We all love brain teasers and interesting puzzles. Today I decided to come up with 2 interesting puzzles and winner of the contest will get USD 50 worth Amazon Gift Card. The puzzles are sponsored by NuoDB. Additionally, The first 25 individuals who download NuoDB Beta 8 by midnight Friday, Sept. 21 (EST) will automatically receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

Puzzle 1:

Why following code when executed in SSMS displays result as a * (Star)?

SELECT CAST(634 AS VARCHAR(2))

Puzzle 2:

Write the shortest code that produces results as 1 without using any numbers in the select statement.

Bonus Q:

How many different Operating System (OS) NuoDB support?
Click here HINT

If you can solve above puzzles you will be eligible for winning USD 50 Amazon Gift Card. However, you can always enroll yourself for following Bonus Prizes where if you have good chance of winning USD 10 Amazon Gift Card (if you are first 25 individual in specific time).

Bonus Prizes:

The first 25 individuals who download NuoDB Beta 8 by midnight Friday, Sept. 21 (EST) will automatically receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

Rules:

• Please leave an answer in the comments section below.
• You can resubmit your answer multiple times, the latest entry will be considered valid.
• The winner will be announced on 1st October.
• Last day to participate in the puzzle is September 28th, 2012.
• All valid answer will be kept hidden till September 28th, 2012.
• Only One Winner will get USD 50 worth Amazon Gift Card.
  
• The first 25 individuals who download NuoDB Beta 8 by midnight Friday, Sept. 21 (EST) will automatically receive a $10 Amazon gift card.
• The winner will be selected using random algorithm.

Reference: Pinal Dave (http://blog.SQLAuthority.com)