anarcho-syndicalism" contains all but one of the letters in both acceptable versions of the actual answer.
Monday morning? (or mornings?)
Is it a book?
Mondays? No.
Book? No.
Book? No.
Is the missing letter in "anarcho-syndicalism" an 'e'?
e-missing? No. And to clarify: it is a different letter that is missing for each of the acceptable answers. But in neither case is the missing letter an "e" (and in only one of the two cases is the missing letter a vowel).
Is the missing letter a "y"? As in anarchy?
Is it, in the broadest sense, a philosophy?
Is it a human concept?
missing y? No, in neither case.
philosoph_? No.
human concept? yes.
philosoph_? No.
human concept? yes.
Is it a munificent human concept? Or the contrary?
Munificent or the contrary? Er. I think I would say No and No.
Is it a work of art?
Work of art? No.
Does it primarily or largely appear in a book?
Primarily or largely appear in a book? *considerable applause from audience* No.
Is it popular?
Is it to do with books or reading?
Is there a religious connection?
Is a book part of it?
Would Socrates have found use for it?
Is it fiction?
Popular? Somewhat, depending on what you mean by "popular".
Books or reading? It need not have anything to do with books or reading, but having said that, there is a definite connection.
Religious? No.
Book part of it? No, although there is a connection to some books.
Socrates? No.
Fiction? No.
Books or reading? It need not have anything to do with books or reading, but having said that, there is a definite connection.
Religious? No.
Book part of it? No, although there is a connection to some books.
Socrates? No.
Fiction? No.
A cataloguing scheme?
Cataloguing scheme? No.
Is it anything to do with colour?
Is it a general human concept, or specific to a particular culture or cultures?
Is there only one / one manifestation of this?
Colour? No.
General human concept? *applause from the audience* It is a specific cultural example of a general human concept.
One / one manifestation? Yes. (See above: the answer is one specific manifestation of something more general.)
General human concept? *applause from the audience* It is a specific cultural example of a general human concept.
One / one manifestation? Yes. (See above: the answer is one specific manifestation of something more general.)
Is it generally considered a positive attribute?
Is it generally considered a negative attribute?
Anything to do with, ahem, desire?
Is it a thing called Love?
Anything to do with religion?
Positive? It is not an attribute. People would probably view it neutrally. Some people might view it positively (I know some people in the Morniverse do.) I see no reason why it would be viewed negatively in general.
Negative? See above.
Desire? No.
Love? No.
Religion? Still no.
Negative? See above.
Desire? No.
Love? No.
Religion? Still no.
Scansion?
Philology?
Is, it: Punctuation?
Rhythm?
Language?
Scansion: No.
Philology: *some applause from the audience* No.
Punctuation: *tiny smattering of applause* No.
Rhythm: No.
Language? *applause from audience* No.
Philology: *some applause from the audience* No.
Punctuation: *tiny smattering of applause* No.
Rhythm: No.
Language? *applause from audience* No.
Is it a particular language?
Particular language: *major applause from audience* Yes!
Finnish / Suomi?
(though isn't the language actually Suomen?)
The Queen's English?
Chinese/Mandarin?
European?
Do (does?) more than a tiny minority of the Morniverse understand it?
Is it a computer language?
html?
Is it the language of luuuurve?
Japanese?
Kyllä!
Finnish? YES! *throws baton at Néa* I never quite worked out all those Finnish cases, but I think "suomen" is the indirect passive fifth person ablative.
[CdM]I think you left out non-neuter
ooooooh
Wow, this is quite a responsibility. *catches baton deftly and drops it on her foot*
[CdM] I believe you'll find that all those cases is a reason that some people do, in fact, view it negatively :-) (I don't!)
ABSTRACT
[CdM] I believe you'll find that all those cases is a reason that some people do, in fact, view it negatively :-) (I don't!)
ABSTRACT
Anarcho-syndicalism?
It's got to be right some day.
This is not that day
[INJ] No. Some people would probably say that there is a connection, but that's not a very helpful clue.
The long dark night of the soul?
Summer?
Sarcastic anachronisms? (Why not?)
Political?
[Raak] No. *a few people in the audience clap, though*
[Iroulé] No.
[RS] No. (Cos it isn't.)
[Rosie] No.
[Iroulé] No.
[RS] No. (Cos it isn't.)
[Rosie] No.
A Finnish winter?
[Raak] No.
FYI
My Internet access will be patchy the next few days, but I should be able to log in at least once or twice a day.
Does darkness have something to do with it?
Hmmmmmm
[Raak] I would say that darkness is implied but not necessary.
Does it have anything to do with the weather?
The long dark teatime of the soul?
Hello Néa :-) Is this an emotion?
Does the connection between the answer and anarcho-syndicalism have anything to do with Spain?
[Irouléguy] No.
[all] Hmmm. No.
[Chalky] Hello. No. (*applause*)
[Irouléguy] No.
[all] Hmmm. No.
[Chalky] Hello. No. (*applause*)
[Irouléguy] No.
gothdom?
Is it a state of mind?
Is it anything physical?
Is it a human construct?
[Raak] No.
[Chalky] No. *some applause*
[Rosie] Yes but no but yes but no.
[INJ] It is not a construct.
[Chalky] No. *some applause*
[Rosie] Yes but no but yes but no.
[INJ] It is not a construct.
Gloom? Despair? Dyspepsia?
Fannishness?
No, no, no and no. You are not really on the right track at the moment.
Is it some sort of game?
Hoping the points have been set right.
Sleep?
[Rosie] Not a game.
[Raak] No, but now you are most definitely on the right track. *audience claps and cheers*
[Raak] No, but now you are most definitely on the right track. *audience claps and cheers*
A dream?
I think he's getting it...
Yes, but that's not specific enough.
A nightmare?
A dream of a better world?
A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Boo!
[Rosie] YES! *hands over baton with a flourish*
Should have added ANIMAL CONNECTIONS also.
Anything to do with Harry Potter?
Raak - Absolutely nothing. :-)
Are the animal connections human?
Irouléguy - Yes
Anything to do with King Arthur?
Raak - No, not a thing.
Is the mineral connection metal?
Is the human connection to a non-fictional human
(ImNotJohn) - Both yes.
Camilla's new coat of arms?
Is it a human construct?
(That was original, wasn't it?)
Raak - No.
CdM - Yes. It has to be asked, and you are a couple of inches nearer the Holy Grail. :-)
CdM - Yes. It has to be asked, and you are a couple of inches nearer the Holy Grail. :-)
The Sword of Truth and the Shield of British Fair Play?
Is the non-fictional human alive?
Raak - No
Irouléguy - No
Irouléguy - No
Is the mineral connection a weapon?
Is the mineral connection a precious metal?
[CdM] Wot you doin' aksin my question?
The Holy Grail?
Raak - No, but it can be used as one.
ImNotJohn - No.
all - No.
ImNotJohn - No.
all - No.
Lord Byron's bicycle?
Raak - No, but the format of your answer is getting warm.
X's Y for some animate X and inanimate Y?
Davy Jones' Locker?
Pandora's Box?
Midas' Golden Touch?
Raak - That's right
Dazed5 - No
irach - No
RedSnapper - No
Dazed5 - No
irach - No
RedSnapper - No
Don't forget the meaning is essentially Abstract.
Any political connection?
Dazed5 - No
Newton's three laws of motion?
Is there a musical connection?
Irouléguy - No
Dazed5 - No (Surprised that hasn't been asked earlier).
Is transport involved?
determined to narrow it down
Foucault's pendulum?
Dazed5 - No.
Raak - No. Don't forget the answer has an essentially abstract meaning.
Raak - No. Don't forget the answer has an essentially abstract meaning.
Although the answer could be classed as a little arcane or academic it should be known here, and has 172,000 Google hits worldwide.
[Rosie] So does F's P, a certain novel...
The King's shilling?
Raak - No (Yeah, it means bugger all really. :-) )
Is there a scientific connection?
Is there a religious connection?
Irouléguy - Yes, this could be used in science.
Dazed5 - No.
Dazed5 - No.
Did the person live before the 20th century?
Was the person male?
Raak - Yes.
Dazed5 - Yes.
Dazed5 - Yes.
Was he English?
Raak - He was.
So, although this was a real person and a real metal thingy [that could be used as a weapon, or in science] essentially this is an abstract notion? Is it a 2-word answer?
Was the person involved a 19th century Englishman, or did he live (and die) prior to that?
Was the 'weapon' a pen?
Morton's Fork?
Chalky - Yes and yes. The whole thing could be used in science, among other things. The metal thing is part of the abstract idea but as an actual object could be used as a weapon.
irach - Died before 1800.
Dazed5 - No, but some appreciative murmurs from the audience.
ImNotJohn - No.
irach - Died before 1800.
Dazed5 - No, but some appreciative murmurs from the audience.
ImNotJohn - No.
Chalky - (PS) See my answer to Raak's Lord Byron's bicycle query.
Anything to do with Newton?
Is there a literary connection?
Is the metal thing a hammer?
irach - No. Pre-dates Newton.
Dazed5 - No.
Raak - No.
Dazed5 - No.
Raak - No.
Predates Stonehenge?
irach - No, not by a long chalk.
Anything to do with Freemasonry?
Any connection to medicine?
Occam's Razor?
Funny you should ask that [Raak] because Occam's Razor attracts exactly 172,000 Google hits worldwide. I reckon you've got it. I've never heard of it mesself :-)
Raak - YES! Well done. A rather obscure one which I thought might just get by, particularly in a place like this. It's meaning is this: If someone says those lights in the sky are UFOs then the application of Occam's Razor makes one ask "couldn't they be aeroplanes, or unusual reflections in the glass, or were you just a bit pissed?", i.e always think of the simple explanation first. Do not elaborate unnecessarily, etc. etc.
Carry on, Raak
VEGETABLE, with ANIMAL and ABSTRACT connections.
Is it edible (or drinkable?)
Is it a constructed object?
Could this be held in your hand?
Is the animal connection a human one?
Edible/drinkable: No.
Constructed: Yes.
Held in the hand: Some could be.
Human connection: Yes.
Constructed: Yes.
Held in the hand: Some could be.
Human connection: Yes.
Is the vegetable wood?
Any religious connection?
Is it purely decorative?
A Water Diviner?
Wood? No.
Religious? Yes.
Purely decorative? Nothing to stop anyone from having one as an ornament.
Water diviner? No.
Religious? Yes.
Purely decorative? Nothing to stop anyone from having one as an ornament.
Water diviner? No.
Correction of my previous answer about being small enough to hold in the hand: as far as I can tell from Google, none of them ever are, when called by the words on the card. The hand-sized ones have a completely different name, so should be excluded.
OK - re. the human connection - does this thing have to be in contact with a human in some way in order to fulfil its function?
Re: religious connection: Eastern religion?
(and I don't mean "originating in the Middle-East")
[Chalky] Not nowadays.
[Néa] No.
[Néa] No.
A crucifix?
Is the religious connection christian?
Crucifix? No.
Christian? No.
Christian? No.
An item of clothing?
Pagan?
Clothing? No.
Pagan? Yes. (applause)
Pagan? Yes. (applause)
A wicker man?
[Dazed5] Yes!
Here we go with....
MINERAL
Jumping the gun...
Should read MINERAL with the possibility of some VEGETABLE in it also.
A carrot encased in a slab of crystal?
[Nea] That's even better than mine, but sadly, no.
A long shot - coal?
Something to do with fossils?
Is the mineral pure or a mixture?
Rosie. Not coal.
Raak. Nothing to do with fossils.
Irouleguy.Yes, a mixture.
(Apologies to Nea and Irouleguy, I do not know how to do an 'e' with an accent over).
Raak. Nothing to do with fossils.
Irouleguy.Yes, a mixture.
(Apologies to Nea and Irouleguy, I do not know how to do an 'e' with an accent over).
A pearl?
Is the mineral (semi-)precious?
Dazed5 - re. the acute accent - just type [(the ampersand symbol)eacute;] - when you would normally type the 'e' - the semicolon is important.
As for a question ... I expect I'll think of one soon
As for a question ... I expect I'll think of one soon
Another frivolous long shot - Soil?
If I'm right it's my question, otherwise it's Chalky's. Another way to do e-acute is Alt+0233. Look, é.
Does this occur naturally, or is it a human artefact?
A cute accent
INJ. Not a pearl.
INJ(2). Not precious, nor semi-precious, although some older versions may be of considerable value.
Rosie/Chalky. It is not soil (thanks for the pointers).
Irouléguy. Yes, a human artefact.
INJ(2). Not precious, nor semi-precious, although some older versions may be of considerable value.
Rosie/Chalky. It is not soil (thanks for the pointers).
Irouléguy. Yes, a human artefact.
Is the vegetable part wod?
Or wood?
Raak. Yes it would be, but on the whole, it is quite insignificant.
Is it a toy?
Chalky. It is not a toy.Very slight murmers from the audience.
Is it a weapon?
Made of metal?
Chalky. Not a weapon.
Raak. The relevant bits are metallic, certain bits may probably be wood or even perhaps plastic, but this is not significant.
Raak. The relevant bits are metallic, certain bits may probably be wood or even perhaps plastic, but this is not significant.
Is it small enough to hold easily?
A musical instrument?
Is it normally a particular colour or colours?
INJ. No.
Chalky, yes. Major applause from audience.
Iroulegéguy; I don't think so.
Chalky, yes. Major applause from audience.
Iroulegéguy; I don't think so.
A saxophone?
Harmonica?
Rosie, irach. Both no. See INJ question above.
A church organ?
A barrel organ?
A drum kit?
irach. No
Raak. No
Rosie. No
Raak. No
Rosie. No
Trinidad steel drums?
Tubular bells?
To produce sound from this musical instrument does one ( a) Bang it (b)Blow on it ? (c)Hit on some keys (d)both b and c (e) Turn a handle (f) Turn on a switch (g) None of the above?
Church bells?
[RedSnapper] While you are waiting for Dazed5 to get back, I can tell you that the answer to your question is "yes".
irach. No
Raak. No
Red Snapper. a)No. b)No. c)No. d)Therefore, no. e)no. f)Not in isolation. g)see f)
irach, No.
Raak. No
Red Snapper. a)No. b)No. c)No. d)Therefore, no. e)no. f)Not in isolation. g)see f)
irach, No.
Does it require electrical power?
Can it be strummed?
Oversized Karaoke machine?
A mechanical carillon?
A choir of metallic singing robots?
Raak. Yes
irach. No
RedSnapper. No
Raak. No (had to look that one up)
irach, lovely idea but wrong.
irach. No
RedSnapper. No
Raak. No (had to look that one up)
irach, lovely idea but wrong.
Jukebox?
Update
irach, it is not a jukebox.
Whilst doing further research, I have learned that some modern instances of these can be held in the hands, but not the type I was thinking of. Apologies if this has mislead anyone but size is quite irrelevant, or so the females in my life would have me believe.
Whilst doing further research, I have learned that some modern instances of these can be held in the hands, but not the type I was thinking of. Apologies if this has mislead anyone but size is quite irrelevant, or so the females in my life would have me believe.
It's a
I think I know what this is - but I'll leave it for someone else
A Moog synthesiser?
Irouléguy. Not a Moog - Murmers of appreciation from the audience
A Yamaha Synthesizer
irach. It is not a Yamaha synthesizer.
Is it an electronic musical instrument?
Raak. Yes -More excited murmers and much shuffling in seats
Trying not to awaken anyone
I would have thought the musicians in here would have killed this long before now. I will give a further clue if requested.
207,000 Google hits worldwide
Chalky, I get 368,000, but who knows?
Go on, have a guess.
Is it known by its brand name?
Rosie, not a brand name as such, it is named after it's inventor.
The Hammond organ? (171,000 hits)
Irouléguy. It is not a Hammond organ. (Clue: if you find out how it is played you will get there)
A theremin?
BINGO!
Well done CdM, it was a theremin.
Wow, something of a lurker's victory there.
This next one is NONE OF THE ABOVE.
This next one is NONE OF THE ABOVE.
The instant of the Big Bang?
BANG No.
Another fungus?
an emotion?
fungus? No.
emotion? No.
emotion? No.
Something Infinite?
Is it connected to the game of MC and/or the Morniverse?
Is it alive?
a vacuum?
<gloat>I hope I'm wrong as I probably won't be logging on more than a couple of times in the next 16 days</gloat>
A sound?
The number zero?
Not a very auspicious start
infinite? No.
connected to MC? No.
alive? No.
a vacuum? No.
A sound? No.
Zero? No.
connected to MC? No.
alive? No.
a vacuum? No.
A sound? No.
Zero? No.
Is it Animal, Vegetable, Mineral or Abstract?
AVMA? No. Hence my introduction.
The spatio-temporal continuum?
Nothing?
spatio-temporal continuum? No.
Nothing? No.
Might I respectfully suggest that if you just guess without gathering more information this is likely to take you a long time...
Nothing? No.
Might I respectfully suggest that if you just guess without gathering more information this is likely to take you a long time...
Has it ever been alive?
ever alive? No.
Has it ever existed?
Can it be seen?
An elementary particle?
(CdM) Sorry for being a bit thick. :-(
Has it been theorised but not proven?
Could it be better described as real or virtual?
Is there a religious connection?
Is it something one might aspire to?
Why isn't this abstract?
I assumed that all four categories [or any combination thereof] covered everything - are we in danger of becoming über-pedantic?
ever existed? It often exists.
can it be seen? Yes. *applause*
elementary particle? No. *some applause*
!proven? No.
real or virtual? Yes. Oh, all right then, real.
religious connection? Hmmmmm... There were once several religious connections, but nowadays the best answer is No.
aspire to? No. At least, it does not make sense to aspire to the answer on the card, although one might have an aspiration connected to it. Sorry if that sounds cryptic; it is meant to be straightforward.
AVMA Redux? Let me say the following. It is definitely not animal, vegetable, or abstract. If it is anything, it is mineral, but I thought is was misleading to describe it as such. (Apologies in advance if people end up disagreeing!)
can it be seen? Yes. *applause*
elementary particle? No. *some applause*
!proven? No.
real or virtual? Yes. Oh, all right then, real.
religious connection? Hmmmmm... There were once several religious connections, but nowadays the best answer is No.
aspire to? No. At least, it does not make sense to aspire to the answer on the card, although one might have an aspiration connected to it. Sorry if that sounds cryptic; it is meant to be straightforward.
AVMA Redux? Let me say the following. It is definitely not animal, vegetable, or abstract. If it is anything, it is mineral, but I thought is was misleading to describe it as such. (Apologies in advance if people end up disagreeing!)
The aurora?
The Northern Lights?
A rainbow?
A solar eclipse?
Light?
getting right to the point...
The words on the card were either "aurora borealis" or "northern lights". Thus, although Rosie's answer got massive applause, it did not exclude the possibility of the aurora australis. Thus the judges award victory to Chalky!
taking a bow
Aww shucks - thanks CdM.
Hand on heart, I wasn't influenced by Rosie's guess possibly because I recall this very subject cropping up in the original Pants game a few years ago - I think we labelled it Abstract/Mineral, although I'm sure someone who was there will correct me if I'm wrong ...
Hand on heart, I wasn't influenced by Rosie's guess possibly because I recall this very subject cropping up in the original Pants game a few years ago - I think we labelled it Abstract/Mineral, although I'm sure someone who was there will correct me if I'm wrong ...
And now for something completely tangible ...
A N I M A L
Is this one specific individual?
[Raak] Specific? No. [good question]
Human?
Vertebrate?
Ungulate?
Homo Florensis?
[Rosie] Human - Yes
[Irach] Vertebrate - Yes
[RedSnapper] Ungulate? No
[Raak] Homo Florensis? No, probably not :-)
[Irach] Vertebrate - Yes
[RedSnapper] Ungulate? No
[Raak] Homo Florensis? No, probably not :-)
A group with a common purpose? Eg, The Cabinet, Crystal Palace Football Club. No, scrap that last one.
Is this a species of man?
Meaning Cro-Magnon or its ilk.
Genus Homo?
Are all members of this group of the same gender?
[Chalky] I have to say, I don't see how the aurora would be abstract, since it certainly has a physical existence...
Is this group culturally specific?
[Rosie] Common purpose? They certainly have something in common
[Dujon] species of Man? Yes
[irach] Genus homo? Of course - as previous answer
[CdM] Same gender - No
[Irouléguy] Culturally specific? If I said yes, that might be misleading. Can you be more culturally specific? :-)
[Dujon] species of Man? Yes
[irach] Genus homo? Of course - as previous answer
[CdM] Same gender - No
[Irouléguy] Culturally specific? If I said yes, that might be misleading. Can you be more culturally specific? :-)
[CdM - Abstract as an adjective. Yes, agree in principle. The word should mean something that only exists as a mental concept, but I have noticed is often used in this game to suggest a wider/popular interpretation of the merely physical. I chose not to tag it on to the ANIMAL label in this round, because I felt sure that this 'group of people with something in common' would be established fairly early on.]
Us?
[Raak] Us? As in Us? No.
Is this group linked by a common language, religious or cultural practice?
A musical ensemble?
The ISIHAC teams?
Homo-sapiens?
Person(s) specifically known to carry outd certain particular actions or follow particular professions?
[Irouléguy] Linked? As I've already stated that they have something in common, the answer must be Yes - sort of
[Rosie] Musical ensemble? No
[Gusset Login] ISIHaC teams - No
[all] Homo Sapiens? I think that's been established
[RedSnapper] particular actions or professions? Yes *discernible muttering in audience*
[Rosie] Musical ensemble? No
[Gusset Login] ISIHaC teams - No
[all] Homo Sapiens? I think that's been established
[RedSnapper] particular actions or professions? Yes *discernible muttering in audience*
The thing that links these people, is it what they do for a living?
Person(s) of a particular profession?
Persons with a particular hobby or penchant?
A Greek chorus?
Chalky] My question was about how they were linked.
[Raak] making a living? No
[irach] particular profession? No
[Redsnapper] Hobby or Penchant? No and Yes
[Irouléguy] Greek Chorus? No
[it would probably be safer to say that there is no cultural link in the way that you mean]
[irach] particular profession? No
[Redsnapper] Hobby or Penchant? No and Yes
[Irouléguy] Greek Chorus? No
[it would probably be safer to say that there is no cultural link in the way that you mean]
Are these people fans of something?
Anything to do with sports?
Commuters?
[Raak] Fans of something? Mmmm - I have to say Yes. *polite applause*
[irach] Sports? No
[Dazed] Commuters? No
[irach] Sports? No
[Dazed] Commuters? No
Does this 'group' number in millions?
[Dazed] Millions? Probably not in the UK
Is this group then specific to the UK?
This thing that they are, one might have to say, fans of, are they practitioners of it?
Do these people go out of the house to indulge their interest?
Would you expect many of the Morniverse's inhabitants to be among these people?
Would many of them gather together in one place to experience this thing for which they have a penchant?
... sorry - been busy
[Dazed] specific to UK? No
[Raak]practitioners? In a manner of speaking, Yes.
[Rosie] Out of house indulgence? No - not necessarily
[Irouléguy] Crescenters? Can't say I know them all well enough, but No *chuckles*
[Kim] Gathering? Some may, some may not.
[Raak]practitioners? In a manner of speaking, Yes.
[Rosie] Out of house indulgence? No - not necessarily
[Irouléguy] Crescenters? Can't say I know them all well enough, but No *chuckles*
[Kim] Gathering? Some may, some may not.
When somebody gets the right answer, will this site become NSFW?
*laughs out loud*
[CdM] I only practise safe chairwomanship
[CdM] I only practise safe chairwomanship
Would this shared interest be considered risqué in a polite society?
Does it involve any aspect of procreation?
[Dazed] Risqué? No
[irach] Procreation? No
[irach] Procreation? No
... so that's eliminated any saucy shenanegans :-)
However, both questions are the type of questions that need to be asked.
Are particular types of clothing involved?
[Irouléguy] Clothing? No
Would most people say these people are anoraks?
[Rosie] Anoraks? No
Does this shared interest require any specialist equipment?
Does the shared interest require ambulation of any kind?
Are there roughly equal numbers of both sexes involved?
Does it involve the playing of a game?
[Dazed] specialist equipment? Equipment isn't really the right word, but it certainly requires a certain something to belong to this group
[irach] ambulation? Not really [see Rosie previous question]
[Rosie] equal numbers? I should think so
[Raak] game playing? No
[irach] ambulation? Not really [see Rosie previous question]
[Rosie] equal numbers? I should think so
[Raak] game playing? No
CLUE: The word 'hobby' got a thumbs down, if you read back. This isn't an 'interest' either. It is something that a certain group of people have in common. 'Fan' [as in fanatical] and 'penchant' have both been given a cursory nod ..
Is it connected with either eating or drinking?
[Dazed] Yes! At last :-) * audience wakes up and overcompensates by whooping and hollering *
Wine connoisseurs?
Are they linked by food from a particular part of the world?
[Raak] Wine Connoisseurs? They may well be [but that's not the word on the card]
[Irouléguy] Linked? Food? Part of World? No, No and Thrice No
[Irouléguy] Linked? Food? Part of World? No, No and Thrice No
Alcoholics?
Gourmands of any kind?
Is the "certain something" that is required inherent in the individual?
Vegetarians?
Four very good questions, but only one is correct:
Well done Raak - Alcoholics is the right answer. Over to you ...
I'm off to the Worldcon on Wednesday, but I'm sure you'll get this before then.
MINERAL
Something made by humans?
A natural phenomenon?
[I] Yes.
[K] No.
[K] No.
Uses electricity?
[Rosie] Yes.
Used in the preparation of food?
[nights] No.
Used for recreation?
Normally used in the home?
[irach] Can be.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Is it noisy when in operation?
Can it be used to get from one place to another?
Bigger than one metre cubed?
Ever used in the office?
[irach] No.
[RS] Yes.
[Chalky] No.
[irach] Yes.
[RS] Yes.
[Chalky] No.
[irach] Yes.
Can it be used for communications?
[irach] No.
Is its primary use as a means of transport?
[I] Yes! (applause)
A mode of transportation that's used in the office? (you said above it WAS used in the office). Or primarily to get you to work at the office?
[irach] You asked "Ever used in the office?" so the answer was yes, because I've heard of it happening. But that's an unusual use.
An electric scooter?
An electric wheelchair?
[I] Erm...not entirely sure whether "scooter" would cover this or not.
[R] No.
[R] No.
A Segway?
I was going to post this guess on Friday, but thought that RS's comment would have earned applause if it was right... however, it seems to fit with some of the later Q and A...
[CdM] Yes, a Segway.
OK, an easy one: MINERAL
The new planet 'Xena'?
not that easy
warrior princess? No.
Man-made?
Is it a specific object?
Man-made? No.
Specific object? No.
Specific object? No.
A type of rock?
A present from Brighton? No.
Is it a solid in its normal state?
Solid in normal state? No. *applause*
Is it bigger than a phone box?
Given that it is not a specific object, the question does not really make sense. However, in the individual instances in which it is normally encountered, it is smaller than a phone box.
Is it mobilel?
A snowman?
mobile? If you mean can it be easily moved, the answer is yes.
snowman? No.
snowman? No.
A snowflake?
Is it fluid?
Does "not a specific object" mean "not a named object", so it could be "a mountain" but not "The Matterhorn" even though a mountain could be classed as a specific object?
Is this a type of metal (e.g. mercury)
?
snowflake? No.
fluid? Yes.
clarification of 'not a specific object'? The words on the card are a fairly generic term that refer to a category or class (using those terms loosely) of which there are many different instances, some of which are named. In terms of your example, it is more like the answer being "mountains". Which isn't the answer.
metal? No. silence? No.
fluid? Yes.
clarification of 'not a specific object'? The words on the card are a fairly generic term that refer to a category or class (using those terms loosely) of which there are many different instances, some of which are named. In terms of your example, it is more like the answer being "mountains". Which isn't the answer.
metal? No. silence? No.
A spring?
boingggg? No. *substantial applause from audience, together with stamping of feet and a chant of "Ro-SIE! Ro-SIE! Ro-SIE!"*
Is the answer the container of a fluid?
Water?
container? No, although the 'specific instances' that I referred to above do involve containers.
water? *applause* Water is one of the words on the card. It is not a sufficient answer, however.
water? *applause* Water is one of the words on the card. It is not a sufficient answer, however.
Would the water in question be considered potable?
potable? Yes. *some applause*
Bottled water?
God knows what the audience will do if this is right. I'm a quiet sort of bloke really, you know. :-)
Mineral water?
Soda water?
Water-ed down drinks?
and the winner is...
...Irouléguy. MINERAL WATER it is. I just wanted to be sure there were no disputes about the AVMA classification this time.
Wahay! Nice team-work there, everyone. I'm away after Friday lunchtime for the weekend, so another easy one:
MINERAL
MINERAL
Man-made?
Solid?
Man-made? No
Solid? No is the most useful answer, though there could be some discussion about this
Solid? No is the most useful answer, though there could be some discussion about this
Is it a terrestrial object?
Terrestrial? Yes Object? Yes, but see qualification above
The earth's crust?
*the audience cheers, hoots, stamps and lets off fireworks, and several shouts of "RO-sie, RO-sie" are heard from the balcony* No
Atmospheric particles?
The earth's mantle?
Atmospheric particles? No
The earth's mantle *the audience pull shawls round their shoulders, button up cardigans and tighten scarves* No
The earth's mantle *the audience pull shawls round their shoulders, button up cardigans and tighten scarves* No
A tectonic plate?
Let's see what this volatile lot will do with this one.
Molten lava? (It is not solid, but does solidify soon after emergence from the nether regions, so there could be some discusion regarding its physical form.)
Mineral-laden hot springs?
A tectonic plate? *a low approving approving murmur rises from the audience* No
Molten lava? *the audience passes around Damart catalogues as the ushers attempt to turn up the radiators* No
Mineral-laden hot springs *"We could use some of those here", think the audience* No
Molten lava? *the audience passes around Damart catalogues as the ushers attempt to turn up the radiators* No
Mineral-laden hot springs *"We could use some of those here", think the audience* No
A continental shelf?
À la Lara Croft, he muses, with a silly grin.
Magma?
Tsunami?
An Earthquake?
A Glacier?
An Iceberg?
A continental shelf? *the audience muses on the fact that there are about 21,500 Google hits for "Lara Croft" and "the answer"* No
Magma? No
Tsunami? *the audience seeks diversion in a spirited discussion of the correct plural of 'tsunami'* No
An earthquake? No
A glacier? No
An iceberg *the audience nods knowingly at the ironic appropriateness of Chalky and irach's moves*
Looking back, I may have mis-directed people with the answer to the solid question. Perhaps a better answer would be "Yes, partly."
Do we want a clue?
Magma? No
Tsunami? *the audience seeks diversion in a spirited discussion of the correct plural of 'tsunami'* No
An earthquake? No
A glacier? No
An iceberg *the audience nods knowingly at the ironic appropriateness of Chalky and irach's moves*
Looking back, I may have mis-directed people with the answer to the solid question. Perhaps a better answer would be "Yes, partly."
Do we want a clue?
Antarctica?
Antarctica? *the audience sits up straight, puts away their papers, Sudoku puzzles and knitting* No, but in some ways the closest answer yet
The ocean?
The North or South Pole ?
The Arctic Ocean?
[irach] that's TWO guesses - very naughty!
Well then, North Pole?
The South Pole?
[Chalky] Nothing wrong with irach's question -- it has a yes-or-no answer, and if the answer were yes, then it would simply be all fingers on the buzzers to guess which one!
Oh, and if I am right, I hereby transfer my win to irach.
Oh, and if I am right, I hereby transfer my win to irach.
The ocean? No
The North or South Pole? *the audience giggle quietly* No
The Arctic Ocean? No
I'm with CdM on irach's question - people do bend the one-question rule (me included), and a single question can anyway turn into a mutiple answer (see "terrestial object" above).
Chalky has now got the geographically closest answer, but in other, more important ways, irach is still closest.
I am going away this afternoon, and work means I'm unlikely to be able to play more than once again before I go. Any volunteers to take over as quizmaster/mistress? Email me at pubsalesatbaafdotorgdotuk .
The North or South Pole? *the audience giggle quietly* No
The Arctic Ocean? No
I'm with CdM on irach's question - people do bend the one-question rule (me included), and a single question can anyway turn into a mutiple answer (see "terrestial object" above).
Chalky has now got the geographically closest answer, but in other, more important ways, irach is still closest.
I am going away this afternoon, and work means I'm unlikely to be able to play more than once again before I go. Any volunteers to take over as quizmaster/mistress? Email me at pubsalesatbaafdotorgdotuk .
No e-mails, so...for your safety and convenience, this game will not contain any further replies from me until Monday (maybe) or Tuesday (more likely. Have a good weekend, everyone
Parting thought - the speed of this game is somehow appropriate.
Parting clue - there's a coincidental connection with both Bob Dylan and organised religion.
Parting thought - the speed of this game is somehow appropriate.
Parting clue - there's a coincidental connection with both Bob Dylan and organised religion.
Glacier?
The North Magnetic Pole?
Well, of course a b&b in St Austell will have a broadband connection - silly of me to assume otherwise
Glacier? No
The North magnetic pole? *the audience breaks into small groups to find any connection between Bob Dylan, organised religion and the north pole, magnetic or otherwise, but fails to reach any conclusions, rejecting the theory of the small group arguing for a metaphysical interpretation of "Quinn the mighty Eskimo".* No
Glacier? No
The North magnetic pole? *the audience breaks into small groups to find any connection between Bob Dylan, organised religion and the north pole, magnetic or otherwise, but fails to reach any conclusions, rejecting the theory of the small group arguing for a metaphysical interpretation of "Quinn the mighty Eskimo".* No
The Greenland Icecap?
Does this have a direct relationship to air movement?
The Greenland icecap? *the audience wonders if their earlier tumultuous reaction to one of Rosie's moves has perhaps been overlooked* No. Direct relationship to air movement? Hmm...perhaps Rosie can shed more light on that once the answer's been revealed. Locally, yes, almost certainly; more generally, don't know.
Anything to do with drifts?
Drifts? (snow or continental?) Either way, no.
Auroro australis?
A volcano?
Aurora australis? No.
A volcano? *considerable applause* No.
A volcano? *considerable applause* No.
fergawdssakeRosie - guess the damn thing!
Well, I'm FIIK, m'dear. The quizmaster has turned it into his own show and the audience are pissed.
The Arctic ice sheet?
Not being clever when it comes to Bob Dylan and religious sects I'm probably well adrift.
The Canadian Archipelago?
The Arctic ice sheet? No
The Canadian archipelago? No.
On present progress, it doesn't look like pure guesswork is going to get there - time for more general questions, perhaps? And another clue?
The Canadian archipelago? No.
On present progress, it doesn't look like pure guesswork is going to get there - time for more general questions, perhaps? And another clue?
Is it an oilfield?
Geysers?
An oilfield? No
Geysers? No
Geysers? No
Is the liquid water?
Deep-sea volcanic (hydrothermal) vents?
*yawns*
Liquid water? What liquid? There is some liquid present, but it's not really the defining characteristic. And yes, it's water.
Deep-sea volcanic vents? No
*yawns* *some applause* An apt description (of both game and answer)
Deep-sea volcanic vents? No
*yawns* *some applause* An apt description (of both game and answer)
By the way - what IS the 'earth's crust?'
[Irouléguy] I'm usually pretty hopeless at these geographical minerally ones so I leave them to more worthy participants, which I guess doesn't help much. Trouble is, if these posers are not guessed within 3 days, the game tends to lose its momentum. It is now Day 8 of this one so perhaps a chairman's summary of the positives might help? Then a clue?
It is Iceland?
Is it specifically in either the north or southern hemispere?
Chalky] Fair points all, though I have been trying to steer people away from the more detailed minerally answers (and I was away for most of three days). It's really not obscure - I feel sure that everyone will have heard of it.
Summary - it's terrestial, partly solid, sort of an object. (Those are the answers which I think have caused people to go astray, but it's problematic because of what exactly "it" is. Let's say that "the answer" is defined by solid objects.
There's a strong connection to the earth's crust (which is just the top bit of the earth itself -between 5 and 65km thick), and specific geographical features have got strong applause. It's NOT - man-made, either of the Poles, Antarctica, a tectonic plate, an oilfield, a continental shelf, a volcano, the Canadian archipelago, the Greenland icecap (or any other form of ice).
Clues 1) It's very aptly named; 2) it has a university named after it; 3) over four million people went there last year.
Iceland? No
Is it specifically in either the north or southern hemisphere? Yes, the northern.
Summary - it's terrestial, partly solid, sort of an object. (Those are the answers which I think have caused people to go astray, but it's problematic because of what exactly "it" is. Let's say that "the answer" is defined by solid objects.
There's a strong connection to the earth's crust (which is just the top bit of the earth itself -between 5 and 65km thick), and specific geographical features have got strong applause. It's NOT - man-made, either of the Poles, Antarctica, a tectonic plate, an oilfield, a continental shelf, a volcano, the Canadian archipelago, the Greenland icecap (or any other form of ice).
Clues 1) It's very aptly named; 2) it has a university named after it; 3) over four million people went there last year.
Iceland? No
Is it specifically in either the north or southern hemisphere? Yes, the northern.
Is the name metaphorical? eg "The roof of the world", "The home of the blizzard" etc, etc.
Is its location in Northern Europe?
Is the suffix or word "land" part of its name/identity?
Metaphorical name? No, if anything the reverse
Northern Europe? No
Is the suffix or word "land" part of its name/identity? *cheering, the audience all put their hands to their ears as through participating in charades* No
Northern Europe? No
Is the suffix or word "land" part of its name/identity? *cheering, the audience all put their hands to their ears as through participating in charades* No
Is it in Nothh America?
...that should read "North America"
North America? *the orchestra strikes up "My country, 'tis of thee" as the audience jump up and down in anticipation* YES!
A part of the U.S.?
A National Park or part thereof?
The Grand Canyon ? ( It is in North America, there IS a Grand Canyon University, there is a lot of earth's crust to see there, there is some liquid-the Colorado among other forms found there, it sure does fit the bill).
[If the above IS the answer I would argue its classification as purely "Mineral" though, as the flora and fauna are also an integral part of the Grand Canyon as a whole].
*exhausted, the audiience can do nothing but sigh in pleasure* We have a winner - it is THE GRAND CANYON! Purely mineral? Not sure about irach's argument, but I'll think about it.
Anyway, the baton finally gets passed on - take it away, irach!
Anyway, the baton finally gets passed on - take it away, irach!
[Irouleguy] Thanks.! What was the Organized religion connection though? Bob Dylan I think I know.
Here goes. Well, its MINERAL once again.
[irach] hmmmm - hope it's snappier than the last one :-)
[Iroulé] GCanyon - classification, perhaps Mineral with Vegetable [and possibly Animal] connections?
[Iroulé] GCanyon - classification, perhaps Mineral with Vegetable [and possibly Animal] connections?
Is it man made?
I have never seen a more self-indulgent and comprehensively misleading set of comments as in the last AVMA. The Grand Canyon has no more to do with the earth's crust than has the Vale of Evesham. It's a surface feature FFS. So why did the audience wet themselves, generally an indication that one has very nearly hit the bull?
[Chalky] Not man made.
Sorry.. [Inkspot] Not man made.
It is a geographical feature?
Call me pedantic, but I would argue that the Grand Canyon is composed entirely of air.
Chalky] Possibly - but then you'd have to apply that to practically every place or geological formation. Would that definition help you to get Everest, for instance?
Rosie] I may have misunderstood what I Googled - I'm no scientist. But this is from the GC National Park's website: The Canyon’s mile-high walls display a largely undisturbed cross section of the Earth’s crust extending back some two billion years.
from http://www.nps.gov/grca/pphtml/subnaturalfeatures14.html
and lots of sites talk about the GC being made by upheavals in the earth's crust, so that was the basis of my reaction. I'm sorry if it was misleading, and you're right about the self-indulgent bit - sorry again.
Kim] Well, that was why I was unsure about the answers to "solid" and "object". But it can't be all air - what about the floor or the sides of the canyon?
move] Is there just one of it?
Rosie] I may have misunderstood what I Googled - I'm no scientist. But this is from the GC National Park's website: The Canyon’s mile-high walls display a largely undisturbed cross section of the Earth’s crust extending back some two billion years.
from http://www.nps.gov/grca/pphtml/subnaturalfeatures14.html
and lots of sites talk about the GC being made by upheavals in the earth's crust, so that was the basis of my reaction. I'm sorry if it was misleading, and you're right about the self-indulgent bit - sorry again.
Kim] Well, that was why I was unsure about the answers to "solid" and "object". But it can't be all air - what about the floor or the sides of the canyon?
move] Is there just one of it?
[Kim} No. Not a geographical feature. [Irouleguy] There are more than one of these.
Is it a weather phenomenon?
(Irouléguy) Talk of the earth's crust made me think the answer was something to do with the material of the earth well below the surface whereas the Grand Canyon (and Cheddar Gorge) were gouged out by running water, i.e. surface erosion. Not to worry. :-)
[Rosie] No.
Is it metal?
[Irouléguy] Yes!
[Chalky] Not metallic per se, though there may sometimes be metal salts or ions embedded within it.
A precious stone?
{Rosie] No.
Is an individual one of these bigger than an elephant?
Chalky] OK2
A component of a man-made object such as Stonehenge?
[Irouleguy] Generally it is considerably larger than an elephant.
[Rosie] No, it's not possible to make any man-made object from it/them using any known contemporary technology.
An asteroid?
Or, more specifically, a meteor (or even more specifically, one or more Perseid meteors)
FWIW, I'll come to Irouléguy's defence here: (i) I think the categorization of the GC as mineral is entirely reasonable, since the flora and fauna are not an essential part of the Canyon; (ii) I think the positive response to the earth's crust was also reasonable (although I agree that the audience went a bit over the top), since a "no" would have been a more misleading answer; (iii) "self-indulgent" is an unfairly harsh term, given that he was just injecting some humor.
(CdM) Agree on (i), not on (ii); (iii) is more a matter of taste. BTW a meteor the size of an elephant would fall to earth and cause a lot of damage and would then be classed as a meteorite. Can't be that, but we'll see.
[Rosie] Not an asteroid or meteorite [CdM] Not a meteor, Perseid or otherwise. (However, the audience sits up in rapt attention, biting its nails in great anticipation of the next guess. Not quite cigar yet, but close).
A comet?
[Rosie] You are absolutely right about the elephant, of course.
[CdM} A Comet ? YES!!! Congratulations! How spatial! What a brilliant win! The tail end of this guessing game was great! Here's to many more, the sky is the limit! The baton is passed, so take it away...
[CdM} A Comet ? YES!!! Congratulations! How spatial! What a brilliant win! The tail end of this guessing game was great! Here's to many more wins, the sky is the limit! The baton is passed, so take it away...
[Irouleguy] Wouldn't that be like saying that a hole in the ground comprises not only the hole but also the ground around the hole? I think the GC is just a big hole.
All right, let's get back into the ethereal world of the ABSTRACT.
(with ANIMAL connections)
The bee's knees?
(or should I move that apostrophe?)
Nope. Nor the cat's pyjamas, or a dog's dinner. However, the audience applauds for the fact that the answer is indeed of the form: Definite article + 2 words.
Is the answer of the form "The + animal's + part of animal"?
No. But since I am feeling generous, I will tell you that the answer is of the form: "The + part of animal + something that is not an animal at all".
The skin of one's teeth? ...and thank you, though even I think I was being self-indulgent.
Kim] Yes. If the GC's just a great big hole, what defines where the hole ends?
Kim] Yes. If the GC's just a great big hole, what defines where the hole ends?
The heart's desire?
(CdM) Useful generosity. :-)
The heart of the matter?
The foot of the stairs?
The brains of the operation?
Is the something that is not an animal at all an abstract noun?
[CdM] So what if there's more than one bee?
Or rather, why is it just one bee? I suppose I'm just hoping someone round here happens to know a lot about the phrase...
The Lion's share?
[Tuj] I've always thought it came from a colloquial bastardisation of business - in the sense of "he's the beeesneees" - meaning suited.
Ingnore that post. It's part of an animal. Go back to sleep, Duj.
skin of teeth? No. Some applause from audience, though.
heart's desire? No.
heart of matter, foot of stairs, brains of operation; No, no, no. The + two words, remember.
third word abstract noun? Yes.
lion's share? No.
heart's desire? No.
heart of matter, foot of stairs, brains of operation; No, no, no. The + two words, remember.
third word abstract noun? Yes.
lion's share? No.
Is the animal human?
The tooth fairy?
We have a winner! The tooth fairy it is. *places baton under pillow for Rosie to find*
(CdM) It's gone. But I'm richer by 25 pesetas. What joy!
Right, this is MINERAL and ABSTRACT
Does it appear in a particular work of fiction?
Is it man-made?
(Inkspot) - No
(Irouléguy) - No
(Irouléguy) - No
Does the abstract have something to do with measurement?
(Dujon) Not a thing, I'm afraid. I'm going to bed now - it's 3 a.m. :-(
Cassiopeia?
Is the mineral metal?
(CdM) - No
(ImNotJohn) - No
(ImNotJohn) - No
Is the abstract because it's fictional?
Is it one particular thing?
(Gusset Login) - No, certainly not. Abstract is a valid part-classification but don't concentrate too much on it.
(Irouléguy) No, there are lots of these.
(Irouléguy) No, there are lots of these.
A lodestone?
Is it a human construct?
(Software) - No
(ImNotJohn) No. The abstract nature is not an idea.
(ImNotJohn) No. The abstract nature is not an idea.
The Philosopher's Stone?
(irach) - No.
The Giant's Causeway?
Rock of Ages?
Is it found in a particular place?
Is the mineral solid?
(Kim) - No
(pper) - No
(Tuj) There are lots of them (see above) and there are certainly preferred places.
(Irouléguy) A small amount of it is in some cases, otherwise no.
(pper) - No
(Tuj) There are lots of them (see above) and there are certainly preferred places.
(Irouléguy) A small amount of it is in some cases, otherwise no.
Ocean currents?
(ImNotJohn) - No
Clouds?
(Irouléguy) - No, but *some applause*
Precipitation?
Can you drink it?
(CdM) - Not the answer, but always involved *more applause*
(Tuj) - You can, and ultimately you do, in some cases.
(Tuj) - You can, and ultimately you do, in some cases.
Rain?
April Showers?
Singing in the Rain?
(irach) - See the answer to CdM's question
(ImNotJohn) - No
(RedSnapper)- No
(ImNotJohn) - No
(RedSnapper)- No
Tornados?
A meteorological phenomenon?
(Irouléguy) - No - but *some polite applauase*
(Tuj) - Yes *rather more fulsome applause*
(Tuj) - Yes *rather more fulsome applause*
The monsoon?
(Raak) - No
Floods?
(irach) - No, but a strong connection.
A spring thaw?
(Dujon) - No, not quite that strong a connection.
Does this involve significant air pressure differences?
A hurricane?
The hydrological cycle?
Is it a one-word answer?
well waddya know - I return after a few days away and here's Rosie - doing a weather one!
(Dujon) - Can do, but that is possibly misleading
(CdM) - No
(Raak) - No
(Chalky) - One word preceded by the indefinite article.
(CdM) - No
(Raak) - No
(Chalky) - One word preceded by the indefinite article.
A tsunami?
A thunderstorm?
A cloudburst?
A shower?
(Chalky, ImNotJohn, all) - No, but
*Thunderous applause* for Irouléguy with his bolt from the cumulonmimbus. It it indeed a thunderstorm. Carry on, squire.
*Thunderous applause* for Irouléguy with his bolt from the cumulonmimbus. It it indeed a thunderstorm. Carry on, squire.
Squire tat work this afternoon. A lightning-quick round there - let's hope this one is as quick. I promise to keep the audience sober this time. It is ABSTRACT, involving ANIMAL, VEGETABLE and MINERAL.
An Anarcho-syndicalist protest march?
[Rosie] Is the existence of precipitation what makes it a thunderstorm rather than an electrical storm (c.f. your reply to CdM)?
INJ] One of these days, but not today.
An organisation?
(INJ) Technically, and probably in popular parlance too, a thunderstorm is defined by the electrical phenomena but there has to be precipitation for this to happen, but it need not be at the point of observation and a there's a specific meteorological code number for this (17, for the anoraks, of which I am one). There is no code figure for "freak storm" BTW. Top whack is 99, "heavy thunderstorm with hail", the "heavy" referring to the precipitation rather than the lightning and thunder. Also, I've noticed that "anarcho" is an anagram of "arachno". What have spiders got to moan about? There are 1014 of them, apparently.
An organisation? No.
Is the animal component human?
Is the vegetable part paper?
Does it move?
Is it a country?
irach] Human? *sustained applause* Yes
Raak] Paper? No
Kim] Does it move? *cries of "OOOH!"* More accurate to say that it involves movement
Chalky] A country? No
Raak] Paper? No
Kim] Does it move? *cries of "OOOH!"* More accurate to say that it involves movement
Chalky] A country? No
Is it a sport?
Is it geographical?
Relocation?
Does it involve dancing?
Rosie] Is it a sport? *cheering and loud applause* Not a sport, exactly, but close...
Tuj] Is it geographical? No.
Chalky] Relocation? No
Dujon] Does it involve dancing? No
Tuj] Is it geographical? No.
Chalky] Relocation? No
Dujon] Does it involve dancing? No
tai chi?
[Rosie] I lived in Africa for a year and for a few weeks before the start of the rains there were repeated electrical storms but no rain reached the ground. Would the precipitation have been contained within the cloud structure? (feel free to transfer to the banter page if there's a long explanation - or tell me to go and look it up for myself!)
INJ] Tai chi? No
Extreme Ironing?
If not a sport, then a performance of some kind?
(ImNotJohn) OK - See Banter Page.
Does it involve a group of people doing something?
ImNotJohn] Extreme Ironing? No
Rosie] A performance of some kind? Yes, in the sense of Raak's answer below, but not more than that.
Raak] Does it involve a group of people doing something? *a mighty cheers rises from the audience* A perfect definition.
After-work drinks now, so no more for a few hours.
Rosie] A performance of some kind? Yes, in the sense of Raak's answer below, but not more than that.
Raak] Does it involve a group of people doing something? *a mighty cheers rises from the audience* A perfect definition.
After-work drinks now, so no more for a few hours.
Does this collective activity require a fair amount of skill and practice?
Don't get too pissed; we need answers. :-)
A beer festival?
Rosie] Does this collective activity require a fair amount of skill and practice? No, neither (you can do it pissed, though there is an attendant danger).
Raak] A beer festival? No, but it is a mild form of exercise.
Raak] A beer festival? No, but it is a mild form of exercise.
A Mexican Wave?
An orgy?
well - someone had to say it
Are the Vegetable and Mineral components essential equipment for this activity?
Is it a type of dancing?
Rosie] A Mexican Wave? No
Chalky] An orgy? No - this is perfectly SFW
CdM] Are the Vegetable and Mineral components essential equipment for this activity? *sustained applause* Yes - one of them is part of the name (though equipment isn't quite the mot juste for most of them)
Raak] Is it a type of dancing? No
Chalky] An orgy? No - this is perfectly SFW
CdM] Are the Vegetable and Mineral components essential equipment for this activity? *sustained applause* Yes - one of them is part of the name (though equipment isn't quite the mot juste for most of them)
Raak] Is it a type of dancing? No
Is it a traditional activity?
ImNotJohn] Is it a traditional activity? Depends on the definition. The name of this activity dates from the last century, but people almost certainly did it before then.
Is the mineral liquid?
ImNotJohn] Is the mineral liquid? *cheering and stamping of feet* Yes, liquid is one of the necessary components, though other minerals may also be involved in another component.
Ye Olde Timme-Tamme Sucke?
CdM] Ye Olde Timme-Tamme Sucke? Ouch - I wondered how long it would be before that came up. No, and not remotely close. Hint - finding the vegetable would help.
Is the vegetable edible (by which I mean normally eaten, not just that it won't actually kill you7)?
Is it that game where you have to dunk your head into a bucket of water and grab an apple with your teeth?
[I feel sure there must be a simpler name for it]
Is the liquid water?
[Chalky] I know it as 'Bobbing for Apples' or 'Apple Bobbing'.
Is it normally carried out indoors?
ImNotJohn] Is the vegetable edible (by which I mean normally eaten, not just that it won't actually kill you)? No
Chalky] Is it that game where you have to dunk your head into a bucket of water and grab an apple with your teeth? No
ImNotJohn] Is the liquid water? Yes
Rosie] Is it normally carried out indoors? No
Chalky] Is it that game where you have to dunk your head into a bucket of water and grab an apple with your teeth? No
ImNotJohn] Is the liquid water? Yes
Rosie] Is it normally carried out indoors? No
Is the vegetable wood?
Water Divining?
CdM - Is the vegetable wood? *cheers and whooping from the audience* Yes. There are four necessary components of the answer - three you've got, the fourth is either vegetable, mineral or a combination of both.
Could this be descibed as an outdoor leisure pursuit?
Messing about in boats?
Chalky] Could this be described as an outdoor leisure pursuit? Yes
Raak] Messing about in boats? No
Raak] Messing about in boats? No
Angling?
Rosie] Angling? No
Poohsticks?
Croquet?
sorry - strike that. It doesn't involve water.
Water Polo?
We have a winner! Raak takes the baton - yes, it's Poohsticks. Good game, everyone.
ABSTRACT
Tiddly pom...
A drunken Brit in Australia?
A human construct?
[Rosie] No; yes.
A property of the physical world?
[Rosie] No.
A philosophical concept?
A single noun?
The sound of one hand clapping?
[irach] No.
[Tuj] A noun phrase.
[CdM] No.
[Tuj] A noun phrase.
[CdM] No.
A description of some human endeavour?
Is it specific to some particular historical period?
[i] Yes.
[I] No.
[I] No.
Is this endeavour in any way heroic, such as climbing Everest, or Leith Hill, come to that?
[Rosie] Only by humorous hyperbole.
Is it specific to a geographical location/area?
[INJ] No.
Is it a sport or recreational activity?
[CdM] No. Quite the opposite, really.
Bone idle?
[I] No, a different opposite.
[CdM] Yes. *murmurs from the audience of "oooh, they're getting warm!"*
Is it being in/on Big Brother?
[bl] No.
The working day?
Is it a routine administrative task?
Bringing home the Bacon?
[INJ] No (but you're getting warmer).
[R] No.
[Rs] No (also warmer).
[R] No.
[Rs] No (also warmer).
Working up a sweat?
[i] No.
Working nine to five?
Is the answer a figurative phrase?
Putting one's nose to the grindstone?
[irach] Close...
[Rosie] No.
[ResSnapper] Also close...
[Rosie] No.
[ResSnapper] Also close...
Does it apply to a particular trade or profession?
[INJ] No.
Working all hours?
Overtime?
[I] No.
[R] No.
The players are hot on the track...
[R] No.
The players are hot on the track...
the day job?
[INJ] No.
Working like a dog?
A Hard Day's Night
?
(ahem...)
Burning the midnight oil?
[All] No. These could all be involved, but there's a crucial component no-one's mentioned yet.
A hint: the words on the card do not make any explicit reference to work.
Does the "crucial xcomp
Does the "crucial component" occur in all types of work?
Stuttering.
All work and no play?
[Rosie] No.
[irach] Inching closer...
[irach] Inching closer...
Whistle while you work?
Does the answer contain an explicit reference to time or a period of time?
Working day and night?
[i] No.
[INJ] Yes.
[RS] No.
[INJ] Yes.
[RS] No.
Working until you drop dead?
[irach] No.
Working overtime?
Is the referenced time a season?
Does this only occur in/refer to manual work?
The night shift?
Remember guys - there is no specific reference to work
[irach] No.
[Dujon] It can be called one, but not one of the canonical four.
[I] No.
[INJ] No.
[Dujon] It can be called one, but not one of the canonical four.
[I] No.
[INJ] No.
Is the referenced time a holiday period?
Does the answer relate to the licensing laws?
[CdM] *riotous applause* Yes!
[CdM] No.
[CdM] No.
Is the referenced time period Christmas?
[CdM] No.
Wakes week?
[I] No.
A Bank holiday?
Begins with an M?
[I] No.
[Tuj] Er, no.
Summary of what has been established: it's connected with holidays, and connected with work, while not being either.
[Tuj] Er, no.
Summary of what has been established: it's connected with holidays, and connected with work, while not being either.
A working vacation?
[irach] No.
Days of wine and roses?
[I] No.
Anything to do with preparation for a holiday?
Labo(u)r Day?
[Rosie] Absolutely not.
[irach] No.
[irach] No.
Leisure Time?
[Chalky] No.
Anything to do with the aftermath of a holiday?
[CdM] *riotous applause* Yes!
Boxing Day?
Something to do with the holiday you need after having been on holiday?
[irach] No.
[Rosie] No. Think simpler.
[Rosie] No. Think simpler.
A tan?
How simple is that?
[Rosie] No.
Holiday Pay?
[Chalky] No.
Monday morning?
Er, except it doesn't begin with an M. OK,
is the holiday the weekend?
is the holiday the weekend?
[CdM] No; no.
Your earlier guess that drew the applause was the closest yet, and I might just give it to you if no-one comes up with something closer by the end of today.
Your earlier guess that drew the applause was the closest yet, and I might just give it to you if no-one comes up with something closer by the end of today.
Post - holiday blues
and if I'm correct - I shall say thank you to CdM
[Chalky] No.
...although it could be involved.
Jet Lag?
[GL] That can also happen when this happens.
Is it to do with the aftermath of the holiday as experienced by the holidaymaker (as opposed to, say, those who have to clean up after the revelries)?
[CdM] Yes.
Back to work after the holidays?
[RS] YES!
Well, well... The next one is ABSTRACT WITH VEGETABLE CONNECTIONS
Is it a fictional piece of vegitation?
[GL] No.
With apologies, I'd like to amend the first clue to ABSTRACT WITH VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL CONNECTIONS for indeed there is one of each.
Is the animal connection human?
Anything to do with heraldry?
[Rosie] Yes, but not exclusively.
[Raak] No.
An anarcho-syndicalist picnic?
a piece of literature?
[INJ] No. However, one might well consider taking the vegetable part to picnic, anarcho-syndicalist or otherwise. [Rosie] No.
Is either the vegetable or the animal part figurative? (eg a carrot as enticement)
(RedSnapper) No to what? Should I have bothered with this question? :-)
[Chalky] Not a piece of literature.
[Rosie] Yes. The vegetable part is used figuratively. (I had answered Chalky's question with a No, and mistakenly used your moniker in parentheses. Apologies to Chalky too. Nominative dyslexia!)
Is it associated with a particular country?
Does the animal part refer to the whole "animal"?
(RedS) The nominative dyslexia explains all. I wasn't trying to be accusative. :-)
[Tuj] No. [Rosie] No. A part of the animal. Reiterating an earlier answer to you, I remind you that the animal part could be human.
Would this be a phrase such as an adage, old wives' tale ... ?
Is the vegetable part wood?
Is it a work of art?
[Dujon] Yes. It is a phrase. [Inkspot] No. [Raak] No.
A long shot - The apple of one's eye?
[Rosie] Yes!!! You're right!! The baton is all yours
Well, that's nice - I don't often score with a long one these days.
This next one is simply ABSTRACT.
Is it a title something?
Is it a philosophy?
(Inkspot) - No
(Raak) - No
(Raak) - No
Is it a type of human behaviour?
well guessed Rosie!
(Chalky) - No It works every now and again. :-)
Is it a mental phenomenon?
(Raak) - No
A saying or phrase?
(irach) - No. Despite all the No's so far this is not obscure or difficult.
Is it anything to do with time?
(Inkspot) Yes - *hesitant but approving noises from audience*
Is this a scentific theory?
(Dujon) - No, nothing so abstruse.:-)
Daylight Saving/Summer Time?
(Dujon) - No. The connection with Time is very general, hence the audience's reaction to Inkspot.
any connection with meteorology? *ducks*
(Chalky) Yes, but you don't need to be a weather nut to have put up this subject, far from it.
The shipping forecast?
(Raak) - No (too particular)
A weather forecast?
(Raak) - No The answer is not only about meterology, and is ONE WORD.
Aeromancy?
(Divination by cloud shapes.)
(Raak) - No Nothing as fancy as aeromancy.
Sunrise? (in the general sense)
(Dujon) - No
Summer?
(Raak) - No - but a lot of audience applause.
I'll let someone else guess another season...
Summer Solstice?
oh dear - sorry - forgot it was just the one word.
Solstice?
Narrowing ayes or extending noes: Is it one of the 'four seasons'?
heatwave?
Autumn?
(Chalky) - No
Dujon - Yes - nearly there...
(ImNotJohn) - No
(Lurker Kim) - No - even nearlier there...
Dujon - Yes - nearly there...
(ImNotJohn) - No
(Lurker Kim) - No - even nearlier there...
OK, I'll try Spring
Winter
Tough luck, INJ, but all is the winner. Well done, sir/madam. Your go.
Thank you
OK people this one is VEGETABLE/ANIMAL
Is the animal human?
[INJ] No (at least I hope not)
Is it man made?
Is it a type of food?
Mmm, beef and vegetable stew.
[Inkspot] Yes
[Raak] Yes, but not beef and vegetable stew
[Raak] Yes, but not beef and vegetable stew
Is it a associated with a particular country?
Is it a well-known food recipe (eg. Shepherds Pie)?
[Inkspot] Yes, possibly two particular countries
[Kim] Yes
[Kim] Yes
Does it involve noodles?
[Raak] No.
Is/are the particular country/ies European?
[INJ] The main one is, but the optional one isn't.
Chicken Tikka Marsala?
An 89, a 34, and an egg fried rice, please.
[INJ] No
[Raak] It'll be about 20 minutes, cash only please.
[Raak] It'll be about 20 minutes, cash only please.
Pizza?
[irach] Yes.
This one is VEGETABLE WITH AN OCCASIONAL ANIMAL CONNECTION
This one is VEGETABLE WITH AN OCCASIONAL ANIMAL CONNECTION.
Waiter, there's a fly in my vegetable soup!
[Raak] Good and amusing try, but no.
Edible, in the normal sense?
Is it related to the generally accepted term 'The Arts'?
[Rosie] Yes. Very edible.
[Dujon] No, not really.
Welsh rabbit?
Caesar Salad (optional chicken)?
Is it a created dish, as opposed to just a particular fruit/vegetable?
apple (optional maggot)?
[Raak] [Kim] No.
[CdM] Yes, a created food. No, not an apple, and neither is an arthropod of any kind involved.
Fly cemetery? (a currant tart or slice)
[Raak] Not a currant tart, but inching ever so closer.
A kind of pudding?
[Néa] No.
Is the vegetable part fruit?
[Irouléguy] No.
A pie of some kind?
[CdM] No. (Getting warmer, but not quite toasty yet).
Something stuffed with something?
[Raak] Not generally.
Does this include raisins?
Please ignore that, irach. Not a fruit; sorry.
Is pastry part of its make up?
(egg) fried rice?
Is it a vegetarian imitation of meat?
[Dujon] It is a bakery item.
[IMJ]{Raak] No. No.
An angel cake?
[Raak} No.
Sweet, rather than savoury?
Generally savoury, in its most common incarnation.
oooh, Cornish pasty? (although, given the suet in the pastry, I'd question the occasionalness of the animal ...)
[Wol] No.
A type of bread?
[Raak] Yes, of sorts.
A sausage roll?
[I-guy] No.
Sandwich?
Toast?
[all][Chalky] No.
are we to die of boredom?
[Trotterman] Not if you go to France and think French.
A baguette?
I might add, in defense of my following of Bolton Wanderers and general insanity as a result thereof (which might lead some to think that I had adopted a nom de plume), I was and am not 'Trotterman'. :-)
Pizza?
Pitta?
[Dujon] There's no defence for following Bolton Wanderers ;-)
A gallette?
Croque Monsieur?
Is it French then?
INJ's view is seconded, soundly.
[Dujon] [Raak] [INJ] [Inkspot] [CdM] No.
[Tuj] Yes it's as French as Au Claire del la luna, and that's a clue.
Croissant?
(although I wouldn't say that was generally savoury...)
Yes. A (butter) croissant.
Me again?
OK, this is ANIMAL and VEGETABLE
Is the animal human?
Human? No.
Is this edible?
I don't think of croissants as being savoury, either
Edible? Yes. (*some applause* )
Is it savoury?
savoury? Yes
Is it a drink?
A drink? No (*smatterings of applause, however* )
Soup?
Soup? No.
Is it French?
French? In part, yes. (*some applause* )
Is it liquid?
Liquid? In part, yes.
A banana milk shake?
Banana milk shake? No. In fact, impressively far from the correct answer.
Is this meat in a sauce, say Coq Au Vin?
Meat in a Sauce? *tumultuous applause* At least by the usual definitions, the answer is almost yes, but not exactly.
Cod in parsley sauce?
Is pasta involved?
Cod in parsley sauce? *further sustained applause* No.
Pasta? *sudden dead silence*. No.
Pasta? *sudden dead silence*. No.
Is it a type of soup?
Pickled herring?
Soup? *tut-tutting noises from the audience, together with mutterings of "young people today have no attention span, that's the problem"*
Pickled herring? No.
Pickled herring? No.
Moules Marinière?
Popeye? No, but inching closer.
Is the animal bit seafood (crustacea, etc) rather than fish?
Crustacea? No, the animal bit is fish.
Grilled red snapper with rougaille sauce?
Fish and chips?
Oops, no attention span, liquid involved...
[Raak] ... drenched in vinegar?
Caviar?
How about Oysters dripping in Oystery thingy ... ?
sorry, I was out for dinner...
Red snapper with rougaille sauce? *ecstatic applause and much fainting in the aisles*. The fish is indeed red snapper. Now you just have to figure out the key ingredient of the sauce.
Fish and chips and vinegar and caviar and oysters? No.
Fish and chips and vinegar and caviar and oysters? No.
Is the key ingredient alcoholic?
Way back there was a little ripple at the mention of a drink...
Alcoholic? Yes. (*applause* ) And, as a reminder, just for free, the key ingredient is also French.
Is the name of the sauce the name of the alcoholic beverage?
If anyone comes in and steals this one, I'll throw a wobbly :-)
Red Snapper Provencale?
The thing is, I don't eat fish as a rule so I'm just taking a culinary flyer ....
A poached fish with mushrooms in a white wine sauce?
The French supermarkets I saw on hols had a wonderful wide selection of fresh seafood that beat Sainsbury's regimented display of mackerel, salmon and kippers into a cocked hat.
Refusing to name my sauces
Name of sauce = alcohol? Yes. Though, to be precise, the sauce doesn't have a name as such. I simply want a key French alcoholic liquid ingredient.
Provencale? No.
poached with mushrooms in white wine? It could be.
Provencale? No.
poached with mushrooms in white wine? It could be.
Red Snapper Chasseur?
.. which is loosely connected to mushroom and white wine, which on reading the above has been indicated as a possibility. This may be my last guess. I simply don't know of any other sauce one might serve with Red S. And if someone else guesses the right sauce I WON'T throw any wobblies because I'm busy from now on and so don't really care :-)
Pernod or Ricard? [the sauce that is]
He MADE me type this :-)
Who made who type it? You're both pissed. Disgraceful.
Red Snapper in Bouillabaise Sauce?
Chasseur? No.
Pastis? No.
Bouillabaisse? No.
I say again, the words on the card are not so much a particular sauce as a particular ingredient (French, alcoholic, liquid). In that sense (although only in that sense), the guesses of Pernod/Ricard are on the right track. And although the RedSnapper could be poached in mushrooms in white wine, the mushrooms are irrelevant, and there is a sense in which that particular recipe is unlikely, given what is on the card.
You might make more progress at this point if you stop thinking of this as a culinary puzzle...
Pastis? No.
Bouillabaisse? No.
I say again, the words on the card are not so much a particular sauce as a particular ingredient (French, alcoholic, liquid). In that sense (although only in that sense), the guesses of Pernod/Ricard are on the right track. And although the RedSnapper could be poached in mushrooms in white wine, the mushrooms are irrelevant, and there is a sense in which that particular recipe is unlikely, given what is on the card.
You might make more progress at this point if you stop thinking of this as a culinary puzzle...
Champagne?
Champagne? No.
Is the other element of the dish also the name of an MCer (like RedSnapper)?
In a Rich sauce? In an Orange sauce? In a (Prof) Plum sauce? In a Chalky sauce?! Can't think of anyone who posts as Campari, but....
another MCer? Yes! *audience rises to their feet as one and cheers*. OK, now just how hard can this be...?
Rosé? ;-)
Brown Sauce
Or maybe not
Krug?
I'd thought of Sauce à l'anglaïs, but decided against it
Red snapper in Ros(i)é wine?
[Iroul] I think I've guessed that already :-)
Chalky *blushes deeply* I don't even have the excuse of being pissed...
Brown, Rosie, Krug? No. This is evidently more obscure than I thought. I am particularly surprised that neither INJ nor Irouléguy have got the answer.
(Or even if they haven't got the answer, I'm surprised they haven't gotten it.)
Red Snapper in Bernaise Sauce made with wine vinegar?
OK, The weekend is coming up
Béarnaise sauce? No.
The missing ingredient is French and alcoholic, and would be suitable as a basis for a sauce. There have been suggestions that this ingredient might be a wine of some kind, and I have done nothing to discourage those suggestions. It is also the name of an MC player who plays regularly in this game. And, no, it isn't Chateau Flerdle.
The missing ingredient is French and alcoholic, and would be suitable as a basis for a sauce. There have been suggestions that this ingredient might be a wine of some kind, and I have done nothing to discourage those suggestions. It is also the name of an MC player who plays regularly in this game. And, no, it isn't Chateau Flerdle.
RedSnapper with Iroulëguy Wine sauce
Finally...
*hands over the baton* (although you might want to microwave it before you eat it)
Just returning from lunch, dining not on Red Snapper but a rather measly soggy tuna sandwich unaccompanied by any fine wine, Iroulëguy or otherwise... This one is ABSTRACT BUT WITH A NECESSARY ANIMAL CONNECTION
Is it Narnia?
[Kim] No.
A constellation?
Is it a saying, proverb, or figure of speech?
[Raak] [Nea] No.
Fictional?
Double identity?
A cartoon character?
Is the animal human?
CdM] Never heard of it - I'll have to try making it, if I can find a bottle of me in this country.
[Raak] Not fictional. [Chalky] No. [Dujon] No. [Irouléguy] Yes.
Is the human alive?
[Irouléguy] The first time I ever heard of Irouléguy was in the context of the wine. Do you not take your name from the region, then? Or did you just not know they made wine there?
*is neither French nor alcoholic*
Is the abstract bit a place?
CdM] No, I did take my name from the wine, I meant I'd never come across the particular dish. Do you just poach the fish in the wine, or is there more of a recipe?
[CdM] The human component has to be alive. [Irouleguy] The abstract bit is not a place, but a specific place is required for the abstract thing in question to take place.
Fishing?
Does it have a connection to religion?
[Irouléguy] No, not fishing. [Néa] No. Yet some of the human component may be said to pursue the abstract thing with almost religious fervour.
Something to do with a game?
Is it a solo pastime?
[Raak] Not a game per se, but people do compete at it
[Inkspot] Generally carried out in a group setting, although some enthusiasts may do it solo in private.
Bullshitting?
[Raak] No.
Playing air guitar?
Getting drunk?
Running?
Animal breeding?
Is is associated with a particular culture or country?
[
[Irouléguy] No, but getting closer.
[Inkspot]1. Not running. 2. It was originally associated with a particular country but is now universal.
[Raak] No, and no.
Was the particular country a European one?
[Raak] No.
Is there a musical connection?
Or a connection to martial arts?
[Irouléguy] Yes. Very much so.
[Néa] No, not that I know of.
Did it originate in Amrerica?
Does it involve strenuous physical exertion?
[Inkspot] No.
[Raak] Only if the participants so desire, but strenuous exercise is not a required activity.
Karaoke?
[Irouleguy] Yes!! Congratulations!
*waves arms wildly, attempts to twirl microphone*
If I was being pedantic, I'd object that the definition should really have read "necessary animal and mineral connection" - you have to have the equipment for it to be karaoke as opposed to just singing while drunk. Anyway, our next is MINERAL .
Is it found on earth?
([Iroul] Re fish and wine -- no, I had no particular recipe in mind; it was just intended as a culinary marriage of two MCers. (The internets reveal plenty of recipes for red snapper in wine sauces, and plenty of recipes for various fish in Irouléguy sauces, but I couldn't find a specific example of my chosen combination.) I still say that by the time it was clear that the missing component from the answer was the name of an MCer that was also the name of a French alcoholic drink, you might have been expected to make a guess!)
Is it man made?
Is it bigger than a telephone box?
Is it a telephone box?
Is the mineral metal?
Related to Cassini?
Cdm] Found on earth? Yes (and yes, I should have tried the guess - I'm too literal about this sometimes)
Inkspot] Is it man made? Yes
Kim] Is it bigger than a telephone box? In the volume sense of bigger, no
all] Is it a telephone box? No
ImNotJohn] Is the mineral metal? Some of it is.
Inkspot] Is it man made? Yes
Kim] Is it bigger than a telephone box? In the volume sense of bigger, no
all] Is it a telephone box? No
ImNotJohn] Is the mineral metal? Some of it is.
Does it have moving parts?
Used in the home?
ImNotJohn] Does it have moving parts? Yes
Rosie] Used in the home? No
Rosie] Used in the home? No
Raak] Related to Cassini? No (sorry I missed you out above - you must have simmed me).
Is the part that's not metal composed of plastics or synthetic polymers?
Would it fit inside a telephone box?
irach] Is the part that's not metal composed of plastics or synthetic polymers? Yes (some of it, anyway - there may also be other bits)
Raak] Would it fit inside a telephone box? Normally, no
Raak] Would it fit inside a telephone box? Normally, no
An aerial of some sort?
Is it associated with the dissemination of sound?
A fishing rod?
Raak] An aerial of some sort? No
irach] - Is it associated with the dissemination of sound? Not really - some of these do make sounds, but most don't
Rosie] A fishing rod? No
irach] - Is it associated with the dissemination of sound? Not really - some of these do make sounds, but most don't
Rosie] A fishing rod? No
Does it run on electrical power?
Is it anything to do with transport?
Inkspot] Does it run on electrical power? *applause* Yes
Rosie] Is it anything to do with transport? *louder applause* Yes
Rosie] Is it anything to do with transport? *louder applause* Yes
Is it wheeled?
A Segway?
ImNotJohn] Is it wheeled? No
Raak] A Segway? No
Raak] A Segway? No
Is it something you would attach to a vehicle?
Is it flexible?
Raak] Is it something you would attach to a vehicle? No
CdM] Is it flexible? No
CdM] Is it flexible? No
Is it anything like one of these?
Is it used for public transportation?
An elevator?
Does the electrical power typically come from a battery or batteries?
Raak] Scary! There is a colour connection, but otherwise, no.
irach] Is it used for public transportation? No An elevator? No
CdM] Does the electrical power typically come from a battery or batteries? No
irach] Is it used for public transportation? No An elevator? No
CdM] Does the electrical power typically come from a battery or batteries? No
A Belisha beacon?
Is it used in or on the ocean?
A speed camera?
Traffic lights?
We have a winner! Traffic lights it is. Take it away, irach.
What? Me again? This one is just VEGETABLE.
Is it edible?
[Rosie] Yes. A part of it is edible.
Is the part that is edible a fruit or seed?
Does it have to be cooked before being eaten?
The Nasturtium?
[irach] - re: "What? Me again?" Who dares wins ;-)
Is it a herb?
IDoes it have a shell?
[CdM] I guess it can be construed as part of the seed.
[Raak] No. But it is used in parts of the world for cooking purposes too.
[Inkspot] No. [Kim] Yes.
A coconut?
[Raak] Yes, you got it! Take it away...
This one is ANIMAL, MINERAL, and VEGETABLE.
Man-made?
You must be psychic, or brilliant. Take your pick.
Contents of a pet store?
[Rosie] Yes.
[irach] No. (slight murmuration from the audience)
[irach] No. (slight murmuration from the audience)
Is it a meal, rather than one item?
The Notlob parrot?
Just checking to see if my psychic powers have reappeared. [Raak] A terrific deduction.
[Rosie] Not a meal.
[Dujon] No.
[Dujon] No.
A pie of some kind?
[Rosie] No. (snoring from the audience)
Is the mineral part metal?
[Inkspot] Some of it is.
Would the animal part be found in a pet store?
Is the vegetable part eaten by the animal?
[CdM] Yes, but that's a very misleading answer.
[I] Yes, partly.
[I] Yes, partly.
Are there many of the thing as a whole, or just one?
[Tuj] Many.
Is this a geographical feature [loosely speaking]?
[Chalky] No.
A Zoo or Wildlife Park?
[C] No.
Might one find this in the home?
Looks as though I'm the only one playing today ....
[C] No.
I'm here too...
I'm here too...
Is the animal part a living animal or a product from a dead one?
Is the animal part a living animal or a product from a dead one?
eliminating more possibilities ... found in the workplace?
[R] ... but you know the answer
Is the animal part human?
[irach] Primarily living. Dead animals, if any, are only peripherally involved.
][C] Ah....no.
[i] The living animal part is human.
][C] Ah....no.
[i] The living animal part is human.
Is this a person undertaking an activity?
[C] That is a deep philosophical question, but for present purposes we can say that the answer isn't, but people undertaking an activity is a big part of what it is. (Several members of the audience attain enlightenment.)
Any link to transport?
[INJ] No.
Are any of the mineral or vegetable parts clothing?
[I] No. That is, the people involved are usually wearing clothes, but that isn't a part of the answer.
Do these people have to pay to do this?
A religious or spiritual activity (in a broad sense)?
[C] Yes. (a sprinkling of applause.)
[INJ] Only in a sense broad enough to be jocular.
For clarification, the activity itself is not the answer, but a definite activity takes place there.
[INJ] Only in a sense broad enough to be jocular.
For clarification, the activity itself is not the answer, but a definite activity takes place there.
Is this a building designed for a specific purpose?
[C] Yes. (APPLAUSE!)
A shop?
[C] Yes! (Several members of the audience ascend into heaven.)
Harrods?
[INJ] No.
Is it a 'well-known High Street store'?
[C] No.
Is it a generic shop type (as in 'a grocer's shop')?
[INJ] Yes.
A cheese shop?
[INJ] No.
A shoe shop?
[C] No.
A butcher shop?
[irach] Not many vegetables in a butcher's shop.
A supermarket?
A wholefood shop?
A greengrocery?
[i,I,C] No.
A healthfood shop?
A Florists?
[all] I think that's what a 'wholefood shop' is?
[all] No.
[everyone] Don't get too hung up on narrow definitions of "vegetable" and "shop".
[everyone] Don't get too hung up on narrow definitions of "vegetable" and "shop".
A coffee house or café?
A newsagent?
A public house?
[CdM] No, and no.
[Chalky] Yes! Over to you.
[Chalky] Yes! Over to you.
Thanks :-)
A B S T R A C T with mainly A N I M A L connections
Would the animal be feline, by any chance?
A 'wholefood' shop is organic stuff (veg, beans, pulses, sometimes baking). I'd think of a healthfood shop as being more vitamins and minerals, like Holland and Barrett.
[I Rule A Cute Guy] healthy/whole food - yeah, it's a fine line. The ones we have here do both and are known as health food shops.
Feline? No
Is the animal connection human?
[Rosers] Human? erm - Yes
Is the, erm, human a fictional human?
Chalkers, Rosers, I Rule A Cute Guy - there's a game in this, somewhere!
[The Kimster] Fictional? Yes!
King Arthur?
[Raak] No ... but * cheers from audience*
The Arthurian Legend?
Going for the bleed'n' obvious. How's that, O Calciferous One?
Female?
Camelot?
Chalky] Yes, they mostly do both round here too (though Stoke Newington Church Street still has an organic baker). I think 'wholefood' may have been a seventies thing, and I might be showing my age.
good morning all :-)
[Rosers] Arthurian Legend? No
[Raaaaaak] Female? No
[Iroulé] Camelot? No
A fictional king?
[INJ] Yes
King Lear?
[CdeM] Lear? No
Shakespearean?
Was there some significance to your "erm" in response to the 'human?' question?
[INJ] Nay
[CdeM] significance? Well spotted
[CdeM] significance? Well spotted
King Kong?
A man in a suit but probably not human enough to count.
[all] King Kong? No
King Louie?
Granted, he wasn't a man at all, but he wanted to...
A cartoon?
The king of the hill?
English King?
[Néa] King Louie? No
[CdeM] cartoon? No
[Iroulé] hill? No
[irachsnap] English King? No
[CdeM] cartoon? No
[Iroulé] hill? No
[irachsnap] English King? No
Prester John?
[Raaak] Prester John? No
The Sun King?
Thrashing about in the dark. Hmm, chance would be a fine thing.
Neptune?
Is this pseudo-king from a nursery rhyme?
Was he European?
[Rosie] Sun King? No
[CdM] Neptune? No
[Duj] Nursery? No
[Iroul] European? No ... although trying to find out a little more about this fictional king may well be the way forward
*takes off 'stating the bleedin' obvious hat'*
[CdM] Neptune? No
[Duj] Nursery? No
[Iroul] European? No ... although trying to find out a little more about this fictional king may well be the way forward
*takes off 'stating the bleedin' obvious hat'*
Is the answer in the form "King ......."?
And while we're in thrashing about mode - King Rat?
[INJ] Form/Rat? No & No ['though the word 'King' IS on the card]
Is it a king of myth or legend that only approximated to human (The Fairy King, for example)?
Does he feature in a specific novel or set of novels?
As opposed to someone like Arthur (or the Fairy King).
Is he originally from religion or mythology?
we have a breakthrough
[Kim] myth/legend approximate human? Would be misleading to say yes because ...
...[Néa] set of novels? YES!!!! *hoorays from audience*
[Iroul] religion/mythology? see Kim's answer
The Return of the King?
[INJ] YES! Nice and easy does it. Over to you ...
After a weekend away
OK - sorry for the delay. The next one is
ANIMAL
ANIMAL
Human?
Rudolf Rocker?
Human - Yes
Mr Rocker - any relation to Mr Hucker? - No in any case.
Mr Rocker - any relation to Mr Hucker? - No in any case.
Alive?
[Néa] No
Female?
[CdM]Female? - No
Alive in the last century?
Dead White Male?
(I still think Rudolf Rocker was a good guess, btw.)
A religious personage?
Died before 1998?
[Iroul] Alive in last century - No
[CdM] Dead White Male? - No
[Néa] Religious? - No
[all] Died before 1998? - Yes
[CdM] Dead White Male? - No
[Néa] Religious? - No
[all] Died before 1998? - Yes
Alive after 1 AD?
Any connection with anarcho-syndicalism?
Anticipating a negative, here we go again...
Asian?
Big place, Asia, alas.
[Raak] Alive after 1 AD? - Yes
[Rosie] anarcho-syndicalism? - No (though I was tempted)
Asian? - Yes (several of the audience wake up and applaud)
[Rosie] anarcho-syndicalism? - No (though I was tempted)
Asian? - Yes (several of the audience wake up and applaud)
Chinggis (aka Ghengis) Khan?
Well, that didn't take long
YES - that's the guy.
Well done and over to you.
Well done and over to you.
Sweeping across the steppe...our next is ABSTRACT, necessarily involving ANIMAL (and almost certainly VEGETABLE and MINERAL as well, but they won't help).
An anarcho-syndicalist hog-roast?
Related to a work of fiction?
Is the animal human?
Armageddon?
Trying to think big here.
The extinction of the dinosaurs?
The Black Death?
ImNotJohn] An anarcho-syndicalist hog-roast? It could be a feature of this, but it's pretty unlikely.
Related to a work of fiction? This does occur in works of fiction, but it's not related to any particular one.
CdM] Is the animal human? *scattered applause* Yes
Néa] Armageddon? No
Raak]The extinction of the dinosaurs? No
Rosie] The Black Death? No
Advance apologies - because of work I won't be near a computer tomorrow till about 5pm.
Related to a work of fiction? This does occur in works of fiction, but it's not related to any particular one.
CdM] Is the animal human? *scattered applause* Yes
Néa] Armageddon? No
Raak]The extinction of the dinosaurs? No
Rosie] The Black Death? No
Advance apologies - because of work I won't be near a computer tomorrow till about 5pm.
A swarm or herd of any kind?
Is the human a single particular individual?
Does it happen in real life as well as works of fiction?
Is this a historic one-off event?
Ignore my previous question - I didn't see CdM's Q & A.
Is war involved?
The King of the Gypsies?
Rosie] A swarm or herd of any kind? No
ImNotJohn] Is the human a single particular individual? No
all] Does it happen in real life as well as works of fiction? Yes
Rosie] Is this a historic one-off event? *the audience giggle* Possibly.
Gusset Login - Is war involved? Quite the reverse.
Raak] The King of the Gypsies? No
ImNotJohn] Is the human a single particular individual? No
all] Does it happen in real life as well as works of fiction? Yes
Rosie] Is this a historic one-off event? *the audience giggle* Possibly.
Gusset Login - Is war involved? Quite the reverse.
Raak] The King of the Gypsies? No
Sex?
A love-in?
Néa] Sex? *cries of "phwooar" from the audience* Yes, but more specifically...
Raak] A love-in? Is that what the young people are calling it these days? Again, more specifically...
The words on the card should be safe for work, unless your manager is exceptionally straitlaced.
Raak] A love-in? Is that what the young people are calling it these days? Again, more specifically...
The words on the card should be safe for work, unless your manager is exceptionally straitlaced.
An orgy?
An orgasm?
(Chalky) Works both in English and French; humps, humps, humps etc. Sorry to be so flippant.
Somebody's first time?
Rosie] An orgy? No
Chalky - An orgasm? No
Raak] Somebody's first time? Possibly, but not specifically.
Chalky - An orgasm? No
Raak] Somebody's first time? Possibly, but not specifically.
Procreation?
At this point would you still say that the vegetable and mineral components are not helpful?
Raak] Procreation? Definitely not the point of this.
CdM] At this point would you still say that the vegetable and mineral components are not helpful? Yes - while vegetable and mineral will almost certainly be involved in this, the possible range is so wide that focussing on them wouldn't help.
There's an indirect topical political connection.
CdM] At this point would you still say that the vegetable and mineral components are not helpful? Yes - while vegetable and mineral will almost certainly be involved in this, the possible range is so wide that focussing on them wouldn't help.
There's an indirect topical political connection.
A kiss?
foreplay?
The cigarette afterwards?
Invoking Ken Clarke.
The rhythm method?
Anything to do with contraception?
Raak] A kiss? No
all] foreplay? No
Rosie] The cigarette afterwards? No
CdM] The rhythm method? The jazz-lover's preference? No
Tuj] Anything to do with contraception? Contraception would almost certainly be part of this.
The first two of these, and the last, would almost certainly be involved in the answer. The other two might well be involved (and the likelihood of this would be greater in the past).
all] foreplay? No
Rosie] The cigarette afterwards? No
CdM] The rhythm method? The jazz-lover's preference? No
Tuj] Anything to do with contraception? Contraception would almost certainly be part of this.
The first two of these, and the last, would almost certainly be involved in the answer. The other two might well be involved (and the likelihood of this would be greater in the past).
Safe sex?
Non-procreative sex?
Anal sex?
Bugger it; it's worth a try.
CdM] Safe sex?
Raak] Non-procreative sex?
Rosie] Anal sex?
All of these could well be involved - think circumstances rather than activity.
Raak] Non-procreative sex?
Rosie] Anal sex?
All of these could well be involved - think circumstances rather than activity.
This game was completed in MCiOS ' Truth Game' along with the other puzzles that followed - shall we steal it back? Yes? Yes?
Yes!
Might be nice to shift Gary Glitter off the top of the page.
Please don't paste in the intervening moves, though.
The Summer of Love?
In the midst of which I was born
Anyone bothered enough to transfer a summary?
Shazam!
And the mystery object is an ABSTRACT object that can be physically realised in MINERAL form, and has nothing to do with almost every guess so far, be it of concrete, water sports, transport, weather, crocodiles, pagodas, or Contango Day.
Is it connected with the Internet?
[Tuj] No.
Does the mineral form take the form of writing of some sort?
[Tuj] No.
How much will it help if we find out what sort of mineral it is?
[I] Possibly, a bit. It might help more to find out what sort of abstract object it is.
Something to do with computers and the internet?
[I] No.
Is this something that people would pay to see?
[Chalky] No, but they can pay to buy one, at prices from $30 to $12000.
Is it an event?
[I] No.
Is this a piece of "abstract" art?
A Klein Bottle?
[Rosie] Yes!
[CdM] (the audience die of heart failure and are taken up bodily into heaven) YES! A Klein bottle!
[CdM] (the audience die of heart failure and are taken up bodily into heaven) YES! A Klein bottle!
All right. I will once again turn to the WRAVMASG...
...and this is either ABSTRACT or MINERAL/VEGETABLE with ANIMAL connections. I should perhaps warn you that it is very possible that no-one here has heard of this, but it should still be solvable with judicious questioning and googling.
...and this is either ABSTRACT or MINERAL/VEGETABLE with ANIMAL connections. I should perhaps warn you that it is very possible that no-one here has heard of this, but it should still be solvable with judicious questioning and googling.
Is it a physical construction?
Does it originate from a particular culture?
Physical construction? No.
Originate from a particular culture? Not exactly, but *some applause*.
Originate from a particular culture? Not exactly, but *some applause*.
Would it be found in a specific country?
Found in a specific country? Yes. *substantial applause*
Is the Animal connection human?
An English-speaking country?
A European country?
Is it a place?
Is the mineral metal?
Is the vegetable edible?
Is the associated country in Asia?
Rare audience appreciation!
Human? Yes. the animal connection is not particularly useful, though.
English-speaking? No.
European country? Yes
A place? Yes. *applause*
Metal? Some. Since you have now identified that we are looking for a place, I would say that the mineral/vegetable/animal connections are not that helpful.
Edible? Some. See above.
Asia? No.*dead silence from audience*
English-speaking? No.
European country? Yes
A place? Yes. *applause*
Metal? Some. Since you have now identified that we are looking for a place, I would say that the mineral/vegetable/animal connections are not that helpful.
Edible? Some. See above.
Asia? No.*dead silence from audience*
Is the place best known for an event that happened there?
Is it found in one of the EU member states?
Is the answer the name of a town (hamlet/city etc.)?
It is a place where one might go to contemplate the beauty of nature??
Actually, on second thoughts, given the ABSTRACT primary definition, I wonder - Is the answer the name of a geographical area in some sense?
best known for event? Um, I am not sure if it is known for anything
in EU? Yes.
Name of town (hamlet/city, etc.)? No, unless "etc." is very broadly defined.
beauty of nature? Er, I have no idea, really. I'll hazard a guess at yes, though I don't think it is particularly known for its natural beauty.
****
Ah ... good thing I previewed before posting. Name of a geographical area? Yes. *applause*
in EU? Yes.
Name of town (hamlet/city, etc.)? No, unless "etc." is very broadly defined.
beauty of nature? Er, I have no idea, really. I'll hazard a guess at yes, though I don't think it is particularly known for its natural beauty.
****
Ah ... good thing I previewed before posting. Name of a geographical area? Yes. *applause*
Is it in France?
France? No. 24 to go.
In current EU?
Oops - forget that one - how about In a country with a Mediterranean coastline?
In current EU? Er, yes. Didn't I already answer that?
*****
Ah, you are saved by the preview again.
Mediterranean coastline? No.
*****
Ah, you are saved by the preview again.
Mediterranean coastline? No.
And, for free, here is an addendum to a previous answer. The name of a town/hamlet/city is one of the words on the card, although the answer is not the name of a town/hamlet/city.
Does the area have a coastline?
Is the answer an administrative area?
In Scandinavia - including the Baltic States?
Coastline? I am pretty certain that the answer is no.
Administrative area? Yes. *applause*
Scandinavia including Baltics? Yes.
Administrative area? Yes. *applause*
Scandinavia including Baltics? Yes.
(Make that 99.9% certain that it does not have a coastline)
Is it in Finland?
Finland? No.
The province of Jönköping?
Does the name itself consist of more than word? (Or, contrariwise, is the phrase on the card 'the province/region/whatever of ...' plus just one word?)
In Germany?
Oops, missed that it's Scandinavia.
In Denmark?
The Tivoli Gardens?
In one of Baltic states?
Remember guys - the initial setting said that we've probably never heard of this.
Does it have connections to Norse legends and myths?
Is it in Sweden?
Jonkoping? No.
Form of answer? The answer is two words: Place Name + Administrative Area Designation.
Part of the Third Reich? No.
Denmark? No.
Tivoli Gardens? Never heard of them
In Baltic States? Yes.
Connection to Norse legends? Not as far as I am aware.
Sweden? No.
Form of answer? The answer is two words: Place Name + Administrative Area Designation.
Part of the Third Reich? No.
Denmark? No.
Tivoli Gardens? Never heard of them
In Baltic States? Yes.
Connection to Norse legends? Not as far as I am aware.
Sweden? No.
Something like "Latvian Borough of Riga"?
LBoR? Well, something like that, although see my previous response on the form of the answer.
Estonia?
For the sake of brevity assume I've asked the other 2 in turn if each preceding one is wrong.
Oh, it would have been briefer to ask the 3 questions separately, wouldn't it?
Oh, it would have been briefer to ask the 3 questions separately, wouldn't it?
Estonia? Yes.
One of the 15 counties?
One of the 15 counties? Sadly, no. :-)
A municipality?
Municipality? Yes, although that is not the word on the card.
Is the word on the card 'township'?
OK so we're down to one of the 208 municipalities (aka townships) or possibly one of the 47 towns. Shouldn't take long now.
Is the second word "commune"?
Township/Commune? The word on the card is "Commune" but I think that is just an equivalent term for "township". As you say, shouldn't take too long.
Does the county it is in begin with a letter in the first half of the alphabet?
I can do binary chop searches
Disappearing into meetings now, but I'm using Wikipedia's 'list of municipalities in Estonia'
County in first half of alphabet? Yes, most definitely. :-) I'm leaving in 15 minutes; think we can get it worked out by then?
If it has not been figured out before I leave, I might hand the baton to INJ (*cries of "nepotism!" from the audience*) given that he has done most of the heavy lifting on this one.
Hiiu county?
In the hope of a quick win
Is it in the County of Harju?
[agree re: INJ so I'm just helpin to move things along - not aiming for a lurker's victory}
Harju it is
So, there are 19 communes, of which seven have coastline, so just 12 left to choose from
Saku Commune?
Nope. The answer was Kernu Commune. And as I am now going out for the evening, I am going to declare INJ the winner. Sorry it was so obscure, but that's what the Wikipedia Random AVMA Subject Generator gave me...
[CdM] An interesting technique for subject generation, but not very satisfying once we get down to the 'find the one from the list' bit. BTW I should also like to deny categorically that I am CdM's nephew.
Anyway, the next one is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections
Anyway, the next one is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections
Is the animal part a person?
[Ink] - Is the animal part a person? The animal part is human.
Is there a musical connection?
[Iroul] - musical connection? - NO
Is the animal part some number of specific humans?. [INJ] Agreed. If I use it again I will throw in a bit of my own discretion about the suitability of the subject.
[CdM]some specific humans - NO
A crowd or gathering of some kind?
[Rosie] gathering - NO
Is it a role?
[Raak] Role? - NO
Is it male?
[Inks] Male? - Not defined
[forgetting the animal part for the time being] - Is this an activity of some sort?
[Chalky] an activity - NO
Normal service (i.e. slow) will be resumed shortly - in about 20 mins - when I pack up to go home.
Normal service (i.e. slow) will be resumed shortly - in about 20 mins - when I pack up to go home.
A belief system?
[Iroul] Belief system - NO
Human construct? (oblig.)
Does this involve the senses?
[CdM] Human construct? - YES (though that may not help a lot)
[Chalky] involve the senses? - NO
[Chalky] involve the senses? - NO
Is this an intellectual creation?
[CdM] an intellectual creation? - YES (some shaking of heads in the audience)
Is it a field of study?
[Hux] a field of study? - NO (some laughter in the audience)
Entertainment (or intended to be entertainment)?
[Iroul] entertainment? - NO
Hmm, I didn't think it would be this hard to get - I'm in meetings all afternoon, so I may have to start thinking of clues.
Hmm, I didn't think it would be this hard to get - I'm in meetings all afternoon, so I may have to start thinking of clues.
Is it an abstract noun?
Is this a medical condition?
[Tuj] abstract noun? - NO
[Chalky]a medical condition? - NO
[Chalky]a medical condition? - NO
I'm not very convinced by my own answer to the Intellectual creation question - I'm not completely sure what CdM meant by it. However the answer is a product of human minds, so I stand by it. I also refer you to my answer to the very first question from Inkspot.
Is the human a specific human?
Is this historically specific?
[Tuj] a specific human? - NO
[Iroul] historically specific? - NO (though its abstract existence does not span all of human history)
[Iroul] historically specific? - NO (though its abstract existence does not span all of human history)
Clarifications on the last 2.
Not a specific human, but a specific subset of humankind.
Its existence spans about the last couple of hundred years.
Not a specific human, but a specific subset of humankind.
Its existence spans about the last couple of hundred years.
An organisation?
[Raak] An organisation? - NO
Is it connected to the USA?
(I'm not sure what my 'intellectual creation' question meant either; I simply threw it out there in the hope that it would generate some response other than 'NO'.)
Or is it connected to some particular technological invention or innovation?
[CdM] connected to the USA? - Not particularly (nor originally)
technological invention or innovation? - NO (some laughter in the audience)
technological invention or innovation? - NO (some laughter in the audience)
Religious?
[Tuj] Religious? - NO (but definitely no laughter)
Is the "specific subset of humankind" either 'men' or 'women'?
[CdM] either 'men' or 'women'? - NO
Trekkies?
To do with science fiction?
Is this represented by an acronym?
[Iroul] Trekkies - NO
[Raak] SciFi - NO
[Tuj] Acronym - NO
Time for a little help here. The human connection is with a specific subset of humankind which is neither men nor women.
[Raak] SciFi - NO
[Tuj] Acronym - NO
Time for a little help here. The human connection is with a specific subset of humankind which is neither men nor women.
Hallowe'en?
[Rosie] Hallowe'en? - NO
Children?
(i.e., is that the human connection?)
[CdM] Children? - YES; the human connection is with children (substantial applause from the audience)
Is it a game of some kind?
(I presume not, since you said it wasn't an activity, but just in case...)
[CdM] a game? NO (you presumed correctly)
Spelling bees?
Connected with a work of fiction?
[Raak] Spelling bees? - NO
[CdM Connected with a work of fiction? - This has appeared in a number of works of fiction, but that is not the normal context for it; so NO is probably the most useful answer
[CdM Connected with a work of fiction? - This has appeared in a number of works of fiction, but that is not the normal context for it; so NO is probably the most useful answer
It's that point in the day where I go to my hotel and my laptop gets locked in a drawer at work. I have every confidence that it won't take long now - you just need to pin down what sort of thing this is.
The tooth fairy?
Child labour laws?
[Inkspot] I hope not. I did that one not so long ago...
Is it related to childcare?
Compulsory schooling?
OK - an apology. I've done a bit of looking up and I now think that I should have answered YES to the Connected with a work of fiction? question, in that the majority of the references were in the context of a single work. Anyway, we're nearly there.
[Inkspot] The tooth fairy? - NO (but substantial and prolonged applause)
[CdM] Child labour laws? - NO
[Raak] Compulsory schooling? - NO
[Inkspot] The tooth fairy? - NO (but substantial and prolonged applause)
[CdM] Child labour laws? - NO
[Raak] Compulsory schooling? - NO
Is this a make-believe character?
The sandman?
[Chalky] make-believe character? - YES
[Iroul] The sandman? - NO
The audience is surreptitiously putting on coats etc. ready for an early exit
[Iroul] The sandman? - NO
The audience is surreptitiously putting on coats etc. ready for an early exit
Jack Frost?
Fairy Godmother?
We have a winner!!
THE FAIRY GODMOTHER it is. Back to CdM
Although the character appears in many stories and predates Perrault, Cinderella now appears to have a working majority.
THE FAIRY GODMOTHER it is. Back to CdM
Although the character appears in many stories and predates Perrault, Cinderella now appears to have a working majority.
Credit where credit is due...
...it was actually Ms CdM who figured this one out.
Anyway, back to the Wikipedia Random AVMA Subject Generator one more time...
... and this one will be easy, I think. It is ABSTRACT (possibly with VEGETABLE and and/or MINERAL connections, but I don't think those are very helpful).
Anyway, back to the Wikipedia Random AVMA Subject Generator one more time...
... and this one will be easy, I think. It is ABSTRACT (possibly with VEGETABLE and and/or MINERAL connections, but I don't think those are very helpful).
Atlantis?
Is this another place?
A human construct?
(trad)
It an event in the natural world?
Sorry for the delay
Atlantis? No.
A place? No (thankfully).
Human Construct? Very definitely.
Event in natural world? Not quite sure what you mean, but I think the answer is no.
A place? No (thankfully).
Human Construct? Very definitely.
Event in natural world? Not quite sure what you mean, but I think the answer is no.
Is this a building perhaps?
An organisation?
The Daytona 500?
(that's what I got when I followed the link...)
Building? No.
Organisation? No.
Daytona 500? No.
Organisation? No.
Daytona 500? No.
An idea?
A work of fiction?
A work of non-fiction? [thanks Kim]
A proverb or saying?
A belief-system or philosophy?
Connected with a belief-system or philosophy?
Is it connected with anything connectable-with?
sorry - ignore that - I was being unecessarily facetious
An idea? Only in a very vague sense.
work of fiction or nonfiction? No.
proverb or saying? No.
Belief system or philosophy, or connected thereto? No.
Connected to anything? Yes. :-)
work of fiction or nonfiction? No.
proverb or saying? No.
Belief system or philosophy, or connected thereto? No.
Connected to anything? Yes. :-)
A state of mind?
Is it of recent origin?
state of mind? No.
Recent origin? No. (Googling suggests that the first instance of the answer was in the early 16th century, but it is probably less misleading to suggest that it has been around since the mid 19th century.)
Recent origin? No. (Googling suggests that the first instance of the answer was in the early 16th century, but it is probably less misleading to suggest that it has been around since the mid 19th century.)
An artistic endeavour, or connected thereto?
Artistic endeavor? No. (Nevertheless, a smattering of applause.)
Anything to do with Music?
A style of doing something?
Music? No.
Style of doing something? No, except in a very very general sense. However, it is a specific abstract thing that exists in the context or a more general abstract thing.
Style of doing something? No, except in a very very general sense. However, it is a specific abstract thing that exists in the context or a more general abstract thing.
Is it an academic study of any kind?
A form of dance?
Academic study? No. (But again, a slight smattering of applause.)
Dance? No.
Dance? No.
Science fiction?
A particular style of architecture?
Science fiction? No.
Style of architecture? No.
Style of architecture? No.
Something "alternative" such as homeopathy, dowsing, etc?
A scientific theory?
Something alternative? No.
Scientific theory? No.
Hmmm... so much for my belief that this would be easy. It seems to me that you have still missed a key broad class of abstract things.
Scientific theory? No.
Hmmm... so much for my belief that this would be easy. It seems to me that you have still missed a key broad class of abstract things.
Mathematical?
Mathematical? No. (*significant applause greets the question and some "oooohs" greet the answer*)
Linguistic?
Linguistic? No. (also, perhaps the applause for "mathematical?" should not have been quite so significant)
Geometrical?
Geometrical? No. (the applause was less significant than that)
To clarify
It is not mathematical. It could however be said that there is a mathematical connection. I am not sure that is a fruitful line of enquiry, however. I would still look for the 'key broad class of abstract things' that has not yet been mentioned.
Numerology?
Numerology? No.
Is this a type of game?
Something imaginary?
Something to do with computers/worldwideweb?
topological - in ythe sense of connected with shapes etc?
Something to do with time?
Type of game? Yes! *sustained relieved applause from the audience*
Imaginary? No.
Computers, WWW? Well, I know you can find examples of the answer on the WWW, but I refer you to my previous answer concerning the 16th and 19th century.
Topological? No.
To do with time? No.
Imaginary? No.
Computers, WWW? Well, I know you can find examples of the answer on the WWW, but I refer you to my previous answer concerning the 16th and 19th century.
Topological? No.
To do with time? No.
Chess?
A specific board game?
Is this a game that's often bet on?
Chess? *massive applause*. Chess is one of the two words on the card. I now refer you to my earlier answer to Tuj.
Specific board game? The answer is not a specific board game.
Often bet on? Very rarely, I would imagine.
Specific board game? The answer is not a specific board game.
Often bet on? Very rarely, I would imagine.
Speed Chess?
is that what it's called??
or "Blitz" Chess
just looked it up :-)
Fairy chess?
Speed/Blitz chess? No.
Fairy chess? No, although there is some connection.
Fairy chess? No, although there is some connection.
Blindfold Chess?
Blindfold chess? No.
Four-handed chess?
4H chess? Never even heard of it. So, no.
Haw about "Wizard's Chess"?
Haw/How
Wizard's chess? No.
Chess Championship?
I assume from the 'not a specific board game' answer that we are not looking for a type of chess.
Chess, the musical?
Chess Problem?
So this is 'a type of game', but 'not a specific board game' and one of the 2 words is 'chess'. Hmmm.
[Raak] Lloyd Webber hasn't been around since the 16th century, it just seems that way.
[Raak] Lloyd Webber hasn't been around since the 16th century, it just seems that way.
And INJ and I keep swapping back and forth: Chess Problem (actually, the word on the card was Puzzle, but I decided earlier I would also accept Problem) is the answer. INJ's careful parsing of 'not a specific board game' was correct; that was why I answered that question even after Chess had been guessed. Finally, I hope "yes" to "type of game" wasn't misleading; I was just so relieved that someone was finally on the right track!
*thinks CdM and INJ are each other's nephews*
(no, not really :-) )
[Néa] No, CdM and I are each other's uncles
I do have a tendency to get involved more towards the end of these games - the Michael Owen approach
Anyway, have a go at: Mineral
Anyway, have a go at: Mineral
Manufactured?
[Chalky} Manufactured? - YES
Specific ("the Eiffel Tower") rather than general ("stainless steel")?
[Néa ] Specific? - YES (Eiffel Tower? - NO)
Primarily or exlusively metal?
Bigger than a telephone box?
[CdM] Metal? - NO
[Raak] Bigger than a telephone box? - YES
[Raak] Bigger than a telephone box? - YES
Is it a monument?
[Raak] a monument? - NO (but some applause)
Is it in Europe?
In Europe?
Hmph. No mere simulpost is going to stand in the way of my question.
Promarily or exclusively stone?
[Iroul] In Europe - YES
[CdM] I will let it stand in the way of a separate answer
[Tuj] stone? - YES
[CdM] I will let it stand in the way of a separate answer
[Tuj] stone? - YES
The Notre Dame Cathedral?
Was it built in the last 100 years?
Sacré Coeur?
In Britain?
Big Ben?
Chartres Cathedral?
[irach] Notre Dame? - NO
[Iroul]built in the last 100 years? - NO
[Rosie] In Britain? - NO
[irach] Big Ben? - NO
[CdM] Chartres - NO
[Iroul]built in the last 100 years? - NO
[Rosie] In Britain? - NO
[irach] Big Ben? - NO
[CdM] Chartres - NO
A place of worship?
[CdM] place of worship? - NO. There's an untested assumption here.
Is it a building?
[Inks] a building? - NO (that's the one)
Is it a free-standing structure?
A place of worship doesn't have to be a building, you know...
Is it a statue?
[CdM] free-standing? - YES
[Raak] a atatue? - YES (loud and enthusiastic applause)
[Raak] a atatue? - YES (loud and enthusiastic applause)
(it's also a Statue)
Is it made of marble?
Is it in Italy?
David's statue of Michelangelo?
(which is much less well-known than the other one)
[Inks] marble? - YES
[Chalky] in Italy - NO
[CdM] David's statue of Michelangelo? - NO (nor vice versa)
[Chalky] in Italy - NO
[CdM] David's statue of Michelangelo? - NO (nor vice versa)
The Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen?
[Chalky] Little Mermaid? - NO (can't be long now)
In France?
suppose it would help to find out which country - NOT Britain, NOT Italy ...
In Spain?
Scandinavia?
[Chalky] France? - YES
[CdM] Spain - NO (now there's a surprise)[Néa] - NO
it's a race now
[CdM] Spain - NO (now there's a surprise)[Néa] - NO
it's a race now
The statue of Joan of Arc?
[Chalky] Joan of Arc? - NO
Venus de Milo?
Is it in a public square/place (as opposed to in a museum, say)?
[Néa] Venus? - NO (Oooohs from the audience)
[CdM]public square/place? - NO (next one gets it I reckon)
[CdM]public square/place? - NO (next one gets it I reckon)
Rodin's Thinker?
[CdM] Rodin - NO (OK, so I was wrong)
Rodin's Aphrodite of Melos?
[Raak] Rodin's Aphrodite of Melos? - NO
Nike of Samothrace?
[Néa] YES! - It was the Winged Victory or Nike of Samothrace
Over to you then
Over to you then
I broke the chain of uncles!
Oooh... well then. VEGETABLE AND MINERAL (with certain ANIMAL connotations)
Is the vegetable part largely or entirely wood?
[CDM] YES
The Cross?
[Raak] NO.
Are there many of these?
(Raak) Brilliant long shot. Glad it failed. :-)
Is the mineral part largely or entirely metal?
[Rosie] YES
[CdM] YES
Oh, and I said "connotations" where I meant "connections". I should only do one thing at a time - that results in fewer mixups!
[CdM] YES
Oh, and I said "connotations" where I meant "connections". I should only do one thing at a time - that results in fewer mixups!
Is the animal connection human?
(A deserved win if only for being the person who took notice of the marble and telephone box answers)
*blush*
[INJ] NO
A piece of furniture?
Is the metal part the fixings that hold the wooden parts together?
Am getting a feeling that this one will be quick
[furniture] YES
[fixins] NO
[fixins] NO
Bigger than an armchair?
[Tuj] NO
A rabbit hutch?
A stool?
You at the back stop giggling.
[Raak] NO
[Rosie] NO
The audience is silent (except for that one suppressed snicker at the back).
[Rosie] NO
The audience is silent (except for that one suppressed snicker at the back).
Smaller than an armchair?
[CdM] YES.
Is it made for sitting on?
[Inkspot] Oh deary me, NO.
Is it for storage? (Cupboard, bookshelf, etc.)
[Raak] NO.
Is it a piece of furniture by a particular designer?
[Inkspot] NO. (It is not entirely straightforward, but "yes" would both be untrue and misleading, I think.)
Does it have wheels?
[Raak] There are wheels, YES, but not in the way you probably think, NO.
A lava lamp?
[INJ] NO.
A clock?
[Raak] YES! *audience cheers and claps mightily*
That is not the full answer, though.
That is not the full answer, though.
A cuckoo clock?
We have a winner!
[Chalky] YES - it is indeed a cuckoo clock! *audience starts singeing cuccu*
Over to yourself.
Over to yourself.
oh Lordy - I've finally achieved a lurker's victory . Makes a change :-)
Nice easy one:
A N I M A L
Mammal?
alive?
Mammal? YES
Alive? NO
Alive? NO
Human?
Edible?
[N] Human? YES
[R] Edible? To cannibals perhaps :-)
[R] Edible? To cannibals perhaps :-)
European?
(I like this minimalist approach, as opposed to CdM's verbosity)
[C] Specific? YES
[I] European? YES
[I] European? YES
Alive in the 20th century?
Any connection with Mornington Crescent?
♀?
A scientist of some sort?
A monarch/ royal?
Nicholas Sarkozy?
Politician?
[N] Alive 20th century? YES
[R] MC? Possibly - I haven't read ALL of the archives
[C] Male? YES
[Tuj] *cheers from audience* YES!
[i} Monarchy? NO
[I] Sarkozy? No
[R] Politician? NO
[R] MC? Possibly - I haven't read ALL of the archives
[C] Male? YES
[Tuj] *cheers from audience* YES!
[i} Monarchy? NO
[I] Sarkozy? No
[R] Politician? NO
Einstein?
(Getting the obvious out of the way first. I would have asked if it was Heisenberg, but I figured you would just say that you weren't sure.)
Pierre Curie
(He might have a connection with MC - wasn't he active on the radio or something?)
Wasn't he married to MC?
Physicist?
[CdM] Einstein? NO
[I] Pierre Curie? NO
[INJ] Physicist? YES *ooohs from audience*
[I] Pierre Curie? NO
[INJ] Physicist? YES *ooohs from audience*
Feynman?
British?
[R] Feynman? NO
[INJ] British? NO
[INJ] British? NO
Steven Hawking
Danish?
[K] Steven Hawking? NO
[I] Danish? NO - though you're right to try and get the nationality of this person.
[I] Danish? NO - though you're right to try and get the nationality of this person.
Germanic/Scandiwegian?
[CdM - Heisenberg - ah yes. See what you mean now. I think :-)]
[INJ] Germanic/Scandiwegian? YES ;-)
Schroedinger?
German?
[CdM - It's only Schroedinger if you don't guess him.]
A superposition of Schroedinger and Hahn, in that case?
We have a winner !
Well deduced CdM - it's that cat man Erwin Schrödinger. Was that a stab in the dark?
Me again?
OK, I'll go to the WRAVMASG one more time...
... and I will reject "a municipality in the Honduran department of Comayagua" on the basis of the Estonia experience...
... and I will also reject two succcessive entries concerning RPGs on the grounds that I would be completely unable to answer questions about them...
and so today's subject is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.
A macrobiotic diet?
An anarcho-syndicalist dude ranch?
Going back to my roots
Macrobioticism? No.
a-s dude ranch? No. *more than a smattering of applause from the audience, though*
a-s dude ranch? No. *more than a smattering of applause from the audience, though*
A group of people?
I mean the *name* of a group of people
Is it a symbol?
Connected with animal husbandry?
Group of people? Yes. *applause*
Name of group of people? Yes.
Symbol? No.
Animal Husbandry? No.
Name of group of people? Yes.
Symbol? No.
Animal Husbandry? No.
Anything to do with trade unions?
To do with trade unions? *some uncertain applause from the audience* Hmmmm... it depends on what you mean by "anything to do with". The answer is not a trade union.
Is this group found in one specific country?
One specific country? Yes. *applause*
In Europe?
In Europe? Yes. (OK, so maybe this isn't completely free of the Estonia problem)
Is it a political organisation?
Political organization? Yes. *applause*
Is it a political party?
The EU?
Is it in one of the former Eastern bloc countries?
Is it a left of centre?
Political party? Yes.
In EU? Not when I last checked.
Former Eastern bloc? Yes
Left of Centre? Yes.
That might be enough information to get it...
In EU? Not when I last checked.
Former Eastern bloc? Yes
Left of Centre? Yes.
That might be enough information to get it...
The Soviet Communist Party?
Going to feel a right plonker if it isn't . . .
Soviet Communist Party? No. [Rosie] There was a very specific clue in my previous responses.
Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party?
LSDLP? No. *The audience is silent for a moment, then applauds, then continues to applaud, then stops applauding, then applauds again.*
The Social Democratic Party of Romania?
SDPoR? *The audience starts applauding excitedly, and then stops dead, save for a tiny smattering of applause at the very end* No.
SDP of Slovakia?
SDPoS? *The audience, once burned twice shy, stays silent throughout* No.
Is it from the former Yugoslavia?
former Yugoslavia? Yes. *applause*
Croatia?
SDPoC? Yes! *passes baton*
Oh!
Goodness! I wasn't expecting that. I thought a more exact answer (including the policital party) would be expected, once the relevant country had been identified. Not that I'm complaining, mind. I've been wanting to set this one for some time. It should be quite easy and I won't be surprised if one of you bright sparks gets it in one.
It's ABSTRACT with both ANIMAL and VEGETABLE connotations.
It's ABSTRACT with both ANIMAL and VEGETABLE connotations.
Marvin Gaye's 'I heard it through the grapevine'?
Are there a lot of these?
Is the animal connection human?
Is it an idiom?
Is it a human construct?
[Kim] Well, I figured that the "Social Democratic Party of" bit had already been established, and all that was missing was the country.
(Oh, and my "not when I last checked" comment re EU membership was meant to be a clue to the fact that Croatia (like Turkey) is in the middle of negotiations.)
The Green Party?
(INJ) Shurely it must be if anarcho-syndicalism is involved.
An anarcho-syndicalist pot-luck dinner?
[Rosie] So right - I feel such a fool.
[Irouleguy] Nice, but no.
[Raak] No, only one.
[INJ] Yes.
[rab] Idiom? No.
[CdM] It was a generous judgement on your part, I think. Human construct? Yes.
[Rosie] Green Party? No. *A few wry smiles among the audience*
[INJ] Not this time, I'm afraid, but hang on in there, I'm sure your day will come.
[Raak] No, only one.
[INJ] Yes.
[rab] Idiom? No.
[CdM] It was a generous judgement on your part, I think. Human construct? Yes.
[Rosie] Green Party? No. *A few wry smiles among the audience*
[INJ] Not this time, I'm afraid, but hang on in there, I'm sure your day will come.
Specific to some particular culture?
An organisation?
[Nea] Culturally specific? Very broadly, yes.
[Raak] Organisation? No.
I may not be able to look in this evening, but will do so tomorrow morning.
[Raak] Organisation? No.
I may not be able to look in this evening, but will do so tomorrow morning.
Vegetarianism?
[Rosie] Vegetarianism? No. *A few more wry smiles, mostly from the same people who previously smiled wrily*
A book title?
A gardening programme?
Is it food-related?
[Inkspot] Book title? No.
[Irouléguy] Gardening programme? No.
[rab] Food related? Yes. *applause*.
[Irouléguy] Gardening programme? No.
[rab] Food related? Yes. *applause*.
A kosher diet?
Is it a particular dish?
A cookery programme?
Cannibalism?
Related to politics?
Is it a single word?
That looks quite a dizzy question, in retrospect, I'll have another.
[Rosie] Kosher diet? No.
[Inkspot] Particular dish? No.*more wry smiles*
[rab] Cookery programme? No.
[Raak] Cannibalism? No. Yuk!
[Tuj] Related to politics? No. Certainly not as far as I am aware.
[Tuj] Single word? No.
[Inkspot] Particular dish? No.*more wry smiles*
[rab] Cookery programme? No.
[Raak] Cannibalism? No. Yuk!
[Tuj] Related to politics? No. Certainly not as far as I am aware.
[Tuj] Single word? No.
Is it an event?
Fast food?
Is it a cuisine?
Is it related to a job realted to food?
Heh.
realted
*related
[Inkspot] Event? No.
[Irouléguy] Fast food? No.
[Tuj] Related to a job related to food? Hmmm, I think, on balance, I would have to say Yes, but I'd be hard pressed to say what the food-related job that the answer is related to actually is.
[Irouléguy] Fast food? No.
[Tuj] Related to a job related to food? Hmmm, I think, on balance, I would have to say Yes, but I'd be hard pressed to say what the food-related job that the answer is related to actually is.
Is this anything to do with food deprivation?
[Chalky] Food deprivation? No.
Is it related to food production?
[CdM] Related to food production? Yes.
Organic farming?
The Jolly Green Giant?
Crop rotation?
Hoh, hoh, hoh!
With a single imaginative leap, Chalky lands spot on the answer, which was, indeed, the Jolly Green Giant! It was the word "Green" and the vague connection to vegetables in two of Rosie's answers that made the audience smile. Congrats, Chalks, over to you.
eek!
... and there's me thinking I wuz being a bit silly. Nice one Kim :-)
Next up - VEGETABLE
edible?
Sweetcorn?
It's gotta be.
[INJ] edible? not usually
[Kim] S'corn? As if!
[Kim] S'corn? As if!
Partly or wholly wood?
Is there just one of these?
[Raak] partly/wholly wood? Not really, No
[Iroul] one-off? No
[Iroul] one-off? No
A flower?
Is it manufactured or significantly processed?
Made of paper?
[Rosie] Flower? YES!
[CdM] manufactured? No
[Raak] paper? No
[CdM] manufactured? No
[Raak] paper? No
*is now office-based for a few days - will try very hard to look in here on a regular basis but please forgive any delays*
Does it have a conventional symbolic meaning?
[rab] symbolic? YES
Is said symbolic meaning to do with løve?
Is it National flower ?
A rose?
A lily?
[Néa] lerve? No
[Inks] National? No
[Raaak] Rose? No
[rab] lily? No
[Inks] National? No
[Raaak] Rose? No
[rab] lily? No
A snowdrop?
Is it a particular colour?
Associated with death?
A Bachelor's Button?
A poppy
Coming back for seconds rab] What's that?
[Irouléguy] It's a symbol either of chastity or unity, depending on who you listen to. Also known as a cornflower.
Is said symbolic meaning to do with death?
Result!
Irouléguy has the right answer! It's a poppy.
Sorry I wasn't around much to reply to the earlier couple of questions - I'm sure someone would have got it sooner. It was one of those days *sigh*
Sorry I wasn't around much to reply to the earlier couple of questions - I'm sure someone would have got it sooner. It was one of those days *sigh*
(Chalky) Poppies, at least the ones you wear, are not Vegetable but Mineral and I rejected the idea on those grounds. Rage, rage. Woman of your calibre? I dunno. :-)
awww
[Rosie] I looked into my Natural History book when it was my turn, randomly chose a page with wild flowers on it and picked an easy one. 'Twas as simple as that :-)
Sorry for the delay - got home late yesterday. Carrying on with the easy-ish themes, our next is ABSTRACT involving ANIMAL and VEGETABLE
Chalky] I knew what you meant
Chalky] I knew what you meant
Is is a recipe?
Is there just one?
Is the animal connection human?
Kim] Is is a recipe? No
Raak]Is there just one? *applause* Singularity is a key part of the definition.
ImNotJohn] Is the animal connection human? No
Raak]Is there just one? *applause* Singularity is a key part of the definition.
ImNotJohn] Is the animal connection human? No
Is it a fictional character from a book?
The Eco-system?
The Last Rose of Summer?
(A Victorian drawing-room song)
Inkspot] Is it a fictional character from a book? No
Rosie] The Eco-system? Gaia-d guess, but no.
Raak - The Last Rose of Summer? A great song, but no.
Rosie] The Eco-system? Gaia-d guess, but no.
Raak - The Last Rose of Summer? A great song, but no.
Is the animal connection alive?
Is a religion involved?
Is it the symbol of some organisation?
Is it a geographical location?
ImNotJohn] Is the animal connection alive? Yes
rab] Is a religion involved? *more applause* Yes
Raak] Is it the symbol of some organisation? No
Rosie] Is it a geographical location? No
rab] Is a religion involved? *more applause* Yes
Raak] Is it the symbol of some organisation? No
Rosie] Is it a geographical location? No
Holy Communion?
The Feeding of the Five Thousand?
Miracle of The Loaves and Fishes?
rab] Holy Communion? No
Rosie, irach] The Feeding of the Five Thousand? No - see INJ's question about the animal connection being alive.
The wording of rab's previous question is important.
Rosie, irach] The Feeding of the Five Thousand? No - see INJ's question about the animal connection being alive.
The wording of rab's previous question is important.
Is it Christmas-related?
Kissing under the mistletoe?
Is it connected to Christian ceremony?
Is it related to an object of religious veneration?
I think we also need to explore Iroul's statement that 'Singularity is a key part of the definition'
A partridge in a pear tree?
On the 3rd day before Advent, Raak has it! (with a strong assist from INJ) It is originally a religious song, and each line has a particular religious significance. One baton handed over.
The snopes URL was wahwahwahdot snopes.com/holidays/christmas/12days.asp.
Anything to do with Christmas?
The Anarcho-syndicalist Tennis Championships Cup?
Santa's Sleigh?
[Rosie] Indirectly.
[INJ] No.
[irach] No.
[INJ] No.
[irach] No.
A building?
Is the mineral metal?
Well, you live and learn. I grew up Catholic, so I knew the 'underground Catholic' thing was wrong, but I had always though it was a memory thing like 'Deck of cards'. Sorry if I misdirected anyone.
[Tuj] No.
[I] No.
[I] No.
Is it an idiom?
A natural phenomenon?
[rab] No.
[Rosie] Yes!
[Rosie] Yes!
Something related to the weather?
related to snow?
An 80% chance of rain?
[Inkspot] Yes.
[INJ] Yes. (Applause!)
[rab] No.
[INJ] Yes. (Applause!)
[rab] No.
The dissimilarity of all snowflakes?
Anything to do with the colour of snow?
[CdM] No.
[I] No.
[I] No.
A snow drift?
A blizzard?
The snowman?
[Chalky] No. (More applause.)
[rab] No. (Applause continues.)
[I] No.
[rab] No. (Applause continues.)
[I] No.
A particular way in which snow falls?
I'm trying to work out the abstract connection...
Being snowed-in?
[Tuj] Close...
[Chalky] Yes! Being snowed in.
[Chalky] Yes! Being snowed in.
I'm not sure whether it was really justified to call it abstract. I think we sometimes use the word too readily.
ooops
sorry - all contributors - I seem to have barged in at the end and found the right phrase. After a few months of playing and never quite getting the right answer, I think I'm learning how certain minds work - ie. I would not have posted that particular phrase if the chair had been anyone other than Raak. Weird eh? :-)
Here goes ...
A N I M A L and I, too, will play down the abstract nature of this one ..
Human?
(Raak) It's true we are a bit free-and-easy with the abstract occasionally but there's nothing wrong with the last one. Being snowed in is a "state", so cannot be anything other than abstract.
[Rosie] Human? Indeed, yes
alive?
Female?
I think I agree with Rosie -- perfectly legitimate to call that last one abstract. I was less sure that the partridge in the pear tree should have been so classified.
[INJ] Alive? Yes
[CdM] Female? No
[CdM] Female? No
[Chalky] A propos the discussion at mcios, you should have chosen "George Best", hoping that someone would have asked the inevitable "alive?" question in time for you to answer "yes" and throw us all off the scent.
European?
CdM] I was following the convention that if it's fictional, it's abstract.
Over 50?
In the news lately?
Elton John?
[CdM] I started my 'go' a couple of hours too late for that ruse :-)
[Iroul] European? Yes
[Kim] Over 50? No
[Raak] In the news lately? No
[irach] Elton? No
[Iroul] European? Yes
[Kim] Over 50? No
[Raak] In the news lately? No
[irach] Elton? No
British?
[Inks] British? Yes
A sportsman?
A musician?
[R] sports? not in the way you probably mean
[I] musician? yes
Am out and about for much of the weekend - will try and look in tonight ..
[I] musician? yes
Am out and about for much of the weekend - will try and look in tonight ..
A sports commentator?
Instrumentalist?
[Inks] commentator? No
[Rosie] Instrumentalist? Yes
[Rosie] Instrumentalist? Yes
Are albums released under his name?
[Inks] Nooooo. Did I say he was famous? [that was a clue]
Colin Sell?
[Rosie] Colin Sell ? No
Is he a pianist?
Herr Bratsche?
[Inks] pianist? yes
[Néa] HB? No - but excellent guess :-)
[Néa] HB? No - but excellent guess :-)
Is he, ahem, one of us?
[Rosie] He .. ahem ... is :-)
Rosie?
Mick Smetaphor?
JLE?
(Raak) Can't be me - he's under 50.
Projoy?
I think that we have just about exhausted the list at this point...
shouting above audience cheers
[Raak] Not Rosie
[Iroul] Not Mick Smetaphor
[Rosie] Not JLE
... but Projoy plays the piano amongst other musically things - so the winner is CdM! :-)
*hands baton overseas*
[Iroul] Not Mick Smetaphor
[Rosie] Not JLE
... but Projoy plays the piano amongst other musically things - so the winner is CdM! :-)
*hands baton overseas*
Oh. That was unexpected. All right then, this one is ABSTRACT. And apologies in advance -- I will not have much net access for the next 36 hours.
Merry Christmas?
[Raak] Thank you?
If the various accusations that have been flying about are true, then it has to be:
Anarcho-syndicalism
Anarcho-syndicalism
A-s? No.
Does this abstract thing arouse strong emotions?
Arouse strong emotions? In itself no, though certain examples of it certainly do.
Is this a natural phenomenon?
Football?
A period of time?
Anything to do with science?
An idea or concept?
Natural phenomenon? No. *significant non-applause*
Football? It is an example of the answer, but not the answer.
Period of time? Perhaps an example of the answer, but not the answer.
To do with science? Many things to do with science are examples of the answer.
Idea or concept? *applause* These are examples of the answer, but not the answer.
Football? It is an example of the answer, but not the answer.
Period of time? Perhaps an example of the answer, but not the answer.
To do with science? Many things to do with science are examples of the answer.
Idea or concept? *applause* These are examples of the answer, but not the answer.
An abstract noun?
Abstract noun? Well, "abstract noun" is an example of the answer. The answer is also an abstract noun phrase.
the right answer?
Abstractness?
Otherness?
The English language?
Abstractness? No.
Otherness? No.
English Language? No.
Otherness? No.
English Language? No.
A word?
A word? No.
By all rights you should have got this one long ago. It is Chalky's fault that you are having such difficulty.
By all rights you should have got this one long ago. It is Chalky's fault that you are having such difficulty.
Things which are examples of the answer, but not the answer?
hmmmph
A human construct?
That which is different from every possible guess, including this one?
we have a winner!
Raak's Russellesque guesses were nice, but the answer is indeed "A Human Construct". *passes baton*
Yes, we should have got it from the 'significant non-applause'.
On a less esoteric note, this one is VEGETABLE & MINERAL
On a less esoteric note, this one is VEGETABLE & MINERAL
Salted peanuts?
[Raak] Salted peanuts? - So far and yet, so far.
Is it edible?
Manufactured?
A postage stamp?
[Iroul] edible? - Strictly - NO
[CdM] Manufactured? - YES
[Chalky] postage stamp? - NO
[CdM] Manufactured? - YES
[Chalky] postage stamp? - NO
Can you wear this?
[Iroul] edible? - Strictly - NO
[CdM] Manufactured? - YES
[Chalky] postage stamp? - NO
[Chalky] wear it? - NO
[CdM] Manufactured? - YES
[Chalky] postage stamp? - NO
[Chalky] wear it? - NO
Don't know what happened there - I couldn't see my response and was told I'd simulposted. Still, at least the answers didn't change.
Is the vegetable part wood?
Is this a weapon?
[Raak] Is the vegetable part wood? - NO
[Chalky] a weapon? - NO
I think it only fair to mention that there were some mutterings in the audience at my last answer to Irouléguy
[Chalky] a weapon? - NO
I think it only fair to mention that there were some mutterings in the audience at my last answer to Irouléguy
If one ate it would the consequences be dire?
[Rosie] dire consequences - YES (though that's probably not helpful)
Is this a medicine?
[Chalky] medicine? - NO, although some would claim medicinal properties for it (some laughter in the audience)
Larger than a telephone box?
[CdM] Larger than a telephone box? - NO
A bottle of whisky?
[CdM] bottle of whisky? - NO (but loud and prolonged applause from the audience)
Some type of alcohol?
[Néa] alcohol? - YES
Tequila?
This could take a while by this method
[Iroul] Tequila? - NO
To clarify. The answer is 'A bottle of .......', which explains the mineral, the dire consequences on eating etc. We're now just looking for the contents.
To clarify. The answer is 'A bottle of .......', which explains the mineral, the dire consequences on eating etc. We're now just looking for the contents.
I thought someone would be there by now
I'll be away from t'interweb until about 0800 GMT now. I'd go out and look for some inspiration for the answer (could be hard for Flerdle).
A bottle of beer?
A bottle of methylated spirit?
Poteen?
Is the missing word (or words) a generic type of alcoholic drink (e.g., beer, wine) or more specific (e.g., Samuel Adams, 1960 Chateau Petrus...)
Is it a spirit?
[Raak] beer - NO
[Rosie] meths - NO
[MadC] Poteen - NO
[CdM] generic/specific - YES (Oh, all right, it's more towards the generic end of that spectrum)
[Iroul] spirit - NO
[Rosie] meths - NO
[MadC] Poteen - NO
[CdM] generic/specific - YES (Oh, all right, it's more towards the generic end of that spectrum)
[Iroul] spirit - NO
A bottle of Pastis
(which I think is not distilled and therefore not a spirit, although I may be wrong on either count there (and can't be bothered to google to check))
A bottle of cider?
A bottle of schnapps?
Just noticed that no-one has asked the (probably too obvious) A bottle of wine? question. Consider it asked.
A bottle of champagne?
Let us spray
A bottle of champagne for the lucky lady!
It's over to Chalky.
It's over to Chalky.
eeeek
oh blimey - again! I like these quick-fire ones.
Here's another that should also be guessed in less than 20 questions ...
Here's another that should also be guessed in less than 20 questions ...
A N I M A L / A B S T R A C T
Aslan?
Human?
[Raak] Aslan? No, but damn fine guess.
[CdM] Human? No
[CdM] Human? No
Anything to do with Narnia?
An example of anthropomorphism?
[Iroul] Narnic? Funny you should ask but ... not really.
[INJ] anthropomopomomorphinismic? nn-n-n-n-n-no
[INJ] anthropomopomomorphinismic? nn-n-n-n-n-no
Anything to do with the world of Harry Potter?
[Kim] HP? Nah
Fictional?
Lamb of God?
[Rosie] Fictional? More FictITional - but also fictional - 'though some might say not :-)
[CdM] Lamb of God? No
[CdM] Lamb of God? No
Shub-Internet?
[Raak] No - whatever it is
Found in a particular book?
Something to do with computing?
Anything religious connection?
[Tuj] Particular book? Found in many books
[Raak] Computing? No
[Rosie] Religious connection? Yes :-)
[Raak] Computing? No
[Rosie] Religious connection? Yes :-)
Is the animal bit a real animal?
Connected to the Christmas story?
*cheers from the audience for both questions*
[Iroul] Real animal? Based on a 'real' animal, yes
[CdM] Christmas? Yes!
[Iroul] Real animal? Based on a 'real' animal, yes
[CdM] Christmas? Yes!
The ass?
[CdM] ass? No.
Remember this Animal is also tagged with the Abstract definition.
Remember this Animal is also tagged with the Abstract definition.
Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer?
drum roll
[Raak] Rudolf? YES!
Nice and easy does it. 15 guesses. Over to you Raak :-)
MINERAL. I confidently expect Chalky to get it in one.
Chalk?
A nut behind the wheel of a car?
An empty champagne bottle?
Is the mineral metal?
[rab] No.
[Inkspot] No. (The reference to Chalky should not be taken too literally.)
[INJ] No; no.
[Inkspot] No. (The reference to Chalky should not be taken too literally.)
[INJ] No; no.
Hail?
The salty deposit left on cars and stuff after it's snown then melted
[Rosie] excited murmurings from the audience No.
[Chalky] more of the same No.
[Chalky] more of the same No.
A meteorological phenomenon?
Snow?
[Chalky] Where is the religious connection of R the RR?
[Néa] Loud applause! Yes, but that is not yet the answer.
Sleet?
[INJ, missed earlier] Yes.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
A blizzard?
[Rosie] No.
Being snowed in?
[CdM] Again? No, the weatherr's not that bad.
Rain?
Slush?
[I] No.
[Rosie] No. However, your last three answers are all examples of the answer, but are not the answer.
[Rosie] No. However, your last three answers are all examples of the answer, but are not the answer.
Ice?
Gotta be!
[Rosie] Nope.
Is the answer some form of frozen water that falls out of the sky?
[Rosie] Yes. CLUE☞You just have to find the CLUE ☞ right ☜ CLUE sort.
Precipitation?
Graupel (i.e. snow pellets)?
[Chalky] Yes.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Freezing rain?
Snow grains?
[Néa] This is an example of the answer, but not the answer.
[I] This is an example of the answer, but not the answer.
The reason that these are not the right answer is exactly the reason they are examples of the right answer.
[I] This is an example of the answer, but not the answer.
The reason that these are not the right answer is exactly the reason they are examples of the right answer.
Solid precipitation?
The wrong sort of snow?
[Rosie] Yes, but etc.
[I] Yes! The wrong sort of snow.
[I] Yes! The wrong sort of snow.
I like it when being wrong is right. Staying with the topical theme, our next is ANIMAL, ABSTRACT and has again a Christmas connection.
The fairy on top of the Christmas tree
Is it a male animal?
Human?
ImNotJohn] The fairy on top of the Christmas tree? No
Inkspot] Is it a male animal? Yes
Raak] Human? No
Inkspot] Is it a male animal? Yes
Raak] Human? No
One of Santa's reindeer, other than Rudolph?
Is it a panto character?
Kim] One of Santa's reindeer, other than Rudolph? No
Inkspot] Is it a panto character? No
Inkspot] Is it a panto character? No
is this an animal that might appear in the nativity scene?
Is it four legged?
Is it Biblical in a Christmas-related way?
Chalky] is this an animal that might appear in the nativity scene? No
Inkspot] Is it four-legged? No
Raak] Is it Biblical in a Christmas-related way? It's not Biblical
Kim's move should have provoked an "oooh" from the audience.
Inkspot] Is it four-legged? No
Raak] Is it Biblical in a Christmas-related way? It's not Biblical
Kim's move should have provoked an "oooh" from the audience.
Sorry - the answer to Inkspot is "yes".
an elf?
Sorry - confused by the correction to Inkspot. So
Santa's little helper?
Santa's little helper?
Is this a cartoon character/creature?
INJ] Yes! (the second one) Another nice fast one. One slighly-chewed, drooled-on baton being thrown your way.
Ooh, that was quick!
One to ponder overnight
OK, the next one is MINERAL (with ABSTRACT connections)
I'll only be around to answer questions for the next 15mins or so, so you can think about it.
Anything to do with the weather?
The cornerstone of anarcho-syndicalism?
[Raak] weather? - NO
[Rosie] cornerstone of anarcho-syndicalism? - NO (though it will be one day)
[Rosie] cornerstone of anarcho-syndicalism? - NO (though it will be one day)
A work of sculpture?
Manufactured?
Looks like this might be quick too
[Raak] - work of sculpture? - YES (applause)
[Iroul] Manufactured? - YES (see previous answer)
[Iroul] Manufactured? - YES (see previous answer)
Nelson's column?
A statue of an anarcho-syndicalist?
[Iroul] Nelson's column? - NO
[Raak] an anarcho-syndicalist? - NO
[Raak] an anarcho-syndicalist? - NO
Topical just now?
Please forgive tautology.
[Rosie] topical? - NO (I'll happily be pleased to forgive the tautology)
Is it in Britain?
Is it more than 500 years old?
[Raak] in Britain? - NO
[Inks] more than 500 years old? - NO
[Inks] more than 500 years old? - NO
Is it in Europe?
Does it commemorate a politician?
Rodin's "Thinker"?
[Iroul] in Europe? - NO
[Rosie] a politician? - NO
[Raak] Rodin? - NO
[Rosie] a politician? - NO
[Raak] Rodin? - NO
Is it made of metal?
[Inks[ metal? - NO
Is it in Asia?
Does it commemorate a religious figure?
Getting warm
[Néa] Asia? - NO
[Phil] religious figure? - YES (considerable applause)
[Phil] religious figure? - YES (considerable applause)
The Buddha?
[Iroul] Buddha - NO
Christ the Redeemer?
(in Rio de Janeiro)
Was the person it commemorates alive within the last 200 years?
And the baton is passed
[Néa] - YES It is the Statue of Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado in River of January
Gah, I need to stop guessing when I'm sure I'm right...
All right, then - ABSTRACT.
All right, then - ABSTRACT.
With ANIMAL and MINERAL connections.
A human construct?
(trad)
[Néa] Just as well you got that as I could have had a problem answering Raak's question.
[Néa] Just as well you got that as I could have had a problem answering Raak's question.
Human construct? YES.
Feel free to answer it now if you like!
Feel free to answer it now if you like!
sedevacantism?
Salt cod?
[Sede vacante] NO
[Gadus salinicus] NO
[Gadus salinicus] NO
Is the animal connection human?
Anything to do with Christmas?
[Human] YES
[Christmas] NO
[Christmas] NO
One particular human?
Is there a literary connection?
[One particular human] NO
[Literary] NO (the audience doesn't look entirely convinced of this answer)
[Literary] NO (the audience doesn't look entirely convinced of this answer)
Is it a class of human identified by reference to geographical location?
[Geography] NO
Fictional?
[Fictional] NO
Is the abstract notion always obvious in any of the humans involved?
Connected with a branch of the arts?
Is gender relevant?
[Always obvious] I think the answer must be NO, depending on what you mean by "always".
[Arts] NO
[Gender] NO
[Arts] NO
[Gender] NO
Is the mineral connection water?
[Water] YES
Any religious significance?
Connected with folklore/faerie or the like?
[Religious significance] There is a definite religious connection, YES, but it doesn't intrinsically have to be there, NO.
[Folklore/faerie] NO
[Folklore/faerie] NO
Is it some form of ritual?
[Ritual] YES! (Big applause)
A rain dance?
[Rain dance] NO
Is it water in a particular form?
[Particular form] YES (audience smiles)
A snowball fight?
Does it involve the sea?
[Snowball fight] NO.
[The sea] YES!
[The sea] YES!
Is the religion Christianity?
[Christianity] YES, but NOT exclusively.
Is the particular form of water snow?
[Snow] NO
Anything to do with Christmas/New Year?
[Christmas/NY] NO
Is it something to do with precipitation?
[Precpititita... er... falling water] NO
A ceremony performed on crossing the equator?
[Equatic ceremony] NO.
Any sea, or a particular sea?
Burial at sea?
*applause!*
[Any sea] YES - because...
[Burial at sea] YES! Well done, that Raak.
[Burial at sea] YES! Well done, that Raak.
The next one is MINERAL.
Anything to do with snow?
[CdM] No.
Man-made?
[Rosie] Yes.
Mostly metal?
[Rosie] Yes.
Is there just one of this?
[I] No.
Entirely metal?
Is it found in the home?
[Phil] No.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Is it bigger than a telephone box?
[Kim] No. (But not much smaller either.)
Does it have moving parts?
[Kim] Yes.
A machine of some sort?
A car? A particular type of car?
[INJ] Yes.
[Wol] Um, not really.
[Wol] Um, not really.
A Sinclair C5?
[INJ] Well guessed! (laughter) No.
A motor vehicle?
A mainframe computer?
A Motor Bike?
Housed in a building?
[Kim] Yes.
[rab,Chalky,Rosie] No.
[rab,Chalky,Rosie] No.
An autorickshaw?
[rab] No.
[Hint] Guessing different types of "motor vehicle" is unlikely to get any closer to the answer.
[Hint] Guessing different types of "motor vehicle" is unlikely to get any closer to the answer.
Used for transporting people?
[CdM] No.
Does it fly?
[Néa] No.
Used for transporting a cargo of some sort?
[INJ] No.
Is transportation its primary purpose?
Is it fixed in place?
[rab] Yes.
[Rosie] No.
(Remember, there's more than one of these.)
[Rosie] No.
(Remember, there's more than one of these.)
Is it electrically powered?
[I] Yes.
A quantum teleportation device?
Robots from Robot Wars?
Did you play any role in the development of any such vehicles?
[rab] No.
[Phil] (Applause!) No.
[CdM] I wish. No.
[Phil] (Applause!) No.
[CdM] I wish. No.
Does this device normally travel through the air?
[Kim] No.
Daleks?
[rab] No. (Daleks can fly these days, anyway.)
A Mars rover?
[I] Close enough. Specifically, The Mars Rovers.
Sorry for the delay everyone - Xmas party season is upon us. And I'm off out again, so it'll be late tonight when I log in again, assuming I'm not too drunk. Our next is VEGETABLE with ANIMAL connections, and no seasonal connotations at all.
Can you eat it?
Not in the sense that you can eat a cork mat, given the will. :-)
Vegetarian meat-imitation?
A turnip amusingly shaped like a todger?
A triffid?
Rosie] Can you eat it? Yes - fully edible
Raak] Vegetarian meat-imitation? *shudder* No
Chalky - A turnip amusingly shaped like a todger? In one sense possibly close, but no.
Kim - A triffid? Triffic guess, but no.
Raak] Vegetarian meat-imitation? *shudder* No
Chalky - A turnip amusingly shaped like a todger? In one sense possibly close, but no.
Kim - A triffid? Triffic guess, but no.
An edible item in which has miraculously appeared a holy image?
Is any of it actually Animal?
Normally eaten raw?
Raak] An edible item in which has miraculously appeared a holy image? No
Rosie] Is any of it actually Animal? No - but most of the words on the card are the name of an animal.
ImNotJohn] Normally eaten raw? *cheers and cries of "Encore" from the audience* YES
Back after lunch - which may well feature one of these
Rosie] Is any of it actually Animal? No - but most of the words on the card are the name of an animal.
ImNotJohn] Normally eaten raw? *cheers and cries of "Encore" from the audience* YES
Back after lunch - which may well feature one of these
Lady's fingers?
Black Sheep Bitter?
Vodka Red Bull?
King Edward potatoes?
Granny Smith Apples
?
CdM was right the first time - no question mark necessary. The answer is GRANNY SMITH APPLES. A nice quick one, and some excellent guesses. Over to CdM...
I had an unfair advantage, since I really did have a Granny Smith on my mother's side. Only problem is, I am leaving in 4.5 hours to catch a plane to Hong Kong and San Francisco, and I don't think United Airlines is wiffed in the air yet. So I won't be around the internets for the next 36 hours or so. Does someone else want to take the baton?
I'd vote for Raak, as he got nearest.
Well, if that's nem con since yesterday afternoon, here's an
ABSTRACT
There is a topical connection for people in the UK, but not strongly connected with Christmas or winter. Snow is not involved.
ABSTRACT
There is a topical connection for people in the UK, but not strongly connected with Christmas or winter. Snow is not involved.
The leader of the Conservative Party?
I've just remembered that I'll be off travelling from Sunday midday to Tuesday midday, so on second thoughts I should have passed the baton on to someone else. Anyway...
[Chalky] No.
[Chalky] No.
Combustion?
[Rosie] No.
The weekend lull... I suggest someone else does one instead. Got to catch a plane to Amsterdam.
Allow me...
Never backward in coming forward, I'll offer this festive little number: ABSTRACT
Season's greetings?
Good will?
Would the average person regard this as a Good Thing?
[rab] No.
[Tuj] No.
[Rosie] Average person....hmmm...difficult. Probably. Can you be more specific?
[Tuj] No.
[Rosie] Average person....hmmm...difficult. Probably. Can you be more specific?
Santa?
A carol?
Radio 3's Bach Christmas?
[Irouéguy] Yes! If my one was still running.
[Raak]No.
[rab] No.
[Irouleguy] No.
[rab] No.
[Irouleguy] No.
Is it a condition, either mental or physical?
[Rosie] No.
No room at the inn?
Raak] I've never been so pleased to be off work before Xmas.
[Irouleguy] No.
Shopping?
[Rosie] No.
Is it s human construct?
[Kim] Yes.
Is it connected with the media?
Is it connected with the biblical Christmas story?
[Raak] No.
[Irouleguy] Yes. *Some applause*
[Irouleguy] Yes. *Some applause*
Rising from the dead after three days?
[Irouleguy] No.
There are clues in my opening remarks.
A Happy New Year?
The Salvation Army?
A New Year resolution?
A Silent Night?
12 Days of Christmas?
[All of the above] No, but CdM and Phil are in the right ball park.
New Year's Eve?
"I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus"?
Christmas Day?
Bingo!
Raak gets it on the nose. The "little number" in question was 25. *Hands baton to Raak*.
Ok, this had better be a non-seasonal something. Or perhaps not. VEGETABLE, possibly including MINERAL and ANIMAL as well.
Something you can eat?
[Rosie] No.
Is it some form of habitat?
An object made largely of wood?
I don't know how that happened - but that last one was me. A preview would've helped, of course. :-(
[Kim] No.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Man-made?
[Rosie] Yes.
Is there just one of these?
Happy New Year, everyone
An item of clothing?
[I] No.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Found in most hoseholds?
Getting sloppy. That's households, of course. Of course.
Anyone else playing?
[Rosie] Found in many, perhaps even in most, but I can't be sure.
Would it generally be regarded as welcome in the households in which it is found?
[Kim] Sort of, though it's not like these things just show up by chance and get welcomed.
Xmas tree?
[Projoy] No.
Does it weigh more than 3lbs (1.3608 kg)?
Groping about in the dark here.
[Rosie] No.
Is the mineral element metal?
[INJ] Yes.
Is it alive?
[jim] No.
Does it have a handle?
[irach] No.
Is it decorative?
-Is it flammable?
Does it have moving parts?
[Jim] The usual protocol in this game is that questions are put into the "a propos" box.
[I] Generally not.
[jim] Yes.
[Kim] I suppose yes, though that's rather misleading.
[jim] Yes.
[Kim] I suppose yes, though that's rather misleading.
Is it a tool?
Is it usually to be found in the kitchen?
Is it a container?
[Saxon] No.
[Kim] No.
[Inkspot] No.
At least, narrowly speaking. It is used for a purpose, might as easily be in the kitchen as anywhere else, and does, in a sense, contain things. But it lacks the toolness of a hammer, the coquiniosity of a sink, and the envelopaciousness of a bottle.
[Kim] No.
[Inkspot] No.
At least, narrowly speaking. It is used for a purpose, might as easily be in the kitchen as anywhere else, and does, in a sense, contain things. But it lacks the toolness of a hammer, the coquiniosity of a sink, and the envelopaciousness of a bottle.
Is the animal bit hair?
[I] No.
Is it a standard geometric shape?
[jim] Yes.
That's about twenty questions so far, and the audience is still asleep. A hint: there is a slight seasonal relevance, although the relevant season is not Christmas.
Does it have an effect on the temperature around it?
[Kim] No.
Another hint: the standard geometric shape that it is, is rectangular.
Another hint: the standard geometric shape that it is, is rectangular.
A calendar?
An Advent calendar?
Is it a box of something?
[CdM] (APPLAUSE!) No.
[I] No.
[Kim] No.
[I] No.
[Kim] No.
A diary?
[Kim] YES!
Didn't think that would take so long. Is interest waning?
Nah - just the time of year.
Me again? Shucks...OK, ABSTRACT with plenty of ANIMAL and MINERAL associations and probably some VEGETABLE ones to boot.
Is the animal, human?
A human construct?
A dream about a panda sitting on a rock?
- just a stab in the dark.
Manchester United?
speaking of booting vegetables...
Is there only one of this?
[Inkspot] Predominantly.
[INJ] Yes.*Some applause and a little laughter*
[Wol]< irony> Oooh! So close! < /irony>
[Irouleguy] No.
[INJ] No.
[INJ] Yes.*Some applause and a little laughter*
[Wol]< irony> Oooh! So close! < /irony>
[Irouleguy] No.
[INJ] No.
Paleontology?
An activity of some kind?
[Raak] No.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Is it a cultural production?
[Irouleguy] Not sure what you mean. Can you clarify?
Is it an event?
[Irouleguy] No.
Is it a belief system?
Kim] Apologies for posting ambiguously and then buggering off for the weekend. I was trying to ask a number of questions at once - cultural production meaning book/film/play/musical/song/whatever else - hence the awkward wording.
The sport of building huge rows of dominoes and then making them fall over?
Is it competitive?
[Irouleguy] No, not a cultural event.
[Inkspot] No, not an event.
[Irouleguy] No, not a belief system.
[Raak] *Some laughter and a little applause* No, but....
[Tuj] No, not competitive.
[Inkspot] No, not an event.
[Irouleguy] No, not a belief system.
[Raak] *Some laughter and a little applause* No, but....
[Tuj] No, not competitive.
Is it a pastime?
Is this an emotion?
[Raak] No a pastime.
[Chalky] No, not an emotion :-(
[Chalky] No, not an emotion :-(
Gravity?
Is this a place?
[Raak] No.
[Chalky] Yes.
[Chalky] Yes.
A single, specific place?
Is it a ruin?
Kim
[Raak] Yes.
[Projoy] *Some laughter and applause* No. At least, not in the conventional sense (it's not Lullingstone Villa, or some such.)
[Projoy] *Some laughter and applause* No. At least, not in the conventional sense (it's not Lullingstone Villa, or some such.)
Is it a controversial work of architecture?
[Raak] No.
Stonehenge?
I have to admit to being a little bit puzzled by the fact that this is 'A single, specific place' but that there isn't 'only one of this'
A work of art?
Is it in Britain?
Given it's abstract, is it a fictional archaic site?
Could I replace that question with "is it a fictional geographical site, like Hy Brasil?"
My back yard, as in "Not in my back yard"?
[INJ] No. You're right and I think I may come in for some criticism. By answering Chalky's question "Is this a place?" with a Yes and not directing her and following questioners to the fact that there is more than one of these, I think I have unwittingly misled people into thinking that there is, in fact, only one. Even as I think about it, I am beginning to doubt whether this is really abstract at all, but merely animal, mineral and (to a lesser extent) vegetable, but I will stick to my guns and take the flak if it comes.
In the light of this, the answer to each of the five questions following yours is No.
Raak and Projoy are currently the strongest links and, moreover, have already used the words that are on the card here in separate questions.
Questioners may get more benefit focusing on the non-abstract qualities.
In the light of this, the answer to each of the five questions following yours is No.
Raak and Projoy are currently the strongest links and, moreover, have already used the words that are on the card here in separate questions.
Questioners may get more benefit focusing on the non-abstract qualities.
Are these tourist attractions?
So the answer is somewhere in:
is a abstract and archaic architecture art Brasil building controversial Could dominoes fall fictional geographical Given Gravity huge Hy I is it it's like making of over Paleontology pastime place question replace rows ruin single site specific sport that the them then with work
Oh Raak - you DO make me laugh sometimes :-) Spot on.
Now I shall ask a question ...
Now I shall ask a question ...
Is this a place that might be visited by tourists?
Might have helped if I'd actually read your question aswell ... sorry Kim, I'll do another one
Would people pay to see this?
Sporting venue(s)?
[Raak] Tourist attractions? Unlikely, but then some tourists would go to see a hole in the ground.
[Raak] Yes! Now, perm any three from forty-four in alpha order.
[Chalky] Unlikely, but then some people would pay to see a hole in the ground.
[Irouleguy] No.
[Raak] Yes! Now, perm any three from forty-four in alpha order.
[Chalky] Unlikely, but then some people would pay to see a hole in the ground.
[Irouleguy] No.
A building site?
A type of public building?
A burial site/graveyard/gravesite?
The site of an archaeological dig?
Whew!
Chalky wins! The answer on the card is, indeed, "A building site". Well done, Chalky. Now, was I right or wrong?
[Kim] I agree it's reasonable to call it abstract. As for one or more: I see your problem, but I think you needed to answer Raak's 'single specific place' differently - otherwise it is no longer abstract.
the incredible rightness of being ..
[Kim] Thanks M'dear :-)
hmmm - I wonder if you had answered Raak's question "A single, specific place?" with a No and a Yes - it might have been obvious that, although having a singular purpose, this type of place was not unique. As for the 'Abstract' label, I can understand your misgivings. Probably not, I'd say.
I'll post a new one a bit later - give others a chance to comment ..
[simul'd with INJ]
hmmm - I wonder if you had answered Raak's question "A single, specific place?" with a No and a Yes - it might have been obvious that, although having a singular purpose, this type of place was not unique. As for the 'Abstract' label, I can understand your misgivings. Probably not, I'd say.
I'll post a new one a bit later - give others a chance to comment ..
[simul'd with INJ]
The incredible siteness of building
Kim] Nice one, first of all. I tend to think of 'abstract' as meaning fictional or unreal, so I would have labelled this as MINERAL (with qualifications) rather than ABSTRACT, but I do think it's a fine distinction. I agree with Chalky about your answer to Raak's question, but I don't think it led us too far astray. And I thoroughly enjoyed it, which is what really matters.
Thanks for the comments. I think you're all being far too nice. The fact is that I intuitively chose to describe it as ABSTRACT without really considering the issue. During the course of the game I had to start considering first of all whether a building site really is more than the sum of the materials and people that fill it up; then I agonised over whether "a building site" meant "that building site, there", or "some building site, somewhere" or "any building site anywhere". Also, is a building site a place, or is it in a place? So, I still think that my problem started with my answer to Chalky's question "Is this a place", rather than Raak's "A single specific place?". Even questions such as "A human construct" (INJ) "The sport of making huge rows of dominoes and then making them fall over" (Raak) and "Is it a ruin" (Projoy) I found difficult and thought-provoking, but, hey, it was fun to wrestle with and I hope you all found it as entertaining as Irouleguy did.
Let's draw a line under it and move on.
Now? Yes?
A N I M A L
Four-legged?
A single, individual creature?
Alive?
Winged?
Human?
[Kim] I think all of us who have set AVMAs have grappled with this problem -- you pick some subject that seems quite straightforward, and the next thing you know someone asks a question that also seems quite straightforward, and yet you find you have no idea how to answer it. And, usually, the more you think about it, the worse it gets...
Food?
Mammal?
grappling
[Raak] Four-legged? No
[Wol] single individual creature? After much thought - No
[Phil] Alive? In this instance, Yes
[Puckoon] Winged? No
[Rosie] Food? Not in the sense you may mean
[CdM] Human? Do you mean A Human? Yes and No
[Iroule] Mammal? Do you mean A Mammal? as above
[CdM] How right you are - a couple of my replies above took considerable thought. I should know by the next batch of questions whether I have misled ... and reserve the right to review :-)
[Wol] single individual creature? After much thought - No
[Phil] Alive? In this instance, Yes
[Puckoon] Winged? No
[Rosie] Food? Not in the sense you may mean
[CdM] Human? Do you mean A Human? Yes and No
[Iroule] Mammal? Do you mean A Mammal? as above
[CdM] How right you are - a couple of my replies above took considerable thought. I should know by the next batch of questions whether I have misled ... and reserve the right to review :-)
Is it a category of person (eg, left-handed people)?
[Kim] Category of person? No
A part of a creature?
Three, yet one?
Is it a role? (e.g. Leader of Conservative Party)
Is it a part of a human?
The Dalai Lama?
The current Crystal Palace goalkeeper?
I only put that up to say I think we're getting warm.
significantly warmer
[INJ] A part of a creature? Yes *applause*
[Raak] Three, yet one? No
[Phil] Role? No
[Kim] Part of a human? Yes *more applause*
[iroule] Dalai Lama? No
[Rosie] The goalkeeper? No :-)
[Raak] Three, yet one? No
[Phil] Role? No
[Kim] Part of a human? Yes *more applause*
[iroule] Dalai Lama? No
[Rosie] The goalkeeper? No :-)
Do all humans have this part?
[Iroule] Do all humans have this part? At birth, Yes, I suppose they do.
Placenta?
The umbilical cord?
[irach] Placenta? No
[Raak] Umbilicus? No
[Raak] Umbilicus? No
Do most adults have this part?
[Raak] Most adults? Yes
Would it's absence be visible to another person (assuming no clothes)?
AAAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!! *Climbs to the top of nearest greengrocer and throws himself off*
*breaks INJ's fall*
[IN'J] Naked Absence Of Body Part - probably not.
Is it an internal body part?
Is it an appendix?
Spleen?
Do both men and women have this part?
Would the absence of this part be a serious medical condition?
.. today we have naming of parts ..
[irach] Internal? Yes, but nothing as obvious as the appendix :-)
[CdM] Spleen? No
[Raak] Men & Women? Yes
[Rosers] Absence causing serious medical condition? No, not on its own.
[CdM] Spleen? No
[Raak] Men & Women? Yes
[Rosers] Absence causing serious medical condition? No, not on its own.
Is it something that all humans are born with, but lose after being born?
[Kim] Born with, yes, but lose after birth, as a matter of course, No.
A secretion of some kind?
A secretion of some kind?
Preview, you silly boy!
[Rosie] Not a secretion, No [was trying to avoid mineral/vegetable connections] although your guess gets a *smattering of applause*
Tonsils?
[Iroule] Tonsils? No
Hair?
[Raak] Not hair - [see my last reply to irach]
The organ of Zuckerkandl?
Appendix?
Gall bladder?
[Raak] Zuckerkandl's thingy? No
[Kim] Appendix? Ni [see my last reply to irach]
[Rosie] Gall Bladder? No, but very very close!
[Kim] Appendix? Ni [see my last reply to irach]
[Rosie] Gall Bladder? No, but very very close!
Pancreas?
Surely its removal would lead to serious medical problems, such as instant diabetes?
[Rosie] Indeed it would, which is why the pancreas isn't the correct answer :-)
Prostate?
(if I can intrude) Bile duct?
[Kim] Prostate? No
[Dandalf] Bile duct? No. (intrude more! It's good to have new players in this game)
[Dandalf] Bile duct? No. (intrude more! It's good to have new players in this game)
Duodenum?
[Kim] Duodenum? No
Am thinking about Rosie's remark re: Serious medical condition. I know of people without this part who have what could be termed a medical condition but wouldn't label it serious. S'pose it's a matter of opinion.
Large bowel?
left kidney?
[Raak] Large Bowel? Close - location-wise - but No. * audience frantically points to one of Rosie's guesses*
[INJ] Left kidney? No
[INJ] Left kidney? No
Urethra
The navel?
Bladder?
Haven't had the gall to guess that one previously.
[Inks] Urethra? No - but SO close
[Raak] Navel? No
[INJ] Bladder? Cheeky but CORRECT! *relieved cheers from audience*
Over to you ....
[Raak] Navel? No
[INJ] Bladder? Cheeky but CORRECT! *relieved cheers from audience*
Over to you ....
That's a relief
OK in that case we'll have an ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections
A work of art?
[Raak] - work of art? - NO
Character from fiction?
[Kim] Character from fiction? - YES (some hesitant applause)
Any religious connothingies at all?
Human?
Character from a novel?
A character in a film?
A character from mythology?
Is the character human?
(intruding more) From science fiction?
Robin Hood
This is going well
[Néa] - religious - NO
[Tuj] - human - YES
[Iroul] - from novel - NO
[Raak] - in film - Has been depicted on film, but originally NO
[Inks] - from mythology - NO
[Kim] - see above
[Dandalf] - SF - NO
[Inks] - Robin Hood - NO - *Huge round of applause*
[Tuj] - human - YES
[Iroul] - from novel - NO
[Raak] - in film - Has been depicted on film, but originally NO
[Inks] - from mythology - NO
[Kim] - see above
[Dandalf] - SF - NO
[Inks] - Robin Hood - NO - *Huge round of applause*
Someone else who figures in the Robin Hood stories?
Soon be there
[Raak] in the Robin Hood stories? - YES
Maid Marian?
Sheriff of Nottingham?
Friar Tuck?
Little John?
Obviously not you, squire.:-)
BUGGER!, done it again. That last one was me. These drop-down lists are a pain in the posterior passage.
Will Scarlett?
[now firmly intruded) A merry man?
Well, there you go
[Rosie/Rock] Little John it is.
That wasn't very hard then, was it. Just as well, given my infrequent appearance on here in the last few days.
That wasn't very hard then, was it. Just as well, given my infrequent appearance on here in the last few days.
[ImNotLittleJohn] It was good to have a nice short one for a change.
agree .. although Inkspot landing on the precise area of fiction was inspired. How did he know that?
oooh
Maybe Inkspot is INJ's evil twin?
The clue was in how INJ answered Kim's first question it' a middle age thing.
Inkspot] You being middle-aged, or the historical Middle Ages?
[Irouléguy]It was just a poor cross server play on words type joke.
[Inkspot] I don't see how "(some hesitant applause)" would lead you to "Robin Hood", but I can see how INJ's answer to Raak's second question would help.
[Kim] I took the reply to your question to be a fiction based on someone, it was a toss up between 'mythology' or legend. When almost a day had passed I took a shot at the fella in green tights.
Sorry for the delay.
This one is MINERAL. Nothing whatsoever to do with steam engines.
Anthracite?
Diesel?
A manufactured object?
Are there more than one of these?
Is more than one mineral substance involved?
Anything to do with the weather?
(irach) - No
(Irouléguy) - No
(INJ) - Yes
(CdM) - Oh yes.
(Kim) - Yes
(Raak) - Not even a teensy little bit.
(Irouléguy) - No
(INJ) - Yes
(CdM) - Oh yes.
(Kim) - Yes
(Raak) - Not even a teensy little bit.
Clarification
(Kim) The object itself is one mineral substance in the way that the term is used in this game.
Is it made of plastic?
Is it used inside the house?
Small enough to pick up with one hand?
Inkspot - No
(Irouléguy) - No - *chuckles from a few members of the audience*
Raak - Yes
(Irouléguy) - No - *chuckles from a few members of the audience*
Raak - Yes
Is it made of metal?
Chalky - Indeed it is.
Could it be a component of other things (like a ball-bearing)?
Does it explode?
Is it a dream deferred?
InNotJohn - No
Raak - No
CdM - No, nothing as fancy.
Raak - No
CdM - No, nothing as fancy.
does it always have a defined shape that is chaarcteristic to it, e.g. circular, square...?
Is it a weapon of some sort?
A boule?
A tool of some sort?
A sporting implement?
irach - Yes, a shape but not a simple geometrical one.
Chalky - No
Raak - Non
(ImNotJohn) - Only in an extremely broad sense. The answer really is No.
Kim - No.
Chalky - No
Raak - Non
(ImNotJohn) - Only in an extremely broad sense. The answer really is No.
Kim - No.
Does it have moving parts?
A sculpture by Bathsheba Grossman?
As seen at http://www.bathsheba.com/.
Inkspot - No
Raak - No; functional rather than artistic.
Raak - No; functional rather than artistic.
Mobile Phone?
Phil - No (metal only)
Housekey?
A spoon?
A coin?
Is it made of steel?
Forget the coin question; geometric shape.
A car key?
We have a winner! Well done, Dandalf. The "word on the card" is front-door key, but that's near enough. That was too simple, wasn't it? Next time.....evil grin
ABSTRACT with ANIMAL and MINERAL connections
A work of art?
An organisation?
Picasso's 'Les demoiselles d'Avignon'?
A human construct?
(oblig)
Raak - No Rosie - No Irouleguy - Non! ImNotJohn - errrrrm....Yes and No (sorry!)
Oh Dear! - Sorry about lack of linebreaks. (hangs head in shame)
An activity?
A state of mind?
Raak - No
Irouleguy - That could describe the object on the card. *sprinkling of applause*
Irouleguy - That could describe the object on the card. *sprinkling of applause*
An emotion?
Thirst?
The Golden Age of Mankind?
Kim - No
Rosie - No
Raak - No - (laughter)
irach - No
Rosie - No
Raak - No - (laughter)
irach - No
Anarcho-syndicalism?
It had to be right eventually.
Patience on a monument?
(INJ) I'm thinking monkeys, typewriters and Shakespeare. :-)
INJ - No
Rosie - No - no link, however tenuous, to monkeys, typewriters and/or Shakespeare :)
Rosie - No - no link, however tenuous, to monkeys, typewriters and/or Shakespeare :)
An aspect of conscioussness?
[Kim] Too many "esses", precioussss
Hunger?
Kim - No
Inkspot - No
Inkspot - No
A hangover?
*yawns*
As this is going so slowly, I'll do a quick recap:
It is NOT:
a work of art, an organisation, Picasso's "Les demoiselles..", an activity, an emotion, thirst, "The artist in despair ..", The Golden Age of Mankind, anarcho-syndicalism, patience on a monument, an aspect of consciousness, hunger.
It IS:
a state of mind, and may or may not be a human construct.
It is NOT:
a work of art, an organisation, Picasso's "Les demoiselles..", an activity, an emotion, thirst, "The artist in despair ..", The Golden Age of Mankind, anarcho-syndicalism, patience on a monument, an aspect of consciousness, hunger.
It IS:
a state of mind, and may or may not be a human construct.
Is it a state of mind that a normal person would experience on a regular basis?
Is it an agreeable state of mind?
It the mineral part a liquid?
[Chalky]With Dandalf calling in once every couple of days this one is going to take weeks.
A mind as quick as quicksilver?
A cunning plan dancing naked upon a harpsichord and singing "Cunning Plans Are Here Again"?
Is the animal part human?
L'esprit de l'escalier?
Thinking of a snappy comeback ten minutes after the conversation
Absence?
To liken the sound of a harpsichord to two skeletons copulating on a tin roof?
Profound apologies to all for the long pause - I've been having modem problems.
INJ - No
Rosie - No
Inkspot - No
Irach - No (laughter)
Raak - No
INJ - Yes
Irouleguy - No
Rosie - No
Raak - No
Think entertainment. (One of my answers to Rosie contains a hint!)
INJ - No
Rosie - No
Inkspot - No
Irach - No (laughter)
Raak - No
INJ - Yes
Irouleguy - No
Rosie - No
Raak - No
Think entertainment. (One of my answers to Rosie contains a hint!)
Can it be experienced on ones own?
Is it an anthropomorphism?
Inspiration?
A film?
Paranoia?
INJ - The entertainment? - Yes
Kim- Yes
Snorgle - No
Chalky - No
Botherer - No
Kim- Yes
Snorgle - No
Chalky - No
Botherer - No
Is it connected to the weather?
Is it religious in nature?
Sorry again - can only use office computer [ ; ) ]
KIM - No
Projoy - No
Time for another hint? I've used one of the three words on the card in one of my answers to R.....
KIM - No
Projoy - No
Time for another hint? I've used one of the three words on the card in one of my answers to R.....
Anything to do with computers?
Anything to do with monkeys?
Is one of the words "no"?
Tears of Laughter?
Pretending to be a snail - literally hours of fun.
[Projoy] No - since it's not an activity.
Hm. Surely the fact that it's "an anthropomorphism" should be the main giveaway, except that I can't really put parameters on what that is, precisely.
Hm. Surely the fact that it's "an anthropomorphism" should be the main giveaway, except that I can't really put parameters on what that is, precisely.
Is the anthropomorphism male?
*is bored*
sorry Dandalf - I know it's not your fault - but up until 11 days ago this was the snappiest, sharpest game on this server. Forgive me - you see, I started this game and there's a sense of personal pride. How shallow am I? :-)
(Chalky) You make Hamsey Green pond look like the Marianas Trench. No, not really, honestly.
Methinks its time to put this one to sleep. If you don't get it after this you are all "The w------ ----" and you leave with nothing!
The Weakest Link?
I think I may be right. Hahahah! Thanks Dandalf :-)
In the interests of the game I shall decline the 'chair' - mainly because I won't be able to post regularly during the daytimes.
[Rosie?] would you care to take my place?
In the interests of the game I shall decline the 'chair' - mainly because I won't be able to post regularly during the daytimes.
[Rosie?] would you care to take my place?
Shame
I can't help feeling we should have got closer to that. The 'state of mind' is what put me off the track for quite some time. I sympathise with Dandalf though as I also often find it difficult to look in more than a couple of times a day and once at weekends if I'm lucky.
Chalky - You are the strongest link.
(Chalky) Strictly we ought to wait till Dandalf rubber-stamps it, even though you're obviously right. OK, I'll do one even thought I got nowhere near the answer.
This one is ANIMAL
Non-human?
Non-alive?
non-edible?
Is it native to a particular country?
irach - No
CdM - Yes
ImNotJohn - Probably not, now
Inkspot - Was (see answer to irach and CdM)
CdM - Yes
ImNotJohn - Probably not, now
Inkspot - Was (see answer to irach and CdM)
Clarification - (INJ) Probably not edible, I meant.
Non-fictional?
Male?
rach - Yes
Raak - Yes
Raak - Yes
Is he European?
Mozart?
Anything to do with either monkeys, typewriters or Shakespeare?
A broadcaster?
Inkspot - Yes
Irouléguy - No
Kim - Not a thing
Phil - No
Irouléguy - No
Kim - Not a thing
Phil - No
Might I make a suggestion? This game went through a period [I think CdM started the trend and I'm sure you, Rosie, amongst others, followed the initiative] of putting the Yes/No replies next to, not just the name of the questioner, but also a C&P of the question. For those folks, like me at the moment, who can only rush in for a few moments, there isn't time to trawl back through the questions to match them to the replies .. so I end up not bothering to frame a question of my own. It may make for more participation ..
Born in the 18th Century?
Is he Welsh?
(Chalky) OK, not a bad idea.
Kim - Born in 18th C - No
Inkspot - Welsh? - Nag'dy (No)
Kim - Born in 18th C - No
Inkspot - Welsh? - Nag'dy (No)
Musically inclined chap?
A poet?
Well that's me stumped.
Born in the 19th Century?
(irach) Musical? - Not known for it.
Inkspot - Poet? - No
Kim - Born 19th century? - No.
Inkspot - Poet? - No
Kim - Born 19th century? - No.
- Born in the 20th Century?
Did he hold a political office?
British?
A scientist?
A cultural figure?
Dandalf - Born in 20th C? - No
Raak - Held a political office? - Well, sort of. Not what he's known for
ImNotJohn - British? - No
Inkspot - A scientist? - Yes *considerable applause*
Irouléguy - A cultural figure - No.
Raak - Held a political office? - Well, sort of. Not what he's known for
ImNotJohn - British? - No
Inkspot - A scientist? - Yes *considerable applause*
Irouléguy - A cultural figure - No.
An astronomer?
Einstein?
Oops, not borh in 19th or 20th century. Ignore that, try this:
Galileo?
Galileo?
ImNotJohn - An astronomer? -Yes
Raak - Not Galileo.
Raak - Not Galileo.
Was he German?
Inkspot - German? - No
Did he have a silver nose?
.. Or Copper Knickers?
Is it indeed Copernicus? If so, award the win to Chalky.
Kepler?
Yes, his underwear was unusual and cupric, so courtesy of irach, CHALKY is the winner. (Raak) Don't geddit. :-(
[Rosie] Raak is referring to Tycho Brahe.
Here is The Straight Dope on the subject.
Marvellous - y'learn something new every day
V. generous [irach] :-) I now have a little more time to do one of these, so I think we'll go for ...
V E G E T A B L E
V. generous [irach] :-) I now have a little more time to do one of these, so I think we'll go for ...
V E G E T A B L E
Tony Blair's Cabinet?
Does it grow on trees?
Is it edible?
Is it manufactured?
Hey Chalky, it's been more than an hour since Raak's question...
Is it just one species of vegetable?
[Raak] TB's cabinet? No *chuckle*
[Inks] Does it grow on trees? No
[INJ] Edible? Yes
[CdM] Manufactured? um .. Yes
[CdM] Yes - he's very eager, isn't he?
[Iroule] One species? Yes
[Inks] Does it grow on trees? No
[INJ] Edible? Yes
[CdM] Manufactured? um .. Yes
[CdM] Yes - he's very eager, isn't he?
[Iroule] One species? Yes
Does it require cooking to make it edible?
[C/C] I just asked the question, I can wait...
[Raak] Cooking? Yes [with hesitation]
Is it a (culinary) dish?
Does it grow underground?
Porridge?
Is it a root vegetable?
(Raak) re Tycho Brahe - I didn't know that. What is also not too well known is that he died of a burst bladder and the consequent peritonitis. At a boozy banquet with the King of Denmark he dared not leave the table until His Maj had got up despite a certain degree of urgency. Awful.
Does it come in a tin?
Just seen irach's question, so my previous one was superfluous. Tut, tut!
- sauerkraut?
Associated with a particular country?
[Rosie] Ouch. I'm glad I just knew the nose part before!
[INJ] Culinary dish? Culinary = as in pertaining to the kitchen? Yes. Dish? Debatable
[Irach] Underground? No
[Raak] Porridge? No
[Rosie] Root veg? No
[Rosie] Come in a tin? Can do :-)
[Dandalf] sauerkraut? No
[Tuk] Associated with a particular country? Good question. More a particular region, I'd say
[Irach] Underground? No
[Raak] Porridge? No
[Rosie] Root veg? No
[Rosie] Come in a tin? Can do :-)
[Dandalf] sauerkraut? No
[Tuk] Associated with a particular country? Good question. More a particular region, I'd say
Is it a form of offal?
I like the story of his pet elk falling downstairs drunk after too much beer the best.
Ah, vegetable. Ok, is it a veggie imitation of some sort of offal?
Brussels sprouts?
Delicious steamed, or boiled quickly with chestnuts. Curried sprouts not such a good idea though.
[Raak] Fake offal? No :-)
[Iroule] Brussels Sprouts? No
NB: Correction to my reply to Inkspot's first question "Does it grow on trees?" - broadly speaking, my reply should have been Yes.
[Iroule] Brussels Sprouts? No
NB: Correction to my reply to Inkspot's first question "Does it grow on trees?" - broadly speaking, my reply should have been Yes.
A fruit of some kind?
[Rosie] A fruit of some kind? No
Is the region it's associated with in Europe?
A spice?
It grows on trees - is it Spaghetti?
[Iroule] Europe? No
[Dandalf] A spice? No
[Kim] Grows on trees? - Yes, but not spaghetti
[Dandalf] A spice? No
[Kim] Grows on trees? - Yes, but not spaghetti
Associated with Asia?
Does one drink it?
[INJ] Asia? Yes *cheers from audience*
[Raak] Drink it? Yes *even louder cheers from audience*
[Raak] Drink it? Yes *even louder cheers from audience*
Darjeeling tea?
[Iroule] Darjeeling tea? ONE WORD is correct! *gasps of anticipation*
Jee, darling, which could it be? Um...Assam tea?
Earl Grey Tea? (©Alan Bennett)
[Iroule] Assam tea? sorry, No
[Rosie] Earl Grey Tea? No to that as well :-(
[Rosie] Earl Grey Tea? No to that as well :-(
Is there just one word on the card?
[Raak] There are TWO words on the card [one of them is tea] and I predict you'll guess it very soon ...
Green Tea?
Actually, I hope I'm wrong as I'm just about to go away and be incommunicado until Sunday evening.
Jasmine tea?
Oolong tea?
Isn't it always the way ... ImNotJohn wins it by a short head from his uncle!
I'll hand over the baton - do with it as you will ...
I'll hand over the baton - do with it as you will ...
There will now be a short intermission, while ImNotJohn goes away.
And then again
Struggling slightly with an azerty keyboard, as I'm logged in at Hbach's. So here's an Abstract to be going on with. I might get on again tomorrow morning.
The azerty keyboard layout?
Dexterity?
Qwerty?
The notion of nationality?
Is it an action?
Is it a work of art?
Arachno-syndicalism (sic)
Back to normal now
[Raak]: azerty keyboard - NO
[Rosie]: Dexterity? - NO
[Kim]: qwerty - NO
[Tuj]: notion of nationality - NO
[Inkspot]: an action - NO
[Chalky]: a work of art? - NO
[Rosie]: The National UInion of Spiders - NO
[Rosie]: Dexterity? - NO
[Kim]: qwerty - NO
[Tuj]: notion of nationality - NO
[Inkspot]: an action - NO
[Chalky]: a work of art? - NO
[Rosie]: The National UInion of Spiders - NO
One of the seven deadly sins?
[Chalky] a deadly sin - NO
A natural occurrence?
Something mathematical?
[Chalky]: natural occurrence - NO
[Raak]: Something mathematical? - NO (one or two of the audience are raised from their slumbers)
[Raak]: Something mathematical? - NO (one or two of the audience are raised from their slumbers)
Something geometric?
[Kim]: Something geometric - NO (the level of snoring is rapidly rising towards previous levels)
A human construct? [well - someone had to ask]
Something to do with time?
[Chalky]: human construct? - YES
[Inks]: Something to do with time? - NO
[Inks]: Something to do with time? - NO
An invention?
Still cold
[Chalky]: invention? - NO
A form of entertainment?
Are numbers involved?
Getting Warmer
[Chalky]: A form of entertainment? - Not in itself (but you've woken the audience up)
[Iroul]: Are numbers involved? - YES (but only loosely)
[Iroul]: Are numbers involved? - YES (but only loosely)
Is it something that comes in the form of a set of a certain number of things?
7 D S, 3 B M, 4 C V, etc.
[Raak] a numbered set? - NO (but the odd stutter of stifled applause)
Any music connections?
[Chalky] music connections? - NO
Is this a game of some sort?
and if so, more specifically, a card game?
A lottery?
[Chalky]: a game of some sort? - NO, not as such (But some applause)
[Dandalf]: a card game? - NO, not as such (Loud and prolonged applause)
[Raak] - a lottery? - NO
[Dandalf]: a card game? - NO, not as such (Loud and prolonged applause)
[Raak] - a lottery? - NO
Solitaire?
A competition of some kind?
A sport?
the audience subsides
[Néa]: Solitaire? - NO (I see where you're coming from, but I would have called that a game - I'm not being deliberately awkward)
[Chalky]: A competition? - NO
[Projoy]: A sport? - NO
[Chalky]: A competition? - NO
[Projoy]: A sport? - NO
Anything to do with greetings cards?
A day that celebrates something?
[Raak]: greetings cards - NO (clever but not close)
[Chalky]:A day that celebrates something? - NO
As the audience has indicated - Dandalf is the person who's got closest so far
[Chalky]:A day that celebrates something? - NO
As the audience has indicated - Dandalf is the person who's got closest so far
Is it anything to do with gambling?
[Chalky]: connected with gambling? - YES (applause)
Is a set of playing cards involved?
Bingo?
Betting Slips (especially abstract ones)
Political Voting?
(ignore my last)
Damn, I meant political betting. Although I'm now going to change again and ask whether it's an election.
Quite warm now
[Raak]: Is a set of playing cards involved? - YES
[Raak] Bingo - NO
[Projoy]: Political Voting/Betting/election? - NO
[Raak] Bingo - NO
[Projoy]: Political Voting/Betting/election? - NO
Tarot
[Projoy]: Tarot - NO (neither divination nor the game - since it isn't a game)
A card trick?
[Iroul]: A card trick? - NO
shufflling?
-l
[Projoy]: shuffling - NO
I don't think you need a clue - you've got the information you need to home in on this.
I don't think you need a clue - you've got the information you need to home in on this.
Three Card Monte?
(although I suppose that is probably classified as a card trick, come to think of it)
Dealing?
[CdM]: Three Card Monte? - NO - there's no trickery involved
[Chalky]: Dealing? - NO
[Chalky]: Dealing? - NO
Is it the name of one of the suits?
[Projoy]: a suit - NO
You're not taking sufficient account of one of the bits of audience reaction
You're not taking sufficient account of one of the bits of audience reaction
A full house?
Bridge?
Not a game; war.
"the turn of a card"
Marked cards?
[CdM]: A full house? - NO (gasp from the audience mixed with loud and prolonged applause)
[Rosie]: Bridge? - NO
[Chalky]: the turn of a card? - NO
[Raak]: Marked cards? - NO
[Rosie]: Bridge? - NO
[Chalky]: the turn of a card? - NO
[Raak]: Marked cards? - NO
A Royal Flush?
House of Cards (the metaphor, hence abstract)
A winning hand?
Two pairs?
We have a winner
And Chalky it is - a Royal Flush.
Over to you.
Over to you.
oops
oh dear - I didn't intend to win that, even though I made a lot of the running. Erm ... how about a nice easy
V E G E T A B L E [with a teensy bit of Abstract]
to get us through the day ..
V E G E T A B L E [with a teensy bit of Abstract]
to get us through the day ..
edible?
A deserved victory, I thought, though CdM's close shave nearly brought about a lurkers win.
Is it a fruit?
[INJ] Edible? NO
[Iroule] Fruit? NO
[Iroule] Fruit? NO
Manufactured/Processed?
Wood?
[CdM] Manufactured/Processed? YES
[Raak] Wood? NO
[Raak] Wood? NO
Paper?
Cotton?
Textile?
[Dandalf] Paper? NO
[Inks] Cotton? YES *audience cheers*
[Raak] Textile? YES
[Inks] Cotton? YES *audience cheers*
[Raak] Textile? YES
clothing?
Jeans?
Welsh Rugby shirt
[INJ] Clothing? audience gasps and anticipates a speedy conclusion* YES
[Projoy] Jeans? NO
[Inks] Welsh Rugby Shirt? NO
[Projoy] Jeans? NO
[Inks] Welsh Rugby Shirt? NO
A Gap t-shirt?
(adding in a teensy bit of abstract)
[CdM] Gap t-shirt? NO (well referenced, though :-))
Incy wincy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini?
A little bit of both
the shirt off my back?
Scrub that... How about "my little cotton socks"?
Knickers?
[Inks] i w t w y p d bikini? Isn't it 'itsy witsy' - you may be confusing said garment with a spider :-) NO
[Projoy] the shirt off your back? scrubbed .... but
.. YOU ARE CORRECT WITH 'LITTLE COTTON SOCKS' [Aw bless]
[Rosie] same to you :-)
*vacates the chair to make room for Projoy*
[Projoy] the shirt off your back? scrubbed .... but
.. YOU ARE CORRECT WITH 'LITTLE COTTON SOCKS' [Aw bless]
[Rosie] same to you :-)
*vacates the chair to make room for Projoy*
Hmmm. OK. ANIMAL & VEGETABLE (abstract too, but we needn't worry too much about that). I'm going away at the weekend, so I might hand the answer to some trustworthy person if we haven't got it by then...
A bit of further research reveals there is probably a small MINERAL part to it, but don't get too hung up on it.
A manufactured item?
[Inks, Chalky] I believe it's actually "itsy bitsy".
Is it something to eat?
[INJ] Manufactured - YES, literally
[Raak] To eat - NO.
[Raak] To eat - NO.
A sporran?
[INJ] A sporran - NO (out of curiosity, is there anything vegetable in a sporran?)
A musical instrument?
Raak - musical instrument - NO, not musical
Something you wear?
Vegetable in a sporran - surely the authentic ones have real thistles?
[Irouléguy] Something you wear - NO
Is the animal part leather?
[Raak] Leather? Hm. I had to resort to a dictionary to find the answer, which is NO (but only just)
Is the vegetable part some sort of colouring?
[Raak] vege coloring? YES!
Woad?
(INJ) Itsy bitsy it is. I heard it when it first came out ca 1959. Even amongst us horny 16-yr-olds it was regarded as simply pathetic.
Is the not-really-leather part parchment?
Is the animal part a particular non-human animal?...if that makes sense
The Magna Carta?
Is it an object which can fit in the palm of your hand?
Is the animal part (which isn't leather) some other products of animal skin?
A knitted tea-cosy? [something manufactured (literally!) from dyed sheep's wool but which isn't worn]
[CdM] YES!!! - a superb bit of deduction.
and for the other questions, therefore...
[Raak] YES, vellum to be precise
[Inkspot] YES, a goat, I think, although I'm not sure
[Dandalf] NO
[Kim] YES
[Dandalf] Good guess, but NO
Well, that's handy, as I now have to go and catch my train to Manchester to see Lib singing. Over to you, CdM.
and for the other questions, therefore...
[Raak] YES, vellum to be precise
[Inkspot] YES, a goat, I think, although I'm not sure
[Dandalf] NO
[Kim] YES
[Dandalf] Good guess, but NO
Well, that's handy, as I now have to go and catch my train to Manchester to see Lib singing. Over to you, CdM.
OK... This one is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.
is the animal human?
Human? No.
Did it happen in the past?
Is the animal a symbol?
Fictional?
Did it happen in the past? Did what happen in the past?
Animal a symbol? That is not its primary purpose, but it can be interpreted in a symbolic way. I'm not sure that's helpful, though.
Fictional? Yes.
Animal a symbol? That is not its primary purpose, but it can be interpreted in a symbolic way. I'm not sure that's helpful, though.
Fictional? Yes.
Capricon?
Is the animal a carnivore?
Written fiction?
A mythical creature?
Capricorn? No.
Carnivore? Yes.
Written fiction? In part, yes.
Mythical? No (unless you take a very broad definition of mythical).
Carnivore? Yes.
Written fiction? In part, yes.
Mythical? No (unless you take a very broad definition of mythical).
The lion king?
Lion king? No.
A single specific animal?
Aslan?
A cartoon character?
Agnus Dei?
If we find out the animal, will we have the answer?
Single specific animal? Yes.
Aslan? No.
Cartoon character? Yes (unless you take a very narrow definition of cartoon) *applause*
Agnus Dei? No.
Animal = answer? Yes.
Aslan? No.
Cartoon character? Yes (unless you take a very narrow definition of cartoon) *applause*
Agnus Dei? No.
Animal = answer? Yes.
Clarification: I should probably have answered 'Cartoon Character?' with "In part, yes".
Is the cartoon part animated?
Jessica Rabbit?
A newspaper cartoon?
Animated? In part, yes.
JR? No.
Newspaper cartoon? In part, yes.
There is a noticeable lack of applause accompanying these partly correct suggestions.
JR? No.
Newspaper cartoon? In part, yes.
There is a noticeable lack of applause accompanying these partly correct suggestions.
Did this fictional carnivore first exist in writing?
Was it first illustrated before 1948?
First exist in writing? I could answer "in part, yes", but I think it is fairer to say that 'in writing' is not how one would typically describe its first incarnation.
First inkspotted, er, illustrated before 1948? Yes. *applause*
First inkspotted, er, illustrated before 1948? Yes. *applause*
Rupert Bear?
RB? No.
Is the animal a mammal?
Mammal? Strictly speaking, I think the answer has to be no. *some muttering in the audience*
Was its creator Walt Disney?
Is the animal aquatic?
Disney creation? No.
Aquatic? No.
Aquatic? No.
Summing up: we are looking for a fictional, carnivorous, single specific animal, which is in part a newspaper cartoon character, and in part an animated cartoon character (we don't know if those are the same parts) and in part comes from written fiction, though "'in writing' is not how one would typically describe its first incarnation." It can be interpreted symbolically, though that's not necessarily helpful, and it is not mythical. Strictly speaking, it's not a mammal (though the audience muttered about that answer). It's neither a Disney creation, nor acquatic.
Was its first incarnation in the 19th century?
Was its first incarnation in the 19th century?
No wonder the audience muttered - it's either a mammal or not a mammal - nothing in between, however strictly one speaks!
Does it appear in the works of Lewis Carroll?
Is it aimed at an adult audience?
Hobbes?
[Irouléguy] Excellent summation. Minor clues: I would not put too much emphasis either on newspaper cartoons or written fiction.
[Dandalf] Well, we can discuss that when the round is over. :-)
19th Century? No.
Lewis Carroll? No. *some smiles in the audience*
Adult audience? That's not really the target market, although many adults like at least some incarnations.
Hobbes? No.
A clue: When I set this AVMA I expected a question to which I could give a correct but misleading answer. And you fell right into my trap. Mwahahahaha!
[Dandalf] Well, we can discuss that when the round is over. :-)
19th Century? No.
Lewis Carroll? No. *some smiles in the audience*
Adult audience? That's not really the target market, although many adults like at least some incarnations.
Hobbes? No.
A clue: When I set this AVMA I expected a question to which I could give a correct but misleading answer. And you fell right into my trap. Mwahahahaha!
Does the animal take human form?
Human form? Yes! *applause*
A superhero?
Superhero? Yes. *applause*
Superman?
*hands the kryptonite rod to Raak*
Superman? YES!
As for "mammal", my uncertainty was the following. As far as I know, Superman has all of the traits that are usually taken as defining a mammal. But I think that the strict definition of the term has an evolutionary basis, and thus cannot apply to someone not from earth. I expect to be corrected by either a biologist or the morniverse equivalent of Comic-Book Man from The Simpsons.
As for "mammal", my uncertainty was the following. As far as I know, Superman has all of the traits that are usually taken as defining a mammal. But I think that the strict definition of the term has an evolutionary basis, and thus cannot apply to someone not from earth. I expect to be corrected by either a biologist or the morniverse equivalent of Comic-Book Man from The Simpsons.
MINERAL
Largely or exclusively metal?
An engagement ring?
Manufactured?
[CdM] Mostly metal? Yes.
[I] Not an engagement ring.
[Rosie] Manufactured? Yes.
[I] Not an engagement ring.
[Rosie] Manufactured? Yes.
Bigger than a phonebox?
Unique?
[GL] Bigger than a phonebox.
[Néa] Unique.
[Néa] Unique.
A sculpture?
Is it in the UK?
[Phil] Not a sculpture.
[I] Not in the U.K. (the audience is amused)
[I] Not in the U.K. (the audience is amused)
Eiffel Tower? [CdM] You win! but (a) not mythical and (b) carnivore (are you sure?) suggested a real biological species.
[Davdand] Not the Eiffel Tower.
Beagle 2
[Inkspot] (APPLAUSE!) Not Beagle 2.
Extant?
[D] You may well be right about my answer to "mythical?". Since I had already said that the answer was fictional, I interpreted 'mythical' more narrowly. But one definition of 'mythical' is 'fictitious', so perhaps I was misleading. As for carnivore, I recently saw an episode of Lois and Clark (not my fault; my daughter is currently Superman-obsessed) in which Clark Kent ate a hamburger...
A more successful solar exploration thingy?
[Cdm]I would agree with you on your interpretation of 'mythical'. Superman could not be described as a mythical creature or person.
[I] Yes. (More applause! )
Voyager?
Not the Star Trek variety.
[Projoy] Not Voyager.
The Tardis?
I'd agree with CdM too, particulaly as Superman is a member of a particular (fictional) species. Is one difference between fiction and myth that a fiction has a specific author, but a myth doesn't? (Although that would make Robin Hood mythical rather than fictional, so hmm...)
[I] Not the Tardis. (the audience look glum)
Skylab?
I don't agree with CdM, Superman is an omnivore rather than a carnivore just like Ordinaryman.
A European mission?
[GL] Not Skylab.
[I] (pause to research this) Partly European.
[I] (pause to research this) Partly European.
Cassini-Huygens?
Yes! When I checked up on the telephone box q, I was quite surprised to find out how big it is.
Yay, thank you for that one Raak, and for my first time in the chair in this game ANIMAL
A single animal?
Mammal?
A single animal - Yes
Mammal - Yes
Mammal - Yes
that should read [Irouléguy]A single animal - Yes [Gusset Login]Mammal - Yes
Currently alive?
[Raak]Currently alive - No
Human animal?
[irach] Human animal - Yes
Male?
[I] That's not a distinction I saw in my googling/dictionary checking, but it's an interesting idea. Mind you, at this point Superman certainly has multiple authors as well.
[GL] My bad: I think you're right. It is pretty clear at least that Superman is not an "obligate carnivore" (a term I just learned, meaning solely flesh-eating). And given that I also saw Superman eat a bomb in another episode, "omnivore" seems more appropriate. Googling seems to indicate, however, that the strict definition of these terms has to do with the necessity of different types of food in terms of nutrients. I actually have no idea if Superman has to eat anything.
[GL] My bad: I think you're right. It is pretty clear at least that Superman is not an "obligate carnivore" (a term I just learned, meaning solely flesh-eating). And given that I also saw Superman eat a bomb in another episode, "omnivore" seems more appropriate. Googling seems to indicate, however, that the strict definition of these terms has to do with the necessity of different types of food in terms of nutrients. I actually have no idea if Superman has to eat anything.
British?
Scientist?
[Rosie]British - Yes
[irach] Scientist - No
[irach] Scientist - No
Best known for cultural/artistic achievements?
[ImNotJohn]Best known for cultural/artistic achievements - Yes
Purcell?
[Raak]Purcell - No
Alive in the 20th century?
Musical connections?
[Raak]Alive in the 20th century - Yes
[ImNotJohn] Musical connections - No
[ImNotJohn] Musical connections - No
An Actor?
You didn't answer CdM's question about maleness
ooops
[CdM]Male - Yes
[Gusset Login] - An Actor - No
[Gusset Login] - An Actor - No
A painter and/or sculptor?[sneaking in two for the price of one ;-) ]
A writer?
A mime?
[Dandalf] A painter and/or sculptor - No
[Rosie]A writer - taking the narrowest definition No
[Raak]A mime - No
[Rosie]A writer - taking the narrowest definition No
[Raak]A mime - No
A performer of some sort?
[Gusset Login] A performer of some sort - No
To do with cinema?
[Dandalf] To do with cinema - No
A poet, then?
[Rosie] A poet - YES
Siegfried Sassoon?
T.S. Elliot?
Rabbie Burns?
Ted Hughes
[CdM]Siegfried Sassoon - No
[irach] T.S. Elliot - No
[Chalky] Rabbie Burns - No
[Phil]Ted Hughes - No
[irach] T.S. Elliot - No
[Chalky] Rabbie Burns - No
[Phil]Ted Hughes - No
Philip Larkin?
Wilfred Owen?
English?
[Rosie]Philip Larkin - No
[CdM] Wilfred Owen - YES and Yes it was he, and so the chair is yours.
[CdM] Wilfred Owen - YES and Yes it was he, and so the chair is yours.
An Easy One
I think the audience was being a little harsh not to give my earlier Sassoon guess at least a smattering of applause. Anyway, this is ABSTRACT, with ANIMAL connections.
Is it a fictional human?
Fictional human? No.
Is the animal connection human?
Animal connection human? Yes.
A mythical human?
Mythical human? No. *some wry chuckling in the audience*
Is this a place where humans go/gather together?
tut tut - ignore the 'together' - that's tautology, I believe.
Place where humans go? No, although it could be a cause of humans gathering together.
Is it an anniversary?
Is it your birthday?
:-)
Is it conected to religion?
Is it a specific date?
Is it an emotion?
An election?
Possibly setting a new record...
The answer is indeed, My Birthday. You can fill in the other answers for yourselves. *hands baton (lit at one end) to Chalky*
Oh, and sorry I didn't answer these sooner, but I was busy drinking margaritas.
Oh, and sorry I didn't answer these sooner, but I was busy drinking margaritas.
.. and many happy returns, dear CdM :-)
OK - in the hot seat again. This time I'll go for:
V E G E T A B L E with M I N E R A L and a smidgin of A B S T R A C T
OK - in the hot seat again. This time I'll go for:
V E G E T A B L E with M I N E R A L and a smidgin of A B S T R A C T
Is the vegetable wood?
Happy birthday!
A work of art?
Is it a unique item?
very good questions ...
[Iroule] Wood? YES
[Raak] Work of art? Sort of - YES
[GL] Unique? Yes, one could say that.
[Raak] Work of art? Sort of - YES
[GL] Unique? Yes, one could say that.
[Iroule] It's CdM's birthday today - mine is next week :-)
Seen in a museum?
Is the mineral metal?
[irach] Seen in a museum? No
[Dandalf] Metal? A small part is metal
[Dandalf] Metal? A small part is metal
Another crucifix?
[Raak] Another crucifix? No
Larger than a telephone box?
Any religious significance?
A decoration of some sort?
Smaller than a telephone box?
A wooden telephone box?
[Dandalf] Larger than a telephone box? No
[INJ] Religious significance? No
[Rosie] Decoration? Can be decorative - but not primary purpose
[GL] see above
[Raak] wooden TB? No
[INJ] Religious significance? No
[Rosie] Decoration? Can be decorative - but not primary purpose
[GL] see above
[Raak] wooden TB? No
Is it in Britain?
A door?
[Rosie] In Britain? Yes
[Dandalf] A door? No - but you are moving towards the right area
[Dandalf] A door? No - but you are moving towards the right area
Is it in a town/city?
A window box?
[Rosie] Town/City? Yes
[Raak] Window Box? No
[Raak] Window Box? No
City?
Is it normally found indoors?
Is it hand carved?
[GL] This one is in a city, yes.
[Phil] Indoors? No
[Inks] Hand-carved? Nothing so exotic.
The fact that Phil has joined the game is a BIG clue .
[Phil] Indoors? No
[Inks] Hand-carved? Nothing so exotic.
The fact that Phil has joined the game is a BIG clue .
A pub sign?
[CdM] Pub Sign? YES - that's close enough for a *huge roar of applause from the audience*
Now guess which pub.
Now guess which pub.
The Three Crowns?
[Inks] Not the Three Crowns
Elephant and Castle?
Is there an animal connection in the sign?
Is the pub in Ratby?
The Red Lion?
The Bull's Head?
The Nag's Head?
[Rosie] Elephant & Castle? No
[Inkspot] Animal connection? No
[Raak] Ratby? No
[GL] The Red Lion? No
[Phil] The Bull's Head? No
[all] The Nag's Head? No
[Inkspot] Animal connection? No
[Raak] Ratby? No
[GL] The Red Lion? No
[Phil] The Bull's Head? No
[all] The Nag's Head? No
Is this just one particular pub?
Head of Steam?
The Hogg's Head?
The words "Straws" and "Clutching" spring to mind
The Clutching Straws?
[Rosie] One particular pub? I'd already replied to GL earlier that it's unique - so Yes.
[CdM] Head of Steam? No
[GL] The Hogg's Head? No
[Raak] The Clutching Straws? No :-)
I'm not sure how many pub names there are in the Cities and Towns of the UK, but yu can be assured that I don't expect you to start guessing them all. C'mon - there HAS to be a hook ....
[CdM] Head of Steam? No
[GL] The Hogg's Head? No
[Raak] The Clutching Straws? No :-)
I'm not sure how many pub names there are in the Cities and Towns of the UK, but yu can be assured that I don't expect you to start guessing them all. C'mon - there HAS to be a hook ....
The Fisherman's Arms?
You said there had to be a hook...
Is this a single famous pub (like The Prospect of Whitby)?
Does the name relate to an MC player?
[GL] The Fisherman's Arms? No
[INJ] Single famous pub? I suppose you could call it famous [in its area] *murmurs of approval from the audience for INJ's line of questioning*
[CdM] Does the name relate to an MC player? No
[INJ] Single famous pub? I suppose you could call it famous [in its area] *murmurs of approval from the audience for INJ's line of questioning*
[CdM] Does the name relate to an MC player? No
Is it also the name of an underground station?
Is it in London?
One of the pubs that claims to be the oldest in Britain?
If I don't live in the area would I still have heard of it?
Bolsover Hall?
The Euston Flyer?
The Swiss Cottage?
[INJ] Underground station? No
[CdM] London? No
[INJ] Oldest in Britain? No
[GL] Heard of it? Probably not - but I have :-)
[INJ] Bolsover Hall? No
[Iroule] Euston Flyer? No
[PJ] Swiss Cottage? No
[CdM] London? No
[INJ] Oldest in Britain? No
[GL] Heard of it? Probably not - but I have :-)
[INJ] Bolsover Hall? No
[Iroule] Euston Flyer? No
[PJ] Swiss Cottage? No
Is it your local?
Is it in Devon?
Is it in Cornwall?
[INJ] My local? Yes it is, as it happens, but I wouldn't expect you to know it because of that! It is well-known around these parts for another reason
[Inks] Devon/Cornwall? No
[Inks] Devon/Cornwall? No
Is it in Dorset?
Working my around the country
Is it in Wiltshire?
Four down 35 or so to go
[Inks] In Wiltshire - where I live.
In fact to speed things up a bit, it's in Salisbury.
In fact to speed things up a bit, it's in Salisbury.
The Haunch of Venison?
(I googled for famous pubs in Salisbury)
The Anchor and Hope?
Loking for pubs with no animal connection
[GL] The Haunch of Venison? good guess - but not the right place.
[Inks] Anchor & Hope? No.
Tip: google for pubs that have brewed their own beer and then become quite famous for doing so ...
[Inks] Anchor & Hope? No.
Tip: google for pubs that have brewed their own beer and then become quite famous for doing so ...
Surely not The Wyndham Arms - of Summer Lightning fame?
The Moonraker?
[Phil] The Wyndham Arms? Oh YESYESYES. Just round the corner from me. The answer on the card is 'The Sign Outside The Wyndham Arms' so I shall gladly hand over the chair to you, landlord :-)
[Chalky] I am so jealous, locationwise.
OK - well, I've not done one of these before, but I'm at my desk off and on all day (and night), so here goes.
ANIMAL
Human?
[Projoy] Human? Yes
Still alive?
Female?
A single individual?
[GL] Alive? Yes
[all] Female? No
[CdM] Single individual? Yes
[all] Female? No
[CdM] Single individual? Yes
British?
[INJ] British? Yes
Is this person in the news on a regular basis?
Is he under 50?
Associated with the arts/culture?
Is he under 30?
Is he famously involved with sport?
A musician?
Is he a regular in the Morniverse?
[Chalky] Hmmm...not in the news as such
[GL] Under 50? Yes
[INJ] Arts/culture? Yes
murmur from audience
[Projoy] <30 ? No
[all] sport? not any more mixture of confused "huh?" and knowledgeable "ah" from audience
[Inkspot] Musician? Yes another murmur
[Irguy] Morniverse? No
[GL] Under 50? Yes
[INJ] Arts/culture? Yes
murmur from audience
[Projoy] <30 ? No
[all] sport? not any more mixture of confused "huh?" and knowledgeable "ah" from audience
[Inkspot] Musician? Yes another murmur
[Irguy] Morniverse? No
Ian Broudie?
[Projoy] Broudie? No
Nigel Kennedy?
[GL] Kennedy? No
Over 40?
Pop music or classical?
[Projoy] >40? Yes
[Dandalf] Pop or classical? Yes
[Dandalf] Pop or classical? Yes
Hint: Music is not how he makes his living.
Is he a politician?
[Raak] Politician? No
Does he make his living as a writer?
Is he a broadcaster?
Yes Pop, Yes Classical or Yes both?
[CdM] Writer? Sometimes
[Rosie] Broadcaster? Hmmm...is probably best known for TV work, if that's what you mean
[Dandalf] pop/classical? Probably a bit of both, but it's not really important.
[Rosie] Broadcaster? Hmmm...is probably best known for TV work, if that's what you mean
[Dandalf] pop/classical? Probably a bit of both, but it's not really important.
Is he a celebrity cook/chef?
[Chalky] Cook/Chef? No
[Clarification for Rosie] Broadcaster - if a broadcaster is someone like David Dimbleby, Jeremy Paxman, David Frost, then the answer is No
An actor?
[GL] Actor? Yes - (applause and sighs of relief from audience)
Primarily known as a film actor?
FORGET THAT
Just seen the 'best known for TV work' - So
Primarily known for comedy?
Primarily known for comedy?
Well known for his sci-fi work?
Hugh Laurie?
Vinnie Jones?
David Tenant?
[INJ] Comedy? Yes
[GL] SF? No
[Rosie] Hugh Laurie? YES!
[Projoy and all] VJ/DT? See above :-)
[GL] SF? No
[Rosie] Hugh Laurie? YES!
[Projoy and all] VJ/DT? See above :-)
Congrats, Rosie, we await your teaser with baited breath. Meanwhile, I'd be curious to know how many people knew what Hugh Laurie's sporting background is?
Rowlocks
Well, I certainly didn't. To save other people having to look it up, HL rowed for Cambridge in the 1980 boat race.
out of tune
I didn't realise he was a musician either. Talented chap.
[mutter, fader] Hello!
I've got one if Rosie's busy.
Although it's not 1am yet, so he'll probably be on shortly :)
And here he is . . . .
(Chalky) Not a bad jazz pianist, Mr L.
And the next object is . . . ABSTRACT
A wild guess?
Climate change?
Sociolinguistics?
Gravity?
A human construct?
Or perhaps a natural phenomenon?
String theory?
Light?
(Irg) A wild guess? - Have another one.:-)
(Phil) Climate change? - No (It's snowing here in bleak upland Surrey)
(Néa) Sociolinguistics? - No
(GL) Gravity? - No
(INJ) A human construct? - No
(Chalky) A natural phenomenon? - Yes *a slight ripple of applause*
(Raak) String theory? - No, or brass either. :-)
(all) Light? - No, but *considerable applause*
(Phil) Climate change? - No (It's snowing here in bleak upland Surrey)
(Néa) Sociolinguistics? - No
(GL) Gravity? - No
(INJ) A human construct? - No
(Chalky) A natural phenomenon? - Yes *a slight ripple of applause*
(Raak) String theory? - No, or brass either. :-)
(all) Light? - No, but *considerable applause*
A rainbow?
Relativity
Cataracts?
Weather-related?
It's been snowing here in bleak upland Farringdon too
Dark?
Does the answer on the card involve "light"?
sunlight?
(Raak) - Not a rainbow
(Projoy) - Not relativity
(Kim) - Not cataracts
(Irouléguy) Weather-related? - Can be, but no more than that
(Gusset Login) Dark? - No
(Tuj) No, but *a little applause* nevertheless
(all) No, but again *some applause*
(Projoy) - Not relativity
(Kim) - Not cataracts
(Irouléguy) Weather-related? - Can be, but no more than that
(Gusset Login) Dark? - No
(Tuj) No, but *a little applause* nevertheless
(all) No, but again *some applause*
Moonbeams?
The vernal equinox?
An Eclipse?
The dawn chorus?
Sunrise?
(Raak) Moonbeams? - No, nor polka dots, alas
(INJ) Vernal Equinox - No
(GL) Dawn chorus - No
(all) Sunrise? - No
(INJ) Vernal Equinox - No
(GL) Dawn chorus - No
(all) Sunrise? - No
Sundogs?
It's some bloody weather thing, isn't it? ;-)
Is the light natural (as opposed to human-generated)?
Aurora ?
Optimism?
(Raak) Sundogs? - No, not page 3 girls
(Projoy) Some weather thing? - No, that would be a bit corny. What do you take me for, sir?
(Irouléguy) Could be either ("Light" is not on the card though some would have put it there)
(irach) Not the Aurora
(Chalky) Optimism? - Regrettably yours is misplaced this time.
(Projoy) Some weather thing? - No, that would be a bit corny. What do you take me for, sir?
(Irouléguy) Could be either ("Light" is not on the card though some would have put it there)
(irach) Not the Aurora
(Chalky) Optimism? - Regrettably yours is misplaced this time.
I'm possibly being a little particular, but everybody has heard of this and knows what it is.
Lengthening Evenings?
Scratch that, how about "starshine"?
Phosphorescence?
Is it anything to do with the passage of time?
(Projoy) Starshine? - No (or lengthening evenings)
(Raak) Phosphorescence - No, but *a slight murmur of appreciation*
(Chalky) The passage of time - No
(Raak) Phosphorescence - No, but *a slight murmur of appreciation*
(Chalky) The passage of time - No
Radiation?
photosynthesis?
A mirage?
(GL) Radiation - Yes. - Now, which sort?
(Projoy) Photosynthesis? - No
(Irouléguy) A mirage - No.
(Projoy) Photosynthesis? - No
(Irouléguy) A mirage - No.
Electromagnetic Radiation?
infra-red?
Come to think of it, we seldom refer to infra-red light, so perhaps ultra-violet instead?
Step forth, the immaculately-tanned Projoy! ULTRAVIOLET it is. Ironically there's an article about the current tanning fad in today's Grauniad.
Hmmm...
This one might be very easy indeed or a bit of a bastard. It's NOT ANIMAL, VEGETABLE NOR MINERAL and although it is ABSTRACT in one way it's also a real thing.
Gravity?
A tan?
[Raak] gravity, no
[Rosie] a tan, no
[Rosie] a tan, no
That thing called love?
Fiction?
The speed of light?
[all] Luurrve, nope
[GL] Fiction, nope
[Ig] the speed of light, nope
[GL] Fiction, nope
[Ig] the speed of light, nope
Atmosphere?
Is it just one thing?
[GL] Atmos, no. [Ig] One thing, yes.
Sexual orientation?
How well you know me, dear Raak, but no, it's not that.
Is it s human construct?
Is it q human construct?
[Kim, all] It is neither, nor is it, for the sake of brevity a human construct, or even an human construct.
Can it be seen?
Is it weather related?
Electricity?
Is it a form of sound?
Is it any form of natural disaster?
[Raak] Can it be seen? No
[GL] Weather related... not really, only in the most unhelpful tangential way
[all] Electricity - no
[Raak] Form of sound - no
[Rosie] Natural disaster - debatable, but you could say yes
(Incidentally there have been a couple of answers so far where I perhaps should have used the studio audience, but thought it would make it much too easy. I'll bring them back if it seems like it's too hard)
[GL] Weather related... not really, only in the most unhelpful tangential way
[all] Electricity - no
[Raak] Form of sound - no
[Rosie] Natural disaster - debatable, but you could say yes
(Incidentally there have been a couple of answers so far where I perhaps should have used the studio audience, but thought it would make it much too easy. I'll bring them back if it seems like it's too hard)
Global warming?
[Raak] Global warming - Nope.
[Raak] I should perhaps add that a flat "no" to "Can it be seen?" is perhaps a teeny bit misleading. There are some rather specialised senses in which it can be seen, although most people would say that it can't.
Actually, after further thought, I should think even the specialists, when pressed, would say that it can't be seen.
An epidemic?
A soul?
[Rosie] Not an epidemic
[Phil] Not a soul (and my I be damned for all eternity if I ever claim without caveat that such a thing exists!)
[Phil] Not a soul (and my I be damned for all eternity if I ever claim without caveat that such a thing exists!)
A past event?
[Ig] Past event, yes and no. :)
The Big Bang?
[CdM] The Big Bang, no. *murmurs of interest in the audience, who are now back from their tea break*
The Begining?
[all] The beginning, nope.
Any connection with astronomy or cosmology?
The soul? It's a metaphor. Your eternal damnation is on hold :-)
Evolution?
[Rosie] connected with astronomy/cosmology, YES *applause*
[Ig] Evolution, no.
[Ig] Evolution, no.
An orbit?
[Raak] An orbit, no. *sound of several members of audience leaning forward at the same time*
Black Hole?
The Universe?
[Phil] Black Hole, YES
[Kim] The Universe? Only the bent parts of it :)
[Kim] The Universe? Only the bent parts of it :)
Yikes - two wins now! I think it was the "can it be seen" explanation that triggered the realisation. Anyway, here goes for a new one.
Mineral - with an animal reference
Is it bigger than a toaster?
Cat's-eye (Chrysoberyl)?
A cat-flap?
Pot-shot from 50 yds hoping the goalie's asleep.
[Projoy] Bigger than toaster, Yes
[irach] Chrysoberyl, no
[Rosie] Cat-flap, no
[irach] Chrysoberyl, no
[Rosie] Cat-flap, no
Is it bigger than a tank? A WW2 one, that is.
Is it metal?
A fish-eye lens?
Is there just one of it?
[Projoy] Bigger than tank, yes
[GL] metal, no
[Kim] fish-eye lens, no
[Raak] Just one, yes
[GL] metal, no
[Kim] fish-eye lens, no
[Raak] Just one, yes
The Dog Star?
The Horsehead Nebula?
[Projoy] Dog star, no
[GL] Horsehead nebula, no
[GL] Horsehead nebula, no
Is this a sea or ocean?
[Chalky] Sea or ocean, no
A sculpture?
[Chalky] Sculpture, no
Man-made?
[Néa] Man-made, no
A geographical feature?
Pluto?
An astronomical feature?
[Raak] Geog. feature, yes - smallish ripple of applause from audience
[Kim] Pluto, no
[GL] Astronomical, no
[Kim] Pluto, no
[GL] Astronomical, no
A mountain?
Is the animal connection figurative, eg The Old Man of Hoy?
The Cerne Abbas Giant?
Is the animal reference human?
[Projoy] mountain, no - applause from audience
[Rosie] Figurative animal connection, yes - considerable applause from audience
[GL] Cerne Abbas Giant, no
[irach] human reference, yes
[Rosie] Figurative animal connection, yes - considerable applause from audience
[GL] Cerne Abbas Giant, no
[irach] human reference, yes
Is it in Britain?
[GL] in Britain, yes
Is the human reference a name?
[CdM] Name, yes - applause
The Old Man of Hoy?
Forget that, not really a person's name. How about Arthur's Seat?
[Raak] Hoy, no
[Raak - take 2] YES Didn't think that would go so fast.
[Raak - take 2] YES Didn't think that would go so fast.
V. bsy atm so may only lk in cpl times a day.
M I N E R A L with V E G E T A B L E connections
M I N E R A L with V E G E T A B L E connections
Bonsai Mountain?
[GL] Molehill? No.
Natural feature?
You nicked my "intellectual property", y' bastard. You'll be hearing from Messrs. Sue, Grabbit and Runne. :-)
[Rosie] Not natural.
A mostly metallic object?
[Rosie] Mostly metallic? Tricky. By weight, yes, by volume, no.
Is it one single object?
[I] Single object? No (in the sense that there are many of these).
Can this be consumed?
[Chalky] Cannot be consumed.
It is bigger than a 'phone box?
Is the vegetable part alive?
[Kim] Not bigger than a phone box.
[GL] Not alive.
[GL] Not alive.
Is the vegetable wood?
Is the metallic part a sort of framework?
Is it bigger than a breadbox?
[I] (slight murmurings from the audience) No.
[R] No.
[GL] Usually.
[R] No.
[GL] Usually.
Is the vegatable paper?
[Kim] Yes! applause
Is it something to do with money?
[I] Nothing to do with money.
Is it a decoration?
[Rosie] Not a decoration.
A filing cabinet (full)?
An Underground Map?
[Dandalf] No.
[Phil] No, not much metal in one of those.
[Phil] No, not much metal in one of those.
I was thinking of the sort on display on a tube station, but was wrong anyway.
Is the paper for writing on?
[Rosie] (a ripple of interest) Er, yes and no. (the audience appreciates the questionmaster's Solomonic wisdom)
Is the paper for printing on?
[Kim] Er, yes and no. (the audience responds in the same way)
Is the mineral the bit that does the printing/writing?
Is the paper actually part of the object on the card or is it used in connection with the object?
[Dandalf] In connection with. Vegetable connections, remember.
Please may I have a reply to my last question?
A pen?
A fax machine?
[Chalky] No.
[Chalky] Yes.
[GL] no.
[R] No (but the audience have woken up again).
[Chalky] Yes.
[GL] no.
[R] No (but the audience have woken up again).
Toner?
Photocopier?
[GL] No.
[all] No. (the audience eagerly anticipate the final chase)
[all] No. (the audience eagerly anticipate the final chase)
Laser Printer?
Typewriter?
[GL] No.
[Dandalf] No.
[Dandalf] No.
A Printing Press?
[Phil] No.
Stereotype?
A scanner?
[Projoy] No.
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Polaroid camera?
Invisible Ink?
Shurely not a Gestetner?
A dot-matrix printer?
Mimeograph?
(although in that case, Rosie already got it. All hail Corflu!)
A shredder?
[all] No.
[Chalky] No.
[Rosie] No.
[I] No.
[Néa] No.
[Phil] YES. A paper shredder.
[Chalky] No.
[Rosie] No.
[I] No.
[Néa] No.
[Phil] YES. A paper shredder.
Well, I seem to be getting rather fluky at these lately. OK, I'll try and think up one that could have no ambiguous answers - or could it?
Vegetable
Edible, in the normal sense?
Alive?
[Rosie] Edible? Yes
[GL] Alive? No
[GL] Alive? No
Processed?
Is it normally eaten raw?
Bigger than a breadboard?
A carrot?
A nut?
A bread roll?
[Dandalf] Processed? Yes
[Kim] Raw? No
[GL] >Breadboard? No
[Néa] Carrot? No
[Inkspot] Nut? No
[all] Bread Roll? A careful No - enthusiastic applause
[Kim] Raw? No
[GL] >Breadboard? No
[Néa] Carrot? No
[Inkspot] Nut? No
[all] Bread Roll? A careful No - enthusiastic applause
Is bread involved in some way?
A loaf of bread?
A bagel?
[all] bread? yes - more applause
[GL] Loaf of bread? No
[GL] Loaf of bread? No
Breadcrumbs?
A gingerbread house?
Toast?
A slice of bread?
A Sandwich?
[Tuj] breadcrumb? No
[GL] Gingerbread house? No
[Kim] Toast? No
[all] Slice of bread? Another careful No
[GL] Sandwich? No
Audience starts to doubt that the players will pin this down with wild guesses
[GL] Gingerbread house? No
[Kim] Toast? No
[all] Slice of bread? Another careful No
[GL] Sandwich? No
Audience starts to doubt that the players will pin this down with wild guesses
I have to go out in an hour or so, but should be back for 9:30pm (GMT)
Was my bagel mouldy?
What is the meaning of life?
Bread and Butter Pudding?
[Raak] Mouldy Bagel? Don't know
[all] Meaning of life? Not sure, but I know the ultimate answer.
[GL] B&B Pud? No
[all] Meaning of life? Not sure, but I know the ultimate answer.
[GL] B&B Pud? No
Is it a particular variety of bread?
Is the bread associated with a particular culture?
[Raak] Particular variety? Yes - Audience spontaneously combusts with excitement
[Inkspot] Particular culture? Yes - Audience reaches critical mass
[Inkspot] Particular culture? Yes - Audience reaches critical mass
Does this culturally significant variety of bread contain NO *animal* substances?
[Chalky] No animal substances? Hmmm...I'll have to find out...ok, there may be an animal substance, but I have found recipes that exclude it. Apologies to anyone who may have assumed there was no animal involved whatsoever.
Unleavened bread?
Bruschetta?
Pita?
Bara brith?
Ciabatta?
Naan bread?
[all] Unleavened? No
[irach] Bruschetta/pita? No
[Rosie] Bara brith? No, but I can see the logic :-)
[Chalky] Ciabatta? No
[GL] Naan bread? YES
Again, sorry about forgetting the animal content, but well done, Gusset Login!
[irach] Bruschetta/pita? No
[Rosie] Bara brith? No, but I can see the logic :-)
[Chalky] Ciabatta? No
[GL] Naan bread? YES
Again, sorry about forgetting the animal content, but well done, Gusset Login!
Gosh I finally got one right.
Animal
Human?
[Kim] Yes
Living?
[Chalky] Living? No
Died in the last 100 years?
A religious figure?
[Projoy] Died since 1906? Yes
[Raak] Religious figure? No
[Raak] Religious figure? No
Born in the C20th?
Female?
[Projoy] Born between 1901 and 2000? No
[CdM] Female? No
[CdM] Female? No
A scientific figure?
[Irouléguy] Scientific figure? No
Died before 1930?
A performer, of any kind?
[all] Dead by 1930? No
[Rosie] Performer? No
[Rosie] Performer? No
Is he to be found on imdb.com?
Politician?
[Phil] imdb.com? No
[irach] Politician? No
[irach] Politician? No
Writer?
European?
[Dandalf] Writer? No.
[Irouléguy] European? Yes.
[Irouléguy] European? Yes.
A sportsman?
Artist?
Any military connections?
Royalty?
[Phil] Sportsman? No
[Dandalf] Artist? No, but he has artistic connections - Audience mummers approval
[Irouléguy] Military? No
[irach] Royal? No
[Dandalf] Artist? No, but he has artistic connections - Audience mummers approval
[Irouléguy] Military? No
[irach] Royal? No
Designer?
Is music a connection?
Film maker?
[Phil] Designer? Yes
[carew] Music connection? No. (But he probably listened to it and I think was mentioned in a song once)
[irach] Film maker? Still no, stop asking
[carew] Music connection? No. (But he probably listened to it and I think was mentioned in a song once)
[irach] Film maker? Still no, stop asking
In the world of fashion?
Architect?
[Raak] Fashion? No
[CdM] Architect? Yes - Applause from the audience
[CdM] Architect? Yes - Applause from the audience
Le Corbusier?
[Raak] Le Corbusier? No
Sir Christopher Wren?
[Phil] Wren? No
Summary so far: Human, Male, Architect, Died between 1906 and 2006, born prior to 1901, European, not a film maker.
Correction: Died between 1930 and 2006
Died before 1960?
[Phil] Died before 1960? No
Spanish?
[Raak] Spanish? No
Mies van der Rohe?
Bauhaus school?
[Irouléguy] Mies van der Rohe? No
[Raak] Bauhaus school? Yes - Much applause
[Raak] Bauhaus school? Yes - Much applause
Ernst May?
Forget that (sketchy research). Was it Gropius?
[Projoy] Ernst May? No
[Projoy] Walter Gropius? YES
[Projoy] Walter Gropius? YES
I'd hoped that would take longer to guess, well done Projoy
Rats - I was trying to eliminate Gropius, but mis-read the date. Congrats, Projoy.
Oh damn. Sorry, haven't looked in much today - wasn't expecting to get that one. ** sounds of thinkage **
MINERAL
MINERAL
Man made?
Begins with a P?
Eiffel Tower?
A mechanical device?
Fifth letter is a W?
Three words?
Valuable?
Is there only one of these?
A Bungalow?
Salt?
[GL] man-made, NO
[Tuj] "P...", NO
[irach] Eyeful Tower, NO
[Rosie] Mechanical, NO
[CdM] Fifth letter a "W", NO *titters from audience*
[Ig] Three Words, Depends how articulate you are
[Dandalf] Valuable, NO (subjectively)
[Kim] Only one of these, YES
[Botherer] Bungalow, NO
[all] Salt, NO *the gentlest murmur of interest from just a few members of the audience, as if a light breeze had blown over a doormat*
[Tuj] "P...", NO
[irach] Eyeful Tower, NO
[Rosie] Mechanical, NO
[CdM] Fifth letter a "W", NO *titters from audience*
[Ig] Three Words, Depends how articulate you are
[Dandalf] Valuable, NO (subjectively)
[Kim] Only one of these, YES
[Botherer] Bungalow, NO
[all] Salt, NO *the gentlest murmur of interest from just a few members of the audience, as if a light breeze had blown over a doormat*
Ice?
A natural object?
[Raak] Ice, NO.
[Ink] Natural object, YES
[Ink] Natural object, YES
The sea?
(more answers this evening, as I'm away from internet this arvo)
[GL] The Sea, NO *some applause*
A body of water?
Is it an ocean?
OK, now I'm *really* going until this evening.
[Ig] body of water, NO
[GL] an ocean, NO
[GL] an ocean, NO
*(but some scattered applause at ocean)*
The White Cliffs of Dover?
The English Channel?
Something on the edge of an ocean?
An island?
Sand?
Coastal wetlands?
The Gulf Stream?
[all] White cliffs, NO
[Ink] Island, NO * a little laughter *
[irach] sand, NO
[Rosie] costal wetlands, NO
[Ig] Gulf Stream, NO *two members of the audience start paying attention again*
[Ink] Island, NO * a little laughter *
[irach] sand, NO
[Rosie] costal wetlands, NO
[Ig] Gulf Stream, NO *two members of the audience start paying attention again*
Mariana Trench?
Something on the edge of an ocean?
[GL] edge of the ocean, NO, but
[Dandalf] Wow! Excellent bit of intuition. It was indeed the Mariana Trench.
[Dandalf] Wow! Excellent bit of intuition. It was indeed the Mariana Trench.
The renewed interest when gulf stream was mentioned somehow triggerred off Mariana Trench. So Ig deserves a share of the Wow! And now for something completely different.....ANIMAL
Michael Palin?
Human?
Alive?
Male?
Mythical?
Palin - NO
Human - YES
Alive - YES
Male - YES
Mythical - NO
Human - YES
Alive - YES
Male - YES
Mythical - NO
Involved with the arts?
European?
Born before 10th March 1976?
Welsh Rugby player?
Arts? NO
European? YES (A slight murmur from the audience)
pre 10/3/76?
Welsh Rugby player? NO
European? YES (A slight murmur from the audience)
pre 10/3/76?
Welsh Rugby player? NO
Scientist?
British?
You didn't answer GL's question, by the way. Thanks for the share of the 'wow' - nearest I've come in this game for some time.
Sportsman?
Wayne Rooney?
GL sorry Born pre 10/3/76? YES
Scientist? NO
British? YES
SPORTSMAN? NO
WR NO
Scientist? NO
British? YES
SPORTSMAN? NO
WR NO
Sorry about the poor formatting.
Of a non-European ethnic origin?
(for a value of "ethnic" that might extend to his great-grandparents, say)
Born before 10 March 1956?
[Projoy] non-European ethnic? YES *ripples of applause as audience sits up*
[GL] pre-10/3/56? NO
[GL] pre-10/3/56? NO
Paul Boateng?
Appears on TV regularly?
Musician?
[Raak] Boateng? NO
[Projoy] YES *round of applause from audience*
[Projoy] YES *round of applause from audience*
[Inkspot] Musician? NO
Lenny Henry?
[Rosie] LH? NO ripple of applause
A comedian?
Ainsley Harriet
[PJ] Comedian/ -hmmmm
[Phil] Ainsley? Ready, Steady.... YES! Well done and sorry for delay!
[Phil] Ainsley? Ready, Steady.... YES! Well done and sorry for delay!
I wish I could explain how the name popped into my head - I think it was the "always on tv" aspect with a round of applause. OK, time to think of another.
Vegetable with some Mineral
Ripple of applause for Lenny Henry, might have done it subconsciously, as LH had the title role in CHEF.
Salted peanuts?
Wood that's beginning to petrify?
A club with a nail in it?
Veneered Chipboard?
A household artefact?
A lemon with a sub-machine gun?
Crunchy Nut Cornflakes?
A drink?
Is it edible?
Is it bigger than a box of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes?
Whisky and soda?
A wet towel?
A leek?
[Raak] Peanuts? No
[irach] part-petrified wood? No
[GL] Nailed club? No
[Projoy] veneered chipboard? No
[INJ] household artefact? No
[all] armed lemon? No
[Chalky] CN Cornflakes? No
[Inkspot] A drink? No
[Irouléguy] Edible? No
[Kim] Bigger than box of cornflakes? No
- Audience feels we may be getting somewhere at last
[Raak] W&S? No
[Dandalf] Wet towel? No
[Rosie] Leek? No
- Audience loses optimism
[irach] part-petrified wood? No
[GL] Nailed club? No
[Projoy] veneered chipboard? No
[INJ] household artefact? No
[all] armed lemon? No
[Chalky] CN Cornflakes? No
[Inkspot] A drink? No
[Irouléguy] Edible? No
[Kim] Bigger than box of cornflakes? No
- Audience feels we may be getting somewhere at last
[Raak] W&S? No
[Dandalf] Wet towel? No
[Rosie] Leek? No
- Audience loses optimism
cardboard?
Does it have anything written on it?
Bigger t han a coffee mug?
A container of some sort?
A bowl of cornflakes?
A bowl of cornflakes?
Oops sorry - doubleposted!
Is it made of wood?
Is it designed to contain something?
[Chalky] Cardboard? No
[Projoy] Text thereon? Yes
[GL] Container? No
[Dandalf] Bowl of cornflakes? Nay, and twice nay :-)
[all] Made of wood? No
- Some audience members mutter to each other
[Projoy] Designed to contain something? No
[Projoy] Text thereon? Yes
[GL] Container? No
[Dandalf] Bowl of cornflakes? Nay, and twice nay :-)
[all] Made of wood? No
- Some audience members mutter to each other
[Projoy] Designed to contain something? No
A form of some kind?
I say, Bigger than a coffee mug?
Designed to be written on?
[Raak] Apologies - Bigger than a coffee mug? No
- Audience becomes interested again
- Audience becomes interested again
[Rosie] A form? No
[INJ] To be written on? No
[INJ] To be written on? No
Made of bamboo?
[Raak] Bamboo? No
Clarification: When I said "it has things written on it", to be utterly precise the word "printed" would be better than "written".
Is it bigger than a box of matches?
A postage stamp?
A coffee mug?
A £10 note?
[Kim] Bigger than a box of matches? In terms of volume, using a Bryant & May matchbox (37x55x17mm). No, but it's a close run thing.
- Audience finds this fascinating, but they are a little nerdy
[Chalky] Postage stamp? No
[all] Mug? No
[Chalky] £10 note? No
- Audience finds this fascinating, but they are a little nerdy
[Chalky] Postage stamp? No
[all] Mug? No
[Chalky] £10 note? No
Long and thin?
[Projoy] Long & thin? No
Is it made of cotton?
A reel of thread?
[Chalky] Cotton? No
[Raak] Reel of thread? No
[Raak] Reel of thread? No
Is it made of paper?
[CHalky] Made of paper? No
Audience eagerly awaits Projoy or Kim's next question
A calling card?
A Champagne Cork?
[Inkspot] Calling card? No
[Chalky] Champagne cork? No
[Chalky] Champagne cork? No
A beermat?
Can I confirm that it's not made from wood, cardboard, paper, cotton or cork?
Does it play a part in the preparation of food?
Is it normally hand made?
Is the vegetable part alive?
Is it flat?
[CdM] Beermat? No
[Chalky] Not wood, cardboard, paper, cotton, cork? Correct
[Kim] Food prep? No
[Inkspot] Handmade? No
[GL] Live veg? No
[CdM] Flat? No
[Chalky] Not wood, cardboard, paper, cotton, cork? Correct
[Kim] Food prep? No
[Inkspot] Handmade? No
[GL] Live veg? No
[CdM] Flat? No
Is the mineral part a candle?
A potato print?
[all] Candle? No
[GL] Potato print? No
[GL] Potato print? No
Is it made from a fruit?
A tin of tobacco?
Is it made of rubber?
[Inkspot] Made of fruit? No
[Rosie] Tin o'baccy? No
[Raak] Made of rubber? YES
- Rapturous applause from audience
[Rosie] Tin o'baccy? No
[Raak] Made of rubber? YES
- Rapturous applause from audience
The wheel of a Tonka Toy?
[Projoy] Tonka wheel? Alas, no.
Unfortunately, I have to work for the next few hours, but should be able to pop back in a couple of times over the course of the evening.
Squash ball?
A packet of three?
[Dandalf] Squash Ball? YES
[Raak] 12-months supply for a married man? Unfortunately, no.
Congrats to Dandalf!
At last I can share the trivia that the volume of a squash ball is only 3% less than that of a standard box of matches, as its diameter is 40mm, giving a volume of 33510 cubic mm, compared with 34595 cubic mm.
[Raak] 12-months supply for a married man? Unfortunately, no.
Congrats to Dandalf!
At last I can share the trivia that the volume of a squash ball is only 3% less than that of a standard box of matches, as its diameter is 40mm, giving a volume of 33510 cubic mm, compared with 34595 cubic mm.
[Phil] Thanks. I actually worked out the volume before guessing! Now I have to think of something else..... what about ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections
A fictional character?
David Attenborough's 'Planet Earth'?
Is the animal connection human?
[Inkspot] Fictional character? NO
[Iroulegey] Planet Earth? NO
[INJ] Human? YES
[Iroulegey] Planet Earth? NO
[INJ] Human? YES
A character of legend?
Is the animal connection a particular human?
Any artistic connection?
[Kim} Legend? NO
[CdM] Particular human? NO
[INJ] Artistic connection? NO
[CdM] Particular human? NO
[INJ] Artistic connection? NO
God?
Is the human connection a particular nationality?
Is it a bird?
Is it a persons title?
Forget last one, put it down to lack of tea and bicuits
Law?
Is it a collective title?
Is it a category of person?
[Phil] God? God, NO
[Irouleguy]Particular nationality? No (murmurings from the audience)
[Inkspot] bird? NO (happily munching on choc digestive while sipping a cup of Earl Grey :) )
[Raak] Law? NO
[GL]collective title? In the sense that it covers a number of items, YES
[KIM]person category? NO
[Irouleguy]Particular nationality? No (murmurings from the audience)
[Inkspot] bird? NO (happily munching on choc digestive while sipping a cup of Earl Grey :) )
[Raak] Law? NO
[GL]collective title? In the sense that it covers a number of items, YES
[KIM]person category? NO
A human construct?
(welcome return of an old favourite)
A golem?
[INJ] H.C.? YES ( I think!)
[all] Golem? NO
[all] Golem? NO
[INJ] H.C.? YES ( I think!)
[all] Golem? NO
[all] Golem? NO
Oh No not again! sorry
Does it have something to do with nationalities?
[Raak] Nationalities? YES,partly.
Does it have something to do with a geographical region comprising several counties?
[Kim] YES, but not geographical.
- Audience suddenly wakes up and applauds loudly
- Audience suddenly wakes up and applauds loudly
A trading cartel of countries?
County Cricket?
Are we talking about counties, not countries?
Typo alert.
(Trying to summarize) Is it a name given to a group of geographically dispersed people with something in common?
[Inkspot] Trading cartel? NO
[Projoy] County cricket? NO
[Rosie] counties/countries? The one with the R.
[CdM] Such a name is one of the words on the card! Loud applause!
[Projoy] County cricket? NO
[Rosie] counties/countries? The one with the R.
[CdM] Such a name is one of the words on the card! Loud applause!
Refugees?
A politiocal grouping (in a wide sense - as opposed to say economic)?
Communism?
A racial grouping?
[Inkspot] Refugees? NO
[INJ] Political grouping? YES but that's not the full answer (Applause)
[GL] Communism? NO (some chuckles from audience)
[CdM] Racial grouping? NO
[INJ] Political grouping? YES but that's not the full answer (Applause)
[GL] Communism? NO (some chuckles from audience)
[CdM] Racial grouping? NO
Is it NATO?
Was it created by a treaty?
neo-fascists?
Is it a formal organization?
[Kim] NATO? NO
[Raak] Created by Treaty? NO, but by the ~~~~~~~ Declaration
[IN]neo-fascists? NO
[CdM] Formal organisation? YES
[Raak] Created by Treaty? NO, but by the ~~~~~~~ Declaration
[IN]neo-fascists? NO
[CdM] Formal organisation? YES
The State/Citizens of Israel
Associated with the UN?
Balfour?
[Projoy] Israel? NO
[INJ] UN? NO
[Raak] The Balfour Declaration? YES (wild applause) but still some way to go.
[INJ] UN? NO
[Raak] The Balfour Declaration? YES (wild applause) but still some way to go.
The Zionist Federation?
unlikely but you never know
Hamas?
[all] Zionist Fed? NO
Hamas? NO
CLARIFICATION: I've just found out that there are two distinct Balfour declarations, one dated 1917 and the other 1926. It is to the latter that I referred in replying to Raak. Get googling!
Hamas? NO
CLARIFICATION: I've just found out that there are two distinct Balfour declarations, one dated 1917 and the other 1926. It is to the latter that I referred in replying to Raak. Get googling!
The British Commonwealth?
[all] B. Commonwealth? YES - but still not the answer on the card.
The Commonwealth Games?
[GL] Commonwealth Games YES Well Done!
Huzzah! Thank you all for the help
I will seek inspiration from the random function of wikipedia
I will seek inspiration from the random function of wikipedia
Animal
Human?
Human? - Yes
Alive?
Alive? - Yes
Male?
European?
Sportsman/sportswoman
SPORTSMAN
Currently in the news?
Political figure?
Male? - Yes
European? - No
Sportsman/sportswoman SPORTSMAN? - No
In the news? - Not that I've noticed
Political? - Yes
European? - No
Sportsman/sportswoman SPORTSMAN? - No
In the news? - Not that I've noticed
Political? - Yes
Middle Eastern?
Is he now retired from the office/position for which he is most famous?
Merkin?
Middle Eastern? - No
Retired? - Yes
American? - No
Retired? - Yes
American? - No
Butros Butros Ghali?
Butros*2 Ghali? - No
African?
African? - No
Chinese?
Australian?
Asian?
Chinese? - No
Australian? - Yes *Applause*
Asian? - No
Australian? - Yes *Applause*
Asian? - No
John Howard?
John Howard? - No
Summary: A living male Australian politician who has retired.
Bob Hawke?
Bob Hawke? - No
Bryan Gould?
Gough Whitlam?
Must be getting on a bit.
Bryan Gould? - No
Gough Whitlam? - No - but The audience is looking interested (As they did at the mention of Bob Hawke)
Gough Whitlam? - No - but The audience is looking interested (As they did at the mention of Bob Hawke)
Richard Alson?
sorry - make that 'ALSTON'
Richard Alston? - No
Malcolm Fraser?
Malcolm Fraser? - Yes
There weren't many more left to try! OK here goes - VEGETABLE
Living?
Edible?
Bigger than a pumpkin?
Living? YES
Edible? YES
Bigger than pumpkin? NO
Edible? YES
Bigger than pumpkin? NO
Is it normally cooked before being eaten?
Oops! It seems I was wrong. Not edible! will explain error at the end.
Is it an inedible part of something that also has an edible part?
Edible+inedible? NO
Is its inedibility due to it being poisonous?
Toxic? Not particularly
Green?
Green? YES! Applause
A leaf of some kind?
Leaf? YES Renewed applause
A shamrock?
[Raak] YES! Well done. Re my error concerning edibility, I googled "shamrock recipes" and got loads of sites with "shamrock salad", "shamrock sandwiches" "shamrock pie" etc. I didn't bother to visit any but just assumed that shamrocks were edible. Later I found out these were all sham recipes [ :) ] and did not contain any shamrocks at all but were either green, cut into shamrock shapes or were green cocktails consisting mainly of Irish Whiskey and Chartreuse or lime cordial! And now over to Raak.
The next one is MINERAL
manufactured?
Metal, largely?
[CdM] Partly.
[Rosie] Yes.
[Rosie] Yes.
Jewelry of some kind?
Bigger than a phone-box?
[CdM] No.
[Ir] No.
[Ir] No.
Contains Moving parts?
Choking hazard, not suitable for children under 42 months?
[INJ] Er...sort of.
[GL] No.
[GL] No.
Bigger than a shoe-box?
A moving part of some kind?
Powered by electricity?
[INJ] No.
[CdM] Er...sort of. That is, part of it does move, but it's not what you would call "a moving part".
[Inkspot] No.
[CdM] Er...sort of. That is, part of it does move, but it's not what you would call "a moving part".
[Inkspot] No.
A Zippo lighter?
A tool?
[I] Not a Zippo lighter.
[I] Not a tool.
[I] Not a tool.
Bigger than a Zippo lighter?
Does the moveable part have to move for the thing to "work"?
Is the part that moves liquid?
[K] Could be bigger or smaller.
[R] Er...quite the opposite. (Laughter from the audience) But it must move for this thing to be what it is.
[INJ] (Applause!) Yes.
[R] Er...quite the opposite. (Laughter from the audience) But it must move for this thing to be what it is.
[INJ] (Applause!) Yes.
A spirit level?
[I] Clever, but no.
Thermometer?
[C] Ditto.
Is it a particular liquid?
[I] Usually.
A rain-gauge?
Mine needs some exercise.
[Rosie] No.
A barometer?
[Kim] No.
[Everyone] Not a tool, remember. The last few guesses were all tools.
[Everyone] Not a tool, remember. The last few guesses were all tools.
Snowglobe?
[GL] Not a snowglobe. (The audience hibernates in underground caverns while glaciers sweep down from the poles.)
Is the liquid usually oil?
Does it have glass parts?
A lava lamp?
[I] Not usually oil.
[I] No glass.
[R] Not a lava lamp.
[I] No glass.
[R] Not a lava lamp.
Is the liquid a drink?
[I] Erm....the typical liquid is water.
Does the water not move when the thing is working because it is frozen?
Is this thing basically ornamental?
[CdM] (A meteor strike melts the ice sheets and the audience wake up and re-evolve into sentient creatures again.) No.
[Rosie] Not ornamental.
[Rosie] Not ornamental.
Is it a container?
Kitchen sink plug?
strike thast= not usually metallic.
thast= that-
[GL] Container? Sort of.
[D] Not a plug.
[D] Not a plug.
Is this used on its own, or as a component of something?
[I] It's a part of something.
Is it an indicator of some kind?
[Rosie] Not an indicator.
Is this a fair summary of what we know so far?
Summary:
Mostly metal, involves water as it's only moving part.
Is not ornimental.
A container of sorts.
Is used as a component.
May be bigger or smaller than a zippo lighter.
Is not functional?(not a tool).
Mostly metal, involves water as it's only moving part.
Is not ornimental.
A container of sorts.
Is used as a component.
May be bigger or smaller than a zippo lighter.
Is not functional?(not a tool).
A washer?
A valve?
[GL] Yes, mostly. It's not a tool but does normally perform a function. And container is onyl sort of.
[all] No. (The audience evolve sentience the better to appreciate the impending conclusion of the game.)
[I] No. (Impressed by this sign of the end times, the audience build a temple to Nicholas Parsons and pray for the rapture.)
[all] No. (The audience evolve sentience the better to appreciate the impending conclusion of the game.)
[I] No. (Impressed by this sign of the end times, the audience build a temple to Nicholas Parsons and pray for the rapture.)
A stopcock?
[I] No.
A tap?
A cistern?
[all] Not a tap.
[Kim] Not a cistern.
(The audience can hardly move for stepping on portents of the Second Coming.)
[Kim] Not a cistern.
(The audience can hardly move for stepping on portents of the Second Coming.)
A syringe?
[Rosie] (The heavens cloud over.) No.
Used indoors?
[Rosie] Could be indoors or outdoors.
A pipe?
[Projoy] (He is the Messiah!) Yes (but not the complete answer).
A stand-pipe?
[I] Might be a standpipe or not.
Drainpipe?
[GL] No.
How many words are on the card?
lead piping?
in the study
[I] Yes.
[all] Could be, or not.
[all] Could be, or not.
Is it for rain water?
[I] Not for rain water.
(A ghostly hand with the word "CLUE" tattooed on it points at CdM's last question.)
a heating element?
[Chalky] Not a heating element.
An ice cube maker?
"Yes" words on the card? We need to remember this #%$*@# pipe could be smaller than a zippo lighter!
Is ice involved?
Raak is playing a straight bat, he should only give Yes or No answers. So yes there are words on the card, the question should realy have been phrased "Are there more than XXX words on the card".
Personally I'm just as far away from any notion of what the answer as I was at the start.
Personally I'm just as far away from any notion of what the answer as I was at the start.
Does it require to be operated for it to carry out its function?
(Inkspot) Traditionally it was legitimate to ask how many words on the card, and the answer could include a helpful addition such as "including the definite article".
Does one carry this object about on one's person?
test tube
...except that that's a tool...
A frozen pipe?
I thought I'd already posted this one, but it seems to have disappeared.
[INJ] I just looked, and you didn't. (Members of the audience prophesy in tongues and cast out demons.) Very nearly!
Oops, missed out all those other qns.
[Inkspot] Not an ice cube maker.
[Inkspot] (Receives similar raptures from the audience.) Yes (usually).
[Rosie,Dandalf,Projoy] (A fiery chasm opens up under your feet.) No.
[Inkspot] Not an ice cube maker.
[Inkspot] (Receives similar raptures from the audience.) Yes (usually).
[Rosie,Dandalf,Projoy] (A fiery chasm opens up under your feet.) No.
A burst pipe?
[all] The seventh seal has been opened, the City of God is built on the Earth, and the elect rejoice for ever.) Yes, a burst pipe!
At ----ing last
Mineral
Manufactured?
[Rosie] Manufactured? - No
A geographical feature?
Water, in any of its forms?
Metallic?
[Irouléguy] geographical feature? - Yes
[Rosie] Water? - No - *The Audience mutter to each other*
[irach] Metallic - No
[Rosie] Water? - No - *The Audience mutter to each other*
[irach] Metallic - No
When I say no to "Water, in any of its forms?" I mean the answer isn't water, not that water isn't involved... though it might not be.
A valley of some kind?
Most valleys round here are dry. Soon they will all be.
Is there more than one of these?
[Rosie] A valley? - Of some kind, I guess
[CdM] More than one? - No
[CdM] More than one? - No
a crater?
Is it a named geographical feature?
[Projoy] A crater? - No
[Kim] Named geographical feature? - Yes, how many unnamed ones can you think of?
[Kim] Named geographical feature? - Yes, how many unnamed ones can you think of?
Cheddar Gorge?
[Rosie] Cheddar Gorge? - No.
Is it in the northern hemisphere?
Is it in the Eastern hemisphere?
[Irouléguy] Northern Hemisphere? - Yes
[Projoy] Eastern Hemisphere? - Eastern hemisphere? What the hell is the eastern hemisphere? At a guess I'd say no.
[Projoy] Eastern Hemisphere? - Eastern hemisphere? What the hell is the eastern hemisphere? At a guess I'd say no.
Is it in the United States?
(all) E Hemisphere is 0° to 180° East. Where I worked you could have a foot in both.
[Rosie] USA? - Yes
The Grand Canyon?
[Rosie] The Grand Canyon? - No
In a National Park?
[unnamed geographical features] Let's start with the 5 metre wooded slope on the other side of the road from my window.
Death Valley?
[InJ] National Park? - No
[Irouléguy] Death Valley - No
[Irouléguy] Death Valley - No
Deptford Creek?
[Kim] Deptford Creek? - No.
Is it east of the Mississippi?
Does it have historical significance?
[Irouléguy] East of the Mississippi? - No
[InJ] Historical significance? - I haven't been able to find any
[InJ] Historical significance? - I haven't been able to find any
*Is* there any water involved?
A mountain?
[GL] Involves water? - Yes - *Audience wakes up*
[Inkspot] Mountain? - No
[Inkspot] Mountain? - No
Is it a river?
Is it North of Nashvillle?
Is it in California?
[Kim] River? - No
[Inkspot] North of Nashvillle? - Yes
[CdM] California? - Yes
[Inkspot] North of Nashvillle? - Yes
[CdM] California? - Yes
A desert?
Lake Tahoe?
Salt Flats?
[Inkspot] Dessert? - No
[Irouléguy] Lake Tahoe? - YES
[InJ] Salt Flats? - No
[Irouléguy] Lake Tahoe? - YES
[InJ] Salt Flats? - No
Much of Godfather 2 is set on the shores of Lake Tahoe, IIRC, which is what made me think of it.
Feels like ages since I've had the chair - our next is ANIMAL and ABSTRACT.
Feels like ages since I've had the chair - our next is ANIMAL and ABSTRACT.
Is the animal part human?
Is the animal part-human?
Is it a symbolic animal?
Kim] Is the animal part human? No
Kim] Is the animal part-human? No
Raak] Is it a symbolic animal? No
Kim] Is the animal part-human? No
Raak] Is it a symbolic animal? No
Is it a for legged animal?
A pig in a poke, idiomatically
Inkspot] Is it a four legged animal? Yes
irach] A pig in a poke, idiomatically? No
irach] A pig in a poke, idiomatically? No
A Cheshire cat?
Rosie] A Cheshire cat? *murmurs of appreciation from the audience* No
The cat that walks by itself?
The white rabbit?
Projoy] The cat that walks by itself? No
all] The white rabbit? No
all] The white rabbit? No
A cat of some sort?
Raak] A cat of some sort? No
Is the answer some characteristic of an animal rather than the animal itself?
Is is an animal of fiction?
The laughing cow?
A part of an animal?
Rosie] Is the answer some characteristic of an animal rather than the animal itself? No
Kim] Is it an animal of fiction? No
Gusset Login] The laughing cow? No
Raak] A part of an animal? No
*the audience worries that their murmurs may have been misinterpreted*
Kim] Is it an animal of fiction? No
Gusset Login] The laughing cow? No
Raak] A part of an animal? No
*the audience worries that their murmurs may have been misinterpreted*
Is it an anthropomorphism?
One Swallow?
Kim] Is it an anthropomorphism? No
Projoy] One Swallow? No
Projoy] One Swallow? No
An animal found in the wild in Britain?
Dog in the manger?
irach] An animal found in the wild in Britain? *the audience prick up their ears* Part of the answer, but not the answer.
Dandalf - Dog in the manger? No
Dandalf - Dog in the manger? No
Related to a specific place?
Fox-hunting?
Raak] Related to a specific place? Not a place
Rosie - Fox-hunting? *cries of 'Tally-ho' from the audience* No
Rosie - Fox-hunting? *cries of 'Tally-ho' from the audience* No
Related to a specific region?
Inkspot] Related to a specific region? Not a region
Scottish wild cat?
British Bulldog?
Dandalf] Scottish wild cat? No
Kim] British Bulldog? No
There's a clue in the phrasing of the answers to Raak and Inkspot's questions.
Kim] British Bulldog? No
There's a clue in the phrasing of the answers to Raak and Inkspot's questions.
Related to a specific time?
The first cuckoo in Spring?
Phil] Related to a specific time? In a sense, yes, but that's not really useful Dandalf] The first cuckoo in Spring? Four legs right, two legs wrong No - see earlier answer to Inkspot
Related to a specific county?
Related to a specific country?
Related to a specific activity?
Is the animal normally considered edible?
Gusset Login] Related to a specific county? No
Gusset Login - Related to a specific country? No
Raak - Related to a specific activity? No
Rosie - Is the animal normally considered edible? *cries of "Nice one, Rosie" from the audience* Proverbially not
Gusset Login - Related to a specific country? No
Raak - Related to a specific activity? No
Rosie - Is the animal normally considered edible? *cries of "Nice one, Rosie" from the audience* Proverbially not
Fine distinctions
Perhaps that should be 'famously' rather than 'proverbially'.
The pursuit of the uneatable by the unspeakable?
*applause* Not the answer, but as a Wilde guess it's definitely on the right scent.
[showing face again after bipedal gaffe! (actually I was hopeful with that since it was so topical!)] Badger?
A crazy fox?
Dandalf] Badger? It's easy to get confused about feet - that's the advantage of the metric system *ducks* No
Projoy - A crazy fox? *applause* Some might think so...
Projoy - A crazy fox? *applause* Some might think so...
An animal puppet?
Basil Brush?
A rabid fox?
Is "fox" one of the words on the card?
Raak] An animal puppet? No
Projoy] Basil Brush? No
Rosie] A rabid fox? No
CdM] Is "fox" one of the words on the card? *loud cheering* Yes (though strictly speaking it's 'foxes')
Projoy] Basil Brush? No
Rosie] A rabid fox? No
CdM] Is "fox" one of the words on the card? *loud cheering* Yes (though strictly speaking it's 'foxes')
Any connection to Leicester?
CdM] Any connection to Leicester? By definition, yes (though that could be misunderstood).
Anything to do with a team game?
Name of a pub?
The Leicestershire Foxes?
Urban foxes?
Buy that man a drink! Yes, it's urban foxes. Over to Phil.
What, me? Wow - that felt like a bit of a lurker's victory, although I see so many semi-urban foxes on a daily basis it jumped straight into my mind. So I'll set a nice simple one for now.
ANIMAL
Basil Brush?
(it's bound to be Basil Brush sooner or later now, it's too good an idea to waste)
Human?
Alive?
[Projoy] B. Brush? Not this time
[Rosie] Human? Yes
[GL] Alive? Yes
[Rosie] Human? Yes
[GL] Alive? Yes
Is it you?
[all] Me? No *applause from audience*
Is it a member of the morniverse community?
[CdM] Morniverser? No
Is it someone else called Phil?
Are they male?
Al Murray?
[Kim] Another Phil? No
[GL] Male? No
[Irouléguy] Al Murray? I like your thinking, but no
[GL] Male? No
[Irouléguy] Al Murray? I like your thinking, but no
An entertainer?
A specific individual?
[Rosie] Entertainer? No
[CdM] Individual? Yes
[CdM] Individual? Yes
Mrs Trellis of North Wales?
[GL] Mrs T of N. Wales? No, sadly. *audience laughs*
European?
Someone associated with the pub trade?
[Irouléguy] European? Yes
[Raak] Pub trade? No
[Raak] Pub trade? No
Musician?
[Kim] Musician? Amateur
Is this female famous for being totally vacuous, ie: a model?
A politician?
Equally vacuous.
[Chalky] Famous for being vacuous? No
[Rosie] Politician? No
[Rosie] Politician? No
*Audience starts to mutter about being ignored*
The lovely Samantha?
British?
Mrs Phil?
[Irouléguy] Samantha? No
[Rosie] British? Yes
[Projoy] Mrs Phil? In a way, yes, but those are not the two words on the card. *excited applause from audience*
[Rosie] British? Yes
[Projoy] Mrs Phil? In a way, yes, but those are not the two words on the card. *excited applause from audience*
Yo Momma?
Your wife?
[Projoy] Presuming you're not "calling" me, then, essentially - YES, it was my mum all along.
OK. This one is MINERAL, mainly, with some VEGETABLE. In another sense, the whole thing is ABSTRACT.
Traffic?
[Rosie] Traffic, no *but applause from audience*
Gridlock?
[Dandalf] gridlock, no
Anything to do with broadcasting?
[Rosie] Broadcasting, not really, no. Not in any helpful way.
Something to do with transport?
A road?
The road to hell?
[Rosie] Transport, YES *applause*
[Ig] Road, no
[all] Road to Hell, no, and, strangely, that doesn't even lead to your getting warmer.
[All] I think it's probably wise not to get hung up on the Abstract bit, since as abstracts go, this one is pretty concrete.
[Ig] Road, no
[all] Road to Hell, no, and, strangely, that doesn't even lead to your getting warmer.
[All] I think it's probably wise not to get hung up on the Abstract bit, since as abstracts go, this one is pretty concrete.
A transport network?
The Motor Museum at Beaulieu?
[INJ] Transport network, no
[Chalky] Motor Museum, no
[Chalky] Motor Museum, no
A form of transport?
[INJ] Form of transport, YES
Was going to suggest "Stairway to Heaven", but..... what about London Bus?
[Dandalf] Nope, not a London Bus
Something to do with the London Underground?
A pushbike?
[Kim] Nope, not LU
[Ig] Nope, not a pushbike
[Ig] Nope, not a pushbike
Network Rail?
[Rosie] Nope, on the wrong track there. :)
Land transport?
[Dandalf] Land transport, YES
Passenger-carrying?
(paying or otherwise)
Military vehicle?
An SUV?
An RV?
[INJ] Passenger-carrying, YES
[Kim] Military, no
[Ig] SUV, no
[all] I don't know what that is, but certainly not the words on the card.
[Kim] Military, no
[Ig] SUV, no
[all] I don't know what that is, but certainly not the words on the card.
A tram?
Paying passengers?
Taxi?
A bus company?
a car?
[Projoy] RV = Recreational Vehicle = Motor home
Not a tram, no paying passengers, not a taxi, not a bus company, but YES, it is a car.
(that's not the whole answer, obviously :) )
stretch limousine?
a Ford Prefect?
[Dandalf] No, not a stretch limo
[Ig] Not a Ford Prefect. *sustained applause*.
[Ig] Not a Ford Prefect. *sustained applause*.
Morris Minor Traveller (the estate one)?
[Phil] Nope, not a Morris Minor.
A model-T Ford?
Dagenham Dustbin?
A Ford Popular?
[Ig] *scattered applause*, no
[Rosie] *laughter*, no (at least not by the definition of that phrase I just googled)
[INJ] *more laughter and some applause, no, not at all.
[Rosie] *laughter*, no (at least not by the definition of that phrase I just googled)
[INJ] *more laughter and some applause, no, not at all.
A currently available model?
A Ford Focus?
[INJ] Not currently available
[Ig] Ford Focus, no.
[Ig] Ford Focus, no.
A Reliant Robin?
RR, nope.
Was it a sporty model?
UK manufactured?
[Kim] Sporty - I don't think so.
[INJ] UK manufactured, no.
[INJ] UK manufactured, no.
An Edsel?
*rapturous applause* Congratulations. Specifically THE EDSEL ("an Edsel" wouldn't be abstract at all).
(Projoy) Being a Ford, it would be a Detroit Dustbin, then, though the phrase doesn't quite flow.
Not a de Lorean then?
OK, the next one is ANIMAL
human?
[Rosie] A Detroit Trashcan, if you want to be kolchrally krekt.
[INJ] de Lorean's were manufactured in NI, weren't they?
[PJ] human? - NO
De Lorean's were manufactured in NI, that's why I asked the UK manufactured question.
De Lorean's were manufactured in NI, that's why I asked the UK manufactured question.
Mammal?
extinct?
One specific animal?
An anarcho-syndicalist wildebeeste?
Can it fly?
[Iroul ] Mammal - YES
[all ] extinct - Hmmm - (after some hesitation) NO
[Kim ] One specific animal? - YES
[Rosie] anarcho-syndicalist wildebeeste? - Not as such
[GL] Can it fly - YES (some laughter in the audience)
[all ] extinct - Hmmm - (after some hesitation) NO
[Kim ] One specific animal? - YES
[Rosie] anarcho-syndicalist wildebeeste? - Not as such
[GL] Can it fly - YES (some laughter in the audience)
A flying fox?
[Kim] Flying Fox - NO
Can it swim (or could it?)
[PJ] could it swim - YES (I assume so)
Any mythical connection?
(Projoy) Detroit Trashcan? Nah, ain't 'llitrativ.
[Rosie] mythical connection - NO
Animal mentioned in fiction?
[irach] Animal mentioned in fiction? - Not a fictional animal (though I'm sure it has been mentioned in fiction)
Is this animal found in the wild in Europe?
Endangered species?
[Iroul] found in the wild in Europe? - NO
[Dandalf] Endangered - NO
[Dandalf] Endangered - NO
Laika?
Is this animal alive now?
One specific, named animal?
(rather than a species, for instance)
He's done it again
[Raak] Now that's impressive. YES It is LAIKA.
Over to you.
Over to you.
ANIMAL CONNECTIONS
Is the animal human?
Is the animal connected to anything?
[INJ] Partly human.
[C] Is not everything connected to everything else in the great skein of being?
[C] Is not everything connected to everything else in the great skein of being?
To put my first answer more clearly, the animal connections include human connections.
Roadkill?
[C] Not roadkill.
Is it a human construct?
I'm taking this to be ABSTRACT with ANIMAL CONNECTIONS, unless the answer is dog leads.
Metaphorical shoe-leather?
[INJ] Not a human construct, and not abstract either.
[Projoy] Not metaphorical shoe-leather.
[Projoy] Not metaphorical shoe-leather.
umbilical cords?
struggling to get into this
[INJ] Not umbilical cords (those would definitely be Animal).
To make the initial words more explicit, this thing is neither Animal, nor Vegetable, nor Mineral, nor Abstract, but has Animal connections.
To make the initial words more explicit, this thing is neither Animal, nor Vegetable, nor Mineral, nor Abstract, but has Animal connections.
The particle zoo?
A toadstool?
Does it have a sensible physical manifestation?
[Projoy] Not the particle zoo, whatever that is.
[Ir] Not a toadstool.
[INJ] Yes, it has a sensible physical manifestation.
[Ir] Not a toadstool.
[INJ] Yes, it has a sensible physical manifestation.
(The audience has just remembered to give an approving murmur to Irouléguy's question.)
Does it exist in the real world?
[Phil] Yes, it exists in the real world.
Are we in the world of the very small?
[Projoy] Yes. (Applause!)
A cell?
[Rosie] Not a cell.
A micro-organism, eg bacterium, virus, etc?
DNA?
E. Coli?
(smacks forehead) Not a cell. Ok, a protein base?
H5N1?
The prion that causes BSE?
[Rosie] Yes, [Chalky] No, [Projoy] No, [I] No...
[Kim] YES! "Bird flu" was on the card but H5N1 will do.
[Kim] YES! "Bird flu" was on the card but H5N1 will do.
A-tishoo!
Thanks, folks. Let's kick off the week with a nice easy
ANIMAL
ANIMAL
A dead swan with bird flu?
Frank Sinatra?
An insect?
Human?
Male?
[Raak] Dead swan? No.
[Irouleguy] Old Blue-eyes? No.
[Inkspot] Insect? No.
[Chalky] Human? Yes.
[Rosie] Male? Yes.
[Irouleguy] Old Blue-eyes? No.
[Inkspot] Insect? No.
[Chalky] Human? Yes.
[Rosie] Male? Yes.
Alive?
A TV personality?
Alive-o?
Born before 1940?
European?
[Raak] Alive? No.
[Chalky] TV personality? No.
[Projoy] Alive-o? No-o. Not in Dublin's fair city, nor anywhere else, for that matter.
[Inkspot] Born before 1940? Yes.
[IG] European? Yes.
[Chalky] TV personality? No.
[Projoy] Alive-o? No-o. Not in Dublin's fair city, nor anywhere else, for that matter.
[Inkspot] Born before 1940? Yes.
[IG] European? Yes.
British?
Connected with the arts?
Did he die in the 21st century?
A scientist?
Born before 1880?
[Projoy] British? Yes.
[Raak] Connected with the arts? No.
[Chalky]Died in 21st Century? No.
[Inkspot] Scientist? No.
[GL] Born before 1880? Yes.
[Raak] Connected with the arts? No.
[Chalky]Died in 21st Century? No.
[Inkspot] Scientist? No.
[GL] Born before 1880? Yes.
A titled person?
statesman?
Died in the C18th?
[Inkspot] Titled? No.
[INJ] Statesman? No.
[Projoy] Died in C18th? Yes.
[INJ] Statesman? No.
[Projoy] Died in C18th? Yes.
Capability Brown?
Active in politics?
Sir Christopher Wren?
[IG] Capability Brown? No.
[Raak] Active in politics? No.
[Rosie] Christopher Wren? No.
[Raak] Active in politics? No.
[Rosie] Christopher Wren? No.
A philosopher?
Is he known through his writings?
A military person?
Composer?
English? (ie not Scottish or Welsh)
[Projoy] Philosopher? No.
[Inkspot] Military person. Hmmm. On balance, I would have to say Yes. *Some members of the audience stir in their sleep*
[Irach] Composer? No.
[IG] English? Most of the audience now sit up, yawn and stretch* The generally accepted answer to this is Yes.
[Inkspot] Military person. Hmmm. On balance, I would have to say Yes. *Some members of the audience stir in their sleep*
[Irach] Composer? No.
[IG] English? Most of the audience now sit up, yawn and stretch* The generally accepted answer to this is Yes.
And my question?
Ned Ludd?
Sorry Raak!
[Raak] Your question: known through his writings? No.
[Raak] Nedd Ludd? No.
Royal?
[GL] Royal? No.
Is anything named after him?
a craftsman?
[Rosie] Anything named after him? Difficult to answer fairly without either being excessively cryptic or giving the game away, so I am going to say Yes.
[INJ] Craftsman? Many are called craftsmen with more or less justification and he might have been, but he was not a craftsman in the "skilled artisan" sense.
[INJ] Craftsman? Many are called craftsmen with more or less justification and he might have been, but he was not a craftsman in the "skilled artisan" sense.
Did he build things?
[Raak] A builder of things? No.
*The audience feels that the earlier answers that made them sit up should be considered further".
*The audience feels that the earlier answers that made them sit up should be considered further".
A British artist who painted military themed paintings?
Did he march ten thousand men up and down a hill?
Is there a naval connection?
[irach] Artist? No.
[Raak] Prince Andrew? No.
[IG] Naval connection? Yes. *Some applause*
[Raak] Prince Andrew? No.
[IG] Naval connection? Yes. *Some applause*
Admiral Lord Nelson?
Captain Cook?
Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard)?
Arrrr!
Congrtulations, Phil! I would have accepted either answer, but you got both. *Hands over cutlass and ceremonial eyepatch to Phil*
Why are pirates called pirates? Just because they Arrrr!
Why are pirates called pirates? Just because they Arrrr!
Dear God, really!? I thought I was just being obtuse, by trying to work out who could be naval, somehow of a military nature, possibly have something named after them, but not into politics etc. Then I searched for pirates that died in the 18th century, and picked the most famous one. I'm somewhat surprised to have got that right, to tell the truth.
Hmmm...another apparently simple one
Vegetable
David Beckham?
A long shot, perhaps.
Edible?
Living plant or product?
A single object?
A host of golden daffodils?
[Rosie] El Beckham? Alas, no
[Chalky] Edible? Yes
[Dandalf] Living plant or product? Yes
[INJ] Single Object? No
[Irouléguy] Host of Daffs? No
[Chalky] Edible? Yes
[Dandalf] Living plant or product? Yes
[INJ] Single Object? No
[Irouléguy] Host of Daffs? No
Requires cooking?
Is it typically cultivated (as opposed to being gathered)?
Consists of a single vegetable rather than a mix of >1
Is it specific to a particular country or culture?
An herb?
[Rosie] Requires cooking? No
[CdM] Typically cultivated? yes
[INJ] Single "vegetable"? Yes
[Irouléguy] Prticular country or culture? Yes
[Dandalf] An herb? Yes - [Applause from come audience members]
[CdM] Typically cultivated? yes
[INJ] Single "vegetable"? Yes
[Irouléguy] Prticular country or culture? Yes
[Dandalf] An herb? Yes - [Applause from come audience members]
CORRECTION
[Irouléguy] Particular country or culture? COrrect answer is No. Don't try to read anything into my confusion, it's just me being clumsy.
watercress?
Is it green, mainly?
Banana?
(Yes it is a herb)
Does it need to be dug out of the ground?
[Chalky] watercress? No
[Rosie] Mainly green? No
[all] Banana? Not the answer on the card - [Rapturous Applause]
[Rosie] Mainly green? No
[all] Banana? Not the answer on the card - [Rapturous Applause]
[Inkspot] Dug out of the ground? No
plantain?
[INJ] Plantain? No
A Bunch of bananas?
Banana pepper?
[all] YES! "A bunch of bananas" is the phrase on the card - congrats.
um... thank you
all - Time for a new item, this on is:
Animal
Is it an animal?
[Projoy] Is it an animal? As opposed to Vegetable, Mineral or Abstract? Yes
Is it AN animal?
Human?
[Rosie] Is it AN animal? - As opposed to several? Yes
[Irouléguy] Human? - Yes
[Irouléguy] Human? - Yes
Currently living?
Male?
[irach] Currently living? - Opinion is divided on this one, personally I\'d say: No
[Inkspot] Male? - Yes
[Inkspot] Male? - Yes
Jesus Christ?
Osama Bin Laden?
Fictional?
Elvis Presley?
[Rosie] Jesus Christ? - No
[CdM] OBL? - No
[Projoy] Fictional? - No
[Néa] Elvis Presley? - No
[CdM] OBL? - No
[Projoy] Fictional? - No
[Néa] Elvis Presley? - No
European?
Margaret Thatcher?
Oops, male.
Ariel Sharon?
Lord Lucan?
(Raak) Right the first time.
[CdM] European? - Yes
[Raak] Margaret Thatcher? - No
[Raak] Ariel Sharron? No
[Rosie] Lord Lucan? - YES
[Raak] Margaret Thatcher? - No
[Raak] Ariel Sharron? No
[Rosie] Lord Lucan? - YES
This one is MINERAL. Nothing whatsoever to do with steam engines or trombones.
Something to do with the weather?
;-)
(Projoy) To do with the weather? - No. I forgot that one.
A barrel of crude?
Something manufactured?
Does it need electric power?
(Dandalf) - Not a barrel of crude
(Irouléguy) Manufactured? - Yes, generally. It's an artefact.
(Inkspot) Does not need electric power.
(Irouléguy) Manufactured? - Yes, generally. It's an artefact.
(Inkspot) Does not need electric power.
Is it associated with a particular culture?
Does it have a purpose?
Smaller than a toaster?
Are there multiple instances of it?
Do you own one?
Mostly made of metal?
(CdM) - Not associated with a particular culture.
(Projoy) - A purpose? It certainly does.
(Raak) - Can be smaller than a toaster, but certainly not necessarily.
(CdM) - There are lots of them.
(Phil) - Do I own one? No, not yet.
(Irouléguy) - Made of metal? Usually, but not necessarily.
(Projoy) - A purpose? It certainly does.
(Raak) - Can be smaller than a toaster, but certainly not necessarily.
(CdM) - There are lots of them.
(Phil) - Do I own one? No, not yet.
(Irouléguy) - Made of metal? Usually, but not necessarily.
Is it a household item?
(i.e. rather than outdoors or in a public space)
(INJ) - Indoors household item? No.
Does it contain electronics?
phone box?
Does not need electric power... Solar phonebox?
(Raak) - No electronics.
(Projoy) Not a solar phone box, but *some appreciative murmurings from the audience*.
(Projoy) Not a solar phone box, but *some appreciative murmurings from the audience*.
Is it a device for converting energy from one form to another?
Something to do with gardening?
A sundial?
Well, that was quick because RAAK is the winner. Congratulations. A sundial it its. I'm making one for the wall of the back of the house. It faces south 25 degrees east so there's a nice bit of trigonometry involved.
The next object is ANIMAL and ABSTRACT.
Is the animal human?
[Rosie] Not human.
Roger Rabbit?
A single, named animal?
A character from a book?
[I] Not Roger Rabbit.
[I] Hm, yes and no. Strictly speaking, according to the words on the card, no.
[I] Hm, yes and no (see previous answer). More yes than no.
[I] Hm, yes and no. Strictly speaking, according to the words on the card, no.
[I] Hm, yes and no (see previous answer). More yes than no.
A four legged animal?
mammal?
[I] Four-legged.
[I] Mammalian.
[I] Mammalian.
Is the book a children's book?
Gadarene swine?
[I] Yes. (Applause!)
[P] No.
[P] No.
dogs?
Rupert Bear?
[P] Not dogs.
[R] Not Rupert Bear.
[R] Not Rupert Bear.
some sort of mythological beast that doesn't exist in the real world?
A tigger?
A character from a Lewis Carroll offering?
[Projoy] Yes.
[I] No.
[Chalky] Yes. (Clapping and cheering! Bunches of roses are cast up onto the stage!)
[I] No.
[Chalky] Yes. (Clapping and cheering! Bunches of roses are cast up onto the stage!)
A Grinning Cheshire cat?
Snarks?
[Projoy] Your Snark is a Boojum, I fear.
[i] Yes! A Cheshire cat.
Well, that was quick.
[i] Yes! A Cheshire cat.
Well, that was quick.
Well, well, well.
This one is ANIMALS... Note the plural
Cardiff City fans?
The Animals? (popular beat combo)
[Rosie] No. ... good try, though : )
[Phil] No.
[Phil] No.
Are these animals found in the wild?
[Raak] Species-wise, one of them typically is, the other generally not. However, in this particular case, neither is found in the wild. Cryptic answer, but true.
Is at least one of the animals human?
Is the answer two individual animals?
Following on: The Walrus and the Carpenter?
Mammals?
The Lion and the Unicorn?
The Horse and his Boy?
Simon and his Dancing Bear?
Lady and the Tramp?
One Man and his Dog?
Ther Owl and the Pussycat?
[Rosie] No.
[CdM] Yes.
[Dandalf] No.
[Inkspot] One of them is.
[Raak] No.
[Kim} No.
[CdM} No.
[Projoy] No.
[CdM] No.
[INJ] YES!!! Bravo!
[CdM] Yes.
[Dandalf] No.
[Inkspot] One of them is.
[Raak] No.
[Kim} No.
[CdM} No.
[Projoy] No.
[CdM] No.
[INJ] YES!!! Bravo!
Well, it had to be one of those
OK then folks, the next one is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections
Sly like a fox?
Jump over a lazy brown fox
[irach] Sly like a fox - NO
[inks]Jump over a lazy brown fox - NO (anyway it's 'dog' as any fan of Nevin Nollop knows)
[inks]Jump over a lazy brown fox - NO (anyway it's 'dog' as any fan of Nevin Nollop knows)
Crazy as a loon?
Dog-tired?
Cat-nap?
Is it a phrase?
[irach] Crazy as a loon? - NO
[PJ] Dog-tired - NO
[irach] Cat-nap - NO
[all] a phrase - NO (except in the sense that it consists of more than one word in a meaningful grammatical relationship)
[PJ] Dog-tired - NO
[irach] Cat-nap - NO
[all] a phrase - NO (except in the sense that it consists of more than one word in a meaningful grammatical relationship)
includes a verb?
Bovine anarcho-syndicalism?
A disease?
Is the animal connection human?
Bird flu?
Is it a fictional animal?
An anthropomorphism?
slow going
[Projoy] includes a verb? - NO
[Rosie] Bovine anarcho-syndicalism? - Y...NO
[ Rosie ] disease - NO
[CdM ] Is the animal connection human? - Partly
[ Iroul ] Bird flu? - NO
[ Kim ] a fictional animal? - NO
[ Inks ] anthropomorphism? - NO
[Rosie] Bovine anarcho-syndicalism? - Y...NO
[ Rosie ] disease - NO
[CdM ] Is the animal connection human? - Partly
[ Iroul ] Bird flu? - NO
[ Kim ] a fictional animal? - NO
[ Inks ] anthropomorphism? - NO
Is the animal connection human and one other animal?
A collective name for a group of animals?
Is it a particular place where one might find animals/humans?
[Iroul] human and one other animal? - NO
[Inks] A collective name for a group of animals? - NO
[Chalky] a particular place - NO
[Inks] A collective name for a group of animals? - NO
[Chalky] a particular place - NO
Is it a property or characteristic of either an animal or a human?
[Iroul] looking at your previous question I believe my answer is correct, but it may depend on what you actually meant by it. So - to clarify (and help):
as well as the human connection there is only one other type of animal, but more than 1 of them.
[Rosie] property or characteristic of either an animal or a human? - NO
as well as the human connection there is only one other type of animal, but more than 1 of them.
[Rosie] property or characteristic of either an animal or a human? - NO
Is the answer along the lines of: ......... and the ......... ?
[Chalky] Is the answer along the lines of: ......... and the ......... ? - NO
The Vicar and Flock?
Sounds like the name of pub, dunnit?
The audience send out for flasks and sleeping bags
[Projoy] Vicar and Flock - NO
A piece of music?
Is the human connection a particular human?
[Inks] music - NO
[CdM] a particular human - NO (audience nod their heads sagely)
[CdM] a particular human - NO (audience nod their heads sagely)
Is the other type of animal a mammal?
INJ] Thanks - that was what I meant.
One Man and His Dog?
The boy who cried wolf?
Man and Beast?
Of Mice And Men?
[Iroul] mammal - YES
[Phil] OMAHD - NO
[Dandalf] boy who cried wolf? - NO
[irach] Man and Beast? - NO
[irach] Of Mice And Men? - NO
[Phil] OMAHD - NO
[Dandalf] boy who cried wolf? - NO
[irach] Man and Beast? - NO
[irach] Of Mice And Men? - NO
The Queen's Corgis?
All the King's horses?
Is the mammal native to a particular part of the world?
[Phil] Queen's Corgis? - NO
[irach] King's horses? - NO
[Inks] native to a particular part of the world? - NO
(The audience has split up into card schools and choirs)
[irach] King's horses? - NO
[Inks] native to a particular part of the world? - NO
(The audience has split up into card schools and choirs)
Is the human part gender specific?
Does the human element relate to the possessor of the mammal?
[Inks] Is the human part gender specific? - Hmmm. Strictly speaking NO, but in practice, YES
[Phil] Does the human element relate to the possessor of the mammal? - YES
Check your assumptions.
[Phil] Does the human element relate to the possessor of the mammal? - YES
Check your assumptions.
Henry's Cat?
Is the human element a role/title or something similar (with a single incumbent at any given time)?
[all] Henry's Cat - NO (who he?)
[CdM] role/title/something similar - YES(ish) - but I suspect that may mislead as much as help
single incumbent - NO
[CdM] role/title/something similar - YES(ish) - but I suspect that may mislead as much as help
single incumbent - NO
A game?
[Inks] a game - NO
Are the non-human animals domesticated?
Is the abstract part a human construct?
[INJ] How could you not know of Henry's Cat? Drawn by genius animator Bob Godfrey (last of the great painted-cell animators, none of your computerised rubbish) who was also the creator of "Rhubarb and Custard" and "Noah and Nellie" ("all aboard the skylark!"). Shame on you. How old are you, anyway?
[CdM] domesticated - YES
[Kim] a human construct - NO is the most useful answer
How old? Old enought not to have had a TV at the age when I would have watched such programs
[Kim] a human construct - NO is the most useful answer
How old? Old enought not to have had a TV at the age when I would have watched such programs
Is it the title of something?
Is the non-human animal canine?
[PJ] title of something? - NO, although it has been used as such
[Iroul] canine - NO
[Iroul] canine - NO
murine?
[PJ] - Not one of Mickey's relatives
feline?
oscine?
[Inks] - feline - NO
[PJ] oscine - I refer my learned friend to my earlier answer about mammals
[PJ] oscine - I refer my learned friend to my earlier answer about mammals
Rabbit
With a "?"
Do you need a clue yet?
[Inks] Rabbit - NO (with or without ?)
The name of a pub?
A farm animal?
The sum of human knowledge
So far we know this:
It's an abstract that has to do with human and mammal (just one type of mammal? Just one human? We know this not.)
The human part may be a role, but this may be unhelpful. The human part is, in practice but not in principle, gender-specifc
The aforesaid mammal(s) is/are domesticated (so presumably not farm animals?). Is not: dog, cat, mouse, rat, rabbit. I think that's all we know.
It's an abstract that has to do with human and mammal (just one type of mammal? Just one human? We know this not.)
The human part may be a role, but this may be unhelpful. The human part is, in practice but not in principle, gender-specifc
The aforesaid mammal(s) is/are domesticated (so presumably not farm animals?). Is not: dog, cat, mouse, rat, rabbit. I think that's all we know.
equine?
slightly stretching the "domesticated" category...
Smaller than a cat?
But I would say cow is "domesticated" animal, the term should not be assumed to mean "household pet".
[Projoy] Actually only one type of animal but more than 1 of them according to answer to Irouleguy.
The PG Tips Chimps?
A little progress
[Raak] a pub name - NO
[Inks] farm animal - YES
[PJ] equine - YES (some of the audience emerge from their stupor)
[Inks/Chalky] - see above
The summary is reasonable except that,as Dandalf says - you have been told that there is only one type of mammal, but more than one of them.
I've never taken 'domesticated' to mean the same as 'domestic'.
[Inks] farm animal - YES
[PJ] equine - YES (some of the audience emerge from their stupor)
[Inks/Chalky] - see above
The summary is reasonable except that,as Dandalf says - you have been told that there is only one type of mammal, but more than one of them.
I've never taken 'domesticated' to mean the same as 'domestic'.
Why didn't the audience wake up at "King's horses" earlier on?
Anything to do with horse racing?
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride"?
The four horse men of the Apocalypse?
Sorry, horsemen!
A herd of wild horses?
[Dandalf] - Good question - in retrospect, I think they should have.
[Chalky] horse racing? - NO
[PJ] If wishes were horses,... - NO
[Dandalf] Four hoarse men - NO
[Raak] herd of wild horses? - NO
[Chalky] horse racing? - NO
[PJ] If wishes were horses,... - NO
[Dandalf] Four hoarse men - NO
[Raak] herd of wild horses? - NO
Shortly going away for the long weekend - and yet I feel this one could fall quickly if someone makes the right lateral jump. I'm surprised how hard it is proving.
In retrospect the 'kings horses' should have got some applause.
In retrospect the 'kings horses' should have got some applause.
a work horse?
Hobby Horse
Wild horses wouldn't drag me...?
Sagittarii?
Is the word "horses" on the card?
Can I have two guesses? Horsetrader? Charge of the light brigade?
P.S. Also going away for long weekend
Charge of the light brigade is a very good guess, I think. But I am not sure why the audience would have 'nodded sagely' at my 'particular human?' question, and I would have thought that it was gender-specific in principle. Also, if it is right, then 'King's horses' definitely should have won applause!
Anything to do with show-jumping?
In case 'Charge of the Light Brigade' is wrong.
Yankee Doodle and Pony?
We have a winner
Dandalf was right 'Charge of the Light Brigade' it is.
As I later admitted - King's Horses should have won applause. I can only say that I didn't have a lot of time when I posted that and I also didn't anticipate that it would prove as difficult as it did. Particular human - NO, but 600 particular humans. Gender-specific not now, but yes, then. All arguable.
Anyway, sorry to have kept you waiting, but I've had a very nice weekend away in Mid-Wales and my laptop was not going to come with me.
Over to Dandalf
As I later admitted - King's Horses should have won applause. I can only say that I didn't have a lot of time when I posted that and I also didn't anticipate that it would prove as difficult as it did. Particular human - NO, but 600 particular humans. Gender-specific not now, but yes, then. All arguable.
Anyway, sorry to have kept you waiting, but I've had a very nice weekend away in Mid-Wales and my laptop was not going to come with me.
Over to Dandalf
Well back from my long weekend to find I'd guessed right. Actually I was hesitant about C of the L.B. because of the gender thing - but then thought that the equines probably included both stallions and mares! : ) Whatever - here goes with ABSTRACT with no connections whatsoever. (Oh dear, what have I let myself in for?!?)
Is it a force?
Is it a state of mind?
Can it exist without the perception of a sentient being?
To do with mathematics?
[Inkspot] Force? NO
[Phil] State of mind? Er...YES. Audience stops groaning.
[Rosie] NO. Half-hearted ripple of applause.
[Raak] Maths? NO
[Phil] State of mind? Er...YES. Audience stops groaning.
[Rosie] NO. Half-hearted ripple of applause.
[Raak] Maths? NO
Applies only to humans/human minds?
A mystical vision?
Melancholy?
An agreeable state of mind?
[INJ] H/H minds only? YES (...or NO?)
[Raak] M.V. NO
[Irouleguy] Melancholy? NO
[Rosie] YES (but paradoxically could be NO!)
[Raak] M.V. NO
[Irouleguy] Melancholy? NO
[Rosie] YES (but paradoxically could be NO!)
indecisiveness?
Connected with a physical activity?
Lust?
[INJ] Definitely NOT indecisiveness :)
[Raak] NOT connected with physical activity
[Projoy]NOT Lust
[Raak] NOT connected with physical activity
[Projoy]NOT Lust
Sleep?
Success?
Hope?
[Phil] NOT sleep (which is what audience is settling down to!)
[Raak] NOT Success (which is what is not being achieved!)
[Rosie] NOT Hope (which you shouldn't lose!).
[Raak] NOT Success (which is what is not being achieved!)
[Rosie] NOT Hope (which you shouldn't lose!).
Single-mindedness?
Is it visible on a brain scan?
Does it have anything to do with perception of the future?
Love?
Does the word end with .... ness?
[Raak] Singlemindedness NO
[CdM] NOT visible on brain scan
[Kim] NOT connected to prediction
[Phil] NOT love
[Chalky] One of the words on the card does end with ..ness. (Audience stirs).
[CdM] NOT visible on brain scan
[Kim] NOT connected to prediction
[Phil] NOT love
[Chalky] One of the words on the card does end with ..ness. (Audience stirs).
Is this a two-word answer?
[Chalky] Five words on the card incl. 1 article and 1 preposition.
A piece of my mind?
As in, giving someone ___.
A piece of my mindness? A pieceness of my mind?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
*applauds*
(If that isn't right, it should be)
Spot On!! Wild applause. Well done INJ.
Ooh - me again!
OK, this is ANIMAL with ABSTRACT connections
All the King's Horses?
One of the King's Horses?
[Chalky / Dandalf] King's Horses - NO to both,
Is the animal human?
[all] human - NO
One particular animal?
Alive (when it's at home)?
A domesticated animal?
[Iroul] One particular animal? - NO
[PJ] alive? - YES
[Iroul] domesticated? - NO
[PJ] alive? - YES
[Iroul] domesticated? - NO
Sorry. The last one was the answer to Rosie, of course - Ah, the joys of copy and paste.
A herd of wild horses?
[Raak] herd of wild horses - NO
Is the answer on the card a well-known phrase or saying?
Is the beastie timorous? (eg not a lion)
One particular species?
Are they insects?
Associated with a work of fiction?
[CdM] a well-known phrase or saying? - NO - not fair to call it well-known
[Rosie] timorous - NO - that isn't an adjective you'd normally expect to use (but neither is 'fierce')
[[CdM] One particular species? - YES - (smattering of applause)
[Raak] insects? - NO
[Inks] Associated with a work of fiction? - NO
[Iroul] There are 2 ways of reading your penultimate question (one particular animal?).
[Rosie] timorous - NO - that isn't an adjective you'd normally expect to use (but neither is 'fierce')
[[CdM] One particular species? - YES - (smattering of applause)
[Raak] insects? - NO
[Inks] Associated with a work of fiction? - NO
[Iroul] There are 2 ways of reading your penultimate question (one particular animal?).
A horde of wild hearses?
[Raak] - NO
Might They Be Giants?
[Raak] - NO
Is the animal bigger than a domestic cat?
Is the answer on the card the title of something?
[PJ] Bigger than a cat - NO
[CdM] title of something - NO
[CdM] title of something - NO
Is the answer on the card a quotation from something?
A bird?
An insect?
[CdM] a quotation? - NO
[Inks] a bird - YES (some applause)
[PJ] - NO
[Inks] a bird - YES (some applause)
[PJ] - NO
A Flock of Seagulls?
getting warmer
[Chalky] A Flock of Seagulls? - NO (hearty applause)
The multitude of swallows that *does* make a Summer
Getting your ducks in a row?
INJ] True - I meant one specific animal, as in Lassie, Trigger, Skippy...God, I'm old.
audience settles down a bit again
[PJ] The multitude of swallows that *does* make a Summer - NO
[Iroul] ducks in a row? - NO
[Iroul] That's what I assumed in my response - (BTW I nearly chose 'Champion the Wonder Horse')
[Iroul] ducks in a row? - NO
[Iroul] That's what I assumed in my response - (BTW I nearly chose 'Champion the Wonder Horse')
Some sort of sea bird?
An emblem or icon of some sort?
[PJ] sea bird - NO (that's not why they applauded)
[Rosie] emblem/icon - NO
[Rosie] emblem/icon - NO
Are there four and twenty of them?
[Raak] Are there four and twenty of them? - NO (but a few wry grins amongst the audience)
Game bird?
[Projoy] Game Bird? - NO
[PJ] Well, not in this country. ;o)
Found in this country?
[Projoy] Found in this country? - YES
Do the words on the card include a collective noun?
[Chalky] collective noun - YES (prolonged applause)
A murder of crows?
Soooooooo Close
[Projoy] A murder of crows? - NO (but it's hard to see how you could get closer without getting it)
A murder of ravens?
[Projoy] - A murder of ravens? - NO (but I'm tempted to give it to you anyway - right bird, wrong venereal term - so it was possible to get closer!)
An unkindness?
Nicely Timed
We have a winner - An Unkindness of Ravens it is. A bit tough on Projoy, plus an honourable mention for Chalky, but there you go. Over to CdM just before I have to think about logging out and going home.
I went for (and stuck with) "murder" because of the wry grins at four and twenty blackbirds (who were violently killed, of course), and you do often hear "a murder of ravens" even tho "unkindness" is the more standard term. Nemmind. CdM has it.
[PJ] The 'wry grins' were because they were 'black birds'.
Yes, I stood on the shoulders of giants there. Still, as the saying goes, 'he who larks last, shall be exalted'.
ABSTRACT, with ANIMAL connections
ABSTRACT, with ANIMAL connections
Live animal(s)?
Live? The least misleading answer is YES, although I could add also NO.
Fictional animals?
Time related?
A single type of animal?
Is this a place?
Fictional animals? No.
Time related? The answer doesn't have anything to do with time. (There is a particular sense in which I could say it is time-related but I don't think that is helpful.)
Single type of animal? Yes.
A place? No.
Time related? The answer doesn't have anything to do with time. (There is a particular sense in which I could say it is time-related but I don't think that is helpful.)
Single type of animal? Yes.
A place? No.
A single named animal?
Single named animal? If I understand the question correctly, the answer is NO.
Is the animal connection human?
Human? YES.
A theatrical connection?
Theatrical Connection? None that I am aware of.
Is it a saying?
(Not the seven ages of man, then)
The present king of France?
Is there one at the moment?
A saying? NO.
Louis XXIV? NO.
One at the moment? YES. (By which I mean that the answer on the card currently exists. As a minor clue/clarification, my previous answer re "time-related" was because the answer on the card did not always exist and probably will not always exist in the future. I was probably overthinking my answers...)
Louis XXIV? NO.
One at the moment? YES. (By which I mean that the answer on the card currently exists. As a minor clue/clarification, my previous answer re "time-related" was because the answer on the card did not always exist and probably will not always exist in the future. I was probably overthinking my answers...)
Is it sport-related?
The Monarchy?
Sport-related? NO.
Monarchy? NO. (some laughter)
Monarchy? NO. (some laughter)
Democracy?
Democracy? NO.
The Goons?
I'm trying to think of constructive questions, rather than guesses, but the laughter has me intrigued.
Punk (the supposed form of music)?
Is it the name of a job?
Anything to do with anarcho-syndicalism?
The Goons. NO. more laughter
Punk? NO.
Name of a job? NO. smattering of applause
To do with anarcho-syndicalism? YES! loud applause
Punk? NO.
Name of a job? NO. smattering of applause
To do with anarcho-syndicalism? YES! loud applause
The Durutti Column?
The International Workers Association?
Durutti Column? NO. (some applause)
IWA? NO. (some applause)
IWA? NO. (some applause)
Does it have a specifically British connection?
British connection? NO. (a pin drops noisily)
Is it a political organisation?
Political organisation? YES. (applause)
The Spanish FAI (Federacion Anarquista Iberica)?
FAI? NO. (loud applause) (this is a very helpful audience)
Confederación Nacional del Trabajo?
CNT? YES! *refuses to pass the baton as it is a symbol of bourgeois oppression*
Courtesy of the wiki random article feature, here is a VEGETABLE.
edible?
manufactured/processed?
Is it *A* vegetable?
[INJ] NO.
[CdM] NO.
[Rosie] YES.
[CdM] NO.
[Rosie] YES.
Is it a tree?
Tropical?
[Raak] NO.
[CdM] YES.
[CdM] YES.
a flower?
(in the normal sense of the term - not just an angiosperm)
[INJ] YES.
Lotus?
[CdM] NO.
Hibiscus?
Rafflesia?
Available in European florists? (on a reasonably regular basis)
[irach] NO (but at this and the previous question, the audience is starting to pay attention)
[Raak] NO (but ditto)
[INJ] YES -- at least, I am fairly sure about the "reasonably regular" part.
[Raak] NO (but ditto)
[INJ] YES -- at least, I am fairly sure about the "reasonably regular" part.
Orchid?
Incidentally, Néa, I'm still bemused as to where your "anarcho-syndicalism" question came from?
[Phil] NO. (Audience loses a degree of interest.)
Anarcho-syndicalism -- it was the laughter at "monarchy" that put the idea into my head :-)
Anarcho-syndicalism -- it was the laughter at "monarchy" that put the idea into my head :-)
Native to Africa?
(If you like, you can assume I'll ask the other questions until I get a YES)
Good idea
[INJ] Africa? NO.
South America? NO.
Central America? NO.
Australia? NO.
Asia? YES.
(Needless to say, it was the last one you asked about. 'Tis ever so.)
South America? NO.
Central America? NO.
Australia? NO.
Asia? YES.
(Needless to say, it was the last one you asked about. 'Tis ever so.)
Hyacinth?
Native only to Asia restricts things a bit.
[Néa] I'd never even heard of it myself, hence my utter bemusement.
[Néa] I'd never even heard of it myself, hence my utter bemusement.
Asian Almond (sterculia foetida)?
...which, by any other name, would smell as foul.
I meant Indian almond.
[Phil] NO (audience interest remains on same level as before). Re: an-synd -- that has been something of a running gag in this game, which made it a more obvious thing to guess. (Mr Néa is active in the Swedish anarcho syndicalists. I don't sympathise with them myself, though.)
[Projoy] NO (audience pricks up ears slightly)
[Projoy] NO (audience pricks up ears slightly)
There seems to be some confusion as to the Latin name of the Indian almond
Neither Sterculia Foetida (which I have down as Java olive) nor Terminalia Catappa is correct.
Is usually a particular colour?
[Inkspot] YES.
Jasmine?
Sakura Cherry blossoms?
Indian Lilac?
A member of the rhododendron genus?
[flerdle, irach, Dandalf, Irouléguy] NO. (The audience, having become a little restless, regains some order at flerdle's guess -- but quickly loses it again.)
noted for fragrance?
[INJ] NO.
Himalayan Poppy?
Peony?
Remember: Tropical
[INJ] NO.
[Inkspot] NO.
(There is a distinct lack of order among the audience.)
[Inkspot] NO.
(There is a distinct lack of order among the audience.)
A bromeliad?
An orchid?
Saffron?
(sources disagree about its nativity)
Tea?
(curses - sources agree that it's not a flower, and that it's not tropical!)
Leptospermum?
[Inkspot] NO.
[Raak] Still NO.
[Projoy] NO.
[Irouléguy] Yes please! Black, no sugar. Oh, sorry. NO.
[Projoy] NO.
[Raak] Still NO.
[Projoy] NO.
[Irouléguy] Yes please! Black, no sugar. Oh, sorry. NO.
[Projoy] NO.
OK... I think Néa is giving us a hint with "order" in reference to flerdle's guess of Jasmine. The internets tell me that Jasmine is in the order Lamiales, and also tell me that there are about 11,000 species in this order. So -- now to take a leaf out of INJ's book...
Chinese violet?
(If you like, you can assume I'll ask the other 10,999 questions until I get a YES)
[CdM] NO. (The audience cheers when hearing the reasoning behind the guess.)
I'm sorry, I don't think I'll assume that :-)
I'm sorry, I don't think I'll assume that :-)
Is the colour usually yellow?
[Inkspot] NO.
Clarification please...
You answered earlier that it is not edible. Is it actually poisonous, or just not usually eaten?
Is the colour usually red/pink?
An Iris?
Is its colour part of its name?
Is a country or area part of its name?
[CdM] The information I've found on the subject says "not poisonous".
[INJ] YES.
[Inkspot] NO.
[Raak] NO.
[Irouléguy] NO.
[INJ] YES.
[Inkspot] NO.
[Raak] NO.
[Irouléguy] NO.
Is it grown here as a house rather than garden plant?
[Inkspot] YES.
Is it grown here as a house rather than garden plant?
Grown for foliage rather than flower?
Er...
I was assuming an omitted "plant" in Inkspot's question, whereas I'm assuming that CdM is just being silly (often a safe assumption to make!)
[INJ] NO -- at least, I wouldn't think so.
[INJ] NO -- at least, I wouldn't think so.
No, I was simply pointing out that "here" has many meanings in the morniverse. You haven't answered my question.
[CdM] I'm sorry, that was too subtle for me. In that case, NO.
Acanthus?
(Was gonna say Buddlea (sp?) but realised I have one out in the back garden, then realised that Acanthus is also grown outdoors in Europe and isn't native to Asia. I think I'd better retire from this round :) )
Is it carnivorous?
(BTW, while floundering about on google for possible answers, I came across this rather fetching description of an Asian houseplant: "Coral Berry - Ardisia Crenata, from southeast Asia. Very slow growing plant. Has shiny green leaves and very small pink or shite flowers followed by brilliant red berries.")
[Projoy] NO. (An elderly gentleman in the back row starts clapping, but his neighbour shushes him). Some Acanthus species are native to Asia, though -- Acanthus ilicifolius for instance.
Incidentally, I may need to make a clarification. When I say "garden plant" I mean something that actually grows in the garden and is outdoors all year round, rather than plants like olive trees for instance, which can be taken outside (in this here climate) in summer but must come in when the snow arrives.
Incidentally, I may need to make a clarification. When I say "garden plant" I mean something that actually grows in the garden and is outdoors all year round, rather than plants like olive trees for instance, which can be taken outside (in this here climate) in summer but must come in when the snow arrives.
[CdM] NO.
What You Know
You're looking for a plant of the order Lamiales, with (usually) red or pink flowers, which is native to a tropical part of Asia and doesn't grow very well in British (or Swedish) gardens. It will not eat your pets or children. It's not usually eaten but probably not poisonous, its colour or homeland cannot be divulged from its name -- oh, and it has a Wikipedia entry (since that's how I found it in the first place).
I think we also know that the colour is red/pink. Could it be the red-flowered Campsis grandiflora, the Trumpet Vine, of which I have an uncontrollable specimen in my garden (not UK!)? I believe it's of Asian origin.
Yes, I think you know that, too.
[Dandalf] NO.
The Bignoniaceae family?
[Irouléguy] NO.
coleus (solenostemon)?
Although it's better known for its leaves than its flowers, and is also from Africa. Worth mentioning and eliminating, though...
Strobilanthes?
I think we also know that it is probably readily available in European florists.
lipstick plant?
From the Lamiaceae family?
[flerdle] NO.
[Phil] NO.
[INJ] Those are not the words on the card. (audience goes wild!)
[Inkspot] NO.
[Phil] NO.
[INJ] Those are not the words on the card. (audience goes wild!)
[Inkspot] NO.
Aeschynanthus radicans?
(assuming we're talking about the actual plant rather than the genus Aeschynanthus)
Aeschynanthus radicans?
INJ just beat me to this: (Really just to finish things off -- if this is correct, INJ gets the baton.)
That's the epiphyte!
[INJ, CdM] YES!! Well guessed, both of you -- but INJ was first. One lipstick-shaped baton for you, sir.
er, and if you want to know why I posted anyway after the simulpost, rather than just deleting my post, well, that's a really good question.
You can tell work's a bit slack - can't you?
[Néa] - Nice clue on Acanthus. You must know better florists than me - though I do admit to knowing the plant very vaguely.
Anyway, off we go again with ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections
A mythical animal?
[Raak] mythical - NO
Animal = human?
[INJ] Thank you - I was hoping somebody would get the clue! I didn't know the plant very well myself, but now I've read up on it rather a lot. Very educational game, this.
[Néa] human - YES
An activity of some kind?
A political movement?
[Néa] An activity - NO
[Raak] political movement? - NO
[Raak] political movement? - NO
Is it found in all cultures?
A symbol?
[Néa] I skipped that plant due to mis-reading the colour :( Ah, well - well done INJ
To do with language?
[Phil] Happens to the best of us. (Obviously.)
[Iroul] found in all cultures? - NO (but be careful about your assumptions)
[Raak] symbol - NO
[Néa] To do with language? - NO (or only in a vague sense)
[Raak] symbol - NO
[Néa] To do with language? - NO (or only in a vague sense)
found in at least one non-European culture?
[Projoy] found in at least one non-European culture? - YES
A public position, in the broadest sense?
[Rosie] public position - NO (no matter how broadly drawn)
Related to an Asian culture?
If you like, you can assume I will ask all the related questions. :)
[Projoy] Related to an Asian culture? - NO not as such, but not unknown in much (most?) of Asia
African - see Asian
South American - see Asian
North American - YES
European - see N American (though some people might disagree)
The audience heckles this display of generosity
African - see Asian
South American - see Asian
North American - YES
European - see N American (though some people might disagree)
The audience heckles this display of generosity
Related to entertainment?
[CdM] Related to entertainment? - YES (some applause)
Some form of music?
Now we're getting somewhere
[Iroul] Some form of music? - YES (further applause)
Jazz?
religious music?
Country?
[Phil/Projoy/Rosie] - NO
(to clarify my response to Irouléguy - I didn't take it to mean ' do the words on the card define a form of music?' - just 'is the area of entertainment some form of music?'
(to clarify my response to Irouléguy - I didn't take it to mean ' do the words on the card define a form of music?' - just 'is the area of entertainment some form of music?'
The name of a piece?
An organised group of people?
[PJ] name of a piece? - YES
[Raak] group of people? - NO
[Raak] group of people? - NO
Was it around before 1900?
Does it have a known composer (or composers)?
Was it around before 1950
Actually, I'll take a guess... Fanfare for the Common Man?
[Inks & Projoy] Pre 1950 - NO
[CdM] known composer - YES
[Projoy] Fanfare for the Common Man? - NO
[CdM] known composer - YES
[Projoy] Fanfare for the Common Man? - NO
Is the compser also associated as the performer of the piece?
Inks composer = performer - NO not normally associated as such
Minor correction I think the '(though some people might disagree)' is misleading, so Related to a European Culture = YES
Minor correction I think the '(though some people might disagree)' is misleading, so Related to a European Culture = YES
Pop music? (broadly understood as "the sort of stuff that young people like")
Is the animal connection something more than "written by a human"?
[Raak] Pop Music - YES and NO
[CdM] animal connection something more than "written by a human"? - YES (but not a lot)
[CdM] animal connection something more than "written by a human"? - YES (but not a lot)
Sorry, that was me, of course. And as an apology: the Yes & No is partly caused by the definition given.
Is a human referred to in the title?
Would most people here know the composer if they heard the piece?
Does the piece have lyrics?
(sorry for double question, but I thought of this question, which I like a lot better, only after I hit the "stand" button)
Homing in on it steadily
[Rosie] human referred to in the title? - NO
[CdM] Would most people here know the composer? - NO (though I think some would)
[CdM] lyrics - YES (some applause)
[CdM] Would most people here know the composer? - NO (though I think some would)
[CdM] lyrics - YES (some applause)
Written in the 1960s?
[CdM] 60s - YES
A stand-alone piece of music, or part of a larger work?
INJ] Thanks, that's what I meant (many moons ago)
folk music?
Rock Opera?
Is an orchestra involved in the perfornance of it?
[Iroul] A stand-alone piece of music, or part of a larger work? - YES (oh, all right - stand-alone)
[Projoy] folk - NO
[Dandalf] Rock Opera - NO
[Phil] orchestra involved - Frequently
[Projoy] folk - NO
[Dandalf] Rock Opera - NO
[Phil] orchestra involved - Frequently
Was it a hit in the UK?
[Iroul] UK hit - YES
Are the words on the card the title of a song?
(just checking assumptions here)
pop?
[Projoy] Pop? - As I said when this question was last asked, the problem is the definition of terms here. Popular = YES
Was it a hit for a popular beat combo?
Half Man Half Biscuit
[Inks] a hit for a popular beat combo? - NO (or for greater precision - 'YES, but not primarily')
Are you going to answer my question?
A theme tune?
[CdM] Are you going to answer my question? - YES
[Inks] Theme Tune - NO
[Inks] Theme Tune - NO
[CdM] Are the words on the card the title of a song? - YES
A solo artist, then?
American composer and British singer?
I now have Dusty Springfield on a loop singing "I just don't know wat to do with myself" but then it is Friday.
[Projoy] Solo Artist? - YES (most famously)
[Inks] American composer? - NO
[Inks] British singer? - NO
Where appropriate the expression '(most famously)' should be considered as inserted.
[Inks] American composer? - NO
[Inks] British singer? - NO
Where appropriate the expression '(most famously)' should be considered as inserted.
British composer?
American singer?
[Projoy] British composer? - NO
[Dandalf] American Singer - YES (audience doesn't actually clap, but is definitely perking up)
[Dandalf] American Singer - YES (audience doesn't actually clap, but is definitely perking up)
European composer?
[Projoy] European composer? - YES
Do one or more colours feature in either the title or the words?
[Flerdle] colours? - NO (title nor words)
A French song rejigged by a Canadian?
(Most famously) a female singer?
Does a non-human animal feature in either words or title?
Strike that (animal=human). A (m. f.)male singer?
Is the composer Jaques Brel?
A Bob Dylan song?
[Inks] French Song - YES (many of the audience look bemused)
rejigged by Canadian - NO
[Iroul/Dandalf] - A male singer (m.f.)
[Inks] Jacques Brel - NO
[Raak] Zimmerman - NO
There's an unchallenged assumption in some of these questions - not yet crucial, but....
rejigged by Canadian - NO
[Iroul/Dandalf] - A male singer (m.f.)
[Inks] Jacques Brel - NO
[Raak] Zimmerman - NO
There's an unchallenged assumption in some of these questions - not yet crucial, but....
OOOOOPS
[Inks] SORRY the rejigged by Canadian was YES (and had I said so at the time there would have been a lot of applause
anything to do with a movie?
[Projoy] to do with a movie - NO - (I reckon Inkspot knows the answer)
Is it most famous for instrumental versions of it?
Perhaps I really meant "are the versions most commonly heard now instrumental versions".
My Way?
HUZZAH
We have a winner MY WAY it is (Originally 'Comme d'habitude', written by Claude François and Jacques Revaux, English language version by Paul Anka - who is of course, Canadian, as I really did know)
Passing the microphone to Inkspot
Passing the microphone to Inkspot
yay!
Thank you INJ, a bit tricky at the end there as I was torn between Sinatra and Scott Walker and goes back to the "Related to Asian ....Europe" reply.
Anyhoo into the weekend with MINERAL
Is it usually brown?
manufactured?
Congrats - The culture question was a bit tricky as I reckon it's known at least everywhere that knows of Sinatra or karaoke. The unchallenged assumption was the single 'composer'.
Metal?
[flerdle] Is it usually brown - No
[ImNotJohn] manufactured - No
[Dandalf] Metal - No (it is in such very low qunatities that a Yes could be misleading)
[ImNotJohn] manufactured - No
[Dandalf] Metal - No (it is in such very low qunatities that a Yes could be misleading)
A physical geographical feature?
Essentially water?
[ImNotJohn] A physical geographical feature - No
[Rosie] Essentially water - No (a few chuckles from the audience)
[Rosie] Essentially water - No (a few chuckles from the audience)
solid?
An astronomical object?
To do with petrochemicals?
A geographical feature?
[ImNotJohn] solid - No
[Tuj] An astronomical object - Yes (loud applause from the audience)
[Raak] To do with petrochemicals - No
[Projoy] A geographical feature - No
[Tuj] An astronomical object - Yes (loud applause from the audience)
[Raak] To do with petrochemicals - No
[Projoy] A geographical feature - No
(as the applause dies down, on or two mutter about solid but are shhhushed and elbowed)
A planet?
A comet?
[Raak] Not essentially water. Or are some comets made of something else?
[Projoy] A planet - No (some of the audience mutter and start to pay atttention)
[Raak] A comet - No
[Raak] A comet - No
A meteorite?
A moon?
A star?
[Dandalf] A meteorite - No
[Néa] A moon - No (there is some uncalled for throwing of solid objects around)
[Phil] A star - Yes (There is an oooooohhhh as everyone settles down again)
[Néa] A moon - No (there is some uncalled for throwing of solid objects around)
[Phil] A star - Yes (There is an oooooohhhh as everyone settles down again)
The sun?
A well-known star?
[irach] The sun - YES it was our very own G2 star
[Raak] A well-known star - yes but...
irach well done over to you the throne is yours
[Raak] A well-known star - yes but...
irach well done over to you the throne is yours
Thanks... Here goes
This one is mostly ANIMAL with a little bit of MINERAL.
This one is mostly ANIMAL with a little bit of MINERAL.
A woman in a chainmail bikini?
Is the animal part human?
A belt?
[Nea] I wish it were, but No
[Phil] No
[Tuj] No
[Phil] No
[Tuj] No
A leather jacket?
[Rosie] No
Is the animal part alive?
Is the animal a mammal?
[Raak] No
[Nea]Yes. A mammalian source. (The audience stifles its collective yawn mid-yawn at this disclosure)
[Nea]Yes. A mammalian source. (The audience stifles its collective yawn mid-yawn at this disclosure)
An item of clothing?
Is the animal part edible?
Is the finished item mass produced?
Some sort of dairy product?
A trumpet made from a yak femur with a metal mouthpiece?
Custard pie in a tin plate?
[Rosie] No.
[Phil} Yes. (the audience sits up, taking notice)
[Inkspot] Yes. In certain climes.
[Irouleguy] Yes! (The audience now cheers)[Raak] No femurs or any skeletal remains involved, nor any Tibetan bovine connection
[flerdle] No, unfortuntely.
[Phil} Yes. (the audience sits up, taking notice)
[Inkspot] Yes. In certain climes.
[Irouleguy] Yes! (The audience now cheers)[Raak] No femurs or any skeletal remains involved, nor any Tibetan bovine connection
[flerdle] No, unfortuntely.
Is the animal part ivory?
Egg?
Lassi?
[Danfdalf] No, not ivory, since it's edible... (see response to Phil above. I don't believe ivory is edible,in any culture, or even compatible with human digestion.)
[Projoy]No. (Not an egg, since it it comes from an aforementioned mammalian source. No, not even a platypus or echidna egg)
[Raak] No, but continue to think various ethnic (the audience nudges one another in anticipation as it holds its collective breath).
[Projoy]No. (Not an egg, since it it comes from an aforementioned mammalian source. No, not even a platypus or echidna egg)
[Raak] No, but continue to think various ethnic (the audience nudges one another in anticipation as it holds its collective breath).
Yoghurt?
Is the mineral salt?
Raita?
Is the mineral part metal?
Blue Cheese?
[Irouleguy] No, not yoghurt.
[Raak] Yes. The mineral is indeed salt
Raita. No. Think a diffrent ethnicity from Lassi and raita, yet a moo-vable feast.
[Phil] No, but oh, so close- (The audience stomps its feet in apreciation)
[Raak] Yes. The mineral is indeed salt
Raita. No. Think a diffrent ethnicity from Lassi and raita, yet a moo-vable feast.
[Phil] No, but oh, so close- (The audience stomps its feet in apreciation)
Haloumi?
Feta?
French?
Italian?
Stilton?
Hm. Added salt - mozzarella?
[irach] Clearly you've never enjoyed "Oreilles d'elephant au gratin d'ivoire!" :)
The name of a specific cheese?
(I take the 'moo-vable feast' to mean that this ios a cows milk cheese)
Labneh?
Some sort of dressing?
[flerdle] Not haloumi
[Phil] Not feta
[INJ] Oui! The audience rises to its collective feet, kiss one another on both cheeks, and begin a raucous rendition of "Le Marseillase".
[Inkspot] No
[Projoy] No.
[INJ] Yes, name of a specific cheese.
[Irouleguy] Not labneh
[Projoy]Not a dressing.
[Phil] Not feta
[INJ] Oui! The audience rises to its collective feet, kiss one another on both cheeks, and begin a raucous rendition of "Le Marseillase".
[Inkspot] No
[Projoy] No.
[INJ] Yes, name of a specific cheese.
[Irouleguy] Not labneh
[Projoy]Not a dressing.
[INJ] (Wikipedia confirms that it is a cow's milk product)
[Dandalf] While I have eaten fried alligator, and even braved a possum stew once, I have never had the opportunity of partaking of "Oreilles d'elephant au gratin d'ivoire". Do they serve it at L'Pergolese in Paris? Dined there last Wednesday, and it wasn't on the menu that day.
A soft cheese?
(brie/camembert type rather than say Tomme)
Munster?
[INJ] I am guessing not. The salt is probably a brine wash.
oops
[INJ] Sorry, I was wrong. Googling confirms that brie is salted as well. I didn't know that.
Roquefort?
[irach] Not at L'Pergolese, it is a speciality of the Cote d'Ivoire. No longer served in Paris because of CITES restrictions on the export of ivory. Sadly also being phased out in C d'I as source of main ingredients considered endangered, but is being replaced by col de giraffe tranché au Roquefort (q.v.)
[INJ] Yes! It was Brie. (While Brie doesn't have as high a salt content as Cheddar for example, it does have a moderate salt content, as CdM determined by his Googling).
[CdM] Not Munster
[Dandolf] Good guess, but Non
Take it away, ImNotJohn!
[CdM] Not Munster
[Dandolf] Good guess, but Non
Take it away, ImNotJohn!
Useless trivia "R" us
Roquefort is a sheep's milk cheese...
Well, technically, I didn't actually guess it; still, here goes with MINERAL and VEGETABLE
The Stone Roses?
Edible?
A geographical feature?
[INJ] Not only did you not get it, we still don't even know what kind of brie we were talking about. Brie de Meaux? Brie de Melun? Brie de Nangis? Brie de Reactor?
A manufactured item?
[Phil] Stone Roses - NO
[Rosie] Edible - NO
[CdM] geographical feature? - NO (ish)
[Inks] A manufactured item? - YES (ish)
(depending on definitions of feature and item)
[Rosie] Edible - NO
[CdM] geographical feature? - NO (ish)
[Inks] A manufactured item? - YES (ish)
(depending on definitions of feature and item)
A building?
Is there just one of these?
Is the mineral salt?
[Chalky] building - YES (applause)
[CdM] Just one - YES
[Raak] Is the mineral salt? - NO
[CdM] Just one - YES
[Raak] Is the mineral salt? - NO
An ancient building?
In Asia?
[Kim] ancient - depends on definition, but I would say NO (and in one sense at least - NO)
[Tuj] Asia - NO
[Tuj] Asia - NO
Europe?
Heehee
[Tuj] Asia - NO (keep going.........)
Sorry - that's Europe - NO
The Americas?
Keep going? If you insist!
[Tuj] Americas? - NO (You see, Néa was right)
Austrailia?
[Inks] Austrailia? - NO (nor is it Australia?;o))
Africa?
[Projoy] - Africa - YES - now are we going to go through the countries?
Sub-Saharan?
Let's narrow it down.
[Néa] Sub-Saharan? - NO (a little ripple of interest in the audience)
A public building?
[Inks] Public building - YES
The New Alexandria Library?
[Projoy] The New Alexandria Library? - NO
Built after 1900?
In Egypt?
A wooden building?
B & Q, Benghazi?
I don't think I'm going to get this one.
Famous for something?
The Sphinx? (As far as I know straw and reeds were used in its and the pyramids' construction l in addition to stone and mud).
[Inks] Built after 1900? - YES (and NO and YES)
[Tuj] Egypt? - NO
[Raak] A wooden building? - mostly NO, but partly
[Rosie] B & Q, Benghazi? - NO (it's a Focus in Benghazi)
[CdM] Famous for something? - not really sure what you mean - it is famous in its own right
[irach] Sphinx? - NO
[Tuj] Egypt? - NO
[Raak] A wooden building? - mostly NO, but partly
[Rosie] B & Q, Benghazi? - NO (it's a Focus in Benghazi)
[CdM] Famous for something? - not really sure what you mean - it is famous in its own right
[irach] Sphinx? - NO
In Morocco?
[CdM] Morocco - NO
Tunisia?
*sigh*
Is it in a former French colony?
Great Mosque of Djenné?
Maybe not strictly sub-Saharan, but...
Colonel Gadaffi's Tent?
The Knesset?
YAY!
And the winner is NÉA. It is the Great Mosque of Djenné, the largest mud building in the world, originally built in the 1240, knocked down definitively in 1897, rebuilt in 1907, but also partly rebuilt twice a year - hence my answer about post 1900.
I did hesitate about the 'sub-saharan' question but decided NO was the more informative answer.
I did hesitate about the 'sub-saharan' question but decided NO was the more informative answer.
(that's not just any old 1240, you understand)
Oooh!!
That's one of those places I've dreamt of seeing in the flesh some time. Or in the mud, rather.
The next one is ANIMAL.
The next one is ANIMAL.
Human?
First things first.
Living?
[Tuj] Human - YES.
[irach] Living - NO.
[irach] Living - NO.
European?
Lived before Christ?
Male?
Involved in the arts?
Gutenberg?
Writer?
[ImNotJohn] European - YES.
[irach] BC - NO.
[Tuj] Male - YES.
[Raak] Arts? - NO. (There is a connection, but none of his own doing.)
[CdM] Gutenberg? - NO.
[Snodgrass] Writer? - NO.
[irach] BC - NO.
[Tuj] Male - YES.
[Raak] Arts? - NO. (There is a connection, but none of his own doing.)
[CdM] Gutenberg? - NO.
[Snodgrass] Writer? - NO.
A politician?
Connected to sports?
Swedish?
British?
A scientist?
[Inkspot] Politician - YES.
[Tuj] Sportsman - NO.
[Raak] Swede - NO.
[Tuj] Brit - NO.
[Rosie] Scientist - NO.
[Tuj] Sportsman - NO.
[Raak] Swede - NO.
[Tuj] Brit - NO.
[Rosie] Scientist - NO.
Born in the 18th century?
A former President of a country?
Connected with World War II?
[INJ] Born in the 1700s - NO.
[Inkspot] Former president - NO.
[Tuj] WW2 - NO.
[Inkspot] Former president - NO.
[Tuj] WW2 - NO.
German?
Born before 1850?
[Tuj] German - NO.
[Inkspot] Born before 1850 - YES.
[Inkspot] Born before 1850 - YES.
Italiano?
[Projoy] Italian - NO.
ok then...
French?
I do pick obscure subjects, don't I...
[Tuj] Frenchman - NO.
Someone from ancient Greece?
[Inkspot] Ancient, Greece? - NO, and NO.
Born before 1700?
Now we're getting somewhere.
[ImNotJohn] NO.
Does the country he comes from have a Mediterranean coastline?
OK, so he is a European politician born between 1800 & 1850. He is not from Greece, France, Italy, UK, Sweden, Germany. He was not a president. Vague relationship to Arts, but not of his own making (maybe subject of painting or sculpture?).
Born in some part of Prussia which is not part of modern Germany?
[INJ] Mediterranean coastline - *checks map* NO.
At least one of those facts may be slightly misleading, but they are all quite correct.
[Let's assume the last bracketed clause was a question] Subject of painting or sculpture? - Well... NO. (Audience clap!)
[Proj] Prussia - NO.
At least one of those facts may be slightly misleading, but they are all quite correct.
[Let's assume the last bracketed clause was a question] Subject of painting or sculpture? - Well... NO. (Audience clap!)
[Proj] Prussia - NO.
A monarch?
[Projoy] Monarch - NO (some applause)
Would he have been a monarch, had not other events intervened?
Subject of a performance piece (play, etc)?
[Raak] Would have been - NO. (Audience looks sheepish at having conveyed wrong impression by clapping)
[CdM] Performance piece - NO -- and also (since I'm feeling generous) Subject - not as such, NO.
[CdM] Performance piece - NO -- and also (since I'm feeling generous) Subject - not as such, NO.
Jan Paderewski?
Does the country have a coastline?
[Rosie] Paderewski - NO.
[Inkspot] Coastline - Oh YES.
[Inkspot] Coastline - Oh YES.
Russian?
An aristocrat or oligarch?
Portuguese?
[flerdle] YES!
[Projoy] Hmmm. NO and YES, in some senses of the term.
[Dandalf] Portuguese - nice guess, but NO.
[Dandalf] Portuguese - nice guess, but NO.
Alexei Alexandrovich?
Rasputin?
No, can't be -- born 1869.
Prince Vladimir Odoevsky
[flerdle, Raak, Dandalf] NO to all three.
Mikhail Bakunin?
A Prime Minister?
say, Nikolai Golitsyn?
Trotsky?
Oops! Born 1879.
Or perhaps Boris Stürmer
Should I give you a hint?
[flerdle] Бакунин - NO.
[Projoy] Prime Minister - NO, Голицын - NO.
[Dandalf] Троцкий - NO.
[Проюй] Штюрмер - NO.
[Projoy] Prime Minister - NO, Голицын - NO.
[Dandalf] Троцкий - NO.
[Проюй] Штюрмер - NO.
Grigori Alexandrovich Potyomkin (Potemkin)?
Oh bugger, I got the wrong century!
Was his poltical success in Russia?
or, political, even
Pyotr Valuev?
[Phil] Potemkin - NO.
[Projoy] Political success in Russia - NO! (audience applaud and cheer, but two dissenting groups can be heard arguing)
[Projoy] Political success in Russia - NO! (audience applaud and cheer, but two dissenting groups can be heard arguing)
Was his political success in Greece, France, Italy, UK, Sweden or Germany?
ooops
[flerdle] Valuev - NO.
That wasn't the misleading part
[CdM] G,F,I,UK,S,G - NO.
Clarification
I could have responded to Projoy's question with a YES but that would have led you in the wrong direction, I think.
Karl Marx?
Wrong country
[Dandalf] Marx - NO.
aaaargh!
Mikhail Bakunin?
Did he have anything to do with (an organised) religion?
[Irouléguy] I already arksed that one.
[Irouléguy] Still no.
[flerdle] Religion? - NO.
[flerdle] Religion? - NO.
Political success in USA?
[Dandalf] USA - NO. (See my clarification above).
Did he have a significant influence outside Russia?
Was he alive in 1905?
Did he live in exile from Russia?
[Raak] Influence outside Russian Empire - NO. [flerdle] Alive in 1905 - NO. (murmurs of "oooh, so close")
[Inkspot] Exiled - NO, anything but.
[Inkspot] Exiled - NO, anything but.
Murdered in Russia?
[Projoy] Murdered in the Russian Empire - YES! (Audience goes wild)
Dmitry Karakozov?
Not really a politician, was he?
[Projoy] Karakozov - NO.
(well, it was a poltical act, but I guess he doesn't count as an oligarch. :)
Served in an Imperial government?
[Projoy] In an Imperial government - YES!
Nikolai Ivanovich Bobrikov?
Sorry, rather hogging this game. That's my last question for a while.
Was he titled?
I mean a Count or some such title?
Bobrikov is also the name of a cat I know.
[Projoy] Major General Nikolai Ivanovich Bobrikov, much-loathed Governor-General of Finland - YES!!
[Inkspot] Titled - No, he wasn't as a matter of fact -- a soldier, not a nobleman.
That was more difficult than I'd expected it to be. The arts connection is via Ulysseus, which mentions the assassination of Bobrikov -- it happened on the day the novel takes place. Also, I think I committed a couple of mistakes by answering too literally sometimes and not sufficiently literally at other times. Feel free to issue edicts and threaten me with years of oppression. Baton goes to Projoy...
[Inkspot] Titled - No, he wasn't as a matter of fact -- a soldier, not a nobleman.
That was more difficult than I'd expected it to be. The arts connection is via Ulysseus, which mentions the assassination of Bobrikov -- it happened on the day the novel takes place. Also, I think I committed a couple of mistakes by answering too literally sometimes and not sufficiently literally at other times. Feel free to issue edicts and threaten me with years of oppression. Baton goes to Projoy...
Oops. Well, I think I got that one more by carpet-bombing tactics than anything else. Still, here's a (hopefully less wikipedia-heavy) VEGETABLE. (Annoyingly, I thought of a really good one to set the other day, but can I bring it to mind now? Tch.)
wooden?
[Phil] Wooden - NO
Edible?
A textile?
[Dandalf] Edible - NO
[Raak] Textile - NO
(just as a totem against pedantry, I should probably mention there is probably a very small MINERAL element to this, but not in any way that need detain us here.)
[Raak] Textile - NO
(just as a totem against pedantry, I should probably mention there is probably a very small MINERAL element to this, but not in any way that need detain us here.)
Manufactured?
Cooked?
Néa, flerdle] oops, soory - though I had read all the moves.
Darn. I go out and the game runs away...
[Né] Manufactured - YES
[a] YES to your question also.
[Ig] Cooked? Um, NOT REALLY
[Ig] Cooked? Um, NOT REALLY
cardboard box?
though that might be "wood"
[flerdle] Cardboard box? NO
colourful?
Would I normally have one in my house?
[Lib] Colourful - NO
[flerdle] would you have one in your house? NO, you wouldn't.
[flerdle] would you have one in your house? NO, you wouldn't.
Carpet?
Haven't thought that through very far but may as well make a guess.
[Tuj] Carpet? NO.
Would I normally have one in my house?
A plant of some kind?
(Tuj) The implication of your guess is that flerdle's house doesn't have carpets. I await the storm. -:)
Is it heated as part of the manufacturing process?
[CdM] In your house? Hm. I DOUBT IT (although I couldn't actually say for certain in your case or flerdle's. Incidentally, I don't have one in my house either.)
[Rosie] A plant of some kind - YES (but that's nigh-on inevitable in this category)
[CdM] Heated in manufacture? YES! *applause*
[Rosie] A plant of some kind - YES (but that's nigh-on inevitable in this category)
[CdM] Heated in manufacture? YES! *applause*
Hm. At the risk of complicating things the more correct answer to the "would I have one in my house" question, for anyone who might ask it is strictly NO.
Is it edible?
[Rosie] Told you I didn't think it through... (sorry flerdle)
Some kind of tool?
[Tuj] That's already been asked, unfortunately. Incidentally, carpeting is a culture-bound phenomenon. Soft wall-to-wall carpets are unusual here, for instance.
[Tuj] edible, NO *there are some titters in the audience, as some new significance to this question dawns on them*
[Néa] tool, NO
[Néa] tool, NO
* after a moment, one or two more titters from more lowbrow members of the audience *
Paper?
Sorry, that was a really stupid guess, and it was Blob who made me make it.
[Néa] Paper - NO :)
Is this an artifact manufactured for sexual purposes?
Is it smokable?
[whoever] Carpet in two rooms out of approximately 12. House was built by Italians, who seem to like ceramic tiles. I prefer no carpets; it's cleaner, or at least easier to clean.
[Raak] manufactured for sexual purposes, NO
[flerdle] smokable? YES! *applause*
[flerdle] smokable? YES! *applause*
A joint?
what I meant to say was mari.. maroug... argh... *googles* marijuana/pot/cannibis
Tobacco?
Cigarettes or joints would seem to involve paper (a cigar would not, though). However, tobacco would also explain the cryptic response to "would I have one in my house?" That said, it doesn't seem to explain the tittering response to "edible?" unless I am just insufficiently lowbrow to get it...
[CdM] You just need to hang out with the right people.
A cigar?
[CdM] Yeh, I bet you're so out of touch you have carpet in most of your rooms :P
[flerdle] A joint, NO
[CdM] tobacco, YES
[Tuj] A cigar, YES, but that's not the whole answer...
[CdM] tobacco, YES
[Tuj] A cigar, YES, but that's not the whole answer...
*applause for CdM, Tuj*
Cuban cigar?
... going for the bleedingly obvious, and probably wrong.
Apparently, in Illinois, it is illegal to offer a lit cigar to a pet.
Cigar-ette?
[flerdle] Cuban cigar, DON'T KNOW
[Tuj] Cigarette, NO
[Tuj] Cigarette, NO
A cigarillo?
A particular cigar?
A Hamlet cigar?
(flerdle) Illinois very nearly passed a law in 1897 declaring that pi was de jure 3.2 exactly. Strange place.
A... err... cigar from the White House? *blushes*
[Rosie] Indeed. Apparently it is also illegal to take a french poodle to the opera (at least in Chicago).
Perhaps there is a game in that...
[Ig] Cigarillo, NO
[Tuj] particular cigar, YES *audience applaud, some start to sneak out to avoid the rush on the car park*
[Rosie] Hamlet, NO
[flerdle] Cigar from the White House? YES *thunderous applause, calls of encore etc.*
Specifically, the cigar that Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky... erm... well, you know.... So over to flerdle.
[Tuj] particular cigar, YES *audience applaud, some start to sneak out to avoid the rush on the car park*
[Rosie] Hamlet, NO
[flerdle] Cigar from the White House? YES *thunderous applause, calls of encore etc.*
Specifically, the cigar that Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky... erm... well, you know.... So over to flerdle.
(as you'll gather, my confusion over the "would I have one in my house" was because you could answer it as if it referred to cigars generically or this particular cigar. I started out with the former assumption).
ooerr
Ok, here we go...
ABSTRACT with Animal, Vegetable and Mineral connections.
this game?
[Projoy] Heh. NO.
A genie in an oil lamp?
nice idea...
[Phil] NO.
A degree in woodland conservation?
An activity?
ahhhh
[Phil] NO.
[Néa] NO.
Necessarily involving humans?
Something from fiction?
the least misleading answers are...
(sorry, should recap for clarity)
[Projoy] This game -- NO
[Phil] A genie in an oil lamp/degree in woodland conservation -- NO.
[Néa] An activity -- NO.
[Rosie] Necessarily involving humans -- Depends what you mean. Probably YES (although it could be argued, from another angle, NO).
[Projoy] Something from fiction -- NO.
[Projoy] This game -- NO
[Phil] A genie in an oil lamp/degree in woodland conservation -- NO.
[Néa] An activity -- NO.
[Rosie] Necessarily involving humans -- Depends what you mean. Probably YES (although it could be argued, from another angle, NO).
[Projoy] Something from fiction -- NO.
To do with mathematics?
Is the animal part just one species?
[Raak] To do with mathematics -- can be, but primarily NO.
[Irouléguy] Animal just one species -- YES in one way and NO otherwise (see answer to Rosie's question).
[Irouléguy] Animal just one species -- YES in one way and NO otherwise (see answer to Rosie's question).
A process?
A long shot - Agriculture?
[Projoy]A process -- NO.
[Rosie] Agriculture -- NO.
[Rosie] Agriculture -- NO.
Human evolution?
[Dandalf] human evolution -- NO.
a human construct?
thought you'd never ask
[Projoy] human construct -- YES? *audience wakes up and starts arguing*
Is it something that only humans construct?
To do with art?
[Irouléguy] something only humans construct -- YES would be the least misleading answer at the moment. *a small minority of the audience starts arguing again*
[Raak] to do with art -- can be, but primarily NO.
[Raak] to do with art -- can be, but primarily NO.
A settlement of some kind?
Is it an activity?
Sorry, already asked.
Is it group of people?
Is there a geographic connection?
[Rosie] a settlement -- (as in 'place where people live'?) NO
[Raak] a group of people -- NO, although there is a relationship between a group of people and the answer.
[Dandalf] Geographic connection -- NO, depending on what you mean by that. The answer is more common in some places than others, but it would be too misleading to answer 'yes'.
[Raak] a group of people -- NO, although there is a relationship between a group of people and the answer.
[Dandalf] Geographic connection -- NO, depending on what you mean by that. The answer is more common in some places than others, but it would be too misleading to answer 'yes'.
Anything to do with death?
[Rosie] to do with death -- NO.
To do with religion?
The environment?
[Raak] to do with religion -- NO
To clarify: Religion, or things to do with religion, can be related in a particular way to The Answer On The Card, but is The Answer to do with religion (or its things) more than to do with other things? NO. This is what I meant in my answer to "to do with art" and "to do with mathematics". Keep going, though.
[Dandalf] is it the environment? -- NO.
Is this an emotion?
[Chalky] an emotion -- NO.
Is it a hobby or pastime?
[Chalky] a hobby or pastime -- NO.
Is a human element required?
If it's not something you can do, is it something you can be?
Science?
[Inkspot] a human element required -- fundamentally YES
[Projoy] if it's not something you can do, is it something you can be -- NO... *audience wakes up and makes encouraging murmurs*
[Dandalf] Science -- NO.
[Projoy] if it's not something you can do, is it something you can be -- NO... *audience wakes up and makes encouraging murmurs*
[Dandalf] Science -- NO.
Thought?
[Raak] Thought -- NO... thought is more closely related to this than most of the previous answers, but it's still a fair way off.
Two further clarifications: I have come across this in a work of fiction, but it is not really from fiction. And some people may involve this in a hobby or pastime, but I wouldn't classify the words on the card as a hobby or pastime. I'm not being intentionally vague, honest...
Is this something spiritual?
[Tuj] something spiritual -- NO
A family?
(beats me what the mineral connection would be, in that case, but since we're floundering, it's probably worth a shot or two in the dark!)
[Projoy] a family -- NO.
Wanna hint?
Wanna hint?
It's definitely not something you do?
(i.e. one does)
[Projoy] It is definitely not something one does, in the way that one does not "do" a door, or one does not "knitting" or "biology textbook". The answer is still abstract, however.
Ethics?
Would this be considered a skill?
Looking at it, knitting, even if in the sense of a noun, is not a great example. Apologies if I've been too pedantic. I hope you get the idea.
[Tuj] Ethics - NO
[Chalky] a skill - NO, although a measure of skill is certainly related to its existance.
[Chalky] a skill - NO, although a measure of skill is certainly related to its existance.
(a measure of = an amount of some kind of)
Is it something the brain can do?
Is the vegetable a plant?
Is this anything to do with being funny/having a sense of humour?
Is the mineral water?
[Tuj] something the brain can do -- NOt strictly, although activity of the brain is usually required. *a smattering of claps from the audience*
[Inkspot] is the vegetable a plant -- NO would be least misleading.
[Chalky] to with being funny/a sense of humour -- NO. Hmmm, there is a humour component in the work of fiction I mentioned earlier. But in the main, NO.
[Irouléguy] is the mineral water -- NO would be most helpful here.
[Inkspot] is the vegetable a plant -- NO would be least misleading.
[Chalky] to with being funny/a sense of humour -- NO. Hmmm, there is a humour component in the work of fiction I mentioned earlier. But in the main, NO.
[Irouléguy] is the mineral water -- NO would be most helpful here.
hoookay...
To summarise:
This abstract with animal, vegetable and mineral connections is more common in some places than others but is not primarily connected to geography. It involves a human element in some way, more specifically some activity of the brain and even more specifically thought, but is not actually any of these. There is some relationship with a group of people. Only humans construct it (although this may be debated).
Religion, mathematics, art, and non-human animals can have something to do with it but only in a certain sense, and it can be found in at least one fictional work (but not only there) and some people may involve it in a hobby or pastime. It is not in itself an action, process or activity but a certain amount of skill is related to its existance.
It is not: this game, a genie, a degree in woodland conservation, from fiction, an activity, a process, agriculture, evolution, a settlement, the environment, an emotion, a hobby, something you can do or be, science, thought, something spiritual, a family (or group of people), ethics, a skill, a plant, water, to do with death or to do with humour.
I could also say that it should probably be considered to have abstract connections as well, but although strictly accurate, that may not be helpful. I think this summary should be very helpful indeed.
Is it something to do with the visual sense?
more questions, less explanation!
[CdM] something to do with the visual sense -- YES and NO. *several "ooooh"s from the audience, quickly shushed*
Something to do with imagination?
[Raak] something to do with imagination -- NO (except where in agreement with details in paragraph 2, above ("Religion, mathematics...")).
Oh, and apologies for spelling "existence" wrong. Oops.
Something to do with hearing, taste, touch, or smell?
[CdM] to do with hearing, taste, touch or smell -- NO.
Does it have an entry in wikipedia?
Is the answer more than one word [apart from the in/definite article]?
[Phil] Does it have an entry in wikipedia -- NO... *audience starts to take more notice*
[Chalky] more than one word -- YES!
[Chalky] more than one word -- YES!
Is it a concept?
[Phil] a concept? YES and NO. *more oooooohs*
Do all of these "YES and NO" answers reflect distinct different meanings of the words on the card?
To do with money?
I think I've chosen a stupid topic.
[CdM] NO. If I understand your meaning correctly, then the words on the card are together a whole entity, and I am not looking at each word in isolation, and the answer does not have two different meanings (so, for example, it is not like the expression "knock off").
To say much more without other questions to answer would be to give it away completely.
The yesnoyesno is because
- (a) there are the properties of the thing on the card -- the "thing" that the words on the card are about, and the way(s) in which it can exist.
(b) there are things to which the answer/words on the card can be to do with, because of the nature of the answer/words on the card. Thus I have problems saying "no" to "to do with xyz" because yes, it can have something to do with xyz.
To say much more without other questions to answer would be to give it away completely.
[Projoy] to do with money -- NO. (I am giving up on the broader meaning of "to do with" from here on, since it's causing too much trouble.)
How about some good old questions like many of the ones from the first topic in this game, which was also an abstract? Start with "did it exist in ...".
Was this an invention?
Is this some type of human relationship?
OK, did it exist in 1800?
(actually, slight rephrase: "Did it exist by 1800)
[Tuj] an invention -- YES if you mean something made up by people
[Irouléguy] a type of human relationship -- NO
[Projoy] did it exist by 1800 -- YES!
[Irouléguy] a type of human relationship -- NO
[Projoy] did it exist by 1800 -- YES!
Did it exist by 1000?
[CdM] did it exist by 1000 -- YES
did it exist almost since the dawn of mankind?
[irach] did it exist almost since the dawn of mankind -- NO!
Did it exist by 1CE?
(at least we can get into the right millennium)
Is it a social system?
*feels very old* I had to look up "CE".
To do with language?
[Projoy] Did it exist by 1CE -- YES. One place definitely had examples of this before 1CE, and another had examples of it by 20CE but I can't be more exact than that.
[Tuj] a social system -- NO.
[Raak] To do with language -- YES! *audience bursts into loud and sustained applause*
[Tuj] a social system -- NO.
[Raak] To do with language -- YES! *audience bursts into loud and sustained applause*
to do with codes/cyphers?
Did it first appear in the Middle East?
[Phil] to do with codes/cyphers -- NO
[Projoy] first appear in the Middle East -- NO
[Projoy] first appear in the Middle East -- NO
To do with one particular language?
[Raak] to do with one particular language -- NO.
Is it to do with an aspect of written language?
Is it to do with an aspect of spoken language?
A book or books?
[Juxtapose] to do with an aspect of written language -- YES *audience claps enthusiastically*
[Tuj] to do with an aspect of spoken language -- YES *clapping subsides somewhat*
[Phil] A book or books -- NO *gasps and oooohs from the audience*
[Tuj] to do with an aspect of spoken language -- YES *clapping subsides somewhat*
[Phil] A book or books -- NO *gasps and oooohs from the audience*
law?
[Phil] law -- NO *audience start arguing*
+s
something to do with instructions?
[Phil] something to do with instructions -- YES but not only or always so. *more gasps and oooohs*
Cookery books?
[Raak] cookery books -- NO
Rules?
Card games?
[Projoy] Rules -- NO.
[Raak] Card games -- NO.
[Raak] Card games -- NO.
In a particular script/alphabet?
The invention of the bound codex, superceding scrolls?
Language schools?
Some sort of command?
[Projoy] in a particular script/alphabet -- NO
[Raak] the invention of the bound codex -- NO
[Dandalf] language schools - NO *someone starts clapping, but is quickly hushed*
[Tuj] some sort of command -- NO.
[Raak] the invention of the bound codex -- NO
[Dandalf] language schools - NO *someone starts clapping, but is quickly hushed*
[Tuj] some sort of command -- NO.
Grammar?
Connected to translation?
[Rosie] Grammar -- NO *a few claps from more excitable members of the audience*
[CdM] connected to translation -- often YES but not necessarily *cheering starts*
Dictionaries?
It is the lack of wikipedia entry that still has me stumped...
[Raak] dictionaries -- NO! *audience cheers loudly with enthusiastic applause*
[CdM] not everything in the wikipedia has its own entry.
[CdM] not everything in the wikipedia has its own entry.
A chrestomathy?
wait a moment while I look that up...
[Raak] a chrestomathy -- NO. (it's in wikipedia, anyway).
Anything to do with books?
[Tuj] Anything to do with books -- YES, some.
Back in a few hours... do carry on.
Diaglossia?
Some sort of system of translation?
(except that would be a process, I guess)
A verse form?
Spelling tests?
A public library?
Something to do with the word "version"?
Printing?
bucket-o-hints
[Raak] diaglossia -- NO (had to check that one too)
[Projoy] some sort of system of translation -- NO, but it can be very useful in this.
[Projoy] a verse form -- NO.
[Phil] spelling tests -- NO, but spelling is an issue.
[Dandalf] a public library -- NO, but it can often be found there.
[Tuj] something to do with the word "version" -- NO, but it often has different versions.
[Irouléguy] printing -- NO, but it is most often printed.
[Projoy] some sort of system of translation -- NO, but it can be very useful in this.
[Projoy] a verse form -- NO.
[Phil] spelling tests -- NO, but spelling is an issue.
[Dandalf] a public library -- NO, but it can often be found there.
[Tuj] something to do with the word "version" -- NO, but it often has different versions.
[Irouléguy] printing -- NO, but it is most often printed.
Transliteration?
(except I guess there must be examples of that way into the BCE dates).
(and it's an activity and a process, curses!)
A testimony?
...which isn't right but I'm hoping I might guess something which could point us the right way. Not likely, eh?
Roadsigns?
By, which I of course mean "signage" in general, since you can find it in libraries...
[Projoy] Transliteration -- NO, but transliteration is sometimes involved.
[Tuj] A testimony -- NO.
[Projoy] roadsigns/signage -- NO.
[Tuj] A testimony -- NO.
[Projoy] roadsigns/signage -- NO.
Taking notes?
A text book?
[Tuj] Taking notes -- NO.
[Phil] A text book -- NO.
[Phil] A text book -- NO.
Begins with a P?
Pheww
[Tuj] Begins with a P -- many of them do. But the answer doesn't. So I have to say NO.
Mmmhwwhhwa? I think I give up.
at least for now.
at least for now.
A group of words?
who am i kidding
[Tuj] A group of words -- *audience gasps* YES it is but that's not The Answer, so NO.
A particular class of word such as noun, verb etc.?
[Projoy] a particular class of word -- *audience gasps again* NO!
Something to do with an encyclopedia?
[CdM] something to do with an encyclopedia -- NO...
Home stretch?
OK, this is getting very long, so here's another summary where the other one left off.
The answer has to do with language, more so written than spoken.
Two places definitely had examples of it before 20CE.
It is an invention, in that it is something made up by people. It is not just a concept.
It has something to do with instructions (although perhaps not directly as much as I first thought).
It is often but not necessarily connected to translation and can be very useful in this.
It has something to do with a book or books.
It can often be found in a public library.
It is most often printed.
It often has different versions.
Spelling is an issue.
Transliteration is sometimes involved.
It is a group of words (kind of) but not a particular class of word.
Many instances of the answer start with the letter P.
It is not "a dictionary" and is not "something to do with an encyclopedia". It did not first appear in the Middle East and is not to do with one particular language.
The audience or some of the audience were impressed when the law, grammar or language schools were mentioned, although it is none of these things.
Oh, and the answer has more than one word (plus an indefinite article), not starting with the letter "P", and it does not have its own wikipedia entry.
An Index?
Forget that; it has a wikipedia entry...
And it is only one word. On the bright side, it doesn't begin with the letter P.
a particular way of organising a group of words?
(it's not a concordance either, as that's in Wikipedia, too)
:-)
[CdM] an index -- NO
Don't think of an elephant!!
I now keep wanting to say anything beginning with P, such as paragraph, page and punctuation.
[Projoy] a particular way of organising words -- NO.
[Projoy] *ROFL*
Is there a typical number of words in this group (or can it vary wildly from a few words to hundreds)?
I know it's not my go, but....
It's not a particular type of morpheme, is it?
Is it an elephant? If not, does its physical manifestation (as a group of words) typically occur only in a particular type (or types) of book?
had to look that one up too.
[Projoy] a particular form of morpheme -- NO
old-world charm...
[CdM] an elephant - that is not the answer.
[CdM] YES! *wild cheering*. the physical manifestation of elephant as a group of words typically only occurs in a particular type of book. I think.
[CdM] YES! *wild cheering*. the physical manifestation of elephant as a group of words typically only occurs in a particular type of book. I think.
[Projoy] I meant a particular type of morpheme (still NO) Blame too many simulposts.
many apologies
[CdM] and I meant the physical manifestation of The Answer (as a group of words) typically only occurs in a particular type (or types) of books -- YES but, note, The Answer can also occur elsewhere.
(I mis-read "it" amongst the flurry of posting; you can have elephants in lots of books, of course, as well as elsewhere.)
woohoo, quintuple post
Of course, my mistake illustrates my difficulty with aspects of this topic all along. Note to self: don't win again.
[flerdle] Hey, I said don't think of an elephant! :)
PS. Is there a typical number of words in this group (or can it vary wildly from a few words to hundreds)?
[Projoy, elephants] AAAARRRRRGGGHHHHH
[Projoy] sorry, that got lost in the flurry of posts and a random backspace. NO. The number of words can vary wildly depending on where The Answer is found and The Answer itself. A random sampling just now gave the number of words as 24, 10, 65, 30 and 352.
Did you perform that random sampling with books that you had to hand?
Can I just say that this AVMA is (a) very good and (ii) very annoying?
[CdM] Did I perform that random sampling with books that I had to hand -- I would answer NO if I was to be evil because I used only one book. YES otherwise.
Is it a subclause (which often appears parenthetically)?
(I know it isn't really, since that appears in all kinds of books, but you have to get this stuff out of your head sometimes)
Wait a second... footnotes?
please excuse my badly mangled second-last sentence up there...
[Projoy] a subclause -- NO :-)
[Projoy] footnotes -- NO.
[Projoy] footnotes -- NO.
[Projoy] I have gone through footnotes and other similar ideas in my head, but then I get stuck on the fact that there are also very early instances of the elephant.
Is it some kind of definition or explanation?
[CdM] some kind of definition or explanation -- YES! *audience cheers enthusiastically*
a citation or quotation?
Scrub that, is it a definition in law, i.e. appearing in a contract or piece of legislation?
A dictionary definition?
[Projoy] citation/quotation -- NO, but it can be a very important part of some elephants
[Projoy] a definition in law/contract/legislation -- NO... *audience holds its collective breath*
[Phil] a dictionary definition -- CLOSE ENOUGH!
[Projoy] a definition in law/contract/legislation -- NO... *audience holds its collective breath*
[Phil] a dictionary definition -- CLOSE ENOUGH!
So, what were the words on the card?
The words on the card are actually "a dictionary entry". You can check the history of the dictionary in the wikipedia. Everything else can be seen above. *audience claps for everyone, especially CdM and Raak, with special cheers for Projoy's perseverence*
*retires*
I suddenly spotted the quotes in It is not "a dictionary" and realised there must be some significance.
Dunno how to follow that epic, but I'll try.
Dunno how to follow that epic, but I'll try.
Vegetable
A dictionary?
Blimey, what a struggle!
A drink?
A live plant?
In hindsight, another clue(whether intentional or not)was the answer "not everything in the wikipedia has its own entry" right after the answer to Raak's guess "dictionaries". That was a very good AVMA. Nice one, Flerdle.
[Tuj] Dictionary? Not this time, matey :-)
[Inkspot] A drink? No, although I could do with one.
[Dandalf] A live plant? YES
[Inkspot] A drink? No, although I could do with one.
[Dandalf] A live plant? YES
A tree?
(On the last one I got totally sidetracked by the letter-P-elephant. I assumed there was something special about P.)
Native to a particular country?
Edible?
Typically sold at the local garden centre?
[Projoy] Tree? No
[Dandalf] Edible? YES
[Raak] Typically sold at local garden centre? No
[Dandalf] Edible? YES
[Raak] Typically sold at local garden centre? No
A fungus?
[Projoy] That'd be my fault then :(
A bush?
[Tuj] Fungus? No
[Projoy] Bush? No
[Projoy] Bush? No
A berry?
Coughs politely
A root vegetable?
Does it grow in the wild?
nettle?
[Dandalf] Definitely intentional. [Projoy] many apologies.
A brassica?
flerdle] Do win again - that was one of the best for a long time.
A fruit ?(In the culinary not botanical sense)
Sweet, rather than savoury?
[Tuj, flerdle] No apols necessary. The whole fun of the game is trying to avoid being taken for a ride by your assumptions, and all the questions asked and answers given were completely correct.
Green in colour?
Typically found in the vegetables section of a British supermarket?
[Inkspot] Berry? No
[Rosie] Root vegetable? YES
[Chalky] grow in the wild? No, not as far as I know.
[flerdle] nettle? No
[Irouléguy] Brassica? No
[Dandalf] Fruit? No
[Projoy] Sweet, not savoury? Ummm, no. ( Some hushed comments amongst audience members)
[Tuj] Green? Partly
[Raak] Typically in UK supermarket? No
[Rosie] Root vegetable? YES
[Chalky] grow in the wild? No, not as far as I know.
[flerdle] nettle? No
[Irouléguy] Brassica? No
[Dandalf] Fruit? No
[Projoy] Sweet, not savoury? Ummm, no. ( Some hushed comments amongst audience members)
[Tuj] Green? Partly
[Raak] Typically in UK supermarket? No
Carrot?
Yam?
(as opposed to sweet potatoes, which I think are to be found in British supermarkets these days. Aren't they?)
[\tuj] Carrot? No
[CdM] Yam? No (Yes, sweet potatoes are generally to be found in British supermarkets these days)
[CdM] Yam? No (Yes, sweet potatoes are generally to be found in British supermarkets these days)
Chives?
Native to a particular country?
Just ask this one again as it has been over looked
Cassava? which unlike chives is a root vegetable ; -)
[Rosie] Chives? No
[Inkspot] Native to a particular country? (Sorry, didn't spot that earlier) No, as it does not grow in the wild, as far as I know.
[Dandalf] Cassava? No
[Inkspot] Native to a particular country? (Sorry, didn't spot that earlier) No, as it does not grow in the wild, as far as I know.
[Dandalf] Cassava? No
Taro?
In order to get the last of the obvious ones out of the way.
[CdM] Taro? No - and if that's obvious, I'd hate to see obscure ;-)
Arrowroot?
Jerusalem artichoke?
Don't all cultivated plants have a wild form? Unless only the cultivars have survived and the original wild form is now extinct.
[flerdle] Arrowroot? No
[Dandalf] Jerusalem Artichoke? No - Yes, I presume all cultivated plants do derive from a wild form, but not all specific plants can be found in the wild.
[Dandalf] Jerusalem Artichoke? No - Yes, I presume all cultivated plants do derive from a wild form, but not all specific plants can be found in the wild.
A spice?
[Inkspot] Spice? No
A tuber?
[Inkspot] A tuber? No
A particular plant (rather than a vegetable/plant type)?
[flerdle] A particular plant? YES
Is it grown for human consumption?
[Inkspot] Grown for human consumption? YES - A ripple of applause from the slighly somnolent audience
sugar beet?
[flerdle] Sugar beet? No
Tea?
[Chalky] Tea? No
A swede?
Possibly not called Sven.
Is it grown in the Americas?
Is it typically processed (other than simply by cooking) before being eaten?
[Rosie] Swede? No
[Raak] Grown in the Americas? YES
[CdM] Typically processed before eating (other than cooking)? No, unless you count something like slicing as processing.
[Raak] Grown in the Americas? YES
[CdM] Typically processed before eating (other than cooking)? No, unless you count something like slicing as processing.
Time for a Summary
It is:
A specific, live, edible root vegetable, which is not (to my knowledge) found growing in the wild, and is not native to a particular country. It is grown in the Americas, and is grown for human consumption. It is partly green.
A specific, live, edible root vegetable, which is not (to my knowledge) found growing in the wild, and is not native to a particular country. It is grown in the Americas, and is grown for human consumption. It is partly green.
It is not:
A dictionary or a drink. Nor is it a tree, bush, fungus, berry, tuber, fruit, spice, tea, cassava, brassica, nettle, carrot, yam, chives, taro, arrowroot, jerusalem artichoke, spice, sugar beet or swede. It is not typically processed before eating (other than cooking or, say, slicing), and is not typically found in British supermarkets or local garden centres.
Peanuts, or if more "specific" is required Jimmy Carter's peanuts.
[Dandalf] Jimmy Carter's peanuts, or anyone else's for that matter? No
To clarify how specific I meant, the answer is something like "Savoy Cabbage", rather than "Cabbage" (to use a brassica-based example, which we know it isn't).
To clarify how specific I meant, the answer is something like "Savoy Cabbage", rather than "Cabbage" (to use a brassica-based example, which we know it isn't).
Is it medicinal?
[Inkspot] Is it medicinal? There are claims to its medicinal properties, so I think I'll have to say YES - Appreciative applause again for Inskspot
Well then ... is it typically consumed primarily for its medicainal properties?
[CdM] Typically consumed for medicinal purposes? No
Jicama?
It seems to me that it has to be more obscure than taro...
[CdM] Jicama? No - there is at least one non-obscure family of root vegetable plants that has not been mentioned at all.
Well, there are bulbs -- garlic, etc. -- but it seems to me that all the non-obscure ones would also be in U.K. supermarkets. So I am very confused...
daikon radish?
[flerdle] daikon radish? No - Audience gets rather agitated at CdM's musings.
Lotus roots?
Vidalia Onion?
[Raak] Lotus roots? No
[CdM] Vidalia Onion? No Disappointed mumblings from audience
[CdM] Vidalia Onion? No Disappointed mumblings from audience
Some kind of Allium?
[Néa] Some kind of Allium? YES - Cheers from the audience
Ramps?
[Raak] Ramps? No The audience leans forward in anticipation
Elephant Garlic?
Vidalia?
Is it known by different names in different countries (eg UK/USA)?
[Projoy] Elephant Garlic? YES Tumultuous applause
[Dandalf and flerdle] See above.
What with everyone not thinking about elephants for a day or two, and 30 seconds of Chris Beardshaw at a garlic farm that I saw on TV last week, it seemed the obvious option.
[Dandalf and flerdle] See above.
What with everyone not thinking about elephants for a day or two, and 30 seconds of Chris Beardshaw at a garlic farm that I saw on TV last week, it seemed the obvious option.
Well, whaddya know? I spend hours on flerdle's one patiently exploring every angle, and about 10 minutes making a random guess on this one, and win...
Anyway, here's an ANIMAL/ABSTRACT...
Anyway, here's an ANIMAL/ABSTRACT...
One word answer?
Human animal?
Does it begin with elephant?
Wildebeest migration?
[Tuj] One word answer, NO
[Dandalf] human? NO
[CdM] elephants involved in any form? NO
[flerdle] Herds of Wildebeeste sweeping majestically...? NO
[Dandalf] human? NO
[CdM] elephants involved in any form? NO
[flerdle] Herds of Wildebeeste sweeping majestically...? NO
Mammalian animal?
[Dandalf] Mammal? YES
A feline?
You didn't tee a puddy tat
[Tuj] feline? NO
On further consideration, the best answer to the Human Animal question is YES and NO.
Homo florensis hobbitus?
Fictional?
[Raak] Hobbitses? NO, we hates hobbitses
[Tuj] Fictional? YES
[Tuj] Fictional? YES
A specific fictional character?
Vampire?
[Tuj] specific fictional character - YES
[Ig] vampire? NO
[Ig] vampire? NO
From a book?
[Tuj] From a book, YEEES *notable lack of applause from audience*
Has it appeared in other media other than books?
[Ink] Other media? YES
Begins with a P?
Different tack ;)
Mr Spock?
[Tuj] Begins with a P? NO
[Phil] Mr Spock? ILLOGICAL! er, I mean NO
[Phil] Mr Spock? ILLOGICAL! er, I mean NO
Cartoon character?
Captain Haddock?
Extra-terrestrial?
[Dandalf] Cartoon character... least misleading is NO
[CdM] Capn. Haddock? NO
[Tuj] Extra-terrestrial? NO
[CdM] Capn. Haddock? NO
[Tuj] Extra-terrestrial? NO
PS. I'm not especially well today, so I may end up disappearing for sleeps.
A computer-animated character?
Is the other media that of film?
Get well soon Projoy!
[Raak] Computer animated, NO
[Tuj] Film? NO
[Tuj] Film? NO
Television?
A primate? (in zoological rather than religious sense!)
Does the character originate in oral story-telling?
[Tuj] TV? NO
[Dandalf] Primate? YES AND NO (see human above)
[Raak] Oral story telling? FUNDAMENTALLY NO
[Dandalf] Primate? YES AND NO (see human above)
[Raak] Oral story telling? FUNDAMENTALLY NO
Comic Books?
[CdM] Comix? NO
Radio?
Male?
[Néa] Radio? NO
[Tuj] Male? YES!
[Tuj] Male? YES!
A horse?
A horse, NO *an undercurrent of "oooh!" from the audience*
Does it appear in a song?
Someone who is known for riding a horse?
"An undercurrent of oooh", lovely.
A centaur?
Is it a talking character rather than an animal?
What I mean is Wind in the Willows and Watership Down have talking characters while Tarka the Otter is an animal (hopefully that made sense).
[Rosie] In a song? NO
[Tuj] Horse Rider? NO
[Raak] Centaur, NO
[Ink] Talking character, YES!
[Tuj] Horse Rider? NO
[Raak] Centaur, NO
[Ink] Talking character, YES!
Donkey?
Balaam's donkey?
[Né] Donkey, NO *an encouraging burst of applause from the audience (and the sounds of some members animatedly disputing the answer)*
[Raak] Balaam's D? NO
[Raak] Balaam's D? NO
* a kind audience member comes to the front and drops the "a" back into Néa's name.*
Incidentally, these answers about media types are coming up as NO because that's the least misleading answer. In fact this character has almost certainly appeared (but not originated) in all of the above mentioned.
Muffin the Mule?
[Phil] Muffin, NO
A quick summary:
This ANIMAL/ABSTRACT is both human and not. There is a donkey connection. It is a specific male mammalian fictional character that talks. It has almost certainly appeared in, but was not originated in, the following media: TV, cartoons, song, radio, comics, computer animation, oral storytelling, books.
It is not a hobbit, a vampire, a centaur, Mr Spock or Balaam's Donkey.
It is not a hobbit, a vampire, a centaur, Mr Spock or Balaam's Donkey.
Bottom?
*cheers*
[Raak] And the same to you! YES. The words on the card are "Nick Bottom, the weaver, while possessed of the head of an ass". Technically, or so I understand, asses and donkeys are not quite the same thing (the latter being the domesticated variety).
[Projoy] As it happens, I've just been reading a book on biological nomenclature and popular imagination in 18th and 19th century Britain, which I must post of elsewhere.
The next item is MINERAL, VEGETABLE, and possibly also ANIMAL.
The next item is MINERAL, VEGETABLE, and possibly also ANIMAL.
Does it occur naturally?
[Projoy] Does not occur naturally.
Bigger than an armchair?
An item of furniture?
[Tuj] Not bigger than an armchair.
[I] Not furniture
[I] Not furniture
An item of clothing?
Electronic?
Defined by its function?
[Rosie] Not clothing.
[Tuj] Not electronic.
[Projoy] Not defined by its function.
[Tuj] Not electronic.
[Projoy] Not defined by its function.
Does it have a function?
[Projoy] Yes, it has a function.
Metallic?
Is the vegetable part processed like rubber or natural wood?
Is it something that can be made of different materials?
[Tuj] Not usually.
[Inkspot] On the whole, I would say no.
[Projoy] The mineral part can be.
[Inkspot] On the whole, I would say no.
[Projoy] The mineral part can be.
Smaller than a toaster?
[Projoy] Smaller than a toaster.
Smaller than a pack of cards
Did it (or they) exist in 1938?
Even I didn't
[Projoy] Bigger than a pack of cards.
[Rosie] Existed in 1938.
[Rosie] Existed in 1938.
Would it be found in the home?
Existed by 1900?
Stationery?
Is it a single unique item?
Anything to do with writing?
[Chalky] Yes, found in the home.
[Projoy] Yes, existed by 1900.
[Tuj] Not stationery.
[Inkspot] Not unique.
[Rosie] Nothing to do with writing.
[Projoy] Yes, existed by 1900.
[Tuj] Not stationery.
[Inkspot] Not unique.
[Rosie] Nothing to do with writing.
Existed by 1800?
[Projoy] Yes, by 1800.
Is it generic item?
I would say a generic item (if that's the right term) is something like the wheel, a cup or a crown rather than an attributable invention?
[Inkspot] Yes, a generic item.
Does it have moving parts?
A container of some kind?
Spectacles?
[Projoy] No moving parts.
[Rosie] YES, partly.(Applause!)
[Chalky] Not spectacles.
[Rosie] YES, partly.(Applause!)
[Chalky] Not spectacles.
Begins with a P?
[Tuj] (laughter from the audience at the double entendre) Does not begin with a pee.
Not a toliet is it?
Cuh!
[Tuj] Neither a toliet nor a toilet.
A handbag?
It is I, Rosie.
Usually made of plastic?
Was about to guess "pencil case", then looked at my last-but-one question.
[Rosie in drag] A HANDBAG???? No.
[Tuj] Can be plastic.
Saturday is the last day to get this, as I'm off for a week in the south of France Sunday morning.
[Tuj] Can be plastic.
Saturday is the last day to get this, as I'm off for a week in the south of France Sunday morning.
Is there a food connection?
Is the mineral part glass?
Back in normal clothing.
[Projoy] Yes, a food connection.
[Rosie] (A sharp intake of breath) Not among civilised people. One has heard that they may do such things on the Continent.
[Rosie] (A sharp intake of breath) Not among civilised people. One has heard that they may do such things on the Continent.
Is the mineral china?
A gravy boat?
An appropriately snooty term.
[Inkspot] YES! (Almost always.)
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
A cup of tea?
Oops - possibly also animal! (beef tea perhaps?)
A saucer?
[Tuj] A saucer is part of it.
[Dandalf] YES: a cup of tea. Actually, the words on the card are "a nice cup of tea", but that's close enough. (The possible animal part is the milk.)
[Dandalf] YES: a cup of tea. Actually, the words on the card are "a nice cup of tea", but that's close enough. (The possible animal part is the milk.)
Oh! just found out I'd won as I was away for weekend. (Kicks himself re milk, but no use crying etc.). Next is ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.
Begins with a P?
Hah!
Three-ring circus?
Is the animal human?
Human construct?
[Tuj]- P....? NO
[flerdle]- 0-0-0 circus? NO
[Rosie]- Human? Both human and non-human.
[CdM] HC? hmmmmm...I think YES.
[flerdle]- 0-0-0 circus? NO
[Rosie]- Human? Both human and non-human.
[CdM] HC? hmmmmm...I think YES.
Is it an action?
To do with the body?
[Inkspot]Not an action, but implies activity.
[Projoy]Only remotely to do with the body.
[Projoy]Only remotely to do with the body.
A condition?
A thought process?
Small pox?
[Projoy] Condition? Could be.
[Rosie] Thought Process? NO.
[Lib] Smallpox? Not a pox, whatever the size.
[Rosie] Thought Process? NO.
[Lib] Smallpox? Not a pox, whatever the size.
To do with emotion?
A person?
[Projoy] Emotion? NO
[Tuj]A person? NO
[Tuj]A person? NO
Bird flu?
Horse racing?
50-1
Any religious connection?
A bodily function?
Does it require human involvement?
Could someone define "human construct" please, I find these the marmite on toast of the game.
[Inkspot] Quick definition off the top of my head: something that could not exist without a conscious human mind. Others can now refine it: think of this as a wikidefinition.
[Lib] bird flu? NO
[Rosie]Horse Racing? NO (but audience breaks into applause)
[Tuj] NO religious connection
[INJ] Bodily function? NO
[Inkspot]Human involvement? YES
[Rosie]Horse Racing? NO (but audience breaks into applause)
[Tuj] NO religious connection
[INJ] Bodily function? NO
[Inkspot]Human involvement? YES
Is the word "horse" in the answer?
Is it a sporting activity?
Hunting?
[Tuj] No horse.
[Kim] Not a sporting activity, though one of the words on the card could be related to sports.
[Rosie] Not hunting.
[Kim] Not a sporting activity, though one of the words on the card could be related to sports.
[Rosie] Not hunting.
Is the word 'race' on the card?
[CdM] YES (tumultous applause! Some murmuring that Dandalf gave the game away.)
A Caucus Race?
A one-man race?
Three legged race?
(The) Rat Race?
The human race?
A game face?
[Rosie] The Rat Race YES Well done! [Others} See above.
Right. Earwig-o. An easy one. Nothing whatever to do with the World Cup, or trombones, or steam engines, but nevertheless MINERAL
Non-metal?
(Dandalf) Sometimes non-metallic - not usually.
Begins with P?
A household object?
wahay - a Rosie one! Is it manufactured?
(Tuj) Does not begin with a P
(irach) Found in all households, I'd say
(Chalky) Manufactured - yes.
(irach) Found in all households, I'd say
(Chalky) Manufactured - yes.
Does it require electric power?
Found primarily in the kitchen?
(Inkspot) Does not require electric power. *some audience amusement is discernible*
(Tuj) Not usually in the kitchen.
(Tuj) Not usually in the kitchen.
Does "all households" include those in mid- and/or low-income countries?
Is it found usually in the bathroom?
Larger than a toaster?
A mirror?
(CdM) "Households" really means those of the Western world.
(Kim) Unlikely in the bathroom, but possible.
(Dandalf) Larger than a toaster? Certainly in one dimension.
(Tuj) Not a mirror.
(Kim) Unlikely in the bathroom, but possible.
(Dandalf) Larger than a toaster? Certainly in one dimension.
(Tuj) Not a mirror.
Is part of it made from glass?
(Inkspot) Contains no glass.
A piece of cutlery?
(irach) Not cutlery.
Functional (as opposed to primarily decorative)?
Longer than 1 metre?
To do with draperies?
(CdM) Very functional
(Dandalf) Not longer than 1 metre
(irach) Drapery-related? Yes. *considerable applause*
(Dandalf) Not longer than 1 metre
(irach) Drapery-related? Yes. *considerable applause*
Towel-rail?
Curtain rod?
(Dandalf) Not a towel rail
(irach) Not a curtain rod. I have misled you with the previous answer. It's correct by a strict dictionary definition but misleading. So substitute "Not really". The audience are also dictionary pedants. Ignore them - at least this time.
(irach) Not a curtain rod. I have misled you with the previous answer. It's correct by a strict dictionary definition but misleading. So substitute "Not really". The audience are also dictionary pedants. Ignore them - at least this time.
Coat-hanger?
A COAT HANGER it is! How boring! That was too easy. Next time it will be something to do with steam engines, and not just any bloody steam engine, either. I jest, of course. Well done Dandalf, and over to you.
Well, well! Looks like its time for a hard nut to crack. Try this one - ANIMAL.
Human?
European?
alive?
Anything whatsoever to do with that Fußball Weltmeisterschaft caper?
Human? NO
European? NO
Alive? YES
WC caper connection? NO
European? NO
Alive? YES
WC caper connection? NO
Just realised I'll be away until Monday, so if you don't want to wait,we can suspend this and someone can start another in the meantime. Apologies
I'm back and in a position to respond!
A single specific animal?
A mamal?
[INJ] YES [Inkspot] NO
Or rather:
[INJ] YES
[Inkspot] NO
[INJ] YES
[Inkspot] NO
A reptile?
African?
In the news recently?
[Raak]Repile? NO
[Inkspot] African? YES but not exclusively.
[Rosie] In the news recently? Not that I know of.
[Inkspot] African? YES but not exclusively.
[Rosie] In the news recently? Not that I know of.
A migratory bird?
Domesticated?
Dead?
An unladen African swallow?
(since you mentioned hard nuts to crack)
[Inkspot] Not a bird.
[Tuj] Not domesticated.
[Projoy] See above. Don't read anything into my nutty comment.
[Tuj] Not domesticated.
[Projoy] See above. Don't read anything into my nutty comment.
A fish?
[irach] A fish? YES. Applause, (a few murmurs of nothing much more left was there?)
Saltwater fish?
[irach]saltwater? YES
Shark?
*ahem* *indicates an unanswered question above*
Is a single specific animal someting like the horse called Orca or a specific species eg the lesser spotted Orca?
[irach] NOT a shark
[Raak] Oops. Sorry. Can be dead or alive.
[Inkspot] Not e.g. a fish called Wanda, not a spcific species but a particular genus.
[Raak] Oops. Sorry. Can be dead or alive.
[Inkspot] Not e.g. a fish called Wanda, not a spcific species but a particular genus.
A coelocanth?
Err...
Sorry, I'm a little confused. Is the answer a specific individual animal, per your answer to INJ, above, or a genus of animal? Isn't genus an abstract?
Fished for food?
[INJ] YES!!! Wow. Well done. Coelacanth (or coelocanth) Genus Latimeria which contains two species: the African L. chalumnae and L. menadoensis from Indonesia. Hope that clears up Kim's confusion. [Raak] The coelacanths is not considered a prime food fish but finds its way to fishmarkets, which is where the Indonesian species was discovered. (Thanks Wikipedia)
Well, what do you know?
I don't usually guess that early.
Here we go then, with ABSTRACT with animal connections
A character from a book?
The World Cup?
A particular species or genus of animal?
A living fossil?
[Inks] character from a book? - NO
[Iroul] World Cup? - NO
[Kim] particular species or genus of animal? - NO (but not every species)
[Dandalf] living fossil? - NO
[Iroul] World Cup? - NO
[Kim] particular species or genus of animal? - NO (but not every species)
[Dandalf] living fossil? - NO
Some subclass of the animal kingdom?
[Raak] Some subclass of the animal kingdom? - NO
Is the animal connection primate?
Is it related to time?
[irach] animal connection primate? - could be
[Inks] related to time? - YES (to some extent) small ripple of applause
[Inks] related to time? - YES (to some extent) small ripple of applause
To do with the Flood?
Chinese Calendar?
Anarcho-syndicalism?
I only put this up because the words appear in a letter in today's Grauniad relating to the Spanish Civil War and I know the subject fascinates you.
Anarcho-syndicalism, that is.
sorry - wall-to-wall meetings today
[Raak] the flood - NO
[Dandalf] Chinese Calendar? - NO
[Rosie] Anarcho-syndicalism? - NO (nor the Spanish Civil War FWIW)
[Dandalf] Chinese Calendar? - NO
[Rosie] Anarcho-syndicalism? - NO (nor the Spanish Civil War FWIW)
An event?
[Inks] an event - NO (not a single event, which is my assumption of what you mean)
Evolution?
re - meetings. Thank You For Not Saying Back-To-Back.
Anything to do with huntin' and fishin'?
Are the animals all from one particular area of the world?
[Rosie] evolution - NO
[Dandalf] huntin' and fishin'? - NO (nor shootin')
[Iroul] Are the animals all from one particular area of the world? - NO (they may be, but don't have to be)
[Dandalf] huntin' and fishin'? - NO (nor shootin')
[Iroul] Are the animals all from one particular area of the world? - NO (they may be, but don't have to be)
Associated with religion?
Does it have to do with generations?
Carbon dating?
Hibernation?
still cold
[Inks] Associated with religion? - NO
[Kim] Nothing to do with generations
[Raak] Carbon dating? - NO
[Dandalf] Hibernation? - NO
[Kim] Nothing to do with generations
[Raak] Carbon dating? - NO
[Dandalf] Hibernation? - NO
To do with agriculture?
Mating season?
Is this something animals do?
Is this particular to humans?
Are te animal featured in works of art (in the widest sense)?
[Raak] To do with agriculture? - NO
[Dandalf] To Mating season? - NO
[Rosie] Is this something animals do? - YES (animals are involved, but it's not an activity as such)
[Inks] Is this particular to humans? - NO
[Iroul] featured in works of art ? - NO
[Dandalf] To Mating season? - NO
[Rosie] Is this something animals do? - YES (animals are involved, but it's not an activity as such)
[Inks] Is this particular to humans? - NO
[Iroul] featured in works of art ? - NO
Sorry
I'm going to struggle to get online much for the next week or so.
I'm starting on a new client site, but won't get an internet connection until I've got a desk/workstation/signon sorted out, and then I don't know what I'll be able to access. Also you're nowhere near getting this, so it may be better to suspend it and go for another.
I'm starting on a new client site, but won't get an internet connection until I've got a desk/workstation/signon sorted out, and then I don't know what I'll be able to access. Also you're nowhere near getting this, so it may be better to suspend it and go for another.
That's The Linesman BTW, and a leek-flavoured podume to anyone who can say it properly.
As Inkspot and I are the only ones to have got a YES in the last one and he's not here just now I'll start a fairly easy one.
It's MINERAL
Manmade?
Ball rolling.
Metal?
Made of one material?
[Rosie] I can say it, but probably not properly.
(Tuj) - Manmade, yes
(Chalky) Not metal
(Inkspot) Yes, more than one material You have obviously survived the attempt. :-)
(Chalky) Not metal
(Inkspot) Yes, more than one material You have obviously survived the attempt. :-)
Smaller than a toaster?
Solid?
(Tuj) As encountered, yes, but not necessarily
(Raak) Solid? Not always.
(Raak) Solid? Not always.
A household article?
Edible or Drinkable?
(Raak) Yes, but not really an article
(Chalky) Edible or drinkable? Yes, but don't try it..
(Chalky) Edible or drinkable? Yes, but don't try it..
Would this be a cleaning compound?
Usually found in a kitchen?
(Dujon) Not a cleaning compound *some just perceptible murmurs from the audience*
(Tuj) Probably not in a kitchen, but not impossible.
(Tuj) Probably not in a kitchen, but not impossible.
Bathroom?
Is it used as a spray?
Solid at room temperature?
(Tuj) Bathroom? Not usually.
(Inkspot) Not a spray
(Dandalf) Solid @ R.T.? Yes and no.
(Inkspot) Not a spray
(Dandalf) Solid @ R.T.? Yes and no.
Some sort of fat or grease?
Is it for lubrication?
Does it do exactly what it says on the tin?
Train oil?
(Dandalf) Fat or grease? No
(Raak) Not for lubrication
(Irouléguy) It doesn't say what it does
(Projoy) Not train oil. (Haven't got a model railway. Honestly)
(Raak) Not for lubrication
(Irouléguy) It doesn't say what it does
(Projoy) Not train oil. (Haven't got a model railway. Honestly)
A detergent?
Ink?
Is part of it a container?
(Projoy) Not a detergent
(Raak) Not ink
(Inkspot) Not part of a container.
(Raak) Not ink
(Inkspot) Not part of a container.
Polish?
(Raak) Not polish.
Does it begin with P?
[Rosie] You may have missed a capitalisation there.
(Tuj) Does not begin with a P.
Is it something solid that is disolved in a liquid before use?
An alcohol based concoction?
(Inkspot) No.
(Dujon) No alcohol, industrial, medicinal or recreational.
(Dujon) No alcohol, industrial, medicinal or recreational.
Is this usually produced from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum and their ilk? (That's it for today 'cos everyone else is in the land of nod).
Plant-related?
[Dujon] 'Fraid not.
(Dujon) YES, it's "chemical"
(Tuj) Not plant-related.
(Tuj) Not plant-related.
Silly putty?
(Raak) Not silly putty. Much more mainstream.
Sensible putty?
(Raak) Not putty of any kind, but a "sensible" substance nevertheless.
A polymeric material?
Is it something used as a filler or adhesive?
Candle wax?
(irach) YES *applause from knowledgable members of audience*
(Raak) YES *more applause*
(Dujon) Not candle wax.
(Raak) YES *more applause*
(Dujon) Not candle wax.
Blu-tack?
Cyanoacrylate super glue?
Starch?
Silicone rubber?
Just a reminder to all that it's edible or drinkable, but not recommended!
[Dandalf] That doesn't rule out very much really...
(Tuj) Not Blu-tak
(irach) Not cyanoacrylate superglue
(Dandalf) Not starch
(Raak) Not silicone rubber
(irach) Not cyanoacrylate superglue
(Dandalf) Not starch
(Raak) Not silicone rubber
Polyfilla?
[Rosie] But... blu-tack... I'm in a blu-tack daze as I've just removed 325 bits of the stuff from the walls of my room at uni.
Caulk?
(Tuj) Not polyfilla
(irach) Not caulk.
(irach) Not caulk.
The "word on the card" is a brand name but the generic term will do.
Bostik?
(Raak) Not Bostik
KY Jelly?
(irach) Not KY jelly. (See the YES's above)
Is it both a glue and a filler?
Sorry Rosie but seeking a clarification to the "or" question by Raak.
(Inkspot) Not both a glue and a filler. I'll tell you it's a glue. :-)
An edible or drinkable (though not recommended) mineral glue? I give up, unless "e or d" means physically capable of being ingested.
(Dandalf) I think you can take it that "not recommended" means it's not intended for ingestion. It was a joke. Sorry if you were misled. This stuff is pretty famous.
UHU Glue?
(Dandalf) Not UHU.
Araldite?
YES! Araldite it is. Everything I possess has got a dab of it somewhere. Well done, Raak. Over to you, squire.
ABSTRACT, with ANIMAL connections. This may be a difficult one, but it's in Wikipedia. Two words, no articles.
Birthday party?
[Tuj] (some applause from the audience) No.
connected to time in some way?
[CdM] Not really. It would be misleading to say "no", but not helpful to say "yes".
Is the animal connection human?
[I] Yes.
An organisation?
[Rosie] No.
Connected to celebration in some way?
A characteristic?
[CdM] Yes!
[Rosie] No.
[Rosie] No.
Connected to marriage in some way?
Connected to a religion?
[Irouéguy] Er....yes, it is. (Laughter.)
[Inkspot] Yes.
[Inkspot] Yes.
Is the religion Christianity?
[Néa] No.
Is the religion Buddhism?
[Irouéguy] No.
Islam?
...why not keep going?
Zoroastrianism?
(Tuj) why not...?
[Tuj] No.
[irach] No.
[irach] No.
Did the religion start in Asia?
Judaism?
[I] Yes.
[D] No.
[D] No.
A vow taken by a monk?
[I] No.
Summary: a celebration relating to humans, marriage, and a religion originating in Asia, excluding Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Zorro, or Judaism. Sort-of-ish-like connected with time. Not a birthday party, an organisation, a characteristic, or a vow.
Summary: a celebration relating to humans, marriage, and a religion originating in Asia, excluding Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Zorro, or Judaism. Sort-of-ish-like connected with time. Not a birthday party, an organisation, a characteristic, or a vow.
Part of the Hindu ceremony?
Is the marriage element a real marriage (one person to another)?
[Inkspot] Not Hindu.
[Kim] No. Not a marriage, just a connection with marriage in general.
[Kim] No. Not a marriage, just a connection with marriage in general.
Is the religion Chinese?
[I] Not Chinese.
Is this some kind of Japanese ritual?
[Rosie](APPLAUSE!) Yes.
Does it happen annually?
Japanese Tea Ceremony?
[Tuj] Yes, annually.
[Projoy] Not the tea ceremony.
[Projoy] Not the tea ceremony.
Rambling over Mount Fuji ?
[Inkspot] Not Mount Fuji.
Star festival (Tanabata)?
[I] Not Tanabata.
Shogatsu?
[R] Not Shogatsu.
Two words, remember, and some sort of connection to marriage.
Are the two words Japanese?
Is it a celebrated as national holiday?
[Ir] Both words are Japanese.
[In] Not a national holiday.
[In] Not a national holiday.
Hounen Matsuri?
*clutches at straws*
[Irouéguy] The ceremonial straw hat is yours! It is indeed Hounen Matsuri, the Penis Festival.
The what now? On the Wiki article I looked at, it was the harvest festival. Still, the article was just a stub…
Last minute change of plan - my original idea has unfortunate connotations, so our next is ANIMAL, VEGETABLE and MINERAL.
Last minute change of plan - my original idea has unfortunate connotations, so our next is ANIMAL, VEGETABLE and MINERAL.
[I] I had in mind the specific one held at Komaki. I hadn't noticed the more general harvest festival significance. See the usual nine syllables dot thoeny.com/peter/tagata/tagata1.html.
The Earth and all that treads upon it?
Salty bacon crisps?
A geographical feature?
irach] The Earth and all that treads upon it? No
Raak - Salty bacon crisps? Mmmmm...salty bacon crisps, but no
Chalky - A geographical feature? No :)
Raak] For fuck's saké! Imagine explaining a set of those to Customs.
Raak - Salty bacon crisps? Mmmmm...salty bacon crisps, but no
Chalky - A geographical feature? No :)
Raak] For fuck's saké! Imagine explaining a set of those to Customs.
Smaller than a toaster?
Animal human?
Is it one specific object?
[Irouéguy] Be sure to click onto the following pages to see the three-metre phallus processed through the streeets.
Tuj] Smaller than a toaster? Yes
Rosie] Animal human? No
Raak] Is it one specific object?No
I hadn't noticed there were more pages - I'll check them out when I'm home again.
Just in case there's any ambiguity, Raak's link is definitely NSFW, for almost all values of 'work'.
Rosie] Animal human? No
Raak] Is it one specific object?No
I hadn't noticed there were more pages - I'll check them out when I'm home again.
Just in case there's any ambiguity, Raak's link is definitely NSFW, for almost all values of 'work'.
Is the animal part - part of an animal?
Can you buy it in the shops?
Chalky] Is the animal part - part of an animal? No
Raak] Can you buy it in the shops? In some shops (though mostly a shop isn't the first place you'd go for this).
Raak] Can you buy it in the shops? In some shops (though mostly a shop isn't the first place you'd go for this).
Is it ornamental?
Is it used in the house?
Raak] Is it ornamental? No
Rosie] Is it used in the house? Hmmm...it can be, but mostly isn't (hesitation becaused 'use' isn't the verb you'd most associate with it).
Rosie] Is it used in the house? Hmmm...it can be, but mostly isn't (hesitation becaused 'use' isn't the verb you'd most associate with it).
If not "used", then eaten?
(Thanks for hint)
Rosie] If not "used", then eaten? *applause* Close - some people eat some of it, but 'eat' isn't the most juste either.
Is the mineral part a container?
A cocktail of some kind?
Raak] Is the mineral part a container? No
Rosie] A cocktail of some kind? Yes, but only in the sense of a mixture of different ingredients.
Rosie] A cocktail of some kind? Yes, but only in the sense of a mixture of different ingredients.
A medication of some kind?
Would it be on the menu of a restaurant?
A drink?
CdM - A medication of some kind? Some people use it for that, but strictly, no.
Inkspot - Would it be on the menu of a restaurant? Quite likely
Chalky - A drink? How kind - large G&T, please
*cheers* YES! It's a drink
Inkspot - Would it be on the menu of a restaurant? Quite likely
Chalky - A drink? How kind - large G&T, please
*cheers* YES! It's a drink
An alcoholic drink?
A drink served hot?
Chalky] An alcoholic drink? No
Inkspot] A drink served hot? Yes
Inkspot] A drink served hot? Yes
Capuccino?
A Meat and vegetable salted soup?
Minestrone? (with or without added croutons)
Bovril?
KA-CHING! Chalky wins! It's capuccino. One chocolate-sprinked low-fat baton handed over.
ooh thanks!
Sorry - haven't been around this weekend so have only just found out I'd won.
Moving swiftly on with ...
A N I M A L
Moving swiftly on with ...
A N I M A L
Human?
[Raak] Human? YES
Female?
Alive?
David Beckham?
Currently in the news?
[Inkspot] Female? NO
[Tuj] Alive? YES
[Iroule] DB? NO
[Rosie] Currently in news? Not that I've noticed
[Tuj] Alive? YES
[Iroule] DB? NO
[Rosie] Currently in news? Not that I've noticed
A public figure?
[Raak] A public figure? Not sure what you mean.
British?
[Inks] British? YES
Well, a household name, then.
[Raak] Household name? I should imagine so. [I don't do wikiobscurity in this particular game]
A writer?
Sportsman?
Born after 1966?
[Rosie] A writer? NO
[Tuj] Sportsman? NO
[Inks] Born after 1966? YES
[Tuj] Sportsman? NO
[Inks] Born after 1966? YES
Musician?
Actor?
[Néa] Musician? No
[Raak] Actor? YES!!
Forgive me - I've been called into office to work today, so internet access may be sporadic ..
[Raak] Actor? YES!!
Forgive me - I've been called into office to work today, so internet access may be sporadic ..
Has he played Doctor Who?
In a current TV series?
Daleks V Cybermen on Saturday for the series finale...brilliant!!
[Raak] Doctor Who? YES!
[Inkspot] Current? YES!!
Now I wonder who will get there first ...?
[..just as well this was so easy because I'm going to be too busy for the next couple of days to pay much attention]
[Inkspot] Current? YES!!
Now I wonder who will get there first ...?
[..just as well this was so easy because I'm going to be too busy for the next couple of days to pay much attention]
David Tennant?
That's the man! Well played Inks. Timing is all. Over to you for something perhaps a little more challenging?
Yay!! Thank you Chalky
Not too challenging, MINERAL
Metallic?
Man-made?
[irach]Metallic - No is the literal answer (slight giggling from some of the audience)
[Tuj]Man-made - YES
[Tuj]Man-made - YES
Polymeric?
A household object/substance?
"Instant Nails"?
[irach] - Polymeric? NO
[Rosie] - A household object/substance? NO
[Raak] - "Instant Nails"? NO
[Rosie] - A household object/substance? NO
[Raak] - "Instant Nails"? NO
Made from a single substance?
[ImNotJohn]Made from a single substance? No
A single object?
To do with transport?
[CdM ] A single object? No (some unhappy audience murmmering)
[Raak] To do with transport? Yes (applause)
[Raak] To do with transport? Yes (applause)
Begins with a P?
Tarmac?
[Tuj] Begins with a P? No
[Raak] Tarmac? Yes (more applause)
[Raak] Tarmac? Yes (more applause)
A road?
[Raak]A road? Yes (applause, the audience excited but are still sat down)
The motorway network?
A specific road?
A dual carriageway?
The Golden Mile?
A runway?
Silver Street?
[Rosie] The motorway network? No (and the audience go ohhhhhh!)
irach - A specific road? Yes (audience cheer)
Raak - A dual carriageway?No
Projoy - The Golden Mile?No
Kim - A runway? No
Projoy - Silver Street?No
irach - A specific road? Yes (audience cheer)
Raak - A dual carriageway?No
Projoy - The Golden Mile?No
Kim - A runway? No
Projoy - Silver Street?No
The M25?
[Raak] The M25? No (There's a sharp in take of breath as the audience lean forward)
The M1?
M62?
[Dandalf]The M1?No
[Tuj] M62? No
[Tuj] M62? No
Does it begin with an M?
The Channel Tunnel?
Is it, at least mostly, in the south of England?
The M2?
The M11?
[Raak]Does it begin with an M? Yes
[Lurking Chalky]The Channel Tunnel? No
[Rosie]Is it, at least mostly, in the south of England? Yes and partly (seven of the audience get up for a leek)
[Phil] The M2? No
[Irouléguy] The M11? No
[Lurking Chalky]The Channel Tunnel? No
[Rosie]Is it, at least mostly, in the south of England? Yes and partly (seven of the audience get up for a leek)
[Phil] The M2? No
[Irouléguy] The M11? No
Is the rest of it a number?
[Raak] Is the rest of it a number? Yes (audience are restless)
The M4?
YES, well done Cdm it is the M4. The baton is yours.
That was a lurker's victory if ever there was one. All right, this next one is
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Anarcho-syndicalism?
Linguistics?
AS? No.
Linguistics? No (but a smattering of applause).
Linguistics? No (but a smattering of applause).
A particular language?
Particular language? No.
About the written word?
A saying or phrase?
About written word? Yes.
Saying or phrase? No (some muttering in the audience).
Saying or phrase? No (some muttering in the audience).
something that appears in the vast majority of known languages?
In vast majority of known languages? Yes.
A figure of speech?
Figure of speech? No.
jinnan tonyx?
An alphabet or other system of writing?
Universal beverage? No.
ABCs? No.
ABCs? No.
related to grammar?
Grammar-related? No.
Punctuation?
Is the answer on the card one word?
Diacritical characters?
Punctuation? No.
One word? One word plus an indefinite article.
Diacriticals? No.
One word? One word plus an indefinite article.
Diacriticals? No.
some sort of metadata?
Related to pronunciation?
An idiom?
metadata? No.
pronunciation-related? Noo.
idiom? No.
pronunciation-related? Noo.
idiom? No.
a particular word?
Particular word? No.
A diary?
Long shot.
Diary? No.
Is this a property of a single word (not necessarily a particular one)?
Property of a single word? It could be.
A cliché?
clich&eacuate;? No, no, a thousand times, no.
*sigh*
Is it a metaphor?
Is it to do only with the written word (and not at all with the spoken)?
metaphor? No.
written rather than spoken word? Yes. *applause*
written rather than spoken word? Yes. *applause*
A misspelling?
Misspelling? Non.
An alphabet?
*points at earlier question from Sweden*
An abbreviation?
abbreviation? N.
A heading (eg chapter or paragraph)?
Heading? No.
cursivity (or whatever its called)?
Cursives? Foiled again.
Calligraphy?
To do with computer-mediated communication?
Single-minded? Me?
calligraphy? No.
CMC? No. *after a moment, there are some chuckles in the audience*
One clarification: When asked if this was a property of a single word, I replied "it could be". However, I should probably have made it clear that it need not be, and is not usually so. Also it is not so much the "property" of a word or phrase as a definition of a kind of word or phrase.
CMC? No. *after a moment, there are some chuckles in the audience*
One clarification: When asked if this was a property of a single word, I replied "it could be". However, I should probably have made it clear that it need not be, and is not usually so. Also it is not so much the "property" of a word or phrase as a definition of a kind of word or phrase.
An abbreviation?
*paeqfI*
A font?
Most frequently seen in a public space?
font? No.
Most frequently seen in a public space? No, although certainly sometimes seen in a public space.
Most frequently seen in a public space? No, although certainly sometimes seen in a public space.
An inscription of some sort?
inscription? No. (although the aforementioned instances in public spaces would typically be)
An epitaph?
A mobile phone text message?
epitaph? RIP.
txt msg? :-( !! LOL!!!!!
Clarification of my clarification: the words on the card are not a "property" as such but they do imply a property. If you see what I mean. I have probably said too much.
txt msg? :-( !! LOL!!!!!
Clarification of my clarification: the words on the card are not a "property" as such but they do imply a property. If you see what I mean. I have probably said too much.
A rebus?
A foreignism?
Rebus, foreignism? 9!
a neologism?
Actually, forget that, not limited to written language.
Something to do with law?
Did it exist in the nineteenth century?
A label?
To do with law? No.
Did it exist in 19th Century? Yes.
Label? No.
Did it exist in 19th Century? Yes.
Label? No.
A signature?
signature? No.
To summarize what you know so far.
There are two words on the card, of which one is an indefinite article. The answer on the card concerns the written, not the spoken, word. It appears in the vast majority of known languages, it existed in the 19th century, and it is sometimes, though not most frequently, seen in a public space. It could, though need not, be the property of a particular word (subject to the caveat that the words on the card define a property but are not a 'property' as such).
It is not: anarcho-syndicalism, linguistics, a particular language, a saying or phrase, a figure of speech, a G&T (in any language), an alphabet or writing system, related to grammar, punctuation, diacritical characters, metadata, related to pronunciation, an idiom, a diary, a particular word, a cliché, a metaphor, a misspelling, an abbreviation, a heading, cursivity, calligraphy, to do with computer-mediated-communication, a font, an epitaph, a text message, a rebus, a foreignism, a neologism, to do with the law, a label, or a signature.
Reading that through, the only thing that is perhaps misleading is the 'phrase or saying' answer. Just as the answer could (but need not) be a word, so it could also (but need not) be a phrase.
There are two words on the card, of which one is an indefinite article. The answer on the card concerns the written, not the spoken, word. It appears in the vast majority of known languages, it existed in the 19th century, and it is sometimes, though not most frequently, seen in a public space. It could, though need not, be the property of a particular word (subject to the caveat that the words on the card define a property but are not a 'property' as such).
It is not: anarcho-syndicalism, linguistics, a particular language, a saying or phrase, a figure of speech, a G&T (in any language), an alphabet or writing system, related to grammar, punctuation, diacritical characters, metadata, related to pronunciation, an idiom, a diary, a particular word, a cliché, a metaphor, a misspelling, an abbreviation, a heading, cursivity, calligraphy, to do with computer-mediated-communication, a font, an epitaph, a text message, a rebus, a foreignism, a neologism, to do with the law, a label, or a signature.
Reading that through, the only thing that is perhaps misleading is the 'phrase or saying' answer. Just as the answer could (but need not) be a word, so it could also (but need not) be a phrase.
A sentence?
Sentence? No. But see "word" and "phrase" above. (Oh, and missing from my summary: it is also not an inscription.)
A quotation?
a caption?
quotation? "No."
caption? No.
caption? No.
A majuscule?
majuscule? no.
Does it have anything to do with religion?
Does it have to do with literature?
religion? No.
literature? No, except very tangentially.
literature? No, except very tangentially.
Is there a particular subject matter for the writing?
Was it around in the 1500s?
Particular subject matter? Definitely not.
Around in 1500s? Yes.
Around in 1500s? Yes.
Does this exist in ideographic languages (eg Chinese, Japanese)?
Does it rely on the existence of printing?
A letter? (Communication, not alphabet.)
Does this exist in ideographic languages? Yes, although it is arguably somewhat different in those languages. *audience applauds the question*
Rely on printing? No.
A letter? Dear Raak. No. Love, CdM.
Rely on printing? No.
A letter? Dear Raak. No. Love, CdM.
Does it have anything to do with alphabetical order?
deorr? No. (nevertheless, a smattering of applause)
A word square?
WO
R D ? No. (the audience, which had been looking anxiously at the door waiting for Tuj, begins to sit up and take notice)
R D ? No. (the audience, which had been looking anxiously at the door waiting for Tuj, begins to sit up and take notice)
A crossword?
Crossword? F*ck No! (oblig.)
A palindrome?
Anagram?
Begins with a P?
Who, me?
A smiley?
Not a bad draw, all. I'll award da baton.
The correct answer is indeed A PALINDROME.
...and double drat.
Phew. The next item is M I N E R A L
Sorry, I keep on thinking that FFFFFF is the black end of the color space. The next word is M I N E R A L. (No significance in the charcoal grey colour.)
Is it an invention?
[Inkspot] Yes, an invention.
Invented prior to 1700?
(Btw, I am glad Raak got that last one; he put in most of the heavy lifting, and got closest. I thought it would fall much more quickly, particularly since written word was identified so quickly.)
(Btw, I am glad Raak got that last one; he put in most of the heavy lifting, and got closest. I thought it would fall much more quickly, particularly since written word was identified so quickly.)
[CdM] Not invented prior to 1700. (Discontented murmuring from some of the audience who think they know the history of this thing. The laser display board explains the ruling to them.)
Was it invented in Britain?
CdM] Thanks - one of the most enjoyable for a long time
[I] Not invented in Britain. (It's not clear from Google exactly who invented it or exactly when, but I'm going with the most likely suspect.)
A battery?
Long shot.
Invented in the 20th Century?
[R] Not a battery.
[K] Not invented in the 20th Century.
[K] Not invented in the 20th Century.
Does it require electric power?
[I] Does not require electric power.
Used in the home?
[Projoy] Not normally used in the home.
Metallic?
Used on a ship?
Am I likely to own one? or want to own one if I don't already?
[Projoy] Could be used on a ship.
[Lib] You likely to own one? I think not. You want to own one? Not that I know of, at least, not in the capacity of a nurse or a singer.
[Lib] You likely to own one? I think not. You want to own one? Not that I know of, at least, not in the capacity of a nurse or a singer.
*ahem* Or doctor.
[Projoy] Apols to Lib. A doctor, qua doctor, would not be likely to have one of these either.
Begins with a P?
[Raak] You appear to have missed irach.
[irach] Not normally metallic.
[Tuj] Does not begin with a P.
[Tuj] Does not begin with a P.
Is it used in retailing?
[I] Not used in retailing.
Made of glass?
[Inkspot] Not made of glass.
Related to travel?
Used by a particular profession or trade?
[Projoy] Unrelated to travel.
[I] Yes! Used by a particular profession or trade.
[I] Yes! Used by a particular profession or trade.
Is it smaller than a toaster?
A tool of some kind?
Made of plastic?
A musical instrument?
Part of it a liquid?
[C] Smaller than a toaster.
[R] Yes, broadly speaking.
[C] Can be made of plastic.
[I] Musical instrument? Er. Yes and no.
[I] No liquids involved.
[R] Yes, broadly speaking.
[C] Can be made of plastic.
[I] Musical instrument? Er. Yes and no.
[I] No liquids involved.
Is it a tool used in the arts?
Bigger than a pack of cards?
[irach] Used in the arts. applause
[Projoy] Difficult to compare them.
[Projoy] Difficult to compare them.
Paintbrush?
[irach] Not a paintbrush.
A comb?
Used in the performing arts, as in dance?
[Rosie] Not a comb.
[irach] Used in the performing arts.
[irach] Used in the performing arts.
A dance acessory?
[irach] Not a dance accessory.
A drumstick?
[Rosie] Not a drumstick.
Is it used onstage during a performance?
A Swanee Whistle?
[Inkspot] Yes, used onstage.
[INJ] Oo ooooo-oooo OOOO-oo? Nooo.
[INJ] Oo ooooo-oooo OOOO-oo? Nooo.
Conductor's baton
(actually, probably not, cos they tend to have a cork end)
With or without cork, Projoy is correct: a conductor's baton. (Invented, or at least popularised, by Louis Spohr in the 1820's.)
Oh, right-oh, then. MINERAL (maybe the odd trace of the other two, but MINERAL is by far the most sensible category)
Actually MINERAL/ABSTRACT.
A work of art?
Involves gold?
[Raak] Work of art, NO (*the merest momentary demurring murmur from just one audience member*)
[irach] Involves gold? NOT TO MY KNOWLEDGE
[irach] Involves gold? NOT TO MY KNOWLEDGE
A coin?
Metallic?
[Raak] A coin? NO
[irach] Metallic? YES, PARTIALLY
[irach] Metallic? YES, PARTIALLY
Manufactured?
[Rosie] Manufactured? YES
Does it have moving parts?
Invented since 1900?
[Inkspot] Moving Parts - YES
[INJ] Since 1900? YES
[INJ] Since 1900? YES
[INJ] There are two possible answers to that question, although as it happens they are both YES.
A computer?
[irach] A computer? YES *significant applause from audience*
Designed by Babbage?
[Raak] Babbage? NO (except inasmuch as all computers are)
Invented since the 2900?
I've worked on programs written for International Computers and Tabulators machines
Hmm..
[INJ] Invented since the 2900. This time the two answers bifurcate: YES and NO.
The computer HAL in 2001:A Space Odyssey?
Fictional?
[Tuj] Yes, fictional, and
[irach, who is clearly on the same astral wavelength as me today] HAL 9000? YES *audience applause*
[irach, who is clearly on the same astral wavelength as me today] HAL 9000? YES *audience applause*
*looks suspiciously at the monolith behind irach*
Coincidentally, I was listening to the theme music of the movie on the radio when I made my guess...Even more psychic!
The next one is very simply ANIMAL.
The next one is very simply ANIMAL.
A person?
Alive?
A specific individual?
[Inkspot] No.
[Rosie] Yes or No.
[Raak] No.
[Rosie] Yes or No.
[Raak] No.
Native to a region of the world?
[Inkspot] Fairly widespread globally.
Four-legged?
[Raak] No.
Three-legged
It's a process of deduction.
[Projoy] No.
A mammal?
[Inkspot] No.
Any legs at all?
A virus?
[Raak] No legs at all.
[Inkspot] Not a virus. Quite macroscopic.
[Inkspot] Not a virus. Quite macroscopic.
Part of an animal?
[Rosie] No, the whole animal.
A fish?
A reptile?
A snake?
[Irouleguy] Yes ! A Fish!
[Inkspot] By deduction from comment to Irouleguy, NO.
[Tuj] ibid.
[Inkspot] By deduction from comment to Irouleguy, NO.
[Tuj] ibid.
A freshwater fish?
Can a fully-grown one exceed 1 metre in length?
Cod?
A shellfish?
[Inkspot] No.
[ImNotJohn] Quite possibly.
[Irouleguy] No, not cod.
[Chalky] Not shellfish.
[ImNotJohn] Quite possibly.
[Irouleguy] No, not cod.
[Chalky] Not shellfish.
A deep sea fish?
[Inkspot] According to Wikipedia, not necessarily exclusively a deep sea fish.
Do we routinely catch it and eat it?
[Rosie] While I have never caught one (and I kind of doubt you have), it IS routinely caught and eaten.
Shark?
[Raak] No, not shark.
Squid?
[Projoy] Not a squid (No legs, remember? Not even a multiple-amputee squid). Think Phylum Pisces.
Squid have tentacles! :P
[Projoy] Squid are in the order Decapodiformes which literally means ten-legged, although you are correct in that the tentacles do not function really efficiently as legs. Neither do the legs on a two-legged stool. : )
Tuna?
[Inkspot] Not tuna.
Some sort of ray?
[irach] Just cos the Greeks got it wrong is no reason to perpetuate the error. :) Interestingly, Wikipedia refers to them as "arms".
A skate?
Not a skate.
Would I be likely to find it at the fish counter in the supermarket?
[Raak] Very likely to find it at the fish counter.
Some sort of ray?
[Projoy] Not a ray.
A ray-finned fish?
[Inkpot] Yes, a ray-finned fish (Class Actinopterygii).
A Salmon?
[Inkspot] Not salmon.
Haddock?
Cod?
[Irouleguy] Not haddock.
[inkspot] Not cod.
[inkspot] Not cod.
Herring?
Mullet
[Phil] Not herring.
[Inkspot] Not mullet, either.
[Inkspot] Not mullet, either.
Is this normally found in the waters around Britain?
Of the super order Acanthopterygii form the class Actinopterygii ?
Of the super order Paracanthopterygii form the class Actinopterygii?
While it is quiet ....
Of the super order Protacanthopterygii form the class Actinopterygii?
Of the super order Ostariophysi form the class Actinopterygii?
[Irouleguy] Certainly found in the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
[Inkspot] Actinopterygii, yes, but not any of the orders mentioned.
(Time for a clue?)
[Inkspot] I retract my former comment to you. It should have been a "Yes" to Superorder Acanthopterygii.
Plaice?
[Irouleguy] Getting much warmer, but no. [The audience is on tenterhooks].
Swordfish?
That was me.
Sole?
[Chalky] No.
[Inkspot] Very warm, but not quite there. [the audience's sole response is to stand in plaice, and some begin applauding the fact that the net is finally cast in the right direction to bring in the big fish].
[Inkspot] Very warm, but not quite there. [the audience's sole response is to stand in plaice, and some begin applauding the fact that the net is finally cast in the right direction to bring in the big fish].
Gosh - the anticipation is killing me ...
Flounder?
[CdM]. Yes, flounder it is. Actually the word on the card I was looking for was "Halibut", but "flounder" is close enough for a win, since halibut are a class of flounder. Take it away, CdM....
Looks like I just lurked my way to another victory. All right.
VEGETABLE and MINERAL
VEGETABLE and MINERAL
A building?
Building? No.
Edible?
A mass produced manufactured item?
Edible? No.
Mass-produced manufactured item? Yes.
Mass-produced manufactured item? Yes.
Made of wood and metal?
Made of plastic?
Can it be held in one's hand?
Does it use electricity?
Wood and metal? No.
Plastic? In part.
Held in one's hand? Um. Yes and No.
Use electricity? No.
Plastic? In part.
Held in one's hand? Um. Yes and No.
Use electricity? No.
Clarification: As it happens, I have held this in my hand. But under normal circumstances you would not think of it as being something you can or would hold in the hand.
Has it working parts?
Working parts? No.
Always the same size?
(not meaning to within a fraction of an inch, but roughly the same)
Always the same size? The words on the card imply no necessary specific size at all. There is considerable variation in most actual instances as well, although you might still say that most actual instances are (very) roughly the same size. (Audience applauds the question, even as they try to make sense of the answer.)
And to clarify (!) I should say that many actual instances are indeed roughly (as opposed to (very) roughly) the same size.
Is it bigger than a shoebox?
Is it used in entertainment?
Bigger than a matchbox?
Is it used in industry?
Bigger than shoebox/matchbox? In the actual instances that I referred to, it would be bigger than a shoebox (and it would pretty much always have to be bigger than a matchbox).
Used in entertainment? Broadly speaking, yes.
Used in industry? No.
Used in entertainment? Broadly speaking, yes.
Used in industry? No.
Used for a recreational activity?
To do with audio reproduction?
Recreational activity? Yes. (Perhaps not always, but yes is the best answer).
audio reproduction? No.
audio reproduction? No.
(nothing from me for the next 18 hours or so -- about to get on a plane)
Used in sports?
[CdM] Look out for snakes.
Could it be found in a home?
Used in sports? Yes. applause
Could it be found in a home? Highly unlikely.
Could it be found in a home? Highly unlikely.
Used in one particular sport?
One particular sport? No, although largely confined to a small number of sports.
A ball?
Some form of protection?
Is it too big for one person to carry?
A goal?
Ball? No.
Protection? No.
Too big for one person to carry? Yes, in usual circumstances (but see earlier responses)
Goal? No.
Protection? No.
Too big for one person to carry? Yes, in usual circumstances (but see earlier responses)
Goal? No.
Is the vegetable cotton?
A scoreboard?
cotton? No.
scoreboard? No.
scoreboard? No.
Astroturf?
Astroturf? Not quite, but massive applause
A piece of Wembley Stadium turf?
A running track?
getting colder
Wembley? No.
Running track? No.
Astroturf was really very close indeed, but not exactly right.
Running track? No.
Astroturf was really very close indeed, but not exactly right.
A pitch?
Some form of matting, eg for high-jumpers to land on?
Actually, upon reflection, I think I should just award the victory to Raak. I was actually looking for Fieldturf, which is sort of a new generation astroturf (made of rubber, sand, and plastic, and much more like real grass). (Fieldturf, like astroturf, is a brand name, but I think there are several manufacturers of similar products.)
Number 2, I guess, at least in popular consciousness.
The next is MINERAL with ABSTRACT connections.
A sculpture?
Iron hand?
A natural feature?
[C] Not a sculpture.
[i] Not an iron hand.
[R] Not a natural feature.
[i] Not an iron hand.
[R] Not a natural feature.
Does it have religious connections?
[I] No religious connections.
Is it in a particular country?
[I] Not specific to any country.
Is it a mass-produced object?
[I] Yes, mass-produced.
Is it edible?
Is it actually an object, as opposed to a substance?
[C] Not edible.
[R] An object.
[R] An object.
Is it made of glass?
[C] Partly made of glass.
Larger than a telephone kiosk?
[C] Smaller than a telephone book.
Was it invented?
[C] Oops, misread your question. Well, it's smaller than a telephone book.
[I] Invented. Actually, one might question whether there was an "inventive step" in first making these, or if it was an obvious application of existing inventions, but patents have been granted on slighter grounds.
[I] Invented. Actually, one might question whether there was an "inventive step" in first making these, or if it was an obvious application of existing inventions, but patents have been granted on slighter grounds.
A microscope?
Taking a pot shot from the halfway line.
[R] Not a microscope.
Is it a product of a particular company?
Would it have a use in a particular part of one's house?
[I] Not a particular company.
[T] Yes (although it could be used anywhere in the house).
[T] Yes (although it could be used anywhere in the house).
A stationery connection?
Connected to lighting?
Connected to lighting?
[P] Not conneted to stationery.
[C] Connected to lighting? Sort of.
[C] Connected to lighting? Sort of.
Anything to do with time?
[C] Nothing to do with time.
Does it have an optical function?
Is it used on its own, or is it a component of some larger entity?
A window?
[P] Yes! It has an optical function. Applause!
[C] Neither.
[P] Not a window.
[C] Neither.
[P] Not a window.
Eyeglasses?
Small picture frame?
[i] Not eyeglasses.
[P] Not a picture frame.
[P] Not a picture frame.
Is a lens involved?
[P] Yes! More applause.
A camera?
[T] Yes, a camera. But that's not the whole answer.
A digital camera?
[I] Yes, but that's still not quite the whole answer.
A camera phone?
[Tuj] Not a camera phone.
A webcam?
A disposable digital camera?
[I] No.
[CdM] Yes, a webcam. Back to you.
[CdM] Yes, a webcam. Back to you.
Wow. I am on a roll again. OK
MINERAL with ABSTRACT connections.
MINERAL with ABSTRACT connections.
Related to computers?
computer-related? No.
A geographical feature?
geographical feature? At least part of the answer is a geographical feature, and the whole answer is arguably also a geographical feature, at least for a broad definition of geography. applause
I'm seeing some sort of man-made structure on an island or rock - am I WAY off the mark?
Is the abstract connection in any way spiritual?
Lunar crater?
after such a good start...
manmade structure on rock? Way off the mark. :-)
spiritual connection? No.
lunar crater? No.
spiritual connection? No.
lunar crater? No.
A country or territory of some sort?
Country or territory? No.
Man-made?
An ocean or sea?
Man-made? No.
Ocean? No.
Ocean? No.
The face on Mars?
Is water involved?
Face on Mars? No.
Water involved? Yes. applause
Water involved? Yes. applause
A lake?
Lake? No.
Flowing water?
Is there just one of these?
Flowing water? No.
Just one of these? Yes is the least misleading answer.
Just one of these? Yes is the least misleading answer.
Is it underground?
Underground? No.
A reservoir?
Yhough it probably counts as a lake.
Preview, dear boy. That should be, "though".
A Glacier?
Reservoir? No.
Glacier? No. smattering of applause
Glacier? No. smattering of applause
The Arctic ice cap?
A comet?
Arctic ice cap? No.
Comet? No.
Correction and apology: I should have answered "yes" to "a glacier?". (The technically correct answer is perhaps "no", but this is very misleading.)
Comet? No.
Correction and apology: I should have answered "yes" to "a glacier?". (The technically correct answer is perhaps "no", but this is very misleading.)
In the southern hemisphere?
Southern hemisphere? Yes.
In South America?
South America? No.
An ice-shelf?
The Ross Ice Shelf?
Ice shelf? No.
Ross ice shelf? No, a fortiori
Ross ice shelf? No, a fortiori
In Africa?
Yay, the Internets are back!
Africa? Yes.
A glacier in Africa? Google...
Is it in the vicinity of Kilimanjaro?
The Snows of Kilimanjaro, as in Hemingway?
YES! The words on the card are "The Snows of Kilimanjaro", with the abstract connection being the Hemingway short story and the subsequent film. *hands icicle to irach*
Thanks, CdM (he says, as the icicle begins melting and dripping)... this one is ANIMAL.
Human?
No.
A mammal?
[Irouleguy] Not a mammal.
Extinct?
Does it have legs?
Something made out of an animal?
Native to a particular continent?
Large enough to see?
Part of an animal?
[Kim] Not extinct.
[Phil] Yes, it does have legs.
[Tuj] No.
[Inkspot] Not native to any one continent.
[Raak] Yes, plainly visible and macroscopic.
[Rosie] No, not a part of an animal.
[Phil] Yes, it does have legs.
[Tuj] No.
[Inkspot] Not native to any one continent.
[Raak] Yes, plainly visible and macroscopic.
[Rosie] No, not a part of an animal.
An insect?
[CdM] Not an insect.
A bird?
Amphibian?
[Raak] Yes, a bird.
[Kim] No, not amhibian.
[Kim] No, not amhibian.
Any emblematic significance?
A seabird?
Emu?
[Rosie] None that I'm aware of.
[Phil] Yes, a coastal bird, but not exclusively so.
[Tuj] Not an emu.
[Phil] Yes, a coastal bird, but not exclusively so.
[Tuj] Not an emu.
A cormorant?
Grey Gull?
A hawk of some kind?
[Irouleguy] Not a cormorant.
[Kim} Not a grey (or otherwise coloured) gull.
[Chalky] No, not a hawk of any kind.
[Kim} Not a grey (or otherwise coloured) gull.
[Chalky] No, not a hawk of any kind.
Tern?
[Kim] Not a tern.
Native to the UK?
[Kim] Not native to the UK, according to the British Ornithologists' Union list of British birds.
[Rosie] In researching your earlier question, Yes, it is of emblematic and/or symbolic significance.
[Rosie] In researching your earlier question, Yes, it is of emblematic and/or symbolic significance.
A puffin?
[Irouleguy] Not a puffin.
Waterfowl of some nature?
A vulture?
(irach) Thanks for doing that. :-)
[INJ] A waterbird that frequents water, yes.
[Rosie] No, not a vulture.
[Rosie] No, not a vulture.
A loon?
[CdM] Not a loon.
Endangered?
[CdM] The loon is on the British list, only it's called 'Great Northern Diver'
[Irach] By waterfowl I meant a bird in the duck, coot, rail group, to distinguish it from say Fish Eagle or heron.
[Irach] By waterfowl I meant a bird in the duck, coot, rail group, to distinguish it from say Fish Eagle or heron.
[CdM] Not a duck, loon, goose, swan, coot, rail or gallinule. Not Anidae.
[CdM] That should read Anatidae, of course.
[INJ] Not endangered. At least one species of this bird was endangered earlier, but has made a good recovery and is no longer considered so.
[INJ] Actually, I did a little more digging on the web, and the species in question is still considered endangered in parts of its range, while it has been removed from the list in those zones where it has made a very good comeback.
Pelican?
*waits for INJ to explain that the pelican is exclusively coastal, or some such other objection*
[CdM] Yes, Pelican, it is! Bravo! Take it away...
I actually thought of pelican much earlier, but then misread a Q&A and thought it had been ruled out. Anyway.
ABSTRACT (perhaps with VEGETABLE and MINERAL connections)
ABSTRACT (perhaps with VEGETABLE and MINERAL connections)
An activity?
An activity? No.
An organisation?
An organisation? No.
A human construct?
(oblig.)
Human construct? Yes.
Is this found in all cultures?
Begins with a P?
Found in all cultures. No, but it is widespread.
Begins with a P? No.
Begins with a P? No.
An academic study?
Academic study? No.
The audience, very belatedly, decides it should offer some applause in response to Inkspot's question.
Is the vegetable connection edible?
An anarcho-syndicalist flag?
Edible vegetable? No.
A-s flag? No. Some laughter in the audience
A-s flag? No. Some laughter in the audience
To do with politics?
Politics? No.
Any religious connections?
A connection with music?
A philosophy, in the broadest sense?
Religious? No.
Music? No.
Philosophy? No, unless you want to be very broad.
Music? No.
Philosophy? No, unless you want to be very broad.
Is it fictional?
Fictional? No.
Anything to do with clothing?
To do with clothing? Yes, though not exclusively. applause
Appearance?
Appearance? No.
The Shield of British Fair Play?
To do with a particular item of clothing?
shield of British fair play? No.
particular item of clothing? No. some applause
particular item of clothing? No. some applause
Is the answer on the card one word?
The Emperor's New Clothes?
An insignia?
one word? Two words plus a definite article.
Emperor's new clothes? No.
An insignia? Yes, broadly defined. applause
Emperor's new clothes? No.
An insignia? Yes, broadly defined. applause
The Union Flag (Union Jack)?
Union Flag? No.
Is it normally attached to clothing?
A designer label?
Normally attached to clothing? Most often, yes. applause
Designer label? Yes, broadly defined (though not exactly). applause
Designer label? Yes, broadly defined (though not exactly). applause
a care label?
A logo?
Care label? No.
A logo? Yes. applause
A logo? Yes. applause
The Nike Symbol?
Nike? Yes! The words on the card are actually "The Nike Swoosh", but that's close enough. *hands branded baton to Projoy*
Oh dear, that was a bit of a lurker's victory. Nevermind...
VEGETABLE/MINERAL/ABSTRACT
VEGETABLE/MINERAL/ABSTRACT
A natural product?
Whaddya meeeen Never mind? I'm furious, as always.
Begins with a P?
[Rosie] There, there. Mine usually don't take long to get... A natural product? NO.
[Tuj] Begins with a P? YES
[Tuj] Begins with a P? YES
Yes!!
(no question)
Smaller than a phone box?
Oh alright then.
[Tuj] Smaller than a phone box? YES
A Mr. Potato Head?
[Raak] Kartoffelkopf? NEIN
Is the vegetable wood?
Is it mass produced?
The peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked?
[Ig] Wood? PROBABLY
[Ink] Mass-produced? I DOUBT IT
[CdM] The sum of stewed squash stolen by some silly sod? NO
[Ink] Mass-produced? I DOUBT IT
[CdM] The sum of stewed squash stolen by some silly sod? NO
Primarily produced for artistic, rather than practical, reasons?
[INJ] I'm not sure there's anything other than a misleading answer to that other than IT DEPENDS.
Is it found in the home?
[Raak] Found in the home? NOT NORMALLY
Does music come into this?
[Chalky] Music connection? NO
Smaller than a shoe-box?
[Ig] Smaller than a shoe-box? NO
Found on a ship?
[Raak] On a ship? NO
Is it street furniture?
[Rosie] Street Furniture, YES *applause, although there are some dissenting voices*
[INJ] On further reflection, there are two separate answers to the "artistic, rather than practical" question. One is an unequivocal YES, the other is a tentative NO.
Festive ornamentation of some sort?
[Raak] Festive Ornamentation? NO
Parking meters?
[Ig] Parking meters? NO (but a sensitive ear can make out the sound of one hand clapping)
A shelter of some kind?
[Rosie] A shelter? YEAH, I GUESS
Bus stop?
[ir] Bus stop, NOPE
A bench?
[ir] Bench, NOPE
Parking garage?
[ir] Parking garage, NOPE (don't forget - is smaller than a phone box)
parasol?
[INJ] Parasol, NO * a slight chill breeze wafts from the audience *
A Parking/No parking sign
(no) parking sign, NOPE
A pissoir?
[Rosie] Pissoir? NOPE
[all] I know it seems like it's been narrowed down quite a bit, but critical information about the answer has yet to be unearthed, hence most of these guesses missing.
[all] I know it seems like it's been narrowed down quite a bit, but critical information about the answer has yet to be unearthed, hence most of these guesses missing.
A café umbrella?
[Raak] Café Umbrella? NOPE
Specific to one culture/country?
Is the shelter for people?
Park bench?
And it begins with P!
Is the vegetable wood?
[INJ] Specific to one culture/country? NO, NOT REALLY
[Ig] Shelter for people? SORT OF (it's not for any other species either)
[Tuj] Park bench, NOPE
[Raak] Wood? PROBABLY, BUT MIGHT NOT BE
[Ig] Shelter for people? SORT OF (it's not for any other species either)
[Tuj] Park bench, NOPE
[Raak] Wood? PROBABLY, BUT MIGHT NOT BE
Is it put there by the local authority?
[Rosie] Local Authority, NO
(put where, btw?)
Would it normally be found on the UK pavement as opposed to the US pavement?
[INJ] UK/US? NO. Wouldn't normally be found in either place.
Is it found in a particular type of location?
Some kind of fencing?
A pier?
[Rosie] Particular type of location? YES and NO. The most helpful answer is NO.
[Tuj] Fencing? NO
[Ig] Pier? NO
[Tuj] Fencing? NO
[Ig] Pier? NO
[Rosie] Actually, it could be that the most helpful answer is YES, come to think of it. Sorry, not wishing to be perverse, but there's still something you don't yet know about this thing that, one you have found it out, would enable me to give much less equivocal answers.
A pier?
I am so blind - apols for such blatant repitition
Is it fictional?
Pillarbox?
[Phil] apology accepted :)
[Tuj] Fictional? YES *relieved applause and cheering*
[Phil] Pillarbox? NO, although the notion of taking shelter in a pillarbox is amusing me as I type.
[Tuj] Fictional? YES *relieved applause and cheering*
[Phil] Pillarbox? NO, although the notion of taking shelter in a pillarbox is amusing me as I type.
From a book?
Pfff blimey. Can't believe we hadn't questioned the abstract sooner.
[Tuj] From a book? YES
One specific, individual thing?
[Raak] Specific, individual? YES
[Projoy] It's only "sort of" a shelter for people, so I thought it might be a shelter for things, that people use. But, you could shelter one hand at a time in one :-)
Is the book science fiction?
[Raak] SF? NO.
A porch?
[Raak] Porch, NO.
A Priesthole?
(only they have them in non-fiction too, but it's all I can think of)
[Phil] Priesthole? NOPE
Is it a 20th century book?
[Ig] C20th book? YES
Is the book set, broadly speaking, in the present day (as opposed to being obviously historical fiction or obviously set in the future)?
[CdM] Broadly present-day, YES
(there is a case for a NO answer, but that would be a bit obnoxious)
Are there multiple instances of this one specific thing? (I'm trying to reconcile "specific individual thing" with "not specific to one culture")
[CdM] Multiple instances? NO (there's no especial reason there couldn't be, but only one is mentioned - there's nothing about the one instance encountered that is (particularly) specific to one culture)
Is the book set in a recognisable real location or locations?
(I'm making up for all the questions I didn't ask earlier.)
[CdM] Real/recognisable location? NO (and YES, but mostly NO)
Would the book be considered as basically for children?
[CdMaddendum] Which is to say in terms of "recognisable", the answer is definitely NO, and in terms of "real", it's MOSTLY NO.
[INJ] Basically for children? YES *applause*
[INJ] Basically for children? YES *applause*
In a Harry Potter book?
[INJ] Harry Potter? NO.
In a Narnian chronicle?
[CdM] I'm not that far back in the closet. NO. ;-)
In a Philip Pullman book?
[Ig] Philip Pullman? NOPE (even though he begins with P twice!)
Book from the last 50 years?
[Tuj] From the last 50 Years, YES
A Tolkien book?
Is the writer British?
Pub sign?
Pinocchio?
Just one book, or a series?
[Phil] Tolkien? NO
[Inkspot] British? NO
[Tuj] Pub sign? NO
[ir] Pinocchio, NO
[Ig] Just one book? YES
[Inkspot] British? NO
[Tuj] Pub sign? NO
[ir] Pinocchio, NO
[Ig] Just one book? YES
Da Recap
So, it's a fictional, single, individual object which is smaller than a phone-box, larger than a shoe-box and appears in a one-off C20th children's novel by a non-British author, which is mostly set in unreal locations, published some time in the last fifty years. It may be described as "street furniture" (with some potential for controversy) and The Answer begins with a 'P'. More dubious are the details of what it's made of (probably wood), where it is most likely to be found, and whether it is likely to be mass-produced (unlikely, IMO). I won't go thru all the things it's not, but will note that some people will have heard of it, others will probably require google.
French?
[INJ] French? NO
European?
OK, let's be systematic about this.
Phantom Tollboth?
And can I just say that, if that isn't right, then it ought to be.
[INJ] European, NO...
[CdM] Phantom Tollbooth? YES!! *collects checkpoint fee and hands baton back to CdM*
[CdM] Phantom Tollbooth? YES!! *collects checkpoint fee and hands baton back to CdM*
Never heard of it, nor will many others, thus excluding them from the game. Google it? What do you type into Google? "Something I have never heard of". Go! This is by no means the worst example of an inappropriate subject, there being many of them so arcane that you just give up, bored, knowing that eventually some clever clogs will winkle out the answer. I could retaliate, of course, if I ever win again. It will be a steam engine. Not just any old steam engine. Oh dear me no. A particular type and not only that, a particular class. And not just any old loco of that class but a particular engine. And will it be notable in any way? Not necessarily. Wouldn't that be clever? The point I am making is that this game has departed a long way from the original concept, which was conducted live and necessarily needed maybe unusual but universally-known subjects. It needs to stop being a research project or a showcase for clever boys and return to its more modest origins.
Ditto, never heard of it :-(
[Rosie] Oh, rubbish. If we stuck to obvious stuff, this game would have run out of steam much earlier. I enjoyed finding out about, for example, Bobrikov, set by Néa earlier in the game. I'd never heard of him, but that hardly excluded me from the game (in fact it was me who dug up the answer after about 20 minutes' research).
Besides, anyone who hasn't heard of the Phantom Tollbooth has just had the good fortune to discover it. It is one of the classics of literature and they should read it at once (preferably in an edition with the original Jules Feiffer cartoons).
Bobrikov, and Bluebeard (which I found through Google) were good - difficult, and involved learning something new, but they were relatively "googlable". Luckily, the Phantom Bluetooth appears to be well enough known for someone to get it, it's just us grumpy old men that have never heard of it ;-)
Lets move on and work the next one out :-)
Lets move on and work the next one out :-)
(Projoy) There is an absolutely huge number of subjects that are universally known. The skill is in picking one that is a little off-beat and needs a little imagination to guess. That's what the original Animal, Vegetable and Mineral was about. Turning it into a research project is a negation of the original idea. I have no interest whatever in which particular species of South American lizard, or which character from some science fiction novel the questioner is thinking of. That is just so nerdy. And boring! It's meant to be a game. Time for another extended absence from this one, I feel.
[Rosie] Please don't deprive us of your presence from this game. Surely now your opinions have been aired and taken into account by the rest of us there should be less of a problem? I'm in the "never heard of it" camp for the last one, but that happens every now and then - and I'm sure it does for everyone. Trying to come up with subjects every single time that every member of a multi-national group of people from a fair age range have heard of wouldn't be too easy. Yes, if there happens to be another subject soon that the majority of people consider inappropriate we can have this kind of discussion, but shall we just get on with things for now?
[CdM] By the way, no pressure on choosing the next topic ;)
[CdM] By the way, no pressure on choosing the next topic ;)
(Tuj) That's very kind, and I actually enjoy the game, yes really, but only up to the point where I reckon the answer must be something I've never heard of, at which I just switch off and hope for something better next time. OK, I'll put in some questions then, if you insist. :-)
[Tuj] Well, I was thinking about picking a particular steam engine...
[Rosie] I understand where you are coming from -- halfway through the last AVMA I remember thinking "well, if this is from a Philip Pullman book I might as well give up now." At the same time this game, like so many that we play, is different from its antecedent, and I think this is a good thing, not a bad thing. This online version is played using google from time to time, and that does open us up to more obscure topics. As to whether Projoy's particular choice was too obscure, I am inclined to think not (but then, I did know the answer). The answer was the title to the book, not something from within the book, and I do think the book is acknowledged as at least a minor classic of children's literature -- maybe not in the A.A. Milne or Lewis Carroll or C.S. Lewis league, but comparable to perhaps the works of Roald Dahl or Arthur Ransome. Like Tuj, though, I would urge you to keep playing. On which note,
ABSTRACT
[Rosie] I understand where you are coming from -- halfway through the last AVMA I remember thinking "well, if this is from a Philip Pullman book I might as well give up now." At the same time this game, like so many that we play, is different from its antecedent, and I think this is a good thing, not a bad thing. This online version is played using google from time to time, and that does open us up to more obscure topics. As to whether Projoy's particular choice was too obscure, I am inclined to think not (but then, I did know the answer). The answer was the title to the book, not something from within the book, and I do think the book is acknowledged as at least a minor classic of children's literature -- maybe not in the A.A. Milne or Lewis Carroll or C.S. Lewis league, but comparable to perhaps the works of Roald Dahl or Arthur Ransome. Like Tuj, though, I would urge you to keep playing. On which note,
ABSTRACT
A human construct?
Human construct? Yes is the least misleading answer.
Does it have religious connotations?
fictional?
To do with language?
Religious connotations? No.
Fictional? No.
To do with language? No.
Fictional? No.
To do with language? No.
To do with computers?
To do with emotions?
Computers? No, except in a very tangential sense.
Emotions? No.
Emotions? No.
To do with numbers?
Reality TV?
Is there just one of these?
Begins with a P?
Stephenson's Rocket?
No forget that - it's got to be Mallard.
A space of some kind?
To do with numbers? Hmmmmm... Not as such, yet numbers do play an important role in practice.
Reality TV? No.
Just one of these? No.
Begins with P? No.
Stephenson's Rocket? Not even close. :-)
A space of some kind? That is also a tricky one. I would say Yes, but I worry that that answer will mislead.
Reality TV? No.
Just one of these? No.
Begins with P? No.
Stephenson's Rocket? Not even close. :-)
A space of some kind? That is also a tricky one. I would say Yes, but I worry that that answer will mislead.
To do with mathematics?
Is it a game of some kind?
Connected with Physics?
[Rosie] Since it's abstract, it would have to be the Mallard Imaginaire.
"Something I've never heard of"?
A relationship of some sort between humans?
Moebius loop?
To do with mathematics? No.
Game of some kind? No.
Connected with physics? No.(There are very vague connections to physics and math, but I think they are unhelpful)
Something Projoy has never heard of? :-) No.
Relationship between humans? No. (Except in a very vague sense!)
Moebius loop? No.
Not to be discouraging, but nothing is hitting anywhere near the mark yet...
Game of some kind? No.
Connected with physics? No.(There are very vague connections to physics and math, but I think they are unhelpful)
Something Projoy has never heard of? :-) No.
Relationship between humans? No. (Except in a very vague sense!)
Moebius loop? No.
Not to be discouraging, but nothing is hitting anywhere near the mark yet...
Anything to do with environmental issues?
To do with the arts?
To do with perception?
To do with environmental issues? No. (Again, I suppose there is a very vague connection.)
To do with the arts? No.
To do with perception? No.
To do with the arts? No.
To do with perception? No.
To do with the internets?
To do with the internets? No. Although, as a clue, I might point out that it had absolultely nothing to do with the internets at all until relatively recently, and now it does have something to do with the internets, as in fact I proved when I originally set this AVMA.
AVMA?
To do with music?
To do with motion?
"Mallard" did 125 mph, you know.
To do with randomness?
Music? No.
Motion? Yes. *some applause*
Randomness? *tosses coin, checks* No.
Motion? Yes. *some applause*
Randomness? *tosses coin, checks* No.
*ahem*
To do with holidays?
The diesel land speed record?
Journey? Ticket?
The speed of light?
Some sort of delivery?
Would it have been known about/understood pre 1700?
Does it refer to the absence, rather than the presence of something?
Forget the speed of light, it's obviously not that.
oops
A clearing of the throat? No.
AVMA? No.
Holidays? No.
Diesel land speed record? No.
Speed of light? *forgets* Delivery? No.
Understood pre 1700? No. *ripple of applause*
Absence vs presence? Presence rather than absence.
AVMA? No.
Holidays? No.
Diesel land speed record? No.
Speed of light? *forgets* Delivery? No.
Understood pre 1700? No. *ripple of applause*
Absence vs presence? Presence rather than absence.
Some sort of taxon?
The Hubble constant?
Technology-related?
A force?
The Poincare Conjecture?
Gravity?
Is it associated with/a product of a particular branch of science?
Kinetic energy?
taxon? No.
Hubble constant? No.
Technology-related? Yes, in the sense that it that would not be meaningful without a particular technology.
Poincaré Conjecture? No.
Gravity? No. *some laughter in the audience mixed with a smattering of applause*
Associated with particular branch of science? Yes, if "science" includes applied sciences.
Kinetic energy? No, although there is a vague connection.
Hubble constant? No.
Technology-related? Yes, in the sense that it that would not be meaningful without a particular technology.
Poincaré Conjecture? No.
Gravity? No. *some laughter in the audience mixed with a smattering of applause*
Associated with particular branch of science? Yes, if "science" includes applied sciences.
Kinetic energy? No, although there is a vague connection.
Anything to do with planes?
Is the technology computing?
Flight?
Railway timetable?
To do with planes? Yes. *applause*
To with computing? Well, the primary technology I was thinking of was aeronautics. There need not be a connection with computing, but in practice there usually is.
Flight? No. *significant applause*
Railway timetable? No. *sudden silence*
To with computing? Well, the primary technology I was thinking of was aeronautics. There need not be a connection with computing, but in practice there usually is.
Flight? No. *significant applause*
Railway timetable? No. *sudden silence*
The simulated absence of gravity on a plane flying a parabolic path?
Bernoulli's Principle?
Lift?
Which could be correct, as Tuj's "A Force?" was not answered.
oooops again
zero g? No.
Bernouilli Principle? *tosses coin, checks* No.
Lift (or other force?)? No.
Bernouilli Principle? *tosses coin, checks* No.
Lift (or other force?)? No.
*surreptitiously removes "i" from Bernoodle*
To do also with money?
Jet lag?
Forget last question
jet lag?
...
...
...
...
No.
...
...
...
...
No.
The gyroscopic effect?
OK, to do also with money?
gyroscopic effect? No.
to do with money? No.
to do with money? No.
Satellite Navigation?
satellite navigation? No. *more applause*
Altitude?
Elliptical orbit?
altitude is one of the two words on the card. *sustained applause*
elliptical orbit? No.
elliptical orbit? No.
Cruising Altitude?
If that doesn't work I'll let others have a go.
Density Altitude?
No, I think INJ has it, actually.
Pressure Altitude?
Just in case INJ hasn't got it.
Cruising Altitude it is, prompted by the fact that I posted that AVMA at a height of 38,000 feet somewhere over Central Asia. *automatic pilot hands baton to INJ*
OK, a quick one then.
This one is MINERAL.
BTW I'm spending the long weekend away from contact. (No phone, no mobile connectivity, without walking 15 minutes, no road). So if you haven't got it by bedtime there could be a long pause.
naturally occurring?
Is there more than one instance of this?
[PJ]naturally occurring - YES
[CdM] >1 - NO is probably the less confusing answer
[CdM] >1 - NO is probably the less confusing answer
Larger than a house?
[CdM] > house - YES
A geographical feature?
Well this is going quickly
[Phil] geographical feature? - YES (applause)
In Europe?
[Phil] Mineral, larger than a house, INJ setting the clue -- it had to be a geographical feature. :-)
On Earth?
*senses possible topicality*
Is its name of plural form?
As in the Alps, the Urals, the Six Counties, etc.
[CdM] Europe - NO
[PJ] On Earth - YES (no ice balls here)
[Raak] name of plural form? - NO (that's not why)
[PJ] On Earth - YES (no ice balls here)
[Raak] name of plural form? - NO (that's not why)
Africa?
(Feel free to assume the rest of the questions :-) )
Feeling Liberated
[Néa] Africa - NO
(Feel free to assume the rest of the answers)
(Feel free to assume the rest of the answers)
Asia?
[PJ] Asia - YES
The audience is following intently.
The audience is following intently.
A Himalaya?
[Tuj] Himalaya? - NO
A group of islands?
Is it at sea?
A named object?
[Néa] archipelago? - NO
[Raak] At Sea? - NO (a few wry grins are seen),br>[PJ] named object? - YES
[Raak] At Sea? - NO (a few wry grins are seen),br>[PJ] named object? - YES
Preview, you Great Dummacks!
New Orleans?
A lake?
Which Asia was that?
[Raak] New Orleans? - NO
[Rosie] Lake? - YES
(Most of the audience applaud - a few sit pointedly on their hands)
[Rosie] Lake? - YES
(Most of the audience applaud - a few sit pointedly on their hands)
The Caspian Sea?
Nearly there
[Néa] Non-princely Caspian - NO
Lake Baikal?
Aral Sea?
Lake Vostok?
And it’s a lurker’s victory for irach – the Aral Sea it is. The singular/plural question is because the evaporation has continued to such an extent that there are at least 3 unconnected bodies of water.
So, have a good weekend and over to irach.
Well, well, well... The next one is ANIMAL, VEGETABLE and MINERAL
Begins with a P?
[Tuj] As a matter of fact, Yes.
Manmade?
[Rosie] Yes.
Bigger than a telephone box?
Score!
[Tuj] No, smaller than a telephone box.
Bigger than a shoebox?
A household device?
[Projoy] Generally not larger than a shoebox, and definitely not in two of the three dimensions.
[Rosie] May occasionally be used in the household, but is also frequently utilized in other locales.
[Rosie] May occasionally be used in the household, but is also frequently utilized in other locales.
A man-made object?
[CdM] you obviously know him better than I do
Used in sport?
A passive object, i.e. not powered?
[Phil] Yes. A man-made object.
[Tuj] Not used in sport.
[Rosie} Not powered by electricity or any fuel.
[Tuj] Not used in sport.
[Rosie} Not powered by electricity or any fuel.
A leather-bound filofax?
Is the vegetable part paper?
[Raak] No. Not a filofax.
[Tuj] The vegetable part is not paper.
[Tuj] The vegetable part is not paper.
Is the vegetable part wood?
Is the animal part alive?
[Tuj] Yes, the vegetable part is wood.(The dozing audience opens half an eye)
[Raak] Not alive.
[Raak] Not alive.
Is the mineral part metal?
A musical instrument?
[Tuj] Yes, the mineral part is metal.
[Raak] Not a musical instrument.
[Raak] Not a musical instrument.
Do many people carry this with them?
[Rosie] Most people have carried it at some time, some people carry this some of the time; a certain profession carries it more often than others.
A mobile phone?
[Rosie} Not a mobile phone.
Is it a penknife or pocket knife?
[penelope] Neither a penknife or pocket knife.
An umbrella?
[Raak]. Not an umbrella. (begins with "p", remember? Not a parasol either, however. As a clarification, one does not "carry" it so much as "handle" it in its use).
Does it have a use in an office?
A pen?
A container of some kind?
[Projoy] Not generally used in an office.
[Chalky] Not a pen (the audience stirs ever so slightly, though}
[Rosie] Not a container.
[Chalky] Not a pen (the audience stirs ever so slightly, though}
[Rosie] Not a container.
Connected with making marks?
a picture?
Connected with paint?
A paintbrush?
[Projoy] I presume one can make marks with it.
[INJ] Not a picture (but the audience sits up, taking notice, and a few nod knowingly)
[Raak] Yes. Connected with paint... (oooh, so close).
[Tuj] By Jove, you got it! YES - a paintbrush it is.
[INJ] Not a picture (but the audience sits up, taking notice, and a few nod knowingly)
[Raak] Yes. Connected with paint... (oooh, so close).
[Tuj] By Jove, you got it! YES - a paintbrush it is.
I say, I actually won one! That's never happened before!
So, I'll kick off with a nice easy ANIMAL.
So, I'll kick off with a nice easy ANIMAL.
Human?
[Kim] Nope.
Begins with a P??
[Néa] Naturally :D
Currently lives wild in Britain?
[Raak] Possibly, but a less misleading answer I think would be NO.
Dingo?
Is it a bird?
[irach] Not a dingo.
[Rosie] Not a bird (or a plane, or indeed Superman).
[Rosie] Not a bird (or a plane, or indeed Superman).
Do people keep it as a pet?
Is it a mammal?
Is it sometimes used a s a work animal?
A single named individual animal?
[Raak] Pets? No.
[Néa] Not a mammal.
[irach] Not a work animal, though it is useful.
[INJ] Not a specific single animal.
[Néa] Not a mammal.
[irach] Not a work animal, though it is useful.
[INJ] Not a specific single animal.
I feel so negative... at least you know it begins with P, eh? ;)
Does it live on land?
[INJ] As opposed to sea or sky YES, but that's not a brilliant answer.
Maybe I should have made more of the fact it's useful...
Maybe I should have made more of the fact it's useful...
Does it live in fresh water?
Is it an insect?
Is it bred for a specific purpose?
[irach] No, I don't think so.
[Chalky-1] No...
[Chalky-2] Yes! (though not in all instances)
[Chalky-1] No...
[Chalky-2] Yes! (though not in all instances)
A pig?
A reptile?
[Rosie] Not a mammal, apparently.
[Rosie & Projoy] Neither a pig nor a reptile.
An invertebrate?
Individually visible to the naked eye?
Is its skin made into leather?
"Leather" includes crocodiles, snakes, eels, etc
Is it a fish?
Is it an animal product?
[irach] Spineless indeed.
[INJ] Probably...
{Raak] No!
[Kim] No!
[Chalky] YES! That's a much better line to go down.
[INJ] Probably...
{Raak] No!
[Kim] No!
[Chalky] YES! That's a much better line to go down.
Honey?
Edible?
[Rosie] No.
[Irouléguy] Yes *audience thinks about applauding, then doesn't
[Irouléguy] Yes *audience thinks about applauding, then doesn't
*
Eaten by human beings?
[Projoy] Taken in by humans, yes. Not sure what it'd do to anything else.
Do people drink it?
Connected with brewing or distilling?
[Raak] No
[Projoy] No.
I don't think I'm very good at this.
[Projoy] No.
I don't think I'm very good at this.
Is the animal a bird?
[Raak] Nope, that's been asked before (Rosie) and we've also established that it's iffy whether a single one would be visible to the naked eye (INJ). As far as your previous question goes, it is "eaten" as such, although I just don't think that's the right word.
I'm going away tomorrow for a few days so this may get abandoned.
I'm going away tomorrow for a few days so this may get abandoned.
Does whatever it is sort of just hang around in the air?
[Projoy] No I'm afraid.
Is it alive?
Paramoecium?
A medication?
[Projoy] The animal yes, the animal product I'm fairly sure not
[irach] Afraid not
[Inkspot] Yes! *audience applause threatens structural instability*
[irach] Afraid not
[Inkspot] Yes! *audience applause threatens structural instability*
Penicillin?
[Projoy] YES! *lights flash, trumpets sound*
'cuh, thank goodness that's over. I'll go back to guessing!
'cuh, thank goodness that's over. I'll go back to guessing!
Oh dear, me again. OK, something everyone will have heard of, this time. ABSTRACT
Begins with a P?
Ahh, much better.
A human construct?
(Tuj) Penicillin is not an animal product but originally came from a mould. It can now be synthesised chemically.
[Tuj] YES, it does begin with a P!
[Rosie] YES, a human construct. Hm. Are moulds animal or vegetable or taxonomically in an "ancestor-to-both" category?
[Rosie] YES, a human construct. Hm. Are moulds animal or vegetable or taxonomically in an "ancestor-to-both" category?
Procrastination?
[CdM] I'll tell you later.
To do with art?
Procrastination?
[Rosie] Yes, I realised I'd plunged in and labelled it animal without considering vegetable, but never mind. Thankfully my mess was cleared up by Inkspot & Projoy.
[Raak] Art? Most helpful answer is NO.
[Tuj] I'm getting to that one. It's the next thing on my list. More later.
[Tuj] I'm getting to that one. It's the next thing on my list. More later.
An organisation?
(Pj) Moulds are a type of fungi, apparently. I can't see how there can be any connection with animals. Animal can turn into Vegetable eg manure (there's polite for you) but surely not the other way round?
[Rosie] Organisation? NO.
Is it fictional?
[Is] Fictional? NO
Is there a religious connection?
Anythig to do with furries?
Predestination?
Plutocracy?
Parsimony?
[Ig] Religious connection? NO
[Raak] Furry connection? NO
[Chalky] Predestination, Plutocracy or Parsimony? NO
[Raak] Furry connection? NO
[Chalky] Predestination, Plutocracy or Parsimony? NO
A political concept?
[Rosie] Political? NO, well, only in the vaguest possible way.
Philosphy?
[Phil] Osophy? NOPE. (I do sometimes think that knowing the first letter is actually a bad thing. Encourages premature guessing).
An emotion?
(not wanting to be premature)
[Phil] An emotion? NO.
Premature Guessing?
Har har :P
[CdM] Premature Speculation? NO
Poincaré's Conjecture?
Possible event?
An activity?
Pantomime?
( [Tuj]With regard to the earlier one, can "Penicillin", a fungus, really be classified as an "animal"? Shouldn't it have been "vegetable"?)
[Raak] Poincaré's conjecture? NO
[Inkspot] Possible event? NO
[Ig] Activity? NO
[irach] Panto? OH, NO IT ISN'T!
[Inkspot] Possible event? NO
[Ig] Activity? NO
[irach] Panto? OH, NO IT ISN'T!
Probability of having its own Wikipedia entry?
[Inkspot] Technically, I can answer only YES or NO, but since it's you, I shall reply that the probability is 100%.
Did it exist more than a century ago?
Is it an artistic style?
A bodily function? (not necessarily a rude one).
[Raak] More than a century old? YES
[Phil] Artistic style, NO
[Rosie] Bodily function, rude or otherwise, NO
[Phil] Artistic style, NO
[Rosie] Bodily function, rude or otherwise, NO
To do with language?
[Raak] Language connection? NOT REALLY, except in a fairly catch-all sense.
Is it timeless?
[Phil] Timeless? NO
What it's not...
Art, organisation, fictional, religious, furry, political, philosophical, emotion, possible event, activity, panto, style, bodily function, language, timeless.
The definition of planets?
Scientific/Technical?
[Raak] Definition of planets? NO
[Rosie] Scientific/Technical? YES (for the most part) *audience applause, although one or two pedants get into fistfights*
[Rosie] Scientific/Technical? YES (for the most part) *audience applause, although one or two pedants get into fistfights*
Also - it isn't predestination, plutocracy or parsimony.
*is somewhat bemused by the pedants who have to resort to fisticuffs and tells them it's not THAT important - fer gawd's sake*
*is somewhat bemused by the pedants who have to resort to fisticuffs and tells them it's not THAT important - fer gawd's sake*
Periodic Table?
[Elemental, my dear Chalky] Periodic Table? NO
A theory?
[Inkspot] A theory? NO
Anything to do with the weather?
Is it an "-ology" ?
[Rosie] To do with the weather? NO
[Philology]? NO, not an ology.
[Philology]? NO, not an ology.
[Projoy] Takes a lot to make me laugh on a monday morning, but thanks for "Philology" - raised a titter, at least :-)
Anything to do with a craft of some sort?
[Raak] To do with a craft of some sort? Strictly, NO (but note my emphasis).
A general skill?
[Raak] NO, not a skill. (damn, thought we were almost there for a moment!)
Is it a practice of some kind?
[Kim] Practice, NO.
Need a clue?
WE will ask the questions!
Er, actually, yes.
Clue-o-rama
OK, strictly it's not to do with any particular craft, but it is relevant to craft in general, so long as you take a very broad definition of craft (i.e. not corn dollies and marquetry). In principle it need not be to do with science and/or technology, but in practice it usually is. The Answer is not a verb, gerund or adjective, nor is it any kind of "ism".
(The Answer is a single word, too).
Production?
[Phil] Production, NO? * murmur of interest from the audience*
[CdM] Procrastination, NO (Sorry for the delay).
[CdM] Procrastination, NO (Sorry for the delay).
Anything to do with the occult?
[Chalky] To do with the occult, NO (not that kind of craft, either :))
Does it invove making pictures?
Powerpoint?
[Raak] Involves making pictures? OFTEN, IN PRACTICE *smattering of applause*
[Chalky] Powerpoint, NO.
[Chalky] Powerpoint, NO.
photography?
strike that - silly guess, photography is an activity
is it a graphics programme?
[Chalky] Graphics programme, NO.
We'll be right back after this message from our sponsor....
PS. Having just looked up fungi in Wikipedia (nothing to do with the answer to mine), I read this: "Fungi were originally classified as plants, however have since been separated as they are heterotrophs. This means they do not fix their own carbon through photosynthesis, but use carbon fixed by other organisms for metabolism. Fungi are now thought to be more closely related to animals than to plants, and are placed with animals in the monophyletic group of opisthokonts." The article classifies them as "Kingdom: Fungi", so maybe this game should become AVFM?
+A
(after further research) Hm. Possibly the game should even be Animal, Plant, Fungi, Protista, Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Non-Organic, Abstract. Might take the fun out of it, tho.
[Projoy] What about objects that refuse to define themselves in terms of an oppressive system of categories that makes no allowance for their unique viewpoint?
[Raak] They must be sent to the salt mines.
Day dreaming?
[Inkspot] Sorry, yes, I was miles away.
[IS] Er, daydreaming? NO.
Linked with a particular culture or country?
[all] Sorry for finding out it began with P...
[all again] But far more sorry for my momentary lapse in forgetting the "vegetable" category - luckily I've been away over the weekend and my embarassment has cooled. And to me (and most I guess) mould would certainly be vegetable, whatever dratted Wikipedia thinks.
[all again] But far more sorry for my momentary lapse in forgetting the "vegetable" category - luckily I've been away over the weekend and my embarassment has cooled. And to me (and most I guess) mould would certainly be vegetable, whatever dratted Wikipedia thinks.
You and Linnaeus, even, so you're in good company
[Tuj] Linked with a particular culture or country? NOT ANY MORE
Is it a process?
Was this thing invented by mankind?
[Phil] Funny, that's just the question I was going to ask in my post-before-last.
[Phil] Is it a process? UMMMM, NO (a process is involved, however)
[Tuj] Invented by mankind? YES (i.e. a human construct)
[Tuj] Invented by mankind? YES (i.e. a human construct)
In the last 500 years?
[Tuj] Invented in the last 500 years? NO.
[Projoy] I think we have already had this discussion.
The last thousand?
This is a struggle, but a very interesting one.
One last thing before I give up, as this thing is an abstract human construction is it a thought process or something like that goes on in someone's head.
Proof?
Hello everyone. I've been away far too long.
[Tuj] Invented in the last thousand years. YES. Some accounts say that this was around a long time before its "official" invention date in the last thousand years, but I'll go with the account that gives a specific date.
[Inkspot] Thought process? NOT EXCLUSIVELY, this thing (rather than process) is abstract (i.e. non-tangible), but it is also translated into tangible form and because of that it has a definite effect on people's behaviour in the real world.
[flerdle] Proof? NO, although proof (in the informal sense) is often involved.
[Inkspot] Thought process? NOT EXCLUSIVELY, this thing (rather than process) is abstract (i.e. non-tangible), but it is also translated into tangible form and because of that it has a definite effect on people's behaviour in the real world.
[flerdle] Proof? NO, although proof (in the informal sense) is often involved.
Printing?
[Raak] Printing? NO (not that informal sense of proof!)
propaganda?
A pendulum?
[flerdle] Propaganda, NO
[Raak] Pendulum, NO
[Raak] Pendulum, NO
(and if the diversity of those last few guesses isn't a hint that we still need more broad deductive questions, I don't know what is!)
To the question by Tuj "Linked with a particular culture or country?" you replied "NOT ANY MORE". Does that mean that it began in one country but it is now world wide.
ps if yes, a great clue would be the coutry of origin.
Is it associated with a particular way of life?
OK, let's be a bit helpful here...
[Inkspot] OK, for nothing I shall reveal that this thing first appeared (according to the account I am following) in Venice first (when Venice was a country).
[Phil] Associated with a particular way of life? NOT REALLY (unless you mean particular professions?)
[Phil] Associated with a particular way of life? NOT REALLY (unless you mean particular professions?)
Pasta?
[Raak] Wikipedia says that pasta originated in many places independently, the earliest records being from China, so NO.
Patents?
[flerdle] PATENT, YES! *astonished but grateful applause from the audience*.
Well, it couldn't be double-entry book-keeping
Gosh.
OK, short and simple: VEGETABLE
Is it really a fungus? :)
*giggles*
[Projoy] Fungus? NO
Is it green?
Is it edible?
Is it wood?
Is it a whole plant? (Not having played here for months)
[Projoy] Green? Can be
[Chalky] Edible? YES
[Raak] Wood? NO
[Darren] a whole plant? NO
[Chalky] Edible? YES
[Raak] Wood? NO
[Darren] a whole plant? NO
Is it a pepper?
Or an apple?
Or tea?
[Darren] a pepper? strictly NO, but may be involved.
[Projoy] an apple? strictly NO, but may be involved.
[Irouléguy] tea? NO.
[Projoy] an apple? strictly NO, but may be involved.
[Irouléguy] tea? NO.
A particular dish?
Pizza?
[Projoy] a particluar dish? YES and NO, but probably more helpful if you take that as "YES".
[Raak] Pizza? yes please!! oh. NO.
[Raak] Pizza? yes please!! oh. NO.
The recommended five portions a day?
[Projoy] It's seven portions here... but either way, NO
Salad?
Is it associated with a particular country?
Is it eaten hot?
[Projoy] Salad? NO
[Inkspot] Associated with a particular country? YES! *audience cheers*
[Raak] Eaten hot? NO
[Inkspot] Associated with a particular country? YES! *audience cheers*
[Raak] Eaten hot? NO
A European Country?
Is any sort of grain product involved?
Beguns with a P?
[Projoy] a European country? NO. Well, not at first.
[Raak] involving grainproduct? NO
[pTuj] starts wuth a P? No. Sorry.
[Raak] involving grainproduct? NO
[pTuj] starts wuth a P? No. Sorry.
Is the country India?
Ottoman Empire or some other way of saying "Turkish" that wasn't, at first, European?
Tofu kebab?
[Darren] India? YES! *more cheers*
[Projoy] Turkish etc? NO
[Raak] Tofu kebab? NO
[Projoy] Turkish etc? NO
[Raak] Tofu kebab? NO
NB need sleep, sorry for the upcoming delay, do guess on...
Ayurvedic cuisine?
Some sort of curry?
Does one find it in Indian restaurants outside India?
Contains mango?
Some sort of chutney or pickle?
[Projoy] Ayurvedic cuisine? vaguely.
[Darren] Curry? NO but ever so close
[Raak] found in Indian restaurants outside India? YES
[irach] contains mango? YES and no. Depends.
[Irouléguy] a chutney or pickle? YES!! *audience cheers wildly, orders takeaway*
[Darren] Curry? NO but ever so close
[Raak] found in Indian restaurants outside India? YES
[irach] contains mango? YES and no. Depends.
[Irouléguy] a chutney or pickle? YES!! *audience cheers wildly, orders takeaway*
Chutney it is. Over to you Irouléguy
Sorry for the delay! Out all day, and I'm out again tonight. Another quick one, I hope - ABSTRACT with ANIMAL connections.
Fictional?
Male?
Raak] Fictional? NO
Inkspot] Male? Usually, but not exclusively.
Inkspot] Male? Usually, but not exclusively.
Symbolic?
The name of a job?
Raak] Symbolic? NO
Projoy] The name of a job? NO
Projoy] The name of a job? NO
Is it an activity?
A game?
Is the animal connection human?
Connected to religion?
Is more than one sort of animal involved?
Chalky] Is it an activity? *applause* YES
Rosie] A game? *louder applause, quite possibly beer-fuelled* YES
ImNotJohn] Is the animal connection human? YES
Inkspot] Connected to religion? *some sardonic chuckling* NO
Raak] Is more than one sort of animal involved? YE-ES, though I don't think that's helpful.
Rosie] A game? *louder applause, quite possibly beer-fuelled* YES
ImNotJohn] Is the animal connection human? YES
Inkspot] Connected to religion? *some sardonic chuckling* NO
Raak] Is more than one sort of animal involved? YE-ES, though I don't think that's helpful.
Football?
Game hunting?
Fuzzy Duck?
Cricket?
Assuming the ball contains leather.
Golf?
Raak - Football? NO
Projoy - Game hunting? NO - the other animals are red herrings
Phil - Fuzzy Duck? *the audience break into teams to play* Nice idea, but no.
Rosie - Cricket? NO *polite applause*
Assuming the ball contains leather - that assumption contains two unasked questions.
Darren] Golf? NO
Projoy - Game hunting? NO - the other animals are red herrings
Phil - Fuzzy Duck? *the audience break into teams to play* Nice idea, but no.
Rosie - Cricket? NO *polite applause*
Assuming the ball contains leather - that assumption contains two unasked questions.
Darren] Golf? NO
Is it a ball game?
Darren] Is it a ball game? YES
Golf?
A team game?
Lacrosse?
Primarily associated with a particular country?
Handball?
Wondering whether games with implements like bats/clubs/whatever would have vegetable/mineral/whatever connections.
Baseball?
Is the animal connection _only_ human?
Rosie hits a a home run! It's baseball (the other animal connection being the leather-covered ball - I did say it was a red herring.) *Hands bat over*
Good heavens, I've won. Better have a lie down. That's better.
Nothing whatsoever to do with steam engines, but nevertheless MINERAL.
Metal?
A geographical feature?
Does it require electric power?
(Tuj, Phil, Inkspot) Not metallic, geographical or electrically-powered.
All together now, A human construct?
Smaller than a phone box?
(Projoy) YES, made by humans.
(Tuj) YES. Strictly, extremely unlikely that it's not.
(Tuj) YES. Strictly, extremely unlikely that it's not.
Made of glass?
(Raak) - Made of glass? YES - *vigorous applause*
A container?
Is it made from just the one material?
A beer glass?
Raak - A container? - NO
Inkspot - Made from one material? -YES
Irouléguy - Beer glass? - How dare you? - NO
Inkspot - Made from one material? -YES
Irouléguy - Beer glass? - How dare you? - NO
A decorative item?
(Phil) - Decorative item? Could be, but real answer is NO.
It is for looking through?
A scientific item?
(Raak) - For looking through? - NO
(Phil) - A scientific item? - YES
(Phil) - A scientific item? - YES
A pipette?
Is it a container?
(Irg) A pipette? - NO
(Darren) Already been asked - NO
(Darren) Already been asked - NO
Does it have other uses aside from the scientific one(s)?
(Darren) - Other uses - YES (if science and technology are distinct)
Thermometer?
(irach) - NO - Not a thermometer.
A mirror?
A prism
Can't believe no-one's asked if it starts with "P" yet...
(Raak) - Not a mirror, but (Phil) YES! - A prism. Carry on; it's all yours.
Well, stap me vitals, Bloodnok!
OK, this time I'll go for VEGETABLE & MINERAL
The vegetable's wood and the mineral's metal?
Salt and vinegar crisps?
Anything to do with dispensing inebriating fluids?
[Irach 1] Wood? CAN BE
[Irach 2] Metal? NO
[Darren] Walkers' Finest S&V? NO
[Rosie] To do with intoxicating liquor? NO
[Irach 2] Metal? NO
[Darren] Walkers' Finest S&V? NO
[Rosie] To do with intoxicating liquor? NO
Bigger than a telephone kiosk?
[Chalky] Bigger than phonebox? NO
Is it a manufactured object?
A tool?
Is the mineral fluid?
[Darren] Manufactured? YES
[INJ] A tool? NO
[Raak] Fluid mineral? YES
[INJ] A tool? NO
[Raak] Fluid mineral? YES
Is the fluid water?
[Darren] Water? Not entirely
Is it a container of some sort?
[Chalky] Container? NO
Any connection with weather forecasting?
Barometer?
[Chalky] Weather forecasting? Dear God, NO - who do you think I am? :-)
[Darren] Barometer? NO
[Darren] Barometer? NO
Is the water sea water?
Is it a drink?
Begins with a P?
Oh.
[Raak] Sea water? NO
[Inkspot] A drink? NO, unless you have very bizarre tastes...actually, just make that a stright NO
[Tuj] Begins with P? Sorry, NO.
[Inkspot] A drink? NO, unless you have very bizarre tastes...actually, just make that a stright NO
[Tuj] Begins with P? Sorry, NO.
Is the fluid used for cleaning?
Is the fluid colourless?
[Rosie] Fluid for cleaning? NO
[Inkspot] Is the fluid colourless? I don't know, but it could be I suppose.
[Inkspot] Is the fluid colourless? I don't know, but it could be I suppose.
Would you normally find it in the home?
Normally found in the home? Hmmmm, how pedantic do I want to be. YES, it could normally be found in a home; NO, a home is not the only place it is normally found.
Is it a measurement device?
Is the vegetable also part of the fluid?
[Kim] Measurement device? NO
[Inkspot] Is the vegetable also part of the fluid? NO
I think I need to provide a little guidance/clarification. The "manufactured object" does not contain any fluid.
[Inkspot] Is the vegetable also part of the fluid? NO
I think I need to provide a little guidance/clarification. The "manufactured object" does not contain any fluid.
Is it edible?
[Tuj] Edible? NO
Is it something that you put into a fluid?
Is it more likely to have a use in the workplace?
[Raak] Something that you put into a fluid? NO
[Chalky] More likely to have a use in the workplace? Possibly, but I'd say equally useful at home as at work.
[Chalky] More likely to have a use in the workplace? Possibly, but I'd say equally useful at home as at work.
Smaller than a toaster?
[Tuj] Smaller than a toaster? YES
Anything to do with sports?
Anything to do with cooking?
Is the vegetable part alive?
Is it something one could wear?
[Chalky] Sport? NO
[Rosie] Cooking? NO
[Tuj] Live vegetable? NO
[Darren] Something one could wear? Hmmm..it has been done, but I'd say NO.
[Rosie] Cooking? NO
[Tuj] Live vegetable? NO
[Darren] Something one could wear? Hmmm..it has been done, but I'd say NO.
Is it used to separate something from something else?
A newspaper? (The paper is dead vegetable, the printing ink being a fluid mineral, and newspapers have known to be worn on a couple of occasions, one can use it at home or in the office)
[Darren] To separate two things? NO *some whispering in the audience*
[irach] Newspaper? NO, *audience applauds irach's effort, despite it being wrong*
[irach] Newspaper? NO, *audience applauds irach's effort, despite it being wrong*
Is it printed paper?
Is paper involved?
Is is something to do with the arts?
[Raak] Printed paper? NO
[Tuj] Involves paper? NO
[Kim] To do with the arts? NO
*An audience member stands up and explains that they were applauding irach for applying his deductive powers and coming up with an excellent explanation, even though "newspaper" still isn't close*
[Tuj] Involves paper? NO
[Kim] To do with the arts? NO
*An audience member stands up and explains that they were applauding irach for applying his deductive powers and coming up with an excellent explanation, even though "newspaper" still isn't close*
A further hint/elaboration. The mineral fluid is used in the manufacture of the object from vegetable sources.
Was this thing "invented"?
[Phil] I'd realised what the audience were applauding for, but still did my daft guess anyway. Ah well.
medicinal?
[Tuj] Invented? YES
[Chalky] Medicinal? NO
[Chalky] Medicinal? NO
Is the material used in arts and crafts?
[Raak] Used in arts and crafts? Can be, but not exclusively. *a ripple of applause*
Some sort of fixative or glue?
A model airplane made from balsa wood and epoxy adhesive?
[Chalky] Some sort of fixative or glue? YES *enthusiastic applause*
[irach] model aeroplane etc? NO
[irach] model aeroplane etc? NO
Good old-fashioned wood glue?
Wallpaper paste?
[Rosie] Wood glue? NO
[CHalky] Wallpaper paste? NO
An apology I applied too liberal a meaning to "fixative". Having now looked it up, I would have to give my earlier answer to Chalky as "NO, but getting close"
[CHalky] Wallpaper paste? NO
An apology I applied too liberal a meaning to "fixative". Having now looked it up, I would have to give my earlier answer to Chalky as "NO, but getting close"
Polyfiller?
[Chalky] Polyfilla? NO
Play Doh?
Size?
I have no idea what size is made from, actually.
[Chalky] Playdoh? NO
[Raak] Size? NO (it's just weak wallpaper paste)
[Raak] Size? NO (it's just weak wallpaper paste)
Papier maché?
Is it used in photography?
A plastic laminated card?
[Raak] Papier Maché? NO
[Kim] Photographical? NO
[irach] Plastic laminated card? NO *murmurs of interest from audience, who were starting to nod off*
[Kim] Photographical? NO
[irach] Plastic laminated card? NO *murmurs of interest from audience, who were starting to nod off*
Anyone for a summary?
What it is: it is manufactured; the vegetable aspect can be wood; the mineral aspect is fluid which is not entirely water and is probably colourless; it is found in the home and the workplace; it is smaller than a toaster; it was invented; it could be associated loosely with fixatives/glues.
What it's not: crisps; anything to do with booze; bigger than a phonebox; a tool; a container; anything to do with weather-forecasting (including barometers); involving sea water; a drink; starting with P; used as a cleaning fluid; a measurement device; linked to vegetal fluid; to do with sport or cooking; alive; something to wear (conventionally); a means of separation; a newspaper; printed paper; involving paper; to do with the arts; medicinal; a fixative or glue; model aeroplane; wood glue; wallpaper paste; polyfilla; playdoh; size; papier maché; plastic laminated card
Sellotape?
some sort of sealant?
[Tuj] Sellotape? YES, dagnammit, YES !!!! *rapturous applause*
[Chalky] A sealant? Well, as you can now see, it can be.
The vegetable is wood, cotton or hemp. That's dissolved in alkali to make viscose, then extruded into an acid bath to make cellophane. Rubber resin is applied to the cellophane to make Sellotape (or Scotch Tape or cellophane tape). My confusion over "fixative" was because I thought it meant something to fix one thing to another. Over to you Tuj, and congrats.
[Chalky] A sealant? Well, as you can now see, it can be.
The vegetable is wood, cotton or hemp. That's dissolved in alkali to make viscose, then extruded into an acid bath to make cellophane. Rubber resin is applied to the cellophane to make Sellotape (or Scotch Tape or cellophane tape). My confusion over "fixative" was because I thought it meant something to fix one thing to another. Over to you Tuj, and congrats.
Ooh 'eck
Can I pass this one up? I'm probably not going to be around enough in the coming days - I'm packing & leaving for my second year of uni at present, a little mad (and no guarantee of having Internet at the other end yet...)
Whoever's in next with a good idea can take the baton.
Whoever's in next with a good idea can take the baton.
May I ...?
VEGETABLE with traces of MINERAL with a strong ABSTRACT element.
VEGETABLE with traces of MINERAL with a strong ABSTRACT element.
A crucifix? (And if not, connected with religion?)
A vegetarian diet?
[Darren] Crucifix? NO
[ " ]Connected with religion? NO
[Rosie] A vegetarian diet? NO
[ " ]Connected with religion? NO
[Rosie] A vegetarian diet? NO
Edible?
Connected with the arts?
[irach] edible? NO
[Darren] Connected with the arts? It depends on what you mean by the arts; there IS a tenuous connection but it would be more useful to you if I said NO.
[Darren] Connected with the arts? It depends on what you mean by the arts; there IS a tenuous connection but it would be more useful to you if I said NO.
Some sort of printed material?
[Raak] Some sort of printed material? YES
The Holy Bible?
Connected to an event?
[irach] Holy Bible? See Darren's first question (and the reply)
[Inkspot] Connected to an event? NO
[Inkspot] Connected to an event? NO
Does it have pictures?
Is the vegetable wood?
A textbook of some kind?
[Darren] Pictures? Yes - sort of
[Inkspot] Wood? Yes
[Rosie] A textbook? YES
[Inkspot] Wood? Yes
[Rosie] A textbook? YES
Was it first printed before 1900?
[Inkspot] printed before 1900? NO
The Highway Code?
[Iroule] Highway Code? NO
Connected to science?
Used in schools?
[Inks] Connected to science? Not in the sense I'm guessing you mean.
[Raak] Used in schools? I'll say NO so as not to mislead you, but this object can be used almost anywhere.
[Raak] Used in schools? I'll say NO so as not to mislead you, but this object can be used almost anywhere.
Is it a list in any sense?
A cookery book?
A computing book?
Is the author British?
*apologises for absence from game duty this weekend ..*
[Rosie] A list? In any sense? Erm .. no but then again .. SORT OF
[Iroule] Cookery? NO :-)
[Raak] Compooting? NO
[Inks] British Author? Originally, YES
[Iroule] Cookery? NO :-)
[Raak] Compooting? NO
[Inks] British Author? Originally, YES
Grammar book?
[irach] Grammar Book? NO
Jane's Fighting Ships?
Was it first printed before 1950?
[Rosie] Jane's? NO
[Iroule] Printed before 1950? YES
[Iroule] Printed before 1950? YES
Is it revised and updated annually?
[Inks] Revised and updated annually? I don't think it's annual but it's certainly revised and updated regularly. Excellent question :-)
With alphabetically arranged entries?
[Projoy] Alphabetically arranged entries? IN PART
Wisden?
[Raak] Wisden? NO
Roget's thesaurus?
Is there a sporting connection?
[Darren] Roget's? NO
[Iroule] sporting connection? NO
[Iroule] sporting connection? NO
Does it have satirical connotations?
An encyclopedia?
[Darren] satirical connotations? Nah
[Raak] Hen-sigh-klo-pee-dear? No it isn't and I'm surprised that no-one has asked that yet.
By way of a clue, I'm going to give a belated *audience applauds* to a question posed by Irouléguy on Saturday.
[Raak] Hen-sigh-klo-pee-dear? No it isn't and I'm surprised that no-one has asked that yet.
By way of a clue, I'm going to give a belated *audience applauds* to a question posed by Irouléguy on Saturday.
To do with transport?
A map?
[Rosie] Transport? Yes
[Raak] A map? No and YES *hurrah*
[Raak] A map? No and YES *hurrah*
The A-Z?
AA members' handbook?
[Iroule] AA member's handbook? No, because ...
[Projoy] The answer is THE London A-Z, but that's the one you probably meant - so CHEERS FOR PROJOY :-)
Over to you ..
[Projoy] The answer is THE London A-Z, but that's the one you probably meant - so CHEERS FOR PROJOY :-)
Over to you ..
Okey doke... the next one is ANIMAL.
Living?
Human?
[irach] Living? YES
[Rosie] Human? YES
[Rosie] Human? YES
The Queen?
Helen Mirren?
Male?
Born before 1960?
Projoy?
Him *points*
A member of the Morniverse?
It's not me, is it?
[Raak] HMQ? No
[Ig] HM? No
[irach] Male? YES
[Inkspot] Natally prior to JFK Presidency? YES
[Darren] Me? No (I have, in fact, already been "done" in this game)
[Phil] Darren? No
[Rosie] A member of the Morniverse? No.
[Kim] Not you either, I'm afraid.
[Ig] HM? No
[irach] Male? YES
[Inkspot] Natally prior to JFK Presidency? YES
[Darren] Me? No (I have, in fact, already been "done" in this game)
[Phil] Darren? No
[Rosie] A member of the Morniverse? No.
[Kim] Not you either, I'm afraid.
Born before 1900?
Fictional?
An entertainer?
A royal?
[Ig] A Pre-Labour Party baby? No.
[UK] Fictional? No.
[Raak] Entertainer? No.
[Darren] A royal? No.
[UK] Fictional? No.
[Raak] Entertainer? No.
[Darren] A royal? No.
A scientist?
[Raak] A scientist, YES.
Physicist?
[Darren] Physicist? No.
A biologist?
[Raak] A biologist, YES.
Richard Dawkins?
[Darren] YES, that's the fella. Over to you.
Here we go: ABSTRACT/ANIMAL
A fictional character?
Animal instinct?
Fictional? No.
Animal instinct? No.
Animal instinct? No.
A grouping of animals?
Grouping of animals? In a manner of speaking.
Are the animals human?
An organisation?
A political party?
White elephant?
A sporting team?
Is the abstract element a generic term?
Animals=human? Yes.
Organisation? Yes.
Political party? Yes. (Applause on that one.)
White elephant? No.
Sporting team? No.
Abstract element=generic term? No.
Organisation? Yes.
Political party? Yes. (Applause on that one.)
White elephant? No.
Sporting team? No.
Abstract element=generic term? No.
A British political party?
British political party? Yes. (Again, applause.)
The Labour Party?
[Projoy] Labour? No.
The Monster Raving Loony Party?
Currently in existence?
Monster Raving Loony Party? No.
Currently in existence? Yes.
Currently in existence? Yes.
The Liberal Democrats?
UKIP?
*suspects Projoy has got it, but just in case*
Plaid Cymru?
UKIP? No.
Plaid Cymru? No.
Liberal Democrats? Yes. (Huge applause.) So it's over to Projoy again.
Plaid Cymru? No.
Liberal Democrats? Yes. (Huge applause.) So it's over to Projoy again.
OK... MINERAL
Metal?
[Rosie] Metal, no.
Solid?
[ir] Solid, YES
Does it occur in nature?
[Quen] Occurs in nature, no.
A polymeric material?
Is it unique?
A work of art?
Is it larger than a telephone box?
[irach] A polymer? No (well, I don't think so - that's long chains of molecules, yeah?)
[Quen] Not unique
[Raak] Work of art? No, not really
[Darren] YES, larger than a telephone box.
[Quen] Not unique
[Raak] Work of art? No, not really
[Darren] YES, larger than a telephone box.
Glass?
Is it intended for people to go inside?
Is it a building?
[Ink] Not glass.
[Darren] For people to go inside. YES *one or two titters from the audience*
[Chalks] YEEEEES. Certainly a LOT more yes than no, and YES would be the best answer to proceed with.
[Darren] For people to go inside. YES *one or two titters from the audience*
[Chalks] YEEEEES. Certainly a LOT more yes than no, and YES would be the best answer to proceed with.
Does it have moving parts?
A stone pyramid for dead people to go inside?
A public lavatory?
A pig sty?
[Quen] Moving parts? No.
[irach] Stone pyramid for dead people? No. *scattering of applause*
[Rosie] Public lav? No.
[Ink] Pig Sty? No.
[irach] Stone pyramid for dead people? No. *scattering of applause*
[Rosie] Public lav? No.
[Ink] Pig Sty? No.
A single, specific building?
[INJ] Single, specific, No.
A crematorium?
Public lavatory?
Is it made from stone?
Are they still being widely built?
[ig] Crem? NO. * a stir of interest in the audience *
[irach] Lav? See above.
[Chalky] Stone, YES!
[Ink] Still widely built? No.
[irach] Lav? See above.
[Chalky] Stone, YES!
[Ink] Still widely built? No.
A mausoleum?
[Ig] Mausoleum? NO. * audience still interested *
A tumulus?
They're clouds, aren't they?
[INJ] A tumulus? No.
cromlech
Stone sarcophagus?
Is it associated with death?
[Inkspot] Cromlech, no.
[irach] sarcophagus, no
[INJ] Death association, YES.
[irach] sarcophagus, no
[INJ] Death association, YES.
A crypt?
Although there is a fine distinction between that and a mausoleum...
[CdM] YES - I was thinking specifically of the kind of crypt that sits under a church (and hence is only just classifiable as a building in itself), rather than the more modern type of standalone crypt which is almost synonymous with a vault or mausoleum. * hands baton to CdM, reassumes his clanking chains and retires to his berth in the crypt below, accompanied by organ music*
*returns only to pick up his scythe and pop in a line*
Very well then: VEGETABLE.
Ack, wait, CdM chooses the next item, isn't that right? What a terrible faux pas. Please disregard!
[Quen] Yeah, it's usually the successful guesser who sets the next one... although in this case he hasn't been around for 12 hours. See if he turns up in the next 12 and if not we could go with yours...
Currently alive?
[Q] That's ok. I've set several in the past few weeks (on account of being such a brilliant guesser an' all). Welcome and go right ahead.
Edible?
Quendalon] Welcome - always nice to get new players.
A drink?
To think it took me four years and a box of chocs before my first AMVA ;)
A single specific object?
Thank you all for the kind welcome! This looks like fun. :)
[CdM] No, not currently alive.
[Irouléguy] Not edible.
[Inkspot] Definitely not a drink.
[ImNotJohn] YES, a single specific object.
[CdM] No, not currently alive.
[Irouléguy] Not edible.
[Inkspot] Definitely not a drink.
[ImNotJohn] YES, a single specific object.
Made of wood?
[Quendalon] Come to a pilg and play it in person. It's much harder that way!
[Darren] (the judges confer) Partially, if not wholly. What's a pilg?
smaller than a telephone box?
[Quendalon] 'pilg' is a shortened form of 'pilgrimage' which describes any occasion when members of this community actually meet up and well ... erm ... y'know the sort of thing. There are some fine archives of Pilgs in OrangeMC - just look under Local Information in the index, then click on MC, then click on Pilgrims. Also there is a Chat Game called 'To be A Pilgrim' which may give you some insight.
Is it an item of furniture?
Pilgs (short for pilgrimages) are when we all go to a particular place to meet up and play games in person. We do them usually a few times a year, mostly to the Head of Steam pub in London, plus the big one which has, up to this year, taken place in Rugby, where we make a weekend of it. The last one took place earlier this month. (Next year's is likely to be closer to Leicester.) See the game "To Be a Pilgrim" on Orange for more info. And I was simulposted by Chalky.
Ah, okay. Unfortunately a pilg is unlikely as I'm across the water and in poor financial straits besides. Alas!
[Chalky] Yes, smaller than a telephone box.
[Darren] No, not an item of furniture.
[Chalky] Yes, smaller than a telephone box.
[Darren] No, not an item of furniture.
smaller than a toaster?
[Chalky] You could probably fit it into a toaster with some effort.
Is it connected with the arts?
[Darren] Not directly, no.
Is this object in Europe?
Does it stand for anything?
Connected with sport?
The judges have rebuked me for providing incorrect information. Contrary to one of my answers to Darren, the subject does not currently contain any wood; moreover, it contains an ABSTRACT component. One judge testily observed that I should not have taken on such a complicated subject for my first time around.
[Darren] The item currently asserted to be the subject is in Europe, yes.
[Projoy] It has powerful symbolic value to many.
[ImNotJohn] NO, not connected with sport.
[Darren] The item currently asserted to be the subject is in Europe, yes.
[Projoy] It has powerful symbolic value to many.
[ImNotJohn] NO, not connected with sport.
Connected with religion?
[Darren] YES, connected with religion. (applause)
The Burning Bush?
Is it some sort of acoutrement?
Is the religion Christianity?
[Phil] The Burning Bush? No. [Projoy] An accoutrement? Um... sort of. [Darren] YES, the religion is Christianity.
Let's try that again, with line breaks this time!
[Phil] The Burning Bush? No.
[Projoy] An accoutrement? Um... sort of.
[Darren] YES, the religion is Christianity.
[Phil] The Burning Bush? No.
[Projoy] An accoutrement? Um... sort of.
[Darren] YES, the religion is Christianity.
Worn on the head?
The Turin Shroud?
The Sudarium of Oviedo?
[Projoy] Worn on the head? YES. (more applause)
[Raak] The Shroud of Turin? No.
[Darren] I've never even heard of the Sudarium of Oviedo, so no. :-)
[Raak] The Shroud of Turin? No.
[Darren] I've never even heard of the Sudarium of Oviedo, so no. :-)
The Spear of Longinus?
Oops, missed the q about worn on the head.
The Pope's hat?
Worn by a living person?
The Sudarium of Oviedo is a piece of cloth said to have been placed on Jesus' face shortly after the crucifixion, and bears stains believed to be the blood of Christ. So now you know.
Crown of Thorns?
[Phil] No wood in it, apparently, "these days".
[Raak] Papal tiara? No.
[Darren] Worn by a living person? No.
[Phil] Crown of Thorns? YES. (the audience cheers)
Over to you, Phil!
[Darren] Worn by a living person? No.
[Phil] Crown of Thorns? YES. (the audience cheers)
Over to you, Phil!
[Quen] Ah. Cool. But what did you mean by "the subject does not currently contain any wood" - as in, it doesn't currently exist?
[Quen] I agree with Projoy's point there. If you're saying it doesn't currently exist, then why weren't the other questions answered in the same way? "Is it an accoutrement? Not right now. Is it a single specific object? Not any more." That may seem pedantic, but this is an MC site, after all!
For once I'll ignore pedantry and celebrate my magnificent victory with at least one mug of coffee :)
Next item for your illation is ANIMAL
Living?
[irach] Living? YES
Human?
[Darren] Human? YES
Male?
A politician?
Over 40?
British?
[Projoy] Male? YES
[Rosie] Politician? YES
[Quendalon] Over 40? YES
[Inkspot] British? NO
[Rosie] Politician? YES
[Quendalon] Over 40? YES
[Inkspot] British? NO
European?
[Inkspot] European? YES *Audience wonders if 6 Yesses out of 7 is a new record*
An official of the EU?
Berlusconi?
working to get the average down
Nicolas Sarkozy?
Eastern European (i.e. east of the old iron curtain)?
A president?
American?
Putin?
[Raak] EU Official? NO
[CdM] Berlusconi? NO
[Irouléguy] Sarkozy? NO
[Projoy] E. Europe? NO
[Inkspot] A president? NO
[Kim] American? NO
[irach] Putin? NO
*Audience wishes it had kept its collective gob shut*
[CdM] Berlusconi? NO
[Irouléguy] Sarkozy? NO
[Projoy] E. Europe? NO
[Inkspot] A president? NO
[Kim] American? NO
[irach] Putin? NO
*Audience wishes it had kept its collective gob shut*
Member of a centre-left party?
French?
Currently head of state?
Irish?
As distinct from British.
Currently in the news?
A grandee, i.e. semi-retired?
A member of a party currently in government?
Scandinavian?
Can't blame me for asking.
[Inkspot] Centre-left party? NO (carefully)
[Chalky] French? NON
[irach] Head of state? NO (again,carefully)
[Darren] Irish? YES *applause*
[Raak] In the news? In his own country, yes.
[Rosie] Semi-retired? NO
[Irouléguy] In government? YES
[Néa] Scandinavian? NO
[Chalky] French? NON
[irach] Head of state? NO (again,carefully)
[Darren] Irish? YES *applause*
[Raak] In the news? In his own country, yes.
[Rosie] Semi-retired? NO
[Irouléguy] In government? YES
[Néa] Scandinavian? NO
Bertie Ahern?
[Projoy] Pádraig Parthalán Ó hEachthairn (aka Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern)? YES
I had to tread carefully around the "centre-left" as Fianna Fail was originally a centre-left party, but is no longer. Also, as Taoiseach, he's not a head of state, just a head of government. An Uachtarán (Mary McAleese) is the head of state.
I had to tread carefully around the "centre-left" as Fianna Fail was originally a centre-left party, but is no longer. Also, as Taoiseach, he's not a head of state, just a head of government. An Uachtarán (Mary McAleese) is the head of state.
Congrats to Projoy! - actually he was slightly in the news recently, as I saw him on TV on Sunday at the Ryder Cup.
OK. ABSTRACT with VEGETABLE and ANIMAL connections.
Fictional?
[Darren] Fictional? Strictly speaking, this is a N/A. But YES will probably be more helpful.
Connected with religion?
[Quen] Connected with religion? NO, not really.
A figure of speech?
Is the animal connection human?
Is the vegetable connection wood?
A fictitious creature?
[Ink] Figure of speech? NO
[INJ} Human animal connection: YES
[Kim] Veg connection wood? NO
[Raak] A fictitious creature? NO.
[INJ} Human animal connection: YES
[Kim] Veg connection wood? NO
[Raak] A fictitious creature? NO.
Something symbolic?
A place?
Connected with the arts?
[Raak] Symbolic? NOT REALLY
[Chalky] A place? NO
[Quen] Connected with the arts? YES
[Chalky] A place? NO
[Quen] Connected with the arts? YES
The performing arts?
[INJ] performing arts? NO.
A painting?
[Projoy] A daub? NO.
[Darren] See previous comment to myself.
[Projoy] You must stop doing that, you know. First sign of madness.
[Projoy] Ooh. Look who's talking!
Connected with sculpture?
Is it a style?
[Raak] Sculpture? NO
[Quen] Style? NO
[Quen] Style? NO
Is it an organisation of some sort?
Is it a work of art?
Is it a period of art history?
[Chalky] Organisation, NO
[Quen] A work of art, YES
[Darren] Period of art history, NO
[Quen] A work of art, YES
[Darren] Period of art history, NO
Simon Patterson's 'The Great Bear'?
[Chalky] Simon and his amazing dancing tube map? NO.
Is it a work of fiction?
[Q] A work of fiction? YES (and it's therefore fictional in the sense its content is fictional, but also non-fictional in the sense that it exists (the opposite, one might say, of Causabon's Key to All Mythologies or the Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.)
)
Written in the 20th century?
[Darren] C20th? Yes.
Author British?
[irach] Brit author? YES.
A comic strip?
[Ink] Comic strip, NO.
A humourous novel?
Has it won a major literary prize?
A C.S. Lewis work?
[Kim] humorous? NO
[Ink] Prizewinning? NO * a couple of lowbrow titters from the audience*
[irach] Lewis? NO * a couple of erudite titters from the audience*
[Ink] Prizewinning? NO * a couple of lowbrow titters from the audience*
[irach] Lewis? NO * a couple of erudite titters from the audience*
First published since 1945?
Tolkien?
"Leaf by Niggle"
...?
A poem?
Made into a movie or TV series?
[INJ] published since 1945? NO
[Raak] Tolkien? Leaf by Niggle? NO
[Inkspot] Pome? NO
[irach] Made into a movie/TV series? YES and YES.
[Raak] Tolkien? Leaf by Niggle? NO
[Inkspot] Pome? NO
[irach] Made into a movie/TV series? YES and YES.
[INJ] PS. There is a sort-of case to be made for a YES answer to your question in addition to NO.
A series of books?
Are the vegetable and animal referred to in the title?
Was the author born before 1900?
In the genre of fantasy?
[Rosie] A series? NO *some chuckles from the audience at the thought of it*
[Raak] References in the title to the vegetable? NO. Or the animal? YES.
[Inkspot] Natally prior to first New York Electric Buses? YES
[Quen] Fantasy genre? *appreciative laughter and clapping from the audience* NO.
[Raak] References in the title to the vegetable? NO. Or the animal? YES.
[Inkspot] Natally prior to first New York Electric Buses? YES
[Quen] Fantasy genre? *appreciative laughter and clapping from the audience* NO.
Science fiction?
Is the title the name of a major character?
SciFi? NO *a more contemplative mood steals over the audience, some smiling wryly but privately at this thought, others casting their eyes down and listening with a neutral expression*
[Darren] Title the name of a major character? *some of the audience look up. Two people bite their bottom lips.* NO.
[Darren] Title the name of a major character? *some of the audience look up. Two people bite their bottom lips.* NO.
(To be more useful...) Does the title contain the name of a major character?
First published before 1930?
Is the author male?
Was it written for children?
[Darren] Eponymity? YES
[Quen] Published before 1930, YES
[ir] Male author? YES
[Ink] Written for children? *much laughter from the audience* NO.
[Quen] Published before 1930, YES
[ir] Male author? YES
[Ink] Written for children? *much laughter from the audience* NO.
[Darren] Er, I meant broad eponymity, rather than narrow, YES.
Pornographic?
[Phil] Pr0nographic? YES *applause*
Lady Chatterley's Lover?
Quendalon must be right. I trust he/she has a pornograph.
Would you want your wife or servants...?
[Quendalon] Indeed, YES!. Lady C and John Thomas it is.
[Projoy] What was the vegetable connection? Is there a notorious scene set in the kitchen garden, involving provocatively-shaped parsnips?
[Raak] Lady Chatterley's Lover is a novel, thus printed on paper.
(well, until recent digital innovations)
Incidentally, I'd never noticed before that the prosecution's "wife or servants" remark, although it certainly was out of touch, is a rhetorical way of activating the jealousy of rich husbands. Don't put ideas in their heads, it suggests, or you too may be cuckolded. Had always assumed before now it was just a general appeal to protect the weak-minded from moral corruption.
[Projoy] I was going to guess LC'sL, but the wry smiles at the Sci-fi question put me off...
[Phil] They were just the more imaginative members of the audience picturing the whole thing done in foil suits on a flying saucer.
For your pleasure: ABSTRACT
All together now... A human construct?
[Projoy] Human construct? YES.
A philosophy?
[Projoy] I think I've seen that website ;-)
To do with science?
[Projoy] You know, there is such a thing as being too imaginative.
[Phil] A philosophy? NO.
[Darren] Related to science? NO.
[Darren] Related to science? NO.
Connected with emotion?
Related to the arts?
[Darren] Connected with emotion? YES. (laughter from the audience)
[ImNotJohn] Related to the arts? YES. (more laughter)
[ImNotJohn] Related to the arts? YES. (more laughter)
An emotion?
[Darren] It least it was foil not fur ;-)
[Phil] An emotion? NO.
A type of comedy?
[Raak] A type of comedy? NO.
An action?
[Inkspot] An action? NO.
Connected with positive emotions?
[Projoy] Connected with positive emotions? YES. (another giggle from the audience)
Connected with sex?
Going by the giggles and titters.
Hm. Human construct. Connected with fetishes?
[Darren] Connected with sex? NO. (The audience is giggling because the last three YES answers, while technically correct, are all somewhat misleading. It's not a nice audience.)
[Projoy] Connected with fetishes? In the supernatural (not sexual) sense, YES.
[Projoy] Connected with fetishes? In the supernatural (not sexual) sense, YES.
To do with religion?
Is this specific to a particular culture?
Worship of some unusual object or event?
[Raak] To do with religion? NO, not really.
[Irouléguy] Specific to a particular culture? In its original incarnation, YES; in its modern incarnation, NO.
[Rosie] Worship of some unusual object or event? NO.
To clarify things a bit: the ABSTRACT in question experienced a shift in use and meaning over time. The connection with emotion and the supernatural apply only to the original version, not the current one.
(Next time I choose an object for AVMA, it'll be something simple like a tomato.)
[Irouléguy] Specific to a particular culture? In its original incarnation, YES; in its modern incarnation, NO.
[Rosie] Worship of some unusual object or event? NO.
To clarify things a bit: the ABSTRACT in question experienced a shift in use and meaning over time. The connection with emotion and the supernatural apply only to the original version, not the current one.
(Next time I choose an object for AVMA, it'll be something simple like a tomato.)
Feng Shui?
[Chalky] Feng Shui? NO.
To do with language?
[Projoy] To do with language? YES. (the audience cheers)
To do with magic?
Swearing?
[Projoy] To do with magic? Originally, sometimes. Now, no.
[Rosie] Swearing? No.
[Rosie] Swearing? No.
A particular form of words?
Any medical connection?
[Projoy] Words? NO. [Rosie] Medical connection? NO.
Anything to do with casting out devils?
[Rosie] Casting out devils? NO.
I suspect that I have put people on the wrong track, so if anyone would like a hint, let me know.
I suspect that I have put people on the wrong track, so if anyone would like a hint, let me know.
Something ceremonial?
Far too early for a hint, yet.
Is the culture that this was originally specific to an Asian one?
[Darren] Ceremonial? NO.
[Irouléguy] From an Asian culture? NO.
[Irouléguy] From an Asian culture? NO.
An inscription?
[Rosie] Inscription? Sometimes, though not so often in the modern day.
To do with death?
An obituary?
An epitaph?
[Darren] To do with death? NO.
[ImNotJohn] An obituary? NO.
[Rosie] An epitaph? NO.
[ImNotJohn] An obituary? NO.
[Rosie] An epitaph? NO.
To do with war or the military?
scepticism?
[Quendalon] Rather than a hint - please can you do a summary. It may help us realign ourselves :-)
[Irouléguy] To do with war or the military? NO.
[Chalky] Skepticism? NO.
[Chalky] Skepticism? NO.
And now to summarize! I’ll also correct a couple of my own answers where I think I may have misread or misinterpreted your questions. So:
This abstract is a human construct. It was once specific to a particular culture, though not an Asian culture. It has to do with language, but it is not a particular form of words.
It is not an emotion, a philosophy, a type of comedy, an action, an epitaph or obituary, or Feng Shui.
It is not inherently connected to science, to swearing, to sex, to religion, to the worship of some unusual object or event, to medicine, to casting out devils, to death, to war or the military, or to skepticism.
Notably, the subject has experienced a shift in use over time. Originally, it had a connection with positive emotion, was often inscribed (in the sense of being etched into a solid surface), and was sometimes connected with magic. These all still apply when the subject is put to its original use. In its modern use, it has no connection with positive emotion or magic, and is still inscribed in the sense of being written down, though rarely (if ever) in the sense of being etched into a solid surface.
This abstract is a human construct. It was once specific to a particular culture, though not an Asian culture. It has to do with language, but it is not a particular form of words.
It is not an emotion, a philosophy, a type of comedy, an action, an epitaph or obituary, or Feng Shui.
It is not inherently connected to science, to swearing, to sex, to religion, to the worship of some unusual object or event, to medicine, to casting out devils, to death, to war or the military, or to skepticism.
Notably, the subject has experienced a shift in use over time. Originally, it had a connection with positive emotion, was often inscribed (in the sense of being etched into a solid surface), and was sometimes connected with magic. These all still apply when the subject is put to its original use. In its modern use, it has no connection with positive emotion or magic, and is still inscribed in the sense of being written down, though rarely (if ever) in the sense of being etched into a solid surface.
Is it writing?
A swastika?
Wait, not Asian. Nevermind.
Is it a symbol of some kind?
Is it Aboriginal?
[Darren] We've already established that it is something that is written; if you're asking if the subject is the overall concept of 'writing', then NO.
[Projoy] Is it a symbol of some kind? YES. (cheers from the audience)
[Dazed5] Is it Aboriginal... assuming you're talking about Australian aborigines here, then NO.
[Projoy] Is it a symbol of some kind? YES. (cheers from the audience)
[Dazed5] Is it Aboriginal... assuming you're talking about Australian aborigines here, then NO.
Might I find it on my keyboard somewhere?
A Greek letter?
[Projoy] I can't speak for your keyboard, but it's not on mine.
[Rosie] A Greek letter? NO.
[Rosie] A Greek letter? NO.
Is it a rune?
Might I find it on the ASCII character map for a regular Western font?
Does it have a Unicode definition?
A trademark?
A hieroglyph ?
[Kim] Is it a rune? YES.
[Projoy] On the ASCII character map for a regular Western font? Uncertain, but I've checked several common fonts and haven't been able to find it.
[Raak] Does it have a Unicode definition? YES.
[Chalky] A trademark? NO.
[Inkspot] A hieroglyph? NO.
[Projoy] On the ASCII character map for a regular Western font? Uncertain, but I've checked several common fonts and haven't been able to find it.
[Raak] Does it have a Unicode definition? YES.
[Chalky] A trademark? NO.
[Inkspot] A hieroglyph? NO.
The Star of David?
[Raak] Star of David? NO.
Is it any sort of star shape?
[Raak] Not a star shape, no.
Does it have any completely enclosed areas in its shape (ie. any loops or closed polygonal components)?
[Darren] Does it have any completely enclosed areas in its shape? YES.
Triangle?
[irach] Is it a triangle? NO.
An ankh?
A cross of any sort?
Does it turn up in the regular Wingdings font?
Did it originate in the middle east?
[ImNotJohn] An ankh? NO.
[Raak] A cross of some sort? NO.
[Projoy] In Wingdings? I don't believe so.
[Inkspot] Did it originate in the Middle East? NO.
(You guys are drifting off the track; I suspect you're misreading one of the recent answers. Would you like me to provide clarification?)
[Raak] A cross of some sort? NO.
[Projoy] In Wingdings? I don't believe so.
[Inkspot] Did it originate in the Middle East? NO.
(You guys are drifting off the track; I suspect you're misreading one of the recent answers. Would you like me to provide clarification?)
From the Futhark?
Runic letter Sowilo?
[Projoy] Originally from the Futhark? Elder Futhark, YES. Younger Futhark, NO.
[Inkspot] Sowilo? NO.
[Inkspot] Sowilo? NO.
(which I think is called odal or othalan)
<>< ?
(oooops)
From the Freyr/Freyja's Aett?
As opposed to the Heimdall's Aett or Tyr's Aett
[CdM] Odal/Othalan? NO.
[Inkspot] Freyr/Freyja's Aett? YES.
[Inkspot] Freyr/Freyja's Aett? YES.
Thorn?
[Raak] Thorn? NO.
Kenaz (the leading light)?
Wunjo?
[irach] Kenaz? NO.
[Inkspot] Wunjo/Wynn? YES. (cheers from the crowd)
Over to you, Inkspot...
[Inkspot] Wunjo/Wynn? YES. (cheers from the crowd)
Over to you, Inkspot...
... and I haven't the foggiest what all that was about. :) heyho
Yes, that was painfully obscure. My apologies! All I can say is that it seemed like a good idea at the time. :-p
[Inkspot] If I were you, I'd select a steam engine.
*is an unapologetic obscurist*
from the home of Steam
A win there with a little help from others, and learnt a little about runes in the process.
So a Abstract with Animal and Vegetable connections
Anything to do with cookery?
Is the animal connection human?
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?
[Raak]- no
[Chalky] - yes
[Kim] - no
[Chalky] - yes
[Kim] - no
out of practice
[Raak] - Anything to do with cookery? NO
[Chalky] - Is the animal connection human?YES
[Kim] - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe? NO
[Chalky] - Is the animal connection human?YES
[Kim] - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe? NO
To do with the arts?
just not a morning person
There is a Mineral connection so...
The clue should have read Abstract with Animal, Mineral and Vegetable connections
ImNotJohn - To do with the arts? NO
The clue should have read Abstract with Animal, Mineral and Vegetable connections
ImNotJohn - To do with the arts? NO
To do with sports?
[Raak] - To do with sports? NO
Is the animal connection a fictional human or humans?
[Irouléguy] - Is the animal connection a fictional human?YES ripple of applause from the audience
Does the fictional aspect account for the "abstract" part of the clue?
[Phil] - Does the fictional aspect account for the "abstract" part of the clue? YES A whispering murmur from the audience
Is the fictional aspect from a novel?
[Irouléguy] Is the fictional aspect from a novel? YES several members of the audience about to go to the bar for a shandy return to their seats
Was the novel written more recently than 1900?
Written since 1950?
Written by a British writer?
Are the vegetable and mineral bits mentioned in the title - or are they the paper and ink part of the novel?
[Quendalon] - Was the novel written more recently than 1900? YES
[Projoy] - Written since 1950? YES
[ImNotJohn] - Written by a British writer?NO
[Chalky] - Are the vegetable and mineral bits mentioned in the title - or are they the paper and ink part of the novel?
NO and YES to in the title and paper as the vegetable YES (had not considered the ink when setting the clue but yes it is printed with ink but was not part of the clue)
[Projoy] - Written since 1950? YES
[ImNotJohn] - Written by a British writer?NO
[Chalky] - Are the vegetable and mineral bits mentioned in the title - or are they the paper and ink part of the novel?
NO and YES to in the title and paper as the vegetable YES (had not considered the ink when setting the clue but yes it is printed with ink but was not part of the clue)
Written since 1980?
[Inkspot] Just to clarify: the VEGETABLE component is the paper, and the MINERAL component is part of the title?
[Quendalon] Written since 1980? Yes and NO wry smiles litter the audience
clarification:VEGETABLE component is the paper, and the MINERAL component is part of the title? YES
clarification:VEGETABLE component is the paper, and the MINERAL component is part of the title? YES
Is this a series of stories?
[Chalky] Is this a series of stories? YES loud applause from the audience
Spider Robinson's 'Callahan's bar' stories?
Just managed to track down the one-volume compendium - well pleased.
[Irouléguy]Spider Robinson's 'Callahan's bar' stories?NO an exited Oooooooooooh from the audience
Is the mineral stone?
[Raak]Is the mineral stone? NO
Is the mineral metal?
[Chalky]Is the mineral metal? YES cheers from the audience
Is the mineral gold?
Lord of the Rings?
The Book of Lost Tales?
Fits the 1980 thing better.
[Kim] Is the mineral gold?No
[Raak] Lord of the Rings?No
[Raak ] The Book of Lost Tales?No
the audience sit back back into their seats
[Raak] Lord of the Rings?No
[Raak ] The Book of Lost Tales?No
the audience sit back back into their seats
Is it science fiction/fantasy?
[Raak] Is it science fiction/fantasy?YES the bell rings in the bar the audience quickly pile back into their seats
Is the fictional human that forms the "animal" component also part of the title?
[Quendalon]Is the fictional human that forms the "animal" component also part of the title? YES some argy-bargy in the audience as some laughing pedants are calling out NO
Just one human?
[Projoy] Just one human? YES the audience rise from their slumber
Is it a trilogy?
[Quendalon] Is it a trilogy? NO
Has it been made into a film?
Harry Harrison's 'Stainless steel rat' series?
Inspired by the answer to Quendalon's penultimate question.
[Raak] Has it been made into a film?NO
Irouléguy raucous cheers and foot stomping from the audience YES It is the Stainless Steel Rat from the series written by Harry Harrison. Over to you.
Irouléguy raucous cheers and foot stomping from the audience YES It is the Stainless Steel Rat from the series written by Harry Harrison. Over to you.
A series I've always meant to look at, and never got round to. Good game, good game! Our next is ABSTRACT, with ANIMAL connections.
Fictional?
Is the "animal" human?
Raak] Fictional? No
Quendalon] Is the "animal" human? Yes
Quendalon] Is the "animal" human? Yes
Is this some class of people?
Connected with emotion?
Anarcho-syndicalism?
One day I'm going to be right
A lion's share?
Raak] Is this some class of people? No
Darren] Connected with emotion? Connected with, no; provoking, possibly...
ImNotJohn] Anarcho-syndicalism? There's a great day a-comin' - but not today
irach] A lion's share? See the answer to Quendalon
Darren] Connected with emotion? Connected with, no; provoking, possibly...
ImNotJohn] Anarcho-syndicalism? There's a great day a-comin' - but not today
irach] A lion's share? See the answer to Quendalon
An event?
Is there more than one of it?
(Incidentally, feel free to answer "meaningless" to that if such an answer would be.)
Is the "animal" a specific human?
Does this involve an association of people?
Is it an office that a person can hold?
Inkspot] An event? *applause YES
Darren] Is there more than one of it? Yes, though there can only be one at a time.
Quendalon] Is the "animal" a specific human? Yes, but not necessarily the same one.
Rosie] Does this involve an association of people? *more applause* An association of people is a necessary but not sufficent condition for this.
Raak] Is it an office that a person can hold? *some quickly stifled giggles* No.
Darren] Is there more than one of it? Yes, though there can only be one at a time.
Quendalon] Is the "animal" a specific human? Yes, but not necessarily the same one.
Rosie] Does this involve an association of people? *more applause* An association of people is a necessary but not sufficent condition for this.
Raak] Is it an office that a person can hold? *some quickly stifled giggles* No.
A ceremonial event?
A sporting event?
Is it connected to a date on the calender?
Is it an event with which people are generally pleased to be associated?
Raak] A ceremonial event? No
Chalky] A sporting event? No
Inkspot] Is it connected to a date on the calender? No
Darren] Is it an event with which people are generally pleased to be associated? Yes
Chalky] A sporting event? No
Inkspot] Is it connected to a date on the calender? No
Darren] Is it an event with which people are generally pleased to be associated? Yes
Does it involve some common interest of the participants?
Raak] Does it involve some common interest of the participants? Sorry, I simmed. I'm going to answer 'no', as that's the most useful answer, I think.
A party?
Rosie] A party? No (neither sense)
Is it planned in advance?
A birth?
A birthday?
Darren] Is it planned in advance? Er...yes and no
ImNotJohn] A birth? No
Quendalon - A birthday? No
ImNotJohn] A birth? No
Quendalon - A birthday? No
Connected with employment?
Connected with money?
Quendalon] Connected with employment? No
Darren] Connected with money? No
Darren] Connected with money? No
A school reunion?
Raak] A school reunion? No
Is it astronomical?
Inkspot] Is it astronomical? Startlingly, no
To do with the Internet?
Have most people experienced this at some point?
Raak] To do with the Internet? *applause* In practice, yes (though this could in theory happen offline as well).
Darren] Have most people experienced this at some point? No
Darren] Have most people experienced this at some point? No
A chatroom?
Associated with a particular website?
Rosie] A chatroom? No
Darren] Associated with a particular website? My experience of it is on one particular website, but I don't know if it originated there
Darren] Associated with a particular website? My experience of it is on one particular website, but I don't know if it originated there
Associated with a particular culture(s)?
To do with playing games on the Internet?
To do with MC websites?
A blind date?
Quendalon] Associated with a particular culture(s)? Broadly, yes
Raak - To do with playing games on the Internet? *applause YES
Darren - To do with MC websites? *louder applause, whistling and cheers* YES
Chalky - A blind date? No
Raak - To do with playing games on the Internet? *applause YES
Darren - To do with MC websites? *louder applause, whistling and cheers* YES
Chalky - A blind date? No
mc5?
AVMA?
The game of Mornington Crescent?
I hope this doesn't blow a fuse, so to speak.
Raak - mc5? *stamping of feet, cries of 'bravo'* Yes
Darren] AVMA? *stunned silence from the audience, distracted by a replay of Paul Robinson's error on the giant screens above the stage* YES!
Rosie] The game of Mornington Crescent? *deflated sighs* No
Darren] AVMA? *stunned silence from the audience, distracted by a replay of Paul Robinson's error on the giant screens above the stage* YES!
Rosie] The game of Mornington Crescent? *deflated sighs* No
The Morniverse?
Assuming that none of the preceding was the winning move.
Raak] The Morniverse? No.
Sorry, I was reading the preceding moves as prefaced by 'To do with...'. To clarify the over-enthusiastic audience response, the answer is to do with this site, specifically AVMA (it doesn't occur in any other current game on this site), though it almost certainly occurs on other websites, and could in theory occur in the realiverse.
Sorry, I was reading the preceding moves as prefaced by 'To do with...'. To clarify the over-enthusiastic audience response, the answer is to do with this site, specifically AVMA (it doesn't occur in any other current game on this site), though it almost certainly occurs on other websites, and could in theory occur in the realiverse.
An audience?
Raak] An audience? No
A correct guess?
Darren] A correct guess? *the audience holds its breath* Almost - the answer is a particular sort of correct guess.
A correct guess on the first move?
The answer to this question?
In danger of disappearing up its own logical fundament.
Darren - A correct guess on the first move? *older members of the audience are turning purple waiting to exhale* No
ImnotJohn - The answer to this question? It could be
ImnotJohn - The answer to this question? It could be
An accidental correct guess?
Darren - An accidental correct guess? It could be
Hint - the initials have another, very different, meaning elsewhere in the Morniverse.
Hint - the initials have another, very different, meaning elsewhere in the Morniverse.
The winning move?
Rosie - The winning move? Yes, but... Not every winning move is one of these.
A lurker's victory?
*the audience exhales noisily, too breathless to cheer* YES - a lurker's victory it is (it seemed like a good idea when I set it). Darren, the baton's all yours.
This particular round is...
MINERAL
Begins with P?
[Irouléguy] Nice one. I did consider setting "the next answer" when I actually got a go, but chickened out ;)
[Tuj] Begins with P? One of the words does.
Is there just one of these?
[Raak] Just one of these? No.
Are there 2 words on the card?
[Tuj] Two words on the card? Indeed.
Does it occur in nature?
[Quendalon] Does it occur in nature? No.
Does it involve electricity?
Does it have any moving parts?
Is the mineral metal?
A frisbee?
Is it a man made mass produced item?
[Rosie] Does it involve electricity? Yes.
[Quendalon] Does it have any moving parts? Yes. (misleading?)
[ImNotJohn] Is the mineral metal? Not entirely.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Inkspot] Is it a man made mass produced item? Yes.
[Quendalon] Does it have any moving parts? Yes. (misleading?)
[ImNotJohn] Is the mineral metal? Not entirely.
[Irouléguy] No.
[Inkspot] Is it a man made mass produced item? Yes.
is the non-metal part a liquid?
[ImNotJohn] Is the non-metal part a liquid? No.
A buzzer?
Is the first of the words on the card "A"?
A pylon?
[Rosie] Buzzer? No.
[Raak] Is the first of the words "A"? No.
[Projoy] Pylon? No.
[Raak] Is the first of the words "A"? No.
[Projoy] Pylon? No.
Is entertainment its primary purpose?
[Quendalon] Primary purpose=entertainment? No.
Is it connected with writing?
[Raak] Connected with writing? No.
Is it connected with travel?
Was it invented in the last hundred years?
[Quendalon] Is it connected with travel? Yes!
[Tuj] Was it invented in the last hundred years? Yes!
[Tuj] Was it invented in the last hundred years? Yes!
Parking meter?
[Quendalon] Parking meter? No.
To do with flying?
[Raak] To do with flying? No.
Does one take this on one's travels?
Is it a component of a larger object?
Was it invented before 1960?
To do with computers?
[Rosie] Does one take this on one's travels? Certain travels, yes.
[Quendalon] Is it a component of a larger object? No.
[Inkspot]Was it invented before 1960? No.
[Tuj] To do with computers? Well... yes, but, in a more meaningful sense, no.
[Quendalon] Is it a component of a larger object? No.
[Inkspot]Was it invented before 1960? No.
[Tuj] To do with computers? Well... yes, but, in a more meaningful sense, no.
Mobile phone?
[Irouléguy] Mobile phone? No.
Invented in the last decade?
[Tuj] Invented in the last decade? Probably not. (Sorry to be imprecise on that one, but although they've only become common recently I wouldn't be surprised if they'd existed in, say, the 1980s.)
Is it a container?
[Inkspot] Is it a container? No.
Is one of the words "portable"?
[Quendalon] Is one of the words "portable"? No.
Is the purpose of this device entertainment?
GPS Navigation system?
Does it involve superconductivity?
[Rosie] Purpose=entertainment? No. (See Quendalon's question earlier.)
[irach] GPS? No.
[Quendalon] Does it involve superconductivity? No.
[irach] GPS? No.
[Quendalon] Does it involve superconductivity? No.
An electronic device?
[Raak] Electronic device? Yes.
A digital camera?
A data projector?
[Rosie] Digital camera? No.
[Raak] Data projector? No.
[Raak] Data projector? No.
A communication device?
Is it a conduit of some sort?
One of those fancy car keys?
Sorry about the imprecision - I drive a banger.
Is it required for travelling abroad?
A mobile phone?
[Raak] A communication device? No.
[Quendalon] A conduit of some sort? No. (Well, unless you meant in a very abstracted sense!)
[Rosie] Fancy car keys? No.
[Inkspot] Required for travelling abroad? No.
[Tuj] Mobile phone? No. (See Irouléguy's question earlier.)
[Quendalon] A conduit of some sort? No. (Well, unless you meant in a very abstracted sense!)
[Rosie] Fancy car keys? No.
[Inkspot] Required for travelling abroad? No.
[Tuj] Mobile phone? No. (See Irouléguy's question earlier.)
Connected with road travel specifically?
[INJ] Connected with road travel specifically? No.
Is it something a traverrler would carry?
Biometric Passport?
A credit card?
[Inkspot] Is it something a traverrler would carry? Depends what a "traverrler" is.
[ImNotJohn] Biometric Passport? No.
[Rosie] Credit card? No.
[ImNotJohn] Biometric Passport? No.
[Rosie] Credit card? No.
Is it connected to hygiene?
Packing bags till the next game.
A "traverrler" is someone that ends up at the wrong destination.
[Quendalon] Is it connected to hygiene? No.
[Inkspot] I wasn't trying to be pedantic - I thought it might be a word I didn't know.
[Inkspot] I wasn't trying to be pedantic - I thought it might be a word I didn't know.
Is it connected to vehicles?
[Quendalon] Is it connected to vehicles? Definitely not.
A clock of some sort?
Connected with computer software?
[Raak] A clock of some sort? Part of it is, usually.
[Quendalon] Connected with computer software? Only in the sense that it contains some.
[Quendalon] Connected with computer software? Only in the sense that it contains some.
Time for a recap, methinks.
What we know so far:
It contains two words. One begins with P. Neither word is simply "a," or "portable."
It's a man-made mass produced electronic device, and there is more than one of it. It does not occur in nature. It has parts which move. Its construction involves metal (among other things), but no liquids. It is not a component of a larger object. It does not involve superconductivity. It was invented (as a whole item) some time after 1980, although the basic principles it uses were known long before that (that's a new hint). It usually includes a clock of some sort, and would contain a computer program within it.
It is not primarily for entertainment, nor is it connected with writing. It's nothing to do with hygiene.
It is connected with travel, but not flying or vehicles. You would take it on certain travels. It is not required for travelling abroad, nor is it specific to road travel.
It is not a frisbee, a buzzer, a pylon, a parking meter, a mobile phone, a container, a GPS navigation system, a digital camera, a data projector, a conduit, fancy car keys, a biometric passport, or a credit card.
Does the "P" stand for "personal"?
Is it smaller than a toaster?
A pedometer?
[Rosie] "P" stands for "personal"? No.
[Rosie] Smaller than a toaster? Yes.
[Raak] A pedometer? Yes!!!! (But that's not all. You've only got one of the words on the card. I'm looking for a pedometer with an extra feature.)
[Rosie] Smaller than a toaster? Yes.
[Raak] A pedometer? Yes!!!! (But that's not all. You've only got one of the words on the card. I'm looking for a pedometer with an extra feature.)
The second answer there was directed at Projoy, not Rosie. Sorry.
A digital pedometer?
A pedometer mounted in a shoe?
[Raak 1] Digital pedometer? Well, it is, but that's not the special feature I'm after.
[Raak 2] Mounted in a shoe? No.
[Raak 2] Mounted in a shoe? No.
A talking pedometer?
[Raak] Talking pedometer? YES!!!
So, it's over to Raak for the next round!
So, it's over to Raak for the next round!
I never knew there were such things.
The next is MINERAL or VEGETABLE, with ABSTRACT connections.
Is it mass-produced?
A stairway to heaven?
Begins with P?
[Q] Mass-produced? No.
[I] Not a stairway to heaven.
[T] Does not begin with P.
[I] Not a stairway to heaven.
[T] Does not begin with P.
Min or Veg = metal or wood?
Associated with a particular country or culture?
[R] Not metal/wood.
[C] Not associated with a particular country or culture.
[C] Not associated with a particular country or culture.
Is it a liquid?
Is the mineral water?
[I, I] Not liquid, not water.
Does it have religious significance?
Does it have religious significance?
(Sorry, putting it in the right hole.)
[D] No religious significance.
(Ignore the fundamentalist crank in the audience raving to the contrary.)
Is it an item of clothing?
[C] Not clothing.
Is it an implement of some kind?
[K] Not an implement.
Any moving parts?
[I] No moving parts.
Is it bigger than a breadbox?
[Q] Not bigger than a breadbox.
Is it associated with a time of the year?
[I] Not associated with a time of the year.
Is it edible?
[C] Not edible.
Clarifying a previous answer re metal/wood: never any metal, possibly some wood.
Clarifying a previous answer re metal/wood: never any metal, possibly some wood.
Is the possible mineral stone?
[I] Not stone.
A gas/plasma?
We've eliminated metal, liquid, stone - what else is there.....
[I] Not gas or plasma.
There are plenty of other forms of mineral.
Does this occur naturally?
[I] Does not occur naturally.
ship in a bottle?
[j] Not a ship in a bottle.
Ready for a clue yet?
Plastic?
[R] Yes!
Is there only one of these?
(I assume mineral/vegetable because plastic can be made from either of these)
[I] There are many.
Actually, I was thinking of plastics as made primarily from petrochemicals (i.e. mineral), although having checked I see that vegetable substances are still used..
Actually, I was thinking of plastics as made primarily from petrochemicals (i.e. mineral), although having checked I see that vegetable substances are still used..
Is it flexible?
Odd that it's plastic but is not mass produced...