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.comBlogger20125tag: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-1870416050979775182022-08-14T05:00:00.013-07:002023-11-06T11:08:40.047-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 14, 2022): Oklahoma, OK!<a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/08/14/1117390821/sunday-puzzle-this-is-how-it-begins">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 14, 2022): Oklahoma, OK!</a><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORA0Pr5ZqKcA0sTzLE8mNBb6s3-Zrr6E2iz8rvNtWH5HNRSdgStD6CY01NhUFkoVS5n1_FXVHe2xFHf_qRKDtskJq4Bnl9tT1SxY0XsuAWwKGSGQVNtUjAbDhk5QcLNWDSQ6hPP7xauv6bynfSu6xvMzpclm436II7AFnVOAU4hEoaOx1kQ/s770/US%20Map.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORA0Pr5ZqKcA0sTzLE8mNBb6s3-Zrr6E2iz8rvNtWH5HNRSdgStD6CY01NhUFkoVS5n1_FXVHe2xFHf_qRKDtskJq4Bnl9tT1SxY0XsuAWwKGSGQVNtUjAbDhk5QcLNWDSQ6hPP7xauv6bynfSu6xvMzpclm436II7AFnVOAU4hEoaOx1kQ/s200/US%20Map.jpg"/></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is a continuation of a two-week creative challenge. The object is to write a sentence using only the letters of any particular U.S. state. You can pick the state and repeat letters as often as necessary. For example:<br/><br/>
<li>OREGON --> Roger, go gorge on green eggnog.</li>
<li>NEBRASKA --> Sen. Ben Sasse's sneakers reek. [Note: Ben Sasse is a U.S. senator from Nebraska]</li><br/>
Entries will be judged on originality, sense, naturalness of syntax, humor, and overall elegance. <b><i>No more than three sentences per entry, please. Deadline is <b><i>Wednesday</i></b> this week.</i></b></blockquote><blockquote><b>Winner: </b>
<li>West Virginia: In tennis news, a new era starts as Serena is retiring. - <i>Kate Simpson</i></li><br/>
<b>Honorable mentions:</b>
<li>Massachusetts: At the museum, esthetes hate the cute statues that amuse the masses. — <i>H.S. Hughes</i></li>
<li>Rhode Island: Denise hoarded sand and seashells inside her shoreside diner. — <i>Rawson Scheinberg</i></li>
<li><s>Rhode Island: Dolores had to dine on nine dollars she had hidden in her sandal, so she ordered a side salad and a dinner roll. — <i>Kevin Root</i></s></li>
<li>Washington: Shania Twain is in town tonight, singing Gaga's hit songs at Santana's San Antonio gig. — <i>Kerry Fowler</i></li>
<li><s>New Mexico: Native educational wisdom makes eradicating xenophobia its core obligation. — <i>Tamar Stieber</i></s></li>
<li>Massachusetts: As she teaches math, she must use the state tests that she hates. — <i>Rick Cleary</i></li>
<li>Texas [only 5 letters to work with!]: Texas axes estate taxes. — <i>Charvaka Duvvury</i></li></blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com77tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-78862051891838821752022-08-07T05:48:00.001-07:002022-08-07T05:52:46.418-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 7, 2022): Oh I, Oh!<a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/08/07/1116218368/sunday-puzzle-cities-of-america">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 7, 2022): Oh I, Oh!</a><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORA0Pr5ZqKcA0sTzLE8mNBb6s3-Zrr6E2iz8rvNtWH5HNRSdgStD6CY01NhUFkoVS5n1_FXVHe2xFHf_qRKDtskJq4Bnl9tT1SxY0XsuAWwKGSGQVNtUjAbDhk5QcLNWDSQ6hPP7xauv6bynfSu6xvMzpclm436II7AFnVOAU4hEoaOx1kQ/s770/US%20Map.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORA0Pr5ZqKcA0sTzLE8mNBb6s3-Zrr6E2iz8rvNtWH5HNRSdgStD6CY01NhUFkoVS5n1_FXVHe2xFHf_qRKDtskJq4Bnl9tT1SxY0XsuAWwKGSGQVNtUjAbDhk5QcLNWDSQ6hPP7xauv6bynfSu6xvMzpclm436II7AFnVOAU4hEoaOx1kQ/s200/US%20Map.jpg"/></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is the start of a two-week creative challenge. The object is to write a sentence using only the letters of any particular U.S. state. You can pick the state and repeat letters as often as necessary. For example:<br/><br/>
<li>NEW YORK --> No one knew we were ornery.</li>
<li>WASHINGTON --> Sighting a ghost tonight was astonishing.</li><br/>
Entries will be judged on originality, sense, naturalness of syntax, humor, and overall elegance. <b><i>No more than three sentences per entry, please.</i></b></blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-82658775360312455182019-09-01T05:30:00.000-07:002019-09-04T12:00:58.975-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Sep 1, 2019): You Have Less than One Week to Escape<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/09/01/756361170/sunday-puzzle-pardon-my-french">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Sep 1, 2019): You Have Less than One Week to Escape</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo0D1yyr8AHQmrvOwact6RqwkQrV1C46Z1L6ioAY7-auYtASiAQo2QwB18sPB760uNSpkmknYYfPnLIFJSGTaYm_z920Xr39tJ4gahIAB9x8MZgv2hAxtmAPBXgKFJ8f1IBJ2/s1600/round+room+doors+2.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/AVvXsEiJo0D1yyr8AHQmrvOwact6RqwkQrV1C46Z1L6ioAY7-auYtASiAQo2QwB18sPB760uNSpkmknYYfPnLIFJSGTaYm_z920Xr39tJ4gahIAB9x8MZgv2hAxtmAPBXgKFJ8f1IBJ2/s200/round+room+doors+2.png" width="200" height="149" data-original-width="412" data-original-height="307" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is a <b>two-week challenge</b>. It may sound impossible, but it's not. You wake up trapped in a round room with six doors. A voice over a loudspeaker tells you that five of the doors are booby-trapped and will bring instant death if you try to open them. Only one door provides an <i>opening</i> that will get you <i>out</i> safely. The doors are evenly spaced around the room. They look exactly alike. Your only clue is that on the wall between each pair of doors is a large letter of the alphabet. Going clockwise, the letters are H, I, J, K, L and M. Which is the correct door that will get you <i>out</i> ... and why?</blockquote>Shh! Don't give the answer away before the Wednesday 3pm ET deadline.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>The room is round, so the spot where the letters wrap must be important otherwise it could have been a single wall with several doors. Also, the letters are *between* the doors. So this points to the exit door being being between M and H, but why? Reread the question and focus on <i>opening</i> and <i>out</i>; they seem to be key.<blockquote><b>A: </b>When marked with "OUT" the door between M and H forms a word for an opening — "MOUTH".</blockquote><i>This is my theory as to the intended answer, but I'll have to wait to Sunday to have it officially confirmed.</i>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com157tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-65164761166232563852019-08-25T05:57:00.002-07:002019-08-25T05:57:34.810-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 25, 2019): You Have Two Weeks to Escape<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/08/25/754053243/sunday-puzzle-5-to-7">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 25, 2019): You Have Two Weeks to Escape</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-ub3Ol7dCqT9s_zsNcApvxxynh1TsYHpJeZg07MiA_wv6Z2JGBxcQxI2R0JmWbUUOK0nwr2LozOmORoJfPjw0kd6OtwikxSC5XGgVFDQtLSsiucfHjFwRmvx5PtaRkwRtEh6/s1600/round+room+doors.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/AVvXsEjl-ub3Ol7dCqT9s_zsNcApvxxynh1TsYHpJeZg07MiA_wv6Z2JGBxcQxI2R0JmWbUUOK0nwr2LozOmORoJfPjw0kd6OtwikxSC5XGgVFDQtLSsiucfHjFwRmvx5PtaRkwRtEh6/s200/round+room+doors.png" width="200" height="149" data-original-width="412" data-original-height="307" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is a <b>two-week challenge</b>. It may sound impossible, but it's not. You wake up trapped in a round room with six doors. A voice over a loudspeaker tells you that five of the doors are booby-trapped and will bring instant death if you try to open them. Only one door provides an opening that will get you out safely. The doors are evenly spaced around the room. They look exactly alike. Your only clue is that on the wall between each pair of doors is a large letter of the alphabet. Going clockwise, the letters are H, I, J, K, L and M. Which is the correct door that will get you out ... and why?</blockquote>Read carefully. Don't choose a booby trapped door or you can kiss your *** goodbye!Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-21869318434640941212018-06-10T05:00:00.000-07:002018-06-17T06:57:04.657-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 10, 2018): Welcome Back, Potter - TV Show Pitch (Week 2)<a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/06/03/616080244/sunday-puzzle-its-up-to-you">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 10, 2018): Welcome Back, Potter - TV Show Pitch (Week 2)</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhorN8DiuyulZfGzZRKb2LBNXD_sJyV6rkfMc_ezER5ddht3Qr0cOKsBo7J4VvNCBSr8aVI0pvuvMWgGAYO8WZqxY3GUhC7ixjpjd1get47txo2ZAX449U6joKEIJxAz6Oe4KQ/s1600/kotterpotter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhorN8DiuyulZfGzZRKb2LBNXD_sJyV6rkfMc_ezER5ddht3Qr0cOKsBo7J4VvNCBSr8aVI0pvuvMWgGAYO8WZqxY3GUhC7ixjpjd1get47txo2ZAX449U6joKEIJxAz6Oe4KQ/s200/kotterpotter.jpg" width="200" height="163" data-original-width="450" data-original-height="366" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>The object is to pitch a TV show idea to one of the networks, either broadcast or cable, in which your TV show's title is just one letter different from an existing show's title, past or present. Name your TV show and summarize it in 15 words or less.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br/>
<b>AMERICAN I DO'S</b> — <i>Hilarious misadventures of a bumbling wedding planner</i><br/>
<b>YOU BET YOUR WIFE</b> — <i>Trivia contest, with wagering, to determine who knows more — husband or spouse</i><br/>
<br/>
Entries will be judged on their sense, naturalness of wording, humor and overall effect. No more than three entries per person, please. The person who sends the best TV pitch will play the on-air puzzle in two weeks</blockquote><br/><br/><b>Winner:</b><br/>
<b>I Remember MOMA</b> - Each episode focuses on a past exhibit or artist at the Museum of Modern Art<br/>
<i>According to Will it was "chosen because of its originality, surprising letter substitution, naturalness of its description, and humor."</i><br/><br/>
<b>Runners-up:</b><br/>
Perks And Recreation<br/>
The O.C.D. Couple<br/>
Father Knots Best<br/>
Star Trek: The Next Veneration<br/>
Big Brothel<br/>
The Mary Tyler Moose Show<br/>
Beverly Sills 90210<br/>
Mayberry B.F.D.<br/>
The Punsters<br/>
The Incredible Hunk<br/>
The Incredible Hula<br/>
Little Souse on the Prairie<br/>
Let's Make a Meal<br/>
Saturday Night Jive<br/>
Lust in Space<br/>
Big Bong Theory<br/>
Get Kmart<br/>
PR<br/>
The Greatest American Herb<br/>
Who Waits to Be a Millionaire?<br/>
America's Next Top Mohel<br/>
As the World Burns<br/>
Hawaii Five-K [race]<br/>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com123tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-34293152311118050992018-06-03T05:39:00.001-07:002018-06-03T05:39:52.218-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 3, 2018): Two Week Challenge - TV Show Pitch<a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/06/03/616080244/sunday-puzzle-its-up-to-you">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jun 3, 2018): Two Week Challenge - TV Show Pitch</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcToBLKPa7Hu3YYV6yIq5NyCzg43lkUlXfO4079IFFgyEDo6qxHB9fGdYdaeGWUEHrRG2aGP2jf3cghYA3GTDMSPpAjfymUfS00DsxPpod9HBY34AUAboptinGPW0chIZuJgX/s1600/king+pong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcToBLKPa7Hu3YYV6yIq5NyCzg43lkUlXfO4079IFFgyEDo6qxHB9fGdYdaeGWUEHrRG2aGP2jf3cghYA3GTDMSPpAjfymUfS00DsxPpod9HBY34AUAboptinGPW0chIZuJgX/s200/king+pong.jpg" width="140" height="200" data-original-width="700" data-original-height="998" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>The object is to pitch a TV show idea to one of the networks, either broadcast or cable, in which your TV show's title is just one letter different from an existing show's title, past or present. Name your TV show and summarize it in 15 words or less.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<b>N.Y.P.D. CLUE</b> — <i>Manhattan crime investigation in which each case hinges on a single, unexpected piece of evidence</i><br />
<b>HAVE GUT, WILL TRAVEL</b> — <i>Portly host tours the best all-you-can-eat restaurants in America</i><br />
<br />
Entries will be judged on their sense, naturalness of wording, humor and overall effect. No more than three entries per person, please. The person who sends the best TV pitch will play the on-air puzzle in two weeks</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com160tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-67381746483548425442017-10-15T06:27:00.004-07:002017-10-15T06:27:56.529-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 15, 2017): Two Week Challenge: Move Two Numbers<a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/10/15/557863670/sunday-puzzle-double-down">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 15, 2017): Two Week Challenge: Move Two Numbers</a>: <br />
<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4ZWMxng0XU6oILbHAJBKuRU7vYeXB15eRfh22dDg9m1ewk4_iZZX9NvrMCvG7hC4y_zZLeJrHb9C5GEVvVDIpgqpEfDy0G7qNNAm6xaTqSWtkoKvA_1VbQjJe8eDXKApl01y/s1600/Number+pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4ZWMxng0XU6oILbHAJBKuRU7vYeXB15eRfh22dDg9m1ewk4_iZZX9NvrMCvG7hC4y_zZLeJrHb9C5GEVvVDIpgqpEfDy0G7qNNAm6xaTqSWtkoKvA_1VbQjJe8eDXKApl01y/s200/Number+pile.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Q: </b>This is a two-week challenge. Write down the equation:<br/>65 – 43 = 21.<br/>You'll notice that this is not correct. 65 minus 43 equals 22, not 21. The object is to move exactly two of the digits to create a correct equation. There is no trick in the puzzle's wording. In the answer, the minus and equal signs do not move.</blockquote>I used to be an advocate of more challenging number/math puzzles. But this one is <i>not</i> worthy of a two-week challenge.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-57724030017905720112017-04-30T00:03:00.000-07:002017-05-07T06:17:08.132-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Apr 30, 2017): Billboard Hot 100 Creative Challenge (cont.)<a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/04/30/526209541/sunday-puzzle-anyway-its-drew-careys-line-this-time">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Apr 30, 2017): Billboard Hot 100 Creative Challenge (cont.)</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DgtTaP78FS49fNILBllBGVUUshYy88Wemww6RZmc6ujrabKt4mxe9GkwLsSygyclySiA-I89wZHhtR_Zet_VkTadcX5t9AdmrB5YgfpQAxcXLjOMQDgMJnJKEFvbFlMVX-3Z/s1600/Billboard_Hot_100_logo%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DgtTaP78FS49fNILBllBGVUUshYy88Wemww6RZmc6ujrabKt4mxe9GkwLsSygyclySiA-I89wZHhtR_Zet_VkTadcX5t9AdmrB5YgfpQAxcXLjOMQDgMJnJKEFvbFlMVX-3Z/s200/Billboard_Hot_100_logo%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" height="104" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>It's a two-week creative challenge. The object is to mashup the titles of past No. 1 hits on the Billboard 100 pop chart to tell a story. For example: "I Shot The Sheriff" "The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia." "The Morning After" "I'll Be There" "Leaving On A Jet Plane."<br />
<br />
Wikipedia has a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_Hot_100_number-one_singles_from_1958_to_1969">list of the Billboard No. 1 singles from the Hot 100 era, 1958 to present</a>, which you can use. Your story can include up to seven song titles. Entries will be judged on cleverness, naturalness of reading, memorableness of the songs and overall elegance. You can send up to three entries and the best one, based on Will's opinion, will play the puzzle on the air in two weeks.</blockquote>Week two...<blockquote><b>A: </b><b>Winning entry: </b><i>Thrift Shop! / What Goes Around Comes Around. / Rag Doll, / Good Luck Charm, / Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini, / It's All In The Game. / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For!</i><br/><br/><b>Runner up: </b><i>Sugar, Sugar / I Heard It Through the Grapevine / (You're) Having My Baby / I Gotta Feeling / It Wasn't Me / The Stripper</i></blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com154tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-89081277032877049672017-04-23T05:16:00.000-07:002017-04-23T05:16:56.080-07:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Apr 23, 2017): Billboard Hot 100 Creative Challenge<a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/04/23/525270836/sunday-puzzle-dont-go-chasing-waterfalls-please-stick-to-the-best-songs-to-solve">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Apr 23, 2017): Billboard Hot 100 Creative Challenge</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DgtTaP78FS49fNILBllBGVUUshYy88Wemww6RZmc6ujrabKt4mxe9GkwLsSygyclySiA-I89wZHhtR_Zet_VkTadcX5t9AdmrB5YgfpQAxcXLjOMQDgMJnJKEFvbFlMVX-3Z/s1600/Billboard_Hot_100_logo%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DgtTaP78FS49fNILBllBGVUUshYy88Wemww6RZmc6ujrabKt4mxe9GkwLsSygyclySiA-I89wZHhtR_Zet_VkTadcX5t9AdmrB5YgfpQAxcXLjOMQDgMJnJKEFvbFlMVX-3Z/s200/Billboard_Hot_100_logo%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" height="104" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>It's a two-week creative challenge. The object is to mashup the titles of past No. 1 hits on the Billboard 100 pop chart to tell a story. For example: "I Shot The Sheriff" "The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia." "The Morning After" "I'll Be There" "Leaving On A Jet Plane."<br />
<br />
Wikipedia has a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_Hot_100_number-one_singles_from_1958_to_1969">list of the Billboard No. 1 singles from the Hot 100 era, 1958 to present</a>, which you can use. Your story can include up to seven song titles. Entries will be judged on cleverness, naturalness of reading, memorableness of the songs and overall elegance. You can send up to three entries and the best one, based on Will's opinion, will play the puzzle on the air in two weeks.</blockquote>Get those creative juices flowing...Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-14366949644403093562016-11-20T06:20:00.000-08:002016-11-27T07:17:52.166-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 20, 2016): Creative Challenge (cont.) - Wrap the Beet vs. Beat the Rap<a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/11/13/501763045/tween-team-2-letters-get-right-in-the-middle-of-this-puzzle">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 20, 2016): Creative Challenge (cont.) - Wrap the Beet vs. Beat the Rap</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkbNxh6QIGtq8BXv8U8hFQqiYLMcWN43AScxQ2BWUf-cARngVxwKdgm1U7ndV0RoK3lFkw9UIPmdFyOxLuXt7kp9pv6bNxeOysUs9rD63C4_WQw7nghtyZSdDzcffwd6f3EsX/s1600/GetOutOfJail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkbNxh6QIGtq8BXv8U8hFQqiYLMcWN43AScxQ2BWUf-cARngVxwKdgm1U7ndV0RoK3lFkw9UIPmdFyOxLuXt7kp9pv6bNxeOysUs9rD63C4_WQw7nghtyZSdDzcffwd6f3EsX/s200/GetOutOfJail.jpeg" width="200" height="150" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is a two-week creative challenge. The object is to write a conundrum or riddle that starts "What is the difference between ..." — in which the answer involves a transposition of words.<br />
<br />
For example: What is the difference between a chatterbox and a mirror? Answer: One speaks without reflecting while the other reflects without speaking. Or: What is the difference between a lucky criminal and some Saran with a garden vegetable? Answer: One beats the rap while the other wraps the beet.<br />
<br />
Change of spelling in the words is allowed, but not necessary. Entries will be judged on their sense, naturalness of wording, humor, elegance and overall effect. You may submit up to three entries. Mr. Shortz will announce his favorites — and the overall winner — in two weeks.</blockquote>Hmm... not much to comment on this week. Obviously this is different than most of Will's puzzles in that it is open-ended and is a <a href="http://puzzles.blainesville.com/2010/07/npr-sunday-puzzle-july-25-2010-make.html">two week challenge</a>. Start collecting your ideas and we'll discuss them all after the Wednesday deadline.
<blockquote><b>A: </b><br/><b>The winner:</b></br></br>What is the difference between a priest and his dog? One wears pants and a collar while the other wears a collar and pants.
</br><i>— Roxanne Abrams, Skokie, Ill.</i><br/><br/>
<b>Runners-up:</b><br/><br/>What's the difference between a plane taking off and an entomologist? One flies away while the other weighs a fly.
</br><i>—Ellis Seiberling, New Orleans</i><br/><br/>What is the difference between Sting and a retired E.P.A. official? One led the Police while the other policed the lead.
</br><i>—Brett Hunkins, Okemos, Mich.</i><br/><br/>What's the difference between a twin and a nudist? One bears a likeness while the other likes a bareness.
</br><i>—Mark Litten, Seminole, Fla.</i><br/><br/>What's the difference between a libertarian and a charitable pharmacist? One leaves you alone while the other loans you Aleve.
</br><i>—Mark Mikula, Bristol, R.I.</i><br/><br/>What's the difference between a straight-A student and a car safety inspector? One breaks the curve on a test while the other tests the brakes on a curve.
</br><i>—Amy Higgins, Ann Arbor, Mich.</i><br/><br/>
<b>Honorable mentions:</b><br/><br/>What is the difference between a patient child at a Lionel store and one who teaches powerlifting? One waits to use the trains while the other trains to use the weights.
</br><i>—Daniel Rosenblum, Teaneck, N.J.</i><br/><br/>What is the difference between a mall security guard and a deli refrigerator? One locks the stores while the other stores the lox.
</br><i>—Allan Richardson, Jacksonville, Fla.</i><br/><br/>What's the difference between a funny guy next door and a radius or ulna? One is humorous to a neighbor while the other is neighbor to a humerus.
</br><i>—John Perri, Plano, Texas</i></br></br>
1) What's the difference between an unlucky hiker and a martyr? One crosses a bear while the other bears a cross.</br>
2) What's the difference between a mountain climber and a dieter? One scales a face while the other faces a scale.</br>
<i>—Margie Shields, San Mateo, Calif.</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a metal craftsman working for a funeral home and a laborer in England? One pounds urns while the other earns pounds.
</br><i>—Judy Davis, Asheville, N.C.</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a criminal and a guard? One fences watches while the other watches fences.
</br><i>—Kerrie Serpa, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.</i></br></br>
1) What is the difference between last week's quarterback and this week's kidney stone? One threw passes while the other passes through.</br>
2) What is the difference between a sperm donor and a stockbroker? One shares cells while the other sells shares.
</br><i>—Jim Serpa, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.</i></br></br>
What's the difference between a coloratura soprano and an N.F.L. referee? One hits high notes while the other notes high hits.</br>
<i>—Anthony Gray, Closter, N.J.</i></br></br>What's the difference between a pizzeria and John McEnroe? One serves slices while the other slices serves.</br>
<i>—Justin Rosales, Dumont, N.J.</i></br></br>What is the difference between Charlie Brown and a shyster? One checks kites while the other kites checks.</br>
<i>—Dan Simmons, Salem, Ore.</i></br></br>What is the difference between a responsible drinker and an affectionate puppy? One handles his liquor while the other licks his handler.</br>
<i>—Loretta Srch, Iberia, Mo.</i></br></br>What's the difference between Prince Charles and rice at a wedding? One is heir to the throne while the other is thrown to the air.</br>
<i>—Darryl Nester, Bluffton, Ohio</i></br></br>1) What's the difference between a convict and an autograph? One is booked in a pen while the other is penned in a book.</br>
2) What's the difference between a medical recruiter and a Photoshop expert? One picks the doctors while the other doctors the pics.</br>
<i>—Summer Beretsky Bukeavich, Williamsport, Pa.</i></br></br>What is the difference between a clothing store and a day trader? One stocks shorts while the other shorts stocks.</br>
<i>—Marshall Savitt, Albany, N.Y.</i></br></br>What is the difference between a subprime loan crisis and a commemorative William and Kate wedding plate? One roils the markets while the other markets the royals.</br>
<i>—Leah Cole, Quincy, Mass.</i></br></br>What is the difference between a tangled ball of string and a brave knight? One is a frayed knot while the other is not afraid.</br><i>—Bryce Mayo, Gillette, Wyo.</i></br></br>What is the difference between an era without war and a sprig of a certain herb? One is a time of peace while the other is a piece of thyme.</br>
<i>—Michael Boone, Agoura Hills, Calif.</i></br></br>What's the difference between a panicked driver and a radio deejay? One hits the brakes while the other breaks the hits.</br>
<i>—Alan Nyquist, Keego Harbor, Mich.</i></br></br>What's the difference between a drill instructor and a dog trainer? One barks a command while the other commands a bark?</br>
<i>—Manuel Bass, Fullerton, Calif.</i></br></br>What's the difference between a marathon race official and Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr.? One times the runs while the other runs the Times.</br>
<i>—Kevin Devine, Marlborough, Mass.</i></br></br>What is the difference between the I.R.S. and a flood? One levies taxes while the other taxes levees.</br><i>—Brian Dontchos, Seattle</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a successful student and a food safety inspector? One meets the grade while the other grades the meat.</br>
<i>—Janice Gargan, Southern Pines, N.C.</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a choral director and a detective? One leads a choir while the other acquires a lead.</br>
<i>—Curtis Johnson, Denver, Colo.</i></br></br>
What's the difference between a Vandal and a Manhattan shopper? One sacks Rome while the other roams Saks.</br>
<i>—Andy Calderwood, Santa Barbara, Calif.</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a gas station and a gymnasium in Prague? One is a place to check a tire while the other is a place to tire a Czech.</br>
<i>—Bruce Weitzman, Sherman Oaks, Calif.</i></br></br>
What's the difference between a bus driver and a tissue? One knows the stops while the other stops the nose.</br>
<i>—Miles Histand, Portland, Ore.</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a renowned attorney and a storm drain? One is a great suer while other is a sewer grate.</br>
<i>—Ryan McNeill, Watkinsville, Ga.</i></br></br>
What is the difference between a ship and the Rose Bowl Court? One floats on the waves while the other waves on the floats.</br>
<i>—Mike Strong, Mechanicsburg, Pa.</i></br></br>
What's the difference between a power hitter and the operator of an outdoor movie theater? One drives in runs while the other runs drive-ins.</br>
<i>—Steve Feldman, Framingham, Mass.</i></br></br>
What's the difference between a beach bum abroad and the lord of the manor? One surfs overseas while the other oversees serfs.</br>
<i>—John Byrne, Medford, Mass.</i></br></br>
1) What is the difference between a traveler too sick to go and a husband with his feet in the way? One misses the trip while the other trips the Mrs.</br>
2) What is the difference between a happily married working man and a man getting a divorce? One kisses his wife goodbye upon leaving his house while the other kisses his house goodbye upon leaving his wife.</br>
<i>—Patrick Berry, Jasper, Ala.</i></br></br>
<b>Several more entries Will liked that were repeated:</b></br></br>
What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? One sells watches while the other watches cells.</br></br>
What is the difference between a break-dancer and a museum curator? One busts a move while the other moves a bust.</br></br>
What is the difference between a mariner and narcotics agents? One sails the seas while the others seize the sales.</br></br>
What is the difference between a politician and an Indian restaurant chef? One curries favor while the other favors curry.
</blockquote>
Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com99tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-43811569277100240632016-11-13T06:21:00.001-08:002016-11-13T06:21:19.498-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 13, 2016): Creative Challenge - Beat the Rap vs. Wrap the Beet<a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/11/13/501763045/tween-team-2-letters-get-right-in-the-middle-of-this-puzzle">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Nov 13, 2016): Creative Challenge - Beat the Rap vs. Wrap the Beet</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01m8sS263agB2z9YU6QnzYCKwwR_s7KQfKjPuPXjt6DfoIpCbcyMb5RguvcINRnjWjhO8uQy43f-Jp2kqa3Iv0Gc9mKAyzzHVZB7kcUm8U5VcdHyNTphPqwlvL_NdiBaSUlGa/s1600/WrapBeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01m8sS263agB2z9YU6QnzYCKwwR_s7KQfKjPuPXjt6DfoIpCbcyMb5RguvcINRnjWjhO8uQy43f-Jp2kqa3Iv0Gc9mKAyzzHVZB7kcUm8U5VcdHyNTphPqwlvL_NdiBaSUlGa/s200/WrapBeet.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is a two-week creative challenge. The object is to write a conundrum or riddle that starts "What is the difference between ..." — in which the answer involves a transposition of words.<br />
<br />
For example: What is the difference between a chatterbox and a mirror? Answer: One speaks without reflecting while the other reflects without speaking. Or: What is the difference between a lucky criminal and some Saran with a garden vegetable? Answer: One beats the rap while the other wraps the beet.<br />
<br />
Change of spelling in the words is allowed, but not necessary. Entries will be judged on their sense, naturalness of wording, humor, elegance and overall effect. You may submit up to three entries. Mr. Shortz will announce his favorites — and the overall winner — in two weeks.</blockquote>Hmm... not much to comment on this week. Obviously this is different than most of Will's puzzles in that it is open-ended and is a <a href="http://puzzles.blainesville.com/2010/07/npr-sunday-puzzle-july-25-2010-make.html">two week challenge</a>. Start collecting your ideas and we'll discuss them all in two weeks after the deadline.Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-24807924427183870652016-10-16T05:24:00.001-07:002016-11-13T06:26:01.993-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 16, 2016): Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Blast-off!<a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/10/16/497861459/when-it-comes-to-the-puzzle-dont-mail-it-in-just-exchange-a-letter">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 16, 2016): Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Blast-off!</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrEEKR_sGclIC0prFBqN4Xa9u0hKZiKplL0UueHtqlihVC-htBABz__5xdtZK30Nap2KGELG0FfQyBFlmRuVT-qQfdyxq5susUv2rTli7-3ktR_MioDibaFfn7bWgR-UFTV-G/s1600/Blast+Off.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/AVvXsEihrEEKR_sGclIC0prFBqN4Xa9u0hKZiKplL0UueHtqlihVC-htBABz__5xdtZK30Nap2KGELG0FfQyBFlmRuVT-qQfdyxq5susUv2rTli7-3ktR_MioDibaFfn7bWgR-UFTV-G/s200/Blast+Off.png" width="181" height="200" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>This is a <b><i>two-week</i></b> challenge. Take the digits 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1, in that order. Using those digits and the four arithmetic signs — plus, minus, times and divided by — you can get 1 with the sequence 5 - 4 + 3 - 2 - 1. You can get 2 with the sequence (5 - 4 + 3 - 2) x 1.<br />
<br />
The question is ... how many numbers from 1 to 40 can you get using the digits 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 in that order along with the four arithmetic signs?<br />
<br />
You can group digits with parentheses, as in the example. There are no tricks to this, though. It's a straightforward puzzle. How many numbers from 1 to 40 can you get — and, specifically, what number or numbers can you not get? Will Shortz will reveal his solution in <b><i>two</i></b> weeks.</blockquote>Enjoy the two-week math challenge. Feel free to post *how many* numbers you can create, but just not specifics on which ones and with what expressions.<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>A bit of a trick here. You can create 39 numbers, but not 39. :)<blockquote><b>A: </b>Without resorting to tricks, you can write expressions for all but number 39.</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com266tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-39815308455347116672015-10-11T06:18:00.001-07:002016-11-13T06:27:26.369-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 11, 2015): Creative Puzzle Challenge: Provide one sample sentence, outshine the pile<a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/10/11/447567350/want-to-get-these-answers-right-better-start-finding-whats-wrong">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 11, 2015): Creative Puzzle Challenge: Provide one sample sentence, outshine the pile</a>: <blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YbC1r_bF8525wCOvFdlgRKdsnZQ6wb51Apka_kfWzEof10g3TxGXZ8Glc_IiYKvHGVVLqjnTey00eSZo6F3O7IUFgHQLbjtsNqCTemOgbxNzpOvrIv8yLOROkt6rDxt750vO/s1600/CreativeApple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YbC1r_bF8525wCOvFdlgRKdsnZQ6wb51Apka_kfWzEof10g3TxGXZ8Glc_IiYKvHGVVLqjnTey00eSZo6F3O7IUFgHQLbjtsNqCTemOgbxNzpOvrIv8yLOROkt6rDxt750vO/s200/CreativeApple.jpg" /></a></div><b>Q: </b>Write a 10-word sentence in which each word ends with the same letter of the alphabet.<br/><br/>For example: <i>Dartmouth frosh clash with Pittsburgh church parish, clinch fifth triumph.</i> 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.</blockquote>For some of you, it's time to include the other half of your brain...<br/><br/><b>Edit: </b>Be sure to check the <a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/10/25/451511628/care-for-a-little-spa-treatment-try-the-spa-in-this-weeks-puzzle">list of runner up sentences</a> including several submissions from members of Blainesville.<blockquote><b>A: </b>The winning sentence chosen by Will, <i>"Can neurosurgeon Ben Carson pin down Republican nomination in 'Sixteen?"</i> — Kate S. of Maryland</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com208tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-76420980733735023132014-05-18T06:45:00.000-07:002016-11-13T06:25:23.407-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (May 4, 2014): Two Week Challenge: It's Near the Planet Mars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PCtSGc-wm-ueCMUM05-elldwWyiwg2dKTP7OMJKSx2U4v24d9VF_12GVOoO31xQSuFwc4049ZM8x14E5arqJh_uLTd57d6aQ7cp6J5egTPjIAQrjQIVNqOtiokC1-wNJEkFx/s1600/EarthMars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PCtSGc-wm-ueCMUM05-elldwWyiwg2dKTP7OMJKSx2U4v24d9VF_12GVOoO31xQSuFwc4049ZM8x14E5arqJh_uLTd57d6aQ7cp6J5egTPjIAQrjQIVNqOtiokC1-wNJEkFx/s200/EarthMars.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/05/04/309336754/read-between-the-letters">NPR Sunday Puzzle (May 4, 2014): Two Week Challenge: It's Near the Planet Mars</a>: <blockquote><b>A: </b>Write a clue for a word that also contains the answer in consecutive letters. For example, "It's n<b>ear th</b>e planet Mars," contains the answer "Earth". The answer word must contain <i>six or more</I> letters. The clue should both define or describe the answer and contain the answer in consecutive letters.</blockquote>Given the parameters of the puzzle, all we can do is save up our best answers for two weeks from now. But if people want to express their creativity, post clues for words with 5 (or fewer) letters.<blockquote><b>A: </b>In cold wea<b>ther most at</b>tempt to keep this set low. (thermostat). Other answers can be found <a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/05/18/313444665/finding-the-answers-within">here</a></blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com153tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-77335615084278765262013-10-27T07:31:00.000-07:002016-11-13T06:30:46.923-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 13, 2013): U.S. City Population Crossword Puzzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdcsnWfDRPnLfgd3hpxCLIummZa_2_e7uV-nb_SqgGATXdcRIWMesv1ZHZw3kBZLMZ2BkLPpAf4qRiN8urohgFSMLYy9YcjBYaVh6yBrQ25dcX0Vj6s_MII5lDe-SoG8e9ciX/s1600/CityGrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdcsnWfDRPnLfgd3hpxCLIummZa_2_e7uV-nb_SqgGATXdcRIWMesv1ZHZw3kBZLMZ2BkLPpAf4qRiN8urohgFSMLYy9YcjBYaVh6yBrQ25dcX0Vj6s_MII5lDe-SoG8e9ciX/s200/CityGrid.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/10/13/232770489/can-you-pass-this-te-st">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Oct 13, 2013): U.S. City Population Crossword Puzzle</a>: <blockquote><b>Q: </b>Take a seven-by-seven square grid. Arrange the names of U.S. cities or towns in regular crossword fashion inside the grid so that the cities used have the highest possible total population, according to the 2010 Census. For example, if you put Chicago in the top row and Houston in the sixth row, both reading across, and then fit Atlanta, Oakland and Reno coming down, you'll form a mini-crossword. And the five cities used have a total population, according to the 2010 census, of 5,830,997. You can do better. (Note: This is a two-week challenge)</blockquote>The first problem is going to be finding a list of U.S. cities by their 2010 census values, to match Will's example. Using the values from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population">Wikipedia</a>, I get a slightly higher value of 5,831,809 for his example grid. And trying to go to census.gov returns a message that it is closed due to the government shutdown. My other issue with this puzzle is whether or not common abbreviations like LA and NYC will be accepted. I hope Mr. Shortz will post here and clarify his intentions with the puzzle, or at least give more details next week on the air. In any case, this one will be a hard puzzle to discuss or hint at since there aren't really any good ways to give a hint. Even giving your population total will give too much away, so I think it's going to be a hard two weeks to comment.<br/><br/><b>Update: </b>Using a revised list from Wikipedia showing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_United_States_Census#City_rankings">Top 25 U.S. cities</a>, I get the exact same values as Will:<br/>
Chicago = 2,695,598<br/>
Houston = 2,099,451<br/>
Atlanta = 420,003<br/>
Oakland = 390,724<br/>
Reno = 225,221<br/>
TOTAL = 5,830,997<br/><br/>
<b>Edit: </b>The winning entry from Glen, accepted by Will:<blockquote><b>A: </b><br/><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15yHXmN8E1zlMXIbpy_ys03xXJKkqGvCax20A_P7w2tV8J45-LKHX43-A3AW4PEl_PrCZDiWlSskug3Ntr80cM-IycANm4zfNBrA1OxnAGAT96kgZOfbbTdxBpg9Cy10ZtvZP/s1600/CityAnswer.PNG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15yHXmN8E1zlMXIbpy_ys03xXJKkqGvCax20A_P7w2tV8J45-LKHX43-A3AW4PEl_PrCZDiWlSskug3Ntr80cM-IycANm4zfNBrA1OxnAGAT96kgZOfbbTdxBpg9Cy10ZtvZP/s200/CityAnswer.PNG" /></a></blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com163tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-78885770611564925912012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:002016-11-13T06:26:49.552-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 15 and 22, 2012): Two Week TV Title Challenge<a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/01/15/145239227/second-to-last?ft=1&f=4473090">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 15, 2012): Two Week TV Title Challenge</a>:<br/>
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/01/22/145584475/sitting-comfortably-in-between?ft=1&f=4473090">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Jan 22, 2012): Two Week TV Title Challenge (cont.)</a>:<blockquote><b>Q: </b>This is a special two-week creative challenge. Combine the titles of some TV shows, past or present, into an amusing sentence or statement. Here are 3 examples: <br />
"TODAY / SISTERS / NAME THAT TUNE / FATHER KNOWS BEST," <br />
"DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES / BEWITCHED / MY THREE SONS / ONE DAY AT A TIME," <br />
"I'VE GOT A SECRET / MURDER, SHE WROTE / THE F.B.I."<br />
Entries will be judged on their sense, naturalness of syntax, humor, originality, familiarity of the TV shows named, and overall effect. No more than three sentences per entry, please.</blockquote>Not much to say, but here's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_programs_by_name">list of television shows</a> that might be useful.<br /><br /><b>Edit: </b>Feel free to discuss your submissions in the comments.<blockquote><b>A: </b>"The Nanny / Lost / All My Children." (Will's pick submitted by Patrick B. of Jasper, AL)</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-43253324485440857632011-09-17T21:00:00.000-07:002016-11-13T06:29:13.124-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (Sep 4, 2011): Two-Week Challenge - Famous Person Palindrome<a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/09/04/140172036/the-end-is-the-beginning">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Sep 4, 2011): Two-Week Challenge - Famous Person Palindrome</a>: <blockquote><b>Q: </b>This is a special two-week creative challenge involving palindromes. A palindrome reads backwards and forward the same. Write a palindrome that contains the name of a famous person. For example: "No, Mel Gibson is a casino's big lemon." Or "Ed, I saw Harpo Marx ram Oprah W. aside." You can use the famous person's full name or just the last name, whatever you like. The object is to write the most interesting palindrome that contains a famous person's name, past or present. Any length is fine, short or long. Palindromes will be judged on their interest, elegance and naturalness of syntax.</blockquote>Given this challenge is open-ended, there are no hints in my post this time. So anyone going to tackle a Sarah Palin palindrome?
<blockquote><b>A: </b>"Did I cite operas I'd revere? Verdi's are poetic. I did!"<br/><b>Runners-up:</b><br/>"Peewee let reborn Robert E. Lee weep."<br/>"Yawn, Madonna may baby a man, no damn way!"</blockquote>
Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730391.post-39891593614530762442010-08-08T06:43:00.000-07:002016-11-13T06:28:04.798-08:00NPR Sunday Puzzle (July 25, 2010): Make Your Own Spoonerism Riddle<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128745771">NPR Sunday Puzzle (July 25, 2010): Make Your Own Spoonerism Riddle</a>: <br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128898056">NPR Sunday Puzzle (Aug 1, 2010): Make Your Own Spoonerism Riddle</a>:<blockquote><b>Q: </b>This is a two-week creative challenge. Come up with a riddle that starts off with 'What's the difference between' and involves a spoonerism. A spoonerism is when consonant sounds are interchanged. For example, 'What's the difference between an ornithologist and a loser in a spelling bee?' The answer: 'One is a bird watcher, and the other is a word botcher.'</blockquote>Hmm... not much to comment on this week. Obviously this is different than most of Will's puzzles in that it is open-ended and is a two week challenge. Start collecting your ideas and we'll discuss them all in two weeks after the deadline.<br />
<blockquote><b>Winner:</b><br />
What's the difference between a wedding chapel and a restaurant's daily specials? One is a marrying venue, the other is a varying menu.<br />
<br />
<b>Runners-Up:</b><br />
What’s the difference between a guinea hen and a young witch? One is a wild chicken and the other is child wicken.<br />
<br />
What’s the difference between a dasher and a haberdasher? One makes short spurts and the other makes sports shirts.</blockquote>Blainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379274325110866036noreply@blogger.com44