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; B) 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.
The woman hoped she would not have to use it because her friend was, well, not the smartest. She had no alternative. She called her friend and gave her the question and the four choices. The friend responded unhesitatingly: Thats 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 the host any answer except the one that her friend had given her. And considering that her friend was not the smartest, that would seem to be the logical thing to do.
On the other hand the friend had responded with such confidence, such conviction, that the contestant could not help but be persuaded.
I need an answer, said the host.
Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, C: The cuckoo.
Is that your final answer? asked the host.
Yes, that is my final answer.
Two minutes later, the host said: 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 friend who had helped her win the million dollars. Jenny, I just do not know how to thank you! said the contestant. How did you happen to know the right answer?
Oh, come on, said the friend. Everybody knows that cuckoos dont build nests. They live in clocks.
-- Edited by Possum3 on Saturday 26th of October 2019 05:33:26 PM
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
