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
$25,000 milestone money. And as she suspected, the million-dollar
question was no pushover.
The question from Meredith (the Host) 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 contestant was on the spot. She did not know the answer. She had
used up her 50/50 Lifeline and her Ask the Audience Lifeline.. All
that remained was her Phone-a-Friend Lifeline. She hoped she would not
have to use it because .. her friend (Jeni) was, well, blonde. But she
had no alternative.
She called her friend and gave her the question and the four choices.
The blonde responded without hesitation: 'That's easy. The answer is
C: the cuckoo.'
The contestant had to make a decision and make it fast. She considered
using a reverse strategy and giving Meredith any answer except the one
that her friend had given her. And considering her friend was a blonde
that would seem to be the logical thing to do. But her friend had
responded with such confidence, such certainty, that the contestant
could not help but be convinced.
'I need an answer,' said Meredith.
Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, 'C: The cuckoo.'
'Is that your final answer?'
'Yes, that is my final answer.'
And Meredith replied, '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.
'Jeni, I just do not know how to thank you,' said the contestant.
'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.'
The contestant fainted on the spot.
