Thread: Circus: Knockout Quiz 2005 Board: Limbo / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Somebody said "Are you doing another Knockout Quiz".

I said "No".

Somebody else said "When are you doing another Knockout Quiz".

I said "Never".

I then said "Shall I do another Knockout Quiz".

A Circus Host said "I would be delighted."

So - for those who are in the know - this is the start of another Knockout Quiz.

For those who are not in the know - this is the start of another Knockout Quiz.

Rules:

1)Quizmaster's ruling is final (most of the time and it only changes if your appeal is funny).

2) By entering the competition you agree to lose. There can only be one winner and it will not be YOU.

3) Each "every so often" I specify a topic and you have to pick an example of that topic that has not been selected by anyone else.

4) There will be a criterion (or in some rare cases criteria) that indicate to you that some choices may be better than others.

5) Those who have played before have an unfair advantage as they will know some of the tricks that you will have to pick up as you go along.

6) Rules may be added, deleted, changed, amended or fiddled with as we go along.

7) New rounds will always begin between 22:00 and 24:00 English time. This means early morning for the Australians and Afternoon for the Americans.

8) The competition is for entertainment and also edification (look it up) and anyone taking it too seriously is liable to victimisation by the organiser i.e. me.

SO: If you would like to participate and be one of those in right at the start you need to complete the following process ......

WRITE A 5 LINE LIMERICK CONTAINING YOUR SHIP NAME as displayed in this thread, so as I am the Quizmaster mine could be ......

There was an old fogey Quizmaster
Who tried to create a disaster
He started a quiz
It went like a whizz
But finished 'three legs and a caster'

O.K. Roll up, roll up! New Knockout Quiz starting.

[ 09. December 2005, 05:59: Message edited by: Tom Day ]
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
There was a young lady (!?!?!) called Pânts
Who decided to eat some ants
They came out her bum
Having feasted on dung
Now they're in hell writing rants.
 

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Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
An exotic young* dancer called Ann
Was desperately seeking a man.
For romance she'd yearn,
But her luck took a turn
When she slipped and let go of her fan.

(I hope my husband doesn't read the ship)

* details changed to protect anonymity.
 

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Posted by Lurker McLurker™ (# 1384) on :
 
There was a young Scot called Lurker McLurker™
Who decided to wear a Burqa McBurqa™
Which is a Burqa coloured tartan
(While normal Burqas look more Spartan)
So his Italian friend said "Eet doesn't-a Worka McWorka™"

[ 14. August 2005, 18:01: Message edited by: Lurker McLurker™ ]
 

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Posted by Leetle Masha (# 8209) on :
 


Leetle M.

A little old lady called Masha
Was pursued by an amourous Pasha
Though his mind was all set
She always said, "Nyet!"
And retired to Siberian dacha.

[ 14. August 2005, 18:23: Message edited by: Leetle Masha ]
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
There once was a lad called Papio
Who did not feel at all happy-oh
He was trapped in the train
the bus, late it came
for the driver'd been having a nappy-oh.
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Oh bum. I meant "rain", not "train".
 

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Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Can contestants join at a later date? I'm going to be away for a week but it sounds fun.
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
You could last time. It just means you miss out on potential points!
 

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Posted by Procrastinus (# 9915) on :
 
There once was a bod, Procrastinus
Who would never stay on task for us
I tried for a while
With charm, wit & guile
Still delays were many & various
 

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Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
I refuse to comply with this sort
of a poem which our names may import,
silly reference and style
in attempt to beguile.
"I'm off to the Hell threads!"
signed, Gort.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
A pantomime knight called Sir Kevin
Fancied he was really from Devon
But his passport's not British
This made him quite skittish
So he abandoned the Circus for Heaven.
 

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Posted by Hinematov (# 4766) on :
 
There once was a gal named Hinematov
In the depths of theology she never dove
She played in the Circus
Or stayed with the lurkers
But left Purg and Kerg to the heavy folk*

*Where "heavy" denotes serious and profound, and "folk" doesn't quite rhyme.

Damn! Why didn't I have the foresight to call myself Grits?
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
That (folk) would be an assonance then, right?
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 
Americans misspell my name Draft,
because the poor buggers are daft.
In some states, like Wyoming,
they can't even spell Foaming,
nor Adams, Polk, Pierce, Grant or Taft.
 

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Posted by splosh (# 2743) on :
 
There was a young lass named Splosh
Who strived to be really posh
Try as she might
She was never quite right
As her job did not pay enough dosh
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
(Quizzy sweetie... will you be telling us in advance when each round is going to finish?)
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Pânts:
(Quizzy sweetie...

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Careful belovèd, people get called to Hell for that sort of language
 

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Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
There once was a shippie called dolphy,
Who wanted to paint just like Rolfy,
No matter how hard she'd try,
The brush, it kept dry,
So she went back to just playing golphy.
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Foaming Draught:

quote:

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Originally posted by Pânts:
(Quizzy sweetie...

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Careful belovèd, people get called to Hell for that sort of language

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Sorry... I should've signed off 'with much random non specific kisses and love'.
 

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Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
Pants!

(just wondering if the Quizmaster will accept bribes for additional points? )
 

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Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
The Shipmate who's called Papa Smurf
Considers the Circus his turf
His post can be frantic
and maybe pedantic
but don't throw him into the surf....
 

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Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Having given the penguin a nudge, he
reminded her that she must budge. She
composed a quick rhyme;
typed it in just in time;
so the ultimate winner was.... SMUDGIE
 

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Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
and here was me thinking you were going to say something about the cludgie !!


(Scottish word for toilet)

[ 15. August 2005, 14:49: Message edited by: Papa Smurf ]
 

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Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Auntie Doris is my name for the game,
But my Mum thinks it's too tame.
It should be Delilah,
Salome or Lyla,
But I think I might keep it the same!!
 

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Posted by Esmeralda (# 582) on :
 
The Italian for 'hottish' is 'calda' -
which confused our dear friend Esmeralda;
then she found that a chili
's hot too - that's just silly
so she made a dyslexic cold salda - I mean salad.
 

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Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
There was a young lady called Hen
Who joined a new game one day, when
Having lived on the ship
She went off for a kip
And missed her chance to score a '10'

Hen
 

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Posted by Gremlin (# 129) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Papio.:
Oh bum. I meant "rain", not "train".

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Preview post is still your friend... that's twice in one day... getting careless in your old age?

Gremlin
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Gremlin:

quote:

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Originally posted by Papio.:
Oh bum. I meant "rain", not "train".

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Preview post is still your friend... that's twice in one day... getting careless in your old age?

Gremlin

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OO me back!!

Now, what did you ask me again young man? Do I have any old sage? I'm afraid I don't. although I can give you some parsley and some rosemary.

Hobbles off to get some
 

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Posted by footdoc (# 4389) on :
 
A Footdoc on board ship could be handy
If your knock kneed, pigeon toed or just bandy
But before I begin
I need a large gin
Plus chocolate and biscuits and candy.
 

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Posted by Dubitante (# 10015) on :
 
My name on this board's 'Dubitante',
A sceptic, which means that I'm anti;
A scoffer, a knocker,
A brawler, a mocker,
Agnostic, 'Deo aviuvante'.
 

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Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
It’s true that R.D. Olivaw is a droid
and I hope that Gort won’t be annoyed
that another A.I.
wants to give this a try
and so a call to hell I’ll avoid
 

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Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
MrSponge2U lived in the sea
Where he couldn't use Windows XP
So he took a cruise
On the Ship of Fools
With a Linux-equipped laptop from HP
 

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Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
The Shipmate who calls herself Grits
Can often cause some to have fits,
'Cause she seems lovey-dovey,
But when push comes to shovey,
She knows how to get in her hits.
 

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Posted by Left at the Altar (# 5077) on :
 
A woman was Left at the Altar
Her bra in the form of a halter
Her Superior breasts
Caused cardiac arrests
And clergymens' virtue to falter
 

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Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
A new shipmate from M.I.T.
With the odd name of Oilvaw (R.D.)
Did attempt to abscond
With the Circus crown bound
For the only true A.I. we see.
 

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Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
A voluptous shipmate shipmate named Nutmeg
Brushed her hand down an old vicar's left leg
He let out a holler
Removed his dog collar
and knelt like a good boy to beg.


 

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Posted by Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear (# 9641) on :
 
Here was Gladly the Cross-eyed Bear,
Innocently warming his chair,
When along came his Mouse,
who said "Make like a spouse,"
and left him with no time to spare.

Gladly.
 

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Posted by C# (# 3818) on :
 
A shipmate named C# once went
To buy software; so money she spent.
She bought Windows CE,
Then ME and NT,
But found all she had was cement.

(Apologies to Steve for stealing his joke)

[ 16. August 2005, 10:49: Message edited by: C# ]
 

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Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 4367) on :
 
There once was a young Little Miss
Who was brought up a strict Methodist
She was not use to wine
So when invited to dine
She ended up thoroughly pissed.

LMM
 

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Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
A message from Olivaw to Gort
R.D. is the right kind of sort
absconding I’m not
with hell burning so hot
Klaatu barada nikto…abort!
 

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Posted by Tabby.Cat (# 4561) on :
 
There was a young cat, name of Tabby,
Who was told that she was too flabby:
Demanded the diner
A designer vagina.
She muttered that he was just crabby.
 

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Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Marvin the Martian (daft git)
has been hosting in Hell for a bit
So he's having to read
every flame, every screed,
And a whole three-page thread about s***!
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
Marvin
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
There once was a place called No Cal,
Light years removed from So Cal.
Schwarzenegger sets rules
O'er his own ship of fools;
He is the guv'nor of all Cal...
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
Did I miss something? What was that for Sir Kev?
 

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Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Rugasaw was such a gent
He bowed every where he went
He bowed on a hill
And took big spill
And to the ER he went
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 1059) on :
 
There once was a Jedi called Judy
Who's friends always thought she was fruity.
Shiraz is her wine,
It tastes mighty fine,
Except when she posts in the nudie.
 

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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
O.K. It seems we have a goer .........

33 Entrants in the competition so far.

Some Good, some Great, some Excellent and a few Special entries. Awards will be given for "quality" and "originality" and I have made a few notes to award these for the Limericks.

Thankyou for the PMs. Nice to hear from some old friends. I usually let the opening round run for a week or two to catch those on holiday, and then the FIRST ROUND will start when, after that time, this thread reaches page 2. ...... So the Smart Alecs now know how to delay the start!

SPECIAL AWARDS TO -

Gort
Smudgie
Dubitante

Each of their limericks appealed to me.

Remember I said that there were some excellent efforts besides these.

So who else is up for some fun and friendly competition, with wit and wisdom thrown in?
 

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Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
If looking for someone who's flustered,
Then look no further than Custard.
He'll take and he'll give
With a brain like one of those meshy things you drain rice in which are always a nightmare to wash up
There's no chance that he'll cut the mustard.
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
Barnabas62 states
that he likes almost all the Shipmates
The argumentations
from several nations
Show just why a Great Judgement awaits!

(shiver, shiver)
 

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Posted by Gremlin (# 129) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Pânts:
Did I miss something? What was that for Sir Kev?

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He's already posted one about himself near the top of the thread. I'm guessing he's posted this here 'cos we don't have a current Limerick thread.

Gremlin

p.s. Before anyone asks... No!

[ 17. August 2005, 20:38: Message edited by: Gremlin ]
 

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Posted by Paul Mason (# 7562) on :
 
A shipmate by the name of Paul Mason,
cut his hair with the aid of a basin,
shaved the back of his head,
drew a smile there instead,
now you can't tell which way he's facing.
 

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Posted by Paul Mason (# 7562) on :
 
A Mason whose first name was Paul,
would worry his thing was too small,
he tried pills, pumps and creams,
to get the schlong of his dreams,
but now he's got nothing at all!
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Phew, gasp, only just made this thread, I've been busy preparing for my holiday (which means I'll probably have to miss the next round).....

-------------------------------------

When Chorister sang in the choir,
The Church roof jumped 10 metres higher.
The stained glass got smashed,
The acolytes crashed
And their candles set her surplice on fire!
 

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Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
A large cetacean called Jonah
Decided to test the Quizmaster
By seeing if a non-
Rhyming or scanning ode
Could still be considered a limerick.
 

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Posted by Anselm (# 4499) on :
 
When Anselm posted on this thread
He really should have been in bed.
But seeing the quiz
thought he'd give it a wizz.
Who needs sleep when there's coffee instead?
 

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Posted by Dave the Bass (# 155) on :
 
"A new knockout quiz - that's great,"
Thought Dave, the bass-playing shipmate,
But he found it so tricky
To write something limeriky
That he ended up going to bed late.
 

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Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Wasted his time in Hell below
When in the circus instead
There are those less inbred-
Civilised don't ya know
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
My name is Sir Kevin
I'm not from Devon
Nor do I hail from Hell
And that is just as well
Fuzzy bunnies: Heaven
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Flausa went totally mad
when she fell for a strange English lad.
So she dyed her hair blonde
Then moved 'cross the pond
and now both the nutters are glad.


 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

 

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Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
A welsh dragon frequents this place
whose post count fell off to a trace.
It used to be higher,
has she lost her fire,
or are her interests increasingly base?
 

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Posted by Procrastinus (# 9915) on :
 
Procrastinus was most throughly confused
Didn't want to be wrongly accused
Can we post many ?
Want to be like Kenny
With excitement completely enthused !
 

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Posted by Dubitante (# 10015) on :
 
Wasn't sure if multiple entries are allowed, but here goes:

Dubitante got into a fight,
With a vicar over who's right,
He believes in God
That Clerical clod;
It's clear his theology's shite.
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gremlin:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:
Did I miss something? What was that for Sir Kev?

---

He's already posted one about himself near the top of the thread. I'm guessing he's posted this here 'cos we don't have a current Limerick thread.

Gremlin

p.s. Before anyone asks... No!

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Exactly. Pointless.
 

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Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
A limerick based on my name?
A fine way to open a game!
I did well last time,
And the challenge of rhyme
Has drawn me, a Moth to a flame!


I said I wouldn't do this quiz again! Just don't make me play "gemsters", OK?
 

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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Just to remind you that if you let this slip onto page two I may have to start the quiz.
 

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Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
There once was a family of sharkshooters.
The mother had a nice pair of hooters,
While the son watched a cartoon,
Father sharpened his harpoon,
And the daughter’s too young to have suiters.
 

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Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
Rather than spell out my name
Or giving a clue to the same
Going on in mystery
Under cover of this tree
Ending my one chance of fame
 

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Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
christianjimmy was sad
cos he thought his limerick was bad
but to his surprise
it won him a prize
and quizmaster's made him quite glad
 

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Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
The Rogue has a poetical gene. O!
he played round with what the forms mean. So
Telling no lies,
He won the prize
For an original ode in the Beano.

(Apologies if it was the Dandy. I couldn't quite remember...)
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Just to remind you that if you let this slip onto page two I may have to start the quiz.

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So this post being halfway down page two means...??
 

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Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
He is referring to the thread being listed on page two of the Circus board. At least, that is the way I interpreted it.
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
Ahhha!! Gottcha. So I got ta stop waffling and bringing it to the top then!?!?
 

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Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
A pixie-eared shipmate called Hazey
Was often considered quite crazy
For entering games
When unsure of the aims.
Her dimness suggests she is lazy.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
A board surfer named Kevin
At sea with bunnies from Heav'n
Climbed off of his board
And into the Accorde
Saying 'Let's race to Devon'
 

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Posted by Procrastinus (# 9915) on :
 
Procrastinus was quite curious
Is this the biz ?
Is there more to the quiz ?
Without info the folks will be furious
 

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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Procrastinus,

Sharkshooter being a past performer, and a good one, picked up 2 points for his post.

Being Smart he has interpreted my comment about page 2 accurately and being Helpful he has informed you all.

Trust me - all will become clear.
 

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Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
So does this mean that you won't actually explicitly state the rules/guidelines, but it is up to us to pick up on the hints and convey them to our fellow shipmates?

And do I get any points for this insightful observation?

Or do I get points deducted for being cheeky to the Quizmaster?
 

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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
2 Points to Hazey Jane for being both NEW and SMART. Get the idea?
 

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Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I'm not usually one to go looking for points , but what about my hint in the "top 10" thread ?
 

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Posted by Anselm (# 4499) on :
 
If I admit that I have absolutely NO idea what's going on - and thereby give others an opportunity to earn points by explaining what IS going on - will I earn any points?
 

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Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Thank you Quizmaster. Is that a new signature also designed to help us in this game?
 

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Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 4367) on :
 
So, Quizmaster, will you start the next round when this thread slips onto page two of the circus?

If thats the case, then I guess we should all just stop posting...

LMM
 

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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
PRELIMINARY ROUND : TOWNS & CITIES

Rather than keep the newcomers in suspense for too long - an example round while we wait for any more competitors to materialise seems like a good idea.

You must name a town or city in the world that has since the year 2000 had a population over 500,000. When you have all named your town or city the two who are closest together in terms of distance will be eliminated (although as this is a preliminary round the knocking out will not take place).

If anyone can prove that the population of your named place is less than 500,000 you will also be knocked out (although not in this round).

N.B. Newcomers to the contest should produce a limerick with their ship name in as well as a place for this preliminary round.

This is a good chance to practice.

P.S. I am off on holiday for a week so expect no responses until I return.
 

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Posted by da_musicman (# 1018) on :
 
There once was a man from Nantucket
who employed a pheasant to pluck it
It squawked for a day
and then he said "I've left off my name,Oh Have intercourse with it"

Lets try again.

They saw the man and did shout
Whenever he was about about.
They'd call out his name again and again
"da_musicman you've forgotten your trout"
 

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Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
 

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Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
New Delhi, India
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
A gardening woman named Anna
was talking with her garden planna:
"Over here plant a sedge
with a pale yellow edge
like carex ehrenbergiana."


Honolulu, Hawaii
 

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Posted by Tabby.Cat (# 4561) on :
 
Perth, Western Australia
 

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Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
Denver, Colorado, USA
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
Auckland, NZ
 

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Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
Note to fellow players:

It is important to read the rules for each round. The opening for the first round said:

quote:

---

WRITE A 5 LINE LIMERICK CONTAINING YOUR SHIP NAME as displayed in this thread

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:
so if your limerick is not 5 lines and/or does not contain your ship name, perhaps you might like to take a mulligan...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:
Note to fellow players:
...
Also, in some rounds, it will be better to post near the end of the round (they will likely have a deadline attached) since the object in any round is not usually to win, but to avoid being last. So, for example, if you are asked to post the most expensive perfume* (least expensive being eliminated) if 25 people have already posted, all you have to do is beat one of them.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:
Auckland, NZ

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:
so if your limerick is not 5 lines and/or does not contain your ship name, perhaps you might like to take a mulligan...

---

Does it need to contain your entire ship name?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:
Note to fellow players:
...
Also, in some rounds, it will be better to post near the end of the round (they will likely have a deadline attached) since the object in any round is not usually to win, but to avoid being last. So, for example, if you are asked to post the most expensive perfume* (least expensive being eliminated) if 25 people have already posted, all you have to do is beat one of them.

---

Thank you Sharkshooter, though that logic does not necessarily apply to the present topic. ...

---

Correct. The comment was general. Fortunately, this round is not a knock-out one.
 

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Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
Lima, Peru

Hint - it might be worth checking in Wikipedia to see whether your city is large enough. It might also be worth rereading the above posts to make sure you're not doing a city already named. I can see at least one pair above as well as Auckland...
 

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Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Almaty, Kazakhstan.
 

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Posted by C# (# 3818) on :
 
Mexico City
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 1059) on :
 
Jacksonville, Florida.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 1059) on :
 
jedijudy plays music that's grand
and happily puts on the stand
Bach, Mozart and Brahms
the music that calms
or causes the cheerers to stand.

O gosh!
 

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Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
There once was a poster named S'more
Who believed, more or less, less is more
So her rhyme, while in time,
Is less than sublime,
And her city is Ulan Bator.

Mongolia. Properly, Ulaanbaatar, but that wouldn't rhyme <G>
 

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Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Will it be helpful or will it be cheating to post a very helpful link to a distance finder that calculates between any two cities in the world? I think it will encourage the geographically-challenged.
 

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Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Urumqi, China
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
apologies to Carex, I did not see your post of Honolulu down the bottom of your Limerick.

My second guess is

Antananarivo, Madagascar
 

---

Posted by Dubitante (# 10015) on :
 
St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Also, are we allowed to set off proximity detonators?
 

---

Posted by Leetle Masha (# 8209) on :
 
Philadelphia, PA, USA
 

---

Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
Oh ....I missed New Delhi - sorry Grits.
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
Krasnojarsk, Siberia.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
I'm rather taken with Nouakchott in Mauritania which has an estimated 650,000 in habitants, despite being built for only 15,000 just 47 years ago. That's some population increase - apparently due to there not being many employment opportunities in the Sahara Desert!
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
I think I'll go for Uddevalla, Bohuslan.
Uddevalla
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
A poster named S'More thought with pity,
Some people didn't research their city.
Practice round, true,
but why not follow the rules?
Fives and zeroes inspire this ditty.
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:
Auckland, NZ

---

Sorry Pants - I missed your post. I'll pick again when I'm less blind and stupid.

Thanks Papa Smurf for letting me know.

---

Hee hee!! I was just going to look at the previous page when I saw your post cos I thought I'd put that!!
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
If trying to work out the rules and scoring system for this quiz is driving you mad, you could always tour round some other related boards for a bit of advice.

Yours helpfully,
Smudgie
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by dolphy:
I think I'll go for Uddevalla, Bohuslan.

---

I retract that statement and will learn to read numbers in future

(Thanks Papa Smurf)
 

---

Posted by Urbanita (# 10033) on :
 
A woman now called urbanita
once fancied she really could beat a
big ship full of fools
without knowing the rules
but she chose jekaterinburg, er....

....it's in russia
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Ode to a Smudgie

Darkling, I listen, and give a sigh
For the sound of song in a unlit wood.
Call'd them no names but took the road high,
Leading with soft hand and heart laden with good.
Whispering sweet but pleading loud to be heard
As thou hovered smiling, low to the ground.
Wouldst sing, little budgie? I have heard
Thy fleeting cry leading to a glade unfound.
I will ever gladly follow thy words,
Though thy tune may become my requiem.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Why is the Quizmaster taking part in his own quiz, when he hasn't entered a limerick???

There was an old man called Quizzy....
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Oh, and er..... Cape Town
 

---

Posted by footdoc (# 4389) on :
 
Originally posted by Chorister...

quote:

---

There was an old man called Quizzy....

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by footdoc:
Originally posted by Chorister...

quote:

---

There was an old man called Quizzy....

---

Who said I would if I could but Im busy.

---

Besides, I already did
(if the OP you had read)
Now Chorister can reply with an "oopsy".
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
I read the lot. But I have a bad memory. OK sharkie, you win.
 

---

Posted by Fen Church (# 9899) on :
 
Right, totally new. I will go for Helsinki, Finland, which I hope will earn me a point for being the closest to 500,000 without going under.

There was a young lass named Fen Church
Who tended to walk with a lurch
It would startle the natives
But keep her creative
When it would knock all her thoughts from their perch.
 

---

Posted by Dave the Bass (# 155) on :
 
I'm going for La Paz in Bolivia which, at almost 12,000 feet avove sea lvel, may be the highest city mentioned here.
 

---

Posted by Annie P (# 3453) on :
 
Ahhhh, hope I am not too late. I'm hoping that the quiz will give me some light relief when blob is sound off asleep (if the last one was anything to go by).

Posting lymeric, will get back to you about the town thing soon.

There was a young girl called Anne,
Who married a hansome man
He thought she was cool
When she used a power tool
To mend his poor broken LAN

Believe me, it could have be an lot worse. There's not many words that rhyme with Annie...
 

---

Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
Paul W at the end of a line
Is a pain in the neck to rhyme
Writing something for here
After two pints of beer
Makes poetry that should be a crime

Good Lord that was bad.

Blantyre, Malawi (cos I've been there)

Paul W
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Sir Kevin the Ship's Gaffer&trade
Is quite a beer quaffer
He ordered a Guinness
Was drunk at the finish
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
...but was sober in the hereafter

La Jolla Shores, San Diego County, California because I've lived there before I was married.
 

---

Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on :
 
Exhausted from climbing that steep hill,
Our churchgeek thought she would be quite ill.
But she supressed the urge -
She had clergy to verge! -
So she persevered, and has a job still.

Without regard to how it will help or hurt me, I'm naming my hometown of Detroit, MI, USA!

(Big surprise, eh?)
 

---

Posted by Anselm (# 4499) on :
 
Accra, Ghana
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:
Believe me, it could have be an lot worse. There's not many words that rhyme with Annie...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:
Believe me, it could have be an lot worse. There's not many words that rhyme with Annie...

---

Please miss, I know one...

---

She didn't want the limeric that I suggested
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Well as a newbie to this game I'm starting to realise that every post counts, even if you don't think it's going to (even my effort on the first page). Must be more careful...
 

---

Posted by Annie P (# 3453) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie:

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by S'more:
Ode to a Smudgie

Darkling, I listen, and give a sigh
For the sound of song in a unlit wood.
Call'd them no names but took the road high,
Leading with soft hand and heart laden with good.
Whispering sweet but pleading loud to be heard
As thou hovered smiling, low to the ground.
Wouldst sing, little budgie? I have heard
Thy fleeting cry leading to a glade unfound.
I will ever gladly follow thy words,
Though thy tune may become my requiem.

---

S'More, I more than like your style, I love it!

Please stay and play as you seem to be perfect for this particular game.

Love,

QM
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
OK then - I am back - collecting answers - I make it 11 people still to post a town or city, including myself. One of the reasons I am in the competition is so that I can choose to sacrifice myself at the appropriate time to rid the game of any troublemakers .... now who can I get closest to?

Well done to several newbies who are already ahead of the old heads. I expect round one to start sometime in the next week. I may even break the notion of waiting until this thread is on page two of the circus.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
I won't aim for a smarm award by welcoming you home, Mr Quizmaster, but I will just ask... did you remember to bring us all a stick of rock?
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
Welcome home indeed young, gorgeous Quizmaster. I hope that you ae now relaxed and feel re-charged. I could not possibly accept a stick of rock from you, I have my teeth to think about after all but would be happy to buy you a pint of Devon's finest when I am next in Exeter, as a welcome home treat.


(aside to Smudgie: anything you can do, I can do better )
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
Pyongyang
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
R.D went on a mad tour
Although she wasn't quite sure
When she clicked on the link
Quizmaster what do you think?
Did I come through the right door?
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by R.D. Olivaw:
Pyongyang

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:

quote:

---

Originally posted by R.D. Olivaw:
Pyongyang

---

Is this the sound of something bouncing on the floor??!!

---

I thought it sounded like Pants' elastic snapping
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
And I thought this was meant to be a Christian web site
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
You don't get extra points for posting loads of times, Smudgie.

Or perhaps you do, if you have something to say.

(Sorry, Chorister )
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 1059) on :
 
Welcome home, QM!

Quizmaster said that the quiz is for: "entertainment and also edification."

Hmmmm...entertainment...the obsolete meaning is "employment." And edification is the act of edifying? Doesn't edify mean to build a house?

Oh, I see...QM said to look it up. He wants us to know that we're employed by him to build a house (for himself?)
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
It's alright S'more - nobody else reads the madtour forum so they won't get the joke.
 

---

Posted by Annie P (# 3453) on :
 
Baghdad
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ENTRY LIST FOR THE KNOCKOUT QUIZ 2005:

Ann
Annie P
Anselm
Auntie Doris
Barnabas62
C#
Carex
Chorister
Christianjimmy
Churchgeek
Custard
Da_Musicman
Dave the Bass
Dolphy
Dubitante
Esmeralda
Fen Church
Flausa
Foaming Draught
Footdoc
Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear
Gort
Grits
Hazey Jane
Hennah
Hinematov
Jedijudy
Jonah the Whale
Leetle Masha
Left at the Altar
Little Miss Methodist
Lurker
Marvin the Martian
Moth
MrSponge2U
Nutmeg
Pants
Papa Smurf
Papio
Paul Mason
Paul W
Procrastinus
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Quizmaster
R.D.Olivaw
Rugasaw
Sharkshooter
Sir Kevin
S'More
Smudgie
Splosh
Tabby.Cat
The Rogue
Tom Day
Urbanita
Welsh Dragon


Anyone else joining in from now will be known as an "Also-Ran".
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ROUND ONE : FRUIT & VEGETABLE

Let us start with an easy one. Everybody eats and we all know a fruit or a vegetable. You must name one that has not already been chosen at the time of posting.

Usually at this early stage someone forgets to post, as we saw with the cities, so make sure you are not one of those knocked out for not putting an entry in.

Qualifying Criterion: If everyone posts a fruit or a vegetable all those with the shortest words will be knocked out. I am confident that this will not be needed but time will tell and we shall see.
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Pomegranate
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
Jerusalem artichoke
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 4487) on :
 
Cape gooseberry
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
One-rowed watercress.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Tromboncino Courgette
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
I'm amending my choice to just:

watercress

Subjectivity is always so...subjective.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
purple-sprouting broccoli
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
I'd like to introduce you to one of my 5-a-day friends, Courtney the... Cauliflower

(I've always found it well-nigh impossible to eat members of the cabbage family, but now Courtney's a personal friend, you haven't a chance of getting me to eat my greens! )
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
Brussel Sprout (well someone had to say it)

<ship is being slow at the moment>

[ 06. September 2005, 22:47: Message edited by: dolphy ]
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
While you're waiting for the next round, here's something to keep you fit and healthy eating five fruit and veg a day... 5-a-day friends challenge

I don't believe it - I was cornered by a chocolate bar which forced me to eat it.
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
Thimbleberry

A delightful treat when found ripe in the woods - the plant has just one berry on top of each stalk, which can be up to an inch in diameter. A favorite
of bears, so one must be careful when picking them.

[ 06. September 2005, 22:50: Message edited by: Carex ]
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie
I don't believe it - I was cornered by a chocolate bar which forced me to eat it.

---

And here was me thinking you were sticking to your apple pie diet!
 

---

Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
Note that Latin and other non-English names have not yet been specifically excluded. However, it would be unwise to choose such a name, as there might be some doubt as to its acceptability.

Note also that there has not yet been a ruling as to whether adjectives can contribute to the letter count; it might be wise to exercise caution on this account.

Linking to a picture of the named item has a certain style to it and also reinforces its credibility, especially if there might be some queries about the adjectival part of the name.

Also, watch out for veggie friends with more than one name. As well as making sure the item is undoubtedly a vegetable or a fruit. And not for example arguably a nut or a pulse.

Note also that all you have to do to ensure you stay in the game is make sure that your fruit or vegetable name is longer than the shortest fruit or vegetable name yet produced.
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
Note also that the Dragon seems to have the upper hand, or is that fruit and veg?!

Beware the dragon for she will flame grill anything that is bigger than her offering.
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
How do you embed a link in your post? I have noticed some of you have links to VERY interesting
websites, even if the link doesn't always sound very intriguing. I would like to know how to do this.

I only noticed this when my cursor changed to a hand when I ran it over someone's post. Then I realized that it was actually a link to a magical, faraway place dotted with points unknown.
 

---

Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
Oh and Brussels sprouts. Apparently, Brussels with the "s" see here

Added to say that Dave thinks they are an abomination that could only have been cultivated in the darkest depths of the abyss. He is willing to go to Transylvania to avoid having sprouts with his Christmas dinner...

[ 06. September 2005, 23:12: Message edited by: welsh dragon ]
 

---

Posted by footdoc (# 4389) on :
 
Does Bob the Tomato count as a vegetable?

If not I will try "A Chineese Gooseberry."
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
whortleberry
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
Boysenberry
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Japanese eggplant
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Honestly, S'more. Posting a link is easy. I'm not going to take the time to explain it to you. After all, you are a newbie and you should learn to read the Ship FAQs if you have a question. Plus, you have all the earmarks of being a irritating little git.

Do Not Click Here!
 

---

Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on :
 
Runner Bean
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
ROUND ONE : FRUIT & VEGETABLE
Qualifying Criterion: If everyone posts a fruit or a vegetable all those with the shortest words will be knocked out. I am confident that this will not be needed but time will tell and we shall see.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Custard.:
This could mean that it is the shortest word in the name that counts, rather than the whole name.

---

Well it could. But my hunch would be that this is not what our venerable Quizmaster meant.

Apologies to S'more for failing to explain immediately how to post a link and many congratulations on working it out for yourself. I am sure that you are a charming and very lovable person.

It did occur to me that while "Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera" is undoubtedly lengthy, it is too Latinate to count. So I meant to choose the "English version."

I suppose, however, that there is a sense in which "Brussels sprouts" still don't sound very English! but never mind.

Oh and I would hope that, footdoc, QM will not only a) count entries with speling mistakes but b) work out the tally for you from the correct spelling. But you could try posting your one again just to make sure!
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I shall choose a Mangosteen , known as the "Queen of Fuits", and banned from the USA
 

---

Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
Blackberry. Mmm, blackberries. Had some wild ones the other day, very nice.

Paul W
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Raspberry.

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Muntries (Native Cranberries)
Small crunchy berry with a delicously sweet apple flavour from the south-east of South Australia.
Shameless plug for home.
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Watermelon. Not posted yet, and a longer word than "raspberry".

Since it's more important to not get knocked out than to win each round (hint hint, newbies!), that should be enough for now
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
I am putting in as my choice the Sweet Potato which coincidentally, and (just look upon my sharing this information as me just being nice to everyone) happens to be the healthiest vegetable around
Enjoy your sweet potatoes folks.
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
Huckleberry (broken link)

[ 07. September 2005, 21:33: Message edited by: Gremlin ]
 

---

Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
honeydew melon
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
I shall choose a Mangosteen , known as the "Queen of Fuits", and banned from the USA

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chorister:
Or even a lesser weevil, if you read the article.

---

I yield to Chorister as Master and Commander of this Pun.
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Kumara

This is a nice short word. I am half thinking "do I really want to spend loads of time doing SOFKQ this year?" and half thinking "somebody is bound to neglect to post, so I'll be OK".

JtW
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Jonah,

In a rash move demonstrating either bravado or stupidity I will confidently go for PEA.

Or to stretch credulity "The common or garden pea"
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 1059) on :
 
Black Sapote, which is the name I'll use. It's also known as the Chocolate Pudding fruit!

(I have one in my yard...waiting for it to bear.)
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
Spinach.

I love spinach! It us the yummiest vegetable ever created! No-one else in my house eats it, but I buy ready-washed young leaf spinach and pop it in the microwave for a minute or two. Best eaten with lots of butter and black pepper! Yum!
 

---

Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
Q. Why are vegitables different colours like red, orange, green, yellow?

A. Because they are for aesthetic purposes. Otherwise the plate of meat and potatoes with gravy would be only brown and white.

You don't actually eat any of these things, do you?
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
There once was a young man named Thrapple
For whom sitting was rather a grapple
'Til once his friend Pete
Saw what's stuck on his seat:
And said "Dude, you're sat on a pineapple"

Hen

[ 07. September 2005, 20:11: Message edited by: Hennah ]
 

---

Posted by Urbanita (# 10033) on :
 
asparagus

Were it not for this quiz, I might never have known there was a website devoted to British asparagus. (first in a series Things I Only Know Thanks to Venerable Quizmaster...)
 

---

Posted by footdoc (# 4389) on :
 
OOOOPs.. Cough, clears throat and tries again hoping that QM will allow a slight ammendement to above post.

Chinese Gooseberry."
 

---

Posted by da_musicman (# 1018) on :
 
Eggplant or brinjal depending on who you are but to me it will always be A humble Aubergine
 

---

Posted by Procrastinus (# 9915) on :
 
Rambutan

Brave, hungry person who first tried one of these.

Which reminds me, given the tomato is part of the deadly nightshade family and everyone used to think it poisonous - I wonder who first found out otherwise.
 

---

Posted by Left at the Altar (# 5077) on :
 
Bitter Melon
 

---

Posted by Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear (# 9641) on :
 
My vote is for Passionfruit (this being a Christian website...)

When I was growing up I called them "Lemonade Fruit." They are good to eat when dark purple, hard, and slightly wrinkled. The inside is a yellow-green pulp filled with seeds, which tastes like aromatic lemonade.

Gladly
 

---

Posted by C# (# 3818) on :
 
Ortanique
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Jonah,

In a rash move demonstrating either bravado or stupidity I will confidently go for PEA.

Or to stretch credulity "The common or garden pea"

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jonah the Whale:
Oh, I assumed you were out because you never came up with a city.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jonah the Whale:
Oh, I assumed you were out because you never came up with a city.

---

That was just a practice round...

---

And I have not yet decided whether those who decided not to post a city are SMART (In a Clever Dick way) or LAZY.
 

---

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
cantaloupe
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
FIRST ROUND OF SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENTS:

The numbers are PAGE, then scores for the following ORIGINALITY, being SMART, and being HELPFUL ... or P O S H for short.

COMPETITOR and EXPLANATION are blatantly obvious.

P O S H Competitor Explanation

1 0 -1 0 Papio For making a spelling mistake instead of previewing
1 0 -1 0 Hazey Jane For not posting a Limerick when she could have done
1 0 0 1 Pants For explaining what normal practice has been in the past
1 1 0 0 Gort For saying one thing but meaning another
1 0 1 0 Sir Kevin For identifying and outing a clear case of assonance
1 0 -1 0 Pants Rounds finish after 'most' people have had a chance to post
1 0 1 0 Pants For impressing Dolphy
1 0 -1 0 Dolphy For brazenly attempting bribery and corruption
1 1 0 0 Smudgie For carrying phrases across lines
1 0 2 0 Papa Smurf For teaching us to talk Scottish
1 1 0 0 Auntie Doris For educating us about yourself
1 2 0 0 Dubitante For winning my vote as top Limerick
1 -1 0 0 Gort Second Limerick
1 -1 0 0 R.D.Olivaw Second Limerick
1 0 1 0 Marvin the Martian For impressing Pants
1 -1 0 0 Sir Kevin Second Limerick
2 -1 0 0 Paul Mason Second Limerick
2 0 1 0 Jonah the Whale For trying it on and getting away with it
2 -1 0 0 Sir Kevin Third Limerick
2 0 1 0 Flausa For impressing Sir Kevin
2 0 1 0 Procrastinus For using the Limerick to ask the question
2 -1 0 0 Dubitante Second Limerick
2 2 0 0 Moth For a self descriptive limerick
2 0 -1 0 The Rogue For failure to fulfil the specified criterion *(see adjustments)
2 0 2 0 The Rogue For impressing W.D. who is a genuine Smart Alec
2 0 -1 0 Pants For deliberately misinterpreting the meaning of "Page 2"
2 0 1 1 Sharkshooter For putting pants straight
2 0 1 0 Pants Once the Smart Alecs get it they never stop
2 0 1 0 Hazey Jane For finally getting her Limerick in
2 -1 0 0 Sir Kevin Fourth Limerick
2 0 1 0 Procrastinus Once again asking the question in the nature of the game
2 0 1 1 Hazey Jane For stating things as they are
2 0 -1 0 Quizmaster What "Top 10" thread Papa Smurf?
2 0 -1 0 Anselm The answer is YES, negative points
2 0 -1 0 Hazey Jane No Hazey, you are trying to be TOO clever now
2 0 1 0 Little Miss Methodist A shrewd observation - Have you Limericked yet?
2 0 0 2 Sharkshooter True but the wording will be more important later on
2 2 1 0 Ann For combining the two concurrently running themes
2(adj) 0 3 0 The Rogue For getting his name invisibly past the Quizmaster
2(adj) 0 -5 0 Quizmaster For missing something really quite obvious
3 0 2 2 Carex For demonstrating expertise in the field of Knockout Quizzes
3 0 -1 0 Da_musicman No explanation needed
3 0 1 0 Gladly Bear For including that important word
3 0 -1 0 Pure as Snow No explanation needed
3 0 0 1 Papa Smurf See Pure as Snow
3 0 0 1 Sharkshooter He has played this game before
3 0 0 2 Custard Good advice and clue rather than giveaway
3 2 0 0 jedijudy Excellent self analysis
3 1 2 0 S'more Good poem and good use of single post
3 0 0 0 S'more It would be helpful as all links are
3 0 -1 0 Nutmeg No explanation needed
3 1 0 0 S'more Feel free, I think we need them
3 0 -1 0 Barnabas62 No explanation needed
3 1 0 0 Smudgie Spoken like a teacher
3 1 1 1 S'more The Perfect Post
3 0 0 1 Smudgie Clue for every participant
3 0 -1 0 Dolphy No explanation needed
3 0 0 1 Papa Smurf See Dolphy
3 1 0 0 S'more Brilliant but don't overdo it
3 0 -1 0 Chorister See the OP
3 0 1 0 Footdoc You have no idea how true that is
3 0 1 0 Sharkshooter Quite right Sharky
3 0 -1 0 Chorister No explanation needed
3 0 1 0 Fen Church I may have time to check that
3 1 0 0 Dave the Bass For thinking High Church
3 1 0 0 Annie P Thinking of rhymes now
 

---

Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
Cox's orange pippin

The best apple in the world.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Um, sometimes I preview and still make spelling mistakes, to be perfectly honestly....
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
Might I suggest that competitors also consider what affect their signature lines might have on their entries.

Lack of one may make your post invisible: certainly you wouldn't want someone else to steal your entry, or the Quizmaster to fail to score your post.
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
Might I suggest that competitors also consider what affect their signature lines might have on their entries.

Lack of one may make your post invisible: certainly you wouldn't want someone else to steal your entry, or the Quizmaster to fail to score your post.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:
As a food teacher...

---

Interesting imagery here.

Annie P: Good morning class.
Class of foods: sizzle, sizzle, roast and burn.
Annie P: Class, you are smelling good today but perhaps we need to invite the herb nursery to join us.


 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
There are definitely some Originality points coming your way Dolphy, hopefully before the men in white coats.

TWO REQUESTS RECEIVED:

1) Professorkirke would like to join in as a full member and I will allow him to unless I receive an objection from an existing player. Is he a Superstar? Will he steal your thunder? As it is still ROUND 1 nobody should lose out.

2) Procrastinus has changed to Doublethink and I am happy for him to continue under the new name unless an existing player has an objection.

N.B. At the end of Round 1 once there have been some knockouts there will be no more entries.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
2) Procrastinus has changed to Doublethink and I am happy for him to continue under the new name unless an existing player has an objection.

---

Procrastinus/Doublethink is a female.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
I am eternally grateful for the chance to be thoroughly embarrassed by you all.

Grapples are available anywhere apples and a bucket of grape juice are available, I would assume. How stupid.


-Digory
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:
Grapple (worst idea ever)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
There once was a young man named Thrapple
For whom sitting was rather a grapple
'Til once his friend Pete
Saw what's stuck on his seat:
And said "Dude, you're sat on a pineapple"

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
Might I suggest that competitors also consider what affect their signature lines might have on their entries.

---

Incidentally, for those who are a little hard of reading..... if you're not sure where the scores are being kept yet, then signature lines are extremely important.
 

---

Posted by Tabby.Cat (# 4561) on :
 
I usually manage my five-a-day, eating more vegatables than fruit although I may occasionally bite into a nectarine.
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Don't let Quizmaster fool you. PEA stands for pleasantly edible asparagus. So, Urbanita you might be in trouble.
 

---

Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
Blueberry. The fruit that doesn't get enough respect.

[ 10. September 2005, 00:49: Message edited by: MrSponge2U ]
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
I believe that huckleberry is the same as whortleberry...same fruit different name.
link
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
Horseradish

"Horseradish is a perennial herb and a member of the mustard family, to which cauliflower and Brussels sprout belong. This pungent root grew in Greece more than 3,000 years ago. Medieval people regarded horseradish as an aphrodisiac and claimed it to be the cure for everything. From the Bible, it is known as one of the five "bitter herbs" and is traditionally served at Passover. Folklore also has it that the Indians used horseradish to treat toothaches. Horseradish syrup was taken as a cough medicine."
 

---

Posted by Annie P (# 3453) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by dolphy:
Interesting imagery here.

Annie P: Good morning class.
Class of foods: sizzle, sizzle, roast and burn.
Annie P: Class, you are smelling good today but perhaps we need to invite the herb nursery to join us.

---

Oh you think you're so funny eh?
I wonder what roasted dolphin is like?

On another note - being helpful, the link that Smudgiepoos suggested is well worth a look at, especially if you are new to this game as I am.
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:
Oh you think you're so funny eh?
I wonder what roasted dolphin is like?

---

Very tasty actually. I can pm you a few recipes if you want

quote:

---

Posted by Annie P
On another note - being helpful, the link that Smudgiepoos suggested is well worth a look at, especially if you are new to this game as I am.

---

Ohh, Annie P is being helpful - QM you gotta give her a bonus point for that!

'Smudgiepoos' - surely that deserves a point taken away for mis-quoting a name?

<dolphy, who is now off to look at that link since she is also new to this game! >

<messed up code >

[ 10. September 2005, 14:14: Message edited by: dolphy ]
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by dolphy:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:
Oh you think you're so funny eh?
I wonder what roasted dolphin is like?

---

Very tasty actually. I can pm you a few recipes if you want

---

Just as long as it's tuna-friendly

quote:

---

Posted by Annie P
On another note - being helpful, the link that Smudgiepoos suggested is well worth a look at, especially if you are new to this game as I am.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie about roasted dolphins, recipes and Annie P (in order to get away from having to cope with multiple quotes!) Just as long as it's tuna-friendly

---

As you know, this dolphin is very tuna friendly

And as for Smudgiepoos; well for goodness sakes, are we not adults here? Is this not a serious quiz? I vote all Mummys to be should no longer compete in this game for fear of de-railing not only the thread but the use of proper words!

[ 10. September 2005, 16:11: Message edited by: dolphy ]
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
(was out of edit time, the word reading as Smudgiepoos should have been in quotes, refering to Annie P's comment and not to our dearly beloved penguin)
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by dolphy:
<snip>I vote all Mummys to be should no longer compete in this game for fear of de-railing not only the thread but the use of proper words!

---

So, Sister, dear...I'm exempt because I'm a "Mama", true?
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
as ever, the quick thinking and witty one. Careful that tongue doesn't cut you one of these days
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
And, in order to un-de-rail this thread.

I say Water Melon.
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie:
Smudgiepoos? Smudgiepoos???
(Actually, on consideration, that sounds rather disgusting.... hee hee, like the contents of a baby's nappy when first weaned onto their five fruit and veg!)

---

My baby does very smudgie poos. All squished and smudgied.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
More scatological scattiness from Pants, I see.
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by dolphy:
And, in order to un-de-rail this thread.

I say Water Melon.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by dolphy:
as ever, the quick thinking and witty one. Careful that tongue doesn't cut you one of these days

---

Moi???

The cutting tongue would go with the biting wit which are used to slice and dice these veggies and fruits. Care for some pickle relish with the collard greens, **hint-hint** Sister?
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:
Grapple (worst idea ever)

---

May I please have a star for having (inadvertently) mentioned another player's submission within mine earlier on:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
There once was a young man named Thrapple
For whom sitting was rather a grapple
'Til once his friend Pete
Saw what's stuck on his seat:
And said "Dude, you're sat on a pineapple"

---

?

Hen

---

If you go to the website, it says, "Think Grape-L" which would be a different pronounciation. Just in case you're wondering.
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
Ah, mine had to rhyme.

I went with:
Grapple (gra'pul) 1.A struggle or contest in which the participants attempt to clutch or grip each other.
2.A struggle (usu. for superiority or dominance).

Rather than:
Grapple (gray'pul): A combination between a grape and an apple. It looks and feels exactly like an apple, but tastes like a grape.

But also found:
Operation Grapple was a United Kingdom tri-service exercise leading to the detonation of the first British hydrogen bomb on May 15, 1957!

But, granted, I didn't know the fruit was pronounced like that, so I bow to your superior phoneticism.

Hen
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
But, granted, I didn't know the fruit was pronounced like that, so I bow to your superior phoneticism.

---

Haha, thanks, Hen. I've never been deemed superior by anyone for anything. Perhaps I will send you a peck of grapples for your kindness.

-Digory


[ETA: Oops I think I'm supposed to be letting this post drop to the 2nd page. I'll try that now.]

[ 12. September 2005, 01:26: Message edited by: professorkirke ]
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster, 17th August, when we were doing limericks:
and then the FIRST ROUND will start when, after that time, this thread reaches page 2. ...... So the Smart Alecs now know how to delay the start!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster, 3rd September, when we were doing towns and cities:
I expect round one to start sometime in the next week. I may even break the notion of waiting until this thread is on page two of the circus.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
There has been nothing to say when the next round will start, other than what time of day it will be, according to the general rules posted at the very beginning.

---

Given the lack of recent entries and an attempt at a takeover by the mothers union I think we can say it is all systems go for tonight.
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
an attempt at a takeover by the mothers union

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Given the lack of recent entries and an attempt at a takeover by the mothers union I think we can say it is all systems go for tonight.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chorister:
...this thread must be the richest source of ingredients for their prizewinning Church-fete Vegetable Chutney that they've seen in a long time. Or is that the W.I.?

---

I wonder if we can get a calendar out of this to raise money for the organ fund?

<Great, now I have the immortal phrase in my head: I think we're going to need larger buns!>
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Miss January
Mr Febuary to Miss July
Mr August to Miss November.

Mr. December is far too rude to print here (the W.I. have not recovered from their group swoon) but if you must go searching for it, it is available here under 'Humour'
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Quick Check reveals that those knocked out in ROUND 1 for not entering a fruit or vegetable are :-

Anselm
Churchgeek
Dave the Bass
Dubitante
Esmeralda
Fen Church
Flausa
Foaming Draught
Hinematov
Leetle Masha
Little Miss Methodist
Lurker
Paul Mason
Sir Kevin
Splosh
Welsh Dragon

You are all now free to really ENJOY the competition as ALSO-RANS.

QUALIFIERS for ROUND 2 are :

Ann
Annie P
Auntie Doris
Barnabas62
C#
Carex
Chorister
Christianjimmy
Custard
Da_Musicman
Dolphy
Doublethink
Footdoc
Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear
Gort
Grits
Hazey Jane
Hennah
Jedijudy
Jonah the Whale
Left at the Altar
Marvin the Martian
Moth
MrSponge2U
Nutmeg
Pants
Papa Smurf
Papio
Paul W
Professorkirke
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Quizmaster
R.D.Olivaw
Rugasaw
Sharkshooter
S'More
Smudgie
Tabby.Cat
The Rogue
Tom Day
Urbanita
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ROUND TWO : VOLCANOES

This round has proved popular twice in the past so once again we shall ask you to find a volcano that has erupted recently.

Qualification is dependent upon you choosing a volcano that has erupted more recently than the one chosen by just one other competitor.

Of course, if somebody forgets to post then you are through just by naming a volcano.

N.B. I need a link to the webpage that specifies the date of the last eruption of your chosen volcano.
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
Anatahan, Mariana Islands, Central Pacific Ocean - now see if everyone can get before 9 September 2005
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Kilauea in Hawaii.

I feel safe with this one because to [url=http://this volcano page]www.exn.ca/volcanoes/types.cfm[/url]it never stops erupting.
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Dammit - I was about to go for Anatahan.

To use the site you gave would not be very original, so I'll go for description of the Nyiragongo Volcano on this page on this page which has had an eruption plume detected on 7th September. Size isn't everything

[ 12. September 2005, 21:38: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Barren Island, Andaman Islands, India

What about the same date? Does that count?

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by S'more:
Kilauea in Hawaii.

I feel safe with this one because according to
http://www.exn.ca/volcanoes/types.cfm it never stops erupting.

---

 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
ambrym
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Sorry about my stutter. I was traumatized by a volcano as a child and when I think about them, well, I...I...I...c-c-c-c-c-an't...t-t-t-t-alk.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Colima Volcano in Mexico is currently erupting, apparently, according to this very instructive site.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
(PS... If you'd been in the staffroom this morning when I had a major rant about current educational practice you'd have to agree that the most recent volcano eruption was on the Isle of Wight! )
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
Shiveluch, Kamchatka, Russia. It's status is recorded as ongoing, on this site. I liked the photo up the top of the page of the volcano surrounded by snow.

Mine is concern color orange. I could not find what that meant on that site. It sounded good though, better than some that did not get assigned a concern colour.

ETA I have climbed an active volcano, guning Gede found at this this site. do I get extra points for having been up close and personal?



[ 12. September 2005, 22:08: Message edited by: Nutmeg ]
 

---

Posted by Tabby.Cat (# 4561) on :
 
I will be shamelessly unoriginal and use the same site as almost everyone else to support my claim that Karymsky in Russia is erupting right now.
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tabby.Cat:
I will be shamelessly unoriginal and use the same site as almost everyone else to support my claim that Karymsky in Russia is erupting right now.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
Cleveland, Chuginadak Island, Alaska

---

quote:

---

now see if everyone can get before 9 September 2005

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jonah the Whale:
The only one I've been up was mount Teide on Tenerife. I was quite pleased that it hadn't erupted since 1909.

Ann said:

quote:

---

now see if everyone can get before 9 September 2005

---

Well I managed it, but I don't know that it will do me much good. And I promise I didn't deliberately use the same site as everyone else. I just googled Teide erupt and that's what I got.

---

In the immortal words of Auric Goldfinger:

“Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.”

[ 12. September 2005, 23:20: Message edited by: S'more ]
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Tungurahua in Ecuador is my choice.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
The site I posted has the date. The year is at the top of the page!
 

---

Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
Asama in Japan
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
SHIVELUCH, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
Ahem.. Gort... you should check my post up above.
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
Crud..Nutmeg has that one. OK, how about:

DUKONO Halmahera, Indonesia
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
I'll be boring and go for Etna. Unfortunately, I don't think the various ice volcanoes on Triton are named, nor do we know when they last erupted.
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
Sakura-Jima, in Japan according to this page erupted 3/8/05 and according to halfway down this page errupted 2/9/05
Either way, this is my entry.
And in the intersts of being helpful to everyone else who may be looking for volcanos, Iceland has a number of the active bad-boys...
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Kilauea, Hawaii
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
Pants I obviously have nothing better to do today than police this thread. I think S'more has already selected that one.


(or maybe I am just blatantly trying to get extra brownie points up because I goofed last round.)
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
I wouldn't be much of a Martian if I didn't go for Olympus Mons.

Of course, it's last eruption is estimated to have been about 40 million years ago. But I'm optimistic that someone will forget to post in this round...
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Did you guys SEE my Bumbershoot entry?


Man, I was so proud. What does it take to get noticed around here?
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
Langila.
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
Thanks to Marvin's ancient entry, it is now safe for me to post my favourite volcano, Popocatépetl , Aztec for "smoking mountain", or Popo for short.

This site details its recent activity.

Why do I like it so much ? we use it as a vocal warm up when singing, combined with the phrase "copper-plated-kettle", so those Aztecs must have had really good lip control.
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf: we use it as a vocal warm up when singing, combined with the phrase "copper-plated-kettle.

---

So that's how you Smurfs got your great singing voices!


<ETD: "Where are you Smurf running from?", "From the lava that burnt my bum">

[ 13. September 2005, 15:05: Message edited by: dolphy ]
 

---

Posted by S'more (# 10166) on :
 
Since I obviously need to practice putting in links, here is live footage of Kilauea and here is a cam with a daily update of the activity.

Oh please, oh please, oh please.

In case those don't work, here is another live action volcano:



^
^^^
^^^^^
^^^^^^^
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by christianjimmy:
Sakura-Jima, in Japan according to this page erupted 3/8/05 and according to halfway down this page errupted 2/9/05
Either way, this is my entry.
And in the intersts of being helpful to everyone else who may be looking for volcanos, Iceland has a number of the active bad-boys...

---

oops. sorry, PATDYS, just noticed you posted exactly the same volcano
I therefore put forward as my new entry this one
Grímsvötn volcano
Thank you for your time
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nutmeg:
Pants I obviously have nothing better to do today than police this thread. I think S'more has already selected that one.


(or maybe I am just blatantly trying to get extra brownie points up because I goofed last round.)

---

Arse. That's cos his link didn't work!! Although he has now relinked it properly and drawn a lovely picture, so I shall away to find another.
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
What about this which shows you how vocanoes happen?

And this shows you how to make one.

Pacific Ocean: June 8, 2004 (day before my Birthday)

[piggin code]

[ 13. September 2005, 19:54: Message edited by: Pânts ]
 

---

Posted by footdoc (# 4389) on :
 
This pretty pic shows White Island Crater in New Zealand dated 13th Sept volcano
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
Cleveland, Chuginadak Island, Alaska

---

Psst, rugasaw... it says "there was no evidence of eruptive activity at the volcano" for the Alaska one. Careful now!

-Digory

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
Well, OK, but I've climbed it and peared down into the crater

<Snippety Snip>

Looks like Ruapehu right next door (which I've also climbed)

---

 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
I shall go for Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
Reventador, Ecuador.

First read as Rentador (as in Rent-A-Door), and thought someone had just picked up on an advertising opportunity. But hey, is erupting away. Get your exploding doors here. Or there, rather, seeing as it's in Ecuador. Goodness I waffle on! Jolly good.

Hen
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
This link shows you what to do if you live near a volcano.

This one is about creating one in the comfort of your own home.

And here is a cake.

I'm surprised nobody has yet gone for Krakatoa which erupted famously in Auguist 1983 but is apparently still going (see subsequent volcanism, about three quarters of the way down the page). Perhaps you couldn't find it as it is, in fact, west of Java.
 

---

Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
I'll go for Mount Veniaminof in Alaska. Last eruption: 2004.

Paul W
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Rogue:

I'm surprised nobody has yet gone for Krakatoa which erupted famously in Auguist 1983 but is apparently still going (see subsequent volcanism, about three quarters of the way down the page). Perhaps you couldn't find it as it is, in fact, west of Java.

---

Bum. August 1883.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
By the way does erupting foam, bubbles, and candy count as a volcano?

---

I believe it is a volcano, that erupted, as asked for in the Round 2 rules. Creativity has to count for something, right?
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
Ngauruhoe caught in the act!

Well, OK, but I've climbed it and peared down into the crater, so it seemed like a good choice. Actually it hasn't erupted since 1976.

Looks like Ruapehu right next door (which I've also climbed) is a bit more active at the moment, having erupted in 1996 according to the link above. But I'll leave that for someone else.

---

Admirable, I'm sure! But...

[oneupmanship] Have you descended into the very bowels of a volcano? Yes, my friends, this stalwart fellow defied the fates by climbing approximately 2,000ft down a lava tube into the base of Mount St. Helens (6 years before it erupted). Imagine, if you will, a cave with the appearance of a corrugated intestine, 20ft in diameter, descending at an angle of about 10 degrees. Lava tubes are created by lava traveling beneath the surface of another lava flow and then draining as the surrounding magma cools.

Ever downward we walked, the walls of the cave reflecting the dim yellow light of our flashlights. The stink of sulfur and urine stinging the nose, as we stepped over beer cans and Cheetos bags. Every step we progressed deeper and deeper into the beast as the air grew more hot and foul. Finally, the heat became so oppressive and the walls so close with claustrophobia, that we had to turn back.

When we escaped into daylight, fresh air never tasted so good.

I have walked in the bowels of the monster and lived to tell the tale.

[/oneupmanship]

[ 14. September 2005, 01:09: Message edited by: Gort ]
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
By the way does erupting foam, bubbles, and candy count as a volcano?

---

I believe it is a volcano, that erupted, as asked for in the Round 2 rules. Creativity has to count for something, right?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
we shall ask you to find a volcano that has erupted recently.

Qualification is dependent upon you choosing a volcano that has erupted more recently than the one chosen by just one other competitor.

Of course, if somebody forgets to post then you are through just by naming a volcano.

N.B. I need a link to the webpage that specifies the date of the last eruption of your chosen volcano.

---

quote:

---

Posted by a random ancient preacher:

quote:

---

From Quizmaster:
find a volcano
choosing a volcano
naming a volcano

link to the webpage that specifies the date of the last eruption of your chosen volcano.

---

In fact, the wise quizmaster has provided us with a most excellent allegory of the Most Holy Trinity.

God the Father chooses us before the beginning of time.
God the Son, the Good Shepherd finds us and brings us home.
God the Holy Spirit causes us to be adopted as God's children, so welcoming us into his family and giving us a new name.

He then calls us to go out and make links between Christ and the world.

Praise be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:
It really amuses me that people are still looking for ultra-recent volcanoes. Go nuts! Find some major eruption from Roman times! My brinksmanship has secured space in the next round for anyone in the game who actually reads this between now and the end of the round!

---

True, however on a brinksmanship front, Quizmaster's entry last erupted over 300 million years before yours did.
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
I hadn't noticed that. I'm not sure whether to thank him or curse him ...
 

---

Posted by da_musicman (# 1018) on :
 
Santori. Atlantis circa 1500 BC
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
Don't you mean Santorini, da Musicman?

I've been there! there's no middle to the island!
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
One of the fascinating things on Ruapehu was the snowbanks: in some areas they had holes in them, with a dark rock at the bottom of each. In other places they had pillars of snow sticking up, with a dark rock perched on top.

The difference, of course, was the type of rock. Heavy types of lava absorbed enough heat from the sun that they would melt down into the snow. Lighter types like pumice don't hold or conduct heat very well, so would sit on top of the snow and shade that under them from the sun, so it remained while the rest of the snowbank melted around it.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gort:

[oneupmanship] Have you descended into the very bowels of a volcano? Yes, my friends, this stalwart fellow defied the fates by climbing approximately 2,000ft down a lava tube into the base of Mount St. Helens (6 years before it erupted).
...
I have walked in the bowels of the monster and lived to tell the tale.

[/oneupmanship] [/QB]

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Papio, you have a problem

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Papio, you have a problem

---

I'm now out of this, thanks.

---

Out of where? The volcano or the game?
Please don't go (if it's the game we're talking about). If it's the erruption, then that is a sound thing to do. Don't leave us!

As for me, I'm going for the obvious Mount St Helena as it has been pointed out that it hasn't been picked yet.

Last erruption - 1980. That should do it.

[edit - just scrolled up to see that someone had suggested to go for the volcano which I've picked. Post edited in light of reading said information]

[ 14. September 2005, 19:48: Message edited by: Annie P ]
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Papio, you have a problem

---

I'm now out of this, thanks.

---

Out of where? The volcano or the game?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Annie P:

As for me, I'm going for the obvious Mount St Helena as it has been pointed out that it hasn't been picked yet.

---

Anne, I'm sure that was just an accidental typo in the name of Mount St. Helens. Of course, the town of St. Helens is in a different state, and the town of St. Helena is in yet another.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
The aptly named Novarupta, although it's ratherlike the name 'Newbridge' or 'Newport' - after a few years, it stops seeming so new!
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Doubt the validity of Bumbershoot? It was a volcano that erupted! Haha, I thought it was great, and I'm having a blast, so there.

And from now on, I maintain that I am SUPERIOR to everyone, rather than inferior at all.

-Digory
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
We have enough entries now. Next round will start tomorrow night around this time.
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:
Doubt the validity of Bumbershoot? It was a volcano that erupted! Haha, I thought it was great, and I'm having a blast, so there.

And from now on, I maintain that I am SUPERIOR to everyone, rather than inferior at all.

-Digory

---

I bow to your superior intellect, but only if you send me some of that candy.
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 

quote:

---

As for me, I'm going for the obvious Mount St Helena as it has been pointed out that it hasn't been picked yet.
Last erruption - 1980. That should do it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
We have enough entries now. Next round will start tomorrow night around this time.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:
But he's so masterful, and it's all just so exciting.

---

Stamp collecting will get you everywhere .

No, wait - that was flattery, not philately. Oh well...
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:
High pitched giggle

---

Not quite as high pitched as my sonar squeal. Volcanos have errupted as a result!


<edited to say to Marvin: you could have been more original in your sig, you never mentioned the ashes >

[ 15. September 2005, 13:14: Message edited by: dolphy ]
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pânts:
But he's so masterful, and it's all just so exciting.

High pitched giggle

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by R.D. Olivaw:

quote:

---

As for me, I'm going for the obvious Mount St Helena as it has been pointed out that it hasn't been picked yet.
Last erruption - 1980. That should do it.

---

I believe that your link to Mt. St. Helen's was incorrect...it last erupted, October 2004.
link

---

quote:

---

Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:15 a.m. PDT (1615 UTC)

MOUNT ST. HELENS UPDATE

Current status is Volcano Advisory (Alert Level 2); aviation color code ORANGE: Growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens continues, accompanied by low rates of seismicity, low emissions of steam and volcanic gases, and minor production of ash. During such eruptions, changes in the level of activity can occur over days to months.

---

So eruption can mean general volcanic activity (happening at present), visible releases of steam and/or ash (not uncommon), or explosion (1980). As a matter of interest (especially to those who live in the area), the Cascade volcanos tend to have massive explosions rather than just spewing out red hot lava. (At least in recent geologic history.) Mt. Mazama is a good example - what is left of the mountian is now the home of Crater Lake.
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
Thanks Carex...I brought up the October date because my husband flew over Mt. St. Helens last October and took some really cool pictures of the eruption. And under the definition given in your post my volcano is still "erupting" too.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Only minutes remain--how will I next demolish all of my opponents? Only time can tell...


Er something.
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
professorkirke, are you plotting against us? That's not very sporting. It's only for fun....


...or is it?
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:
[QBIt's only for fun....

...or is it? [/QB]

---

Why? Are you having fun?
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
Perhaps his plot was to spirit the Quizmaster away? The time has come and gone, and no new round! (What's the betting I cross post with the new round, eh? Odds on?)
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster
New rounds will always begin between 22:00 and 24:00 English time. This means early morning for the Australians and Afternoon for the Americans.

---

Confucious say: be paient and re-read the game instructions

[ 15. September 2005, 21:22: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Confucius also say. Preview post, preview post, preview post And buy a dictionary
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
Ah well. Thank you, Confucious, most kind!

If it's much later I'll be in bed, so I won't be able to play until the morning! (I need my beauty sleep, though it's not having any noticeable effect).
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
The time has come (the Walrus said)

Those knocked out for failing to name a volcano:
C#
Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear
Grits
Left at the Altar
Sharkshooter
Tom Day
Urbanita


Those Qualifying for ROUND 3:
Ann
Annie P
Auntie Doris
Barnabas62
Carex
Chorister
Christianjimmy
Custard
Da_Musicman
Dolphy
Doublethink
Footdoc
Gort
Hazey Jane
Hennah
Jedijudy
Jonah the Whale
Marvin the Martian
Moth
MrSponge2U
Nutmeg
Pants
Papa Smurf
Papio
Paul W
Professorkirke
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Quizmaster
R.D.Olivaw
Rugasaw
S'More
Smudgie
Tabby.Cat
The Rogue

Stand by your beds!
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ROUND THREE : CRUISE LINERS

In this round you must name a cruise liner and post a link to a picture of the liner concerned.

The qualifying criterion is as follows:
Along with the name of your liner you should post the Maximum Number of Passengers that the Liner can carry.

If everybody names a ship then the person closest to the average number of passengers will be eliminated (Total of all passengers/Competitors).

Enjoy! - Bonus for letting me know what dates next year I can cruise the Baltic.
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
Holiday
1800
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
Dates include June 29th to July 3rd and July 22nd to July 26th. Start and finish in Helsinki. Ship attractions include Finnish saunas, duty-free shops, a hair salon and a library.

I will go for the MV Eclipse which I hope has so few passengers (48) that I will be well away from the average.
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Legend of the Seas
1800 passengers

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
The QE2, God bless 'er.

Carries 1,791 guests (aka passengers to anyone who's not pretentious ).
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
The Star Princess can take up to 2700 passengers.
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Average so far: 1627.8.
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
That puts you closest then, Marvin. Is anyone going to help you out? Lots of high figures will take the average up towards or beyond 1800, thus endangering Auntie Doris and RD Olivaw. Or is someone going to go for a figure between you and them and earn brinksmanship points. The excitement is so great that I am going to bed.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
The Queen Mary 2: 2,620 passengers.

That's one hell of a lot of deckchairs.....
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
May I submit the ship on which I cruised for my recent "significant" birthday? That would be the Majesty of the Seas. It can hold 2,744 passengers.

It also has a godmother! She's Queen Sonja of Norway.

We had tons of fun and I'm looking forward to the next cruise...hopefully a longer one!
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Luxury Liner Tycoon

72 passengers, but you can clone them in as many different colours as you wish...
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
QM, if you sail May 15, Jun 4 or Jun 14, 2006, on this cruise line, you get a $50 per person ship credit!
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 

quote:

---

That puts you closest then, Marvin. Is anyone going to help you out?

---

It's a good thing that Marvin is a Martian otherwise my participation might violate the first law of robotics.
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow:
Luxury Liner Tycoon

72 passengers, but you can clone them in as many different colours as you wish...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:
professorkirke, are you plotting against us? That's not very sporting. It's only for fun....


...or is it?

---

Only time can tell...
The world may never know...
Disaster could lurk at every turn...
What lies ahead?

And other various mysteriously terrible cliches.
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
MV Grandeur of the Seas, Total passengers: 1,950.
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
The Arkona, with 636 passengers (and 220 crew, but I guess some of these could be replaced by passengers if necessary).

Details from here, and there are some other ones on the same page if anyone wants a hand.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
How about a trip on the Oriana with P&O? Friends of mine who have travelled on her say she's not too bad and if you're not one of the maximum 2272 passengers then you could always stowaway in a lifeboat. (The site is not letting me link directly to the statistics page so you'll have to do another click to get there, I'm afraid)

Let me know what date you're sailing from Southampton and I can always guarantee a wave from the Isle of Wight to speed you on your way!
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
PS... nudge nudge... the site I linked to has a couple more big boats that might come in handy for those seeking nautical inspiration.
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
Join me aboard the Jewel of the Seas , has a capacity of 2,501. I'll be the 2,500 if you'll be the one.

Her 'godmother' is Kathy Mellor - apparently all ship have godmothers (to teach the facts of life etc? sure there's some innuendo there somewhere about docks/berths...?). Though Kathy Mellor was possibly Will Mellor's mum, but is actually USA's teacher of the year 2004. Well well.

Hen x
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
I shall go for the Azur , which is the only ship I have ever cruised upon!

It is the largest ship able to pass through the Corinth canal , which is a very spectacular journey. It can take 720 passengers, as shown here.

I will try to find you some nice Baltic cruises, Quizmaster. I know many of them start from Tilbury, which would once have been very convenient for you, but maybe not so much now! You can stay at my house overnight before you go, if you like. I can't bribe better than that, now can I?
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I shall go for the Carnival Glory, which with 2974 passengers takes the average up to 1750.33333 passengers (maybe one of the female passengers is 3 months pregnant), which puts Marvin's QE2 entry in danger.

I can't believe the QE2 might end up as being average !
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:


Enjoy! - Bonus for letting me know what dates next year I can cruise the Baltic.

---

Why bother being crowded on to a ship with hundreds of other people you don't know, going places you're not sure you'll like ?

Why not buy your own boat, and you can go whenever you like and take only a select group of friends with you.

I think this one might suit - your change from a milion Euro would be enough to hire a 2 man crew for a few months......
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
I shall go way under the average with my entry of RMS St Helena with a maximum number of passengers of 128 (think that'll just about make me safe if the average is up in the thousands!)
As for helping QM in his planned Baltic trip, not much use I'm afraid. South Atlantic only. Still I do recommend it. I lived on St Helena (pronounced Saint Hell-ee-na, fact fans, named after Emperor Constantine's mother, which incidentally also should not be pronounced Hell-en-err) for a while, its an amazing place, and IMHO QM would make a far more interesting trip than the Baltics. (Just for uniqueness at the very least!)

Just doing my bit for St Helenian tourism

[ 16. September 2005, 09:05: Message edited by: christianjimmy ]
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
I can't believe the QE2 might end up as being average !

---

Precisely the irony that prompted me to select her
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:
Precisely the irony that prompted me to select her

---

yes, but most of those big ships are made of steel anyway

(edit for code)

[ 16. September 2005, 15:03: Message edited by: Gremlin ]
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:
Precisely the irony that prompted me to select her

---

yes, but most of those big ships are made of steel anyway

---

:groan:
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Explorer of the Seas because I've cruised on it.

Passenger Capacity: 3,114
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
I like Pants. She is moving the average up again. I want to stay above 1000, or I might be out!
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Extra points for my pics?

And here is the cruise for you QM - it's even currently the FEATURED HOT DEAL!!
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
I would like to suggest a small but personal cruise ship, the Hebridean Spirit , which will take a maximum of 80 guests, and 70 crew. I like that ratio.


The 7 night Majesty of Norway tour departs mid July next year.

Check out the size of these suites. They are bigger than my house.

Note the tartan decor. It is a scottish firm after all.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
By the way, if you fancy a cruise to the Baltic, QM, here's the booking details.

Ship: Oriana
Cruise Code: X607
Departs: 27 May 2006
Duration: 13 Nights
Price: £1269

which includes trips to St Petersburg and Tallinn

[ 16. September 2005, 14:01: Message edited by: Smudgie ]
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Well, would you believe it - this cruise liner took me to a Shrek party!

Strange that....
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
I am surprised no one has mentioned this famous one: Foolish. It's capacity has no limits and at the moment there are over ten thousand passengers. Prices are very reasonable, in fact she only asks a donation every once in a while to keep the organ in good condition. She sails the globe and you can choose your room, your view, even have your own name and picture in her gallery. It's the best ship for making new friends, sometimes even enemies but she will not tolerate time wasters. She also boasts many weddings and parties but beware the hot boiler room!

<ETA: don't be put off by the rowing boat in the picture, this ship is far bigger and stronger!>

[ 16. September 2005, 14:40: Message edited by: dolphy ]
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
I will choose the M/V Taku. (I sailed for several days on the M/V Malaspina, but the photo isn't as good.)

The Taku carries 450 passengers, and has the distinction (at least among the vessels named so far) of officially being both a cruise ship and a State Highway.

I will claim my extra credit by informing Quizmaster what dates he can cruise the Baltic: any dates he wants, but it will have to be on a different ship.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Hey Dolphy, I thought about that, but was concerned it may get the "Like the originality, doubt the validity" vote from Ol' QM.

For what it's worth though, I think it's damn clever.
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
The Seabourn Legend has a maximum of 200 passengers but, unless you pop over to the "Talk like a Pirate" thread and ask some of the reprobates very nicely, the closest you'll get to the Baltic is Acapulco.

I might dig you out a Baltic cruise before the end of the round, but you haven't given much of an indication of how much you can afford, nor how many people you will be treating; you may like the look of the 29th April for £399, but you may find yourself slinging a hammock in the bilges for that little. And, if you're only going to be able to see the condensation on four steel walls and whatever is swimming in the three inches of murky water swirling round your feet, you might as well take a cruise on the Mersey Ferry.

[I get too used to word processors which auto-capitalise sentences for me.]

[ 16. September 2005, 19:57: Message edited by: Ann ]
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
The Galapagos Islands are much nicer than the Baltic or St Helena. Here's the ship for you Quizzy:

Isabela ll is a

quote:

---

1025 ton first class cruise liner, with a capacity of 40 passengers in 21 lower berth, spacious cabins all with outside view. Fully air-conditioned. 24 crew and 3 naturalist guides.

---

quote:

---

Just 49 guests are cared for by around 38 crew as she sails perhaps the most beautiful coastline of northern Europe, Scotland's Western Isles.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:
...

Marvin
Who is still confident that someone will forget to post...

---

quote:

---

Those knocked out for failing to name a volcano:
C#
Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear
Grits
Left at the Altar
Sharkshooter
Tom Day
Urbanita

---

I knew travelling would get me - I only hoped it would be later rather than sooner.

Oh well, as to cruise liners, RMS Titanic. 2,435 passengers.

Moth, does that help?
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Just popping in to remind Quizmaster that, as of today, I am his boss so he's got to be nice to me and award me lots of extra points. In return, I promise not to lock this thread until I have won .
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Chorister.

Congratulations on graduating to pure insanity.

As I understand it a host/hostess HAS TO READ EVERY POST made in their own particular section.

You should be sectioned.

P.S. No problem, you have got this won ... EASY!
 

---

Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chorister:
Just popping in to remind Quizmaster that, as of today, I am his boss so he's got to be nice to me and award me lots of extra points. In return, I promise not to lock this thread until I have won .

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Day:
Ahem. As Circus Hosts we are meant to be impartial and not ask for favours, handouts or anything that could compromise our position. As it happens, the fact that I am married to a contestant in this quiz will not mean that I will edit other posts in order to show her in the best light, not a chance, never...

Tom

---

Cheating is O.K. It's getting caught that results in punishment.
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
And for my Cruise Liner ....

Pride of America pictured here setting off from New York.

Passenger Complement = 2,156
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Just to upset all the hosts by posting three in a row ......

We have enough entries now to move onto the next round tomorrow night.

That's tomorrow afternoon for you Yanks and the following morning for you Aussies.
 

---

Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
...As I understand it a host/hostess HAS TO READ EVERY POST made in their own particular section.
...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:

Oh well, as to cruise liners, RMS Titanic. 2,435 passengers.

Moth, does that help?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moth:

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:

Oh well, as to cruise liners, RMS Titanic. 2,435 passengers.

Moth, does that help?

---

It's most kind of you, Sharkshooter. But does it count if you're an "also ran"?

---

quote:

---

As it happens, the fact that I am married to a contestant in this quiz will not mean that I will edit other posts in order to show her in the best light, not a chance, never...

---

Awww, I bet he's thought about it though. Mind you, he's more likely to be on the look out for opportunity to correct my posts, because I've made a mess of them.

[You mean like this dear ]

[ 19. September 2005, 21:33: Message edited by: Tom Day ]
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Knocked out for failing to name a Liner:
Barnabas62
Da_Musicman
Footdoc
Papio
S'More
Tabby.Cat

Qualifiers for ROUND 4:
Ann
Annie P
Auntie Doris
Carex
Chorister
Christianjimmy
Custard
Dolphy
Doublethink
Gort
Hazey Jane
Hennah
Jedijudy
Jonah the Whale
Marvin the Martian
Moth
MrSponge2U
Nutmeg
Pants
Papa Smurf
Paul W
Professorkirke
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Quizmaster
R.D.Olivaw
Rugasaw
Smudgie
The Rogue

Next round imminent. Sound your horns!
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Beep Beep!
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ROUND FOUR : AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Simply select a Country from the Continent of AFRICA.

If everyone posts a Country then the one to lose out and be eliminated will be the person who chose the largest country in terms of area.

Simply pick a country and tell us all about it.
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
The Gambia.

It is very small, and I once had a boy from there write to me because he saw my name in a newspaper.

They grow groundnuts there, and the capital is Banjul.
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Ghana

The only country apart from the UK to have its capital (Accra) on the Meridian line. I know cos I was part of a Millenium project at school where I was given a penpal from Ghana. Who I wrote to until he hinted that he wanted to come to live with my family so he could study in Europe. The school then intervened!

Languages spoken include English, Twi, Ewe and Dagbani. Population size of 21,029,853. The lyrics to the National anthem can be found here. It is a member of the Commonwealth.

Some famous Ghanaians can be found here. Kofi Annan is among them.

[ 19. September 2005, 22:14: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
Togo

A small country tucked between Ghana and Benin, but because it is long and skinny it goes through 6 distinct climatic regions.

56 785 square km
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Kenya. Not on the Greenwich meridian, but it is on the equator. I was born there. In fact my parents couldn't tell me if I was born in the northern or southern hemisphere. Known for its stunning wildlife and its steeplechasers, but in those days it was better known for its Mau Mau uprising. Main exports: coffee, tea, and athletes.

Jonah.

PS. Can I spoil my entry by snitching on Annie P. Her "ship" is called MV Galápagos Explorer II and not the Marine Iguana. The clue is in the initials MV, which stand for motor vessel, though I have to say that Marine Iguana (which is the name of the tour itinerary) would be a much more colourful name. I realise I'll probably lose points for this, but I'm an uncontrolable pedant sometimes and it gets the better of me. I actually wanted to help her change her entry but was too late. Honest.
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
Benin , which is next to Togo, as it happens. Population a bit smaller than London, area about 1.5 times the size of Scotland.

It was also the site of a powerful 15th century kingdom. I've certainly seen allegations the king briefly enriched himself and sowed the seeds for the destruction of his kingdom by selling a large proportion of the population to slave traders. Not sure how true they were, but seems sad if so.

Was a French colony from 1872 to 1960.

Oh yes, and if you check out the sites people are linking to, you can find useful information about the countries you're talking about.

[ 19. September 2005, 22:48: Message edited by: Custard. ]
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
Mali
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Comoros

"The archipelago of Comoros is situated in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean between the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar. It includes three volcanic islands and numerous coral reefs and uninhabited islets. Mayote, the most southern island, remains a French dependency, although claimed by Comoros."

Population - 646,000
Land area - 2,230 sq km (861 sq miles)

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Hmmm... actually wondering now whether Comoros is actually classed as part of Africa. Guess we shall have to wait for the final judges decision.... *kiss* *kiss* Quizmaster.

Auntie Doris x
 

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Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
Amazingly little information about this country in the Horn of Africa on its official website.

So here is an unoffical one.

I am very impressed that the CIA has a big book of facts - apparently Djibouti has an area 'slightly smaller than Massachusetts', a population of less than half a million and a 'torrid' climate. It also contains the lowest point in Africa - Lac Assal at -155 m sea level.



To summarise; very small, very hot, very strategic.

(I checked out the CIA vision of the UK. Apparently we are 'slightly smaller than Oregon', 'more than one-half of the days are overcast' and our major political pressure groups are 'Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of British Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress'. Also very pleased to hear that we are a 'producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor chemicals; major consumer of Southwest Asian heroin, Latin American cocaine, and synthetic drugs; money-laundering center' - ah, to see ourselves as others see us ...)
 

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Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
oops...Mali is in Western Africa, is slightly less than twice the size of Texas and is completely landlocked. It's where you'll find Timbuktu!
 

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Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Largest Country Sudan, Republic of, republic in north-eastern Africa, the largest
country of the African continent. Sudan has a total area of 2505800 sq km


Evil cackle ah hah ha ha a
 

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Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
I am going to pick Rwanda which is squeezed between Zaire and Tanzania down the bottom bit. It was the subject of a recent movie Hotel Rwanda which was really unspeakable. It is a tiny nation being only 9633 square miles. It is officially a Catholic Nation, major languages are Kinyarwanda and French. The currency is the Rwanda Franc. The population is listed as 7,312,000, which seems a lot for such a tiny country.

I've included a link to a Safari . As with most african countries, you can look at the wildlife while there.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I would like to pick the United Republic of Tanzania , mostly because I think the stone tanzanite is a beautiful gem!

The population of Tanzania is 36,580,000, living on a landmass of 886,040 sq km (342,000 sq miles). The people speak English and Swahili (the official languages) plus local languages. Mt. Kilimanjaro and half of Lake Victoria are in Tanzania...and the climate can be hot, which appeals to this Florida girl!

Sounds like a good place to visit to me.
 

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Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
Cote D'ivoire:

• Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia.
• Total area: 322,460 sq km
• Government type: Republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960.
• Population: 17,298,040
• Climate: Tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
• Terrain: Mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest.
• Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower.
• Infant mortality rate: Total: 90.83 deaths/1,000 live births
• Life expectancy at birth: 48.62 years
• Religions: Christian 20-30%, Muslim 35-40%, indigenous 25-40% (2001)
• Literacy: (age 15 and over can read and write): 50.9%
• Economy: Among the world's largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil.

 

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Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Senegal!

Over 11,000,000 people (wow) live in this Western Africa nation. It's over 196,000 km squared.

A largely Islamic nation, it departed from France's leadership (France gave something up? Weird.) in 1960.

A verse from the national anthem:

Sénégal, comme toi, comme tous nos héros,
Nous serons durs sans haine et des deux bras ouverts.
L'épée, nous la mettrons dans la paix du fourreau,
Car le travail sera notre arme et la parole.
Le Bantou est un frère, et l'Arabe et le Blanc.

Senegal, like you, like all our heroes,
We will be hard without hatred, with open arms.
The sword in peace-time we will store in the scabbard,
As work and words will be our weapon.
The Bantu is a brother, and so is the Arab and the White.
 

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Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
The Republic of Madagascar happens to be the fourth largest Island in the world... even bigger than the Isle of Wight! It's a zoologist's heaven with some amazing wildlife inlcuding my absolutel favourites the ringtailed lemurs... in fact it homes 5% of the world's plant and animal species, 80% of these being unique to Madagascar.

You may be interested to know that Madagascar is one of only two countries in the world that doesn't use a decimal based currency - its currency is in base five.

If you'd like to see some photos of Madagascar, look here while a movie is available here
 

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Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
PS: Auntie Doris, I think we can feel fairly confident of our contributions being part of the continent of Africa, despite being offshore, because the websites we each linked to state as much. And besides, even the Isle of Wight has on its logo "A region of Europe" !
 

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Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I shall choose Burundi , which used to be called Urundi

It's quite small, only just larger than Rwanda, and slightly smaller than Albania. see this list of areas.
THe capital is called Bujumbura,
It has belonged to the Germans, and the Belgians.

It is said to be the poorest country in the world

In 1990, under the name Beats International, Norman Cook, (aka Fatboy Slim) released an album called "Let Them Eat Bingo", which had a song on it called Burundi Blues....

[ 20. September 2005, 08:21: Message edited by: Papa Smurf ]
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Swaziland (it's in a book not on the Web that I found it so I can't link to it!)
 

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Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
For Pants' benefit:
Swaziland
 

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Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Background: Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured the monarchy (one of the oldest on the continent) to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection
Location: Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Geographic coordinates: 26 30 S, 31 30 E
Area: total: 17,363 sq km, land: 17,203 sq km, water: 160 sq km , slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries: total: 535 km, border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km, Coastline: 0 km (landlocked), Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate
Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m, highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Land use: arable land: 10.35%, permanent crops: 0.7%, other: 88.95% (2001)
Irrigated land: 690 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards: drought
Environment - current issues: limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geography - note: landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa Population: 1,173,900
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 40.6% (male 240,643/female 235,895) 15-64 years: 55.6,% (male 327,661/female 325,400), 65 years and over: 3.8% (male 19,273/female 25,028) (2005 est.) Median age: total: 18.72 years, male: 18.53 years, female: 18.92 years (2005 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.25% (2005 est.)
Birth rate: 27.72 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate: 25.26 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female, under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female, 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female, 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 69.27 deaths/1,000 live births, male: 72.51 deaths/1,000 live births, female: 65.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 35.65 years, male: 37.18 years, female: 34.07 years (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.7 children born/woman (2005 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 38.8% (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 20,000 (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 17,000 (2003 est.)
Nationality: noun: Swazi(s), adjective: Swazi
Ethnic groups: African 97%, European 3%
Religions: Zionist (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship) 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish and other 30%
Languages: English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write, total population: 81.6%, male: 82.6%
female: 80.8% (2003 est.)
Government Swaziland Top of Page
Country name:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
conventional short form: Swaziland
Government type:
monarchy; independent member of Commonwealth
Capital:
Mbabane; note - Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital
Administrative divisions:
4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
Independence:
6 September 1968 (from UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 6 September (1968)
Constitution:
a constitution was due to be adopted in November 2003 but was delayed and scheduled for early 2005
Legal system:
based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age
Executive branch:
chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Absolom Themba DLAMINI (since 14 November 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament or Libandla, an advisory body, consists of the Senate (30 seats - 10 appointed by the House of Assembly and 20 appointed by the monarch; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats - 10 appointed by the monarch and 55 elected by popular vote; members serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held 18 October 2003 (next to be held October 2008)
election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a nonparty basis; candidates for election are nominated by the local council of each constituency and for each constituency the three candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are narrowed to a single winner by a second round
Judicial branch:
High Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the monarch
Political parties and leaders:
political parties are banned by the government - the following are considered political associations; Imbokodvo National Movement or INM [leader NA]; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA
International organization participation:
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Madzandza KANYA
chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002
FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Lewis LUCKE
embassy: Central Bank Building, Warner Street, Mbabane
mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane
telephone: [268] 404-6441 through 404-6445
FAX: [268] 404-5959
Flag description:
three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally
Economy Swaziland Top of Page
Economy - overview:
In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies more than 80% of the population. The manufacturing sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain important foreign exchange earners. Mining has declined in importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa from which it receives about nine-tenths of its imports and to which it sends nearly three-quarters of its exports. Customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union and worker remittances from South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income. The government is trying to improve the atmosphere for foreign investment. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2004 because of drought, and more than one-third of the adult population was infected by HIV/AIDS.
GDP:
purchasing power parity - $6.018 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
2.5% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $5,100 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 16.1%
industry: 43.4%
services: 40.5% (2004 est.)
Labor force:
383,200 (2000)
Labor force - by occupation:
NA
Unemployment rate:
34% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line:
40% (1995)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 1%
highest 10%: 50.2% (1995)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
5.4% (2004 est.)
Investment (gross fixed):
23.6% of GDP (2004 est.)
Budget:
revenues: $494.6 million
expenditures: $552.7 million, including capital expenditures of $147 million (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products:
sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep
Industries:
mining (coal, raw asbestos), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textile and apparel
Industrial production growth rate:
3.7% (FY95/96)
Electricity - production:
402 million kWh (2002)
Electricity - consumption:
1.173 billion kWh (2002)
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2002)
Electricity - imports:
799 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2002)
Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:
3,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:
NA
Oil - imports:
NA
Current account balance:
$-82.4 million (2004 est.)
Exports:
$900.1 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Exports - commodities:
soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit
Exports - partners:
South Africa 59.7%, EU 8.8%, US 8.8%, Mozambique 6.2% (2004)
Imports:
$1.14 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Imports - commodities:
motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals
Imports - partners:
South Africa 95.6%, EU 0.9%, Japan 0.9%, Singapore 0.3% (2004)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$320.5 million (2004 est.)
Debt - external:
$320 million (2002 est.)
Economic aid - recipient:
$104 million (2001)
Currency (code):
lilangeni (SZL)
Exchange rates:
emalangeni per US dollar - 6.4597 (2004), 7.5648 (2003), 10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001), 6.9398 (2000)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
Communications Swaziland Top of Page
Telephones - main lines in use:
46,200 (2003)
Telephones - mobile cellular:
88,000 (2003)
Telephone system:
general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced system
domestic: system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay
international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 3, FM 2 plus 4 repeaters, shortwave 3 (2004)
Television broadcast stations:
5 plus 7 relay stations (2004)
Internet country code:
.sz
Internet hosts:
1,401 (2003)
Internet users:
27,000 (2003)
Transportation Swaziland Top of Page
Railways:
total: 301 km
narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2004)
Highways:
total: 3,107 km
paved: NA
unpaved: NA (2000)
Airports:
18 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 17
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 10 (2004 est.)
Military Swaziland Top of Page
Military branches:
Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force (includes Air Wing), Royal Swaziland Police Force (RSPF) (2005)
Military manpower - military age and obligation:
18 years of age for voluntary military service; both sexes are eligible for military service (2005)
Military manpower - availability:
males age 18-49: 248,676 (2005 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 18-49: 98,530 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$40.5 million (2004)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
1.4% (2004)
Transnational Issues Swaziland Top of Page
Disputes - international:
none
 

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Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
Sheeeeesh Pants! Do you think you put enough information in there?!

I was actually gonna use Swaziland, (a lovely place to go btw people - this quiz is great, gives me a chance to boast about all the fun places I've been to!) but now will have to go for Lesotho which is quite small, so I'm feeling quite good about not getting knocked out.
 

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Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Hands up all those who wish to award PANTS the accolade of ......

"MOST INTERESTING POST TO DATE"

VOTES should be either

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
 

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Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
Well I think she deserves just for the sheer time taken to type all that out ( )and for the fact that she looked it up in a good ol fashioned book.
 

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Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
definitely a

Auntie Doris x
 

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Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Nutmeg:
Well I think she deserves just for the sheer time taken to type all that out ( )and for the fact that she looked it up in a good ol fashioned book.

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Two words - copy/paste.

My vote is
 

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Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
And now for my entry: Egypt.

Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago, historically. Egypt is probably one of the oldest vacation spots. Early Greeks, Romans and others went there just for fun, and to see the wonders of some of mankind's earliest triumphs. But Egypt is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red Sea scuba diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels and five star restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats, a night at the grand opera and it is a cultural experience like none you have ever experienced. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual beauty and excitement.

Also, my parents have been there twice, and didn't take me on either occasion, the gits
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
My vote for Pants as I was showing D-U her post:


Then as I got tired of reading facts and figures:

 

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Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
I shall explore the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.


The capital, Tripoli, was founded in the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians, but was subsequently taken over by the Cyrenaicans, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Spanish, the Knights of St John, the Ottomans (again), someone called Ahmed Karamanli, the Ottomans for a third time, the Italians, the British and finally gained independance in 1951.

The country's land area is 1.76million square kilometers of which 1% is arable. Six other countries share borders with Libya.

There are 57 million search results for Libya on Google.

Nine different languages are spoken in the country.

The mathematician theodorus was born there in 465BC who worked on the irrationality of some square roots.

Today the temperature at Tripoli International Airport is 82F.

Of the 104 nations visited by Pope John Paul II, none of them was Libya.
 

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Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
My choice for African country: Lesotho:

Lesotho is enclosed by South Africa.

(Geography - note: landlocked; surrounded by South Africa; mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 meters above sea level; only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters. Lesotho is one of only three states surrounded entirely by another; the other two are San Marino and Vatican City, in Italy.)


Three distinct geographical regions, demarcated by ascending altitude, expend approximately north-south through the country. The western quarter of the country, a plateau averaging 5,000 to 6,000 ft, ranges from a thin strip of 6 miles in width to a zone 40 miles wide. The soil of this zone is derive from sandstone and, particularly in the western most region, is poor and badly eroded.

The reminder of the country is highland. A zone of rolling foothills, ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 ft, forms the border between the lowlands and the mountains in the east. The Maluti Mountains, spurs of the Drakensberg range, extend north and south. They form a high plateau from 9,000 to 10,000 ft in height. The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana (11,425ft) in the east. The rich volcanic soils of the foothills and mountains are some of the best in the country.

The sources of two of the principal rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Thukela, are in these mountains. Tributaries of the Caledon River, which forms the country's western border, also rise here.

CLIMATE

Temperatures vary widely from one geographical zone to another, and frequently within zones, depending on the altitude. In the lowlands, temperatures reach 32C° (90°F) or more in the summer and rarely fall below -6.6°C (20°F) in the winter. The range in the highlands is greater; temperatures can fall below -18°C (0°F) and frost and hail are frequent hazards. Rainfall is mostly concentrated in the months from October to April and the hottest months are January and February. Snows occurs in the highlands between May and September. Lesotho experiences a great deal of sunshine.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Most nationals of Commonwealth countries do not require visa, apart from Australia, Canada, Ghana, New Zealand, Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Namibia. Nationals from Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Norway, San Marino, Sweden and South Africa do not require visas. All others are required to have a visa to enter the country.

Full passports are required by all.

If travelling to Lesotho from South Africa, you require a multiple-entry visa to re-enter into South Africa.

It is advisable to check for the latest visa requirement information with the Lesotho representative in your country.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONEY

Official Currency: 1 Loti=100 lisente


Lesotho is part of the Rand Monetary Area and the South African Rand is accepted as legal currency.

Travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. along with most of the major credit cards are widely accepted. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency

Banks In Lesotho:

Central Bank of Lesotho


BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:
Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) 0830-1500 Wednesday: 0830-1300 Saturday: 0830-1100

Shops:
Monday to Friday: 0800-1700 Saturday: 0800-1200

Government Offices:
Monday to Friday: 0800-1245 and 1400-1630


LOCAL TIME

Lesotho is two hours ahead of GMT


TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:
Lesotho Airways has daily flights to and from Johannesburg International Airport which takes approximately one hour, ten minutes. Lesotho Airways also provides connections to some of the main towns.

Rail:
The South African Railway systems links into Lesotho from Maseru to Marseille on the Bloemfontein/Natal main line.

Public Transport:
Generally well served by privately owned buses and smaller passenger vehicles particularly between major centres. Some unsealed roads become impassable during the rainy season.


Self Drive / Hire Cars:


The main road running from north to western and southern borders is sealed and passable throughout the year. All other minor roads can be impassable during the rains.

Driving is on the Left hand side and driving licences issued in most countries are valid for a period of up to six month, provided that they are printed in English or are accompanied by a certified translation. International Licences are recognised.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January New Years Day
11th March Moshoeshoe's Day
4th April Hero's Day
1st May Worker's Day
17th July King's Birthday
4th October Independence Day
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day
Variable Holidays include: Good Friday, Easter Monday and Ascension Day

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
"South African" Plug - view



TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Lesotho, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

History

After many years as a British protectorate, Lesotho gained full independence from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966. In January 1970 the ruling Basotho National Party (BNP) appeared set to lose the first post-independence general elections when Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan annulled the election. He refused to cede power to the Basotho Congress Party (BCP) and imprisoned its leadership.

The BNP ruled by decree until January 1986 when a military coup forced them out of office. The Military Council that came into power granted executive powers to King Moshoeshoe II, who was until then a ceremonial monarch. In 1987, however, the King was forced into exile after a falling out with the army. His son was installed as King Letsie III.

The chairman of the military junta, Major General Justin Metsing Lekhanya, was ousted in 1991 and then replaced by Major General Elias Phisoana Ramaema, who handed over power to a democratically elected government of the BCP in 1993. Moshoeshoe II returned from exile in 1992 as an ordinary citizen. After the return to democratic government, King Letsie III tried unsuccessfully to persuade the BCP government to reinstate his father (Moshoeshoe II) as head of state. In August 1994, Letsie III staged a coup which was backed by the military and deposed the BCP government. The new government did not receive full international recognition. Member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) engaged in negotiations aimed at the reinstatement of the BCP government. One of the conditions put forward by the King for the return of the BCP government was that his father should be re-installed as head of state. After protracted negotiations, the BCP government was reinstated and the King abdicated in favor of his father in 1995, but Moshoeshoe II died in a car accident in 1996 and was again succeeded by his son, Letsie III. The ruling BCP split over leadership disputes in 1997.

Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle formed a new party, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), and was followed by a majority of Members of Parliament, which enabled him to form a new government. The LCD won the general elections in 1998 under the leadership of Pakalitha Mosisili, who had succeeded Mokhehle as party leader. Despite the elections being pronounced free and fair by local and international observers and a subsequent special commission appointed by SADC, the opposition political parties rejected the results.

Opposition protests in the country intensified, culminating in a peaceful demonstration outside the royal palace in August 1998. Exact details of what followed are much disputed, but in September a SADC task force operating on orders of unclear provenance entered the capitol city. While the Botswanan troops were welcomed, tensions with white Afrikaaner South African troops were high, and sporadic rioting intensified when the Afrikaaners ran up a South African flag at the royal palace. Numerous units of Lesotho's armed services mutinied. By the time the SADC forces withdrew in May of 1999, much of Maseru lay in ruins, and the southern provincial capitol towns of Mafeteng and Mohales Hoek had seen the loss of over a third of their commercial real estate.

An Interim Political Authority (IPA), charged with reviewing the electoral structure in the country, was created in December 1998. The IPA devised a proportional electoral system to ensure that there be opposition in the National Assembly. The new system retained the existing 80 elected Assembly seats, but added 40 seats to be filled on a proportional basis. Elections were held under this new system in May 2002, and the LCD won again. For the first time, however, opposition political parties won significant numbers of seats, and despite some irregularities and threats of violence from Major General Lekhanya, Lesotho experienced its first peaceful election. Nine opposition parties now hold all 40 of the proportional seats, with the BNP having the largest share (21). The LCD has 79 of the 80 constituency-based seats. Although its elected members participate in the National Assembly, the BNP has launched several legal challenges to the elections, including a recount; none has been successful.


Area:
total: 30,355 km² (137th in the world)

Natural resources: water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other minerals

Land use:
arable land: 10.71%


Population
- Total (2004)1,861,959 (143rd in the world)


National anthem
- Lesotho Fatse La Bontat'a Rona
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
For the assistance of the geographically challenged:

Countries in Africa

Auntie Doris, Comoros is indeed included
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:
Auntie Doris, Comoros is indeed included

---

Hurrah, hurrah!!!

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I would award a to Pânts, and a to sharkshooter for doing something similar.
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
And also to sharkshooter a is surely deserved! Partly for plagiarism of Pants idea, and partly for... well... y'know.... plagiarism.

[Hint: try scrolling up, and looking at previous entries...]
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
I would hesitate to accuse Pants or Sharkshooter of being boring, on the grounds that they have obviously done their research and written it up in their own words. I think there's far too much poppy-cropping in society today where the industrious are berated rather than praised for their achievements. At least I think it was poppy-cropping their posts reminded me of, I know it started with "poppy.. "

However, I would like to point out another interesting fact about Madagascar. Not only is it home to the deadliest carnivore, the fossa (Half mongoose, half clouded leopard), but it's also the only African country which has no other vowel apart from "a".
 

---

Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
christianjimmy and Papa Smurf,

How would you define "tell us all about it"?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
...
Simply pick a country and tell us all about it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by sharkshooter:
christianjimmy and Papa Smurf,

How would you define "tell us all about it"?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
...
I understood it as
"tell all of us about it" and not "tell us everything about it" which seems to have been your attempt......
...

---

To each his/her own. We try to do our best.
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
The Republic of Botswana, formerley the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland - described very sympathetically by Alexander McCall Smith in The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Sharkshooter-

I believe you may have missed ChristianJimmy's point....

See here.

-Digory
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Erm... actually... um... what I said in my first post was true, but didn't relate to my second post.

I got my country from my Atlas (ie a real book!) as I said in that post. But I then re-read QM's post about what we were supposed to be doing and saw that we were supposed to give info too, and found a website with the info and copied and pasted it (editing the first bit very slightly).

Sorry to have given the wrong impression.

And also sorry if I gave too much info.
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie:
However, I would like to point out another interesting fact about Madagascar. Not only is it home to the deadliest carnivore, the fossa (Half mongoose, half clouded leopard), but it's also the only African country which has no other vowel apart from "a".

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:
Sharkshooter-

I believe you may have missed ChristianJimmy's point....

See here.

-Digory

---

Touché

And I echo Papa Smurfs interpretation of the instructions. Pedantic maybe but technically you gotta admit it has merit.

But to keep you happy here is a fact. It is the only country on the african continent apart from the Gambia which shares a border with only one country.
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
Eritrea

Borders the Red Sea, was part of Ethiopia, then wasn't, then was again, and now isn't. For now, but may not last long seeing as it pinched all of Ethiopias's coastline when it was annexed. And seeing as the Red Sea is a rather zippy shipping lane, that seems a little bit unfair. The whole situation is still unstable.

Its only media are state-owned, so even if there was any news, it may not be entirely reliable.

And finally... Its internet suffix is .er , which seems quite appropriate considering its ongoing state of uncertainty.

Interesting place.

Hen
 

---

Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
Malawi , for no other reason than that I've been there. It's a beautiful country, and the people are very friendly. Lake Malawi is the third biggest lake in Africa in terms of area, and the biggest in terms of volume. If I get my photos online before the next round starts, I'll post a link.

Paul W
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Niger is well-known in the news at the moment because it is one of Africa's poorest countries. Slavery was only made illegal there last year!

Here is the map, flag and facts.

(Several people's links are coming up saying 'Forbidden' - is anyone else getting that message? Let's hope the Quizmaster can read your info.)

[ 20. September 2005, 19:57: Message edited by: Chorister ]
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Here is mine Sao Tome and Principe . Two small Islands west of Gabon. If you want the whole sha-bang-bang ala Pants and Sharkshooter click on the link.
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Custard.:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie:
However, I would like to point out another interesting fact about Madagascar. Not only is it home to the deadliest carnivore, the fossa (Half mongoose, half clouded leopard), but it's also the only African country which has no other vowel apart from "a".

---

One word - Chad

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Custard.:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Smudgie:
However, I would like to point out another interesting fact about Madagascar. Not only is it home to the deadliest carnivore, the fossa (Half mongoose, half clouded leopard), but it's also the only African country which has no other vowel apart from "a".

---

One word - Chad

---

I sit corrected. I had intended to include the word "polysyllabic" in my sentence and then, forgetting Chad, I didn't bother. I am ashamed of myself for forgetting Chad

---

There's Ghana as well Smudgie

(Teachers always like to point out mistakes other teachers make...)
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Now that's just pedantic.


*Mental note to self: cross Tom Day off Christmas list
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Oooooh! I love a bit of Smudgie baiting!


The Quizmastorial entry for this round is .....

NIGERIA

All about Nigeria you will find Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

For those who are struggling check out this here MAP.

AND

We have enough entries quickly enough to be able to go for the next round in 24 hours time. Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow - You have to hope somebody forgets to post.
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Quizmaster,

I have emailed you a picture of fifty quid.
Hope that suffices.
can email more if you wish (or greenbacks)

Regards,

Yellow Snow
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
I hope the next round takes awhile. It maybe awhile before I can post again. Taking a forced vacation away from the coast.
 

---

Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
I'll pick Tunisia

quote:

---

An ideal climate, a long and gentle seacoast, Tunisia, the northernmost country of Africa has for over 3000 years witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. They came as fugitive s or adventurers, to conquer or to claim, warriors and missionaries, traders and farmers each leaving a part of their story in stone or mosaics, on hills of Carthage and the threshold of the Sahara.

---

Another link here

Also, part of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was shot here. Not sure whether that's something to be proud of or not.
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Simply pick a country and tell us all about it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Custard.:
Personally, if I were to tell anyone "all about" Benin, it would need to include the position and momentum wavefunctions for every particle in Benin and their interactions with every other particle in the universe.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
All about Nigeria you will find Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

---

Well I got the joke, anyway
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
All about Nigeria you will find Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

---

Well I got the joke, anyway

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
All about Nigeria you will find Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

---

Well I got the joke, anyway

---

So did I, but I decided not to go for sycophantic points by pointing it out to everyone.

QM - for rounds like this where there are a finite number of possible entries, what are the rules regarding also rans posting thier choices before all the main contestants have posted?

I don't know if it is anything to worry about for this round, but it would be good to know for the future, for anyone who wants to still run along after being knocked out...
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
I decided not to go for sycophantic points by pointing it out to everyone.

---

I've already been knocked out. Oh, what a shame.
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
(due to family circumstances I have to resign from the game).
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
QM - for rounds like this where there are a finite number of possible entries, what are the rules regarding also rans posting thier choices before all the main contestants have posted?

I don't know if it is anything to worry about for this round, but it would be good to know for the future, for anyone who wants to still run along after being knocked out...

---

Ah! The divine pleasure of the Also-Rans.

The rules are stricter on the contestants than on the Also Rans. If an Also-Ran posts, then that choice is denied to the contestants. If a contestant posts then Also Rans can do what they want, they just lose SMART ALEC points for duplication (Sharkshooter!? ).

We could get a contestant eliminated if all the Also-Rans post. Now that would be worth watching.

In certain limited circumstances I shall announce that Also-Ran nominations do not count. In those cases contestants may post a choice made by an Also-Ran but not a choice made by another contestant.

Anyone compiling a rule book - This should be about Page 5, Paragraph 7, Section A, Subsection IX.
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Ok, it's probably just me being dim (I'm not with it at the mo), but wtf is an 'also ran'?
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
The game is open to everyone.

Only a Qualifier or Contestant can win it.

Anyone else who posts shall be deemed an "Also-Ran".

(clarification iii, addendum MMV.IX.XXII)
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
Should they be called "also running" while the competition is going?
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Thank you
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Knocked out for failing to name a Country:
Annie P
Dolphy

Qualifiers for ROUND 5:
Ann
Auntie Doris
Carex
Chorister
Christianjimmy
Custard
Doublethink
Gort
Hazey Jane
Hennah
Jedijudy
Jonah the Whale
Marvin the Martian
Moth
MrSponge2U
Nutmeg
Pants
Papa Smurf
Paul W
Professorkirke
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Quizmaster
R.D.Olivaw
Rugasaw
Smudgie
The Rogue

Now - thinks - Is it time for a special round?
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ROUND FIVE : BRITISH FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

For this round you have to pick five teams and you then hope that these teams score more goals than the teams selected by other contestants.

You must pick one team from the Barclays Premiership, one team from the Coca Cola Championship, one team from Coca Cola League One, one team from Coca Cola League Two and one team from the Bank of Scotland Scottish Premier League.

You can pick the same teams as others but your combination must be unique.

The person (or persons) to be eliminated will be those whose teams score the fewest goals between them this coming weekend. Monday night counts as part of the weekend.

Entries must be posted by Midnight on Friday.

[edited to change title of round to make everyone happy ]

[ 22. September 2005, 06:26: Message edited by: Tom Day ]
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
Premiership - Chelsea
Championship - Leeds United
League One - Swansea
League Two - Wycombe
Scottish Premier - Kilmarnock

Does Friday count as part of the weekend?
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
You must pick one team from the Barclays Premiership : Chelsea (Because I like the name!)

one team from the Coca Cola Championship Saints - Southampton (Well, I couldn't not, could I?)

one team from Coca Cola League One, Swansea (in honour of my sister)

one team from Coca Cola League Two Cheltenham Town (In honour of Dolphy)

and one team from the Bank of Scotland Scottish Premier League. Celtic (in honour of my big brother)

This website might come in useful for teams in leagues and for current statistics, if you're going to be boring and choose on the basis of likelihood of winning. Rather useful site for this challenge

Where's the Isle of Wight team? That's what I want to know. Come on you yellows!

[ 21. September 2005, 21:31: Message edited by: Smudgie ]
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
Barclays Premiership: Liverpool (how's that for brinksmanship??)
Championship: Wolves (technically Wolverhampton Wanderers for the benefit of any trans-pond-ers)
League One: Blackpool
League Two: Macclesfield Town
SPL: Hearts (Heart of Midlothian)

League tables are also visible via the links on the left of this page.
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
Premiership Team : Arsenal
Championship Team : Sheffield Utd
League 1 Team : Swansea
League 2 Team : Grimsby
Scottish Premier Team: Kilmarnock (my home team)

Incidentally, why have you called this the English football round, when you are involving 1 Scottish League, and other leagues which include Welsh Teams ?

 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I am soooo going to be out in this round!!!

Barclays Premiership - Arsenal
Coca Cola Championship - Luton Town
Coca Cola League 1 - Milton Keynes Dons
Coca Cola League 2 - Torquay United
Bank of Scotland Premier League - Rangers

Bring on relegation!!!

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
BP: Aston Villa
CCC: Plymouth Argyle
CCL1: Yeovil
CCL2: Torquay United
SPL: Dundee United

And may the goalies of the opposing teams wake up with butter on their fingers.
 

---

Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
Bah, football. Don't know a thing about it. A goal is when they kick the ball into the net isn't it?

BP: Liverpool
CCC: Sheffield Utd
CCL1: Swansea City
CCL2: Rochdale
SPL: Celtic

Paul W
 

---

Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
Barclays Premiership - Chelsea
Coca Cola Championship - Watford
Coca Cola League 1 - Swansea
Coca Cola League 2 - Chester
Bank of Scotland Premier League - Hearts
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Barclays Premiership-Newcastle United

Coca Cola Championship-Coventry City

Coca Cola League One-Nottingham Forest

Coca Cola League Two-Lincoln City

Bank of Scotland Scottish Premier League-Inverness CT

Y'all know, of course, that these are pure guesses based on me liking the sounds of the names of the teams. I don't even know anything about American football.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
O great and wise Quizmaster, remember when once-upon-a-time we were allowed to team up for the knockout quiz? I was wondering...could I have my Sister Dolphy as my partner-in-quizziness, since with her family concerns she can't put the time into a proper quiz commitment?

Anxiously awaiting your reply.
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
Premiership: Manchester United
Championship: Reading
League One: Huddersfield
League Two: Carlisle
Scottish Premier: Rangers

[What? You play football over there?]
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Premiership: Manchester United
Championship: Reading
League One: Huddersfield
League Two: Carlisle
Scottish Premier: Dundee United

Please give a bonus point to Gort and Chorister who I have shamelessly ripped off knowing nothing about football. However, happy to chew your ear off about aussie rules if desired.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Premiership: Man U (boo... go Liverpool)
Championship: Watford
League One: Brentford
League Two: Grimsby
Scottish Premier: Celtic

Going for the win means laying aside your emotion.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Papa Smurf,

I'd venture to guess that QM labeled the round "English Football" to designate it from American Football for all of us Yanks who think football is played with a brown, pointy ball.

-Digory
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
Premiership: West Ham
Championship: Hull City
League 1: Hartlepool United
League 2: Northampton
Scottish: Hibernian

Hen x
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:
Papa Smurf,

I'd venture to guess that QM labeled the round "English Football" to designate it from American Football for all of us Yanks who think football is played with a brown, pointy ball.

-Digory

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Day:
Done - (can I get reinstated for that helpful act of kindness QM?)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
O great and wise Quizmaster, remember when once-upon-a-time we were allowed to team up for the knockout quiz? I was wondering...could I have my Sister Dolphy as my partner-in-quizziness, since with her family concerns she can't put the time into a proper quiz commitment?

Anxiously awaiting your reply.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
Premiership: West Ham
Championship: Hull City
League 1: Hartlepool United
League 2: Northampton
Scottish: Hibernian

Hen x

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:

I just forgot that the Scottish are very sensitive. I think it is due to the cold climate.

---

I know You'd think the harsher weather would make our skin thicker, but no
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Premiership: Middlesbrough (cos my friend comes from there)
Championship: Leeds United (cos Socks supports them)
League 1: Swansea City (cos Mum lives there)
League 2: Cheltenham Town (cos I sort of live there)
Scottish: Rangers (cos I think Alan and Flausa live there (ok, I was struggling to find one for this!!))
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
Premiership: Charlton
Championship: Southampton
League 1: Brentford
League 2: Grimsby
Scottish Premier: Kilmarnock

Think thats a fairly left-field combination. That'll keep the other real football fans trying to work out why I chose those teams.

[Helpful Hint for all] As deadline for entries is midnight on friday, would guess that QM in his wonderful munificent wisdom won't count games played on friday evening as part of the round. So to those of you who chose Luton (Auntie Doris) please note that their match this weekend kicks off at 19:45 GMT on friday and so you might want to think again about picking them. I say this cos I'd just been about to chose them as my championship nomination. Dangnabbit.[/Helpful Hint for all]
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I'm guessing that's why the Rogue asked:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Rogue:

Does Friday count as part of the weekend?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
I am soooo going to be out in this round!!!

Barclays Premiership - Arsenal
Coca Cola Championship - Luton Town
Coca Cola League 1 - Milton Keynes Dons
Coca Cola League 2 - Torquay United
Bank of Scotland Premier League - Rangers

Bring on relegation!!!

Auntie Doris x

---

Ok then... bearing in mine the last helpful hint... please can I amend my

Cocal Cola Championship entry to Queens Park Rangers

Is this possible?

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Barclays Premiership - Charlton Athletic
Coca Cola Championship - Watford
Coca Cola League 1 - Bournemouth
Coca Cola League 2 - Grimsby Town
Bank of Scotland Premier League - Falkirk
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I was about to applaud various people for having chosen my home team, Kilmarnock, and I hope they are rewarded for their faith.

Then Hazey Jane went and picked their opponents for this week.


[ 22. September 2005, 11:26: Message edited by: Papa Smurf ]
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
May the best team win
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Premiership - Chelsea
Championship - Sheffield United
League 1 - Barnsley
League 2 - Rochdale
Scot Prem - Celtic
 

---

Posted by R.D. Olivaw (# 9990) on :
 
A million thanks to whoever provided the BBC link...
I am woefully (hangs head) ignorant in these matters....

Chelsea
Leeds United
Huddersfield
Wycombe
Hearts
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Blackburn Rovers
Burnley
Blackpool
Bury
Aberdeen

I'm afraid Aberdeen doesn't fit my two of my three themes, but they are due to play Livingston who have conceded 18 already this season.
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning.

Reading Writing and Arithmetic

With my little stick of Blackpool Rock

In a place you'll have 'eard of, called Bury,
You know, where black puddings is made.

The king sits in Dunfermline Town,
Drinking the blude-red wine;
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by R.D. Olivaw:
A million thanks to whoever provided the BBC link...

---

No worries at all. I try to be helpful...
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
Hmmm... just lists of words to me, though some of them do sound like they could be town names I guess. A couple of them sound like towns nearby, so I'll choose those and some others that sound interesting. But what they actually DO, or what it has to do with banks or soft drinks, isn't clear. And if I choose names near the bottom of the lists, there appears to be much less chance that I will duplicate teams with one of the other entrants...

Charlton
Hull
Yeovil
Lincoln City
Falkirk

I will presume that the midnight deadline is Quizmaster's local time, otherwise the Fijians would have to choose before the Friday games are finished, while the Hawaiians could read the Saturday morning news before having to post.
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
I will presume that the midnight deadline is Quizmaster's local time, otherwise the Fijians would have to choose before the Friday games are finished, while the Hawaiians could read the Saturday morning news before having to post.

---

Any times specified are SHIP'S TIMES.

I am pretty sure the ship runs on G&T..... I mean GMT.
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quizmaster:
Any times specified are SHIP'S TIMES.

I am pretty sure the ship runs on G&T..... I mean GMT.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
Charlton

---

An excellent choice. Doing nearly as well as Chealsea and at only a fraction of the cost.

No doubt they'll lose their last dozen matches of thes season, though, as ever.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
How kind, PDYS, to acknowledge your sources.

Royalties payable to my offshore bank account, please.
 

---

Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
Charlton

---

An excellent choice. Doing nearly as well as Chealsea and at only a fraction of the cost.

No doubt they'll lose their last dozen matches of thes season, though, as ever.

---

Have we got another Charlton fan on board?

Yay!!!

Tom - a lost Charlton fan in the North East...
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
I have to confess that I've never actually set foot in the Valley and that most of my interest in the Addicks developed as a means of conversing with my male housemates about their teams. It's amazing how much knowledge you can appear to possess by a few well chosen remarks But yes, if I root for anyone, it's Charlton. Reckon they'll make it into Europe this year?
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chorister:
How kind, PDYS, to acknowledge your sources.

Royalties payable to my offshore bank account, please.

---

I've emailed you a picture of fifty quid too.
 

---

Posted by Nutmeg (# 5297) on :
 
Oh lordy , I have no chance this time.

Thanks Smudgie, without your link I would not even know the names of the teams playing.

QM give her points pls.

Premiership : Manchester United (MU gent is an anagram of my name you know ).

Coca Cola Premiership: Sheffield United

Coca Cola League One: Swansea

Coca Cola League Two: Northampton Town

Scottish Premier: Celtic.

May the best teams win.
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
QM Chooses his choices by opting for:

Barclays Premiership - Everton
Coca Cola Championship - Norwich City
Coca Cola League 1 - Chesterfield
Coca Cola League 2 - Bristol Rovers
Bank of Scotland Premier League - Aberdeeen

Now whoever loses should not feel bad as it is all entirely down to luck ......... although ...

There are a few left still to post.
 

---

Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:
But yes, if I root for anyone, it's Charlton. Reckon they'll make it into Europe this year?

---

Yes, but I think if we are going to continue this conversation we need to do it in the correct thread, else a host will tell us off

Tom
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
On the advice of BC, football manager (virtual) extraordinaire, I choose:

Premiership : Middlesborough
Championship : Sheffield United
League 1:Scunthorpe
League 2:Grimsby Town
SPL:Celtic

As BC is a Spurs fan, his choice of Grimsby shows a fine and generous spirit! Apparently, if they can get past Paul Robinson, they are on good scoring form.

Here end the nominations from the Moth household!
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Premiership - Chelsea
Championship - Leeds United
Coca Cola League One - Nottingham Forest
Coca Cola League 2 - Torquay United
Scottish Premier – Celtic

Not creative but I don't know British football very well and I am not sure how much time I have to be online right now.
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
For those of you who are desperate to know how your teams get on, info can be found here. For those unacquainted with UK football, most of the Saturday matches will be complete by around 5pm UK time.

[ 24. September 2005, 10:20: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 

---

Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
Damn, missed the cut-off. Can't do football anyway

Resigns
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Knocked out for failing to select five teams:
Doublethink

That saves all the complicated addition!

Qualifiers for ROUND 6:
Ann
Auntie Doris
Carex
Chorister
Christianjimmy
Custard
Gort
Hazey Jane
Hennah
Jedijudy
Jonah the Whale
Marvin the Martian
Moth
MrSponge2U
Nutmeg
Pants
Papa Smurf
Paul W
Professorkirke
Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow
Quizmaster
R.D.Olivaw
Rugasaw
Smudgie
The Rogue

So - Can I think up something special again or shall we be normal in round 6?

Hmmmmmmm ...
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Normal please.
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I've just tried to get into the Mad Tour Forum site, which I know is frequented by a lot of people doing the quiz

the site flached up briefly, then it all went black, and the page title turned into:
Hacked by Tayyar, for Turkiye ! so it might be best to stay away for a while until it gets fixed. I've tried to PM Amorya but is PM box is full.
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
I got that too - flashed several odd pages with the same message so shut everything down sharpish! Hope computer is ok...
 

---

Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
I got that too - flashed several odd pages with the same message so shut everything down sharpish! Hope computer is ok...

---

Amorya has now taken the tour site down to fix it.

I'm sure that when it is back online someone will post saying it is back.

Tom
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Bizarre. I got the 'hacked' title and thought it was rather strange. But the site ran ok. Maybe I ought to run a virus check on my 'puter!
 

---

Posted by Annie P (# 3453) on :
 
Poo, got knocked out of the last round without realising. So much for my new commitment to posting on a more frequent basis.

I blame the pregnancy.

(notice even the delayed reaction to the reality of what has happened!)
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Subjective Judgements Continued:

MOOD: Various
PAGE: Seven

With manifold interruptions and three computer crashes due to a faulty tumble drier (twice) and a dodgy steam iron connection (once) I am grateful to have marked this page (although the marks have changed each time there was a crash, so you know they are subjective - some people win, some lose, that's life.)

P O S H Competitor Explanation

7 1 -1 0 Professorkirke An original point for desperation. Clever Dick mark down.
7 0 0 1 Papa Smurf For supporting Marvin in his brinkmanship
7 0 1 0 Marvin the Martian For impressing Papa Smurf
7 1 1 0 Dolphy For a good little chuckle
7 1 1 0 S'More For getting all the links right and a nice spitting volcano
7 0 -1 0 Christianjimmy For not checking first
7 1 -1 0 Pants Blaming others for your own incompetence
7 1 1 1 Pants Good choice with excellent links for us to peruse
7 0 2 0 Rugasaw Responding well to a Digory in the ribs
7 1 0 1 Carex Offering an option to fellow competitors
7 0 1 0 Carex For impressing Papio
7 1 1 0 Quizmaster Smart but on the verge of Clever Dick
7 0 1 0 Hennah Knowing a good waffle when she sees one
7 1 1 1 The Rogue Like the cake, the links and the post
7 0 -1 0 The Rogue Admitting a mistake
7 0 1 0 Professorkirke Creativity will get you lots of places
7 1 1 0 Gort Entering a volcano 6 years too soon
7 1 1 1 Custard I don't know what he said but I like it
7 2 2 2 Custard Nice Sermon
7 0 1 1 Marvin the Martian For placing himself on the cliff edge
7 0 1 1 Custard Foor knowing the truth
7 0 -1 0 Marvin the Martian For missing something
7 0 1 1 Moth For putting Da_Musicman straight
7 1 1 1 Carex For a lesson on vulcanism
7 0 1 1 Annie P For encouraging participation
7 0 1 1 Carex Corrections are good
7 1 1 0 Chorister For the name chosen
7 1 -1 -1 Professorkirke Needs taking down a peg or seven
7 1 1 0 Rugasaw It would be like taking candy from a Digory
7 0 0 1 R.D.Olivaw Helpful point
7 2 1 0 MrSponge2U For a recent photo of an eruption
7 0 1 1 Marvin the Martian Keeping the excitement at a reasonable level
7 1 1 0 Pants Flattery is so …….. Why thankyou!
7 1 1 0 Marvin the Martian Witticism is always appreciated
7 1 1 0 Hazey Jane You know how to treat a man
7 0 1 1 Carex Continuing the lesson on vulcanism
7 0 -1 -1 R.D.Olivaw Failing to post a link to the photographs
7 1 1 -1 Professorkirke I like people who paint targets on themselves
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Just out of interest, do we get a running total of points at any time?
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
Just out of interest:

HELPFUL LIBRARIAN LEADERS
7 Carex
7 Custard
4 Marvin the Martian
4 Papa Smurf
4 Smudgie
3 Sharkshooter
3 S'more

ORIGINAL EINSTEIN LEADERS

9 S'more
8 Chorister
7 Jedijudy
7 Smudgie
6 Dolphy
6 Professorkirke
4 Pants
3 Custard
3 The Rogue

The Blue Riband event and most important title -
THE SMART ALEC TABLE

5 Carex
5 Marvin the Martian
4 Custard
4 Doublethink
4 The Rogue
3 Chorister
3 Rugasaw
2 Gladly Bear
2 Gort
2 Hazey Jane
2 Moth
2 Papa Smurf
2 Smudgie

And now back to marking. How do teachers do it?
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Day:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:
But yes, if I root for anyone, it's Charlton. Reckon they'll make it into Europe this year?

---

Yes, but I think if we are going to continue this conversation we need to do it in the correct thread, else a host will tell us off

Tom

---

Tis true, but I was actually trying to work on the edification aspect of the quiz, by giving our non-soccer fan shipmates a quick example of footie-related banter, including reference to the fact that many teams have nicknames, play at specifically named stadia, and may have the opportunity to play international as well as domestic games.

Honest
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ROUND SIX : AMERICAN STATES

This time you have to pick one of the many states of the United States of America.

EASY!

The person to be eliminated will be the one whose chosen state has the capital city with the population closest to the average (mean) of the populations of all the capital cities of the states chosen.

I hope that is as clear as Lucozade.
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Alaska

Don't think you asked for any more information this time did you? Here you go anyway ... boring info

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Hawaii Hawaii.

Just to be helpful - capital is Honolulu which has a population of approx 390,000

[ 25. September 2005, 22:49: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 

---

Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Sorry for the double stating of the name of the state - computer being weird and editing it went a bit wrong. Either that or I'm seeing double...

[ 25. September 2005, 22:51: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
You have to love Wikipedia. Here is a list of US state capitals. If you want to know the populations you have to click further.

I'm going for Phoenix, Arizona, which is claimed to be the 6th largest city in the US, at 1,321,045, which surprised me. I think we should be careful not to confuse the population of the city with the size of the metropolitan statistical area, which is a lot bigger.

JtW
 

---

Posted by Gort (# 6855) on :
 
Rhode Island. Capital: Providence is the largest city in R.I., population: 175,901
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I shall pick (surprise!) Florida. The capital is Tallahassee, and the population is 156,512, unless you want the metro area, then that population is about 255,500.

The name Florida means "flowery", or as I was taught, "land of flowers". (We have lots of them.) Tallahassee is a Muskogean Indian word (a language of the Seminole tribe) often translated as "old fields," or "old town."

If you would travel to Tallahassee from my house, you'd have to drive more than seven hours, 395 miles...a fer piece.

If anyone's interested, I'd be glad to tell you all about the wonderful State which I call home!

Y'all come down now, y'hear?
 

---

Posted by Pure as the Driven Yellow Snow (# 9397) on :
 
Little Rock, Arkansas Pop 183,133 (Plus or minus a bit)
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
I just had to go for the State of Georgia, whose capital city had a population of 425,000 when they last counted, though I'm sure they missed one or two. It's been known as the Pheonix city and "the city too busy to hate" as well as "The New York of the South". In 2004 it was dubbed the third most dangerous city in America!!!

For all that, it's named after a special person I know
 

---

Posted by Hennah (# 9541) on :
 
California. It's huge, must be OK from an avoiding-the-average kind of view. Hey, wouldn't that make a good name for a film?

ing soon to a cinema near you: Avoiding The Average, starring...

Hen
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
taking city populations rather than metro areas, i figure the average at the moment is 386,165, which is pretty close to the population in Honolulu.
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 
As it's the only one I've been to, I'll pick Colorado, which has capital Denver, pop 554,636. However, the metropolitan area has pop 2,179,240 (both from wikipedia).

[NB - QM asked for the state, not the capital. I was giving the population to make life easier for him, as I imagine others were too.]

ETA - Denver is of course known as the Mile High City, for obvious reasons. I imagine that would mean the Mile High club is quite easy to join there! I remember when we went up into the mountains there were shops selling "two mile high ice cream cones" and so on...

[ 26. September 2005, 08:51: Message edited by: Custard. ]
 

---

Posted by Custard. (# 5402) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
California. It's huge, must be OK from an avoiding-the-average kind of view.

---

Except that the capital, Sacramento, is comparatively small with a population of 407,018 (1,796,857 in metropolitan area)...
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
And Custard's city population of 554636 has taken the average to just under 405,000 - dangerously close to the city population of Sacremento.
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
I'll go for Delaware - in 1965: On May 21, a "Delaware Closed Today" sign is posted at a barricade on the Delaware-Pennsylvania line on Ebright Road. "The people of Delaware are doing something about the population explosion," is the explanation from "Candid Camera.".

From the 2000 census, the population of Dover was only 32,135.

[Edited duff link]

[ 26. September 2005, 20:37: Message edited by: Chorister ]
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
My choice is Alabama, home of Nat King Cole. The capital city is the second largest, Montgomery, with a population of 201,568.
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Maryland
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I shall choose Vermont
its capital city, Montpelier, has a city poluplation of just 8,035 according to that website.

which bring the running average down to just over 300,000

[ 26. September 2005, 10:50: Message edited by: Papa Smurf ]
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
New York.

The capital city has a population of 95,658. In case no-one guessed, it ain't NYC
 

---

Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
I will have Texas whose capital Austin had a population of 681,804 in the 2004 census. As the average at the moment seems to be going down I am hoping that big is beautiful.

In 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse. Book your hotel now.
 

---

Posted by professorkirke (# 9037) on :
 
Since my current home state was stolen by Pants, I'll go with my birth/growing up state of Pennsylvania. The capitol is Harrisburg.

Population: 48,950

Good luck, all.
 

---

Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
I'll choose my home state, Missouri, whose capital city, Jefferson City, has a booming population of 39,636.
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
well, the average is now at 281,000, so Alabama is now closest.
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by professorkirke:
Since my current home state was stolen by Pants, ...

---

So sorry
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
I'll choose Wyoming.

Capitol is Cheyenne, population 55 362, which started as a tent camp for railroad workers.

I might comment, however, on the population of Honolulu, given that I had chosen it in the practice round as a city with a population over 500 000. We, of course, should be using the population of the official political entity, rather than the general metropolitan area as is sometimes done in common usage. In the coase of Honolulu, the smallest political subdivision is the City and County of Honolulu, as represented by the Mayor of Honolulu and the Honolulu City Council. This has a population of 876 156 and includes all of the island of Oahu plus some surrounding islands. (A good candidate for the city with the largest area: over 5500 square km, of which over 70% is water.)
 

---

Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
The capital of Michigan is Lansing (population 118,379 in 2003) which is not to be confused with the village of Lansing:

quote:

---

Village (1990 pop. 28,086), Cook co., NE Ill., a suburb of Chicago, near the Ind. line.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carex:
I might comment, however, on the population of Honolulu, given that I had chosen it in the practice round as a city with a population over 500 000. We, of course, should be using the population of the official political entity, rather than the general metropolitan area as is sometimes done in common usage. In the coase of Honolulu, the smallest political subdivision is the City and County of Honolulu, as represented by the Mayor of Honolulu and the Honolulu City Council. This has a population of 876 156 and includes all of the island of Oahu plus some surrounding islands. (A good candidate for the city with the largest area: over 5500 square km, of which over 70% is water.)

---

Thank you for the info. I guess I shall have to wait and see whether anyone forgets to post and whether it matters about the populations size.
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hazey Jane:
Thank you for the info. I guess I shall have to wait and see whether anyone forgets to post and whether it matters about the populations size.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Day:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hennah:
I got that too - flashed several odd pages with the same message so shut everything down sharpish! Hope computer is ok...

---

Amorya has now taken the tour site down to fix it.

I'm sure that when it is back online someone will post saying it is back.

Tom

---

It seems to be working fine now.

Tom
 

---

Posted by christianjimmy (# 1820) on :
 
I shall go for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts whose capital (Boston) had a population of 589,141 in 2000. For those who are interested (anyone?) the Greater Boston metropolitan area has a population of approx 5.8 million. Which is nice.

(BTW note the full title of the state pedantry fans. Oh yes - its a commonwealth. Don't know what it means, don't particularly care, but score one up for pedantic observation!)
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
I make the current average 282,473. Which means jedijudy is in trouble.

In fact, having run some simulations it would take no more than two more cities with a combined population not less than 1,500,000 to save her. If there are more than two more cities their combined population required to save her rises (eg to 1,900,000 for three cities).

It would take at least five cities with a population of zero to lower the average enough to keep her in the game . So I think anyone with a lower population than jj is as safe as it's possible to be in this round
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
only if you take Tallahassee's metro area.
jj said the city population was only 156,512 - nowhere near that average.

If HazeyJane's entry is as she says, 390,000 then the average is around 277,000 but if it is increased like Carex suggests, then the average is 301,800.

either way, Alabama is on shaky ground, so to speak.
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics

I'll get me coat...
 

---

Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
Some people have too much time on their hands.
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
what, you mean I'm the ony one with an excel® spreadsheet keeping track of everyone's entry ?
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Er. Hm. *cough*

No, you're not.

*shuffles feet*
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Would you both please get out more!!

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
Would you both please get out more!!

---

John 6:68a
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
I'm at w*rk !!

If I got out more i'd be out permanently...
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
I shall have Baton Rouge, Louisiana . the population is 227,818 according to Wikipedia (thanks for the link, Jonah). That sounds scarily close to the average, but why not live dangerously, eh? It might be quite an honour to be the first one knocked (as opposed to defaulted) out!
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Oklahoma with the oh so original capital of Oklahoma City . Population of OKC is according to 2000 census 506,000 or 2002 estimate 519,000.

Populations are rounded to the nearest thousand if you wish more exact click the link.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Thanks Papa Smurf! (My hero!)

And Marvin...thanks for scaring me!
 

---

Posted by Moth (# 2589) on :
 
If it turns out that I'm nearest the average, can I claim that Baton Rouge's current population is actually much higher, on account of all those Katrina refugees?

Just covering all bases here ...
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
There is still a chance to escape.

There is still a chance to post.

We will go with the next round tomorrow.

Get those calculators out.

Now, without looking or checking I shall choose

IOWA

How did I do people?
 

---

Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Des Moines is the capital, Quizzy, but I expect you knew that. Its population in 2000 was 198682. This is close to the average, but I think you might just make it.

JtW.
 

---

Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
I'll take Kansas (because it was the only free one I could think of off the top of my head).

Wikipedia sez: Capital is Topeka (which I believe is home to Fred Phelps, everyone's favourite bigot). Population: 122,377

Paul W
Ooo, 1900th post. How nice.

[ 28. September 2005, 01:22: Message edited by: Paul W. ]
 

---

Posted by Quizmaster (# 1435) on :
 
ALSO-RAN TABLE

Sharkshooter - 6 valid answers.

Is there anyone out there who can take him on?
 

---

Posted by Papa Smurf (# 1654) on :
 
Brinkmanship (or brinkspersonship) points to Moth, I think, for coming in so close to the average.
 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
I make the current average 275,764. That's using the higher of rugasaw's two answers.

Moth is toast unless there's someone who hasn't posted yet.