Sunday, October 11, 2015

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 11, 2015): Creative Puzzle Challenge: Provide one sample sentence, outshine the pile

NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 11, 2015): Creative Puzzle Challenge: Provide one sample sentence, outshine the pile:
Q: Write a 10-word sentence in which each word ends with the same letter of the alphabet.

For example: Dartmouth frosh clash with Pittsburgh church parish, clinch fifth triumph. Every word in that sentence ends with H. You can choose any letter you like. Entries will be judged on sensibility, naturalness of syntax and overall elegance. The person who submits the best sentence in Will's opinion will play the puzzle on the air in two weeks.
For some of you, it's time to include the other half of your brain...

Edit: Be sure to check the list of runner up sentences including several submissions from members of Blainesville.
A: The winning sentence chosen by Will, "Can neurosurgeon Ben Carson pin down Republican nomination in 'Sixteen?" — Kate S. of Maryland

208 comments:

  1. This is a two-week creative challenge so there really isn't a need to caution you about giving away the answer. Feel free to discuss ideas but save your complete discussion for the deadline, which is apparently the following Thursday at 3pm Eastern. You have an extra week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have mine already, and I did it while still in bed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd posted this at the bottom of last week's blog, then I found Blaine had started a new sheet ...

    I've created a 21 word entry and am continuing to work on it. In the meanwhile, ponder this...
    Glad I'd listened and paid heed; found edited screed exceeded need, reviewed and submitted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The object is to "write a 10-WORD sentence..."

      Delete
    2. In fairness to everyone, I think Will would have to disqualify a >10-word sentence, but give it honorable mention.

      Delete
    3. I also have several 10 word ones, of varying types. Will share the longest one at an appropriate time.

      Delete
  4. At the end of last week's posts, I offered a link to some optical illusions and FUTILITY CLOSET has picked up my suggestion and posted it. CLICK HERE.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I posted the following reply:

      ron:

      That is tray cool!

      Delete
  5. As I've said before, I don't like puzzles which you don't know if you've solved or not. Notwithstanding, I have a huge hint for everyone: don't pick X or Z :)

    Chuck

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think I'll tackle Q. It will take at least 2 weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Octopi radii lei ... are there any (English) verbs ending in 'i'?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I came, I saw, I shook my head.

      Delete
    2. Octopi ski lei radii; taxi ... yadayadayada

      WIP

      Delete
    3. Veni vidi velcro.
      I came I saw I stuck around.

      Delete
    4. zeke.
      A perfect description of someone I know.

      Delete
    5. Not to nitpick or anything (oh, OK, I AM nitpicking), but "octopi" is NOT the right plural or "octopus" -- it's "octopuses" (because the -us ending of "octopus" is not one of those endings from Latin that form their plural in -i -- rather, it's from Greek, and if I remember right, if you want to be true to the Greek plural, it should be something like "octopodes").

      Delete
    6. Just as well. That attempt didn't have legs, anyway.

      Delete
  8. Zoë's diaeresis gives Steph's HTMLs fits, whereas umlauts always pass.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Paul –

    Could you ouiji on your Ouija board?
    Could you wiki in your pedia?
    Could you wii with your Wii?

    Chuck

    ReplyDelete
  10. Could you Stromboli in your kitchen?
    Could you Zamboni at the ice rink?

    Chuck

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A conjunction ending in 'i' would be nice.
      I know that's asking a lot.

      Delete
    2. Bueno questione ...tanta mucho que pelicci carousel.

      Delete
    3. Souvlaki is a conjunction of pita and lamb.

      Delete
    4. Perhaps. But not what I had in mind.

      Delete
  11. "Children groan when stern policemen begin crackdown on Halloween fun." And it's timely too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we may have just seen the winning entry posted here.

      Delete
    2. Kudos, patjberry. You are the leader in the creative puzzle challenge clubhouse.

      LegopatjberryMaySay"HeyMyEntryMayCertifyMyVictory!

      Delete
    3. Yon pumpkin even Indian corn can ripen in Autumn sun.

      Delete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Please have more grape juice, before we consume edible cake.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Check this one out: President sent secret agent out, but not about terrorist threat.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Strong King Kong flung wrong song among ping pong throng.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very nice inging, unging and onging, ron, but Will would never accept a solution that includes "ping pong."
      Alas, "tablE tenniS" just don't work!

      Seriously, Blainsvillians, we have a fortnight of "creativity" ahead of us. We need puzzles! Puzzleria! has lately averaged about five original puzzles per week.
      This week: a Giada De Laurentiis foodie puzzle; a Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne/Dennis Mitchell/Oprah Winfrey puzzle, and four current-events puzzles.

      Just sayin'.

      LegoShortzQuizIzErsatzPutzKlutzSchmaltz;Puzzleeriapuzzazz!IzAbuzz!

      Delete
  16. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Blaine, delete my last post. I want to edit it down. Alternatively, post instructions showing how to do this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suspect that you're selecting a profile similar to TypePad, which I use. I discovered that with TypePad you can't delete your own posts, but with other profiles such as Google Account, you can; under any post you make with Google Account, beside the word "Reply", you see "Delete". You can click on it and delete your own post easily that way. The only problem I have with Google Account is I can't figure out how to use a handle with it.

      Delete
  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Please make mine be the one sentence people believe incomparable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As my ophthalmologist enjoys asking: "Better here: or here?"

      Please make mine be the one sentence people perceive incomparable.

      or

      Please make mine be the one sentence people acknowledge incomparable.

      I changed believe to perceive. And then I changed perceive to acknowledge. I think it improves each time.

      Delete
  20. They say many try very carefully, may someday enjoy prosperity.
    Privileged kid seemed sad dad died, traveled around world instead.
    Odd lad wined and dined old maid, produced bad seed.
    We have some more Chinese cuisine, save the fortune cookie.
    Aging hag sang song wrong, laying big egg during singalong.
    Dietitians discuss serious diabetes complications as shameless gluttons pass gas.
    Three geese make noise, irritate hippie commune people beside lake.
    Some of my best ideas(I think)so far. Feel free to tell me what you think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! You're on a roll. It's hard to predict what Mr. Shortz will deem worthy. I like the last one the best. Good imagery.

      Delete
    2. However, your Halloween sentence is the best so far.

      Delete
  21. Believe me, outside the Ukraine, the people are more vulnerable.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Can modern American innovation awaken hidden tension in Western civilization?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Via Wikipedia, oversea gorilla intelligentsia subpoena a banana ambrosia formula.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks to Blainesville, we already have many more entertaining possibilities than Will Shortz would have ever released.
    Over the next two weeks, I hope the number will grow into the hundreds.
    In past years Will has sequestered thousands of forever-to-be-hidden jewels of poetry, prose, Spoonerisms, etc.
    The only way they have seen the light of day is when Will uses them in interviews and his books, etc. Just part of being the Puzzle "Master?"

    There should be no competition here except to joyfully concoct and share as many solutions as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wary Mary may vary my query by sly, wry reply.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dyed and coiffed blowhard Donald,debated and tweeted he'd triumphed.

    By the way, you can't spell "triumph" without "Trump". Please don't shoot the messenger.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Boston Marathon, begin in Hopkinton, when women run, women win.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Poor snowboarder, rather prefer richer powder over her power career.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Chilly guy lay ghostly (already pay amply), by deathly hanky-panky.

    ReplyDelete
  31. My submitted sentence:
    Can African-American, non-politician, brain surgeon Ben Carson win Republican nomination?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Utilizin' noun-hyphen-linkin', Washington marathon-man can shoehorn an even dozen in!

      I am awed by the cornucopia of creativity Blainesvillians are displaying regarding Will's creative challenge.

      What makes this creative challenge challenging is the that there are a limited number of articles, prepositions and conjunctions that end with the same letters. Ergo, qualifying sentences tend to read like newspaper headlines, which often do not use such parts of speech.

      Even Will's sample sentence, for example (" Dartmouth frosh clash with Pittsburgh church parish, clinch fifth triumph"), reads like a headline from a sports section!

      LegoMy"N's-At-TheEnd"EffortShoehornsAnEvenBaker'sDozenWordsIn,AndEndsWithAMarkOfExclamatioN!

      Delete
  32. Wily Wally, rarely very wary, may try any silly folly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very exemplary!

      And I mean that.

      Delete
  33. Be sure these cheese canapé are secure before mice come.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Lovesick elk trek back, ask "seek comeback, callback meek chick!"

    ReplyDelete
  35. Halloween pumpkin slain when children sin; open weapon, then grin!

    ReplyDelete
  36. When pumpkin hewn open, clean, then turn on lantern within.

    ReplyDelete
  37. At first it might get hot, but that ain't right.
    Certain women often maintain an uncommon opinion on modern fashion.
    On Halloween, golden pumpkin can then gain attention when Jack-o'-lantern.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I tried not to separate Jack-o'-lantern there. Trust me, it's ten words.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Troubled kid said bad word, and Dad punished "bastard" lad.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I think David could give me a run for my money. Those about Ben Carson and Donald Trump are inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Arduous puzzles depress anonymous bloggers, stress makes hapless solvers cross.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Funny way they play Jeopardy: they may only reply inquisitively.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Smart, independent tot fought constant fright; just bought bright
    night-light.
    Ever hear thunder over yonder? Better cower under your cover.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Ban on pumpkin begun in autumn can ruin Halloween celebration.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sanders says "Citizens" billionaires' (dangerous Kochs perhaps tops) futures his.

    ReplyDelete
  47. My spry Granny may easily display uncanny dexterity nearly every day.

    I guess that's eleven words. There are several ways to cut it down to ten; or it could easily be expanded, if preferred. Either way, I'm not that thrilled with it, but it may be the best I can do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paul, if that's the best you can do perhaps you should ask your granny to give it a try. :-)

      Delete
    2. When in an urn, can an octogenarian grandson begin again?

      She's still got her sense of humor! :-)

      Delete
    3. Paul:

      Perhaps. Chick this out:

      www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLG1SgxNbBM

      Delete
    4. Fascinating; thanks sdb!

      I'm assuming 'chick' is not a typo.

      Delete
    5. It is a typo. I try to proofread, but I guess I didn't this time. It never fails. There is a much longer video of this kid and his family as I recall. It is one of the most interesting, documented cases, but perhaps the best one is the boy who was a pilot during WWII in the Pacific Theater and was shot down. I read the book recently too, and you can easily find it with a Google search.

      Delete
  48. Nothing wrong having gang visiting, getting along during Thanksgiving gathering.
    Press suspicious as glamorous heiress beats Vegas odds, wins sweepstakes.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Don't fret: got light out, but it ain't night yet.
    Worst debt, incompetent government? Mustn't count President out just yet.
    Irish watch tough British psychopath scratch itch with rough hairbrush.
    Gypsy family may play very loudly, ultimately they annoy everybody.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Even better:
    Watch tough British psychopath scratch crotch itch with rough hairbrush.

    ReplyDelete
  51. PJB: I think you've found your life calling. Now all you have to do is find someone willing to pay for it so you can quit your day job....

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oday ouyay ecallray alkingtay ikelay isthay enwhay eway ereway idskay?

    ReplyDelete
  53. I try to keep up with history, but I am unsure when Pushkin to shove.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Wow, it never occurred to me to use Pig Latin! That's ten Y's for sure! Mendo Jim is such a Y's guy! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  55. All well until professional model fell ill, usual medical turmoil.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I challenge anyone to post a sentence using words ending in Z(but only if you think kissing Will Shortz's butt might help!). I really don't think I'll attempt it myself. Letters such as D, G, N, S, and T are far better, I think, where verb forms in the sentences are concerned. Most other letters don't lend themselves to this sort of challenge that easily.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Alone beside the fire we awoke, because some voice spoke.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. US's drug's prices steers consumers overseas as supplies costs less.

      Delete
    2. The fireside voice is quite poetic, in my opinion.

      I think the other one has serious grammatical issues.

      Delete
    3. Yeah, most of the sentences I've thought up are grammatically challenged and pretty ridiculous. Not my forte, but thanks for the nice comment about the fire voice post!

      Delete
    4. Alternate sentence:
      We sense unease, while we're home alone beside the fireplace.

      Delete
    5. Less poetic, but still really very good;

      But I like the original better.

      Delete
  58. Good ones, CL!
    Headmistress is furious as class clown's shenanigans impress curious students.

    ReplyDelete
  59. That fat cat got great at baccarat but it lost

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What fat cat got great at baccarat but lost what?

      Delete
  60. Remember our on-air winner, forever honor their far better answer.
    The more time we lose, the more life we waste.
    Hospital personnel tell all: small pill will heal arousal fail.
    Piano virtuoso to do solo demo: disco, techno, also calypso!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The more time we waste, the more life we lose.

      Delete
  61. Thanks, Paul! I was wondering which way to go with that one. I think it works either way.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Happy birthday to my nephew Mason! He turns the big 18 today! Reminds me of an Alice Cooper song. Wonder if he thinks he's "got a baby's brain and an old man's heart". At last night's party, I didn't notice if lines were forming on his face and hands.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Ill-bred neighborhood drunkard relaxed and guzzled Old Granddad. Relaxed indeed.
    Competent knight fought valiant opponent at joust, but met defeat.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi! ratoig here - NEW to this blog!

    My friend Enya_and_Weird_Al_fan hates MY answers to this
    weeks puzzle so I just had to set up a first time spot on this
    blog to see what you all think: OK, Here is a RARE "U" answer
    that I have seen as yet, also another "Z" answer, and an 'E"
    submitted for your review! Thanks!

    Guru Lulu: Zulu? Hindu? Thou Menu: Caribou? Emu? Tofu? Adieu...

    Fizz Fuzz, Fez! Chintz Blitz Waltz Jazz, Buzz Kilohertz, Megahertz!

    We Agree! Use Ale, Baptize The Fine Adorable Wee Budgie!

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. See my "Z post" above.

      This is a legitimate (grammatical) sentence:

      Kibitz ersatz jazz quiz whiz: Veracruz Fritz; blitz wiz: Buzz.

      Delete
  65. Wow, ratoig! You actually came up with a Z sentence and a U sentence! They're both a bit cryptic if you ask me! Also, I noticed you actually had more than one sentence in one for each. I was wondering if they counted off each time you make two or more sentences in one, like it has to be one sentence and that's it. I've done a few of those, but only very few, but Will didn't say. But I'm impressed! Good ones!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi patjberry, Thanks! I was reading all your posts, and bravo, you had many great ones! Any one of yours submitted could win. I took the route of working with the less used ending letters, and with few words to choose from, they ARE cryptic! I challenge anyone to find a better 'U'. FYI, I really like these weekly puzzles, and my friend Enya_and_Weird_Al_fan usually solves them, but if he can't, we work on it together, and usually get it. Glad to be on here....Thanks again.
      PS: If you like cats (Torties) my name here is my YouTube channel featuring my precious 'Snooket'.

      Delete
  66. Some killer bees

    Dumb slob Bob: comb crumb, crab, scab; garb, grab grub.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I went with "e" which I suppose was comparatively easy, but here goes.

    The nice Creole gnome ate the entire andouille sausage étouffée.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Heartless boss assigns various employees meaningless duties. This is ridiculous!
    Some choose the simple life, some embrace the alternative lifestyle.
    Defiant lout at gunpoint got shot. Bet that must hurt.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Horsey Maizy May may say, ironically, "Hey, Hey, Hay!" today.

    ReplyDelete
  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hookup sump pump, chump cop; cleanup firetrap hemp stump crap!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Crimson cavemen, summon withdrawn coven women, when skin irritation began.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I was hoping for a better "a" sentence, but verbs are hard to come by.

    Whoa, mama mia, Donna Victoria, gonna wanna henna burka, ya.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Erotic Cedric, Cleric Alec: orgiastic frolic picnic, phallic sumac panic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You've got to work "priapic" in there somehow.

      Delete
    2. Emetic, ipecac, etc.

      This heretic feels better already.

      Delete
    3. Poor guys! I think Cedric feels idiotic, while Alec feels downright moronic.

      Delete
  75. Smooth bunch snatch cash, dash through underbrush with much stealth.
    Sick comeback gimmick: punk rock folk attack, shock Woodstock chick.
    Mustn't let it get hot at night, put out light.
    Unknown men in town can often frighten children on Halloween.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Please behave little niece, once Chinese adoptee; make me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Una senorita bonita canta "Una Paloma Blanca" a la Aretha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Je trouve ce casse-tête simple parce que j'emploie une autre langue.

      Delete
  78. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Las Vegas casino’s boss addresses topless dancers goosebumps, resets thermostats.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Any boozy barfly may slyly try smoky whiskey by burglary.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Didn't expect arrogant government fatcat might reject budget deficit reassessment.

    ReplyDelete
  82. We see someone take nude selfie outside the movie theatre.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Furious Los Angeles Dodgers fans miss fabulous Mets-Cubs series

    ReplyDelete
  84. Using the data from OpenSourceShakespeare.org, I found 34 groups of at least 6 words that shared a common final letter. I was hoping the Bard would provide some inspiration, but I didn't really find any. YMMV. (If you Google these phrases in quotes, you'll find them in context.)

    11 words: pastoral pastoral comical historical pastoral tragical historical tragical comical historical pastoral
      Polonius in hamlet, Sec. 2, Chap. 2

    8 words: canst not hit it hit it hit it
      Rosaline in loveslabours, Sec. 4, Chap. 1

    8 words: forms figures shapes objects ideas apprehensions motions revolutions
      Holofernes in loveslabours, Sec. 4, Chap. 2

    8 words: the gate come come come come give me
      Lady Macbeth in macbeth, Sec. 5, Chap. 1

    8 words: rings gawds conceits knacks trifles nosegays sweetmeats messengers
      Egeus in midsummer, Sec. 1, Chap. 1

    7 words: thoughts hers hers revenges hers ambitions covetings
      Posthumus Leonatus in cymbeline, Sec. 2, Chap. 5

    7 words: his statutes his recognizances his fines his
      Hamlet in hamlet, Sec. 5, Chap. 1

    7 words: creature refuse me hate me torture me
      Hero in muchado, Sec. 4, Chap. 1

    7 words: in women than in men remain in
      Poet in passionatepilgrim, Sec. 1, Chap. 18

    7 words: prevent it resist it let it not
      Bishop of Carlisle in richard2, Sec. 4, Chap. 1

    7 words: make me love thee more the more
      Poet in sonnets, Sec. 1, Chap. 150

    6 words: note come come disclose the state
      Countess in allswell, Sec. 1, Chap. 3

    6 words: swords sextus pompeius makes his approaches
      Antony in antonycleo, Sec. 1, Chap. 3

    6 words: hearts tongues figures scribes bards poets
      Domitius Enobarus in antonycleo, Sec. 3, Chap. 2

    6 words: me hie thee slave be gone
      Antipholus of Ephesus in comedyerrors, Sec. 4, Chap. 1

    6 words: the battle came he where he
      Cominius in coriolanus, Sec. 2, Chap. 2

    6 words: me see some more the purpose
      Hotspur (Henry Percy) in henry4p1, Sec. 2, Chap. 3

    6 words: so so so so so so
      Robert Shallow in henry4p2, Sec. 3, Chap. 2

    6 words: ere ye come there be sure
      Richard III in henry6p3, Sec. 5, Chap. 5

    6 words: peace where are ye are ye
      Queen Katharine in henry8, Sec. 4, Chap. 2

    6 words: hands organs dimensions senses affections passions
      Shylock in merchantvenice, Sec. 3, Chap. 1

    6 words: white ewe arise arise awake the
      Iago in othello, Sec. 1, Chap. 1

    6 words: t not thought it not it
      Othello in othello, Sec. 3, Chap. 3

    6 words: his stubbornness his cheques his frowns
      Desdemona in othello, Sec. 4, Chap. 3

    6 words: have done the state some service
      Othello in othello, Sec. 5, Chap. 2

    6 words: the time the place the torture
      Lodovico in othello, Sec. 5, Chap. 2

    6 words: it faint not faint heart but
      Poet in rapelucrece, Sec. 1, Chap. 2

    6 words: for our father for our dear
      Children in richard3, Sec. 2, Chap. 2

    6 words: hie make haste make haste the
      Capulet in romeojuliet, Sec. 4, Chap. 4

    6 words: came some minute ere the time
      Friar Laurence in romeojuliet, Sec. 5, Chap. 3

    6 words: that doubt but let it rest
      Bianca in tamingshrew, Sec. 3, Chap. 1

    6 words: lunes his ebbs his flows as
      Agamemnon in troilus, Sec. 2, Chap. 3

    6 words: we are undone these are the
      Speed in twogents, Sec. 4, Chap. 1

    6 words: else be mute give me one
      Poet in venusadonis, Sec. 1, Chap. 1

    ReplyDelete
  85. Stag gig backfiring: amusing running gag, going long, getting annoying.
    It's his business as news boss prefers reporters sans gravitas.
    Expressionless anchorman's superfluous gravitas sounds hilarious, boosts news ratings nonetheless.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Proud redhead stood behind beloved husband, held hand and smiled.

    ReplyDelete
  87. For menus, "I" is your letter, not so much for sentences.
    Among hundreds of gustatory delights:
    Corgi ravioli, okapi chili. octopi tandoori, porcini pepperoni, poi chianti.

    There is even priapi in there, Jan.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Ha! Costanza gonna wanna "yadda yadda yadda" prima ballerina Maria!
    When certain women on brain, forlorn men join Foreign Legion.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Vacationing stag gang dig ogling charming young thing going sunbathing.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Here's another one from ratoig....before we know the winner....with a one word 'gimme'..... OK.

    Clinton In Prison Pendin' Communication Discretion Confession! Win Election? When?

    ReplyDelete
  91. An uncharacteristically impatient Gandalf clarifies his instructions to a hobbit:

    "No, Frodo, go solo to Bilbo - pronto, tyro bozo kiddo!"

    ReplyDelete
  92. Did you hear about the crafty Arizona housecats who used their "collective mind" to outsmart their wild cousins who kept taking all the local deli's scraps?

    Unorthodox Phoenix Manx flex cortex, outfox lynx, nix lox jinx.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Four slender, silver killdeer gather near far pier, never lonelier.

    ReplyDelete
  94. How about double letters?

    The visiting Pope employs some court officers, and they're all planning a hustle at the local golf club. If (and only if) the caper goes awry, you suggest to His Holiness that all he can do is drown his sorrows:

    Pontiff, iff bailiff staff muff duff bluff, quaff stiff stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fishcat,
      I like if! Here is another in your format....

      Showoff Sheriff Biff, Sniff Duff, Handcuff Bailiff, Ripoff Pontiff! Layoff?

      Delete
    2. Welcome, fishcat and ratoig, to Blainesville. I like your 10-word sentences. Good luck tomorrow.
      Your “pontiff” sentence, fishcat, reminded me of a puzzle, titled “Golf Scramble Appetizer: Replacing diVotican stateside,” That I composed about a month ago for my own Puzzleria! blog.

      LegoGreatMindsThinkAlike

      Delete
    3. legolambda,

      Hi, Thanks! I enjoyed this 2-week challenge! I have seen your puzzle creations as well! Good stuff! I actually like making up puzzles better than solving them. I just don't have much time as I spend so much time on work and other projects! My Mama LOVED words and was also a Mensa member in her day! She was a writer, and her brother knew many writers including my favorite, Ray Bradbury! My creativity these days is creating websites either as a volunteer, or for $, so not too much time to work on puzzles, but I do enjoy the weekly puzzle here when EaWAf does not solve it, I help him out!

      Cheers!

      Delete
  95. Now this is just getting crazy! Two weeks is a long time.......
    How about BOTH first AND last letters being the same!

    Here is a extra long name of a 1960's Psych rock group that does not like the 'The' in the front of their name!

    Neon Nylon Newborn Nubian Non Nagin' Nazarean Nun Nation Notion!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ratoig,

      Glad to see you enjoying Blaine's Puzzle Blog here. Interesting slant on this contest. Here's another one:

      "Timeout, test that toilet tonight", thought thirstiest turncoat tenement tenant!

      Delete
    2. Thanks EaWAf, but wouldn't this one read a little smoother?

      "Timeout, Test That Toilet Tonight", Thought Turncoat Tenement Tenant Tut!

      Delete
  96. Turducken definition: An uncommon Frankenstein creation in kitchen, origin unknown.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Oct. 21, 2015
    Today, Marty McFly may try wibbly wobbly timey wimey discontinuity.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Since most of the readers here have already submitted their answers, I guess it wouldn't hurt to reveal what I submitted: The petite prince broke the throne, once he became obese.

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  99. Dan, great tie-in with "Back to the Future" Day! Did you know in the second film, Oct. 21, 2015 actually falls on a Wednesday? I hadn't seen the film in a while, but they just did a story about it on E! News and they showed a clip, and that's a little spooky!

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  101. Today society may very likely apply crazy "Marty McFly" technology.

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  102. Maverick shock-jock chick took textbook punk-rock look: sleek pink mohawk.

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  103. Ok, ONE more "U" entry..

    Adieu Bijou, Beau Lulu, Fondu Tofu, Luau Menu, Plateau Caribou!

    Good luck everyone!!! and Goodnight McFly!

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  104. They say my surly baby may eventually destroy my sanity.

    (based on a true story).

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  105. Here's what I sent in:

    Three adventuresome mice dare live awhile inside the White House.

    Chuck

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  106. Independent thought ain't right, but at least it ain't left!

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  108. Three, five are prime, nine, twelve composite, while one unique.

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  109. Replies
    1. Thanks jan. I did not know about this story. I'm not sure how eager those beaver were though. The thing I find most interesting about this story is that it happened in Idaho, the state for many years represented by former, disgraced, U.S. Senator Larry Craig, who was not too fond of beaver.

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  110. This might be the lament of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade organizer: Oy vey – windy day – my holiday display may fly away!

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    1. Love it, Phil J.!

      LegoQuadupleInternalPrimeTimeRhymeChime!

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    2. That might give patjberry's "Children groan when stern policemen begin crackdown on Halloween fun." a run for its money!

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    3. Thanks for the kind words. Actually, it was my wife's original idea that we refined together. Regards...

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  111. As I understand it, neither one of us won, Phil J., unless you know something I don't.

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  112. Hi patjberry

    No, I've not been contacted, but it's possible that Will needs an extra day to go through the creative entries to select a winner.

    In any event, it's flattering that you guys thought enough of my entry to think that it might have won. I also thought that yours was terrific.

    Good luck.

    Regards -- Phil J.

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  113. CL, a better question would be what sentence did I not enter? Pretty much every sentence I revealed here on the blog I also sent in, just to be on the safe side. You can enter as often as you like, you know.

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    1. I think you should go back and listen again. I recall the host clearly stating at the end of the puzzle segment that we were to only submit one entry per person.

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  114. If there were only one answer, I wouldn't have sent in more than one. Creative challenges are different, obviously.

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  115. Next week's challenge: This challenge comes from Ed Pegg Jr., who runs the website Mathpuzzle.com. It's a word puzzle, though, not a math puzzle. The Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters — seven consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P and W) plus the five vowels (A, E, I, O and U).

    Use all 12 of these, and repeat four of them, to get 16 letters in all that can be arranged to name a well-known holiday item. What is it? As a hint — it's a two-word answer.

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  116. Next week's challenge: This challenge comes from Ed Pegg Jr., who runs the website Mathpuzzle.com. It's a word puzzle, though, not a math puzzle. The Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters — seven consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P and W) plus the five vowels (A, E, I, O and U).

    Use all 12 of these, and repeat four of them, to get 16 letters in all that can be arranged to name a well-known holiday item. What is it? As a hint — it's a two-word answer.

    ReplyDelete

For NPR puzzle posts, don't post the answer or any hints that could lead to the answer before the deadline (usually Thursday at 3pm ET). If you know the answer, submit it to NPR, but don't give it away here.

You may provide indirect hints to the answer to show you know it, but make sure they don't assist with solving. You can openly discuss your hints and the answer after the deadline. Thank you.