TABLEOF CONTENTS
CROSSWORDS,NUMBER PUZZLES,WORD GAMES, LOGIC PUZZLESAND TRIVIA
AllpuzzlesaresyndicatedbyKingFeaturesSyndicate Inc.andhave beenpreviouslypublished.
equation work?
PointandSolve
Inthiscrosswordpuzzlevariety, thecluesappearin the diagramitself. Simplyentertheanswersinthedirections indicated by the arrows.
Crossword by EugeneSheffer
Lummox
Formerly
Answerson page18
Cryptoquote
AXYDLBAAXR is LONGFELLOW
Oneletterstandsforanother. In thissample,A is used forthethree L’s,X for thetwoO’s,etc.
addressee
Signifying
often
35ReplytotheLittle RedHen
37Condemnpublicly
39 “Tobe,”forex. 41Naturalist Fossey
42 Wears away 45 Trick-or-treatcharity
49 Dwellers
51Gilbertof “The Talk”
52 Bodysci.
53Honestpolitician?
54Leaveout
55Doubleagent
56More, toManuela
57Zilch
IfV=12R/(r+ R), then R =?
DOWN
1 Atasnail’space
2 NewRochelle college
3 CharlieBrown’s frenemy
4 Verdimasterwork
5 ClaudiaAlta Taylor Johnson
6 Bullringbravo
7 ActressGershon
8 Ringedplanet
9 Subjectof Frederick I
Countrywide
Mensatypes 29 Robitailleofhockey fame
30 —outaliving 33 Reddishhorse
36 Putinwriting 38 Togetherness 40 Tasseledhat 42 Dutchcheese
43 Nevadacity
44 Fashionline?
46 Hunter’sgarb, for short
48 Destiny
10Shrekisone 11“Piggies” 17 Parisianpal 19Car 22 Finished 24 AuthorBrown 25 Swelledhead
47 Ms.Brockovich
50 Cagers’org.
Countrywood
SHOPPING CENTER
HOLIDAYGREETINGS!
UP
Visit Countrywood ShoppingCenter foreverythingonyour holidayshopping list!
Whether it’sShopping,DiningorServices,you will find EVERYTHINGyou needatCountrywood… YourONE-STOP shoppingcenter!
SHOPS
Anime Store Near Me
925.429.4737
Countrywood Florist
925.932.6110
Countrywood Interiors
925.932.4626
CVS/pharmacy
925.938.8525
Elsmore Swim Shop
925.360.1379
McCaulou’sDepartmentStore
925.935.9300
Milner’sJewelers
925.938.3915c
925.937.8537
Cousin’sKiosk &Engraving
925.338.0026
FashionCleaners
925.939.9580
Makers Gallery&parlor
925.597.5633
Provident CreditUnion
800.632 4600 Safari Kid
925.295.0761
StretchLab
925.291.5548
TheUPS Store
925.934.2844
Countrywood Administrative office
925.939.8800
FOOD &DRINK
Allstar Donuts
925.256.6478
Artie’s Countrywood Lounge
925.934.5662
BlackBearDiner
925.941.0000
Genova Delicatessen
925.938.2888
O’Brien’s Ice Cream
925.937.1350
JambaJuice
925.944.2900
Mariachi MexicanGrill
925.933.9500
Noah’sNew York Bagels
925.256.8284
Panera Bread
925.933.2230
Pizzalina
925-546-1064
Sichuan House
925.933.3278
Starbucks Coffee
925.256.9267
Adoring Nails
925.490.5343
BEAUT FITNESS
Sudoku
Sudokuisanumber-placingpuzzlebasedona9x9 grid withseveralgiven numbers.Theobjectistoplacethenumbers1 to 9 in the empty squaresso that eachrow, columnandeach3x3boxcontains the samenumberonlyonce.
SuperQuiz
Take thisSuperQuiztothe Ph D.Level.1pointforeachcorrect answeronthe FreshmanLevel,2 pointsontheGraduateLevel and3 pointsonthePh.D.Level.
Answers onpage18
PremierCrossword by Frank A. Longo
MazeToons
Cryptoquote
Answerson page19
AXYDLBAAXR is LONGFELLOW
Oneletterstandsforanother. In thissample,A is used forthethree L’s,X for thetwoO’s,etc.
Why Give to Joybound People & PetsThis
Holiday Season?
Let’sbehonest aroundtheholidays,we’reallalittlesentimental. Maybeit’s thesmellofpineneedles, the twinkleoflights,orthesightof yourdogtrying(andfailing)tounwrap theirownpresent.Whateveritis,this seasonremindsuswhatreallymatters: connection,compassion,andyes, joy.
At Joybound People& Pets in WalnutCreek,thatjoyisourmission 365daysayear. We bringpeopleand petstogether,nurturetheirbond, and buildhappier,healthiercommunities intheprocess.Andthisholidayseason, whenyougiveto Joybound, you’re notjust donating,you’reunleashinga rippleof goodthattouchesthousands oflives.
AGift That Doublesthe Joy Thankstoa generous matching donor, everygiftthisholiday season is doubled. That meansdouble the rescues,doublethetailwags,and doublethecomfortforpeoplewho needitmost. Imaginehelpingaoncehomelesspup findawarmbed and empoweringaveteranto findpurpose throughtrainingthatsamedogasa serviceanimal. That’s thekindoffullcirclemagicyourgiftmakespossible. Lives Transformed— Two at a Time In thepastyearalone, Joybound facilitatedover 2,000petadoptions —that’s2,000newfamiliesformed, 2,000liveschanged,and2,000 reasonstobelieveinsecondchances. Butadoptionisjustthebeginning. Throughour Community Solutions program,wehelppetguardians keep theiranimalsthroughtough timesby providingfood,veterinarycare,and trainingresources.Because we believe loveshouldn’t dependonyourbank account.
Thenthere’s our EngelstadGroomingAcademy,whereaspiringgroomerstrainalongsideshelteranimals earningjobskillswhilegivingpets theTLCtheydeserve. Talkabouta win-win: every fluffy blowoutisa steptowardabrighterfutureforboth studentandpup.
Andlet’snotforget our Shelterto Serviceprogram,pairingrescuedogs withpeoplemanagingpsychiatric oremotionalchallenges. Together, theylearn,heal,andgrowin ways thatsciencecanmeasure—buthearts simplyfeel.
Why Joybound,andWhy Now? Sure,thereareplenty of goodcauses outthere.But Joyboundisunique becauseit’s notjust about animals —it’s aboutpeople too. It’s aboutthe powerofcompanionship,thescience ofempathy, andthebelief that joy sharedisjoy multiplied.
Sothisholidayseason,whileyou’re sippingcocoaandscrollingthrough giftguides,considergivingsomethingthatoutlaststheseason.Agift to Joybound People& Petsdoesn’t justbringhappinessforaday— it buildsa futurewhere every pethas alovinghomeand every personwho needsonehasaloyalfriend bytheir side.
Doubleyourjoy. Doubleyourimpact. Giveto Joybound People& Pets. Andwhoknows? Youmightjust findthatthebestgiftyougivethis year hasfur,fourpaws,andaheartfullof gratitude.
Crossword by
ThomasJoseph
ACROSS
1 Nurseryresidents
7 Bookunit
11Willingtotry
12Openspace
13Sportssub
15Swiftness
16Spotted
18Beboastful
21Lackinglocks
22Driftontothebeach
24Inthestyleof
25Method
26Memorableperiod
27Roundstorageitem
29 Treatroughly
30Smallvalley
31Atlanticcatches
32Manyatime
43Soundedahorn
DOWN
1Hopeofcomedy
2King Kong, forone
3GolferCrenshaw
4Movedslowly
5 PatriotAllen
6Boars’mates
7Kitchengadgets
Experiencethe Magicof the Holidaysat Symphony
San Jose’s Holiday Spectacular
Transformyourholidayseasoninto amagicalfamily event at the majestic California TheatrewithSymphony
San Jose’s presentationof Holiday Spectacular.
Underthedirectionofconductor ElenaSharkova,thisdazzling spectacularfeaturesSymphonySan Jose Chorale,Cantabile YouthSingers, NewBallet,andspecialguests. The enchantingprogramincludesbeloved holiday classics,heartwarmingcarols, spectaculardanceperformances,and thepopular“12DaysofSilicon Valley.”
Thefestivitiesbeginanhourbefore curtaintimewithpre-concertfun! Meet Santaand Mrs. Claus for preciousholidayphotosand shareyour Christmaswishes. Youcanalsounleash yourcreativity at the Gingerbread CookieDecoratingExtravaganza,a belovedtraditionperfectforallages.
PerformanceDates:
•Saturday,December6 at 2:30p.m. and7:30p.m.
•Sunday, December7 at 2:30p.m.
Tickets rangefrom$35 to $115. Use promocode FAMILYFUN forthe Saturdaymatinee to get achild’s ticket foronly$10witheachadultticket purchase.
Don’t missthisessentialholiday experience filled with the timeless beautyofliveorchestralmusicandthe warmthofcommunity. Reserveyour seatstoday! at SymphonySanJose.org
ExperienceThe San Jose Nutcracker: A Local Holiday Treasure
SymphonySan Joseand NewBallet teamuptopresentaunique holiday tradition: TheSan Jose Nutcracker FeaturingDaliaRawson’s breathtakingchoreographyand Tchaikovsky’s full symphonicscore, thisproduction transformsthebelovedballetintoa localcelebration.
Stepintothe majestic1920sCalifornia TheatreforajourneybacktoSan Jose at theturnofthe20thcentury Marvel at historicscenicelements,including a growingreplicaoftheSan JoseLight Toweranda1905-inspiredskyline Costumesreference HistorySan Jose archives,andthesecondactbeautifully honorstheregion’s agriculturalpast as “The Valleyof Heart’sDelight”with enchantingorchardblossoms.
Forfamilieswithyoungchildren, My Very First Nutcracker offers speciallydesignedone-hour, one-act performancesonDecember 14,21,and 22 at 11a.m.,perfectforintroducing
toddlersandpreschoolers to live theater(tickets$20-$100).
Arriveearlytoenjoypre-concert festivities at everyshow,includinghistoric organmusic,holidaydecorations,and photoopportunities withcostumedcharacters.Regularperformancesrunfrom December13-23,withtickets ranging from$25to$120. Make thiscelebration ofcommunity, history, andtheseason yourfamily’snewholidaytradition! Forticketsandgroupdiscounts, call(408)286-2600.Orvisit symphonysanjose.org/attend/20252026-season/special-events/ the-san-jose-nutcracker/
Multi-Sudoku
Eachpuzzleconsistsoftwoormore Sudoku grids overlappingeachotherinvariousconfigurations. Overlappingareasmust complywith the rulesofmorethanonegrid.
MazeToons
Answers on page11
Take thisSuperQuiztothe Ph. D.Level.1pointforeachcorrect answeronthe FreshmanLevel,2 pointsontheGraduateLevel and 3pointsonthe Ph.D.Level.
Cryptoquote
Oneletterstandsforanother.Inthissample,Aisused for thethree L’s,XforthetwoO’s,etc.
On Lok PACE: HelpingSeniors Stay
Healthy, Active, and Connected–
Duringthe Holidays and Beyond
Theholidayseasonisatimefor connectionandcelebration.Butfor manyofourolderneighbors,itcan alsobeareminderofloss,loneliness, and financialhardship. Insteadofjoininginthefestivities,olderadultson alimitedincomemayhave to choose betweenpayingrent,buyingnutritious food,or fillingprescriptions. Forthose wholivealone,isolationoften goes handinhandwiththesechallenges, takingatollonoverallhealthand wellbeing.
That’s whereOn Lok PACE (ProgramofAll-InclusiveCarefor theElderly)canmake adifference. FoundedbynonprofitOn Lok, PACE is anationallyrecognized,full-service careproviderandhealthplanthat supportsolderadultswiththecare and servicestheyneedtolivesafelyintheir community.
TodayOn Lok PACE servesover 2,100BayAreaseniors,providingthem withservicessuchasmedicalcare, homecare,transportation,andsocial activitiestohelpthemthrivethroughouttheiragingjourney. Each has a teamofdoctors,therapists,andsocial workerswhodesignapersonalizedcare planthat evolvesasindividualneeds change. Participantsreceivecare at one ofoursevenOn Lok PACEcenters, at alternativecaresettings,inthehome, andthroughournetworkofspecialists. Becausesocialengagementissuch animportantpartof stayingmentally andphysicallyhealthy, On Lok PACE centersarealsovibrantcommunity hubsconnectingparticipantswithone anotheranda variety ofactivities,from bingotournamentstotaichiandart classes.
Theholidayscanbeespeciallymeaningful at On Lok PACEcenters,where participantsgather to enjoynutritious meals,share culturaltraditions,and enjoythe warmthoftheseason. For many, thesemomentsareasourceof comfortandcompanionshipwhenit’s neededmost.
Thisyear,On Lok PACE isonceagain spreadingholidaycheer at Christmasin the ParkinDowntownSan José’sPlaza deCésar Chávez. Participantsand staff fromour PACEcentersin Fremont, EastSan JoséandSan Joséarecoming togethertodecorateafestivetreewith theirhandmadeornaments.
“Christmasinthe Parkisa wonderfulwayforustoshareinthespirit oftheseasonandconnect with the community,”saidNicole Torres,On Lok ChiefOperating Officer. “We areproudtobepartof thistradition, bringing smilesanddelighttovisitors ofallages.Stop by DowntownSan José andcheck outtheOn Lok PACEtree ondisplaythrough New Year’s Day!”
On Lokispreparing to serve hundredsmoreolderadultsinEast BayandSouthBay, with twonew centersscheduledtoopenin Union CityandSouthSan Jose next year
“AsOn Lok PACE continues to grow, weare excitedtoreachoutandhelp moreseniorslive withdignity, health, andjoy,” saidNicole. “Weareherefor themnotonlyduring theholidays,but allyearlong.”
To learnmore,visitonlok/pace.org.
PointandSolve
Inthiscrosswordpuzzlevariety, thecluesappear inthe diagramitself. Simplyentertheanswersinthedirections indicated by the arrows.
Even Exchange
Eachnumberedrowcontains twocluesandtwo6-letteranswers.Thetwoanswersdiffer fromeachother by onlyone letter, whichhasalreadybeen inserted. Forexample, if you exchangethe A fromMASTER foran I, yougetMISTER.Do notchangetheorderof the letters.
VotedasTheBestDowntownShoppingCenter CountrywoodShopping Center WalnutCreek’s
PremierOne-StopShopping Destination
Countrywood ShoppingCenter,the premierneighborhoodshoppingcenter in WalnutCreekanchoredbySafeway, CVSpharmacy, and McCaulou’s DepartmentStore,offersaconvenient one-stopshopping experiencewith plentyofparking.
Thepark-likesettingofthisshoppingcenterlocated at thecornerof TreatBoulevardand
BancroftRoadistheperfectdestinationfor everythingyouneed from groceriesandprescriptions to the latestfashionsforthefamilyandyour homeandgiftsfor everyone.Visit Countrywood Interiors, Milner’s Jewelers,the Countrywood Florist,Countrywood NailSalon, MarkersGalleryand Parlor, Fashion Cleaners,and customengraving at Cousin’s Kioskinfrontof McCaulou’s.
Allthatshoppingwillworkup anappetite,andCountrywoodhas
youcoveredwithagreat selection ofrestaurants.Stopinandgraba quickbite at PaneraBread, Noah’s Bagels,All-StarDonuts, Jamba Juice, O’Brien’s IceCream,andStarbuck’s Coffee.Severalotherdiningoptions are available,including Mariachi MexicanGrill,Sichuan House,Artie’s LoungeandSportsBar,andthefavoriteBlackBearDiner.Alsocomeinand dine at ournewest restaurant, Pizzalina,withanoutdoor,dog-friendly
stmaryscenter.org/GiveToday
The happyplace with over 200 indoorand outdoorexhibits, the iconic PurpleMuseumin downtown San Jose offersendless opportunities forfun and learning. Whether you’reexploring interactive science and art exhibits or enjoying natureadventures in ouroutdoor spaces, there’s something foreveryoneinthe family to love. Come discoverwhy we’re afavorite destination forfamiliesfrom all around the Bay Area!
Join us forour upcoming cultural and holiday celebrations:
Menorahs &Miracles (Hanukkah celebration)12/6 Noon Year’s Eve (Countdownto2026) 12/31
Dia Del Los Tres Reyes(Three King’s Day) 1/10
Wuzzles- Page2
Stickelers- Page2
Here’soneanswer
7483 +7455 14938
Sudokus-Page 6
Point&Solve- Page 4
Stickelers- Page 4
R = -Vr/(V - 12)orVr/(12-v)
1)V(r+ R) =12R
2)V(r+ R) - 12R=0
3)Vr + VR-12R =0
4)VR-12R= -Vr
5)R(V-12)= -Vr
6)R=-Vr/(V-12) Vcannotequal12,andrcannotequal0.
Cryptoquote-Page 4
ANOTHER CHRISTMAS MIRACLE ISHOW EVERYONE RECEIVESMORE CHRISTMAS CARDS THAN HE SENDS.— SOURCE UNKNOWN
ShefferCrossword-Page 4
PremierCrossword-Page 8
Multi-Sudoku
Eachpuzzleconsistsoftwoormore Sudoku grids overlappingeachotherinvariousconfigurations. Overlappingareasmust complywith the rulesofmorethanonegrid.
MazeToons
Answers onpage19
Take thisSuperQuiztothe Ph. D.Level.1pointforeachcorrect answeronthe FreshmanLevel,2 pointsontheGraduateLevel and 3pointsonthe Ph.D.Level.
Cryptoquote
Oneletterstandsforanother.Inthissample,Aisused for thethree L’s,XforthetwoO’s,etc.
