Story 1
1. An airplane takes off from Los Angeles, on the way to New York, where it is expected to arrive 5 hours later. However, after the first hour in the air, the captain makes an announcement: “Hello. This is your captain speaking. I’m afraid one of the four engines has broken down. We can still get to New York with three engines, but it will take us 7 hours. I apologize for the inconvenience.” After the second hour in the air, the captain makes another announcement: “This is your captain speaking. I’m afraid another engine has broken down. We can still get to New York with two engines, but it will take us 10 hours. I apologize for the inconvenience.” After the third hour in the air, the captain makes another announcement: “I’m afraid another engine has broken down. We can still get to New York with one engine, but it will take us 18 hours. I apologize for the inconvenience.” On board are two statisticians. One of them turns to the other and says “I hope the other engine doesn't break down, or we’ll be up here for ever!”
