Test for dementia, and other checks

Vacation’s almost over, so you need to shake off the holiday dementia. Too much boozing and partying has damaged your brain neurons, severely impairing your intellectual capacity and personality integration. You can’t go back to work like this. The boss will notice and fire you. You need to sharpen your mind. How?

Below are four questions, plus a bonus item, from an e-mailer. Answer them in a snap. Don’t take your time; just answer instantly because you need to check if your brain is getting back in shape. Ready, go.

Question 1: You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?

Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong. If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second. Now answer the second question, but don’t take as much time as you did for the first question, get it?

Question 2: If you overtake the last person, then you are what?

Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the last person? You’re not very good at this, are you?

Question 3: Very tricky arithmetic, but do this in your head only; do not use paper and pencil, much more a calculator. Ready? Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total?

 Answer: Did you get 5000? If so, you’re not ready to return to work. The correct answer is 4100. If you don’t believe it, check with a calculator. Maybe you’ll get the last question right ... maybe.

Question 4: Mary’s father has five daughters: first Nana, second Nene, then Nini, next Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?

Answer: Did you answer Nunu? No, of course it isn’t. Her name is Mary. Read the question again.

Now for the bonus question: A mute person goes into a shop to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Next a blind man comes into the shop wanting to buy a pair of sunglasses. How does he indicate what he wants?

Answer: He just has to open his mouth and ask. It’s really very simple. Are you drafting your resignation letter yet?

*      *      *

While you’re at it, take this psychological test from the Net:

The main character in the story is this girl. At her mother’s funeral, she saw this guy who was also there, but was unable to get his name. Well, this guy happened to fit her bill of a dream guy, so she fell in love with him at once ... love at first sight. A few days later, the girl killed her own sister. When the cops asked her why she did that, she gave a very shocking answer. So, what was her motive in killing her sister?

Answer: She was hoping that the guy would appear at the funeral again. She wanted to see him.

Please, if you answered this correctly, go to the cops and tell them to lock you up. Famous American psychologists devised this test, to find out if one has the same mentality as a killer. In fact, majority of arrested serial killers took part in this test — and had answered it correctly...

If you answered wrong, this time good for you.

*      *      *

This last test will verify if you are among the 98 percent “normal” or 2 percent, uh, “different”. It consists of simple arithmetic, which you have to do quickly in your head only. Do not go to the next calculation without finishing the previous one. You do not need to write or remember the answers. Then, at the end is a question. Answer it immediately. Don’t stop to think long. Just say the first thing that pops into mind. Start.

How much is: 15 + 6, then 3 + 56, now 89 + 2, 12 + 53, 75 + 26, 25 + 52, 63 + 32. I know calculations are hard work, but it’s nearly over. Just one more: 123 + 5. Now quick, think of a color and a tool. Pause a moment.

You just thought about a red hammer, didn’t you?

If this is not your answer, you are among 2% of people who have a different, if not abnormal mind. 98% of folks would answer a red hammer while doing this exercise. If you do not believe this, pass it around and you’ll see.

By the way, my answer was grey dagger. I think I should turn myself in to the police.

*      *      *

“If the message of your life is love, yet people reject your message, your message will still get across — for love is stronger than any rejection.” Shafts of Light, Fr. Guido Arguelles, SJ

*      *      *

E-mail: [email protected]

?