Rubik’s Cube–Fun for others, a test of patience to some

Posted on March 12, 2008
Filed Under Fun, Parenting and Family | Viewed 732 times

4 of my 7 kids LOVE the Rubik’s cube, in fact are addicted to it—Vince, Alan Jr, Pauline and Angela. It came naturally with Vince, who can solve the puzzle in less than a minute, while Alan, Jr was inspired by Marcelle. The girls, Pauline and Angela were inspired by Alan, Jr. who became their mentor. It’s like for girls, it’s “astig”.

One fine day, after twists and twists and twists, when Pauline finally was able to solve one side of the puzzle, she shrieked and shouted “Bingot! I love you!” Bingot is Alan Jr’s pet name. From Pauline to Alan Jr, that must have been one of the sweetest moments between them two (talk about sibling rivalry—sometimes they do not see eye to eye). Now, even the 2 girls can solve the puzzle in a minute. Monica can only watch in amusement—she’s not interested.

Now Alan Jr can solve the puzzle in 1 minute and 0.97 second, to be precise. He could now even do a Marcelle—he could solve the puzzle with eyes closed—according to him, after memorizing the moves.

I wonder why Alan Jr has to lubricate the Rubik’s cubes. He bought petroleum jelly (in lieu of the item he found in the net for lubricating), dis-assembled the tiny pieces. The purpose he said was to make the mechanism slide well, so that the moves could be easier and smooth. The original Rubik’s 3×3 cube costs almost P900 at Hobbs and Landes, and it took some time before the boys were able to buy, as stocks are few and sold fast. Just a few weeks ago, we found Toys R Us selling the same for P299.95. We were able to buy one. When we came back a week after to buy another one, stocks were replete, but we were able to get a 2×2.

So, at home you will find Rubik’s cubes (3×3 and 2×2) in almost any state—new, old, tattered, original, not original, and one beyond re-assembling. Even Mucci, our golden retriever has one for a toy—she is 3 months old and still teething.

One time, BA tried to solve it, the impatient young man that he was, and since he was perhaps tensed up—the Rubik’s disintegrated, parts flying in all direction he could toss it away in exasperation. Angelo is the even more impatient one, he would try a few twists, then toss it away.

The Rubik’s cube is a test of patience. Me, I won’t even try solving it. I would rather solve my word puzzles. The girls told me, though, that it is only a matter of having the will to learn how to solve it. Right now, I don’t have the will.

Comments

12 Responses to “Rubik’s Cube–Fun for others, a test of patience to some”

Tina on March 13th, 2008 9:14 am

My brother is addicted to Rubik’s Cube right now. He ’s solved it a couple of times now and he hasn’t let it out of his sight.
Toe on March 13th, 2008 1:40 pm

Uso nanaman pala ang Rubik’s Cube? How fun! I used to enjoy it when I was in high school. It is very addictive.
ba on March 14th, 2008 12:14 am

Hindi ko sinadyang sirain yun! Nadulas lang dahil sa petroleum jelly! Hahaha.

PS Matutulog na ako at hindi ko pa rin siya matapos. HAHAHAHA
Kyels on March 14th, 2008 12:38 am

I solved it too! And I love Rubik’s Cube. It definitely is a test of patience filled w/ many forms of algorithm in the puzzle.
jengkie on March 14th, 2008 3:18 pm

grabe, a lot really has been addicted to rubik’s cube again…i wonder sino nagsimula ulit magpauso nyan…
minor on March 15th, 2008 11:41 am

i thought my younger sister was talentless until i saw her solve a perfect rubik’s cube in less than a minute.
carey on March 15th, 2008 1:25 pm

naku…it really is addicting. that’s why i refrain from holding a rubik’s cube and trying to solve it since i can’t stop once i start.

enjoy your day Tita Dine! i’m back blogging again.
chiara on March 16th, 2008 2:50 pm

yeah, it takes a lot of patience to learn how but once you do learn, it’s fun to brag ! lol
dimaks on March 19th, 2008 12:18 am

i never tried solving this puzzle for longer time.. i always end up impatient
myepinoy on March 22nd, 2008 9:48 pm

Here are some videos about solving the rubik’s cube with algorithms. hope this is of interest to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsQIoPyfQzM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW_BBp3FPMQ

The guy is the winner for instructional category, youtube 2007 video awards.
alan jr. on June 4th, 2008 6:02 pm

dalawang rubik’s cube na nasira ko dahil sa petroleum jelly. Mom bilan mo po ako silicone spray
Letting go at 12, Happy Birthday Alan, Jr. : The D Spot on August 25th, 2008 2:31 pm

[...] said it does not bother him at all, besides he is not living up to his name as “Baby”. Alan Jr has a mind of his own, and no matter what his other siblings would do or say when discussions heat [...]