Sunday, June 29, 2014

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 29, 2014): If You Don't Want It, Can I Have It?

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 29, 2014): If You Don't Want It, Can I Have It?:
Q: Name a boy's name and a girl's name, each in four letters. The names start with the same letter of the alphabet. The boy's name contains the letter R. Drop that R from the boy's name and insert it into the girl's name. Phonetically, the result will be a familiar two-word phrase for something no one wants to have. What is it?
I'm sorry I don't have much of a clue, but you are a resilient bunch and I'm sure you'll manage to figure it out.

Edit: Resilient is an anagram of Listerine.
A: BRAD + BETH --> BAD BREATH

Sunday, June 22, 2014

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 22, 2014): Autopilot Engaged

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 22, 2014): Autopilot Engaged

I'm unable to post the puzzle this week, but I didn't want to leave you without a place to post comments on the puzzle. Somebody help me out by posting a copy here. Then feel free to add your hints.

Here's my standard reminder... don't post the answer or any outright spoilers before the deadline of Thursday at 3pm ET. If you know the answer, click the link and submit it to NPR, but don't give it away here. Thank you.

Q: Think of a 10-letter adjective describing certain institutions. Drop three letters from this word, and the remaining seven letters, reading left to right, will name an institution described by this adjective. What institution is it?
Edit: My hints, in the comments were "luau attire" and "smiling". The letters that are removed are LEI leaving a toothpaste brand.
A: COLLEGIATE - LEI = COLGATE

Sunday, June 15, 2014

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 15, 2014): Dad, Are We There Yet?

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 15, 2014): Dad, Are We There Yet?:
Q: Name a certain trip that contains the letter S. Change the S to a C and rearrange the resulting letters. You'll name the location where this trip often takes place. What is the trip and where is it?
I'd be lying if I said this puzzle was difficult. But if you are out of ideas, consult a list of travel destinations.

Edit: Clues --> "Lying" = Lion. "Out of ..." = Africa.
A: SAFARI --> AFRICA

Friday, June 13, 2014

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 8, 2014): No User Serviceable Parts Inside

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 8, 2014): No User Serviceable Parts Inside:
Q: Name part of a TV that contains the letter C. Replace the C with the name of a book of the Old Testament, keeping all the letters in order. The result will name a sailing vessel of old. What is it?
I'm not listening to your complaints on this puzzle. Call it tricky or call it clever, I'm sure there will be grumblings once you solve it.

I've set my V-CHIP to a G rating, so I won't be able to hear your complaints. :)
A: V-CHIP - C + I KINGS = V(IKINGS)HIP

Friday, June 06, 2014

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 1, 2014): A Businessman's Lunch

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 1, 2014): A Businessman's Lunch:
Q: Take the name of a well-known American businessman — first and last names. Put the last name first. Insert an M between the two names. The result names a food item. What is it?
I had to look up the businessman's name (thought he was a grooming product) and also the food item. You better figure out the food item before it goes stale.

Edit: The hint was "stale" which is an anagram of Tesla.
A: Elon Musk --> Muskmelon