Puzzling

The past few days I have been endlessly distracted by a new puzzle. It was sent to me by a former co-worker, who I am convinced was trying to sabotage my chances of getting a new job.

I had been trying to do the New York Times crossword puzzle as a stimulus for the mind, but this turned out to be that and so much more.

The puzzles are known as Weffriddles and they are created for a more modern audience, as the answers to clues turn into the URL for the next puzzle. So, you can only continue if you have the correct answer to the puzzle. It's an interesting way to puzzle in our new technological world. It's also leads to obsession and hundreds upon hundreds of 404 error message screens.

Luckily there is a Weffriddles message board that is filled with people bashing their heads against their screens (as they will prominently display in their signatures and posts). I'm not sure if I would have scratched my way through "batch 4" without some nudges from other "Weffers" along the way, but now that I am (temporarily) finished, it's nice to not have nonsensical words like NURLO and GORP running thorugh my head.

Since the holidays are coming up and you may have more time on your hands, I gift to you Weffriddles. Just make sure you start after the family obligations are over.

Another puzzle that I got into a while ago and finished the first round of is a Japaenese laser puzzle, by Hawkpeng79 (whoever that is). If you get through the first, there is a second level (at least). I had to cut myself off, but if you're into it... please enjoy. (Knowledge of Japanese not necessary, but it sure would be nice to know what it says.)