The answer to last week’s challenge is. Q: At a recent birthday party, Jo challenged the formidable intellect of Rupert to cut the birthday cake into the maximum number of pieces possible, using only 4 straight cuts. With little ado Rupert picked up the knife and did so. How many pieces did he manage to cut it into and how?

A: 14. One cut goes through the cake horizontally and three across the top are made forming a triangle at centre.

This week’s challenge is.

Q: Professor Frink was trekking through a remote jungle when captured by logic-loving cannibals. He was brought before the Chief and told, “You may now speak your last words. If your statement is true, then we will burn you at the stake. If your statement is false, we will boil you in oil.” The Professor thought for a moment then made his statement. Confounded, the cannibals realised they could do nothing but let him go. What did he say?

For those wanting to improve their facilitation skills and ability to generate lateral responses on demand, join us for our Six Thinking Hats Training in Melbourne on Dec 6.

The answer to this challenge will appear along with the next Mental Floss next week.

Good Luck!