Ben Bass and Beyond: That's a wrap

Friday, November 21, 2008

That's a wrap

Events Week (for what other name could we give to a week in which all I do is babble about events?) wraps up today with one more cultural pearl for your consideration.

The buzzed-about new independent movie Humboldt County makes its Chicago area premiere this evening, kicking off its exclusive booking at the historic Wilmette Theatre.

My Flavorpill preview is here.

NPR Sunday puzzle

This week: Think of a familiar two-word phrase, five letters in each word. The second word starts with P. The phrase names something that is nice to have after dinner. Change the P to an S, and you'll get another familiar phrase that names something that's nice to have before you start a job. What phrases are these?

Enter here or email me for a hint.

Last week: This puzzle comes from Scott Kim, the puzzle maker for Discover Magazine. He has a 2010 page-a-day calendar just out called "Mind Benders and Brainteasers." Here's one of the puzzles in it: Name five two-digit numbers that are evenly spaced out — like 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 — in which all 10 digits from 0 to 9 are used once each. What numbers are these?

Highlight for answer: There are four possible solutions: 18, 36, 54, 72, 90; or 54, 63, 72, 81, 90; or 50, 61, 72, 83, 94; or 10, 32, 54, 76, 98. As long as the first digit keeps moving up or down at a steady pace, and so does the last digit, you're good.

Two weeks ago: From Will Shortz's old pal Merl Reagle, whose Sunday crosswords appear in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and many other newspapers: Take the letters in PLEASANTLY, plus the letter I. Rearrange these 11 letters to name a well-known place. What is it?

Highlight for answer: Naples, Italy

Three weeks ago: Think of three six-letter words starting with B, G and F. The last five letters of the words are the same and in the same order, yet none of the words rhymes with any of the others. What words are these?

Highlight for answer: Bather, Gather, Father