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Date Posted: 17:17:14 10/03/02 Thu
Author: Avalon
Subject: And why this puzzle works...(SPOILERS for this puzzle)
In reply to: Lark 's message, "Are you unusual? (OT Mind Game)" on 07:53:00 10/03/02 Thu

>> * There's no trick or surprise.


Well, actually there IS a little trick... ;)


>> Think of a number from 1 to 10
>> Multiply that number by 9
>> If the result is a 2-digit number, add the digits together
>> Now subtract 5

Your result from this will ALWAYS be four. Any number 1 - 10 multiplied by 9 will result in a number whose digits add up to 9. (It's just one of those funny math things about the number 9. There are several oddities about the number.) So, of course, when you subtract 5, it's 4. Always.



>> Determine which letter in the alphabet
>> corresponds to the number you end up with
>> (e.g.: 1=a, 2=b, 3=c,etc.)


And so, since your number is always 4, your letter is always D.


>> Think of a country whose name starts
>> with that letter


There are, as far as I can tell, only 4 (again!) countries that begin with D: Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, and the Dominican Republic.

I've never heard of Djibouti or Dominica (dang it, I've got to pay more attention during the Parade of Nations at the beginning of the Olympics! ;) ).

I'm embarassed to say that I'd forgotten about the Dominican Republic.

And so, indeed, most of us say "Denmark", and the rest tends to follow -- "kangaroo" being most typical, and then "orange" following lockstep because of the "o". Although, I have to say, I'm surprised more people don't say "koala" (and then, probably, "apple"...).

If I remember right, this is similar to the way that magician Max Maven (and those who've followed in his footsteps) does his "audience participation" tricks on tv.

Me? Yup. Lump me in with the 98%. :D Oh, well. I don't care what the puzzle says. I know I'm unusual in all the ways that count... ;)

(And my apologies if you already knew all this and I just bored y'all to tears...)

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Replies:

  • Aww, I feel special now -- Calypso, 17:59:44 10/03/02 Thu
  • Being Italian.... -- Renee, 19:08:52 10/03/02 Thu
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