Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for W200 returned 364 results.
RIDDLE
THE QUESTION IS ASKED: HOW MUCH DOES THIS FIFTY POUND BAG OF
COFFEE WEIGH?
Submitter comment:
THE ARTICLE IN THE FREE PRESS STATED THAT AT THE VAN SHOW AT THE
SILVERDOME, THERE WAS A BOOTH WITH A BIG BAG OF COFFE AND A BIG
SIGN WHICH ASKED THE QUESTION. THE QUESTION HAD ANSWERS RANGING
FROM 20 TO
300 POUNDS. THE ARTICLE WENT ON TO SAY THAT MANY PEOPLE INSISTED
ON LIFTING THE BAG.
Where learned: NEWSPAPER
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
RIDDLE
THERE IS A TEACHER AT THE LAWRENCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
WHO ASKS THE QUESTION: WHAT IS A FOUR LETTER WORD FOR INTERCOURSE
THAT ENDS IN K? THE ANSWER IS TALK
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
James Callow Keyword(s): PRETENDED OBSCENE RIDDLE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 01-00-1979
RIDDLE
ONE MAN SHOOTS THE OTHER.
WHY?
THEY WERE PLAYING CARDS AND THE ONE MAN WAS CHEATING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
POCKET CALCULATOR PUZZLE/RIDDLE
THE NUMBER 71,077,345 IS PUNCHED OUT ON THE CALCULATOR KEYBOARD
SO THAT IT APPEARS ON THE READOUT. THE FOLLOWING QUESTION IS THEN
ASKED WHILE SHOWING THE NUMBER TO THE PERSON QUESTIONED: "WHAT
BIG OIL COMPANY MADE THIS AMOUNT IN PROFITS LAST YEAR?" WHEN
THE PERSON QUESTIONED INDICATES HE OR SHE DOESN'T KNOW THE ANSWER,
THE CALCULATOR IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. THE NUMBER ON THE
READOUT WILL NOW SPELL OUT THE WORDS "SHELL OIL."
Submitter comment:
THE ABOVE ONLY WORKS WHEN THE NUMBER IS DISPLAYED ON A CALCULATOR
VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SEGMENTS (LINES),
VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF HORIZONTAL AND VERTICLE SEGMENTS (LINES).
THAT IS, A SEVEN-SEGMENT READOUT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
POLISH CHILDRENS RIDDLE
WHAT IS WHITE, LIQUID, AND SWEET, AND GOOD FOR CHILDREN AND KITTENS?
THE ANSWER IS MILK.
IN POLISH IT GOES, CO JEST BIAWE PLENNE I SLDKA DOBRE DLA DZIECI I
DOBRE DLA KOTKA? THE ANSWER IS MLEKO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00001920S
RIDDLES
MANY CHILDREN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN AND
TO TELL RIDDLES. HOWEVER, IN A GROUP IN WHICH MANY MALES
WERE PRESENT, THE MALE WOULD ENTHUSIASTICALLY TAKE OVER
THE RIDDLE SESSION. THUS, MOST AFRICAN RIDDLES HAVE
BEEN TOLD BY MALES. RIDDLES OFTEN BEGIN AFTER THE MALES
HAVE RETURNED FROM THEIR DINNER. THEY WOULD THEN HUDDLE
INTO A GROUP IN A NEIGHBOR'S YARD TO TELL RIDDLES.
THE PERSON WHO ASK THE RIDDLE IS ASSUMED SMART. THE PERSON WHO
GUESS THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE RIDDLE IS THOUGHT OF AS
VERY BRIGHT. THESE PEOPLE ARE HIGHLY RESPECTED AND COMMANDED.
MANY RIDDLES ARE SIMILAR TO PROVERBS. THEY'RE PROVERBS
FROM WHICH QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED BY ANOTHER SUCH AS:
WHEN A PALM TREE IS AWAY FROM THE PALM, IT IS AWAY BECAUSE
OF LACK OF WATER. WHAT ABOUT A PLANT WHICH HAS DIED
BECAUSE OF LACK OF WATER?
ANS. WHEN A BABY DIES, IT IS SAID THAT THE CHILD WAS
POISON BY THE WITCH. WHAT'S ABOUT A WITCH'S BABY?
WHEN IT DIES, WHO KILLS IT? NATURALLY, THE WITCH'S MEDICINES.
THESE WERE SOME OF THE RIDDLES THAT WE WERE EXPOSED TO
AS CHILDREN GROWING UP IN MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA.
WE HAD TO INTELLECTUALLY FIGURE OUT THE CORRECT ANSWER.
WHAT CREATES THE RAINBOW?
ANS. SNAKES ARE COLD BLOODY REPTILES. SNAKES USUALLY
WOULD LIKE TO REMAIN IN A WARM PLACE. SNAKES BECOME
TOO UPSET WHEN THEY ARE IN A COLD PLACE. A SNAKE EXPLODED
ONE DAY WHEN HE WAS REMOVED. WHEN HIS MOUTH WAS OPENED,
OUT CAME SEVERAL COLORS. THE COLORS WERE TO BE KNOWN
AS THE RAINBOW COLORS.
YOU HAVE A BOAT, GOAT, LEOPARD AND FIFTY POUNDS OF
CASSAVA LEAVES. YOU WOULD LIKE TO CROSS THEM ALL.
BUT, YOU CAN'T CROSS THEM ALL TOGETHER. WHAT DO YOU DO?
ANS. IF YOU SHOULD TAKE THE LEOPARD FIRST, THE GOAT WILL
EAT THE LEAVES. GOATS ARE VERY FOND OF CASSAVA LEAVES.
IF YOU SHOULD TAKE THE LEAVES FIRST, THE GOAT AND THE
LEOPARD WILL GET INTO A FIGHT AND THE LEOPARD WILL EAT
THE GOAT. THEREFORE, THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE GOAT IS CARRIED FIRST.
LEOPARD DOESN'T EAT CASSAVA LEAVES.
Submitter comment:
MALES TEND TO HAVE A DOMINANT GRIP ON BOTH FEMALES AND CHILDREN
IN OUR TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY.
Where learned: LIBERIA ; HARPER CITY ; MARYLAND COUNTY
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
TRUE RIDDLE
WHEN IS ICE CREAM LIKE A SHIP? MM
WHEN IT'S A-FLOAT.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRUE RIDDLE IS A CONUNDRUM. IT IS BASED ON WORD PLAY. HERE
A-FLOAT HAS TWO DIFFERENT MEANINGS ATTACHING UNLIKE NOUNS. IT IS
TYPICAL IN THAT IT ASKS WHY ONE THING IS LIKE ANOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
THE DEAD CHINAMAN
WHY DID THEY BURY THE CHINAMAN ON THE SIDE OF THE HILL?
BECAUSE HE WAS DEAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): CATCH
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- CHIN RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
RIDDLE
WHAT'S BLUE AND GOES DING-DONG?
A FROZEN AVON LADY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DEFINITION
James Callow Keyword(s): DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESWOMAN ; SICK JOKE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 02-20-1968
WHAT IS FULL OF WATER AND YET IT'S FULL OF HOLES?
A SPONGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANTITHETICAL CONTRADICTIVE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 04-00-1968
WHAT IS BLACK AND WHITE AND RED ALL OVER?
ANSWER: A ZEBRA WITH DIAPER RASH, A SKUNK WITH DIAPER RASH, OR A
NEWSPAPER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
MISCELLANEOUS RIDDLES
(1) WHAT DID THE HAT SAY TO THE TIE?
"I'LL GO ON AHEAD, AND YOU HANG AROUND."
(2) WHAT ANIMALS CAN JUMP HIGHER THAN A HOUSE?
THEY ALL CAN. HOUSES CAN'T JUMP.
(3) HOW CAN YOU SPELL DRIED GRASS WITH THREE LETTERS?
H-A-Y.
(4) WHY DID THE GIRL USE TOOTHPASTE?
BECAUSE SHE HAD A LOOSE TOOTH.
(5) WHAT DID THE MAN DO WHEN HE HURT HIS TOE?
HE CALLED THE TOW (TOE) TRUCK.
(6) WHAT KIND OF NAIL SHOULD YOU NOT HIT WITH A HAMMER?
YOUR FINGERNAIL.
(7) WHAT DID THE GOALPOST SAY TO THE FOOTBALL?
"YOU'LL GET A KICK OUT OF THIS!"
(8) WHAT IS YOURS, BUT OTHER PEOPLE USE IT MORE THAN YOU DO?
YOUR NAME.
(9) HOW DOES A DENTIST EXAMINE A CROCODILE'S TEETH?
VERY CAREFULLY.
(10) WHAT IS MORE USEFUL AFTER IT IS BROKEN?
AN EGG.
(11) WHAT HAS TWO HANDS, NO FEET, AND RUNS 168 HOURS A WEEK?
A CLOCK.
(12) WHAT CAN YOU HOLD WITHOUT TOUCHING IT?
A CONVERSATION.
(13) NAME THE FIRST SETTLER IN THE WEST.
THE SUN.
(14) WHY SHOULD YOU NEVER TELL A SECRET TO A PIG?
BECAUSE PIGS ARE SQUEALERS.
(15) HOW MANY TEXANS HAVE A BIRTHDAY ON NOVEMBER 31ST?
THERE ARE ONLY 30 DAYS IN NOVEMBER.
(16) WHAT LIES AROUND ALL NIGHT WITH ITS TONGUE HANGING OUT?
A SHOE.
(17) WHY DOES A RABBIT HAVE A SHINY NOSE?
BECAUSE ITS POWDER PUFF IS AT THE WRONG END.
(18) WHEN IS A PIECE OF WOOD LIKE A KING?
WHEN IT IS A RULER.
(19) WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE OUT ON THE OCEAN AND A
WHALE SNEEZED?
PUT UP YOUR SAIL.
Submitter comment:
THESE RIDDLES I GREW UP WITH IN GRADE SCHOOL, I USED TO COLLECT
AND BUY A LOT OF JOKE BOOKS AND RIDDLE BOOKS, BUT THEY'RE GONE
NOW. ALL I HAVE IS MEMORIES OF LONG AGO. I USED TO HAVE
CONTESTS WITH OTHER STUDENTS IN MY CLASS TO SEE WHO HAD THE BEST
JOKES OR RIDDLES. ITS FUNNY HOW THEY COME UP TO YOU AT TIMES.
I REMEMBER A LOT OF FUN; THAT'S WHAT ALL THIS LORE IS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRANKLIN VILLAGE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 00001960S
A MAN WAS SENT TO PRISON FOR SIXTY DAYS WITH THE CONDITION
THAT HE WOULD BE RELEASED AFTER 30 DAYS IF HE COULD STAY
ALIVE THAT LONG WITH NOTHING TO EAT. THE ONLY PERSON
WHO VISITED HIM DURING THAT TIME WAS HIS DAUGHTER.
AFTER 30 DAYS HE APPEARED HEALTHY AND HAPPY BEFORE THE
JUDGE WHO ASKED HIM HOW HE DID IT. THE MAN REPLIED WITH
THIS RIDDLE: I WAS A BABY AND BECAME A MAN AND BECAME
A BABY AGAIN. THE DAUGHTER WHO VISITED HIM IN PRISON
WAS NURSING HER BABY AT THE TIME AND KEPT HER FATHER
ALIVE THE SAME WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PUNISHMENT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
SCARY SKELETON
WHY WAS THE SKELETON AFRAID TO CROSS THE ROAD?
BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE ANY GUTS!
Where learned: DETROIT ; PARENTS HOME
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 02-29-1984
WHAT GOES UP AND NEVER COMES DOWN? YOUR AGE.
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
RIDDLE
IF YOU ARE IN A ROOM
AND ALL FOUR SIDES, CEILING AND FLOOR
ARE MADE OF STEEL AND TOTALLY ENCLOSED,
THERE ARE NO OPENINGS,
THE ONLY THINGS IN THE ROOM OTHER THAN YOURSELF
ARE A TABLE AND A SAW,
HOW DO YOU GET OUT?
ANSWER: CUT THE TABLE IN HALF,
PUT THE TWO HALVES TOGETHER TO MAKE A HOLE,
AND CRAWL OUT THROUGH THE HOLE.
Where learned: COLORADO ; GORE RANGE
Keyword(s): RIDDLE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 07-00-1980
YOU ARE TRAPPED IN A ROOM, THE DOOR IS LOCKED,
YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY KEYS, ALL THAT IS IN THE ROOM IS A PIANO,
A CALENDAR, AND A BED, YOU MANAGE TO EAT FRUIT AND DRINK WATER,
HOW DO YOU GET OUT, AND WHERE DID YOU GET THE FOOD?
ANSWER: YOU GOT THE WATER FROM THE SPRINGS IN THE BED,
DATES FROM THE CALENDAR, AND A KEY FROM THE PIANO
TO OPEN THE LOCKED DOOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
James Callow Keyword(s): PUNS
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1984
RIDDLE
A MAN IS FOUND DEAD IN A CABIN ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN,
HOW DID HE DIE?
ANSWER: HE WAS IN THE CABIN OF AN AIRPLANE THAT CRASHED
ATOP THE MOUNTAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROCHESTER HILLS
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
"THE RIDDLE OF THE CHICKEN, THE FOX, AND THE CORN."
AN OLD FARMER HAD A CHICKEN, A FOX AND A BAG OF CORN.
THE OLD FARMER NEEDED TO GET ACROSS THIS CREEK AND ALL HE
HAD TO DO THIS WITH WAS A SMALL CANOE. THE CANOE WAS SO SMALL
HE COULD ONLY TAKE ONE THING ACROSS CREEK AT A TIME.
HOW DID HE DO SO WITHOUT THE CHICKEN EATING THE CORN
OR THE FOX EATING THE CHICKEN?
THE ANSWER IS: FIRST THE FARMER TOOK THE CHICKEN ACROSS,
LEAVING THE FOX AND THE CORN. THEN HE WENT BACK AND GOT
THE FOX AND TOOK IT ACROSS AND PICKED UP THE CHICKEN
AND TOOK IT BACK. THE FARMER THEN DROPPED OFF THE CHICKEN
AND PICKED UP THE CORN AND TOOK IT ACROSS. THEN HE WENT BACK
AND GOT THE CHICKEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
AT DAWN I CRAWL ON FOUR,
AT DAY I WALK ON TWO,
AT DUSK I STEP WITH THREE;
WHAT CAN I BE?
ANSWER: A MAN. DAWN SYMBOLIZES CHILDHOOD;
DAY REPRESENTS ADULTHOOD; DUSK REPRESENTS OLD AGE.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS TOLD TO MY MOTHER IN GREECE; IT RHYMES IN GREEK ALSO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |