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BS: Puzzles
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Subject: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:26 PM The thread, "Puzzle: Where is the other dollar?" got me to thinking about how much I enjoy such puzzles. While most puzzles have at some point made their way into print, I suspect quite a few were passed on in true folk tradition. For instance, I learned "The fox, the goose and the grain" puzzle from my father and that many years passed before I ever saw it in print. I wonder if you folks can think of any that you learned by way of mouth. My very favorite one was told to me by a co-worker many years ago when we both were trying to stay awake during a night shift. I once told it to a patient of mine who was temporarily paralyzed from the neck down and needed something to do. This one kept her occupied for nearly a week. Oh, but before I tell it to you and before others add theirs, there is a rule of puzzle etiquitte: If you already know the solution to the puzzle, please keep it to yourself. If you think you have figured it out on your own, feel free to post. The Gardener The gardener was summoned by the owner of a fine estate. The owner told the gardener that ten new shrubs had been purchased and needed planting. He then explained exactly what he had in mind. "I want you to plant all ten shrubs. You are to plant only five shrubs per row and there are to be exactly five rows." The gardener hesitated for a moment. Then a smile lit his face and he said, "I'll have them in the ground just as you describe, sir, no later than sundown." How did the gardener keep his word? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Sorcha Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:28 PM 5 rows of 2 shrubs each? I suppose that is too easy, huh? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:31 PM Read it again, Sorcha. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jeri Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:37 PM Uh...plant two rows of 5 shrubs each behind the 5 rows of 3 shrubs each that are already planted? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:40 PM Dang, Jeri, that's right clever; but not the answer. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Little Neophyte Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:44 PM Allan, would you mind PMing me with the answer. My brain came without a logical component. Little Neo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:45 PM Gladly |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: katlaughing Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:47 PM Um...the "only" also could mean "up to five per row" so he doesn't have to plant more than two; or, like Jeri said, he is adding to some already established rows? And, why is sundown so important? Sheesh! Enquiring minds want to know!!**BG** |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:51 PM Sundown has nothing to do with it. Five shrubs and five in each row, period. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Little Neophyte Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:53 PM If anyone wants the answer for a $1.00 fee I will tell you. PM me for further information. :)Little Neo |
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Subject: EEEK! From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 09:56 PM Gadzooks! I blew it, people. It is as follows: Ten shrubs Five rows FOUR in each row! Please forgive me. I meant no harm. Honest. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jeri Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:01 PM X X X X X X X X X X ????? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Sorcha Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:01 PM SEE!! SEE! My answer had to be right for the ORIGINAL question, huh, Allan? No other way to do it........or is there............duh, I hate these things. But they get to me just the same. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: katlaughing Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:06 PM Split/divide the shrubs in half, thus giving you twenty shrubs, four per row, five rows. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:10 PM Creative, kat. Not the winner, though. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Sorcha Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:14 PM A pyramid? Can't do the html for it...........I think I can see it in my head........ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:22 PM Jeri, I can't tell what you were trying to construct; but I am fairly certain you were on the wrong track. Both of your answers are very inventive, Sorcha; but we still have no winner. I figured out this one in about a minute. But once I tell you how I arrived at my answer, you'll know it wasn't because I am especially smart. Well, maybe. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Margo Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:41 PM A Pentagram! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jon Freeman Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:44 PM Please put me out of my misery soon Allan. I can't solve it and it is driving me nuts! Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Margo Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:47 PM I just told you the answer! Draw a pentagram and put a shrub in every crossing and corner!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 10:52 PM Good job, Margo!!! When I was trying to solve this puzzle I was almost totally stumped. Nothing logical seemed probable. Then I decided that nothing short of magic could possibly make it happen. My next thought? Pentagram. Now, does anyone else have a puzzle to share? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Sorcha Date: 06 Dec 00 - 11:07 PM Ahhhhhh, I knew it had to be a geometric figure of some kind---Mr. couldn't get it either.......good one Allan. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Little Neophyte Date: 06 Dec 00 - 11:24 PM Wait a second, Margo you figured it out too fast. I didn't have a chance to make any money. LN |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Margo Date: 06 Dec 00 - 11:34 PM I looooove puzzles. And the New York Times crossword. But I don't do it in ink. I'm not that good. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Ebbie Date: 06 Dec 00 - 11:45 PM I too like puzzles but I rarely solve them, it seems. I like word puzzles really well- and I have a request: How about putting up a number of puzzles that don't require diagrams or drawings? A number of times a year I send out a 10-12 page newsletter to a mailing list of currently 65 people. I would welcome puzzles and riddles, vignettes and inspirational thoughts or whatever to include in it. My next newsletter goes out in the week between Christmas and New Year's, so there's still plenty of time. Anybody? :) Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 06 Dec 00 - 11:47 PM Okay, while you are trying to remember one to share, here's another one: In your cellar there are three light switches in the OFF position. Each switch controls 1 of 3 light bulbs on floor above. You may move any of the switches but you may only go upstairs to inspect the bulbs one time. How can you determine the switch for each bulb with one inspection?? BTW, I am signing off for the night. My bet is that someone will figure out a good answer by the time the sun rises in West Virginia. Seeya then. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Margo Date: 07 Dec 00 - 12:06 AM Here's how it's done: You turn one light on, and wait a few minutes. Then you turn that one off, and turn a second light on. You immediately go up, and the hot bulb is for the first switch you flipped, the one that's on is for the current one switched on, and the cold one is for the switch that hasn't been used yet. Right? Margo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 07 Dec 00 - 07:18 AM Absolutely right, Margo! Does anyone know another? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: catspaw49 Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:22 AM Yeah.....How did the bearded guy wind up dead in West Virginia? Allan you @*&%^#&$........Your first one I knew from a long time back, but as I read it, I thought, "HEY!! Wait a minute....THIS has a new twist!!! Hmmmmm.....5 in 5? Lessee........" Soooooooo....Knowing it must be related to the other, I have sat here for about 30 minutes doing geometric figures to make it fit. Then I find out you have screwed the pooch and its the one I knew all along. I'm coming for you Allan........Be afraid...Be VERY afraid............... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: SINSULL Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:28 AM Get a copy of Games Magazine. I had to cancel my subscription because it interfered with every other aspect of my life. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: DonMeixner Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:36 AM Some one wanna explain this to me. The best I can get is five rows of four unless there is another pentagram I haven't met yet. But then I am a little dense at times too. :-) 1 2 6 7 3 8 9 10 4 5 Don |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:38 AM SINSULL, I suppose I could do that; but I was more interested in learning of puzzles which were handed down in more-or-less the folk tradition. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: DonMeixner Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:38 AM The numbers indicated locations the points and intercections of a 5 point star. One again graphics are lost on Mudcat, |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:42 AM Don, please re-read the above where I acknowledged my screw-up. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jeri Date: 07 Dec 00 - 08:43 AM Don, five rows of four is what you were supposed to find. Allan goofed up the original question - read down a bit. Get 'im, Spaw!!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: catspaw49 Date: 07 Dec 00 - 09:05 AM There seem to be several of us coming for you Allan.............. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 07 Dec 00 - 09:52 AM Fortunately, I will be elsewhere attending a Chr..Holid...Seaso...er..uh...Yule? party with my trueluv. But I can't blame you. I just can't stand it when someone can't tell a joke or a puzzle properly. Now, does someone else have one they can tell properly? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Gary T Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:09 AM I'll give it a try. This one also uses graphics, but I'll hope my verbal description is clear enough so you can follow along at home. Lay out a simple grid of nine dots in three by three pattern. This will be a square, three dots across, three dots down, one dot in the center, which could be construed to composed of four squares (this second description is just to help clarify, it's a basic 3x3 grid). With your pencil, draw four connected line segments so that each dot has a line through it. You need to make angles (turn corners) between the four segments, but they must be connected, a continuous line without lifting the pencil. Obviously the line is not straight, as it has folds (angles) in it, but each of the four segments must be straight. If you then unfolded the line, you would have nine dots on the line, like a string of pearls. The line may cross over itself. I hope that's clear. Have fun! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Patrish(inactive) Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:19 AM Can you put ten pennies into the three glasses in such a way that each glass contains an odd number of pennies? Patrish |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Gary T Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:28 AM Patrish, I would put 3 pennies into glass A, and set it aside. Then I would put 4 pennies into glass B, and 3 pennies into glass C. I would then put glass C into glass B. Glass B would then hold 7 pennies (and glass C). Is that it? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Patrish(inactive) Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:32 AM You clever clogs Gary! Yes, and it only took you 9 Minutes to work it out. Patrish |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jeri Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:50 AM Gary - let's see if I can explain it, because I sure can't draw it. Let's give the dots numbers:
123
1.Draw a line that goes from 1, passes through 5 and stops at 9 You have lines that look like an arrow pointing to the lower right hand corner. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Mrrzy Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:56 AM Actually the shrub one was on Car Talk the other day (speaks the Car Talk veteran) so I didn't post, aren't I nice, since I had just heard the answer. I love these kinds of things. When I was in grad school in the early 90's we could still stump people with this old chestnut: A man and his son are in a terrible car crash. The father is killed instantly and the son is rushed to the hospital for life-saving surgery. Upon seeing the patient, however, the doctor exclaimed: "I can't operate on this boy! He's my son!" - How can that be? (I told you it was old!) I'll post something more difficult as soon as I remember one. Meanwhile, does anyone remember the How do the cannibals and the missionaries get across the river puzzler? I don't want to get it wrong... and it's a toughie! And I've more recently seen a slightly different version of it. Will ferret. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: P05139 Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:02 AM Right then, here's 2 from my Key Skills lessons. 1) A smart explorer is kidnapped by savages. He (or she if you're a feminist) is told "Make a statement. If what you say is true, you'll be hanged. If it's false, you'll be shot." What does the explorer say to save his (her) life? 2) I have a full set of encyclopaedias on a shelf in order. Each volume of the encyclopaedia has covers 1/8th of an inch thick and 1 inch of pages. If a bookworm was to start at the last page of Volume 1 and eat its way through to the first page of Volume 2, how far would it have travelled? Have fun!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Mrrzy Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:10 AM My guess for (1) is "I am going to be shot." At least then you get a logical impasse... But you just reminded me of a good one: You die, and instead of going either to heaven or hell you materialize in an antechamber with 2 doors, each guarded by someone who looks just like you. You are told that one is an angel who always tells the truth, and one is a devil who always lies. One guards the door to heaven, one the door to hell, but you don't know which is guarding which. You are allowed one question, which you may ask of one guardian. What do you ask to find the door to heaven? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Allan C. Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:10 AM Jeri, unless I read it wrong, you never crossed through the 3. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:17 AM Okay, you go up to one of them and say "Would he (i.e. the other guy) tell me that this door leads to Heaven?" If he says "no" go through it. This is headwrecking, but I think it works. If it IS the door to heaven and you're asking the liar then you're okay, and if it IS the door to heaven and you're asking the truth person it's okay. Just don't go through the one they say yes to. Is that it, or am I way off...? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jeri Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:28 AM Allan, see my step 2. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Jeri Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:34 AM Firecat, your #2, would be 1/4 inch, plus the space in between vol 1 and 2. Your #1 might be "You are going to shoot me." |
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Subject: RE: BS: Puzzles From: Gary T Date: 07 Dec 00 - 11:39 AM Yes, Jeri, that's it. It requires thinking outside the box, figuratively and literally. Congratulations! |