Lateral thinking - what is it? The word was invented by Edward DeBono in 1967. Somewhere along the way it became a part of the English language (it's in the Oxford English Dictionary and others now). DeBono says there are several ways to define it.
Lateral thinking is a way of attacking problems from other angles, as opposed to the more traditional linear and logical ways. Debono uses chess as an example of the latter, where logic normally suffices - because the pieces are a given. In real life we mostly just assume the pieces are given, when really we need to change those pieces or look beyond them for the most useful solutions.
Lateral Thinking - Three Puzzles
Enough with the definitions. try these three lateral thinking puzzles instead. They'll give you a feel for what the term means, and let you practice this "out of the box" thinking.
Choosing The Coin
Bill is on a raft, adrift in the ocean with several survivors of a shipwreck. All but one of the others are too weak, so either he or Frank will swim to a nearby island to look for help. Unfortunately, it is almost certainly suicidal, due to the circling sharks, but they have little else to hope for.
Frank puts two pennies in a hat, telling Bill that one is a 2005 penny, and the other dated 1975. If Bill picks the newer penny he can stay on the raft, and Frank will risk his life. If he picks the older penny, he must go. Bill has seen that both pennies are actually dated 1975. He doesn't want to say anything, because Frank is a big guy, so how does he win, and get Mike to go, without exposing him as a fraud in front of the others?
The Superior Mother
A man visited a convent while the superior mother was out of town. Before she returned, he left, and was careful to leave nothing behind. The nuns kept quiet about his visit, so how did the superior mother figure out that a man had been there?
Switching On Your Lateral Thinking
Outside a closed room there are three switches on the wall. Inside the room, there are three lamps. Flip the switches as much as you want while the door is closed, but then you must enter the room just once and determine which switch is connected to which lamp. How will you do it?
There are very logical answers to all three of these lateral thinking puzzles. The way to arrive at them, however, may be less logical and more creative. Have fun!
Friday, February 9, 2007
A Brief History of Puzzles and Riddles
A world like ours needs a smile from time to time, and there is nothing better that spending our leisure hours with fun and entertaining activities, such as puzzles, riddles and trivia solving.
Puzzles come from ancient times, and archaeologists have found evidence of puzzles with a history that can be traced back thousand of years. In Persia, puzzles were part of mystical practices and religions.
Temples in Tibet, China and Japan have been found with engraved puzzles that reveal mathematical formulas engraved on the walls by monks. However, puzzles were also used as trivia to pass time and the origin of board games such as chess.
On the other hand, riddles are considered a modern entertainment form, but because they are more likely associated with the bards of the Middle Ages. The format of riddles, forming a question to be solved by guessing, facilitated their job as traveling entertainers.
Riddles were also a sort of trivia, passing messages on between people needing to share information that others could not understand, often compared with "undercover information."
Puzzles, riddles and trivia were, in fact, the way to go when justice was behind dreamers wanting a better world, fighting against governments and rulers that otherwise would quiet their voice.
However, researchers consider that both puzzles and trivia have a common origin in religion, running parallel one to another. Many biblical verses and prophecies were written as a sort of guessing game, and you can easily find these riddles in the Torah, the Koran, the Rig-Veda, and even the Bible itself.
Ancient Greeks liked all the challenging games, celebrating banquets where trivia, puzzles, and riddles were both entertainment and competence, crowning the winners with laurel. Throughout time, riddles and puzzles have been spread widely all over the world by one means or another.
Nevertheless, trivia also contributed to fun in communal gatherings and family reunions often associated with tongue-in-cheek riddles to make the events more fun and entertaining. There is reference of riddle tournaments held in remote places such as the Fiji islands were the losers were placed laying on a feast for the champions.
Trivia and puzzles in Africa were used as ritual for young people that could not be considered an adult if they failed to solve them. In the Middle East, trivia and riddles were used as oracles consultation so women could find if they were meant to marry with the man of their dreams.
The history of puzzles, riddles and trivia also fascinate authors, painters and artist of all times that has contributed to the preservation this form of entertainment until today.
Puzzles come from ancient times, and archaeologists have found evidence of puzzles with a history that can be traced back thousand of years. In Persia, puzzles were part of mystical practices and religions.
Temples in Tibet, China and Japan have been found with engraved puzzles that reveal mathematical formulas engraved on the walls by monks. However, puzzles were also used as trivia to pass time and the origin of board games such as chess.
On the other hand, riddles are considered a modern entertainment form, but because they are more likely associated with the bards of the Middle Ages. The format of riddles, forming a question to be solved by guessing, facilitated their job as traveling entertainers.
Riddles were also a sort of trivia, passing messages on between people needing to share information that others could not understand, often compared with "undercover information."
Puzzles, riddles and trivia were, in fact, the way to go when justice was behind dreamers wanting a better world, fighting against governments and rulers that otherwise would quiet their voice.
However, researchers consider that both puzzles and trivia have a common origin in religion, running parallel one to another. Many biblical verses and prophecies were written as a sort of guessing game, and you can easily find these riddles in the Torah, the Koran, the Rig-Veda, and even the Bible itself.
Ancient Greeks liked all the challenging games, celebrating banquets where trivia, puzzles, and riddles were both entertainment and competence, crowning the winners with laurel. Throughout time, riddles and puzzles have been spread widely all over the world by one means or another.
Nevertheless, trivia also contributed to fun in communal gatherings and family reunions often associated with tongue-in-cheek riddles to make the events more fun and entertaining. There is reference of riddle tournaments held in remote places such as the Fiji islands were the losers were placed laying on a feast for the champions.
Trivia and puzzles in Africa were used as ritual for young people that could not be considered an adult if they failed to solve them. In the Middle East, trivia and riddles were used as oracles consultation so women could find if they were meant to marry with the man of their dreams.
The history of puzzles, riddles and trivia also fascinate authors, painters and artist of all times that has contributed to the preservation this form of entertainment until today.
Free Online Games - Solving Puzzles Can Sharpen The Mind
Online games have been under fire for some months now as addictive. The facts are different. Some games are surely addictive, but benefits far outweigh the negatives. For example there is a big range of puzzle games available free online. Can puzzles be addictive? Can puzzles spoil children? Let us look at the benefits of online puzzle games in detail.
Online puzzle games benefits- every puzzle that we solve needs application of mind. No puzzle can be solved without concentrating the mind on the problem. Ultimately puzzles lead the student improve his/her logical and analytical ability. Subjects such as operations research need these qualities in abundance. Higher mathematic involves lot of game playing. Those games are different, but once your mind sharpens solving online puzzles, you can proceed to higher levels of games in mathematics that can help solve many problems.
We have been solving puzzles since ages. The only difference now is that one need not search for a book or a magazine to look for puzzles. One can get them online for free. Puzzles that involve alphabets, and numbers are a fantastic method to sharpen the ability of children in thinking. Please encourage your children solve puzzles. By depriving them that, you may drive them to something bad. Better to give them the satisfaction of solving online puzzles and sharpening their mind. Sit down with them and make the selection with them. After that give them the freedom to play and solve puzzles. You will find out the results yourself after sometime.
Online puzzle games benefits- every puzzle that we solve needs application of mind. No puzzle can be solved without concentrating the mind on the problem. Ultimately puzzles lead the student improve his/her logical and analytical ability. Subjects such as operations research need these qualities in abundance. Higher mathematic involves lot of game playing. Those games are different, but once your mind sharpens solving online puzzles, you can proceed to higher levels of games in mathematics that can help solve many problems.
We have been solving puzzles since ages. The only difference now is that one need not search for a book or a magazine to look for puzzles. One can get them online for free. Puzzles that involve alphabets, and numbers are a fantastic method to sharpen the ability of children in thinking. Please encourage your children solve puzzles. By depriving them that, you may drive them to something bad. Better to give them the satisfaction of solving online puzzles and sharpening their mind. Sit down with them and make the selection with them. After that give them the freedom to play and solve puzzles. You will find out the results yourself after sometime.
Kid's Jigsaw Puzzles
One of the best ways to educate your child is to provide him with activities that would allow him to learn new things on his own. It has been proven that children remember lessons better if they undergo educational activities, as opposed to just being spoon-fed the information. Given this, there is a need for parents like you to provide your child with mental activities that would enable him to learn new things in a way that he would remember. In addition to this, the activities you should expose him to should also pique his interest, because providing him with activities he considers dull would not be effective in making your child learn. One of the best activities for your child is solving colorful jigsaw puzzles, which can stimulate his brain and his other senses as well.
Advantages
Letting your child solve jigsaw puzzles serves a lot of purposes, which can be very advantageous to your child. One of these is that solving puzzles can stimulate several aspects of your child's thinking process. Apart from being able to see what objects should look like, he is also being made aware of how objects should be oriented. In addition to this, simple puzzles, especially for very young children, would help them recognize that it is important for a puzzle piece to fit well in the hole in order to complete the picture.
Another advantage is that, through the process of trial and error, a child can practice his memory, as he would try to avoid doing the same mistake over and over again. Lastly, puzzles can also provide the opportunity for other types of learning, such as reading. Learning that a certain piece only fits one way is a pre-reading skill. Fortunately, puzzles that are designed for children are readily available, especially in toy stores.
It has been proven that children learn better if they undergo an activity that aims to teach a lesson instead of just being told about it. Given this, parents need to provide the appropriate types of activities that would foster more learning for their children. One very good example is to let their children solve jigsaw puzzles. This is because jigsaw puzzles can help develop the reasoning, deduction, spatial awareness, matching, sorting, and language skills they would find useful as they grow.
Advantages
Letting your child solve jigsaw puzzles serves a lot of purposes, which can be very advantageous to your child. One of these is that solving puzzles can stimulate several aspects of your child's thinking process. Apart from being able to see what objects should look like, he is also being made aware of how objects should be oriented. In addition to this, simple puzzles, especially for very young children, would help them recognize that it is important for a puzzle piece to fit well in the hole in order to complete the picture.
Another advantage is that, through the process of trial and error, a child can practice his memory, as he would try to avoid doing the same mistake over and over again. Lastly, puzzles can also provide the opportunity for other types of learning, such as reading. Learning that a certain piece only fits one way is a pre-reading skill. Fortunately, puzzles that are designed for children are readily available, especially in toy stores.
It has been proven that children learn better if they undergo an activity that aims to teach a lesson instead of just being told about it. Given this, parents need to provide the appropriate types of activities that would foster more learning for their children. One very good example is to let their children solve jigsaw puzzles. This is because jigsaw puzzles can help develop the reasoning, deduction, spatial awareness, matching, sorting, and language skills they would find useful as they grow.
Free Online Sudoku Puzzles - Your Ultimate Brainteasers
Sudoku is a logical puzzle that is made into varying levels from beginners to black belts. The aim is to enter the numbers 1-9 into the grid of the puzzle. The grid consist of a 9x9 square and inside of the square are 9 3x3 squares.
The idea is to make the numbers match up in both the sub square as well as in the lines of the larger square. Clues are given so that there can be only one correct way for the player to fill in the puzzle.
If this sounds a little tricky, you are right. There is no easy way to explain Sudoku, as it is a very logical and puzzling game. Once the player has learned the game and the strategies used to solve the puzzle, it gets easier and easier.
History Of Sudoku
Modern day Sudoku puzzles were first created in 1979 in Indianapolis by a man named Howard Garns and gained popularity in Japan in the late 80s. Since then, the puzzles have become popular worldwide.
Solving Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku Puzzles require strategy and solutions can be found by using three methods. These are called scanning, marking up and analyzing. Scanning is used at the beginning of the puzzle and through the whole process. It requires the player to use the process of elimination to find which numerals belong in each row and square.
Once no more numbers can be found through the process of elimination, the player then needs to use logic. The best way to use the logic process to your advantage is to write the logical answers beside the box, then, once all of the logical answers are written down, use the process of elimination to find out which numbers belong in which box.
By writing down possible answers, the process of elimination is far easier. Often, sudoku puzzles are very small. If this is the case, it is often a good idea to copy them onto a larger sheet to mark them up.
Analysis is the final approach to solving a Sudoku puzzle. This is the process of eliminating the numerals that were written in the mark up box, leaving only one solution to the square. While doing this, the player will need to keep scanning to make sure that the number in each box is correct. It is suggested that a sudoku puzzle be done with a pencil and eraser.
Sudoku has taken the world by storm quite simply because they are the ultimate brainteaser, providing a player hours of enjoyment while solving them. After the puzzle is completed correctly, there is nothing better then the sense of pride and achievement that is felt.
The idea is to make the numbers match up in both the sub square as well as in the lines of the larger square. Clues are given so that there can be only one correct way for the player to fill in the puzzle.
If this sounds a little tricky, you are right. There is no easy way to explain Sudoku, as it is a very logical and puzzling game. Once the player has learned the game and the strategies used to solve the puzzle, it gets easier and easier.
History Of Sudoku
Modern day Sudoku puzzles were first created in 1979 in Indianapolis by a man named Howard Garns and gained popularity in Japan in the late 80s. Since then, the puzzles have become popular worldwide.
Solving Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku Puzzles require strategy and solutions can be found by using three methods. These are called scanning, marking up and analyzing. Scanning is used at the beginning of the puzzle and through the whole process. It requires the player to use the process of elimination to find which numerals belong in each row and square.
Once no more numbers can be found through the process of elimination, the player then needs to use logic. The best way to use the logic process to your advantage is to write the logical answers beside the box, then, once all of the logical answers are written down, use the process of elimination to find out which numbers belong in which box.
By writing down possible answers, the process of elimination is far easier. Often, sudoku puzzles are very small. If this is the case, it is often a good idea to copy them onto a larger sheet to mark them up.
Analysis is the final approach to solving a Sudoku puzzle. This is the process of eliminating the numerals that were written in the mark up box, leaving only one solution to the square. While doing this, the player will need to keep scanning to make sure that the number in each box is correct. It is suggested that a sudoku puzzle be done with a pencil and eraser.
Sudoku has taken the world by storm quite simply because they are the ultimate brainteaser, providing a player hours of enjoyment while solving them. After the puzzle is completed correctly, there is nothing better then the sense of pride and achievement that is felt.
Personalized Jigsaw Puzzles
As jigsaw puzzles are considered a great educational tool, there is a high demand for personalized jigsaw puzzles. Students will generally use whatever jigsaw puzzles are available in the market. However, when it comes to an issue like corporate training, personalized jigsaw puzzles can be pressed into use. Corporate teamwork training exercises are given that extra edge with the use of jigsaw puzzles. Themes and difficulty levels are worked out according to need and orders are placed for personalized jigsaw puzzles for such corporate workshops.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles can be created in the comfort of your own home using printable and iron-on jigsaw puzzle kits. This gives you the satisfaction of having a hand in creating your own jigsaw puzzle.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles are a fantastic advertising tool. Several companies, both large and small utilize jigsaw puzzles for their special impact promotions. Not many people can resist putting a jigsaw puzzle together. And what does one do with a completed jigsaw puzzle? Display it, of course. This way, the company gets advertisement and the user gets the fun.
Everyone can find a use for a jigsaw puzzle, and advertisers capitalize on this fact and personalized jigsaw puzzles are used as giveaways and corporate gifts. The logo of the company can be worked into an eye-catching scene and turned into a jigsaw puzzle. These are then given away for creating brand awareness. Personalized jigsaw puzzles are used as gifts by airlines, companies at trade shows and exhibitions, promotional campaigns and as free Christmas gifts from malls.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles are also used by institutions that care for children who are differently-abled. Puzzles are created according to specific needs of these special children. Extra care is taken to ensure durability as they might be subject to rough usage.
Ample safety precautions are taken with a view to minimize damage in case of misuse. Lightweight wood or good quality plastic is the generally preferred material for this kind of usage.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles can be created in the comfort of your own home using printable and iron-on jigsaw puzzle kits. This gives you the satisfaction of having a hand in creating your own jigsaw puzzle.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles are a fantastic advertising tool. Several companies, both large and small utilize jigsaw puzzles for their special impact promotions. Not many people can resist putting a jigsaw puzzle together. And what does one do with a completed jigsaw puzzle? Display it, of course. This way, the company gets advertisement and the user gets the fun.
Everyone can find a use for a jigsaw puzzle, and advertisers capitalize on this fact and personalized jigsaw puzzles are used as giveaways and corporate gifts. The logo of the company can be worked into an eye-catching scene and turned into a jigsaw puzzle. These are then given away for creating brand awareness. Personalized jigsaw puzzles are used as gifts by airlines, companies at trade shows and exhibitions, promotional campaigns and as free Christmas gifts from malls.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles are also used by institutions that care for children who are differently-abled. Puzzles are created according to specific needs of these special children. Extra care is taken to ensure durability as they might be subject to rough usage.
Ample safety precautions are taken with a view to minimize damage in case of misuse. Lightweight wood or good quality plastic is the generally preferred material for this kind of usage.
An Introduction To Puzzles
Puzzles are problems intentionally designed to stimulate the brain into devising solutions. Puzzles can be differentiated from games as the latter are aimed primarily at entertainment, although games like chess, checkers, and solitaire are made up of many puzzles.
Puzzles are broadly categorized into riddles and word plays, logic and mathematical puzzles, and physical puzzles. Some of the popular riddles are conundrums, charades, crosswords, and anagrams. Paradoxes and magic squares are two of the popular mathematical puzzles, which include a wide array of puzzles including geometric puzzles, decision puzzles, number sequences, action sequences, analytical puzzles, and logic puzzles. Jigsaws, labyrinths, and mazes are some of the examples of physical and mechanical puzzles.
Puzzles have been ingrained into the human culture since the very beginning. One of the oldest and most popular puzzles is Tangram, which has been teasing minds all over the world for thousands of year. Humans have been known to devise oral puzzles since the advent of languages. Riddles have been integral part of ancient scriptures and religious literature, including the Koran, Bible, Sanskrit scriptures, and Greek mythology.
The development of arithmetic in Egypt resulted in birth of mathematical puzzles. The interest in mathematical puzzles grew from the fifth century to the fifteenth century. The popular mechanical puzzle labyrinth was incorporated in the floor designs of many churches in France and Italy in the twelfth century. Sam Loyd of the United States and Henry Dudeney from Britain are considered greatest puzzle inventors in their countries. The duo devised numerous puzzles in nineteenth century.
The extent to which puzzles have become part of daily life can be gauged from the popularity of crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, and Sudoku.
Puzzles are broadly categorized into riddles and word plays, logic and mathematical puzzles, and physical puzzles. Some of the popular riddles are conundrums, charades, crosswords, and anagrams. Paradoxes and magic squares are two of the popular mathematical puzzles, which include a wide array of puzzles including geometric puzzles, decision puzzles, number sequences, action sequences, analytical puzzles, and logic puzzles. Jigsaws, labyrinths, and mazes are some of the examples of physical and mechanical puzzles.
Puzzles have been ingrained into the human culture since the very beginning. One of the oldest and most popular puzzles is Tangram, which has been teasing minds all over the world for thousands of year. Humans have been known to devise oral puzzles since the advent of languages. Riddles have been integral part of ancient scriptures and religious literature, including the Koran, Bible, Sanskrit scriptures, and Greek mythology.
The development of arithmetic in Egypt resulted in birth of mathematical puzzles. The interest in mathematical puzzles grew from the fifth century to the fifteenth century. The popular mechanical puzzle labyrinth was incorporated in the floor designs of many churches in France and Italy in the twelfth century. Sam Loyd of the United States and Henry Dudeney from Britain are considered greatest puzzle inventors in their countries. The duo devised numerous puzzles in nineteenth century.
The extent to which puzzles have become part of daily life can be gauged from the popularity of crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, and Sudoku.
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