The Sunday Puzzle: A Tribute to Mimi
The Sunday Puzzle, a beloved segment on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, is a weekly challenge that tests listeners' knowledge and creativity. This week's puzzle is a special tribute to Mimi, with answers that are two-word phrases or names, each starting with the letters 'MI'. It's a fun and clever way to celebrate a familiar name and challenge listeners to think outside the box.
The puzzle consists of 11 clues, each with a unique and intriguing answer. Here's a breakdown of the clues and my thoughts on each one:
- Pageant title for a contestant from Detroit
In my opinion, this clue is a clever play on words. The answer, 'Miss Detroit', is a straightforward and obvious choice. However, what makes it particularly fascinating is the idea of a pageant title being a two-word phrase. It raises a deeper question: how do we define a 'pageant' in the context of a specific location? Is it the title itself, or the entire concept of a beauty competition in Detroit?
- One of the Twin Cities
This clue is a bit more challenging. The answer, 'Minneapolis', is a well-known city in the Twin Cities area. What makes it interesting is the idea of a two-word phrase that represents a city. It makes me think about the relationship between the two cities and how they are often referred to together. Is it a natural pairing, or is it a more arbitrary choice?
- Nickname for the river through New Orleans
The answer to this clue is 'Mississippi'. What makes it fascinating is the historical and cultural significance of the Mississippi River. It's a reminder of the rich history of the American South and the role of the river in shaping the region's identity. It also makes me think about the power of a nickname to encapsulate the essence of a place.
- Super short skirt
This clue is a play on words, with the answer being 'Mini Skirt'. What makes it interesting is the idea of a 'super short' garment being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the evolution of fashion and how a simple term can convey a specific and often controversial style.
- Neighborhood in Los Angeles that contains Museum Row
The answer to this clue is 'Mid-City'. What makes it fascinating is the idea of a neighborhood being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the relationship between the neighborhood and the museums it contains. Is it a natural fit, or is it a more arbitrary choice?
- Just over four times the distance from the earth to the moon
This clue is a bit more technical. The answer is '421,368 miles'. What makes it interesting is the idea of a distance being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the relationship between the Earth and the Moon and how a simple phrase can convey a specific and often mind-boggling measurement.
- Goateed sing-along conductor of old TV
The answer to this clue is 'Mike Douglas'. What makes it fascinating is the idea of a TV personality being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the impact of Mike Douglas on popular culture and how a simple name can encapsulate a specific and memorable persona.
- American financier who pioneered so-called 'junk bonds'
The answer is 'Michael Milken'. What makes it interesting is the idea of a financier being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the impact of Michael Milken on the financial industry and how a simple name can convey a specific and often controversial role.
- Little accident
This clue is a play on words, with the answer being 'Minor Mishap'. What makes it fascinating is the idea of a 'little' accident being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the relationship between the concept of an accident and the idea of something being 'minor'. Is it a subtle distinction, or is it a more significant one?
- Land-based weapon in America's nuclear arsenal
The answer is 'Missile'. What makes it interesting is the idea of a weapon being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the relationship between the concept of a missile and the idea of a nuclear weapon. Is it a natural pairing, or is it a more arbitrary choice?
- In 'Snow White', the evil queen's words before 'on the wall'
The answer is 'Mirror, mirror'. What makes it fascinating is the idea of a phrase being a two-word phrase. It makes me think about the relationship between the concept of a mirror and the idea of a queen's words. Is it a natural fit, or is it a more arbitrary choice?
In conclusion, the Sunday Puzzle is a fun and engaging challenge that tests listeners' knowledge and creativity. It's a reminder of the power of language and how a simple phrase can convey a specific and often intriguing meaning. I hope that this commentary has provided some insight into the puzzle and its answers, and I look forward to seeing the answers that listeners come up with.
