Two Syllables for 'U'

By Will Shortz

Published January 8, 2006 at 8:50 AM EST

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home.

Challenge from Jan. 1: From Ed Pegg, Jr., who runs the Web site Mathpuzzle.com: The numbers 2, 4, 6, and 30, are the first four numbers whose names lack the letter "E". What is the 23rd number whose name lacks an "E"?

Answer: 2006.

Winner: Mitch Berman of Witchita, Kansas.

Challenge from Jan. 8: Name an American Indian tribe. Somewhere inside this name, phonetically, is a kind of tree. Remove this tree, close up the remaining letters, and the remainder, phonetically, will name another kind of tree. What Indian tribe is this... and what are the trees?

Will Shortz

NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz has appeared on Weekend Edition Sunday since the program's start in 1987. He's also the crossword editor of The New York Times, the former editor of Games magazine, and the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (since 1978).

See stories by Will Shortz

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now