Can You Master This Unique Sci-Fi Trivia Challenge?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores a unique trivia challenge focused on science fiction, where participants pose questions and provide clues that are not easily searchable. The scope includes references to various sci-fi series, movies, and books, with an emphasis on creative and obscure hints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a trivia format where clues are vague and not directly linked to the source material.
  • Another participant identifies a clue related to the Weeping Angels from Doctor Who.
  • There are multiple guesses and clues regarding characters and references, including a mention of Jodo Kast and a connection to the "War of the Worlds" broadcast.
  • Participants discuss the identity of a French hero, with guesses including Georges Méliès and Charles Deveaux, leading to further clues about the author's nationality.
  • One participant mentions a connection between Mayberry, North Carolina, and the Corbomite Maneuver, leading to a discussion about Clint Howard's roles in both contexts.
  • There are references to time travel and a U-Haul storage unit in relation to a sci-fi movie, Primer, with participants sharing their thoughts on the clues provided.
  • Humor and personal anecdotes are shared, including a story about a car ride with an actor from Star Trek.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of knowledge and familiarity with the trivia topics, leading to some correct answers and ongoing confusion about certain clues. No consensus is reached on several questions, and multiple competing views remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some clues and references depend heavily on specific knowledge of sci-fi media, which may not be universally accessible. The trivia format encourages creative thinking but also leads to uncertainty in answers.

Who May Find This Useful

Fans of science fiction, trivia enthusiasts, and those interested in obscure references within the genre may find this discussion engaging.

Ivan Seeking
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I don't know if this will work, but I thought we might try something a little different. As with other contests, get the answer, ask the next question, but the difficult part is to give a clue or clues that would not be easily searchable. So, only one or a few keys words should be used that in themselves would act as a clue to the well-informed. The clue should be distinct enough to act as a pointer, but should not have any specific reference to the sci-fi series, movie, or book being implicity referenced.

I'll start with one that should be fairly easy.

What happens if you blink?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The statues can move!
 
MotoH said:
The statues can move!

Correct! The Weeping Angels, Dr. Who. You're up.

Also, as is normally done, in the event that we have no good guesses, we need to allow for additional clues if requested.
 
the Kast was an imposter with no virtues or loyalty.
 
Crud, I have no idea!
 
Googlable.
 
Shall I give another hint?





aruetii, beskar'gam, mando'a
 
I will give it until tonight at 10pm and I will put up a new riddle.
 
  • #10
You've got it!

Your turn!
 
  • #11
I have to go to sleep, so to post something fast - something I have ready for reasons other than SF.

sf01.jpg
 
  • #12
Borek said:
I have to go to sleep, so to post something fast - something I have ready for reasons other than SF.

sf01.jpg

Fantasy Island?
The Island of Doctor Moreau?
 
  • #13
No. Hint:

blue_whale.jpg


This is taken from http://myanimalblog.wordpress.com/2008/02/ . And the first picture on the page - the one with white shark - is related as well.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #15
Yes. I knew that reusing an old picture I am risking someone will spot it, but I was too :zzz: to think about something new.
 
  • #16
I see, anyway, let's keep the next one as a visual clue as well.

A screen-shot from a streetview pic in Google Earth

10z7kes.jpg
 
  • #17
What kind of music was played in Hotel Martinet?
 
  • #18
Andre said:
What kind of music was played in Hotel Martinet?



Bobby Millette and his orchestra played dance music.

From the Radio Broadcast of "War of the Worlds".
 
  • #19
Exactly, the Google Earth screen capture is made at position 40°18'47.44"N 74°36'14.60"W in Grovers Mill, NJ where the first Martian landed. The memorial is at the other side of that field.

The original broadcast
 
  • #20
Andre said:
Exactly, the Google Earth screen capture is made at position 40°18'47.44"N 74°36'14.60"W in Grovers Mill, NJ where the first Martian landed.

That's pretty much what I thought after I got the second clue.

Okay, let's try this one:

He was a French hero
 
  • #21
Janus said:
That's pretty much what I thought after I got the second clue.

Okay, let's try this one:

He was a French hero

A long shot, but Georges Méliès??
 
  • #22
Charles Deveaux
 
  • #23
Next clue:

You could say that he was a fortunate sun.
 
  • #24
No new guesses, so here's another clue.

French was the author, but the author wasn't French.
 
  • #25
Lucky Starr

Got it before seeing your last clue. :biggrin:
 
  • #26
These boxers could be found in storage.
 
  • #27
Ivan Seeking said:
Lucky Starr

Got it before seeing your last clue. :biggrin:


Correct! He was the hero of a series of novels written by Isaac Asimov under the pen-name of Paul French. (The last clue, which you apparently didn't need, was a double clue; referring both to the fact that "French" was not a nationality and that it was not the author's real name.

And, as I expected, you knew the answer was the right one once you came up with it, as I see that you've already given your first clue.
 
  • #28
Janus said:
And, as I expected, you knew the answer was the right one once you came up with it, as I see that you've already given your first clue.

Yes, the high confidence motivated me to keep things moving. No egg on the face this time. :biggrin:

Ivan Seeking said:
These boxers could be found in storage.
 
  • #29
If I had meant sliding, I would have said sliders.
 
  • #30
Ivan Seeking said:
These boxers could be found in storage.

I'll hazard a guess.

The Robot prize fighters from The Twilight Zone Episode "Steel".