TAKE 30

1. 83

   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   Alf was the 93rd caller to a radio station contest and was told he would win a car if he could go into a room and come out exactly 30 minutes later. The room had no clock, and Alf was not allowed to wear a watch or bring in anything else that tells time. The only thing he could take into the room was a lighter and a candle in a candle holder (supplied by the radio station) that was guaranteed to burn completely in exactly one hour. Alf was not allowed to use a ruler to measure exactly halfway down the candle. Alf went into the room and emerged exactly 30 minutes later to win the car. How did he do it?

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   1. 72

      Quilligrapherposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Alf lit the candle at both ends and came out of the room when the two flames met and self-extinguished exactly 30 minutes later.
      
      Do I win a car too?
      

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      1. 95

         wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         No.  That was my answer, too...until I thought about the mechanics of lighting both ends of a candle in a candle holder.
         
         If it was one of those in a glass jar, perhaps he could throw it on the floor, breaking the glass, and then chew off enough wax to expose a wick to light on the bottom.

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         1. 72

            Quilligrapherposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Well, at least we know that great minds think alike.
            

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            1. 95

               wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Dunno about that - apparently you won admiration.  I didn't even get that!

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               1. 83

                  Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  Of course you did. Fancy me leaving you out!

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               2. 72

                  Quilligrapherposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  What are you talking about? You already have plenty of admiration.
                  
                  But, if it matters that much to you, I'll ask Jacqueline to give her admiration accolade to you instead. I'll even add my own personal admiration to hers so you'll have two. How's that?

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                  1. 95

                     wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     Naw - I see you two are in cahoots to console a poor hubber that was left in the cold, forgotten and ignored.  I'll just find a corner and cry in my beer for a few days.  And next time answer the puzzle before you do.

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                     1. 72

                        Quilligrapherposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        Well......okay.......but the beer is on me.
                        

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                     2. 83

                        Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        You have my complete gratitude and heartfelt admiration for even commenting! I'm awed ... mesmerized ... excited ... and well delighted!!!!!!!!

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                        1. 95

                           wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                           

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      2. 83

         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Right answer and you only win my admiration!

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