Writers’ Paradise

Shuffle a deck of cards. Peek at the bottom card and remember it. Ask your friend to pick any card, memorise it, but not show you.

Cut the deck. Hold out the top half of the deck and ask your friend to put their card on top of it. Place the bottom half of th deck on the top of the top half. Tap the deck mysteriously. then turn over the cards,one by one. When you come to the card you saw at the bottom of the pack, you will know your friend’s card is th next.

Stand facing a friend and stare into each other’s eyes. The first person to blink or look away loses the contest. Its not as easy as it sounds. Your eyes dry out if you don’t blink, and they start to sting. Follow these tips tp be unbeatable in a staring contest.

• Before the contest starts, close your eyes as tightly as you can, and for as long as you can, to produce tears that will keep your eyes moist.
• Use eye drops before the contest. Technically, this is cheating, so make sure nobody spots you doing it.
• Open your eyes wide during the contest and, when you think you are about to blink, open them even wider. This goes against your natural instincts, but will actually make your eyes water, thus keeping them moist.
• When you are about to blink, squint and furrow your brow. Again, this will produce tears and help you to keep staring for longer.