tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57303912024-03-18T19:20:53.837-07:00Blaine's Puzzle BlogWeekly discussion on the NPR puzzler, brain teasers, math problems and more.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.comBlogger1016125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-50817576792652171092024-03-17T06:10:00.000-07:002024-03-17T06:59:33.242-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Mar 17, 2024): A Couple of Trees<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/17/1238827590/sunday-puzzle-beware-the-ides-of-march">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Mar 17, 2024): A Couple of Trees</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1r613WJl4HiQgOHCsbsu9MS5sSYJ72WbBWmoSWwO7UyOjKfPutcbJz097_nkudLYmCf4eUlrIectJZR6Qp7_LvsLNdcI7Cnpx7FUrUQ1yloJ8SKjSMu5j4b1ztk3IuvhWeFgrDjMo3x1IYn6g9vORZSRp3EWAnkZBCDtJpIvfLazVeOEg-lZ/s1103/twotrees.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1r613WJl4HiQgOHCsbsu9MS5sSYJ72WbBWmoSWwO7UyOjKfPutcbJz097_nkudLYmCf4eUlrIectJZR6Qp7_LvsLNdcI7Cnpx7FUrUQ1yloJ8SKjSMu5j4b1ztk3IuvhWeFgrDjMo3x1IYn6g9vORZSRp3EWAnkZBCDtJpIvfLazVeOEg-lZ/s200/twotrees.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Take two three-letter tree names and combine them phonetically to get a <i>clue</i> for a type of fabric, then change one letter in that word to get something related to trees. What are the two trees?</blockquote>Anagram the letters of the clue to get an appropriate surname.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-89090714508120040202024-03-10T05:49:00.000-07:002024-03-14T12:18:42.147-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Mar 10, 2024): Yet Another Body Part Puzzle<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/10/1236986870/sunday-puzzle-can-you-guess-the-body-part-with-these-clues">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Mar 10, 2024): Yet Another Body Part Puzzle</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAx1DzhmlSHKO_C7hUxglyeCYt7yHg5ecAvu_gel3L_W7RMc6Mp_BPtf-_Ynz3AkDXgNd0guaIwuVRZ1I5en4NzgR2ToO7z228hTT4ZjHnbn0BVoCs8Tbr8Bc3r_49bIglFT6Cc9lu9hgH5of9j9Xr83be9nC_s2AVw8Pwy_VNXHOdfJ9WCdw/s880/Body%20Paint.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="880" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAx1DzhmlSHKO_C7hUxglyeCYt7yHg5ecAvu_gel3L_W7RMc6Mp_BPtf-_Ynz3AkDXgNd0guaIwuVRZ1I5en4NzgR2ToO7z228hTT4ZjHnbn0BVoCs8Tbr8Bc3r_49bIglFT6Cc9lu9hgH5of9j9Xr83be9nC_s2AVw8Pwy_VNXHOdfJ9WCdw/s200/Body%20Paint.jpg"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Take a body part. Add one letter at the beginning and another at the end to get a different body part. Then again add a letter at the beginning and another at the end to get something designed to affect that body part.</blockquote>I can tell you it isn't a knee.<br/><br/>I used the same hint <a href="https://puzzles.blainesville.com/2017/06/npr-sunday-puzzle-june-18-2017-putting.html">last time this puzzle was used</a>. Knee was a hint to NEA which is the National Endowment For The Arts. My image could be considered "art" and she has a heart painted on her side.<blockquote><b>A: </b>EAR --> HEART --> THE ARTS</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com128tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-79599609033675130262024-03-03T05:25:00.000-08:002024-03-07T12:12:33.678-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Mar 3, 2024): Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/03/1235185763/sunday-puzzle-mo]untain-ho]use-getaway">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Mar 3, 2024): Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzb-La7SC4CesaLElSbniSktOQezfuuJ8xyuSn2TvSJIdQpKNGzfBEeGRpsxQ2anAxv85pJc3nDd__DSLHJCr73kI3EIPOF8t9Zz44zmTOzPTtAf9G4IEGxtmi38sdf88tGLRmwYlqaeHhDw3NSZYdxN-fr1AyinwVmuL2WlW3N4v31opVd2b/s500/Nobel_Prize.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzb-La7SC4CesaLElSbniSktOQezfuuJ8xyuSn2TvSJIdQpKNGzfBEeGRpsxQ2anAxv85pJc3nDd__DSLHJCr73kI3EIPOF8t9Zz44zmTOzPTtAf9G4IEGxtmi38sdf88tGLRmwYlqaeHhDw3NSZYdxN-fr1AyinwVmuL2WlW3N4v31opVd2b/s200/Nobel_Prize.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Take the <b>last name</b> of a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Remove the middle three letters and duplicate the last two letters to get the <b>first name</b> of a different Nobel Peace Prize winner. What are those two names?</blockquote>I gave a major clue to this week's puzzle previously.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Last week's post had an image of "I Dream of Jeannie" and Major <i>Nelson</i><blockquote><b>A: </b>Nelson MANDELA --> MALALA Yousafzai</blockquote>
Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-25873027525088509792024-02-25T06:05:00.000-08:002024-02-29T12:05:21.805-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 25, 2024): Here to Grant Three Wishes<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/25/1233435347/sunday-puzzle-hidden-figures-in-two-word-phrases">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 25, 2024): Here to Grant Three Wishes</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0Mk9Tv995RVU8GldNCMY98lpghTCT6HRjvYD_WGN4SK45QVfbcBAi4IJBvXEDQWJIR7bmzo9yTwHR7Tahlx4woKUF7F3YlOpftg8wBUkwxqw8DnA2MHCkpVw-8iqJ9EO714e2_ckh7JK-dBcdnzIs0614TrakRqNjMBEaFkXIKrUKo8Snu0d/s2029/jeannie.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="2029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0Mk9Tv995RVU8GldNCMY98lpghTCT6HRjvYD_WGN4SK45QVfbcBAi4IJBvXEDQWJIR7bmzo9yTwHR7Tahlx4woKUF7F3YlOpftg8wBUkwxqw8DnA2MHCkpVw-8iqJ9EO714e2_ckh7JK-dBcdnzIs0614TrakRqNjMBEaFkXIKrUKo8Snu0d/s200/jeannie.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Take the word <b>SETS</b>. You can add a three-letter word to this <b>twice</b> to get a common phrase: <b>S<u>PAR</u>E <u>PAR</u>TS</b>. Can you now do this with the word <b>GENIE</b>, add a three-letter word to it twice to get a common phrase?</blockquote>Hey you!<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Sounds like "Au" = Gold<blockquote><b>A: </b>G<u>OLD</u>EN <u>OLD</u>IE</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com163tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-49960729490965335742024-02-18T05:34:00.000-08:002024-02-22T12:01:31.424-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 18, 2024): Famous Year in History<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/18/1232027200/sunday-puzzle-p-is-for-president">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 18, 2024): Famous Year in History</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4QZ299j57F1D4SQdT-hdNqCIy1-vWSHrpunV0Hx8mFdgzYirxBUh_yfv7wDydRxYm2dx50Zn3SFC_39RLfFDnFp1a62BFsB51ZIICNS1zUh78z39S57NPltl8lnHVPmnnu0q8H__fEG1Mc67Wuejp4p-aKeJzwMUGeouSufjl-lqp1VRhOML/s600/lettervalues.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4QZ299j57F1D4SQdT-hdNqCIy1-vWSHrpunV0Hx8mFdgzYirxBUh_yfv7wDydRxYm2dx50Zn3SFC_39RLfFDnFp1a62BFsB51ZIICNS1zUh78z39S57NPltl8lnHVPmnnu0q8H__fEG1Mc67Wuejp4p-aKeJzwMUGeouSufjl-lqp1VRhOML/s200/lettervalues.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Think of a famous character in American literature. Change each letter in that character's name to its position in the alphabet — A=1, B=2, etc. — to get a famous year in American history. Who is this person and what is the year?</blockquote>The author was born shortly after the famous year.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Herman Melville was born in 1819.<blockquote><b>A: </b>(Captain) AHAB --> (War of) 1812</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com175tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-14129900891666162062024-02-11T05:21:00.000-08:002024-02-18T05:07:43.808-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 11, 2024): Types of Movies<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/11/1230606447/sunday-puzzle-youd-better-sit-down-for-this-one">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 11, 2024): Types of Movies</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSgLYIpSQ3fwyJyZkHS-_sJ2tSUDnzoHX54IxVLEvwrnDgO7B8DDMHqhZzwU5evSgJxUak6ACxCX61oIBuw-rlA0Z1yhzbWu0hOU1J0wnxI9cM_aLrmGPa1OXwo45vRHKJb49aAC80kLXv93DxFSRbnH7w3V_hhPNwYf4CwAcCPdkVhEnxlD-/s673/MovieGenres.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSgLYIpSQ3fwyJyZkHS-_sJ2tSUDnzoHX54IxVLEvwrnDgO7B8DDMHqhZzwU5evSgJxUak6ACxCX61oIBuw-rlA0Z1yhzbWu0hOU1J0wnxI9cM_aLrmGPa1OXwo45vRHKJb49aAC80kLXv93DxFSRbnH7w3V_hhPNwYf4CwAcCPdkVhEnxlD-/s200/MovieGenres.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Start with the name of a blockbuster movie star. Remove the first letter of the first name and last two letters of the last name to get the types of movies he almost never stars in. Who is this?</blockquote>I'm glad Will included "almost never".<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Early in his career, he <a href="https://tribecafilm.com/news/remember-when-vin-diesel-was-an-indie-filmmaker">directed and starred in a couple of independent films</a>.<blockquote><b>A: </b>VIN DIESEL --> INDIES</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com161tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-23166648669859712722024-02-04T05:28:00.000-08:002024-02-11T05:23:13.061-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 4, 2024): Checking a Liszt...<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/04/1228625144/sunday-puzzle-inside-the-country">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Feb 4, 2024): Checking a Liszt...</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOZoX2C6wD82hSGLgnrviBsASpQnhDGjSwtYMdCvxOokKtsnn-6h1rnw_ySHTf3jVDXHcB3u-xsnj-wSkIzrnEpd3WCo8ieXzKb6mWk1m5rmzx6_wFo2zCcIYYaqyrVOtbi3myn0zdkAfIh8KgRziTTf9nV3dKCUTZv2qfJf2ymKYTbnMOlWg/s620/Soccer%20Mozart.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOZoX2C6wD82hSGLgnrviBsASpQnhDGjSwtYMdCvxOokKtsnn-6h1rnw_ySHTf3jVDXHcB3u-xsnj-wSkIzrnEpd3WCo8ieXzKb6mWk1m5rmzx6_wFo2zCcIYYaqyrVOtbi3myn0zdkAfIh8KgRziTTf9nV3dKCUTZv2qfJf2ymKYTbnMOlWg/s200/Soccer%20Mozart.jpg"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Name a famous classical composer in three syllables. Change the vowel sounds in the first and third syllables, and phonetically you'll name a sport. What is it?</blockquote>I thought I was close with Tchaikovsky<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture includes a cannon while Pachelbel wrote a canon<blockquote><b>A: </b>PACHELBEL --> PICKLEBALL</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com244tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-35654880829177981782024-01-28T05:56:00.000-08:002024-02-04T05:04:51.947-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 28, 2024): Take a Pill<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/28/1227420115/sunday-puzzle-in-and-out">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 28, 2024): Take a Pill</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIiCEyjGwgKUsnRMlYrt1USJUY1d2xIawkrjbUYZp_hki-bDIkGtpy0o_JtAecBZMm9bPXg1OAUMLU8lADQbQI2bPULxVe2ZmpwCIxYSeezscjI5RaLVSPuDw2IdnFk7zDYTjOl1RYsDB9CqhTAkOMwNqEUZ8hhN_fTvf275_3QAFqnxcB_fG/s558/pharmacy.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIiCEyjGwgKUsnRMlYrt1USJUY1d2xIawkrjbUYZp_hki-bDIkGtpy0o_JtAecBZMm9bPXg1OAUMLU8lADQbQI2bPULxVe2ZmpwCIxYSeezscjI5RaLVSPuDw2IdnFk7zDYTjOl1RYsDB9CqhTAkOMwNqEUZ8hhN_fTvf275_3QAFqnxcB_fG/s200/pharmacy.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Think of brand name in seven letters that you might find in a pharmacy. Drop the last letter and rearrange the letters that remain. You'll get another brand name, in six letters, that you might also find in a pharmacy. What is it?</blockquote><blockquote><b>A: </b>CLAIROL --> RICOLA, there were several alternate answers provided in the comments.</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com243tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-8302726718926680392024-01-21T05:35:00.000-08:002024-01-25T14:28:35.725-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 21, 2024): There Is No Time Like The Present<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/21/1225885765/sunday-puzzle-lets-start-and-end-the-same">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 21, 2024): There Is No Time Like The Present</a><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB7E0VGs1YA0Z9QGnPtEzPbrRQ-z-e-OC5VGQmojdpinMklhZRncVEGFHXqVab_VsDQpbBVs9pL6_f0Kgwv5P6l-XEwh_nHj_k9wCjynDW8Af2yzx-DbIwi1wd3lbEd6gda5iaWsQ2rEDpuPLCFjLaxT0F7eF17yhdSZSthIGecQWhTrmaH7g/s1310/foodbox.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB7E0VGs1YA0Z9QGnPtEzPbrRQ-z-e-OC5VGQmojdpinMklhZRncVEGFHXqVab_VsDQpbBVs9pL6_f0Kgwv5P6l-XEwh_nHj_k9wCjynDW8Af2yzx-DbIwi1wd3lbEd6gda5iaWsQ2rEDpuPLCFjLaxT0F7eF17yhdSZSthIGecQWhTrmaH7g/s200/foodbox.jpg"/></a></div><b>Q: </b>Think of a familiar saying in seven words. The initial letters of the first three words in order spell a type of container. And the initials of the last four words in order spell something edible that might be found in this container. What's the saying?</blockquote>No comment.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>The title starts TIN... I thought giving it as a joke answer would lead people astray, but in retrospect it was too close so I deleted the hint. Unfortunately the title is in the URL which I couldn't change without deleting the whole post and comments.<blockquote><b>A: </b>There Is Nothing New Under The Sun --> TIN of NUTS</blockquote>
Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com165tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-26469320642727511582024-01-14T06:16:00.000-08:002024-01-18T13:40:50.345-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 14, 2024): Helping Hurting<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/14/1224611411/sunday-puzzle-true-or-false">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 14, 2024): Helping Hurting</a><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AG7WMil-l7jh_aCOXnuN3f6UY7Q09PVANyUJOkD26FHZ3gynz3ngiTayBkJcwEUPNQnNI3GRGCmVwoOZoVqm9j4zd70IGfObhcGteSxLtf8NCHDdorM9GpXk9s-Dv45o2OdSkn3Lm5E7d_0_qW4NIAuV9iVPX723mY-_WykKtgVz-WyqtnKD/s1261/HelpHurt.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AG7WMil-l7jh_aCOXnuN3f6UY7Q09PVANyUJOkD26FHZ3gynz3ngiTayBkJcwEUPNQnNI3GRGCmVwoOZoVqm9j4zd70IGfObhcGteSxLtf8NCHDdorM9GpXk9s-Dv45o2OdSkn3Lm5E7d_0_qW4NIAuV9iVPX723mY-_WykKtgVz-WyqtnKD/s200/HelpHurt.png"/></a></div><b>Q: </b>Think of a word for a person who helps you. Copy the last three letters and repeat them at the front, and you'll get a new, longer word that names a person who hurts you. What words are these?</blockquote>If you rearrange the letters in the longer word, you get something you might do at a marina.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>RENT MOTOR<blockquote><b>A: </b>MENTOR, TORMENTOR</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com147tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-24709865629408994532024-01-07T05:35:00.000-08:002024-01-11T13:45:15.001-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 7, 2024): Hammer Time<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/07/1223294475/sunday-puzzle-silent-letters">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 7, 2024): Hammer Time</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVBh2nikCHDyxdf7Zq4_Ie1YKWdMd5LyTIaJKj00GjNncjz914emfzzEYGdghEaQyf5C30HySpQ5bm2vPUxDvhdzZN5dOByuPVb3IgcIac_yzn4dLQRgN-Sp1Iqg-G98eKcDbLaCOWoEIAKbTZ-sM0QIawtn98WWlfg-C2reiBt9TOIzx48ku/s270/thorhammer.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVBh2nikCHDyxdf7Zq4_Ie1YKWdMd5LyTIaJKj00GjNncjz914emfzzEYGdghEaQyf5C30HySpQ5bm2vPUxDvhdzZN5dOByuPVb3IgcIac_yzn4dLQRgN-Sp1Iqg-G98eKcDbLaCOWoEIAKbTZ-sM0QIawtn98WWlfg-C2reiBt9TOIzx48ku/s200/thorhammer.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Name certain weapons. Remove the middle four letters. The remaining letters, spelled backward, describe what these weapons do.</blockquote>What if I don't reverse the letters?<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Before reversing we have BATS which are also weapons<blockquote><b>A: </b>BAYONETS --> STAB</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com160tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-54327545478718383112024-01-01T11:52:00.000-08:002024-01-02T12:09:11.792-08:00Annual Puzzle and Video for 2023.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/blainefelicia/2023" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4_mFhasY6cQDVf2kpdGGxtxcDyB9-h597QRbUfCp4mftzgp6tMxkOUOw2W_o63C3c4O9IqPlJs94W9cTcN_ZCvUZ20YrxBWQw169aihXqIcytB8DI-nCKkJvkdCKxGGNrLbpesrcV9i5jypPWjOb_mBejYjF5_F0hOuk-oO3yrtvEUq8mGC8/s320/AnnualVideoFilmstrip.png"/></a></div>
Happy New Year! In <a href="https://vimeo.com/blainefelicia/2023">Our Annual Family Video</a> we star in our own comic book adventure as we travel back to the beginning of 2023. The password can be found by solving our annual puzzle. Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRMcMmo4q0i_fprfpt_kLhVMYxQQFZWp/view?usp=sharing">this link</a> or the image below to get a printable PDF of the full puzzle.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRMcMmo4q0i_fprfpt_kLhVMYxQQFZWp/view?usp=sharing" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt75IDSsiVu9ufdtJbxCffc_hqExi0-ofxCvth4MbJ070wQ_JyKwkY_HboAo_Euf9VW_ycI1lw8VwOr1jBFtEo5ISNBv3ZU_Se97ig6e-eYGYQJnl8LzWTMrRO1UlW3MqNtjeI4kP-ZJzbrNgr_yYAeT2fK2lfi0RuQY7utykevDjNa5-JDBr/s320/PuzzleThumbnail.png"/></a></div>
Post a comment below about your favorite part of the video to show you've solved the puzzle, but don't give away the password directly.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-13152382357755894552023-12-31T06:14:00.000-08:002024-01-04T13:09:42.550-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 31, 2023): Mixed Up Movies<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/31/1222229102/sunday-puzzle-2023s-names-in-the-news">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 31, 2023): Mixed Up Movies</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnQr1VuLZrf2Hpom8NA9ZL0KgpusmECBu9iXXJmGQOpn_j12XCkveSMLjkTrKx8cwv-vSk8r3fRWPNz4Kqqs6ZhivEAJEgXL50gnNDxp6yFFZwGFPbd_VjCQbDtRzNwwU4Xbm3WozuBPd2ILFA_Si5_yL-tCVKSNzH9MWePRN_Mv9JkkHxafD/s535/MovieStrips.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnQr1VuLZrf2Hpom8NA9ZL0KgpusmECBu9iXXJmGQOpn_j12XCkveSMLjkTrKx8cwv-vSk8r3fRWPNz4Kqqs6ZhivEAJEgXL50gnNDxp6yFFZwGFPbd_VjCQbDtRzNwwU4Xbm3WozuBPd2ILFA_Si5_yL-tCVKSNzH9MWePRN_Mv9JkkHxafD/s200/MovieStrips.jpg"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Name a famous movie in 4 letters. Change one letter and anagram the result to name another movie that came out 20 years later. Then change one letter in that and anagram to name a third movie that came out 29 years after the second one. What movies are these?</blockquote>It doesn't help that I thought I was looking for a famous movie in 4 <i>words</i>. Then I made a different assumption that messed me up. And finally, I got a different release date for the first movie. Anyway, if you take the last movie, change one letter and rearrange, you get a word that describes these 3 movies.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>For <i>Dr. No</i> my first search came up with the U.S. release date being 1963 rather than the U.K. release date in 1962. For the extra puzzle, you can perform the same operation on THOR and get TRIO.<blockquote><b>A: </b>DR. NO (1962), TRON (1982), THOR (2011)</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com161tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-55410049076517046582023-12-24T05:46:00.000-08:002023-12-28T13:46:34.267-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 24, 2023): Shifting Things Around in the Workplace<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/24/1221282567/sunday-puzzle-an-anatomy-lesson">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 24, 2023): Shifting Things Around in the Workplace</a><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgFbPwqefrGP19bcoMlNit_rZsxSxAM6H1u9zZav04E9qUEv9o1sZQ3Nhcs4Aq8sOAsNJzRUycggZOA1EUrYePBpYWlVSrBdVdzkQ7SDZmGa1npkWd4b9yBnkHxRCGf9_zBfcYYwIvfrZWXKIDqNbcunDia6nRR3N9-xYP4lJOr33DqmQn13f/s1096/workspace.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgFbPwqefrGP19bcoMlNit_rZsxSxAM6H1u9zZav04E9qUEv9o1sZQ3Nhcs4Aq8sOAsNJzRUycggZOA1EUrYePBpYWlVSrBdVdzkQ7SDZmGa1npkWd4b9yBnkHxRCGf9_zBfcYYwIvfrZWXKIDqNbcunDia6nRR3N9-xYP4lJOr33DqmQn13f/s200/workspace.png"/></a></div><b>Q: </b>Think of an area found in many workplaces, in two words. Move the first letter of the first word to the start of the second word. Phonetically you'll name two items that have a similar use — one of which might be used in the workplace. What place is this?</blockquote>Drop the last two letters in the first word and add an "S". Rearrange to name a type of hat.<br/><br><b>Edit: </b>BRE(ak) ROOM + S --> SOMBRERO<blockquote><b>A: </b>BREAK ROOM --> RAKE, BROOM</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com182tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-91643047569249768612023-12-17T05:29:00.000-08:002023-12-21T23:19:17.817-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 17, 2023): Nay, Recess *is* Necessary<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/17/1219087442/sunday-puzzle-s-n-no-l">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 17, 2023): Nay, Recess *is* Necessary</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sAnnQohyJQc3VdGyJi-cCtHTDvRenFU40eYCga316FzDgqHAvCPDPRothK73fCIhmCMTjFm2cVVSIBoAIJ1SkG2eS1tq3k_0jAyXq7jJedif9dCNbA9TqMV-lZ5LaH5wGI2ZeHTaWCa79mAqmPHPpnKNXsFCIHcoU7AZD1NpCgI9Q9Z5_wkS/s380/school%20supplies.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sAnnQohyJQc3VdGyJi-cCtHTDvRenFU40eYCga316FzDgqHAvCPDPRothK73fCIhmCMTjFm2cVVSIBoAIJ1SkG2eS1tq3k_0jAyXq7jJedif9dCNbA9TqMV-lZ5LaH5wGI2ZeHTaWCa79mAqmPHPpnKNXsFCIHcoU7AZD1NpCgI9Q9Z5_wkS/s200/school%20supplies.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Think of a word that means "required." Rearrange its letters to name two school subjects, one of which is often required, and one of which often isn't. What are they?</blockquote>Alternatively, rearrange the letters to name a subject and something you might study in that subject.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>In BIOLOGY you might study a RAT<blockquote><b>A: </b>OBLIGATORY --> BIOLOGY and ART</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-74392419027671818332023-12-10T05:31:00.000-08:002023-12-14T22:03:36.516-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 10, 2023): Winter Season Approaches<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/10/1218176211/sunday-puzzle-clues-come-in-twos">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 10, 2023): Winter Season Approaches</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSDntRM7jFouX6-9ETRV_ibGURt2bTB_ke5ytxkq2Xot39EoCMNLoj-2_QmbE5zqGCI9j27Hz0nn3gbx5YIZaweDf9B3SKNdr-cQmkequM6kdUpeNdU_jeEkSBOSmYOBv7emy80Iw_NX8URpR_B-2aD7tuKl4hlUjNDp8OtvWJe6cZIHkZSw4/s529/winterseason.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSDntRM7jFouX6-9ETRV_ibGURt2bTB_ke5ytxkq2Xot39EoCMNLoj-2_QmbE5zqGCI9j27Hz0nn3gbx5YIZaweDf9B3SKNdr-cQmkequM6kdUpeNdU_jeEkSBOSmYOBv7emy80Iw_NX8URpR_B-2aD7tuKl4hlUjNDp8OtvWJe6cZIHkZSw4/s200/winterseason.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Take the phrase WINTER SEASON. Add a letter of your choosing. Then rearrange all 13 letters to spell three related words. What are they?</blockquote>Christmas is coming...<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>WINTER SEASON has no "L" (Noel)<blockquote><b>A: </b>WINTER SEASON + L = RAIN, SNOW, SLEET</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-63617658200122126932023-12-03T05:52:00.000-08:002023-12-07T12:45:06.702-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 3, 2023): Car Parts To Wear Out<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/03/1216754014/sunday-puzzle-state-that-city">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Dec 3, 2023): Car Parts To Wear Out</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7AGFNYsSywW9z9IEeYimuMIPCQRl4STgNax3C3KpyNl_B2PwnRsA9XPbw0CgNHo_Dy26hsxMYO3obXo2VE02wPpUL7bdzpFM3nM7ZjOE3LD_RAhSFH2Cs-shnw1Qpnh9XuZQj_J0y-oGyk4ZOPfrxC7GCdgrg14Oq1DbULoNu-j9jYAxdCT6/s449/Car%20Parts.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7AGFNYsSywW9z9IEeYimuMIPCQRl4STgNax3C3KpyNl_B2PwnRsA9XPbw0CgNHo_Dy26hsxMYO3obXo2VE02wPpUL7bdzpFM3nM7ZjOE3LD_RAhSFH2Cs-shnw1Qpnh9XuZQj_J0y-oGyk4ZOPfrxC7GCdgrg14Oq1DbULoNu-j9jYAxdCT6/s200/Car%20Parts.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>A muffler is part of an automobile. It's also the name of something you can wear. Think of two other parts of automobiles that are also things you can wear. These two words have the same number of letters and the same first two letters in the same order.</blockquote>I wanted to wear a belt, but couldn't find anything to go with it. As for the answers, I wear one part much less frequently than the other.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>I occassionally wear a hood (with a jacket), but the other much less frequently.<blockquote><b>A: </b>HOOD, HOSE</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com144tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-35303253465693155692023-11-26T05:43:00.000-08:002023-11-30T13:00:18.384-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 26, 2023): We Don't Need Roads<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/26/1215202086/sunday-puzzle-ta-ke-that">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 26, 2023): We Don't Need Roads</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFQvqnKLWlYuP7Pr9oUYNot-H0IPn-DM3_yMG3JzxerDeAQDqPvWNv3p5BTplazGptSlNYiVQwUK2MvdATrPuoIiT6ckW1gwdY2O-xNRA28bsuSRg_iQskkFaZbnsgFq2fohi0VV8iPUWWd_a0ShhVjiksHYLp1A8mSWTWCH3MaWh_9g-ddkc/s418/speed%20limit%2088.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFQvqnKLWlYuP7Pr9oUYNot-H0IPn-DM3_yMG3JzxerDeAQDqPvWNv3p5BTplazGptSlNYiVQwUK2MvdATrPuoIiT6ckW1gwdY2O-xNRA28bsuSRg_iQskkFaZbnsgFq2fohi0VV8iPUWWd_a0ShhVjiksHYLp1A8mSWTWCH3MaWh_9g-ddkc/s200/speed%20limit%2088.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Think of a common sign seen along a highway. Rearrange the letters to name something inside a car.</blockquote>Change the last letter of the sign to an "I", rearrange to name part of the body. Change the last letter of thing inside the car to an "F", rearrange to name something found on the water.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>REST AREI becomes ARTERIES and REAR SEAF becomes SEAFARER<blockquote><b>A: </b>REST AREA --> REAR SEAT</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-40114317773325158992023-11-19T06:07:00.000-08:002023-12-10T05:31:25.991-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 19, 2023): Let's Start a Band<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/19/1214042380/sunday-puzzle-linking-arms">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 19, 2023): Let's Start a Band</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_Mwchg1vG50-gjMZ7D1JwCQGi9mHWw2iqS5Hvr9WyeaxR2P0s01xMjwKwST41Pau7MjaxY-1oTMUzGPly-nWJ6oYXwaR5KuppRzxHtqKeqpHvmDZUHbTi_bb1HAuY5ymsWBGuIwETOMTkWHhyphenhyphenWUp2qwISaqH05fsgNlrazRa7EnKWWwIOWIt/s604/horn.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_Mwchg1vG50-gjMZ7D1JwCQGi9mHWw2iqS5Hvr9WyeaxR2P0s01xMjwKwST41Pau7MjaxY-1oTMUzGPly-nWJ6oYXwaR5KuppRzxHtqKeqpHvmDZUHbTi_bb1HAuY5ymsWBGuIwETOMTkWHhyphenhyphenWUp2qwISaqH05fsgNlrazRa7EnKWWwIOWIt/s200/horn.jpg"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Here's a harder challenge. Name a musical instrument plus <i>part of that</i> instrument. Drop the last letter of the instrument then rearrange all the remaining letters to name another musical instrument. What is it?</blockquote>The deadline is Wed. Nov 22 at 3PM ET because of Thanksgiving.<br/><br/>The 1st and 3rd letters of the final musical instrument are the initials of someone famously associated with that instrument.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Christopher Walken is (in)famous for the "More Cowbell" skit on SNL.<blockquote><b>A: </b>CELLO (-O) + BOW --> COWBELL</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-55319617821878992032023-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:002023-11-19T05:45:22.186-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 12, 2023): Creative Places (continued...)<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/12/1212534803/nprs-puzzle-master-will-shortz-puts-the-pieces-of-his-life-together-for-us">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 12, 2023): Creative Places (continued...)</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDvqPZFy8RM_-kVtg3L-cNsRxigJYI-YTMELADGChH10H4LU67BAvsI46LX56Q8pyQjfJ36wTEGuqXlGcPVfI5rg2STrznxSijib1LjQoioahTgDxv1f-WhbUlB65pb0p0ZQeToxG0R02ZlkVNCewlGPzqrf4dbKMMXYOPdoJVl4JSJFaofwD/s950/albany2.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDvqPZFy8RM_-kVtg3L-cNsRxigJYI-YTMELADGChH10H4LU67BAvsI46LX56Q8pyQjfJ36wTEGuqXlGcPVfI5rg2STrznxSijib1LjQoioahTgDxv1f-WhbUlB65pb0p0ZQeToxG0R02ZlkVNCewlGPzqrf4dbKMMXYOPdoJVl4JSJFaofwD/s200/albany2.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>This is a two-week creative challenge. Name a geographical place. Then describe it acrostically using the letters in its name. For example, ALBANY could be described acrostically as "Administering Legislative Business At New York." The place can be anywhere in the world — the U.S. or abroad. Entries will be judged on originality, sense, naturalness of wording, elegance, and overall effect. You may submit up to three entries.</blockquote>The deadline is this <i>Wednesday</i>, November 15th at 3PM ET.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Listeners sent more than a thousand entries. Out of them all, Will's favorite was the following — selected for its length and beauty:<blockquote><b>A: </b>STRATFORD-UPON-AVON<br/>Shakespeare transformed rhetorical art, to fashion outstanding rhythmic drama — using poetry, oratory, nuance, and vividly original narrative.<br/><i>Stephen Portnoy, Hillsboro, OR</i></blockquote><br/>So many other ingenious entries were submitted that Will wanted to share as many as possible. Here are some of his other favorite geographical acrostic submissions.<br/><p>ALASKA<br/>America Laughed At Seward’s Keen Acquisition<br/><i>Christy St. John, Doylestown, PA</i></p>
<p>AMSTERDAM<br/>A marvelous space to enjoy real Dutch art museums<br/><i>Don Brown, East Greenbush, NY</i></p>
<p>ANNAPOLIS<br/>America’s notable Naval Academy protects our lives in service<br/><i>Benita Rice, Salem, OH</i></p>
<p>ANTARCTICA<br/>Almost Nobody There, And Really Cold, Thick Ice Covers All<br/><i>Jim Meyer, Edmonds, WA</i></p>
<p>ASPEN<br/>A skier's paradise equalled nowhere<br/><i>Michelle Nelson, South Windsor, BC, Canada</i></p>
<p>ATLANTA<br/>Attorneys Take Legal Action Negating Trump’s Activities<br/><i>Rene Esler, Atlanta, GA</i></p>
<p>ATLANTIS<br/>Area Termed Lost. Alas, Never Tells Its Secrets<br/><i>Roxane Rix, Alexandria, PA</i></p>
<p>BARCELONA<br/>Behind a resurgent Catalan environment leading our national aspirations <br/><i>Henry Willis, Los Angeles, CA</i></p>
<p>BERMUDA<br/>Beachfront Escape Reputedly Masking Unexplained Disappearing Airplanes<br/><i>Christy St. John, Doylestown, PA</i></p>
<p>CALGARY<br/>Canada’s Alberta location — greatest annual rodeo. Yee-haw!<br/><i>BethAnn Hullinger, La Quinta, CA</i></p>
<p>CANADA<br/>Considerate And Nice And Dependable Ally<br/><i>Steve Lindsay, Victoria, BC</i></p>
<p>CAPRI<br/>Captivating And Picturesque Roman Island<br/><i>Liz Tentarelli, Newbury, NH</i></p>
<p>CARTHAGE<br/>Considerably aggrieved, Rome triumphed here after great enmity<br/><i>Max Lykins, Charlottesville, VA</i></p>
<p>CHICAGO<br/>Cub’s Home Is Certainly A Good One<br/><i>Dave Johnson, San Antonio, TX</i></p>
<p>CHICAGO<br/>Capone Had It Cornered Against Gang Opposition<br/><i>Ted Levin, Seattle, WA</i></p>
<p>CLEVELAND<br/>Cleaner Lake Erie vistas enhance life and new downtown<br/><i>Michael Tripka, Loretto, PA</i></p>
<p>CONSTANTINOPLE<br/>Conquering Ottomans Never Stopped Their Attack. Now Titled Istanbul, Nestled On Peninsula Linking Eurasia <br/><i>Alex Storrs, Marlborough, BC, Canada</i></p>
<p>DEATH VALLEY<br/>Desert Environment Abides Torturous Heat Visiting America's Lowest Land Elevation Yearly<br/><i>John Sanderson, Minneapolis, MN</i></p>
<p>DENALI (haiku)<br/>Dazzling escarpment / Nivean alpine landscape / Illuminated.<br/><i>Julia Lewis, Fort Collins. CO</i></p>
<p>DUBAI<br/>Desert Urbanization For Bigwig Arab Industrialists<br/><i>David Russell, Rockville, MD</i></p>
<p>DURHAM<br/>Duke University Remains High And Mighty<br/><i>Philip Spiro, Durham, NC</i></p>
<p>ELLIS ISLAND<br/>Emma Lazarus's Lyrically Inscribed Statue Invited Strangers Loving A New Democracy<br/><i>Ryan Haynes, Austin, TX</i></p>
<p>FLORIDA<br/>For Lots Of Retirees, It's Downright Appealing<br/><i>Neal Kern, Salem, OR</i></p>
<p>HAWAII<br/>Honolulu and Waikiki — awesome, I imagine<br/><i>Tim Pearce, Pittsburgh, PA</i></p>
<p>HIMALAYAS<br/>Hiking In Mountains At Ludicrous Altitudes Yields Astonishing Sights<br/><i>Erin Zamora, San Diego, CA</i></p>
<p>INDIANA<br/>Its name derivation is acknowledging Native ancestors<br/><i>Karel Tracy, Portland, OR</i></p>
<p>INDONESIA<br/>Island Nation, Domain Of Numerous Endangered Species In Asia<br/><i>Donn Dimichele, Redlands, CA</i></p>
<p>LAHAINA<br/>Land and history are incinerated now; aloha<br/><i>Daniel Bertram, Princeton Junction, NJ</i></p>
<p>LAOS<br/>Lacks an ocean, sadly<br/><i>Mark Halpin, Newport, KY</i></p>
<p>LAS VEGAS <br/>Lavish Absolutely Shimmering Venue Entertaining Gamblers And Sightseers<br/><i>James Gocella, Mercersburg, PA</i></p>
<p>LAS VEGAS<br/>Losers And Suckers Very Eagerly Gamble Away Savings<br/><i>Barbara Gossett, Garden Grove, CA</i></p>
<p>LOS ALAMOS<br/>Lonely outpost sees atomic laboratory achieve Mr. Oppenheimer's success<br/><i>Jeffrey Bateman, White Rock, NM</i></p>
<p>LOS ANGELES<br/>Lots of Subarus, Accords, Nissans, GMCs, Elantras leave everyone stuck<br/><i>Toby Gottfried, Santa Ana, CA</i></p>
<p>MAINE<br/>My abode in New England<br/><i>Doris Luther, Hollis Center, ME</i></p>
<p>MEMPHIS<br/>Made Elvis's Mansion Popular Historic Interest Site<br/><i>Susan Martin, Nashville, TN</i></p>
<p>MESOPOTAMIA<br/>Many Early Sapiens Occupied Parts Of The Asian Mainland, Including Assyria<br/><i>Neal Kern, Salem, OR</i></p>
<p>MEXICO<br/>Marimbas emulate xylophones in colorful Oaxaca<br/><i>Harvey Stern, New Orleans, LA</i></p>
<p>MOSCOW<br/>Mother Of Slavs, Curse Of Westerners<br/><i>Ted Levin, Seattle, WA</i></p>
<p>NAPLES<br/>Nearby At Pompeii Lava Eradicated Society<br/><i>David Silber, Pleasanton, CA</i></p>
<p>NEW JERSEY<br/>Nonresidents Expect We're Just Express Routes Smelling Extremely Yucky<br/><i>Jim Woodman, Trenton, NJ</i></p>
<p>PANAMA<br/>Positioned At Narrows Along Middle America<br/><i>Rick Peterson, Hightstown, NJ</i></p>
<p>PEORIA<br/>Perpetual example of routine in America<br/><i>Maia Eisen, Poulsbo, WA</i></p>
<p>PHILADELPHIA<br/>Patriots Heralding Independence Lettered A Declaration Establishing Life Pursuing Happiness In America<br/><i>Connie Mohr, Tetonia, ID</i></p>
<p>PHOENIX<br/>Painfully hot, often, except nearing into Xmas<br/><i>Geoffrey Mayne, Dan Diego, CA</i></p>
<p>PISA<br/>Precarious Icon Stands Aslant<br/><i>David Corriveau, Lebanon, NH</i></p>
<p>ROME<br/>Remains of mighty empire<br/><i>Amy Adler, Toledo, OH</i></p>
<p>ROME<br/>Really Old Monuments Everywhere<br/><i>Liz Tentarelli, Newbury, NH</i></p>
<p>RUSSIA<br/>Remains under substantial Soviet influence, alas<br/><i>Donn Dimichele, Redlands, CA</i></p>
<p>SAHARA<br/>Sand And Heat And Relentless Aridity<br/><i>Anthony Baio, San Diego, CA</i></p>
<p>SAINT HELENA<br/>South Atlantic Island: Napoleon's Tyranny Halted, Exile Left Emperor No Authority<br/><i>Greg VanMechelen, Berkeley, CA</i></p>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO<br/>Sunsets Are Nice. Foggy Rental Apartments Not Cheap. Indebted Startups Continuously Overpromise<br/><i>Vera Mucaj, Philadelphia, PA</i></p>
<p>SANIBEL ISLAND<br/>Snowbirds Annually Nest In Beach Enhanced Location. Iridescent Shells Lie Abundantly 'Neath Dunes<br/><i>Scott Hodnefield, Maryland Heights, MO</i></p>
<p>SEATTLE<br/>Starbucks Everywhere — Adding Tremendously To Local Energy<br/><i>Patrick McIntyre, Seattle, WA</i></p>
<p>STEAMBOAT (Colo.)<br/>Scenic Thriving Environment Among Mountains Boasting Outstanding Alpine Thrills!<br/><i>Matt Reilein, Chicago, IL</i></p>
<p>STONEHENGE<br/>Salisbury's Talismanic Observatory Notes Earth's Horology, Evidencing Neolithic Geometer's Engineering<br/><i>Iris Snowfire, Harmony, ME</i></p>
<p>TAIWAN, CHINA<br/>Technology And Independence Western Allies Normalize, Communist Homeland Is Not Amused<br/><i>Brian Tell, Ypsilanti, MI</i></p>
<p>TALLAHASSEE<br/>This Avowedly Liberal Locale Also Has A Staid Southern Establishment Element<br/><i>Paul Arons, Tallahassee, FL</i></p>
<p>THE BAHAMAS<br/>Travel Here, Explore Beaches, And Have A Margarita! (Apply Sunscreen.)<br/><i>Jared Goudsmit, Chicago, IL</i></p>
<p>TUCSON<br/>The Undisputed Cactus Showroom Of Nature<br/><i>Robert Rees, Los Angeles, CA</i></p>
<p>VESUVIUS<br/>Volcano Erupted Suddenly; Uncovered Valley Is UNESCO Site<br/><i>Greg VanMechelen, Berkeley, CA</i></p>
<p>WACO (double)<br/>Where a Cult Operated, What a Catastrophic Outcome!<br/><i>Roger Christman, State College, PA</i></p>
<p>WASHINGTON D.C.<br/>What a shambles here! It's not governance. That's our nation's democracy collapsing.<br/><i>Ward Hartenstein, Rochester, NY</i></p>
<p>WASHINGTON D.C.<br/>Where A Small Handful In National Government Try Our Nation's Dwindling Confidence<br/><i>David Kvam, Delmar, NY</i></p>
<p>WASHINGTON D.C.<br/>Where Americans Serve Honorably In National Government — Together One Nation, Despite Conflicts<br/><i>Mike Strong, Mechanicsburg, PA</i></p>
Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-18444111939894659352023-11-05T05:29:00.004-08:002023-11-12T05:07:20.650-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 5, 2023): Creative Places<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/05/1210456601/sunday-puzzle-hidden-cities">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 5, 2023): Creative Places</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxvF3NgmWgdlcPDBjOX3BnJ0BIQ6tpGiNurymE-tv4qppcWzQPlaEjFUHIJ1ieWo5zZ3Ep1t5AuEBOIDcz4iNddUU73n7l0HNJt5h1YxxZIBV2vf5YhmqZ-sxuqdJoTyOy2m2w575Fp2Yi2Ti4eR8vNIM01I6LMfWOJLXdPvOa8pdoQ55KYGc/s1000/albany.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxvF3NgmWgdlcPDBjOX3BnJ0BIQ6tpGiNurymE-tv4qppcWzQPlaEjFUHIJ1ieWo5zZ3Ep1t5AuEBOIDcz4iNddUU73n7l0HNJt5h1YxxZIBV2vf5YhmqZ-sxuqdJoTyOy2m2w575Fp2Yi2Ti4eR8vNIM01I6LMfWOJLXdPvOa8pdoQ55KYGc/s200/albany.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>This is a two-week creative challenge. Name a geographical place. Then describe it acrostically using the letters in its name. For example, ALBANY could be described acrostically as "Administering Legislative Business At New York." The place can be anywhere in the world — the U.S. or abroad. Entries will be judged on originality, sense, naturalness of wording, elegance, and overall effect. You may submit up to three entries.</blockquote>Just remember the deadline is in <b><i>two</i></b> weeks, but on Wed. Nov. 15th.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com124tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-52506629162584704792023-10-29T05:51:00.007-07:002023-11-05T05:34:49.284-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 29, 2023): My Alarm Didn't Go Off...<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/29/1209313553/sunday-puzzle-dont-pass-this-up">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 29, 2023): My Alarm Didn't Go Off...</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PnGtrm0ROm9dwCQvQKpdJhiUJE-GbiBvefCj6Rxmnp-kfiGLXacW6HHJme6cRPXg9ZZwt5UN_eJRpUF72e5XU_nDbd3VOQMJeSYMVAkAxJIgEawsh5ssZSuoxrB_L3jCOW2dWCAsD22hTLLXb3BUK67813t8TNuBkzGinwCZ4GwcofXCPuKu/s3084/alarm629.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="3084" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PnGtrm0ROm9dwCQvQKpdJhiUJE-GbiBvefCj6Rxmnp-kfiGLXacW6HHJme6cRPXg9ZZwt5UN_eJRpUF72e5XU_nDbd3VOQMJeSYMVAkAxJIgEawsh5ssZSuoxrB_L3jCOW2dWCAsD22hTLLXb3BUK67813t8TNuBkzGinwCZ4GwcofXCPuKu/s200/alarm629.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>The time 6:29 on a digital clock, ignoring the colon, also reads 6:29 upside down. How many times in a day can a digital clock, ignoring the colon, read the same right side up as upside down? We are not accepting military time.</blockquote>I'd much rather spend my time <i>on an African safari.</i><br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>My initial clue was about a Rubik's cube which has 6 sides each with 9 "stickers" but that was clearly TMI, so I switched to Africa which has 54 countries.<blockquote><b>A: </b>54 times (12:21, 1:01, 1:11, 1:21, 1:51, 2:02, 2:12, 2:22, 2:52, 5:05, 5:15, 5:25, 5:55, 6:09, 6:19, 6:29, 6:59, 8:08, 8:18, 8:28, 8:58, 9:06, 9:16, 9:26, 9:56, 10:01, 11:11 = 27 times, but then repeated for both AM and PM).</blockquote><b>Update: </b>Will went for the Daylight Saving Time answer of 58, when you can see 1:01, 1:11, 1:21 and 1:51 <i>twice</i> when the clocks go back 1 hour at 2 AM.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com155tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-64949432696673498682023-10-22T05:00:00.003-07:002023-10-26T12:23:17.283-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 22, 2023): The Cat's Away...<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/22/1207861491/sunday-puzzle-here-we-go-oo">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 22, 2023): The Cat's Away...</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_e08YXl4iZ2p6RuU7xCLYZx69z881teJWhhF4SDnKQvSqptaeqr0TBkDT5MjnUB1RebGyJ1TomIn8mw10FWyE37ZhyHryyBM4DRYi1N1O5bgW1ni4AIh6eyyoeums9OED7Nd/s1600/ComputerMouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_e08YXl4iZ2p6RuU7xCLYZx69z881teJWhhF4SDnKQvSqptaeqr0TBkDT5MjnUB1RebGyJ1TomIn8mw10FWyE37ZhyHryyBM4DRYi1N1O5bgW1ni4AIh6eyyoeums9OED7Nd/s200/ComputerMouse.png" /></a></div>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 <i>hints</i> as long as they don't give away the answer.<blockquote><b>Q: </b>Name a country. The first syllable spells something that people do. The rest of the name is an anagram of where some people do that. What country is it?</blockquote><blockquote><b>A: </b>SINGAPORE --> SING, OPERA</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com154tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-33316731650395693522023-10-15T05:26:00.002-07:002023-10-19T12:37:08.346-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 15, 2023): If Life Gives You Fruit... <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/15/1205950960/sunday-puzzle-body-swap">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 15, 2023): If Life Gives You Fruit...</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqZu0ex8ZoAqRkzQHIN5xmi2sxrKCuv8Kp8jAMBOoVRi0lOMrBZlOuDP-ieFk-814wXlLO6up8Nbui7KkJpM5XP1d5iXx9QkRKZM0AWoRjWh1blxVeNgK3h29e3SS9AOPsCHkF6lLwVrV571cBf6fEk_FefE9IWEF7DreeLd3ihVHNp6VZnii/s1024/fruit%20drinks.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqZu0ex8ZoAqRkzQHIN5xmi2sxrKCuv8Kp8jAMBOoVRi0lOMrBZlOuDP-ieFk-814wXlLO6up8Nbui7KkJpM5XP1d5iXx9QkRKZM0AWoRjWh1blxVeNgK3h29e3SS9AOPsCHkF6lLwVrV571cBf6fEk_FefE9IWEF7DreeLd3ihVHNp6VZnii/s200/fruit%20drinks.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Name a famous athlete, first and last names. Interchange the initials of those names. Then add an appliance. The result, reading left to right, will name a fruit. What is it?</blockquote>Take the athlete's middle name. Keep the first letter and the last four letters. Insert a fruit and phonetically you have another fruit.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Constantine --> C + LEMON + TINE --> Clementine<blockquote><b>A: </b>DAN MARINO --> MAN DARINO + RANGE --> MANDARIN ORANGE</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com218tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-14400184022613462472023-10-08T05:21:00.007-07:002023-10-15T05:30:44.114-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 8, 2023): Mammal, Insect, Bird<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/08/1204456271/sunday-puzzle-a-d-arn-h-ard-puzzle">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 8, 2023): Mammal, Insect, Bird</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqeNCg3GDZmpemEgOldnnI0quPM_v8SOIp_YNzvh872RWIjRlAzMp6E8KF5VXiib2QJ6DwX6QI_BWNL855F5JAdkJ6LOHnSRD1UXEnWSeoPHV6aT3NoH1wLOwZpiDb8l1cIhYyH7IYp4r96jFCNLjcsKcB3OnRvGaJWRQXNm_eQQP32_M80oT/s421/mammal-insect-bird.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqeNCg3GDZmpemEgOldnnI0quPM_v8SOIp_YNzvh872RWIjRlAzMp6E8KF5VXiib2QJ6DwX6QI_BWNL855F5JAdkJ6LOHnSRD1UXEnWSeoPHV6aT3NoH1wLOwZpiDb8l1cIhYyH7IYp4r96jFCNLjcsKcB3OnRvGaJWRQXNm_eQQP32_M80oT/s200/mammal-insect-bird.png"/></a></div><blockquote><b>Q: </b>Think of a mammal, an insect, and a bird, in that order — six, three, and four letters, respectively. Say them out loud and you'll name something often seen around this time of year. What is it?</blockquote>You have a couple choices for the bird.<blockquote><b>A: </b>JACK-O'-LANTERN from JACKAL, ANT and TERN (or ERNE)</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com191