Science Fiction Trivia

[Disembodied]

That's the one! In the aftermath of a technological singularity (the "Hard Rapture"), the Carlyle family gain control a wormhole skein linking numerous planets around the galaxy - because of their vigorous determination to maintain control over the skein, and thanks to their thrusting and entrepreneurial approach to investigating the detritus of the singularity, they are also known as the Bloody Carlyles (hence the "Begbie" clue, referencing Robert Carlyle's portrayal of the character from Trainspotting).

[Cody]

My question-fu seems to have deserted me - so who wrote this:

A learning experience is one of those things that say, 'You know that thing you just did? Don't do that'.

[Malacandra]

That's one of Douglas Adams's.

[spud42]

from..... Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt

[Cody]

Malacandra gets it... and yes, it is from The Salmon of Doubt (wonderful title).

[Malacandra]

Okay, a hasty one as it's my son's birthday weekend... what's the connection between a leading roboticist from a number of well-known stories, and Bill Watterson?

[ffutures]

Calvin. Bill Watterson was creator of Calvin and Hobbes, Susan Calvin was the roboticist in Asimov's 3 laws robot stories.

[Malacandra]

I'll take that, but I was really hoping for "Susan Calvin" since Susie was Calvin's antagonist in the strip. Over to you.

[ffutures]

OK, quick question - if you're a PVSJ what do you breathe, and in which author's universe?

[ffutures]

Seriously? Let's add that the author comes from Northern Ireland.

[Norby]

if you're a PVSJ what do you breathe, and in which author's universe?

Chlorine and James White, based on this.

[ffutures]

if you're a PVSJ what do you breathe, and in which author's universe?

Chlorine and James White, based on this.

Absolutely right, give the DBDG a coconut. Your turn!

[Norby]

Name author and book where the main character solved many mysterious situations in our solar system, both in spaceships, Mars and on the Moon. Once a robot was important also, called to Terminus.

[spud42]

Asimov. Elijah Bailey, r Daneel Olivaw. Caves of Steel. amoung other books....

[Norby]

Asimov. Elijah Bailey, r Daneel Olivaw.

Another author and the main character is not a robot, he is human. A small clue: the title of the book contain his profession.