The mind gym
If, like me, you're faced with creative challenges on a daily basis, it helps to keep your mind in trim. And not the quotidian linear parts of the mind (they pretty much take care of themselves) but the lateral regions, the weird components, the non-circular cogs that take your thought processes off in surprising directions.

The following lateral-thinking puzzles should give your dendrites and synapses a refreshing workout.

Question 1
John and Katie were born at the same hour of the same day at the same hospital to the same mother. They also have the same father. But they are not twins. Explain.

Question 2
An 1882 gold sovereign contains exactly the same amount of gold as an 1883 gold sovereign. However, 1883 gold sovereigns are worth more than 1882 gold sovereigns. Why is this?

Question 3
Leonardo da Vinci conducted the following experiment. He held a delicate glass sphere over a solid stone floor and dropped it. The sphere fell three metres without breaking. How is this possible?

Question 4
Stephen is always complaining that he would sell far more of his product if only people were a little more honest. What does Stephen sell?

Question 5
Which timepiece has the most moving parts and which has the least?

If you're stuck, email me at mail@michaelsellars.com for the answers.