Sixty-Sixth Journal Entry

[puzzledprof]

I suppose I'm overdue for a puzzle, aren't I? I thought I'd try something different this time. Instead of giving the same puzzle to everyone, you can ask me for whatever kind of puzzle you'd like. I've found that my number puzzles don't go over very well, so a choice would be best, wouldn't it?

Comments

[satellitemecha]

What sort of puzzles do you offer?

[puzzledprof]

Anything that can be conveyed over the communicator. Riddles, logic, and numbers are the easiest; visual puzzles are a bit harder. Anything with moving parts, however, is unfortunately out of the question.

[satellitemecha]

Well, you can give me any sort of puzzle you like.

[puzzledprof]

Alright, then, here's one.

If 8+1=2, 9+8=3, and 6-3=1, what is 8+8? They aren't using the normal rules for arithmetic, so the answer won't be 16.

[hullonurse]

I wouldn't mind a puzzle, I suppose. What kind do you prefer?

[puzzledprof]

All sorts, of course. I suppose I prefer logic puzzles these days, but it changes from time to time.

[hullonurse]

Well, then, I would quite like to hear one.

[puzzledprof]

Three friends are arguing about how many white fish are in a group of yellow fish.

The first says, "There are at least four white fish."
The second says, "No, there are less than four white fish."
The third says, "There is at least one white fish."

If only one of them is correct, which one is it, and how many white fish are there?

[puzzledprof]

From my point of view, almost all puzzles are "cool". You'll have to be more specific than that.

[puzzledprof]

Logic, then? Perhaps something with truth and lies?

[fierybluebird]

Got any riddles?

[puzzledprof]

It's been some time since I've had access to new riddles, but I'll give this one a try.

A beggar's brother died, but the man who died had no brother. How can this be?

[fierybluebird]

Huh... I don't know. How?

[puzzledprof]

The beggar was a woman. It's a common twist in riddles like these.

[sheroic]

One with hot dogs!

[puzzledprof]

...I'm afraid I don't know any puzzles that involve hot dogs.

[sheroic]

Why not?

[puzzledprof]

Hot dogs simply aren't associated with mental exercise, that I've found.