In this week’s puzzle, John Chaneski imagines the possibilities in several alternate universes. For example, what show would have hired him as the Quiz Guy if he’d answered an ad to create games involving nuthatches, northern flickers, and ospreys...
A woman in Virginia Beach, Virginia, wants to know the pronunciation of floccinaucinihilipilification, and why such a long word means “the habit of estimating something as worthless.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
bear pit n.— «In an Australian first, politicians will be able to breastfeed their babies in NSW Parliament, under landmark rules. The controversial move is sure to ruffle the feathers of some male MPs who dominate Parliament’s lower house chamber...
plastic chicken n.— «Chicken served in restaurants, hospitals and schools is still being pumped up secretly with water and proteins to increase its size and weight, The Times has learnt.…Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrats’ spokesman on food, is to...
pizza parliament n.— «Pizza parliament is a semi-derogatory term used to describe the parliamentary system in Italy (and other countries) where there are so many political parties that it is impossible for any one of them to have a majority and...
bearpit n.— «He will take his seat opposite Miss Clark in Parliament’s chamber, or the bearpit as it is sometimes known, but he says he is not overly nervous at the prospect.» —“Key to square off against Clark for first time” Radio New Zealand Dec...

