Brain twisters and life’s puzzlers

It’s the middle of a long, five-day weekend – except if you’re working at the Comelec. Don’t let your brain pickle. Exercise it by taking the world’s easiest quiz. Easy, because you only need four correct answers to pass. But no peeking at the answers below. Ready?

1) How long did the Hundred Years’ War last?

2) Which country makes Panama hats?

3) From which animal do we get catgut?

4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

5) What was King George VI's first name?

All done? Check your answers:

1) How long did that war last? *116 years. 2) Maker of Panama hats? "Equador. 3) Source of catgut? *Sheep, goats, horses. 4) October Revolution celebration month? *November. 5) King George VI's first name? Albert.

What do you mean you flunked?

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Okay, okay, here’s an easier one. But you must answer each question in a split second. And, oh, just a suggestion, do this when no one else is looking. You don’t want others to know if you’re losing it, right? Begin.

1) Quickly now, what do you put in a toaster?

If you answered "toast," then give up now and go do something else, like reading the political news. You might hurt yourself. If you said "bread," proceed to the next question.

2) Say "silk" five times. Now spell "silk". What do cows drink?

Answer: cows drink water. If you said "milk," please do not attempt the next question. If you answered right, go to number 3.

3) Remember, answer in a split second. If a red house is made from red bricks, and a pink house is made from pink bricks, and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a greenhouse made from?

Greenhouses are made of glass. If you incorrectly said "green bricks," just drop this paper and switch to the competition. Don’t even turn to the comics page. If you did right, try the next item.

4) Twenty years ago a plane was flying at 20,000 feet over Germany, then politically divided into West and East Germany. Unfortunately the plane’s engines conked out and crashed smack in the middle of "no man’s land" between East and West Germany. Where were the survivors buried?

They were not buried because they survived. If you answered "east", "west" or anything else, please don’t ever attempt to rescue anyone from a plane crash. Survivors won’t appreciate it. If you said "you don’t bury survivors," proceed.

5) If the hour hand on a clock moves 1/60th of a degree every minute, then how many degrees will the hour hand move in one hour?

Answer: one degree. If you said "360 degrees" or anything other than "one degree," you should be congratulated for getting this far. Still, you’re obviously out of your league. Turn in your pencil and step out of the room. The rest, go to the last question.

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So you breezed through the two tests above and are beginning to think you’re a candidate for Mensa. Here’s something to bring you back down to earth. No scores needed for this one. Trying is enough:

1) Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2) Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3) Name the last five winners of the Miss Universe contest.

4) Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5) Name the last half dozen Metro Filmfest winners for best actor and actress.

How did you do? You just read through it but gave no answers? That’s all right, because none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. Those persons were no second-raters, but the best in their fields. Still, the applause dies down. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten, the accolades and certificates buried with the owners.

Now see how you do on this one:

1) List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2) Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3) Name five persons who taught you something worthwhile.

4) Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5) Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Bet it was easier. The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most titles, the most money, the most awards. They’re the ones who care.

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Catch Sapol ni Jarius Bondoc, Saturdays at 8 a.m., on DWIZ (882-AM).

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E-mail: [email protected]