40 Questions - Round 1

[gd_barnes]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

I Would dispute the 14,27 answer. They typically have 2 or 3 controls.

Not the type that I have. They just slide up and down and lock themselves on a piece of protruding metal. How can those be called controls? Regardless, we both dispute the same question; albeit in different ways.

On #39, I have to agree with Chris. He said the "main" components by mass (not number) are typically metal. That has been my experience. The ones that I usually see are 90%+ metal. If you saw them from a long distance, you would think that they were all metal.

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by gd_barnes

How can those be called controls?

They are activiated by the user to return it to a "ground state". And most have a center "exciter" control to raise it from a ground state.

He said the "main" components of it are typically metal. That has been my experience. The ones that I usually see are 90%+ metal.

Yes the main component is all metallic, but to later explain "Yep all metal" infers that the entire object is metal.

I think that we are ready for Flatlander or someone else to start round 2. I think he said that he will be on holiday soon.

[Flatlander]

Originally Posted by gd_barnes

An aluminum ladder.

I'm wondering how you were able to narrow down the approximate first year that one was made.

OK, Chris. I think we got you on one question that you answered incorrectly and is probably why we could not answer it:

14,27) It has one or two user accessible controls (knobs, switches, dials,
selectors, etc.).
Yes, one. You can select ....

Extension ladders as I know them do not have knobs, switches, dials, or selectors. How could this be answered yes unless perhaps the fancy ones used by firemen that have a control that allows it to adjust to an infinite # of heights. The one that I have and that my parents have just adjusts up and down has various "parts that stick out" that allow the ladder to catch itself at different heights. I don't think the parts that stick out could be called a knob, switch, dial, or a selector. I guess it depends on the definition of "selector". That's the only one that might fit there.

Care to explain?

Do others agree with my assessment?

If the question hadn't had the word "selector" I would have said "no" but the two hooks that go over the rungs along you to select the height.
I considered a 'no' answer to be more misleading. But I found neither answer satisfying.

Wiki said that 'during the 20th century aluminium ladders became more common'. That could be taken to mean that they started to be used during the 20th century or before. So I researched when aluminium started to become more abundant and therefore cheaper; the late 19th century. My conclusion was that aluminium ladders could have started to be used then; for specific applications where weight issues justified extra cost.
I tried to clarify the uncertainty in the date before the 40 questions were asked.
I felt I had broken enough rules so I didn't try to clarify or explain the 'selector' answer until after the 40 questions were asked.

Phew!

edit: The two ladders I have here are both 'completely' aluminium (alloy). (Not sure of the rivets.)
This is the sort of thing I meant: http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.js...&isSearch=true
when I was a painter a 3.6m one was usually required for clearing gutters etc.
'A household aluminium ladder for house maintenance'.

[gd_barnes]

In response to Uncwilly, mine must be old as hell then. You actually have to shove it upwards yourself. lol There is nothing that "releases it" and "causes" it to move upwards. Moot point now. I had not seen where he or someone said "yep, all metal".

In response to Chris, I see your point. That was a very tough one to answer yes or no to.

Agreed; time for a new one.

What I find interesting here is that 40 questions didn't get close whereas people have been able to answer the 20 question ones in a majority of cases I believe. Clearly the requirement that answers be "yes" or "no" and no "help" allowed from anyone made a big difference.

[gd_barnes]

BTW, Chris...just to make sure: I assume that "aluminum ladder" is correct.

[Flatlander]

Originally Posted by gd_barnes

BTW, Chris...just to make sure: I assume that "aluminum ladder" is correct.

Yes, "An aluminium ladder". (I think I got the initial cap right, can't be bothered to check.)

[Flatlander]

I'll explain the clue:
I quoted the weight because I wanted to stress its importance. (The word 'light' also being accidently used in the clue.)

The objects weight is its raison d'etre. As opposed to a heavier wooden ladder.
Also the words "senior tread" were an attempt to get you thinking about treading on something! (Or the treads on stairs maybe.)

Treading on something that only exists by reason of its lightness. Geddit?
(No I wouldn't have either!) lol