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WORDS OF INSPIRATION

Last week, Blacknet (Ju) wrote:
"Alison, if you are reading this Newsletter, it means you're alive and if you're alive it means you have one more day to make a difference in your life and others. Some people you can help and some you can't… main thing is, help those who want to be helped, and if you need help… Help your self… do not rely on others…. My point is…No matter 'ow big yuh ting yuh is…. Your life can disappear at anytime. DON'T WASTE IT!!!..... Trust me don't waste it."

"To Blacknet

"I know the above words weren't written specifically for me and will be sent to all subscribers to Blacknet but I just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement - as Black people we are so willing to let things pass by and not address the underlying issues and right now those words are ones that I really needed to hear.

"I have in the past week - lost my job (through redundancy) and lost 3 black sisters who I thought were friends!!! through stupidness and I have decided to lay those red eye gal to rest and continue my life without there so-called friendship.

"It has been hard and very lonely for me and usually I am on the one to back down but knowing in this situation that my morals and standards come first I will not back down and I realise that my life will be more rewarding / fulfilling without them in my life.

"Going back to your inspirational words I just wanted to say thanks as it reminds me that I am still living, that I still have a life and the opportunity to make something of it. I have a loving and very supportive family and the friends that are still around me are true friends (if not they will also soon be found out). I am not saying that I am perfect but I am trying to live the righteous way.

"AGAIN THANKS ........"

Alison

"First of all, again, all good and keep up the work team.... the Newsletter will continue to get better and better. Just keep on promoting and sending out good things with good, positive intentions. That's all you can do. "A good example is the best sermon..." goes the sayin', and this is clearly true. So just keep promoting progressive things, cause some of us want to do much, but need some help, guidance and direction, and information, so that's where this (online Newsletter) is such a crucial and welcome facility. Some of us don't care, and that's fine. Leave them."

Jeff

"Caz & Ju

"I'd like to comment on your Newsletter, I thoroughly enjoy reading this e-mail publication which is written in an unbiased way, informative, enlightening and funny, please keep on doing what you're doing and continue to do it to the highest standard!"

Jo

"Great newsletter!

"I always look forward to receiving your editions. I particularly like the 'Where are you now' section.

"Keep up the brilliant work..."

Avid Reader - Yvonne

"Hi Caz and Junior,

"Thanks for the newsletter this week [29/04/02]. I must say that I am really enjoying the articles that you have in your issues and hope I can contribute in some way. I have been forwarding them onto friends too and the feedback from them is great so keep up the good work."

Deneez

"Thank you for a great newsletter, very informative and entertaining.

"Keep up the good work."

Glenn

"sup y'll....I jus wonna say big up to u for making me feel so welcome... I've red some of the letters that's on the screen and I see the fight against oppression is still goin on,but up here in Birmingham we're oppressing ourselves with the black on black crime.

"For example, 'La Mustique' up here is being closed for the time been coz alot of us can't take it if some-ones has a chain that's blinger than theres... I had a dance for ma b'day dance on the 19th of April and a gangsta wonna be brought a gun in and was throwing is weight around.

"You nah meen, its petty little thingz like this why we black people r not taking no big stride to make it better for ourselves if we keep on doin thingz like that to our own...

"NE way go to go..hope to hear from u lot soon.

"Peace..."

Leon

Well, do you have an idea for, or opinion on, the Newsletter? If so, please email us
at feedback@blacknet.co.uk with your views, comments and observations and we will
endeavour to implement changes/additions where possible (within reason of course).

Requests

Why struggle to find information when you can share your request with our readers - you'll be surprised what they know and/or can do for you. Simply drop a line to requests@blacknet.co.uk and we will publish the details.

If you have the answer to any of this week's requests, please let us know so we can notify the person concerned and publish the results in next week's issue for the benefit of all our readers.

BOOK OF POEMS SEEKS PUBLISHER

"Hi,

"My name is Tina and I have recently signed up and I am already in contact with another arty person through your chat site!

"I am putting together book of poems and had permission from Beverley Knight to entitle the book after one of her songs.

"I was wondering if you can hook me up a publisher. Any suggestions?

"Look forward to hearing from y'all!

"Kind regards and respect."

Tina Edwards

DOES A BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY FOR THE WEST MIDLANDS EXIST?

"Does anyone know where I can find a Black Business Directory for West Midlands?"

Yvonne - Birmingham

FEMALE FOOTBALL/NETBALL GROUPS IN HACKNEY

"Please could you give me information for local groups in Hackney, providing women's football or netball.

"Look forward to hearing from you."

Joanne

"Hi, requests@blacknet .co.uk

"I need sponsors all over the UK to enable me to become an export Computer Engineer in Britain or elsewhere. "How can I be helped?"

Ojomu Joseph

Speak Out!

Got something to say... been wanting to get that burning issue of your chest... or simply want to air your views on a subject and get some feedback? If so, you're in the right place - send us your 'beef' at speakout@blacknet.co.uk... you know its time for you to Speak Out!

"Caz & Junior

"Just a little response to last week's (29/4/02) Newsletter.

"The Incident at Brixton, and the Sanjae Lewis Appeal to me highlight a way of thought which plagues black people... still. That is of looking externally for solutions to problems. The incident in Brixton was sad, terrible, but also, thoroughly UN-surprising. I dunno what the background was (I mean, what if the guy did have drugs on him and was trying to get away? What do you want us to do? Feel sorry for him / her?) The way the police handle us / people is not new, not unique, and u know what, if I was a policeman, u think I would take a different line? I also think Blacknet have to be VERY careful in putting this stuff out, cause you don't KNOW the full story. The guy being held may have been a troublemaker, selling drugs to US.... he may not, but he may have, and we gotta be careful not to deflect the real issue. Is the problem the way the police treated him, or the fact that he may have had drugs on him?

"As for the Sanjae Lewis Appeal, well, lets be honest, we as black people (especially here) haven't a history of giving to charity... we are tremendously indulgent at times, enjoy accessories, value street-cred, and by and large do not take part in community events. HOWEVER, we are getting better, and more and more active. This appeal will highlight the issue of just having a more open-minded approach to issues such as this unfortunate case. If anything, it will make some of us more conscious, and hopefully more ACTIVE. I include myself in this people, no doubt. Yes, by nature we are generally caring people, but think about it... do black people organise Fetes, Street Parties, Big Charity Events... the answer at best is SOMETIMES, and although as I said, it is getting better, we gotta realise that we can all do LOADS, LOADS more... it's just having that mindset, and that comes from good examples. Co-operation, planning, setting tasks, being helpful, etc.

"I don't look to celebrities to lead... why look to ANYBODY to lead... we have to stop that, because it kills our potential. We always seem to look to celebrities, the local authorities, the government, the schools, the teachers in the schools, the CRE, the police, the church, God or Jesus... anyone except ourselves.....

"Anyway, the fact that we are saying this now, is progress, so lets make sure we just keep being progressive."

Jeff

TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME

"Hi Everyone

"Hope all is well with you all.

"I would like to say to all the readers that yes it was a sad shame to hear about Left Eye last week as we know she had such a talent and I know will be missed by a mass of people and friends, but we are not to forget as Ju said not to take life for granted. We can go at anytime and as I have said to my own children, there always seems to be some kind of disaster to take people to do something about their lives.

"Too many young people are dying, its as if we are hearing that more than the elders dying. Too many young people are being killed in one way or another.

"Let's all reflect on our lives today, look deep and see what we can do to make it better. As Michael Jackson says in his song "I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways, and no message could be any clearer, if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.

"Sent with love."

Jackie
(Manchester)

COMMON KNOWLEDGE

"I just had to write this as it has been burning me for a while...

"A few Sunday's ago, I was listening to a show called 'Talk Back' on a Birmingham radio station. I didn't catch the beginning of the show but I believed the gist of it to be about black knowledge of history culture and the personal enhancement of the community. Whether or not this was the case, radio listeners phoned into the programme to air their views on what they felt was happening in the black community lately with crime, history, parenting, youth etc. I listened to people make statements about our history and its greatness, a lot of which I agreed with. People had questions and answers as to why the black community was in such a state: youths, crime and etc., where we are going as a people and so on. That is not to say, however, that other communities don't have their own problems, yes they do but I can only comment on my own. (As Marcus Garvey said 'Charity begins at home').

"My point:
"I do not believe that in this period of time with all the information that exists out in the world that black people have any reason to be ignorant of their race and culture. Young people know more than you think, even grandma. Personally, I feel we know a lot more than we ever did, especially myself. Nevertheless, on the show the presenter, as well as listeners, kept reiterating our downfall and problems and what we can do about it. I kept on saying to myself 'yes it's great that we know all of these things and come up with suggestions but where do and can we go to take up such matters. Where is our place, our forum? Few and far between for most black people's likening, but what are we going to do about it? For example: You tell me up and down the country where do I go in the black community if my child has been expelled from school other than the local councils' Education Service, and the odd organisation set up for this purpose, if people need advice on health issues for black people . I, may well know where to go but the next person won't. So why is it If a next person knows, why is it not 'common knowledge' to the masses and by 'common knowledge' I mean as popular as a telephone or business directory, i.e. something that is obtainable at the drop a hat. The way I see it is that we all have something to say but can't pull together, most of the time, when its needed, consequently then we are beaten before we've even started. Still I don't disrespect my people, never would I do that. It's just a question each one of us needs to ask ourselves, even me. >>> read more

"Caz and Ju,

"This is really just a reply to the letter sent in by Micheal Barrows in your last newsletter (29/04/02). He asked the questions of how did I know that the celebs didn't contribute and why should they be responsible for our community? Well, Micheal in response to that, did you see any of the people I mentioned on TV, radio, or on printed media sending out an appeal to urge our members of the community to also contribute? NO. Well I didn't see any of it up in Birmingham where I am based for uni. I can't comment on the local news in London cos we have different networks. They are seen as positive role models that young as well as old look up to and admire, and if they don't support us in what we do or what we are aiming for, how do we progress? As students in my uni, we did our best to make a contribution to the Sanjae Lewis appeal. I agree with what you're saying about the media ignoring what's happening outside the M25. Coming from NW London and temporary moving to Birmingham, you don't hear about what's happening concerning our community. Down to the programmes on TV are different. Not too long ago there was a programme on black youths and gun violence, unfortunately I didn't get to see it because it was only going out on the London Regional TV network and wasn't being shown on Central TV. We as a black "community" are forgotten about in the Midlands and it just isn't right. Why is there not a proper black radio station like that of Choice FM in London? Birmingham and the Midlands need a positive black radio station, where we can talk about issues concerning us, as well as listening to our favourite genres of music. The division of the black community is apparent even within university. The students from London tend to congregate with themselves and the local and surrounding city students such as Leeds, Birmingham and Nottingham stick to themselves. Its sad really. So how do we make a change?"

Anthea Bright
NW London/Birmingham

"Hi guys,

"I was reading the article on Damilola Taylor (29/04/02), I think the article was not properly balanced. If you had done your homework well you would of discovered that Dami was not from a poor family and the only reason why the Taylor family was here was not due to 'greener pastures' but because his sister needed medical help which was only attainable in here in the UK. I am not disputing the fact that Nigerians come here in search of a better life, but Nigeria is not as bad as you are painting it to be. Lagos like London has its bad & good areas eg Brixton compared to Mayfair. You also have the rich & poor in Nigeria likewise in England and probably the whole world. I know people that live and work in Lagos and are able to travel to USA and UK at least twice a year, how many of us living and working here are able to do that? Apart from the fact that they have a maid, driver, two cars or more etc. So pls when reporting on Nigeria especially pls make sure you balance the story properly."

Buky

"PS. Maybe you should check out the Nigerian Magazine called OVATION we don't all live in mud houses you know!!!!!"

"I would like to take issue with Jamiylah Muhammed (Newsletter, 29/04/02)who criticised the police when they were trying to arrest a ‘brother’ in Brixton. He seemed to be surprised that they were using force, is he suggesting that the police just picked this ‘brother’ off the street and decided that they wanted to have a violent encounter with him? Get real Jamiylah the police have a very difficult job to do and what might seem as heavy-handed to us may be necessary for that situation. I have seen the police using similar force to apprehend white men many times, the police will generally use force if the suspect is resisting arrest. I say generally because there are always exceptions, the police are guilty of some very callous behaviour I know. The bottom line is if we want a safer environment for our children to grow up in, we need to be more responsible for our own and part of that is realising that our relationship with the police is an important aspect of that. Cooperation will help.

"Some years ago I spent 7 years as a shop keeper in the heart of Brixton through the riots etc., in that time we were attacked by ‘brothers’ on a number of occasions in the shop and had to chase ‘brothers’ who had taken goods without paying.

"You see my point is that we as Black People have got to GET REAL and acknowledge that we have problems and some of those problems can only be sorted out by US. The THEM & US mentality is a prime example. This is a white mans country always has been always will be, we must not forget that. So why can’t we become more supportive to one another instead of killing, mugging, and generally being negative towards each other? Comments such as "assimilated, bootlickin, slavemasters pet ", muted by Jamiylah, about I assume a black police officer doing his/her job is very devisive and will not help bring our community together.

"The letter from Michael Barrows was ‘spot on’ and I agree with everything he says. Our "COMMUNITY", what "COMMUNITY".

"That ‘19-year-old’ that Jamiylah was sympathising with could have been the ‘19-year-old’ who tried to MUG my 16-year-old son. We must find ways of supporting the police to help prevent and in some cases stopping our ‘brothers’ committing crime and getting away with it.

"Hopefully as time moves on people like Jamiylah will realise that the ‘STRUGGLE’ for us is to become more positive and inclusive.

"BE STRONG."

Glenn Dennis

"I read the comments of Jamiylah Muhammed (29/04/02) with great interest and deep frustration and, to a great extent, anger. This behaviour, from the police, who would like us to think they are there to protect us and keeping our streets safe, goes on day in, day out and yet we hardly ever hear anything about it.

"How often do you hear any such incident reported on the news - never really. It is just all too easy for 'the establishment' to cover up. And even if it were reported, it would be done in such a way that the guy being manhandled/ beaten up by the establishment, would deliberately be portrayed totally as the bad guy. And this would be done entirely for the purpose of attempting to brainwash people.

"Too often we are guilty of preferring the quiet life and keeping silent. Unless we, as a majority rather than a minority, speak out and make ourselves heard this will continue. It won't get any better and, indeed, I believe it is getting worse. Oh yes, the Government will like us to think that they have policies and practices in place to deal with police harassment, but all they've done is made it better for 'the establishment' to cover up their wrong doings. We must address this now. I cannot stress enough that if you find yourselves on the receiving hand of the police for no apparent reason, then complain formally. I know complaints against the police are dealt with by themselves, from within, but one can only hope that at some point in time, if they are bombarded with complaints of harassment/
abuse/threat/etc. etc., someone at some point in time has surely got to stand up and ask why.

"And my biggest frustration on top of all this is that I am white. Can you just imagine the arguments I often find myself in simply because I state my case/my views and say what I believe in. The majority of people cannot comprehend, or won't even try to understand, how a white woman can have such views. I'm often asked, 'why are you fighting for black people'. And what I can never seem to get across to people is that actually I'm not fighting for black people, I'm fighting for the entire human race, we are all equal.

"Let's just all stand up and make ourselves heard."

"I agree with Paul Bailey (29/04/02) when he says that Air Jamaica should spend some of their millions to find an authentic Jamaican to air their commercials on Choice FM. It hurts and pains me to hear this fake, wannabe accent, it sounds so false therefore giving no credibility to the ad.

"He's right when he says that they'll be using Ali G next................."

Angie Robinson

Editors' Comments

Do you have a view on any of the above?
Speak Out! email us with your comments for publication.

Reviews

This week's review was kindly sent in by Su, who below shares with us her experience at the recent Mary J Blige concert.

Why not send us a review - it can be about anything... a film, book, play, event you attended, CD you've just bought - anything! You don't have to be a journalist, all you need is a point of view.

So, if you've been or seen, watched or listened, eaten or read, let us know. Why not share it with our readers so we can enjoy the pleasures too... or not, as the case may be! - Caz

MARY J. BLIGE (Tues. 23 April @ Wembley Arena)
Reviewed by Su.

After the misfortune of witnessing Mary J Blige's 'What's the 411' tour, I was excited and sceptical all at the same time about the 'No More Drama' tour. As the time neared (and after listening to all of her albums over and over again), my excitement became more intense and I could not wait to see her again.

Myself and my 'crew' were seated just in time to hear the support act, 'Res'. Now, I don't want to hate on the Sista, but I wished I could have shouted loud enough for her to hear me telling her to get off the stage. I'm unsure what kind of music it was...a lethal concoction of rock and reggae I think, but it wasn't working for me, nor those around me. I clapped and cheered like a woman possessed when her oh so long set ended!.

So, on to the main event. As the lights went down, the crowd seemed to sense that Mary J was not too far away. The compare introduced her, we responded by screaming, shouting and applauding. As the heavy bass line of L.O.V.E covered the Arena, the crowd responded with even louder screams and applause. It wasn't long before everyone was out of their seats, getting their groove on.

Mary gave a performance and a half, taking us on a trip down memory lane with tunes such as 'Reminisce', 'Real Love', 'Mary Jane', 'Be Happy', and 'My Life' to name but a few.

I could not wait to hear her sing 'No More Drama'. Every time I hear it, I get goose pimples and a feeling I cannot explain totally consumes me. This feeling was intensified seven-fold when I heard the intro, a piano sample from 'The Young and the Restless' (a not so good but strangely addictive US soap). Mary had just gone off for a costume change prior to that, and as the lights came back up, we were surprised to see her playing the piano solo...yet another string to her bow. When she started to sing, I was so moved, especially towards the end of the track when she took us all to church!. In fact, Mary has become more spiritual of late and took us to church several times throughout the night.

The funniest part of the night for me was at the end. Mary thanked the audience and said goodnight...people were leaving, but myself and my friends were going nowhere until those lights came back on. Unlucky for the many people who left, lucky for the thousands of us who stayed, Mary came back on stage and sang 'Family Affair'...then it really was over.

I could go on for days about this concert, but to sum it up, it was an excellent display of stage presence, exceptional vocal capability and maturity. Mary didn't just come on stage and sing a few songs, she took the whole audience on a journey though not only her life, but our own lives too. 1 week later, I am still buzzing from the euphoria!. This has got to be the best concert I have ever been to in my life. She will have to work very hard to surpass herself on her next tour.

Su

Special Features

COMPETITION ENCOURAGES YOUTHS TO WRITE ANTI-VIOLENCE SONGS AND POEMS (Workshop - 18 May 2002 @ Oval House Theatre)

The Beyond Will Smith Challenge is encouraging ethnic minority youths aged between 11-17 years to rev-up their creative talents by writing uplifting and inspirational songs, poems, short stories or articles that do not contain offensive language or glorify violence in a CEMVO Millennium Awards sponsored competition.

A workshop for budding entrants is being held at the Oval House Theatre, on May 18th between 2-5pm. Experienced writers and musicians as well as 57th Dynasty, South London hottest rap group will be on hand to share their musical experience and sing an acappella version of their current anti-gun violence single Break Free.

"The project is so called because rap artist Will Smith challenged fellow artistes to write hit songs devoid of the normal profanity and questionable imagery" explains BTWS Co-ordinator Serwah.

She continues, "We have talented youths who want to make positive contributions to the community and feel a valued part of it if only they were encouraged and given the opportunity."

The top three entrants in three categories will receive cash prizes, free CD¹s and have their work published on CD and books, whilst all short-listed works will be published on CD and in a book to be distributed to the music and literary industries and community centres.

The Project was launched last month with a seminar attended by young people and leading figures from the world of literature, music and education.

For more information call Serwah on 0208 534 7545 (office hours) or email btwsc@hotmail.com.

EFBWBO Launches it's Business Buddies Programme

The European Federation of Black Women Business Owners launches it's first pilot initiative programme, The Business Buddies Programme, part funded by Business Link for London.

Working with 20 of London's top business entrepreneurs, The Business Buddies Programme, will run over a period of 6 months as a mentoring programme which aims to assist the growth of minority owned businesses.

This will be through various support mechanisms including one to one sessions, access to mentors with sector specific knowledge, access to mentors with general business knowledge and access to bi-monthly networking themed events.

The programme register is still open to potential mentors who are willing to help grow and capacity build a small black female business through support and personal growth initiatives.

This programme is an overall success tool for building small black female businesses.

Businesses or potential mentors wanting additional information on The Business Buddies Programme, should please contact Charlene Hope at ASAP Communications on 020 7978 9488.

Teaser 1

You have two fuses (a fuse is something you burn to eventually set off an explosive), one which burns 1 hour and one which burns 2 hours. The fuses do not burn at a constant rate, so, for example, the last few inches of the first fuse could take 5 minutes or 55 minutes to burn. You have as many matches as you want. With these fuses, you have to measure a time period of exactly 45 minutes. How do you do this?

(Answer in next weeks Newsletter)

Teaser 2

When World War I had just started many of the fighting men wore only cloth caps. As the number of head injuries rose alarmingly high, metal helmets eventually replaced the cloth hats. Ironically, after issuing metal helmets, the
number of head injuries were even higher. Since the fighting intensity remained constant, how can this strange phenomenon be explained?

(Answer in next weeks Newsletter)

Laughter Lines ("A good laugh is sunshine in a house." - William Makepeace Thackery, ..........................................1811-1863, Indian-born British Novelist)

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm waiting for my husband to come home from work." the daughter-in-law answered.

"But you're naked!" the mother-in-law exclaimed.

"This is my love dress." The daughter-in-law explained.

"Love dress? But you're naked!"

"My husband loves me to wear this dress! It makes him happy and it makes me happy. I would appreciate it if you would leave because he will be home from work any minute."

The mother-in-law was tired of all this romantic talk and left. On the way home she thought about the love dress. When she got home she undressed, showered, put on her best perfume and waited by the front door.

Finally her husband came home. He walked in and saw her standing naked by the door.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"This is my love dress" she replied.

"Needs ironing." he said.

Think on these things...

Question: Of what is the mind capable
Thought Bubble:As children the tribal shaman taught them the water is cold only because you believe it is. Two native hunters in trouble in the frozen Arctic wastes - one in the frigid water for four hours visualizing himself to be a bear hibernating, the other walking over seven miles for help - "coping energy" as the scientist said or the mind creating a different reality.

Question: How can I heal permanently?
Thought Bubble: Pills and surgery of modern medicine will heal the body at least temporarily. If I do not heal my mind and my soul the condition may return. Complete healing must take place in the body, the mind and the soul.

Question: What is the effect of me?
Thought Bubble: I must take care not to make a joke, a profit, a point, at someone else's expense. I must take care to make sure all my thoughts, words, deeds, enrich the lives of others.

Question: What must I accept?
Thought Bubble: Acceptance - I cannot choose to accept only that which I like, approve of, prefer, believe in, support, that which I create, nurture. Divine acceptance requires I accept all things, all beings both the Light and the Dark.

(Source: "IAMBeCause" - Barbara J. Ortscheid)

Teaser 1

Q. Several hundred years ago, a band of explorers were embarking on a sea journey to the far north which would last for three weeks. During this time their staples would consist of crackers and dried meat. They couldn't cook aboard ship for fear of fire. When they arrived, they planned a celebration of roast lamb. The problem they faced was keeping the meat fresh for three weeks. If they tied a rope to the meat and trailed it in
the cold water, predator fish would eat it. If they took ice and snow with them to keep the meat cool, the ice and snow would melt and the ship would fill with water. How could they keep the meat fresh until they arrived at their destination?

A. Take a live lamb with them on the ship.

Teaser 3

Q. Can you tell what is remarkable about this rather long sentence?

Dennis, Nell, Edna, Leon, Nedra, Anita, Rolf, Nora, Alice, Carol, Leo, Jane, Reed, Dena, Dale, Basil, Rae, Penny, Lana, Dave, Denny, Lena, Ida, Bernadette, Ben, Ray, Lila, Nina, JO, Ira, Mara, Sara, Mario, Jan, Ina, Lily, Arne, Bette, Dan, Reba, Diane, Lynn, Ed, Eva, Dana, Lynne, Pearl, Isabel, Ada, Ned, Dee, Rena, Joel, Lora, Cecil, Aaron, Flora, Tina, Arden, Noel, and Ellen sinned.

A. It is a palindrome, which means it reads the same backwards and forwards.

Teaser 2

Q. Use the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 once only, to make the following equation work.

A.
. 5 4
..x 3
-------
1 6 2

Teaser 4

Q. A new medical building containing 100 offices had just been completed. Mark was hired to paint the numbers 1 to 100 on the doors. How many times will Mark have to paint the number
nine?

A. Twenty times: 9, 19, 29 ,39, 49, 59 ,69, 79, 89, 90, 91, 92 ,93 ,94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99.

Teaser 5

Q. Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?

A. A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round manhole cover cannot be dropped down the manhole. So for safety and practicality, all man- hole covers should be round.