• QFTCINO25 Game 8, Rounds 6-8: Bond, food plants

    From Mark Brader@3:633/10 to All on Friday, January 16, 2026 06:36:04
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2025-03-10,
    and should be interpreted accordingly.

    On each question you may give up to two answers, but if you give
    both a right answer and a wrong answer, there is a small penalty.
    Please post all your answers in a single followup to the newsgroup,
    based only on your own knowledge. (In your answer posting, quote
    the questions and place your answer below each one.) I will reveal
    the correct answers in about 3 days.

    All questions were written by members of the Night Owls, and are
    used here by permission, but have been reformatted and may have
    been retyped and/or edited by me. The posting and tabulation of
    current-events questions is independent of the concurrent posting
    of other rounds. For further information please see my 2024-08-30
    companion posting on "Questions from the Canadian Inquisition
    (QFTCI*)".


    * Game 8, Round 7 - Entertainment - Bond, James Bond

    There are two James Bonds: the hero of Ian Fleming's books and
    the 007 of the movies. You may be familiar with both -- or not.
    Let's find out.

    1. The standard origin story for how this spy got his name is that
    when Ian Fleming was writing the first of the novels, he chose
    to use the name of the author of a book that was near his desk.
    What was the book's title?

    2. Ian Fleming had an older brother who was a journalist. What was
    the brother's first name?

    3. During the decade after World War II, Ian Fleming built a house
    for himself on the north shore of Jamaica. What name did he
    give this house?

    4. The first of the James Bond movies was released in 1962.
    What was its title?

    5. According to the novels, James Bond was officially part of
    what organization?

    6. There were two original partner-producers of the earliest James
    Bond movies. Name one of the two producers.

    7. In the 1960s, one actress appeared as two different major
    characters two different Bond movies. In the Roger Moore era,
    another one did. Name either one.

    8. One single-named actress played a single-named character in
    "Die Another Day" (2002). Name either the actress or her
    character.

    9. An organization that featured in a number of the books and
    movies was SMERSH. This name was an abbreviation of a Russian
    term that translated to what 3-word phrase in English?

    10. After Ian Fleming's death, who was the only person to write
    an *authorized* James Bond novel? Give either the author's
    real name or pseudonym.


    * Game 8, Round 8 - Science - Food Plants

    While there are all kinds of plants around the world, some plants
    are more important to our diets than others. For each of the
    questions, please provide the common name for plant described.

    1. This plant is a small tree that can live more than 50 years.
    A wide variety of concoctions of the leaves of this plant are
    enjoyed around the world. It is grown in China, Japan, India,
    and as far north as the Black Sea coasts of Russia.

    2. This plant is an evergreen tree that produces plush red
    "cherries" that surround a pair of oval seeds. These seeds can
    be brewed to produce an invigorating beverage. Originally native
    to the area now known as Ethiopia.

    3. First cultivated in Greece, but now largely associated with
    Asia, this annual bushy plant is one of the most important food
    crops on the planet. It produces pods that are covered in a
    coat of fine hairs.

    4. This plant was first cultivated by the First Nations peoples
    of the Southwest US and Central America, where the seed kernels
    were ground up to make a flour. This plant was also an object
    of worship for the Aztecs. This plant is now also associated
    with parts of Eastern Europe.

    5. This plant is a key cereal crop, for both humans and livestock.
    It is also the basic ingredient in the distilling of whisky.
    Its earliest cultivation was in the Middle East, but it's now
    cultivated worldwide.

    6. At least 90% of these climbing perennial plants grown today
    are used in the production of beer. They are currently grown
    in Northern Europe and the Middle East.

    7. This evergreen tree was likely first cultivated about 5,000
    years ago in or around Athens, Greece. The fruit of this plant
    is edible, and can be used to produce an oil. The leaves and
    branches of this plant are sometimes used to represent "peace".
    It is grown around the Mediterranean.

    8. This grain-bearing grass is believed to have originated
    in Asia, and is one of the world's most important food crops.
    It has transformed some landscapes across the globe. It is
    grown in over 100 countries across Asia, America, Africa,
    Australasia, and southern Europe.

    9. This tropical, tall-stemmed reed-like plant is an ancient
    food, but the way it is now processed is relatively recent.
    The refined version is sometimes called "white death", and
    is found in many modern processed foods. Originally from New
    Guinea, it is now grown in the tropics and subtropics in many
    countries. Full name of the plant required.

    10. This bushy perennial with edible tubers was spread from the
    Andes to Spain in the late 1500s. All the green parts of the
    plant are poisonous, but the tubers are quite versatile, and
    contain several important nutrients. Originally from South
    America, it can now be found growing in many parts of the world.

    --
    Mark Brader, Toronto | sed -e "s;??\\([-=(/)'<!>]\\);?\\\\?\\1;g" msb@vex.net | will fix them... -- Karl Heuer

    My text in this article is in the public domain.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Erland Sommarskog@3:633/10 to All on Friday, January 16, 2026 21:26:59
    Mark Brader (msb@vex.net) writes:
    * Game 8, Round 7 - Entertainment - Bond, James Bond

    There are two James Bonds: the hero of Ian Fleming's books and
    the 007 of the movies. You may be familiar with both -- or not.

    Not.

    * Game 8, Round 8 - Science - Food Plants
    2. This plant is an evergreen tree that produces plush red
    "cherries" that surround a pair of oval seeds. These seeds can
    be brewed to produce an invigorating beverage. Originally native
    to the area now known as Ethiopia.

    Coffee

    3. First cultivated in Greece, but now largely associated with
    Asia, this annual bushy plant is one of the most important food
    crops on the planet. It produces pods that are covered in a
    coat of fine hairs.

    Rice

    4. This plant was first cultivated by the First Nations peoples
    of the Southwest US and Central America, where the seed kernels
    were ground up to make a flour. This plant was also an object
    of worship for the Aztecs. This plant is now also associated
    with parts of Eastern Europe.

    Sunflower

    5. This plant is a key cereal crop, for both humans and livestock.
    It is also the basic ingredient in the distilling of whisky.
    Its earliest cultivation was in the Middle East, but it's now
    cultivated worldwide.

    Barley

    6. At least 90% of these climbing perennial plants grown today
    are used in the production of beer. They are currently grown
    in Northern Europe and the Middle East.

    Hops

    7. This evergreen tree was likely first cultivated about 5,000
    years ago in or around Athens, Greece. The fruit of this plant
    is edible, and can be used to produce an oil. The leaves and
    branches of this plant are sometimes used to represent "peace".
    It is grown around the Mediterranean.

    Olive tree

    8. This grain-bearing grass is believed to have originated
    in Asia, and is one of the world's most important food crops.
    It has transformed some landscapes across the globe. It is
    grown in over 100 countries across Asia, America, Africa,
    Australasia, and southern Europe.

    Rice

    10. This bushy perennial with edible tubers was spread from the
    Andes to Spain in the late 1500s. All the green parts of the
    plant are poisonous, but the tubers are quite versatile, and
    contain several important nutrients. Originally from South
    America, it can now be found growing in many parts of the world.

    Potato


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Dan Blum@3:633/10 to All on Friday, January 16, 2026 22:39:58
    Mark Brader <msb@vex.net> wrote:

    * Game 8, Round 7 - Entertainment - Bond, James Bond

    1. The standard origin story for how this spy got his name is that
    when Ian Fleming was writing the first of the novels, he chose
    to use the name of the author of a book that was near his desk.
    What was the book's title?

    Birds of the British Isles

    3. During the decade after World War II, Ian Fleming built a house
    for himself on the north shore of Jamaica. What name did he
    give this house?

    Goldeneye

    4. The first of the James Bond movies was released in 1962.
    What was its title?

    Dr. No

    5. According to the novels, James Bond was officially part of
    what organization?

    MI-6

    6. There were two original partner-producers of the earliest James
    Bond movies. Name one of the two producers.

    Broccoli

    8. One single-named actress played a single-named character in
    "Die Another Day" (2002). Name either the actress or her
    character.

    Madonna

    9. An organization that featured in a number of the books and
    movies was SMERSH. This name was an abbreviation of a Russian
    term that translated to what 3-word phrase in English?

    death to spies

    * Game 8, Round 8 - Science - Food Plants

    1. This plant is a small tree that can live more than 50 years.
    A wide variety of concoctions of the leaves of this plant are
    enjoyed around the world. It is grown in China, Japan, India,
    and as far north as the Black Sea coasts of Russia.

    tea

    2. This plant is an evergreen tree that produces plush red
    "cherries" that surround a pair of oval seeds. These seeds can
    be brewed to produce an invigorating beverage. Originally native
    to the area now known as Ethiopia.

    coffee

    3. First cultivated in Greece, but now largely associated with
    Asia, this annual bushy plant is one of the most important food
    crops on the planet. It produces pods that are covered in a
    coat of fine hairs.

    rice

    4. This plant was first cultivated by the First Nations peoples
    of the Southwest US and Central America, where the seed kernels
    were ground up to make a flour. This plant was also an object
    of worship for the Aztecs. This plant is now also associated
    with parts of Eastern Europe.

    corn

    5. This plant is a key cereal crop, for both humans and livestock.
    It is also the basic ingredient in the distilling of whisky.
    Its earliest cultivation was in the Middle East, but it's now
    cultivated worldwide.

    barley

    6. At least 90% of these climbing perennial plants grown today
    are used in the production of beer. They are currently grown
    in Northern Europe and the Middle East.

    hops

    7. This evergreen tree was likely first cultivated about 5,000
    years ago in or around Athens, Greece. The fruit of this plant
    is edible, and can be used to produce an oil. The leaves and
    branches of this plant are sometimes used to represent "peace".
    It is grown around the Mediterranean.

    olive

    8. This grain-bearing grass is believed to have originated
    in Asia, and is one of the world's most important food crops.
    It has transformed some landscapes across the globe. It is
    grown in over 100 countries across Asia, America, Africa,
    Australasia, and southern Europe.

    wheat

    9. This tropical, tall-stemmed reed-like plant is an ancient
    food, but the way it is now processed is relatively recent.
    The refined version is sometimes called "white death", and
    is found in many modern processed foods. Originally from New
    Guinea, it is now grown in the tropics and subtropics in many
    countries. Full name of the plant required.

    sugar cane

    10. This bushy perennial with edible tubers was spread from the
    Andes to Spain in the late 1500s. All the green parts of the
    plant are poisonous, but the tubers are quite versatile, and
    contain several important nutrients. Originally from South
    America, it can now be found growing in many parts of the world.

    potato

    --
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Dan Blum tool@panix.com
    "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't just made it up."

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Joshua Kreitzer@3:633/10 to All on Friday, January 16, 2026 18:58:28
    On 1/16/2026 12:36 AM, Mark Brader wrote:

    * Game 8, Round 7 - Entertainment - Bond, James Bond

    There are two James Bonds: the hero of Ian Fleming's books and
    the 007 of the movies. You may be familiar with both -- or not.
    Let's find out.

    1. The standard origin story for how this spy got his name is that
    when Ian Fleming was writing the first of the novels, he chose
    to use the name of the author of a book that was near his desk.
    What was the book's title?

    "Birds of the West Indies"

    3. During the decade after World War II, Ian Fleming built a house
    for himself on the north shore of Jamaica. What name did he
    give this house?

    Goldeneye

    4. The first of the James Bond movies was released in 1962.
    What was its title?

    "Dr. No"

    5. According to the novels, James Bond was officially part of
    what organization?

    MI6

    6. There were two original partner-producers of the earliest James
    Bond movies. Name one of the two producers.

    Albert Broccoli

    7. In the 1960s, one actress appeared as two different major
    characters two different Bond movies. In the Roger Moore era,
    another one did. Name either one.

    Maud Adams

    8. One single-named actress played a single-named character in
    "Die Another Day" (2002). Name either the actress or her
    character.

    Madonna

    9. An organization that featured in a number of the books and
    movies was SMERSH. This name was an abbreviation of a Russian
    term that translated to what 3-word phrase in English?

    death to spies

    10. After Ian Fleming's death, who was the only person to write
    an *authorized* James Bond novel? Give either the author's
    real name or pseudonym.

    Kingsley Amis; John Gardner
    (and there have been more than those two; I believe there have been at
    least two other authorized successors since them)

    * Game 8, Round 8 - Science - Food Plants

    While there are all kinds of plants around the world, some plants
    are more important to our diets than others. For each of the
    questions, please provide the common name for plant described.

    1. This plant is a small tree that can live more than 50 years.
    A wide variety of concoctions of the leaves of this plant are
    enjoyed around the world. It is grown in China, Japan, India,
    and as far north as the Black Sea coasts of Russia.

    tea

    2. This plant is an evergreen tree that produces plush red
    "cherries" that surround a pair of oval seeds. These seeds can
    be brewed to produce an invigorating beverage. Originally native
    to the area now known as Ethiopia.

    coffee

    3. First cultivated in Greece, but now largely associated with
    Asia, this annual bushy plant is one of the most important food
    crops on the planet. It produces pods that are covered in a
    coat of fine hairs.

    soybeans

    4. This plant was first cultivated by the First Nations peoples
    of the Southwest US and Central America, where the seed kernels
    were ground up to make a flour. This plant was also an object
    of worship for the Aztecs. This plant is now also associated
    with parts of Eastern Europe.

    corn

    5. This plant is a key cereal crop, for both humans and livestock.
    It is also the basic ingredient in the distilling of whisky.
    Its earliest cultivation was in the Middle East, but it's now
    cultivated worldwide.

    wheat

    6. At least 90% of these climbing perennial plants grown today
    are used in the production of beer. They are currently grown
    in Northern Europe and the Middle East.

    hops

    7. This evergreen tree was likely first cultivated about 5,000
    years ago in or around Athens, Greece. The fruit of this plant
    is edible, and can be used to produce an oil. The leaves and
    branches of this plant are sometimes used to represent "peace".
    It is grown around the Mediterranean.

    olive

    8. This grain-bearing grass is believed to have originated
    in Asia, and is one of the world's most important food crops.
    It has transformed some landscapes across the globe. It is
    grown in over 100 countries across Asia, America, Africa,
    Australasia, and southern Europe.

    rice

    9. This tropical, tall-stemmed reed-like plant is an ancient
    food, but the way it is now processed is relatively recent.
    The refined version is sometimes called "white death", and
    is found in many modern processed foods. Originally from New
    Guinea, it is now grown in the tropics and subtropics in many
    countries. Full name of the plant required.

    sugar cane

    10. This bushy perennial with edible tubers was spread from the
    Andes to Spain in the late 1500s. All the green parts of the
    plant are poisonous, but the tubers are quite versatile, and
    contain several important nutrients. Originally from South
    America, it can now be found growing in many parts of the world.

    potato

    --
    Joshua Kreitzer
    gromit82@hotmail.com

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Dan Tilque@3:633/10 to All on Sunday, January 18, 2026 22:23:39
    On 1/15/26 22:36, Mark Brader wrote:


    * Game 8, Round 7 - Entertainment - Bond, James Bond

    There are two James Bonds: the hero of Ian Fleming's books and
    the 007 of the movies. You may be familiar with both -- or not.
    Let's find out.

    1. The standard origin story for how this spy got his name is that
    when Ian Fleming was writing the first of the novels, he chose
    to use the name of the author of a book that was near his desk.
    What was the book's title?

    Birds of the Caribbean


    2. Ian Fleming had an older brother who was a journalist. What was
    the brother's first name?

    3. During the decade after World War II, Ian Fleming built a house
    for himself on the north shore of Jamaica. What name did he
    give this house?

    4. The first of the James Bond movies was released in 1962.
    What was its title?

    Dr. No


    5. According to the novels, James Bond was officially part of
    what organization?

    MI6


    6. There were two original partner-producers of the earliest James
    Bond movies. Name one of the two producers.

    7. In the 1960s, one actress appeared as two different major
    characters two different Bond movies. In the Roger Moore era,
    another one did. Name either one.

    8. One single-named actress played a single-named character in
    "Die Another Day" (2002). Name either the actress or her
    character.

    9. An organization that featured in a number of the books and
    movies was SMERSH. This name was an abbreviation of a Russian
    term that translated to what 3-word phrase in English?

    10. After Ian Fleming's death, who was the only person to write
    an *authorized* James Bond novel? Give either the author's
    real name or pseudonym.


    * Game 8, Round 8 - Science - Food Plants

    While there are all kinds of plants around the world, some plants
    are more important to our diets than others. For each of the
    questions, please provide the common name for plant described.

    1. This plant is a small tree that can live more than 50 years.
    A wide variety of concoctions of the leaves of this plant are
    enjoyed around the world. It is grown in China, Japan, India,
    and as far north as the Black Sea coasts of Russia.

    tea


    2. This plant is an evergreen tree that produces plush red
    "cherries" that surround a pair of oval seeds. These seeds can
    be brewed to produce an invigorating beverage. Originally native
    to the area now known as Ethiopia.

    coffee


    3. First cultivated in Greece, but now largely associated with
    Asia, this annual bushy plant is one of the most important food
    crops on the planet. It produces pods that are covered in a
    coat of fine hairs.

    fig


    4. This plant was first cultivated by the First Nations peoples
    of the Southwest US and Central America, where the seed kernels
    were ground up to make a flour. This plant was also an object
    of worship for the Aztecs. This plant is now also associated
    with parts of Eastern Europe.

    amaranth


    5. This plant is a key cereal crop, for both humans and livestock.
    It is also the basic ingredient in the distilling of whisky.
    Its earliest cultivation was in the Middle East, but it's now
    cultivated worldwide.

    rye


    6. At least 90% of these climbing perennial plants grown today
    are used in the production of beer. They are currently grown
    in Northern Europe and the Middle East.

    hops


    7. This evergreen tree was likely first cultivated about 5,000
    years ago in or around Athens, Greece. The fruit of this plant
    is edible, and can be used to produce an oil. The leaves and
    branches of this plant are sometimes used to represent "peace".
    It is grown around the Mediterranean.

    olive


    8. This grain-bearing grass is believed to have originated
    in Asia, and is one of the world's most important food crops.
    It has transformed some landscapes across the globe. It is
    grown in over 100 countries across Asia, America, Africa,
    Australasia, and southern Europe.

    wheat


    9. This tropical, tall-stemmed reed-like plant is an ancient
    food, but the way it is now processed is relatively recent.
    The refined version is sometimes called "white death", and
    is found in many modern processed foods. Originally from New
    Guinea, it is now grown in the tropics and subtropics in many
    countries. Full name of the plant required.

    sweet potato


    10. This bushy perennial with edible tubers was spread from the
    Andes to Spain in the late 1500s. All the green parts of the
    plant are poisonous, but the tubers are quite versatile, and
    contain several important nutrients. Originally from South
    America, it can now be found growing in many parts of the world.

    potato

    --
    Dan Tilque

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Mark Brader@3:633/10 to All on Monday, January 19, 2026 23:13:28
    Mark Brader:
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2025-03-10,
    and should be interpreted accordingly... For further information
    please see my 2024-08-30 companion posting on "Questions from the
    Canadian Inquisition (QFTCI*)".


    * Game 8, Round 7 - Entertainment - Bond, James Bond

    There are two James Bonds: the hero of Ian Fleming's books and
    the 007 of the movies. You may be familiar with both -- or not.
    Let's find out.

    1. The standard origin story for how this spy got his name is that
    when Ian Fleming was writing the first of the novels, he chose
    to use the name of the author of a book that was near his desk.
    What was the book's title?

    "Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies". ("FIeld Guide to" was
    not required.) 4 for Joshua. 3 for Dan Tilque.

    2. Ian Fleming had an older brother who was a journalist. What was
    the brother's first name?

    Peter (Fleming).

    3. During the decade after World War II, Ian Fleming built a house
    for himself on the north shore of Jamaica. What name did he
    give this house?

    Goldeneye. 4 for Dan Blum and Joshua.

    4. The first of the James Bond movies was released in 1962.
    What was its title?

    "Dr. No". 4 for Dan Blum, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    5. According to the novels, James Bond was officially part of
    what organization?

    MI6. 4 for Dan Blum, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    6. There were two original partner-producers of the earliest James
    Bond movies. Name one of the two producers.

    Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, Harry Salzman. 4 for Dan Blum and Joshua.

    7. In the 1960s, one actress appeared as two different major
    characters two different Bond movies. In the Roger Moore era,
    another one did. Name either one.

    Ursula Andress played Honey Rider in "Dr. No" (1962) and Vesper Lynd
    in "Casino Royale" (1967). Maud Adams played Andrea in "The Man
    with the Golden Gun" (1974) and the title character in "Octopussy"
    (1985). 4 for Joshua.

    "Casino Royale" (1967) is, of course, not considered a canonical
    James Bond movie, but in the original game the question referred
    less specifically to "early" James Bond movies and Andress was the
    only answer expected. Adams was accepted on protest, though, so I've
    adjusted the question wording to cover both and am accepting either.

    8. One single-named actress played a single-named character in
    "Die Another Day" (2002). Name either the actress or her
    character.

    Madonna played Verity. 4 for Dan Blum and Joshua.

    9. An organization that featured in a number of the books and
    movies was SMERSH. This name was an abbreviation of a Russian
    term that translated to what 3-word phrase in English?

    "Death to spies". 4 for Dan Blum and Joshua.

    10. After Ian Fleming's death, who was the only person to write
    an *authorized* James Bond novel? Give either the author's
    real name or pseudonym.

    Kingsley Amis writing as Robert Markham. ("Colonel Sun" (1969)).
    But John Gardner was also authorized, and I'm accepting either.
    So, 4 for Joshua (the hard way).


    * Game 8, Round 8 - Science - Food Plants

    While there are all kinds of plants around the world, some plants
    are more important to our diets than others. For each of the
    questions, please provide the common name for plant described.

    1. This plant is a small tree that can live more than 50 years.
    A wide variety of concoctions of the leaves of this plant are
    enjoyed around the world. It is grown in China, Japan, India,
    and as far north as the Black Sea coasts of Russia.

    Tea (Camellia sinensis, also called "cha" or "chai"). 4 for Dan Blum,
    Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    2. This plant is an evergreen tree that produces plush red
    "cherries" that surround a pair of oval seeds. These seeds can
    be brewed to produce an invigorating beverage. Originally native
    to the area now known as Ethiopia.

    Coffee (Coffea arabica). 4 for everyone -- Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua,
    and Dan Tilque.

    3. First cultivated in Greece, but now largely associated with
    Asia, this annual bushy plant is one of the most important food
    crops on the planet. It produces pods that are covered in a
    coat of fine hairs.

    Soybean (Glycine max). 4 for Joshua.

    4. This plant was first cultivated by the First Nations peoples
    of the Southwest US and Central America, where the seed kernels
    were ground up to make a flour. This plant was also an object
    of worship for the Aztecs. This plant is now also associated
    with parts of Eastern Europe.

    Sunflower (Helianthus annuus). 4 for Erland.

    5. This plant is a key cereal crop, for both humans and livestock.
    It is also the basic ingredient in the distilling of whisky.
    Its earliest cultivation was in the Middle East, but it's now
    cultivated worldwide.

    Barley (Hordeum vulgare). 4 for Erland and Dan Blum.

    6. At least 90% of these climbing perennial plants grown today
    are used in the production of beer. They are currently grown
    in Northern Europe and the Middle East.

    Hops (Humulus lupulus). 4 for everyone.

    7. This evergreen tree was likely first cultivated about 5,000
    years ago in or around Athens, Greece. The fruit of this plant
    is edible, and can be used to produce an oil. The leaves and
    branches of this plant are sometimes used to represent "peace".
    It is grown around the Mediterranean.

    Olive (Olea europaea). 4 for everyone.

    8. This grain-bearing grass is believed to have originated
    in Asia, and is one of the world's most important food crops.
    It has transformed some landscapes across the globe. It is
    grown in over 100 countries across Asia, America, Africa,
    Australasia, and southern Europe.

    Rice (Oryza sativa). 4 for Erland and Joshua.

    9. This tropical, tall-stemmed reed-like plant is an ancient
    food, but the way it is now processed is relatively recent.
    The refined version is sometimes called "white death", and
    is found in many modern processed foods. Originally from New
    Guinea, it is now grown in the tropics and subtropics in many
    countries. Full name of the plant required.

    Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum). 4 for Dan Blum and Joshua.

    10. This bushy perennial with edible tubers was spread from the
    Andes to Spain in the late 1500s. All the green parts of the
    plant are poisonous, but the tubers are quite versatile, and
    contain several important nutrients. Originally from South
    America, it can now be found growing in many parts of the world.

    Potato (Solanum tuberosum). 4 for everyone.


    Scores, if there are no errors:

    GAME 8 ROUNDS-> 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 BEST
    TOPICS-> Geo Lit Can Aud Lei Ent Sci FIVE
    Joshua Kreitzer 4 32 9 24 22 36 32 146
    Dan Blum 7 32 6 8 32 24 28 124
    Dan Tilque 4 8 9 0 36 11 20 84
    Erland Sommarskog 8 0 0 0 16 0 28 52
    Pete Gayde 9 8 -- -- -- -- -- 17

    --
    Mark Brader /"\ ASCII RIBBON CAMPAIGN
    msb@vex.net \ / AGAINST HTML MAIL
    Toronto X AND NEWS
    / \
    My text in this article is in the public domain.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Joshua Kreitzer@3:633/10 to All on Monday, January 19, 2026 23:20:26
    On 1/19/2026 5:13 PM, Mark Brader wrote:

    10. After Ian Fleming's death, who was the only person to write
    an *authorized* James Bond novel? Give either the author's
    real name or pseudonym.

    Kingsley Amis writing as Robert Markham. ("Colonel Sun" (1969)).
    But John Gardner was also authorized, and I'm accepting either.
    So, 4 for Joshua (the hard way).
    As I mentioned, there have been others since Amis and Gardner, including Raymond Benson, Sebastian Faulks, Jeffery Deaver, William Boyd, Anthony Horowitz, and Charlie Higson. See https://ianfleming.com/collection/new-james-bond/ and https://ianfleming.com/collection/new-james-bond/page/2/ for their
    novels as listed by Ian Fleming Publications.

    That's not even including the authors who were authorized to write
    spinoff novels like the "Moneypenny Diaries" and "Young Bond" series;
    I'm just counting the authors who wrote the "main" James Bond
    continuation novels.

    --
    Joshua Kreitzer
    gromit82@hotmail.com


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.2
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)