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Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Setekh on September 23, 2001, 12:52:00 am

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 23, 2001, 12:52:00 am
Well, not really week, but more like half a week. I have just acquired several lateral thinking books from an antique book store that was closing down so I thought I'd share 'em all with you. I'll post one question every few days, more or less depending on the time it takes to solve one. Discussion (even the stuff you think is pointless, as it often can lead to new lines of thinking and hence the answer) is welcome, and probably necessary to solve some of the harder ones. If you know the answer, don't yell it out straight away, though feel free to put everyone out of their misery if people aren't getting anywhere.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)

Here's the blurb from the first page of one of the books:

 
Quote
Edward de Bono first coined the phrase 'lateral thinking' to refer to a process of thinking that is different from the normal linear, or forward thinking to which we are accustomed. In traditional reasoning, we progress logically from one step to the next. However, in lateral thinking, you must deliberately abandon this process in order to eliminate inhibitions. You then try to solve problems in different, random, or lateral ways.

Now, onto the question... an easy one to start.

The Man in the Elevator

A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. EWvery day, he takes the elevator to the first floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returns, he always takes the elevator to the seventh floor and then walks the remaining flights of stairs to his apartment on the tenth floor. Why does he do this?

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Anduril on September 23, 2001, 01:05:00 am
Lateral thinking drives me crazy- I think about as lateral as a freight train. Sounds like fun.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Bobboau on September 23, 2001, 01:18:00 am
becase he's a health nut, but sort of lasy so he doesn't walk all the way up to his floor

------------------
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Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Shrike on September 23, 2001, 01:50:00 am
Because the elevator only goes to the seventh floor, perhaps?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 23, 2001, 02:02:00 am
No, the elevator goes to all floors - otherwise how would he get on it on the tenth floor in the first place?  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: jonskowitz on September 23, 2001, 02:04:00 am
Naaahh, that couldn't be it.  It was already stated that he took the elevator DOWN to the first floor every day...

I've heard this one before (I think), but I can't for the life of me remember how it was solved...

(great, thanks a lot Steaks, now I'll be awake all night trying to figure it out!  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif) )
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Shrike on September 23, 2001, 02:21:00 am
Ok, fine... I'll let someone else do it.

[This message has been edited by Shrike (edited 09-23-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 23, 2001, 02:34:00 am
   
Quote
Originally posted by Setekh:
If you know the answer, don't yell it out straight away, though feel free to put everyone out of their misery if people aren't getting anywhere.      (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)

C'mon, give it at least a few hours     (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif) He got it, people. Have a new one...

Bombs Away!

One night during the Second World War, an allied bomber was on a mission over Germany. The plane was in perfect condition and everything on it worked properly. When it had reached its target, the pilot ordered the bomb doors opened. They opened. He then ordered the bombers released. They were released. But the bombs did not fall from the plane. Why should this be so?


That's better... I'll leave this question here so I don't have to type it out again.    (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

[This message has been edited by Setekh (edited 09-24-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 23, 2001, 03:19:00 am
I've got it but I'll it quiet (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 23, 2001, 04:55:00 am
That is, like, so old  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 23, 2001, 07:17:00 am
Here's a load more to keep anyone who's done the above two busy. ("http://www.ram.org/ramblings/other/lateral_questions.html")  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif) I can solve most of them but there's still a few I'm unsure about.

[This message has been edited by Top Gun (edited 09-23-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Sandwich on September 23, 2001, 07:46:00 am
I got the second one, but not the first... yet!  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)

------------------
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Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Bobboau on September 23, 2001, 08:49:00 am
Gremlins

------------------
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Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 23, 2001, 09:32:00 am
Didn't notice the second one  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

But I've got them both. The first one is such a classic, and the second one is just easy.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: DragonClaw on September 23, 2001, 10:49:00 am
*Gets brain cramp*

First one is hard  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)
I'll take a guess:
The man has a errand to run on the 7th floor after he goes on the 1st floor to shop. Walking the remaining stairs is faster than waiting for the elevator,.

or

After he's done his errand on the 7th floor the stairs are closest to his apartment.

Crappy guesses!  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

------------------
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Quote
The fear always controls our attitude, let us fear no more!
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Pez on September 23, 2001, 11:17:00 am
I have actually heard the first problem Setekh wrote before. So here is the solution (hidden, just mark below)


The man is a dwarf. He is so short that he just can reach and hit the button that goes to the 7th floor.


Pez

[This message has been edited by Pez (edited 09-23-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on September 23, 2001, 05:48:00 pm
For #2:

Did they forget to load the bombs?  Was the plane inverted?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Anduril on September 23, 2001, 07:06:00 pm
Dive bomber?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: delta_7890 on September 23, 2001, 07:07:00 pm
I'd pay to see an inverted bombing run
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 24, 2001, 04:46:00 am
You guys are too smart...  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif) I haven't even 'published' the second one and you guys already have it! Fine, here are the official answers... though most of you already have 'em.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

The Man in the Elevator

The man is a dwarf. He can reach the button in the elevator for the first floor, but he cannot reach the button for the tenth floor. The seventh floor button is the highest he can reach.

Bombs Away!

The bomber was, yes, flying upside-down.


Fine, I'll just dish them out faster then. Condition: three people must have solved it already (post your answers in black) for me to reveal the answer and bring on the next question. Similarly, if three people are stumped and post about it, I'll put in a clue... Now, here's the next one. I know it's easy, but to worry, they get harder (eventually...).

The Coal, Carrot and Scarf

Five pieces of coal, a carrot, and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn, but there is a perfectly logical reason for their being there. What is it?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Crazy_Ivan80 on September 24, 2001, 04:52:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by Setekh:
Bombs Away!

The bomber was, yes, flying upside-down.

[/B]

this is silly, why would a bomber fly upside-down during WW2. And we all know how large those bombers are...

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 24, 2001, 05:02:00 am
One of the questions is about a guy who dies and goes to Heaven, where everyone is aged 21. Now you tell me what's silly again?  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)

Don't worry, a lot of lateral thinking questions are ridiculous situations. Just go with them and try to solve them  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: KillMeNow on September 24, 2001, 05:34:00 am
coal question
snowman melted and they fell on the floor
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 24, 2001, 09:49:00 am
Easy, A snowman melted there  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Another easy one:
A man is found dead in an empty field with a pack strapped to his back. How did he die?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 24, 2001, 10:03:00 am
nothing to eat? pfff... dunno, I'm not smart enough for those things, even more if it's in english and i'm not sure about some words (loan, strapped...  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif) )
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Shrike on September 24, 2001, 10:39:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by Jabu:
Easy, A snowman melted there   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Another easy one:
A man is found dead in an empty field with a pack strapped to his back. How did he die?

Stung by a black widow.   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 24, 2001, 10:49:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by Jabu:
Easy, A snowman melted there   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Another easy one:
A man is found dead in an empty field with a pack strapped to his back. How did he die?

I would have thought that if he died the way he did in the answer to this Q, that he would be totally splatted rather than found dead but Nevermind.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on September 24, 2001, 01:50:00 pm
How's this? A man goes to a resturaunt and sees that albatross soup is on the menu.  He orders it.  He takes one sip, pays his bill, and then leaves.  He goes to the river and commits suicide by jumping off of a bridge.  Why did he kill himself?

That's the toughest one that I know.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: The Claw on September 24, 2001, 02:33:00 pm
kinda depends if the man was a sailor or not  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 24, 2001, 02:51:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by ^Graff:
How's this? A man goes to a resturaunt and sees that albatross soup is on the menu.  He orders it.  He takes one sip, pays his bill, and then leaves.  He goes to the river and commits suicide by jumping off of a bridge.  Why did he kill himself?

That's the toughest one that I know.

coz that's an albatros soup  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif) should I go on?  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Styxx on September 24, 2001, 02:59:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Setekh:
Bombs Away!

The bomber was, yes, flying upside-down.


Or it wasn't carrying bombs. The question didn't state that it was actually carrying something, it just stated that it was working perfectly. And the situation is as ridiculous as the plane flying upside down (you know, it's not easy to maintain altitude flying upside down on one of those huge WWII bombers)...

These questions always have multiple answers. Some of the 'classic' answers are the silliest ones, I could think of a million different answers that would be much more likely to happen. But it's nice to think about them anyway, keep'em coming.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 24, 2001, 03:18:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Styxx:

Or it wasn't carrying bombs. The question didn't state that it was actually carrying something, it just stated that it was working perfectly. And the situation is as ridiculous as the plane flying upside down (you know, it's not easy to maintain altitude flying upside down on one of those huge WWII bombers)...

These questions always have multiple answers. Some of the 'classic' answers are the silliest ones, I could think of a million different answers that would be much more likely to happen. But it's nice to think about them anyway, keep'em coming.

If the plane was up side down, the bomber couldn't have seen the target, and wouldn't have released the bombs.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 24, 2001, 03:22:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Styxx:

Or it wasn't carrying bombs. The question didn't state that it was actually carrying something, it just stated that it was working perfectly. And the situation is as ridiculous as the plane flying upside down (you know, it's not easy to maintain altitude flying upside down on one of those huge WWII bombers)...

These questions always have multiple answers. Some of the 'classic' answers are the silliest ones, I could think of a million different answers that would be much more likely to happen. But it's nice to think about them anyway, keep'em coming.

If the plane was up side down, the bomber couldn't have seen the target, and wouldn't have released the bombs.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 24, 2001, 03:51:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by venom2506:
If the plane was up side down, the bomber couldn't have seen the target, and wouldn't have released the bombs.

 
Quote
Originally posted by Setekh:
Don't worry a lot of lateral thinking questions are ridiculous situations, Just go with them and try to solve them
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Carl on September 24, 2001, 04:03:00 pm
here is one:

a man was walking in a park that was deserted except for 1 other person. suddenly, a horde of angry squirrels attacked him. later, the other person saw the man's dead, squirrel eaten carcass on the ground. then he too was attacked by a horde of angry squirrels. then both were dragged away by the squirrels and never seen form again. there were no blood marks or anything else that would give away that the two men were attacked by the squrrels, yet for some reason someone knew about it, and told the authorites. assumeing the story is true, how did this person know?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Shrike on September 24, 2001, 04:15:00 pm
Because he was talking on a cell phone.

"argh argh, I'm being attacked by killer squirrels!"
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Styxx on September 24, 2001, 04:22:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Shrike:
"argh argh, I'm being attacked by killer squirrels!"

LOL!!  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Anduril on September 24, 2001, 04:35:00 pm
It really IS upside-down for the bomber? That's pretty silly- why would a B-17 do that?

Oh well...for the record, I DID think of it, I just discounted it immediately as too silly.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif) The no-bombs scenario dissapeared immediately for the same reason.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Dang! The one that I ALMOST got immediately, but I thought I was being too silly.


Squirrels? Easy- the squirrels are a gang of violent youth cannibals, not the pleasant furry creatures we're used to. One of the squirrels was caught in a drug bust later that week, and in a futile attempt to get a lighter sentence, spilled the story to the police.

Well, you wanted lateral...  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Carl on September 24, 2001, 10:06:00 pm
the answer is, someone else saw them. i said there were only 2 people in the park, but when i said later, it was much later, so more people had come in.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 25, 2001, 02:52:00 am
You guys are no fun - too smart, the lot of you. I'm gonna skip to the fiendish ones instead...  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif) But first, to resolve this...

The Coal, Carrot and Scarf

A snowman melted, leaving its ingredients there.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)


The Turkish Bath Mystery

Four men met every Thursday lunchtime at the Turkish baths. Joe, a musician, always brought his personal cassette player so that he could listen to music. Jack, a banker, brought a thermos containing a drink. Jim and John were both lawyers and brought paperback books to read.

One day in the mist-filled room, John was found dead from a deep wound through his heart. The police were called immediately. They questioned all three suspects, but no one said that they had seen anything happen. A thorough search was carried out, but no murder weapon could be found. What happened?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on September 25, 2001, 11:23:00 am
Turkish bath mystery:
Icicle hidden in the thermos, then dropped in the bath to melt

[This message has been edited by ^Graff (edited 09-25-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Anduril on September 25, 2001, 03:46:00 pm
 (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)

The very next post...
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 25, 2001, 04:08:00 pm
Just as I thought, anyways I've got one for you all (it's quite easy though):
Arthur lives with his parents in Chicago.
Last week, while his parents were out,
Arthur's next-door neighbor Sophie came round to spend the evening. At one point, she popped out to buy some cigarettes. Just then,
two men burst into the apartment and, ignoring Arthur, took the TV set, the stereo and a computer. Arthur had never seen the men before, and they had no legal right to remove the equipment, yet he did nothing to stop them. In fact, he didn't even act surprised by their behavior. Why not?


[This message has been edited by Top Gun (edited 09-25-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 25, 2001, 05:32:00 pm
John got a deep paper cut  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

Honestly, that's a tough one.

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 25, 2001, 05:34:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Top Gun:
Why not?

Because he lives in Chicago  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Joey_21 on September 25, 2001, 06:23:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Top Gun:
Just as I thought, anyways I've got one for you all (it's quite easy though):
Arthur lives with his parents in Chicago.
Last week, while his parents were out,
Arthur's next-door neighbor Sophie came round to spend the evening. At one point, she popped out to buy some cigarettes. Just then,
two men burst into the apartment and, ignoring Arthur, took the TV set, the stereo and a computer. Arthur had never seen the men before, and they had no legal right to remove the equipment, yet he did nothing to stop them. In fact, he didn't even act surprised by their behavior. Why not?

Hmm... Maybe it was because Arthur was asleep? Dunno though.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

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Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Bobboau on September 25, 2001, 09:20:00 pm
he's moveing, they were moving men

------------------
Bobboau, bringing you products that work.............. in theory
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 26, 2001, 01:03:00 am
They had no legal right to get it...  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)

Anyway, Graff, nice job - heard this one before, I guess?  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Still, another two people have to get it first...
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on September 26, 2001, 07:24:00 am
Actually, I never heard it before.  It just seemed obvious.

The Sophie was a babysitter, and Arthur is an infant.  He was asleep, so he didn't notice

[This message has been edited by ^Graff (edited 09-26-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Bobboau on September 26, 2001, 09:30:00 am
he was selling the TV and stuff, but he didn't own them.

------------------
Bobboau, bringing you products that work.............. in theory
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 26, 2001, 10:18:00 am
Surprized you didn't get it  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)  but it was because: He was a baby

[This message has been edited by Top Gun (edited 09-26-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Joey_21 on September 26, 2001, 12:37:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Top Gun:
Surprized you didn't get it   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)  but it was because: He was a baby

Ok... if he is a baby then why would the babysitter be so irresponsible and step out?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 26, 2001, 12:45:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Joey_21:
Ok... if he is a baby then why would the babysitter be so irresponsible and step out?

Ah? you think irresponsible babysitters don't exist?  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: The Avenger on September 26, 2001, 12:50:00 pm
take venom for example  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 26, 2001, 12:55:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by The Avenger:
take venom for example   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)

hem, that's a low blow, you'll pay for that, kid  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Anduril on September 26, 2001, 01:10:00 pm
Dang, Graff, you good.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: The Avenger on September 26, 2001, 01:55:00 pm
low blow (ouch)  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif), u asked for it, i'm sorry i could not resist
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Joey_21 on September 26, 2001, 02:09:00 pm
 (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 27, 2001, 01:48:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by ^Graff:
Actually, I never heard it before.  It just seemed obvious.

And thus is the puzzle of lateral thinking puzzles - they just click for some people, and others are left wondering what the heck just happened.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: jonskowitz on September 27, 2001, 01:49:00 am
...

What just happened?

 (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 27, 2001, 04:29:00 am
 (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 27, 2001, 05:36:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by The Avenger:
low blow (ouch)   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif), u asked for it, i'm sorry i could not resist

?

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: joek on September 27, 2001, 09:28:00 am
OK, I couldn't solve any of the others... but I think I've got one.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

I drive my wife to work every morning. If we leave after 8:30 we don't get to her work until almost 9. But if we leave before 8:30 we get there by 8:45. Why?

Joe.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 27, 2001, 09:35:00 am
Because you have to take a ferry?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 27, 2001, 09:35:00 am
hem. what's the word... traffic jam?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Blue Lion on September 27, 2001, 10:48:00 am
 Ok this one might be a little easy but, hey, here it goes anyway

  Jim is found dead in his bed by his wife. She calls the police and after the police conduct their investigation, they say the scissors were the weapon used, but he wasn't stabbed or cut. How did he die?

 *edit, wording was a little unclear*
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 Fastest Man Alive

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[This message has been edited by Blue Lion (edited 09-28-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 27, 2001, 10:50:00 am
indigestion  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 27, 2001, 02:03:00 pm
He was SMACKED on teh HEAD!
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: joek on September 27, 2001, 03:32:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by venom2506:
hem. what's the word... traffic jam?

Yeah... but more specifically all the stupid road work their doing on the quickest route to her work which shuts the road down to ONE LANE  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/mad.gif) and backs up traffic like hell... but they only start the construction around 8:30.

... see I told ya I'm not good at these.

Joe.

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 28, 2001, 09:33:00 am
I'm getting sick of this...  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)

The Turkish Bath Mystery

John was killed by a stab from an ice dagger that Jack brought to the Baths in his thermos. When Jack had finished, he threw the dagger into the hot coals, melting them and destroying all evidence.


New one. I'll make it real hard.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)

Death on the Train

A man stepped out of a speeding train to his death. He had been on his own in the compartment, and all that was found was a very large handkerchief. If he had made the journet by any means other than train, he would almost certainly not have decided to commit suicide. Why did he take his life?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on September 28, 2001, 10:23:00 am
I'm thinking along the lines of him mistaking the door for the bathroom in the middle of the night but I know that's not right (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 28, 2001, 10:38:00 am
Damn, I thought this would be the tunnel + blind man one...

Okay, he was on his way back from suparlaser surgery where he got his eyesight back when the train went into a tunnel. Thinking he had gone blind again, he jumped out of the train
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Blue Lion on September 28, 2001, 02:04:00 pm

 He was asleep and the train had an emergency stop on a bridge, he woke up, thought it was his stop and fell to his death.

------------------
 "Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty"
 
 Fastest Man Alive

 Go Ravens!
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 28, 2001, 11:50:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Jabu:
Damn, I thought this would be the tunnel + blind man one...

Okay, he was on his way back from suparlaser surgery where he got his eyesight back when the train went into a tunnel. Thinking he had gone blind again, he jumped out of the train

Well go away, Jabu.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: joek on September 29, 2001, 11:32:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by Setekh:
Why did he take his life?

Cause he couldn't figure out these things!!! Wahh  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif) (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/confused.gif) (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif)

Joe.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on September 30, 2001, 02:54:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by joek:
Cause he couldn't figure out these things!!! Wahh   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif)  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/confused.gif)  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif)

Joe.

Sorry dude - well, you can read Jabu's answer in black up there, if you're that frustrated.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 30, 2001, 05:13:00 am
the guy is damn stupid if he doesn't know  about tunnels on railroads, andif he can't see all the little lights in the tunnels  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on September 30, 2001, 08:17:00 am
And I suppose there were no lights in the compartment itself?  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

It's just a riddle. They're not supposed to make sense.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on September 30, 2001, 08:47:00 am
 
Quote
Originally posted by Jabu:
And I suppose there were no lights in the compartment itself?   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

It's just a riddle. They're not supposed to make sense.

yeah, but they're supposed to use logic. And I don't see much logic in that.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Anduril on September 30, 2001, 03:47:00 pm
Wrong. These do NOT use logic. That's why there's so hard.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)

Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on October 01, 2001, 06:23:00 am
They use inverse logic. Instead of going from cause -> effect, they go effect -> cause.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on October 01, 2001, 11:58:00 am
that's rubish. it's just nonsense. You make up a prob, you make up the most stupid reason to it, et voila.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on October 01, 2001, 12:49:00 pm
The solutions to good lateral thinking puzzles are the only possible causes for the events.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Nico on October 01, 2001, 01:09:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Top Gun:
The solutions to good lateral thinking puzzles are the only possible causes for the events.

Ah? yeah? let's put that bling guy story this way: I make up that stuff but I decide that he met his former wife, soimething like this, in the train. Thing happen and he jumps off the train. If he hasn't taken the train he wouldn't have met that girl etc...
If I made up the story, I would have kaugh to the blind thing and yold yo about the ex-wife. You can't say this wouldn't work.So to that only way thinguy: LOL.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on October 01, 2001, 03:03:00 pm
Each cause can have infinite effects, as all effects can have infinite causes.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on October 01, 2001, 03:23:00 pm
   
Quote
Originally posted by venom2506:
Ah? yeah? let's put that bling guy story this way: I make up that stuff but I decide that he met his former wife, soimething like this, in the train. Thing happen and he jumps off the train. If he hasn't taken the train he wouldn't have met that girl etc...
If I made up the story, I would have kaugh to the blind thing and yold yo about the ex-wife. You can't say this wouldn't work.So to that only way thinguy: LOL.

Ah shaddup, just because you can't solve them  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif) Seriously, That's a bad puzzle as there are many different possibilities. I'll Give you a good one with only one solution (which is very satisfying when you find it out or hear it)  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
n in the Bar A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
     
   


[This message has been edited by Top Gun (edited 10-01-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Top Gun (edited 10-02-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on October 02, 2001, 02:19:00 am
Got it.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)

The guy had hiccups, which is why he wanted the water. The bartender pointed the gun at him to scare him, which cured his hiccups, for which he thanked the bartender.

I always like that one. Here's another Bar related one...

A man walks into a bar. Before he has a chance to say anything, he's knocked senseless. What happened?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Shrike on October 02, 2001, 02:20:00 am
Duuuuh....... the bar is in fact a metal post/pole.  Gawd, that one's lame.  Go back and get a new one.   (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)

[This message has been edited by Shrike (edited 10-02-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on October 02, 2001, 02:26:00 am
Eh? That was off the top of my head. Besides, don't see you putting up any, smarty.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: The Avenger on October 02, 2001, 05:07:00 am
another q plz
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on October 02, 2001, 11:26:00 am
What about my albatross soup one?  One person gave a vague answer that may or may not have been the correct one.  How about figuring that one out?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Martinus on October 02, 2001, 11:53:00 am
OK this is a real oldie but a goodie none the less:

A cab driver is going down a one way street the wrong way, a cop sees him and he waves to the cop who just smiles and goes about his business. Why did he get away with it?
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Top Gun on October 02, 2001, 12:54:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Maeglamor:
OK this is a real oldie but a goodie none the less:

A cab driver is going down a one way street the wrong way, a cop sees him and he waves to the cop who just smiles and goes about his business. Why did he get away with it?

He was on foot
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Unidan on October 02, 2001, 02:20:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by Setekh:
A man walks into a bar. Before he has a chance to say anything, he's knocked senseless. What happened?

We said that at school for the last 2 years. Except we said: "A guy walks into a bar."
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Jabu on October 02, 2001, 02:24:00 pm
The man was walking. Or cycling.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on October 02, 2001, 05:00:00 pm
 
Quote
Originally posted by ^Graff:
What about my albatross soup one?  One person gave a vague answer that may or may not have been the correct one.  How about figuring that one out?

Oh no... I remember this question, but not it's answer - suffice to say that if there is a frustrating lateral thinking question out there, it's this.

Has something to do with war heroes, IIRC - but as to the actual answer, I'm lost...
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on October 02, 2001, 07:14:00 pm
War heroes?  Not the answer that I was told.
Hint:The answer that I heard had something to do with a cruise ship

[This message has been edited by ^Graff (edited 10-02-2001).]
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on October 06, 2001, 05:50:00 am
In the one I know about, the albatross soup reminds someone of something so he goes out and... argh, I can't remember.  (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/redface.gif)
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Artimus on October 06, 2001, 09:10:00 am
Albatross -> It goes something like this- The man spent many years in a prision camp or something. He was there with many other people, but they would dissapear every so often. To stay alive, they were fed "albatross" soup. After eating it for so many years, he began to like it. When he got out, he wanted to have the soup again. When he ordered it, he discovered that it tasted nothing like the "soup" he ate before. Realizing that he had been eating people ffr years, he killed himself.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on October 07, 2001, 04:49:00 am
Oh... ewwww...
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on October 07, 2001, 05:28:00 pm
Close enough.  The one that I heard involved a cruise ship lost at sea, and the man's wife disappeared.  The ship's captain claimed that she had washed overboard, but she had actually been killed and made into a soup to feed the starving passengers.

Speaking of cannibalism, did anyone catch the name of the movie on the SciFi channel yesterday at 9-ish?  It was pretty good, but I tuned in halfway through it, so I didn't get the name.
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: Setekh on October 08, 2001, 02:28:00 am
We need better TV here in Australia.

I don't suppose you guys know the one about the two foot piece of wood...
Title: Your lateral thinking question for the week...
Post by: ^Graff on October 08, 2001, 10:12:00 am
I've never heard of it.  Go ahead and ask.