The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TRICK QUESTION

RON, A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER IN DETROIT, WAS
VISITING MY BROTHER IN THE HOSPITAL. SHORTLY AFTER
HE ENTERED HE ASKED MY BROTHER TO SPELL STOP FIVE
TIMES IN RAPID SUCCESSION. WHEREUPON MY BROTHER
DID SPELL STOP FIVE TIMES IN SUCCESSION WITHOUT ANY
TROUBLE. I BELIEVE MY BROTHER THOUGHT THE QUESTION
TO BE A TONGUE TWISTER AND HE WAS OBVIOUSLY PROUD
OF HIMSELF AFTER COMPLETING THE TASK. WHEREUPON, RON
SUDDENLY ASKED HIM, "WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU COME TO
A 'GREEN' LIGHT?" OF COURSE, MY BROTHER, CAUGHT
COMPLETELY OFF GUARD REPLIED, "STOP." WHICH PROVOKED
A GREAT DEAL OF LAUGHTER ALL AROUND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

Date learned: 02-24-1967