8/31/2009

Seven Ways to Tell if Your Suit Fits

Your list of "Signs Your Suit Don't Fit" said we should go down a jacket size if the sleeves are too long, and two if the jacket is too full. I think those two situations should generally be fixed by tailoring. A more useful accompanying guide might have shown how a correctly fitting suit should look. -- Gary Southon, Seattle Wash.

We've provided many such tips in the past. Just for you, we went back and found the best of them. -- Editors

1. Shoulder pads end with your shoulders.

2. Your flat hand should slip easily into your suit under the lapels when the top (or middle) button is fastened. If you put a fist in, the suit should pull at the button.

3. The top button of a two-button suit -- or the middle button of a three-button suit -- should not fall below your navel.

4. With your arms at your sides, your knuckles should be even with the bottom of your jacket.

5. Jacket sleeves should fall where the base of your thumb meets your wrist.

6. Between a quarter and a half inch of shirt cuff should be visible.

7. One inch of break.

8/28/2009

Interviewing - Brainteasers


What is the sum of numbers from 1 to 100?

The trick here is that you have 50 pairs which each sum to 101 (e.g. 1+100, 2+99, 3+98, etc.).  So, 50 times 101 = 5050.

What is the angle between the hour-hand and minute-hand of a clock at 3:15?

At quarter past the hour, the minute-hand is exactly at 3:00 but the hour-hand has moved 1/4 of the way between 3:00 and 4:00.  Therefore 1/4 times 1/12 = 1/48 of the clock.  With the clock having 360 degrees, 360/48 = 7.5 degrees.

You’ve got a 10 x 10 x 10 cube made up of 1 x 1 x 1 smaller cubes. The outside of the larger cube is completely painted red. On how many of the smaller cubes is there any red paint?

First, note that the larger cube is made up of 1000 smaller cubes.  The easiest way to think about this is how many cubes are NOT painted?  8 x 8 x 8 inner cubes are not painted which equals 512 cubes.  Therefore, 1000 – 512 = 488 cubes that have some paint.  Alternatively, we can calculate this by saying that two 10 x 10 sides are painted (200) plus two 10 x 8 sides (160) plus two 8 x 8 sides (128).  200 + 160 + 128 = 488.

A car travels a distance of 60 miles at an average speed of 30 mph. How fast would the car have to travel the same 60 mile distance home to average 60 mph over the entire trip?

Most people say 90 mph but this is actually a trick question!  The first leg of the trip covers 60 miles at an average speed of 30 mph.  So, this means the car traveled for 2 hours (60/30).  In order for the car to average 60 mph over 120 miles, it would have to travel for exactly 2 hours (120/60).  Since the car has already traveled for 2 hours, it is impossible for it to average 60 mph over the entire trip.

You are given a 3-gallon jug and a 5-gallon jug. How do you use them to get 4 gallons of liquid?

Fill the 5-gallon jug completely.  Pour the contents of the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug, leaving 2 gallons of liquid in the 5-gallon jug.  Next, dump out the contents of the 3-gallon jug and pour the contents of the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug.  At this point, there are 2 gallons in the 3-gallon jug.  Fill up the 5-gallon jug and then pour the contents of the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug until the 3-gallon jug is full.  You will have poured 1 gallon, leaving 4 gallons in the 5-gallon jug.

You are given 12 balls and a scale. Of the 12 balls, 11 are identical and 1 weighs slightly more. How do you find the heavier ball using the scale only three times?

First, weigh 5 balls against 5 balls (1st Use of Scale).  If the scale is equal, then discard those 10 balls and weigh the remaining 2 balls against each other (Second Use of Scale).  The heavier ball is the one you are looking for.
If on the first weighing (5 vs 5), one group is heavier, then of the heavier group weigh 2 against 2 (2nd Use of Scale).  If they are equal, then the 5th ball from the heavier group (the one not weighed) is the one you are looking for.  If one of the groups of 2 balls is heaver, then take the heaver group of 2 balls and weigh them against each other (Third Use of Scale).  The heavier ball is the one you are looking for.

You are given 12 balls and a scale. Of the 12 balls, 11 are identical and 1 weighs EITHER slightly more or less. How do you find the ball that is different using the scale only three times AND tell if it is heavier or lighter than the others?

Significantly harder than the last question!  Weigh 4 vs 4 (1st Weighing).  If they are identical then you know that all of 8 of these are “normal” balls.  Take 3 ”normal” balls and weigh them against 3 of the unweighed balls (2nd Weighing).  If they are identical, then the last ball is “different.”  Take 1 “normal” ball and weigh against the “different” one (3rd Weighing).  Now you know if the “different” ball is heavier or lighter.
If, on the 2nd weighing, the scales are unequal then you now know if the “different” ball is heavier (if the 3 non-normal balls were heavier) or lighter (if the 3 non-normal balls were lighter).  Take the 3 “non-normal” balls and weigh 1 against the other (3rd Weighing).  If they are equal then the third ball not weighed is the “different” one.  If they are not equal then either the heavier or lighter ball is “different” depending on if the 3 “non-normal” balls were heavier or lighter in the 2nd Weighing.
If, on the 1st Weighing, the balls were not equal then at least you know that the 4 balls not weighed are “normal.”  Next, take 3 of the “normal balls” and 1 from the heavier group and weigh against the 1 ball from the lighter group plus the 3 balls you just replaced from the heavier group (2nd Weighing).  If they are equal then you know that the “different” ball is lighter and is 1 of the 3 not weighed.  Of these 3, weigh 1 against 1 (3rd Weighing)  If one is lighter, that is the “different” ball, otherwise, the ball not weighed is “different” and lighter.
If, on the 2nd weighing from the preceding paragraph, the original heavier group (containing 3 “normal” balls) is still heavier, then either one of the two balls that were NOT replaced are ”different.”  Take the one from the heavier side and weigh against a normal ball (3rd Weighing).  If it is heavier, it is “different,” and heavier otherwise the ball not weighed is “different” and lighter.  If, on the 2nd weighing, the original lighter side is now heavier, then we know that one of the 3 balls we replaced is “different.”  Weigh one of these against the other (3rd Weighing).  If they are equal, the ball not weighed is “different” and heavier.  Otherwise, the heavier ball is the “different” one (and is heavier).
If you get this right and can answer within the 30 minutes alloted for the interview, then you probably do deserve the job.

A windowless room has 3 lightbulbs. You are outside the room with 3 switches, each controlling one of the lightbulbs. If you can only enter the room one time, how can you determine which switch controls which lightbulb?

Turn on two switches (call them A and B) on and leave them on for a few minutes.  Then turn one of them off (switch B) and enter the room.  The bulb that is lit is controlled by switch A.  Touch the other two bulbs (they should be off).  The one that is still warm is controlled by switch B.  The third bulb (off and cold) is controlled by switch C.

Four investment bankers need to cross a bridge at night to get to a meeting. They have only one flashlight and 17 minutes to get there. The bridge must be crossed with the flashlight and can only support two bankers at a time. The Analyst can cross in 1 minute, the Associate can cross in 2 minutes, the VP can cross in 5 minutes and the MD takes 10 minutes to cross. How can they all make it to the meeting in time?

First, the Analyst takes the flashlight and crosses the bridge with the Associate.  This takes 2 minutes.  The Analyst then returns across the bridge with the flashlight taking 1 more minute (3 minutes passed so far).  The Analyst gives the flashlight to the VP and the VP and MD cross together taking 10 minutes (13 minutes passed so far).  The VP gives the flashlight to the Associate, who recrosses the bridge taking 2 minutes (15 minutes passed so far).  The Analyst and Associate now cross the bridge together taking 2 more minutes.  Now, all are across the bridge at the meeting in exactly 17 minutes.   Note, that instead of investment bankers, you’ll often see the same question using members of musical bands (usually either the Beatles or U2).

Three envelopes are presented in front of you by an interviewer. One contains a job offer, the other two contain rejection letters. You pick one of the envelopes. The interviewer then shows you the contents of one of the other envelopes, which is a rejection letter. The interviewer now gives you the opportunity to switch envelope choices. Should you switch?

The answer is yes.  Say your original pick was envelope A.  Originally, you had a 1/3 chance that envelope A contained the offer letter.  There was a 2/3 chance that the offer letter was either in envelope B or C.  If you stick with envelope A, you still have the same 1/3 chance.  Now, the interviewer eliminated one of the envelopes (say, envelope B), which contained a rejection letter.  So, by switching to envelope C, you now have a 2/3 chance of getting the offer and you’ve doubled your chances.
Note that you will often get this same question but referring to playing cards (as in 3-Card Monte) or doors (as in Monte Hall/Let’s Make a Deal) instead of envelopes.

8/27/2009

Scottish Whisky Distilleries


  • Aberfeldy, Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross/Highlands (Midlands)
  • Aberlour, in Charlestown-of-Aberlour, Speyside
  • Allt-á-Bhainne, Glenrinnes/Speyside, 2002 closed since 28 May 2005, still in business.
  • Ardbeg, Port Ellen/Isle of Islay
  • Ardmore, Kennethmont, Speyside
  • Arran, Lochranza/Isle of Arran
  • Auchentoshan Dalmuir/Lowlands, the only Lowland whisky distilled with Highland water from Cochna Loch
  • Auchroisk, Mulben/Highlands
  • Aultmore, Banffshire/Speyside
  • Balblair, Edderton/Northern Highlands just nine miles (14 km) from Glenmorangie
  • Balmenach, Cromdale/Speyside, on the southern border of the region
  • Balvenie, Dufftown, Speyside, founded by William Grant, owner of Glenfiddich
  • Ben Nevis, Fort William/Western Highlands
  • BenRiach, Morayshire/Speyside, back in business since 2004
  • Benrinnes, Banffshire/Speyside
  • Benromach, Speyside
  • Bladnoch near Wigtown/Lowlands, Scotland's southern-most distillery, back in business as of 2000
  • Blair Athol, Pitlochry, Perthshire/Highlands, not to be confused with place and castle Blair Atholl Castle, about five miles (8 km) north of Pitlochry
  • Bowmore, Isle of Islay, founded 1779, oldest Scottish distillery
  • Brackla, Nairn/Speyside, also "Royal Brackla"
  • Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, once again privately-owned; pronounced (orig. Islay): Bruch-lat-tich (also: Bruch-lade-di(ch))
  • Bunnahabhain, Port Askaig/Isle of Islay, pronounced Buh-na-haa-venn
  • Cardhu, Knockando/Speyside, most important division of Johnnie Walker Blends
  • Caol Ila, Port Askaig/Isle of Islay
  • Clynelish, Brora/Northern Highlands, built across from the now-dormant Brora
  • Cragganmore, Speyside, on the Ballindalloch
  • Craigellachie, Speyside
  • Dailuaine, Aberlour/Speyside, important division of Johnnie Walker Blends
  • Dalmore, Alness/Northern Highlands
  • Dalwhinnie, Dalwhinnie/Highlands
  • Deanston, Doune/Highlands
  • Drumguish, Kingussie/Speyside
  • Dufftown, Banffshire/Speyside
  • Edradour, Pitlochry/Highlands, Scotland's smallest distillery
  • Fettercairn, Laurencekirk/Highlands
  • Glenallachie, Banffshire/Speyside
  • Glenburgie, Morayshire/Speyside
  • Glendronach, Aberdeenshire/Speyside, since 14 May 2002 back in business after a seven year lull
  • Glendullan, Banffshire/Speyside
  • Glen Elgin, Morayshire/Speyside
  • Glen Grant, Rothes/Speyside
  • Glenfarclas, Ballindollach/Speyside, at the foot of Ben Rinnes
  • Glenfiddich, Dufftown/Speyside
  • Glen Garioch, Oldmeldrum/Highlands, pronounced Glen-gih-ri
  • Glengoyne Dumgoyne/Highlands, twelve miles (19 km) from Glasgow, right on the Highland Line
  • Glen Keith, Keith/Speyside
  • Glenkinchie, Pencaitland/Lowlands
  • The Glenlivet, Ballindalloch/Speyside, in the moorlands of Minmore
  • Glenlossie, Elgin/Speyside
  • Glenmorangie, Tain/Northern Highlands
  • Glen Moray, Elgin/Speyside
  • Glen Ord, Muir of Ord/Northern Highlands, formally Ord and Glenordie
  • Glenrothes, Rothes/Speyside
  • Glen Scotia, Campbeltown, Mull of Kintyre
  • Glen Spey, Speyside
  • Glentauchers Keith/Speyside
  • Glenturret north of Crieff/Highlands, on the banks of the Turret
  • Highland Park, Kirkwall/Isles of Orkney
  • Inchgower, Buckie/Speyside
  • Isle of Jura, Jura/Isle of Jura
  • Kilchoman, Kilchoman/Islay
  • Knockando, Knockando/Speyside
  • Knockdhu, in Huntly/Speyside, the 12-year malt is called An Cnoc
  • Lagavulin, Port Ellen/Isle of Islay
  • Laphroaig, Port Ellen/Isle of Islay (pronounced (orig. Islay)): La-frúe , but also La-fraig
  • Linkwood, south of Elgin/Speyside
  • Loch Lomond, Alexandria/Highlands
  • Lochnagar Ballater/Highlands also Royal Lochnagar
  • Longmorn, between Rothes and Elgin/Speyside
  • The Macallan, Craigellachie/Speyside, known as the best in Speysides
  • Macduff, Banff/Speyside
  • Mannochmore, Elgin/Speyside, also sold as "Loch Dhu"
  • Miltonduff, Elign/Speyside
  • Mortlach, Keith/Speyside
  • Oban, Oban/Western Highlands
  • Port Charlotte, Port Charlotte/Islay
  • Pulteney Wick/Northern Highlands, northernmost distillery on the Scottish Festland
  • Scapa, Kirkwall, Isles of Orkney
  • Speyburn, Rothes/Highlands
  • The Speyside, Speyside
  • Springbank, in Campbeltown, Mull of Kintyre
  • Strathisla, Keith/Speyside oldest distillery in Speyside still in operation, since 1786, also called the most beautiful one by some
  • Strathmill, Speyside
  • Talisker, Carbost/Isle of Skye.
  • Tamdhu, Aberlour/Speyside
  • Teaninich, Alness/Highlands
  • Tobermory, Isle of Mull, the "smoky" version from Tobermory is called Ledaig
  • Tomatin, Tomatin/Speyside
  • Tomintoul, Ballindalloch/Speyside
  • Tormore, Grantown N Spey/Speyside
  • Tullibardine, Blackford/Highlands, after 8 years in respite, back in operation in 2003