# Lateral Thinking Puzzles. Let's do it again! **URL:** \ **Category:** Thread Games\ **Created:** [October 23, 2019, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193 "2019-10-23T21:32:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 131
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2601 "2020-03-20T14:19:48Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Did it block a view? **It did, but that wasn’t the issue.** > [@](#): > > Did it look weird or different than expected? **Yes** ---
**Author:** ![Fretful\_Porpentine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fretful_porpentine/32/2873_2.png) [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2602 "2020-03-20T14:19:47Z")
Does “move a Christmas tree decoration” mean moving an entire Christmas tree being used as a decoration? Moving a specific ornament or other decorative item on a Christmas tree to somewhere else on the same tree? To a different tree? Moving an ornament or other decorative item of a type that would normally be on a tree, but wasn’t on a tree in this case? Moving a decorative item _depicting_ a Christmas tree? Did the petitioners want the item moved because of concerns about freedom of / from religion? Concerns about public health or safety? Practical concerns, e.g. it was blocking an entrance or exit? Was it the normal time of year for putting up Christmas decorations? ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2603 "2020-03-20T14:23:32Z")
> [@Fretful\_Porpentine](#): > > Does “move a Christmas tree decoration” mean moving an entire Christmas tree being used as a decoration? Yes > [@](#): > > Moving a specific ornament or other decorative item on a Christmas tree to somewhere else on the same tree? To a different tree? > > Moving an ornament or other decorative item of a type that would normally be on a tree, but wasn’t on a tree in this case? No to both > [@](#): > > Moving a decorative item _depicting_ a Christmas tree? Yes > [@](#): > > Did the petitioners want the item moved because of concerns about freedom of / from religion? No > [@](#): > > Concerns about public health or safety? No > [@](#): > > Practical concerns, e.g. it was blocking an entrance or exit? No > [@](#): > > Was it the normal time of year for putting up Christmas decorations? Yes ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2604 "2020-03-20T14:41:12Z")
Was it a matter of perspective? Like it looked inappropriate to some based on its location, especially when viewed from a certain angle? ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2605 "2020-03-20T14:49:34Z")
Did the tree combine with something in the background to make an inappropriate image? ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2606 "2020-03-20T15:03:25Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Was it a matter of perspective? Like it looked inappropriate to some based on its location, especially when viewed from a certain angle? It was a matter of location and perspective, but the angle of view wasn’t the issue. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2607 "2020-03-20T15:07:38Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Did the tree combine with something in the background to make an inappropriate image? Yes, but not in a way that would be generally considered obscene. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2608 "2020-03-21T01:40:25Z")
Did the tree placement alter the meaning of a billboard or signage in some way? Did the tree combine with some background in a way that created an unintended humorous or surprising overall image? ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2609 "2020-03-21T03:39:51Z")
Was this on Port Authority property? (I assume so, but why not ask) - A bridge? - A tunnel? - An airport? - A Seaport? - A rail or bus facility? - The World Trade Center complex or other real estate holding? - An administration building? ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2610 "2020-03-21T07:12:28Z")
> [@Biotop](#): > > Did the tree placement alter the meaning of a billboard or signage in some way? Yes > [@](#): > > Did the tree combine with some background in a way that created an unintended humorous or surprising overall image? The tree and the background was the issue, but the image provoked a different response than humorous. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2611 "2020-03-21T07:13:49Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Was this on Port Authority property? (I assume so, but why not ask) > > - A bridge? > - A tunnel? > - An airport? > - A Seaport? > - A rail or bus facility? > - The World Trade Center complex or other real estate holding? > - An administration building? Tunnel ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2612 "2020-03-21T15:39:56Z")
You’re almost there. I’ll drop a hint. The reason for the petition has to do with a condition 1-3% people have, according to the source article. Dopers probably have a higher percentage. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2613 "2020-03-22T03:51:05Z")
OK, let’s end this. The entrance to the Holland Tunnel is decorated with two wreaths and a tree at Christmas. They hung the wreaths over the O in HOLLAND and the U in TUNNEL, and the tree over the N in HOLLAND. The [change.org](http://change.org) petition was to place the tree in front of the A instead, because they’re similarly shaped. The OCD contingent made their demands known, and the Port Authority capitulated and moved the tree. [Move the Christmas Tree on the Holland Tunnel from the N to cover the A](https://www.change.org/p/the-mta-move-the-christmas-tree-on-the-holland-tunnel-from-the-n-to-cover-the-a) ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2614 "2020-03-22T04:04:52Z")
OCD Tree OCD Tree How lovely are thou branches…? ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2615 "2020-03-22T04:50:19Z")
\*\*Do you know the true unusual story of Vinnie? For many years he toiled as a forklift driver for a factory in Slovenia. He also dabbled in landscape painting in his free time. He did these acts in relative obscurity and peace. But then one day Vinny got a surprise telephone call from a stranger offering him a free trip to New York, all accomodations and expenses paid…but only if he would attend a certain event while there. Though puzzled, Vinnie agreed. At the event Vinnie found himself on stage with a lot of famous people. They were all out there in front of a large audience who cheered mightily for each of those participating on stage. Vinny was shocked when he received the loudest applause of all. Later one of the world’s biggest celebrities approached Vinny and stunned Vinny by asking for his autograph. “I must really indeed be famous myself,” thought Vinnie. “Wow.” Why was Vinnie famous?\*\* ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2616 "2020-03-22T11:56:28Z")
Was he famous for something related to his painting or forklift driving? Was it a viral video? Was he famous for the same reason as the other famous people he was on stage with? You spelled his name two different ways, is that relevant? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2617 "2020-03-22T12:57:46Z")
Was he famous for something prior to his forklift driving? Is a war relevant? Did he hold a world record of some sort? ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2618 "2020-03-22T13:08:59Z")
**reply to Cheesesteak** : Was he famous for something related to his painting or forklift driving? **No** Was it a viral video? **No** Was he famous for the same reason as the other famous people he was on stage with? **The people were famous for different reasons, but they had something in common.** You spelled his name two different ways, is that relevant? **No. Was just tired when writing.** ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2619 "2020-03-22T13:11:17Z")
**reply to Chronos** : Was he famous for something prior to his forklift driving? **Yes** Is a war relevant? **No** Did he hold a world record of some sort? **No** ---
**Author:** ![SurrenderDorothy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/surrenderdorothy/32/1221_2.png) [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193/2620 "2020-03-22T19:29:57Z")
Was he famous for something to do with his birth? His childhood? Was it something he himself did or something that happened to him? Was he involved in a famous/historic event? Are the painting and forklift driving relevant at all? Could he just as easily be, say, a butcher who enjoys modern dance? Did he not realize he might be famous for anything throughout this whole process? Like if someone had said, “Hey, you’re famous,” would he have been like “Oh yeah, because of xyz” or would he have been totally confused? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193.md?page=130) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-lets-do-it-again/842193.md?page=132)