Today I broke my brain fast without much fanfare. The first thing I did when I laid hands on the TODAY paper was to check the movie timings (am going to watch War Of The Worlds this Thursday). So, rather than devouring the newspaper (as one would expect from someone deprived of something for a long time), I was reading it perhaps somewhat out of obligation to update myself on what's going on in the world (but in truth, mainly to pass the time on the bus). This is a far cry from the me a few months ago, whose daily routine HAD to include TODAY and Life!. And when I finally can buy 8 Days... for some strange reason, I chose not to. It was as if it no longer had a hold over me, a hold that seemed so strong when I was fasting from it, just a few days ago. Perhaps it's because forbidden fruit tastes sweeter, or perhaps it's cos I've really found something that satiates the hunger of my mind much better - a brain food that also satisfies the spirit.

Since we're on the topic of brains, here's a brain teaser that a friend sent via email. I haven't figured out the solution though...anyone care to venture a guess? The first person to provide a logical answer (comment to the post) can negotiate for a prize... ;)

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4 criminals are caught and are to be punished. The Judge allows them to be freed if they can solve a puzzle. If they do not, they will be hung. They agreed.

The 4 criminals are lined up on some steps (shown in picture). They are all facing in the same direction. A wall separates the fourth man from the other three.

So to summarise:-
Man 1 can see men 2 and 3.
Man 2 can see man 3.
Man 3 can see none of the others.
Man 4 can see none of the others.

The criminals are wearing hats. They are told that there are two white hats and two black hats. The men initially don't know what colour hat they are wearing. They are told to shout out the colour of the hat that they are wearing as soon as they know for certain what colour it is. They are not allowed to turn round or move. They are not allowed to talk to each other. They are not allowed to take their hats off.

Who is the first person to shout out and why?

P/S The email says that there's no trick to this, just logical deduction. Hum. Not very reassuring to my ego :P