Puzzles

Here are some logic puzzles I heard during the course of my work. And I love logic puzzles.

 

Puzzle 1 - difficulty: **

 

There are 3 identical light bulbs A, B & C in an enclosed room. Outside the room there are 3 identical switches 1, 2 & 3. After you play around with the 3 switches, you can only go into the room once, after which you know which switch control which light bulb, ie, Switch 1 control what, Switch 2 control what, Switch 3 control what.

 

Point to note: when you are outside the room playing around with the switch, you can't see the inside of the room, including the light bulbs. 

 

 

Puzzle 2 - difficulty: ***

 

There are 3 death row prisoners standing in a single file, the tallest behind, shortest in front, and all of them is facing front. The king choose 3 apples from a bag of 2 red and 2 green apples and put 1 apple on each of their heads. The king throws the remaining 1 apple away, whose color none of the prisoners know.

 

Each prisoner cannot talk to one another, cannot turn around, cannot see his own apple. So the scenario now is that the tallest prisoner can see the apples on the head of the prisoners in front of him; the one standing in the middle can see the apple on the head of the shortest guy; and the shortest guy can see nothing.

 

The prisoners are supposed to guess the color of the apple on top of their heads. Upon giving the right answer, they will be freed. However, upon giving the wrong answer, they will be beheaded immediately.

 

So, it happens that the color sequence of apples from the tallest guy to the shortest guy is: red, green, red. And the middle person, upon some hesitation, figured out the color of the apple above his head and was freed immediately. He did not simply guess the answer, he was absolutely 101% sure of the color of the apple above his head.

 

How the hell did he figure out?

 

 

Puzzle 3 - difficulty ****

 

There are 2 rooms, one is filled with traps, tigers, scopions, snakes - after you go in most probably you will never come out again; the other is filled riches and treasures beyond your wildest imagination. We will label the rooms 'Good Room' and 'Bad Room' respectively. However, you don't know which is which.

 

Don't worry though, there are two persons in front of the two rooms to help you. BUT, there is a catch: one of them can only tell lies and one of them can only tell the truth, and as usual, you can't tell who is who.

 

You can only ask any ONE of them one question and ONE question ONLY. You die die want to get all the treasures in the Good Room. So the question is:

 

What question will you ask?

 

Hint: the question is phrase in such a way that it doesn't matter who you ask.

 

 

(I found out about Puzzle 3 on the net long time ago, but alas, I forgot the ask my colleagues...)

 

 

Oh btw, no answers will be given. I won't want to rob you of the joy you will have when you figure out the answers yourself. =)

 

 

Ramble ramble - In search of God

There is one line from the horoscope personality analysis in the last entry: Aquarians 'seek truth above all things'. I can't help but think of the discussion with my christian colleague today about the existence of God today. Frankly speaking, I'm a free-thinker, I've nothing against the existance of God. However, evidence and logic point (quite strongly, I would say) towards the non-existance of God (see here), so for the time being, I would remain a free-thinker.

 

Actually there is this argument by my colleague and a very good friend that may best prove that God exist, and that is the Healing Crusade, which shows that some pastors can actually heal seriously-ill people miraculously. If God doesn't exist, how did these miracles happened? Of course I don't have any good answers to this question. I do have a not so good answer though: the paster is a mutant with healing powers? (kidding =P) But being the 'seeker of truth' (aka skeptic) that I am, I won't believe in God unless I get cancer and is healed personally in the Healing Crusade.

 

Errr... But God, if You exist and being extremely benevolent, surely You won't let me ganna cancer to make me believe in You right? =P Afterall, it is You who give us the freedom to choose whether to believe in You or not, isn't it? And if I don't belive in You, it is not due to the lack of trying, really. If I'm not trying, there won't even be this entry! 

 

But the problem is: if You do not give me cancer (and heal me), I won't believe in You!

 

I think after I posted this entry, I'll be suffering like shit either in life or in hell if God exist. =(

 

Wait. I've a strange thought: From the above paragraph, the high probablilty that I'll suffer in life sooner or later (as most people will) proves that there is a high probability that God exist!!! And if I am going to suffer sooner or later, isn't it better to believe in God now?

 

(Hmmm... another question came into my mind: is suffering the main reason why people believe in God?)

 

But then, if God = suffering, how can I believe in Him??

 

 

P.S. This is just a random rambling of a 峰子，which was inspired by a conversation he had with his colleague this afternoon. I hope that my christian friends won't take offense in the things I wrote. I really meant no offense to anyone. Meanwhile I will welcome any attempts to convert me to christianity; philosophic discussion is always fun. 

 

P.P.S. The colleague told me that we are just like ants crawling on God's hand. Just like ants crawling on our hands don't know what we are thinking, we don't know that God is thinking. At that time I think she sounds quite 有道理. But in retrospect when I reached home, I found that I do know what I am thinking when ants are crawling on my hand...  The thoughts ain't too comforting for the ants =( 

 

Fiona, if you are reading this, what you gonna to say? =P

 

 

I imagine she will say,

 

"Go to hell ." =)

 

 

On the road to self discovery

Aquarius About Your Sign...

Aquarians basically possess strong and attractive personalities. They fall into two principle types: one shy, sensitive, gentle and patient; the other exuberant, lively and exhibitionist, sometimes hiding the considerable depths of their character under a cloak of frivolity. Both types are strong willed and forceful in their different ways and have strong convictions, though as they seek truth above all things, they are usually honest enough to change their opinions, however firmly held, if evidence comes to light which persuades them that they have been mistaken. They have a breadth of vision that brings diverse factors into a whole, and can see both sides of an argument without shilly-shallying as to which side to take. Consequently they are unprejudiced and tolerant of other points of view. This is because they can see the validity of the argument, even if they do not accept it themselves. They obey the Quaker exhortation to "Be open to truth, from whatever source it comes," and are prepared to learn from everyone.

Both types are humane, frank, serious minded, genial, refined, sometimes ethereal, and idealistic, though this last quality is tempered with a sensible practicality. They are quick, active and persevering without being self-assertive, and express themselves with reason, moderation and sometimes, a dry humor.

They are nearly always intelligent, concise, clear and logical. Many are strongly imaginative and psychically intuitive, so that the Age of Aquarius, which is about to begin, is much anticipated by psychic circles as an age in which mankind will experience a great spiritual awakening. The Aquarian philosophical and spiritual bent may be dangerous in that it can drive the subjects into an ivory-tower existence where they meditate on abstractions that bear little relevance to life. On the other hand it can help the many who have scientific leanings to combine these with the Aquarian yearning for the universal recognition of the brotherhood of man, and to embark on scientific research to fulfill their philanthropic ideals of benefiting mankind. When some cause or work of this nature inspires them, they are capable of such devotion to it that they may drive themselves to the point of exhaustion and even risk injuring their health.

Both types need to retire from the world at times and to become temporary loners. They appreciate opportunities for meditation or, if they are religious, of retreats. Even in company they are fiercely independent, refusing to follow the crowd. They dislike interference by others, however helpfully intended, and will accept it only on their own terms. Normally they have good taste in drama, music and art, and are also gifted in the arts, especially drama.

In spite of the often intensely magnetic, forthcoming and open personality of the more extrovert kind of Aquarian, and of their desire to help humanity, neither type makes friends easily. They sometimes appear to condescend to others and take too little trouble to cultivate the acquaintance of people who do not particularly appeal to them. They do not give themselves easily - perhaps their judgment of human nature is too good for that - and are sometimes accounted cold. But once they decide that someone is worthy of their friendship or love, they can exert an almost hypnotic and irresistible mental attraction on them and will themselves become tenacious friends or lovers, ready to sacrifice everything for their partners and be faithful to them for life. However, they are sometimes disappointed emotionally because their own high personal ideals cause them to demand more of others than is reasonable. And if they are deceived their anger is terrible. If disillusioned, they do not forgive.

Aquarians work best in group projects, provided that they are recognized as having a leading part in them. They have a feeling of unity with nature and a desire for knowledge and truth that makes them admirable scientists, especially astronomers and natural historians. They may excel in photography, radiography, electronics - anything connected with the electrical and radio industries - aviation and everything technical. On the arts and humanities side their progressive tendencies can be expressed in writing, especially poetry, and broadcasting, or as welfare workers and teachers. Some have gifts as entertainers and make good character actors (having an ability to mimic) and musicians. The more psychic among them possess healing gifts, especially in curing the mentally sick.

Among the faults to which they are liable are fanatical eccentricity, wayward egotism, excessive detachment and an inclination to retreat from life and society, and a tendency to be extremely dogmatic in their opinions. Aquarians can be a threat to all they survey or a great boon for humanity in general. Circumstances - for example, continuous opposition to a cause they hold dear - may cause the atrophy of the openness of mind that is one of the Aquarian's most attractive traits. They may express a lack of integrity in broken promises, secretiveness or cunning. Simmering anger and resentment, rudeness or, worse, a tense, threatening silence which may suddenly burst out in eruptions of extreme temper, these are all part of the negative side of the Aquarian. This can also reveal itself in a sustained hatred for enemies that is capable of enlarging itself into a misanthropy toward the whole of mankind.

 

http://www.astrology-online.com/aquarius.htm

 

Those in bold is quite true for me, I think.

 

 

Work

My workplace is only five bus stops and one MRT station away from my house. That is the good news. However, I need to take a bus, change another bus, change to MRT, and in total, take about 1.5 hours to reach my work place in Expo from the moment I step out of my house. That is the bad new. Luckily, that is the only bad news. Phew.

 

Basically what I am doing is to register those who came to the exhibition and print out their passes, together with about fifteen others. And the number of people coming to the exhibition after the first day are, well, let just say I am quite free after the first day morning. =P

 

The job would be extremely boring if not for the fact that I was surrounded by my fellow hall mates, and some interesting new friends I made during the course of my work. We entertained each other by talking cock, asking qian bian questions and playing puzzle games. Though the work is quite tiring (sitting there for hours is actually quite tiring, in fact, now is only 10.25 pm but I wanted to sleep liao), I must say I kinda enjoyed myself.

 

Tomorrow is the last day of work. Glad that I finally can get to sleep at 3+ and wake up at 9+ once more. =)

 

 

Think out of the box

But once you think out of the box, the thing you think become the box. No wonder there is a saying: 'Think without the box.'

 

Kinda hard, though.

 

 

Recommendations

Watched countless shows recently, movies in cinema, movies on tv, rented movies, variety shows etc. Some recommendations for ya if you are very bored nowadays, if you haven't watch my recommendations before, if you have a movie rental near your house, or if you can download anything you want from the net. 

 

Old movies (all > 4 stars)

 

Pirates of the Caribbean -

Watched before in theatre, but rented again for my dad to see, and it is still as good. Part 2 coming soon.

 

SWAT - Same as above.

 

Shutter - Recommendation from one of my FOC's bosses. Not scary, but the twists are good.

 

三更 - First 2 parts are crap. But the third part by 陈可辛 is superb.

 

Lord of War -

Watched it long before exam. But still want to recommend it here. It's about an arms dealer trying to make a living. Is he right, or is he wrong?

 

 

Variety show

Love Letter -

Korean match making show for its celebraties, full of handsome guys pretty gals, and it's damn funny. I only got a few episodes, if you know where to download tell me!

 

Drama

Prison Break -

It is about a genius younger brother going into the prison helping his innocent elder brother break out of it. At the same time friends outside trying to expose a big conspiracy about US Vice President. Very exciting.

 

Currently showing

Over the Hedge - I repeat: MUST SEE!

 

X-Men -

Ok lah, if you are fans, you would have watched it. If you are not, watch it if you are free.

 

 

That's all folks. =)

Theory of a Good Ghost Walk

Finally my design and innovation project is over. Now the only things for me to do is play games, write ghost walk script (in our hall we called it mystery walk), play games and play games... Actually now I'm kinda sick of play games, so now only left writing ghost walk script. =P

 

Hmmm... Seems that I've been writing the script for ghost walk for months now and yet nothing has come out of it. Well well, writing a good ghost walk story is not easy business. Let me share with you guys the 'Good Ghost Walk' theory - my idea of a good ghost walk.

 

Firstly, a ghost walk is a... ghost walk. It is not (just) a ghost story or a ghost movie. The people are going through this. So, what does this means? It means there's opportunity for the 'walkers' to interact with the things and characters, unlike the audience of a horror movie. And this is the key - INTERACTIVITY.

 

For example, a typical ghost walk in NTU is about a murder, and the walkers are required to solve the murder. Well, there are interactivity, true. The walkers have to talk to the characters/ ghosts to get clues. But in my opinion, this kind of ghost walk is a under-usage of the opportunity for interactivity provided by a ghost walk. You either solve or didn't solve the murder, but nothing has changed. The murder happened.

 

However I was thinking, why not make the walkers part of the characters in the story? Why not if they solve or do something, the murder won't happen?? Multiple endings will be a good idea.

 

Secondly, a ghost walk must be scary. Let me ask a question: You see a ghost going to murder someone else who you don't know scarier? Or you see a ghost going to murder you (or your friends who are going through the walk with you) scarier? This is the second key - IMMERSITY. 

 

Thirdly, I found a problem with traditional murder mystery ghost walks. There is one killer, there is one victim, so there is supposedly only one ghost. Why the hell when I walk the walk I saw so many ghosts poping out from nowhere? WTF?! It is not LOGICAL! And talking about being logical, unless you can write as good as 佐藤文也  (金田一 's author), there is no point writing detective/ murder story for your ghost walk. (And I can't write as well as him.)

 

Lastly, another question: which is the scariest? A) a killer B) the ghost of a victim or C) a evil spirit/ demon which has already killed alot of people. Lets think about the protagonist in a very very scary horror movie you have watched. 真子 came to your mind?

 

With these ideas in mind I wrote a script that is, I won't say revolutionary, but I would say it's different. So I took my scripts and let my friends read, and they gave lots of constructive comments, like I failed make my story for suitable for local audience by writing about demon - LOCALITY. And the script kinda lack emotions - ya know, when people kill another people there's lots of emotions involved, but since my story is about demon... I more or less didn't emphacize too much on the HUMAN FACTORS. I admit these are good comments, and I will make changes accordingly. 

 

However what makes me abit 心灰意冷 is that got people wants me to cut down on what they called Game elements (which is actually increased Interactivity) and die die want one ending instead of multiple endings. Then they told me there is a reason why typical ghost walks remain as what they are. Then there is another group of friends that tell me that a ghost walk being scary is all that matters. People don't heck care about the story.

 

Well, all I can say is, different people have different ideologies for what constitude a good ghost walk. I can't possibly reconcile everyone's wishes, though I'll try my best, really. Actually I don't mind people don't like my story, but if people don't like my style, I must say there're some ideas I don't wish to compromise. If I'm going to do it, I am going to try out my ideas.

 

If not, I'm not going to do it.