A successful scientist was on his way to a seminar where he was supposed to give a lecture on his new breakthrough in research.
His chauffeur saw his tired look and felt sorry for him.
“Sir, why don’t you take the day off today?” he said, “I’ve heard your lecture so many times by now I know it by heart. I can give the lecture, and you can just sit back and relax.”
The scientist thought this was a great idea, since he was sick and tired of giving the exact same lecture over and over again.
When they arrived at the seminar, the scientist put on the chauffeur’s hat and seated himself in the back of the lecture hall. His trusted chauffeur walked to the podium and gave an excellent lecture showing at least as much confidence as the scientist would.
At the end of the lecture, the chauffeur asked, just as his master always does, “Are there any questions?”
One of the professors in the hall stood up and asked a long question about a very complicated and highly theoretical matter. The chauffeur was panicking silently but finally managed to pull himself together.
“That, professor, is a very simple question,” he answered, “in fact, it is so simple even my chauffeur can answer it.”
Bob had finally made it to the last round of the $64,000 Question.
The night before the big question, he told the M.C. that he desired a question on American History.
The big night had arrived. Bob made his way on stage in front of the studio and TV audience. He had become the talk of the week. He was the best guest this show had ever seen. The M.C. stepped up to the mic.
“Bob, you have chosen American History as your final question. You know that if you correctly answer this question, you will walk away $64,000 dollars richer. Are you ready?”
Bob nodded with a cocky confidence-the crowd went nuts. He hadn’t missed a question all week.
“Bob, your question on American History is a two-part question. As you know, you may answer either part first. As a rule, the second half of the question is always easier. Which part would you like to take a stab at first?”
Bob was now becoming more noticeably nervous. He couldn’t believe it, but he was drawing a blank. American History was his easiest subject, but he played it safe.
“I’ll try the easier part first.”
The M.C. nodded approvingly. “Here we go Bob. I will ask you the second half first, then the first half.”
The audience silenced with gross anticipation…
“Bob, here is your question: And in what year did it happen?