Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is sweet, and so is Doctor E, because he is back yet again, with another episode of his puzzle contest, open to all Iowa high-school students and UNI students. As always, he is carrying checks for $60, $40, and $20 which he will award to the individuals or teams with the top scores. Additional wonderful prizes will be donated by the good folks at Kadon Enterprises, makers of fine gamepuzzles since 1980. He also is carrying handsome certificates, suitable for framing, for all who wind up with outstanding scores.

Turning in the correct solution by November 20 will earn 2 puzzle points. Turning in the correct solution, along with the definition of a Hoop-La (spelled that way) will earn 3 puzzle points.

Last July 11, Andy went to a local convenience store and bought four items. His total bill (without sales tax) was $7.11.

“Uncanny,” he said. “The date is 7/11, and my bill came to $7.11”

The clerk looked at the prices and said, “Even more uncanny than you think. The PRODUCT of your items is also $7.11”

“And,” Andy said, “the name of this store is...?”

“White Hen Pantry, why?” answered the clerk.

What were the costs of Andy’s four items?

The deadline for sending in solutions has expired.  But feel free to take some time to work on this one, and click here to see the answer.   Alternatively, click here to see the current challenge.

Web Page design: Doug Shaw