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. And as she suspected it would be, the million-pound question
was no pushover.
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; or D) the vulture?"
The woman was on the spot. She knew nothing about birds and did not know the answer. And she was
doubly on the spot because she had used up her 50/50 Lifeline and her
Audience Poll Lifeline. All that remained was her Phone-a-Friend
Lifeline, and the woman had hoped against hope that she would not have to use it,
mainly 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 any answer except the one that her
friend had given her. And considering that her friend was a blonde, that
would seem to be the logical thing to do. On the other hand, the blonde had
responded with such confidence, such certitude, that the contestant could
not help but be persuaded.
"I need an answer," said the host.
Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, "C: The cuckoo."
"Is that your final answer?" asked the host.
"Yes, that is my final answer." replied the contestant.
Thirty seconds later, Eddie said, "I regret to inform you, but 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.
"Jenny, 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 the 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."