Trivia Game - answer the question, then add your own!

The answer was good enough for me Alexander

Right, ahem, where was I.

Which book coined the acronym TANSTAAFL?

quote:

Originally posted by AlexanderVH:

Which book coined the acronym TANSTAAFL?

I have a feeling it was something by Kurt Vonnegut, but I'd have to look it up - which is not really permitted on the trivia thread...

It wasn't Vonnegut. And not Milton Friedman either. It was by someone who was born 100 years and two days ago.

quote:

Originally posted by AlexanderVH:

It was by someone who was born 100 years and two days ago.

Adam?

TANSTAAFL = There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. It refers to a book about economics as I recall but written by a sci-fi writer of all things! 'The moon is a harsh mistress' by Rob Heimlien or Hiemlein or somesuch.

A merry mixture of myrth, fear, and respect! Sorry!! Fredrik

PS: What horrible skin disease can be caught by humans [apart from ring worn] from sheep? Usually in sheep it is found on the nose, or sometimes near the anus, or genitalia.

Dear Mr F.,

You should know the sheep disease answer, living in the South, as it were! [Smiley]! Fredrik

quote:

Originally posted by Adam Meredith:

quote:

Originally posted by acad tsunami:
TANSTAAFL = There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. It refers to a book about economics as I recall but written by a sci-fi writer of all things! 'The moon is a harsh mistress' by Rob Heimlien or Hiemlein or somesuch.

Smells like a "Google". If you don't know who Heinlein is - then you shouldn't answer.

What is the Meredith Effect?

If I had googled it I would know how to spell his name would I not? Der!

That fact I did not remember his name exactly is due to the fact that I got rid of the book years ago.

Who is this?

Slightly botched answer, Erik, but still, didn't think you'd know It is an sf book from 66 about the moon trying to become independent. Economics plays an important part in it. Milton Friedman made the quote famous later on, but, I just found that out, even the acronym predates Heinlein's use.

ROBERT HEINLEIN.

Cat lover, and author of "Starship Troopers" the film of which is a travesty.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredrik_Fiske:
Dear Mr F.,

You should know the sheep disease answer, living in the South, as it were! [Smiley]! Fredrik

Facial eczema?

(This from a Kiwi townie, born and bred - but with six generations of farmers on both sides of the family behind me...)

quote:

Originally posted by mike lacey:
ROBERT HEINLEIN.

Cat lover, and author of "Starship Troopers" the film of which is a travesty.

...and the book of which is "required reading" in the US Marine Corp. Sets out American imperialism beautifully - which may not have been the author's intention.

quote:

Originally posted by AlexanderVH:
Slightly botched answer, Erik, but still, didn't think you'd know It is an sf book from 66 about the moon trying to become independent. Economics plays an important part in it. Milton Friedman made the quote famous later on, but, I just found that out, even the acronym predates Heinlein's use.

Hi Alexander,

It was a favourite book of a good friend of mine he kept on banging on about clever it was and urging me to read it as he was convinced I would like it but I found it tedious and got bored rigid half way through so I shipped it (and its garish cover)off to a charity shop - I may have done it a disservice - who knows? Economics bores me to death and I'm not a lover of Sci-Fi either (which surprises alot of people given I love Tolkien, though why they think it follows is a mystery to me). The 'no such thing as a free lunch' relates to the (once?) widespread practice in the US of so called 'free' nosh with expensive drink I think.

Having said Sci-Fi bores me (Dune puts me to sleep in seconds)I was intrigued by the wonderful film called K-Pax and so I am tempted to read the book by Gene Brewer - do you know it?

Heinlein is one of the big names in SF. He was the favourite author of, ahem, a friend of mine.
I don't mind if literary qualities are lacking when a book is full with ideas. Heinlein is fine.
Nice introduction to libertarian thinking.

I don't know Gene Brewer but if you want some required reading for US marine Corp... Joe Haldeman's Forever War

Alexander,

I might give 'your friend's' favourite author (your secret is safe with me) another go - I'm older and wiser these days. I like Libertarian thinking, in fact I'm thinking of becoming a libertine!

'The army recruited for the task is composed of elite recruits; IQs of 150 and above, highly educated '. Wikepedia entry for 'The Forever War'

This rules out 99.9% of marines I think. I will have a look for this book next time I'm in Borders. Cheers.

BTW I wondered if there was a link between The Heinlein Society (which I have just had a nose at)and Catherine Ryan Hyde who wrote the novel 'Pay it forward' which was made into a good film which should be better known imo and there is according to wikepedia Here

quote:

Originally posted by Deane F:

quote:

Originally posted by Fredrik_Fiske:
Dear Mr F.,

You should know the sheep disease answer, living in the South, as it were! [Smiley]! Fredrik

Facial eczema?

(This from a Kiwi townie, born and bred - but with six generations of farmers on both sides of the family behind me...)

The disease is called orf, and more may be found in this link: Orf.

Fredrik.

New one: What disease, serious in cows, causing spontaneous abortion is dangerous to humans?

Far too easy when you have my name-Brucellosis!

Bruce

I'll have a think about a new question. It is hard to come up with something that cannot be just Googled in an instant!

OK then. Who/what is the link between Billy Bragg, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watchtower?

Bruce

Billy sang a song (God's Footballer) about a Wolves player. Was it Peter Knowles? Maybe not.

Watchtower? Watchtower Society? Mmmm. The Jehova's Witnesses? Was Peter a founding member of the UK Jehova's witnesses?

Jonathan

EDIT: A google search just confirmed that Peter Knowles retired as a footballer to become a Jehova's Witness. Is the answer therefore The Jehova's Witnesses? ie that Billy sang a song about a Wolves player who became a Jehova's Witness who as a religion are members of the Watchtower Society?

Shayman, spot on.

Rather a pleasing song and story.

What experience do DJ John Peel, Singer/performer Yoko Ono and writer Alistair Cooke share?

Jonathan

PS Experienced separately. Also v morbid!

OK so no-one biting, so some clues.... the 3 well known figures witnessed 3 events in US history of a related nature.

What were they?

Jonathan