h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Are you ready for a riddle?

This is one of those games like "20 Questions", though I've also heard it classified as "a story with holes in it." Here are the simple rules:

Ask me a question about the story and I'll respond with Yes, No, or It Doesn't Apply. By sifting through the chaff and paying attention to the Question/Response strings, you'll eventually deduce the whole answer.

Here's the story / riddle:

A man goes into a restaurant.
He orders a bowl of pelican stew.
The waiter brings one to him.
The man takes one bite of the stew and goes insane.
Why?


Okay, let's take it one question at a time and see where this goes. I'll try to keep up with multiple postings / simulposts, and provide answers to each individual question, though I may post several answers to a number of questions at once. (You know how busy these threads can be...)

B4someoneGooglesthisstory&blurtsouttheanswerwhichbythewaywouldbeindiscreetofU2doso

Hmmmmm. *sits down to think*

Any question...really.
My part's simple: I simply let you know if you're on the right track to figuring it out.

B4thisbecomesourlittleaddiction

The hard part is finding a yes-no question. Especially since it sounds like a repulsive thing to eat!

Is the man alone?

Did the man have a speech impediment of some sort?

Good. We've started.

Is the man alone? -- YES
Did the man have a speech impediment of some sort? -- No

Next guess...

B4wedecide2dinesomewherewithmorenormalcuisine

Is there pelican in pelican stew?

Is there pelican in pelican stew? -- YES

B4Ifindsomespices2add2thisstew

Is there pepper in pelican stew?

Was the insanity a *direct* result of eating pelican stew?

Is there pepper in pelican stew? -- N/A
Was the insanity a *direct* result of eating pelican stew? -- No

B4seaoningsbecomethemaincourse

Was the waiter in some way responsible for the diner going insane?

Was the waiter in some way responsible for the diner going insane? -- No

for the delay... Busy weekend.

B4thequestionsexpandoutward

Just a quick recap...

A man goes into a restaurant.
He orders a bowl of pelican stew.
The waiter brings one to him.
The man takes one bite of the stew and goes insane.
Why?

Is the man alone? -- YES
Did the man have a speech impediment of some sort? -- No
Is there pelican in pelican stew? -- YES
Is there pepper in pelican stew? -- N/A
Was the insanity a *direct* result of eating pelican stew? -- No
Was the waiter in some way responsible for the diner going insane? -- No

B4thisthreadreallytakesoff&getsbusy

Does the bowl contain any mercury?

Does the bowl contain any mercury? -- No
YUK!

B4wefindtraceelementsofamillionothercarcinogenicchemicals

Here today; gone tomorrow.

Oh...that's not a clue to the story; I'm at home today, but will be incommunicado on Sunday. Our family is going to a church function in Lee's Summit that will draw together a two-state region of people. There will be bible teachings, every fellowship will put on a short skit, and we'll have a luncheon. We should be back home in the evening.

So...I can confirm / debunk any guesses today, but I won't be available until tomorrow evening for further YES / No answers.

B4westartpackinglawnchairs&coolers4thetrip

It must be that you've all heard this one before...

B4thesoupgetscold

I'm stumped. Obviously there is or are a series of brilliant questions that will lead to stupendous revelations, but I can't imagine what those questions are.

Is the stew rancid?