THE PUZZLE CORNER: AUGUST 26, 2023

 😎FUN FACT

Although now a classic Christmas song, Gene Autry’s version of ♫Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer♫🦌 actually debuted on September 1, 1949.

COMMON BONDS

The items in each subset below have something in common. Do you know what it is?

01. {Hawaiian, Sicilian}

02. {Hotel, Detective}

THE LETTER SHUFFLE

Since schools are back in session just about everywhere by now, how many new words can you make out of the letters in TEACHER?

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX📦 and discover the results from the August 19, 2023 Puzzle Corner.

REBUS

I know we just previously had a Rebus, but this one is special.

Do you know what is represented in the image below?

D D

N N

A A  Cancer

T T

S S

Stand Up 2 Cancer, a charitable foundation raising money for cancer research that just recently had their annual telethon special.

TRIVIA TIME⌚

Jerry Moss, co-founder of A & M Records, recently passed away. Who is/was the A of the record label?

Herb Alpert of the Tijuana Brass.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: CHRISTMAS DAY, 2021

😎FUN FACT

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is the most adapted holiday story in any media.

REBUS

Christmas is here and it’s time to celebrate! Do you know what is represented by the image on the right?

TRIVIA TIME⌚

What is the origin of the Gingerbread Man?

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX🎁 and discover the results from the December 18, 2021 Puzzle Corner.

TRIVIA TIME⌚

Four classic Christmas specials have the unique distinction of being shown on television every year since their debut. Can you name the quartet?

In order of their initial appearance: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 🦌since 1964, A Charlie Brown Christmas since 1965, the original Chuck Jones produced Doctor Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas since 1966 celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, and the “baby” of the family: Frosty the Snowman⛄ since 1969.

THE LETTER SHUFFLE

How many new words can you form out of the letters in CHRISTMAS?

A, act(s), ah(s), aim(s), air(s), am, amiss, arc(s), arch, arm(s), art(s), as, ash, ass, at

Cam(s), car(s), cart(s), cash, cast(s) cat(s), char(s), chair(s), charm(s), chart(s), chasm(s), chat(s), cram(s)

Ha, hair, ham(s), harm(s), has, hat(s), hi, him, his, hiss, hit(s)

I, I’m, is, it, its, it’s, itch

Ma, mach, march, mart(s), mash, mass, mast(s), mat(s), match, math, mint(s),mirth, miss, mist(s)

Racism, racist(s), ram(s), rash, rat(s), rich, rim(s)

Sash, sat, scam(s), scar(s), scat, sham(s), shirt(s), Sir, sis, sit(s), smash, smart(s), stair(s), star(s), starch, stash, stir(s)

Tar(s), this, Tis, trash, tram(s), trim(s), Tsar

Besides the 135 words listed above, Chris, Christ, and Sam might be eligible, depending upon your position of counting proper names in a game like this. Other words might also be possible.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: DECEMBER 19, 2020

😎FUN FACT

Despite the pandemic, because of their Happy Meal prizes, McDonald’s is technically the world’s largest toy distributor.

NUMBER PLEASE

Get ready! We ask the question, but the answer is just a number.

How many presents can Santa Claus🎅 put into an empty sack?

THE LETTER SHUFFLE

How many new words can you spell out of the letters in CHRISTMAS?

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX🎁 and discover the results from the December 12, 2020 Puzzle Corner.

TRIVIA TIME⌚

Thanks to Public Broadcasting, A Charlie Brown Christmas aired on December 13 to maintain its consecutive presentation streak since debuting in 1965. What THREE other holiday specials have aired EVERY YEAR since their premieres?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer🦌 since 1964, Doctor Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas since 1966 and Frosty the Snowman⛄ since 1969.

FAMOUS FIRSTS🥇

What did A Charlie Brown Christmas do that no animated feature did before?

Used actual children to voice the characters instead of having adult actors do the voices.

Some also claim the special is responsible for ending the Aluminum Christmas Tree🎄 fad that existed in the early 1960s, but that’s never been confirmed.

SUNDAY FUNNIES: DEAR SANTA

ALTHOUGH TODAY SHOULD BE AUTUMN THE PUPPY'S TURN, AT READERS' REQUEST, WE ARE INTENTIONALLY REPOSTING A PREVIOUS SUNDAY FUNNIES...

The following is our Sunday Funnies crew's annual letters to the North Pole.

The Free Choice E-zine has permission to reprint both them

and the responses from Mister Claus himself.

Dear Santa:
First and foremost, let me apologize once again for mistaking you for a burglar when you visited my house last Christmas. I was just doing my nightly job of guarding my people when you arrived to leave their presents and I honestly didn't know it was you.

Now then, what would I like for Christmas?
That's a good question.

My people take care of my health. Except for potty runs, I'm indoors during the worst weather times, and I'm certainly fed and loved.

So personally, I don't really need anything; although if you could please explain why I'm not allowed in libraries, despite the fact that I love (TO READ!) books, or why I'm not allowed to drive my people's vehicles despite the fact that I have a (dog) license, I really would appreciate it.

I guess if I were to ask for anything, it would be to make sure that every dog, cat, goldfish, etc; is as lucky to have a good home like I am.

That is a pretty big request, so I'll understand if it isn't possible to fulfill it in one night, but hopefully in time all Humans will be as kind to animals as my people are to me.

In any event, I also promise not to use the Christmas Tree as indoor plumbing, nor will I eat your cookies/snack before you get a chance to enjoy it.
But if there are any crumbs leftover after you're done...

MERRY CHRISTMAS and take care.
Love, Autumn the Puppy.

Dear Autumn:
All is forgiven. You're a good dog.
I will do what I can in regards to helping strays find new homes after the holidays, but even if I didn't already have an important year-round job, I can't do it alone.
I hope anyone looking for a pet for either themselves or their children consider adopting from their local shelter instead of buying one from a pet store.
Love is a precious commodity as it is. There never seems to be enough to go around, considering how many are in need of experiencing it.
One person can't do everything, but if we all do something...
Santa.

A good(?) baby dragon

Dear Santa:
How's it going?
I've been a good baby dragon all year.
Or at least, I've tried to.

I've been thinking long and hard about what I want for Christmas, although why you never gave me as much Belgosian Dark Chocolate as I asked for last year is beyond me.

Rudolph drawing by Waxy

Anyway, while the rest of my Christmas list is on the next page (the toys, the Belgosian Dark Chocolate, crayons, Belgosian Dark Chocolate, new coloring books, Belgosian Dark Chocolate); there is something more important that I need to talk to you about right now.

I thought we cleared this up before, but why is Olive the other reindeer still picking on poor Names; I mean, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Didn't she learn her lesson already?
I know that a red nose is unusual for a reindeer, but like I said before, there is nothing wrong with being different.
EVERYBODY IS!

Anyway, please don't be scared when I try to wait up for you again this Christmas Eve. I don't know what the problem was on your end. I just wanted to say hello and meet the sleigh team, but you never came until after I fell asleep. Considering everywhere you go and all you do, I can't believe you're shy too.
Well, here's hoping I get to see you Christmas Eve, and please don't forget the Belgosian Dark Chocolate.
Love, Waxy Dragon

Dear Waxy:

Rudolph and friends

I understand and deeply appreciate your concern, but that song plays every year because it's an important lesson that needs to be learned and never forgotten.
Everyone IS different, and it is those differences that not only need to be respected, but helps make the world the special place it is.
As for your list, wait and see how things go Christmas morning.
Santa.

AND TO THE FREE CHOICE E-ZINE AND ITS READERSHIP...

S.C.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: DECEMBER 13, 2014

FUN FACT
Until technological improvements cut down the necessary lead time, new Christmas songs and albums were usually written and recorded over the summer for a seasonal release.

TRIVIA TIME
What does "Mele Kalikimaha" mean in English?

REBUS
We're decorating the Puzzle Corner Christmas tree here in The Free Choice E-zine offices, but something is off. Or is it?

We'll reveal all next weekend.
But for now, let's open up THE ANSWERS BOX and reveal the results from the December 6, 2014 Puzzle Corner and our special quiz celebrating the milestones of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

01. When did Rudolph first appear, making 2014 a major anniversary milestone? In 1939, making 2014 the
75th anniversary of the character!

Early book cover

02. Although he has far outlasted the business, what retailer was Rudolph originally created for, and by whom? Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward. Legend has it the retailer was tired of giving out other company's coloring books as presents to customers' children and wanted a character of their own.
03. The classic song came AFTER the event covered in questions 1 and 2, but BEFORE the TV special. When was it written, allowing Rudolph to celebrate yet another milestone anniversary this year? 1949, making 2014 the tune's 65th anniversary!
04. Who wrote the Rudolph song, and who was the very first artist to record it?
Gene Autry first recorded the Johnny Marks song. Allegedly, Autry was one song short of completing his Christmas album, and his wife kept lobbying for "the baby reindeer song" to be included. Whether or not that's true, the rest is history.

Ad for Rudolph's debut

05. When did the TV special first air, making

2014 DVD cover

2014 yet another major anniversary for Rudolph?
On December 6, 1964, making 2014 Rudolph's 50th anniversary!
06. Everyone knows what network Rudolph has aired on since the early 1970s (here in the United States), but who originally debuted the special?
The NBC Television network, where it aired from 1964-1971. CBS has had it ever since. And as reported in last week's FUN FACT, Rudolph, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman are the only animated Christmas specials to air annually since their debut.
07. Who are Rudolph's parents?
Mr. and Mrs. Donner, according to the TV special.
08. True or False: Sam the Snowman and Rudolph meet during the course of
the TV special.
FALSE! Their only meeting is staged on the CD cover to the show's soundtrack.
09. When shown with one, what is Sam the Snowman's musical instrument of choice? A banjo.
10. Besides the obvious edition of more commercials over the years, how has every showing of Rudolph on TV differed from the very first one?
The audience flooded NBC with protests that at the end of the special, Santa didn't keep his promise to collect the toys on Misfit Island and find them new homes. To correct the mistake, a new ending was created that has aired every year since 1965, but to make room, some dialogue and song reprises had to be cut. Most of those have returned over the years to some extent, but Yukon Cornelius' final scene of discovering a Peppermint Mine (instead of Silver and/or Gold) near Santa's Workshop and being set for life has NEVER aired on TV since 1964!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer images courtesy of Wikipedia's Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and company (c) whoever owns them now, since Montgomery Ward has been out of business since 2000.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: DECEMBER 6, 2014

FUN FACT
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of four animated specials that has been on television EVERY Christmas season since its debut!
The other three are A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman.

Hello and welcome to the first Puzzle Corner of the 2014 Christmas season, as we celebrate the multiple anniversaries of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with a special quiz.

Original ad for first airing, image via Wikipedia

01. When did Rudolph first appear, making 2014 a major anniversary milestone?
02. Although he has far outlasted the business, what retailer was Rudolph originally created for, and by whom?
03. The classic song came AFTER the event covered in questions 1 and 2, but BEFORE the TV special. When was it written, allowing Rudolph to celebrate yet another anniversary this year?
04. Who wrote the Rudolph song, and who was the very first artist to record it?
05. When did the TV special first air, making 2014 yet another major anniversary for Rudolph?
06. Everyone knows what network Rudolph has aired on since the early 1970s, but who originally debuted the special?
07. Who are Rudolph's parents?
08. True or False: Sam the Snowman and Rudolph meet during the course of the TV special.
09. When shown with one, what is Sam the Snowman's musical instrument of choice?
10. Besides the obvious edition of more commercials over the years, how has every showing of Rudolph on TV differed from the very first one?

We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now, let's open up THE ANSWERS BOX and discover the results from our November 29th, 2014 Puzzle Corner.

COMMON BONDS
The items in each subset have something in common.
Do you know what it is?

01. {John Wayne, Walt Disney, Tom Cruise, Wayne Gretzky}
ALL were newspaper carriers as children before they became famous.
02. {Morocco, France, Spain} and yes, we know they're all countries.
But they're all countries with coastlines bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

TRIVIA TIME
What is the difference between a gaggle and a skein when discussing geese?
A gaggle is a group of geese on the ground, while a skein of geese are in the air.

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: DEAR SANTA... (Waxy defends Rudolph and being different)

I HAVE been a good dragon!

Dear Santa Claus:

My name is Waxy Dragon. I am 4 years old and in my second year of Dragon School; which I have been told is like a Human child in first grade.

I have been thinking long and hard about what I want for Christmas, although why you have not sent me as much Belgosian Dark Chocolate as I have asked for in the past is a mystery to me.

Anyway, while the rest of my Christmas list is on the next page (the toys, Belgosian Dark Chocolate, crayons, Belgosian Dark Chocolate, coloring books, Belgosian Dark Chocolate, and more Belgosian Dark Chocolate); there is something more important that I need to talk to you about right now.

Rudolph drawing by Waxy herself

I just heard the song about your sleigh and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,
and I don't understand why Olive (the other reindeer) is picking on poor Names, I mean: Rudolph. Just in case you haven't heard it for yourself, the line goes "Olive the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him Names."

Now, I hope that "used to" means Olive is no longer picking on Rudolph; but why was she teasing him to begin with? Because he's different? I know that a red nose is unusual for a reindeer, but there is nothing wrong with being different. EVERYBODY IS!

Looking forward to seeing you Christmas eve.
Love, Waxy.
P.S.: Please don't forget the Belgosian Dark Chocolate!

Dear Waxy:

As you can see by the team photo I have enclosed with this letter, I can assure you that Rudolph and all of the other reindeer are getting along fine. Any problems of the past have long since been resolved.

Take care, and be good.

Santa.