RECOVERY MODE All hints

Page 40Half Charged

Date It

Reality Called In Sick

Three undated notes. Each one gives itself away.

TipOpen one step at a time. The answer always asks twice, so nothing gets spoiled by accident.

Note 1 · The Shopping List

1NudgeOpen

A note can’t be older than the newest thing in it. Find the one item that arrived last.

2CloserOpen

The newest item is shopping carts. When did it arrive?

3AnswerAsks twice

This shows the full answer. Sure?

Yes, show me

The 1930s, no earlier than 1937.

  • Kool-Aid · 1927
  • Sliced bread · 1928
  • Twinkies · 1930
  • Frozen peas · 1930
  • Shopping carts · 1937

Note 2 · The Babysitter’s Note

1NudgeOpen

A note can’t be older than the newest thing in it. Find the one item that arrived last.

2CloserOpen

The newest item is Hamburger Helper. When did it arrive?

3AnswerAsks twice

This shows the full answer. Sure?

Yes, show me

The 1970s, no earlier than 1970.

  • Jell-O · 1897
  • The Barbie doll · 1959
  • Cool Whip · 1966
  • Ziploc bags · 1968
  • Hamburger Helper · 1970

Note 3 · The Note on the Fridge

1NudgeOpen

A note can’t be older than the newest thing in it. Find the one item that arrived last.

2CloserOpen

The newest item is Diet Coke. When did it arrive?

3AnswerAsks twice

This shows the full answer. Sure?

Yes, show me

The 1980s, no earlier than 1982.

  • Rubik’s Cube · 1974
  • Sony Walkman · 1979
  • Post-it notes · 1980
  • Diet Coke · 1982

Every answer is also printed at the back of the book, with its page number.

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