The metal ball is stuck in the middle of the drain-hole.
The first few ideas come to your mind are probably: a spoon, a fork, chopstick, or a chopstick with gum placed at the tip of the stick.
Why these four items? Well, because they are all longer than 4 inches. They all are equipments used to pick up stuff. They all have diameter smaller than 1 inch.
Below is your neuron map concerning this matter.
"Chopstick neuron" is not connected to "Pick up something neuron". Because a single chopstick can't pick up stuff. The other three things, the spoon, the fork, and the chopstick with gum tip are more related. Therefore, they shall be tried first.
All failed. The space between the drain-hole's wall and the metal ball is too thin. Spoons and forks are not thin enough to go through.
The chopstick with gum is too weak to pick up a heavy metal ball. The metal ball doesn't come up. Whats next?
New information will be added to your mind. "The space between the drain-hole wall and the metal ball is very thin. I have to find some tool that's thin enough to go through."
Actually, the new neuron added to your list is already existing somewhere in your brain. The "Pick up ball neuron" just make one more connection to this new neuron. You will then quit using spoon, fork, or chopstick because non of the above matches the new neuron which had just been added.
Now your neurons will work harder to seek for some other neurons which carries the similar frequencies: 4 inches long, 1 inch diameter, go through a hole, pick up stuff, must be thin at the edge. If you are smart, you can find the correct equipment that can do the job. If you are stupid, you can't think of it!
So, my friend, why don't you think for awhile before you press the next button.
