are we getting dumber...?

[stapel]

I recently received an e-mail from somebody asking a question about a pseudo-sequence (that being a list of numbers that might look like a mathematical sequence but whose relationship is non-mathematical). I quickly found that the puzzle that he'd been working on "for a long time" "for fun" was actually the latest Mensa-Canada monthly puzzler.

While somewhat disappointed at yet-another instance of "do it for me so I can get a prize" sponging, I was extremely disappointed at the level of the question.

. . . . .What is the missing number in the following list?

. . . . .324, 441, 16, 225, ___, 256, 64

<alert mode=rant>

• Even after clues about "thinking about squares" and "looking at the alphabet", the guy still couldn't get it. I did everything but hang tinsel.
  
  Is this what passes for genius-level riddling these days? I mean -- c'mon! -- if I can get it in about five minutes, how hard can it be?

</alert>

Eliz.

P.S. Please don't post solutions openly before the end of the month, as this is Mensa-Canada's December "Brain Teaser", and I'm sure none of us wants to tread on their toes.

 

[Denis]

Heehaw from this Canuk

What that is (99.9% sure...seen similars before) is a Mensa-Canada "business"
venture where a few such thingies (usually 10 of them) are published in
newspapers, and whoever "wins" in each city/area is invited to compete
with other winners...all at a price of $100 (or more now I'd guess) per person!!

Puzzles are set up the usual way; order: easiest-medium-hard, with a final
stupidity called : make a sentence containing these 4 words (4 words listed);
the best sentence will be used for tie-breakers :shock:

 

[stapel]

There's no evidence of this being a elimination challenge sort of contest. The site says it's just the monthly puzzle.

*sigh*

Eliz.

 

[soroban]

Hello, Eliz!

I have a theory about your opening question.

The total intelligence in the world is a constant
. . and the population is increasing.