The Cuckoo

[Nan]

[i apologise in advance for this story <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mittelgr124.gif" alt="" />]

The cuckoo

A contestant on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" had reached the

final plateau. If she answered the next question correctly, she would win

$1,000,000. If she answered incorrectly, she would pocket only the $32,000

milestone money. And as she suspected it would be, the million-dollar

question was no pushover. It was, "Which of the following species of birds

does not build its own nest, but instead lays its eggs in the nests of

other birds? Is it:

A) the condor;

the buzzard;

C) the cuckoo; or

D) the vulture?"

The woman was on the spot. She did not know the answer. And she was

doubly on the spot because she had used up her 50/50 Lifeline and her Audience Poll Lifeline

All that remained was her Phone-a-Friend Lifeline and the woman had hoped against hope that

she would not have to use it mainly because the only friend that she knew

would be home happened to be a blonde. But the contestant had no

alternative. She called her friend and gave her the question and the four

choices.

The blonde responded unhesitatingly: "That's easy. The answer is 'C)

The cuckoo'."

The contestant had to make a decision and make it fast. She

considered employing a reverse strategy and giving Eddie any answer except

the one that her friend had given her. And considering that her friend was

a blonde, that would seem to be the logical thing to do. On the other hand

-- the blonde had responded with such confidence, such certitude, that the

contestant could not help but be persuaded.

"I need an answer," said Eddie.

Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, "C) The cuckoo."

"Is that your final answer?" asked Eddie.

"Yes, that is my final answer."

Two minutes later, Eddie said, "I regret to inform you that that

answer is . . . absolutely correct. You are now a millionaire!"

Three days later, the contestant hosted a party for her family and

friends -- including the blonde who had helped her win the million dollars.

"Jenny, I just do not know how to thank you," said the contestant.

"Because of your knowing the answer to that final question, I am now

a millionaire. And do you want to know something? It was the assuredness

with which you answered the question that convinced me to go with your

choice. By the way . . . . . how DID you happen to know the right answer?"

"Oh, come on," said the blonde. "Everybody knows that cuckoos don't

build nests. They live in clocks."

[Gail]

Atta girl, Jenny!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />