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.
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;
D) the vulture?"
The woman was on the spot She did not know the answer.
And she had used up two of her Lifelines. All that remained
was her Phone-a-Friend Lifeline, and she hoped against hope
that she would not have to use it because the only friend
that she knew would be home happened to be a blonde.
But the contestant had no alternative. She called her
friend and gave her the question and the four choices.
The blonde responded unhesitatingly:
"That's 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
Regis any answer except the one that her friend had given
her. And considering that her friend was a blonde, it
would seem to be the logical thing to do.
On the other hand - the blonde had responded with such
confidence, that the contestant could not help but be persuaded.
"I need an answer," said Regis.
Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, "C: The cuckoo."
"Is that your final answer?" asked Regis.
"Yes, that is my final answer."
Two seconds later, Regis said, "I regret to inform you
that 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 blonde who had
helped her win the million dollars.
"Tiffany, I just do not know how to thank you," said
the contestant. "Because of your knowing the answer
to that final question, I am now a millionaire. And
do you want to know something? It was your assuredness
with which you answered the question that convinced me
to go with your choice. By the way ...how did you
happen to know the right answer?"
"Oh, come on!" said the blonde. "Everybody knows that
cuckoos don't build nests. They live in clocks."
