20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition
I’m in the mood to play a game. How ‘bout Twenty Questions? We haven’t played that one in a while. Here are the rules:
- The answer is related to Lincoln.
- The questions should be worded so they generate a yes/no answer.
- Each person may ask one question at a time. After your question has been answered, you may ask another one.
- Ask your question as a comment to this blog post. Do not ask your question as a reply to another comment (i.e. a “nested comment")
Ask away!
- It is not a business
- It is North of O St. (although the item may not be location specific)
- It is in Lincoln
- A government entity does NOT maintain it
- It is not a person
- It is a thing(s)
- It is east of 27th street (although the item may not be location specific)
- It is not a school
- It is east of 70th street
- It is inside a structure
- It is not holiday related
- It is not a single thing inside a single structure
- It is not a common household item unless, perhaps, you are lucky
- It is not related to a game of chance
- It is something you eat
- It is not unique to Lincoln.
- It is not a Runza sandwich.
- It is not “omnipresent”.
- It is Miller & Paine Cinnamon Rolls!
Good work, Moses! Moses picked up on my hint that the guessers were “tantalizingly warm” and took it to its only logical conclusion. Miller & Paine cinnamon rolls are a quintessential Lincolnite food. The rolls, once only served at the M&P department store, are now served at Runza and Braeda. Credit goes to The Missus for suggesting the answer.
This means I haven’t managed to stump you folks yet. Not that I’m really trying to stump you. I just want to make you think hard and work together. Mission accomplished I’d say, yeah?
Good work, folks!
The Comments
Fletch says Is it a business? December 21, 2009 at 11:00am
Is it a business?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Is it a business? December 21, 2009 at 11:42am
Woah, sorry to be so slow. I missed the notification that somebody had posted a question.
No, it is not a business.
Fletch says RE: Is it a business? December 21, 2009 at 3:54pm
Now it won’t take my comments. Maybe that’s a blessing.
Fletch says Wow, am I the only December 21, 2009 at 1:35pm
Wow, am I the only one here today? At this rate, we won’t have a winner until New Year’s.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Wow, am I the only December 21, 2009 at 2:08pm
I blame myself for being such a slacker blog-wise these past few weeks. Plus, historically the page views on this site drop way down around Christmas and New Years.
Nikkidemas says RE: Wow, am I the only December 21, 2009 at 4:44pm
I tried posting earlier, but I kept getting bounced out by an error.
Fortissimo says Is it North of O December 21, 2009 at 2:08pm
Is it North of O Street?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Is it North of O December 21, 2009 at 2:59pm
2. Yes.
Dave K says Okay, I'll play along. December 21, 2009 at 2:08pm
Okay, I’ll play along. Is it in Lincoln?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Okay, I'll play along. December 21, 2009 at 2:59pm
3. Yes.
Steve says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 21, 2009 at 3:41pm
I’m new at this so goes easy on me, but does a government entity maintain it?
Mr. Wilson says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 21, 2009 at 3:49pm
4. No.
Fletch says Here's another one - for December 21, 2009 at 3:55pm
Here’s another one - for some reason, I’m having posting issues…
Is it a person?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Here's another one - for December 21, 2009 at 3:59pm
5. No.
What sort of posting troubles are you having? Are you getting an error message? A blank screen?
Fletch says RE: Here's another one - for December 21, 2009 at 4:23pm
I was getting an error message when I just typed “is it a person?”—perhaps my question was just too short. And of course, I get the no posting within 8 seconds of the page loading error from time to time.
Nikkidemas says Is it a thing(s)? December 21, 2009 at 4:49pm
Is it a thing(s)?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Is it a thing(s)? December 21, 2009 at 5:00pm
Yes.
Fletch says Is it east of 27th December 21, 2009 at 5:06pm
Is it east of 27th Street?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Is it east of 27th December 21, 2009 at 5:11pm
Yes.
jake rhymes with cake says is it a school? December 21, 2009 at 5:19pm
is it a school?
Mr. Wilson says RE: is it a school? December 21, 2009 at 5:29pm
8. No.
Fletch says I don't think a school December 21, 2009 at 5:24pm
I don’t think a school or park, since that would be maintained by a gov’t agency - unless it were a private school or park. Hmmm…
Fletch says RE: I don't think a school December 21, 2009 at 5:43pm
that was supposed to be a reply up above - you know, comparing notes out loud.
Steve says RE: I don't think a school December 21, 2009 at 5:58pm
Is the Abbott Sports complex considered a business I wonder? The part about “related” to Lincoln has me wondering. I’m not asking...just talking out loud.
Mr. Wilson says Continued December 21, 2009 at 6:00pm
We may have to continue this tomorrow. I’m not sure how faithfully I’ll be able to post answers tonight. I’ll do my best!
lisa says is it east of 70th December 21, 2009 at 6:17pm
is it east of 70th street?
Mr. Wilson says RE: is it east of 70th December 21, 2009 at 6:24pm
9. Yes.
Hint: Answers to questions along the lines of “Is it [some direction] of [some place]” may be misleading if the thing is (a) omnipresent or (b) at multiple locations. I’m just sayin’.
Gene says RE: is it east of 70th December 21, 2009 at 6:39pm
HA! I never thought of that.
Fletch says RE: is it east of 70th December 21, 2009 at 6:44pm
oh, omnipresent. That presents a whole new challenge.
Chris says #10 December 22, 2009 at 8:36am
Is it inside a structure?
Mr. Wilson says RE: #10 December 22, 2009 at 9:25am
10. Yes.
Moses says RE: #10 December 22, 2009 at 11:41am
Per the previous hint....could it be inside more than one structure?
Mr. Wilson says RE: #10 December 22, 2009 at 11:49am
I’m not sure if this is a “real” question, or just a discussion starter so I’ll hold off on answering this one for now.
Moses says RE: #10 December 22, 2009 at 11:56am
just a discussion starter about the specificity required.
Nikkidemas says Holiday-related December 22, 2009 at 11:48am
Is it/are they holiday-related?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Holiday-related December 22, 2009 at 11:51am
11. No.
Moses says #12 Then..... December 22, 2009 at 11:58am
Is it a single thing inside a single structure?
Mr. Wilson says RE: #12 Then..... December 22, 2009 at 12:01pm
12. No.
Nikkidemas says Is it a common household December 22, 2009 at 12:16pm
Is it a common household item?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Is it a common household December 22, 2009 at 12:20pm
13. No. Unless you’re in a really lucky house
Nikkidemas says NOT A GUESS December 22, 2009 at 12:30pm
I’m goin’ with H1N1 vaccine.
Steve says RE: Is it a common household December 22, 2009 at 3:37pm
Common household item if you’re in a really lucky house...hmmm, kinda sounds like something unusual inside a house like an indoor pool or something. But “related” to Lincoln is the kicker…
Moses says 14. Gambling? December 22, 2009 at 12:33pm
Is it related to a game of chance?
Mr. Wilson says RE: 14. Gambling? December 22, 2009 at 12:39pm
14. No.
Moses says RE: 14. Gambling? December 22, 2009 at 1:28pm
too bad, was thinking about pickle cards
Nikkidemas says NOT A GUESS December 22, 2009 at 3:38pm
Ok, discussion time: It’s not a business, but I’m thinking it could be an expensive thing owned/maintained BY a business. (because it’s not maintained by gov’t, & Mr. Wilson said a house would be REALLY lucky to have one)
Moses says Since it is discussion time.... December 22, 2009 at 3:46pm
I was trying to think of something related to Lincoln and lucky horseshoes.
steve says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 22, 2009 at 3:49pm
Could it be something like a Runza sandwich I wonder? That’s not a business but related to Lincoln…
Discussion, not a question.
Mike says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 22, 2009 at 5:31pm
Carousel at Gateway? You’d be lucky to have one of those in your house....
mike says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 22, 2009 at 5:34pm
whoops. Missed the ‘eat’ part. move on. nothing to see here.
Mr. Wilson says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 22, 2009 at 5:39pm
I’m so hungry I could eat a (carousel) horse!
Steve says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 22, 2009 at 5:12pm
Well, I’m going to ask it...is it something you eat?
Mr. Wilson says RE: 20 Questions: Winter Solstice Edition December 22, 2009 at 5:18pm
15. Yes.
macappleteacher says Is the object stationary? (as December 22, 2009 at 5:14pm
Is the object stationary? (as opposed to mobile, or moving)
Mr. Wilson says RE: Is the object stationary? (as December 22, 2009 at 5:20pm
In light of the Christmas season and because you may not have seen Steve’s question (#15) at the time you posted this, I’ll not answer this one for now. I suppose technically there are foods that move but ... eww.
macappleteacher says RE: Is the object stationary? (as December 22, 2009 at 5:28pm
I indeed did not see his question!
Nikkidemas says RE: Is the object stationary? (as December 22, 2009 at 5:34pm
And don’t forget the Walking Taco!
macappleteacher says Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 5:27pm
Here’s what we know so far:
1. It is not a business
2. It is North of O St. (although the item may not be location specific)
3. It is in Lincoln
4. A government entity does NOT maintain it
5. It is not a person
6. It is a thing(s)
7. It is east of 27th street
8. It is not a school
9. It is east of 70th street
10. It is INSIDE a structure
11. It is not holiday realated
12. It is not a single thing inside a single structure
13. It is not a common household item unless, perhaps, you are VERY lucky
14. It is not related to a game of chance
15. It is something you eat
Nikkidemas says RE: Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 5:38pm
Thoughts:
Because it has to do with Lincoln, I’m inclined to believe it’s something served at a local place (i.e. Mr. Wilson’s beloved Oso Fish Burrito)
Moses says RE: Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 5:41pm
There are not any Oso Burrito places North Of O and East of 70th.....
macappleteacher says RE: Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 5:43pm
I know it’s completely off topic… but how does OSO Burrito compare to Chipotle?...Haven’t eaten there yet.
Nikkidemas says RE: Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 5:58pm
I prefer Chipotle for my steak tacos, but Oso has some cool unusual stuff to put on your burrito (Thai peanut, used to have wasabi) - plus it’s local!
Steve says RE: Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 6:03pm
My wife loves Oso. She brought it home once for the family and it was very good. I haven’t been there personally but she thought the options were unique too. Have to agree with the “local” comment too.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Question Round-up December 22, 2009 at 6:23pm
I like Chipotle (and its clones) just fine. But Oso tends to be what I really crave. Where else in town can you get a Buffalo fish burrito? Or a potato & guacamole burrito with ginger garlic salsa? And when they’re available, the avocado tacos are fantastic; pair ‘em with a bowl of mulligatawny for a great vegetarian meal.
And yes, Oso does have boring ol’ chicken, beef, and pork if you’re the traditional sort.
Moses says Thanks for the roundup..... December 22, 2009 at 5:41pm
I am going to ask number 16.....
Because there are not that many things to eat North of O, East of 70th and still in the Lincoln city limits unless it is sold at Hy Vee it is something fast-food.....
Is it unique to Lincoln?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Thanks for the roundup..... December 22, 2009 at 5:57pm
16. No.
Steve says RE: Thanks for the roundup..... December 22, 2009 at 6:29pm
Not unique to Lincoln could mean a chain started in Lincoln but locations elsewhere. Vals pizza, Runza sandwich/hamburger… Is there a Vals east of 70th? Runza?
Fletch says RE: Thanks for the roundup..... December 22, 2009 at 6:36pm
and remember, it could be omnipresent. So it could be on both sides of O, or 27th, or 70th. That Mr. Wilson is a sneaky hombre.
Steve says RE: Thanks for the roundup..... December 22, 2009 at 6:53pm
Do you suppose the “sneaky hombre” answered the question above with his “Buffalo fish burrito” comment? (I forgot about the omnipresent hint.)
Mr. Wilson says Wake up everybody! December 23, 2009 at 9:32am
Time to get back at it! You’ve got four more questions. Use them wisely. I will tell you that although you’re a wee bit behind schedule, the questions you’ve asked and the discussions you’re having are leading you in the right direction.
Moses says So.... December 23, 2009 at 9:44am
Even though it may be many places, the one place we know it must be is North of O and East of 70th. I do not believe there are any Val’s in that territory. There is a Runza at 84th and Holdredge. There are no Oso’s in that territory but there is a Lina’s. However, I believe Lina’s is unique to Lincoln. Am I wrong? Should we guess Runza? Or, how about Dorothy Lynch which is sold at Hy Vee? Are there any other Lincoln related food items?
Gene says RE: So.... December 23, 2009 at 10:23am
Would saying it’s not a business rule out Runza, Oso, Valentino’s, etc. entirely?
Gene says RE: So.... December 23, 2009 at 10:23am
That was part of a discussion, not an “official” question.
Nikkidemas says RE: So.... December 23, 2009 at 10:43am
If I was thinking of a Runza sandwich, that wouldn’t qualify as a business. It’s just sold by one.
Mike says RE: So.... December 23, 2009 at 10:45am
Here are the “not unique to Lincoln” restaurants that come to mind in that area.
Val’s to go at 70th and Vine.
Runza
Godfathers
Wendys
Jimmy Johns
HyVee
KFC/Long John Silvers
Walmart (does it have Mc.Donalds?)
Lonestar
Moses says 17. Let's quit tap dancing around it.... December 23, 2009 at 10:56am
Is it a Runza Sandwich?
Mr. Wilson says RE: 17. Let's quit tap dancing around it.... December 23, 2009 at 11:16am
Sheesh, I didn’t think anybody was ever going to ask that! But…
17. No.
Fletch says RE: 17. Let's quit tap dancing around it.... December 23, 2009 at 11:22am
Why would having a runza sandwich, or a burrito for that matter, make someone lucky?
Do we want to blow a question asking if this thing is indeed “omnipresent”?
Moses says And why... December 23, 2009 at 11:31am
It wasn’t just a lucky house but a “really” lucky house.
Mr. Wilson says RE: And why... December 23, 2009 at 11:37am
Don’t take that intensifier too far. One man’s great fortune is another man’s ho-hum.
Fletch says RE: And why... December 23, 2009 at 11:40am
If it wasn’t for the fact this is food, Holiday Bowl tickets would be a good guess.
Fletch says Okay, I will ask - December 23, 2009 at 12:18pm
Okay, I will ask - is it omnipresent?
Mr. Wilson says RE: Okay, I will ask - December 23, 2009 at 12:30pm
18. No.
Just to be clear what I’m saying no to, I’m ruling out things like:
* Stuff that’s literally everywhere, like “clean air”.
* Fuzzy “conceptual” things (e.g. “democracy”, “strong values").
* Stuff found throughout town, such as infrastructure.
And a hint for the group, not related to this question: You’re tantalizingly warm!
Steve says RE: Okay, I will ask - December 23, 2009 at 12:57pm
There’s has to be some question that would narrow the type of food down...like is it beef related or fish related, etc.
Too many options with too few questions left.
Gene says RE: Okay, I will ask - December 23, 2009 at 1:27pm
Strong values would be an awesome answer. The guessers would surely revolt.
Gene says More discussion December 23, 2009 at 12:31pm
It’s something that you eat, so I’m wondering if it isn’t Mr. W’s favorite form of precipitation.
Moses says RE: More discussion December 23, 2009 at 12:39pm
Ooooooh..... My mom told me to never eat the yellow kind.
Chris says Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 12:40pm
Could it be something you’d have for a traditional holiday meal? Ham, turkey, prime rib, oyster stew? But I don’t know how that ties into the boundary established already.
Steve says RE: Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 12:55pm
I was thinking that too, but then remembered it’s “not holiday related.”
Chris says RE: Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 12:57pm
Doh, missed that one.
Fletch says RE: Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 1:00pm
Yes, or I may have guessed fruitcake. LOL
Moses says RE: Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 1:48pm
“tantalizing warm”
“really lucky”
Should we ask if it is sold in a restaurant or sold in a store to try and narrow it......
Fletch says RE: Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 1:54pm
Sure, but it could be homemade too.
macappleteacher says RE: Discuss... December 23, 2009 at 2:18pm
Perhaps that was the lucky comment. Something that COULD be homemade, but would be very difficult.
I have to say, with two questions left, there’s a lot out there.
Perhaps a Holiday Bonus is in order? To the tune of 5 more questions?
Moses says Additional Discussion December 23, 2009 at 2:25pm
Runza now serves the Miller and Paine cinnamon rolls with their chili......
Lincoln related,
Tantalizingly Warm,
Just saying
macappleteacher says RE: Additional Discussion December 23, 2009 at 2:30pm
Don’t forget Braeda… Isn’t there one on Holdridge and 84th? Is that Lincoln specific or a Nebraska thing?
Moses says RE: Additional Discussion December 23, 2009 at 2:34pm
That Braeda has closed
Mike says RE: Additional Discussion December 23, 2009 at 2:35pm
I am liking this suggestion. M&P;cinnamon rolls.
Chris says Additional Discussion December 23, 2009 at 2:36pm
Do it! Ask it!
Moses says 19. Okay December 23, 2009 at 2:38pm
Is it Miller and Paine cinnamon rolls?
Mr. Wilson says RE: 19. Okay December 23, 2009 at 2:54pm
19. Yes!
And the crowd goes wild! Good work gang, and congratulations to Moses for picking up on my hint. This means I haven’t managed to stump you folks yet. Not that I really want to stump you. I just want to draw it out as long as possible
Moses, may I interest you in some M&P;cinnamon rolls to celebrate?
Chris says RE: 19. Okay December 23, 2009 at 2:58pm
Whoo Hoo! Nice work. Love this game!
macappleteacher says RE: 19. Okay December 23, 2009 at 3:07pm
Indeed… This is by far the most underrated blog on my reader! Thank you Sir Wilson!
Steve says RE: 19. Okay December 23, 2009 at 2:56pm
Excellent! Way to go Moses!
Moses says Carbohydrates Are Us December 23, 2009 at 3:01pm
Interestingly it has been our winter project at the office to evaluate all local chili recipes. We started with Wendy’s and then tried Runza chili with M and P cinnamon rolls. We didn’t go any further. Are there some other good chili places locally? If I remember, Amigos used to have decent chili.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Carbohydrates Are Us December 23, 2009 at 3:07pm
The Missus loves Skeeter Barnes’ chicken chili. I used to love Bison Witches’ chili, but I haven’t had it in many moons.
Fletch says Thank you, Moses, for leading December 23, 2009 at 3:37pm
Thank you, Moses, for leading us through the desert, and to the dessert.
Moses says RE: Thank you, Moses, for leading December 23, 2009 at 3:43pm
Nicely put.
Thank you all for keeping me entertained. It has been slow in the office. Hope you all make it safely to your holiday destinations.
Chris says Be safe December 23, 2009 at 3:51pm
You also Moses, and everyone else have a Happy Holiday season.
Fletch says RE: Thank you, Moses, for leading December 23, 2009 at 5:04pm
Merry Christmas to all my Lincolnite pals, and thanks to Mr. Wilson (and Mr. T) for keeping this blog alive!!