Is It Heavier than a Pound of Butter?

I saw mention of it on the Internet. I have to admit I'm a sucker for useless gadgets and this little darling was available at Wal-mart. It looked like an item one would use for fifteen minutes and then put in a drawer until ... forever. Still, I rationalized buying one because I decided it cost only as much as a calculator. (Actually, it was a bit more as I'd forgotten calculators are now just $2.19.) I don't think I went expressly to buy the Radica's 20Q but as long as I was there ...



You know the game of 20 questions, don't you? This is just an electronic, handheld version that has uncanny accuracy. The user just thinks of an item. I'll use 'refrigerator' as an example. Here's our conversation:

Gadget - I know what you're thinking. Ready?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q1 Is it an animal, vegetable, mineral, other, or unknown?
Dennis - other
Gadget - Q2 Is it flat?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q3 Would you use it daily?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q4 Does it bring joy to people?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q5 Can it bend without breaking?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q6 Is it smaller than a loaf of bread?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q7 Does it use electricity?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q8 Is it a common household object?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q9 Can it be found in a classroom?
Dennis - no
Gadget - You think you can beat me. Let's see. Q10 Is it larger than a microwave oven?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q11 Do you open and close it?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q12 Does it get wet?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q13 Can you hold it?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q14 Can it be stolen?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q15 Was it used over 100 years ago?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q16 Do you use it in your home?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - Q17 Does it come in a box?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q18 Does it contain a liquid?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - I will ask a few more questions ... before I win! Q19 Does it get really hot?
Dennis - no
Gadget - Q20 Would you find it in an office?
Dennis - sometimes
Gadget - I think you thought you were tricky! Is it a refrigerator?
Dennis - yes
Gadget - That was easy. I know you want to try again?
Dennis - no