Time to play the latest Sunday Puzzle from NPR! Find the answers and their common denominator!

I've brought a few games of Kennections, in the style of "Jeopardy!" host Ken Jennings' new book, "The Complete Kennections."

In each set, I'll ask you five questions, the answers to which have something in common. Try to answer the questions. Then tell me the common denominator.

 

PUZZLE #1

 

1.   What giant in British publishing, founded in 1935, was known for its inexpensive paperbacks and merged with Random House in 2013? (7)

2.   What fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy is represented by a symbol called a "taijitu"? (3,3,4)

3.   What African animal travels in a herd known as a "dazzle"? (5)

4.   What kind of cookie is an ingredient in a Dairy Queen Blizzard? (4)

5.   For solving what kind of puzzle did Ken Jennings win a prize in a 2006 national championship? (9)

 

Answer Keys  

    1.  Penguin

    2.  Yin and Yang

    3.  Zebra

    4.  Oreo

    5.  crossword

    **Common Denominator for the answers: “black & white”

     

    PUZZLE #2

 

    1.   What actor, with the initials M.M., starred in the 1983 war drama "Streamers"? (7,6)

    2.   Who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington? (4,3)

    3.   Who has received a record 35 Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design? (5,4)

    4.   Who directed, co-wrote, and co-starred in the 1969 film "Easy Rider"? (6,6)

    5.   What Spanish explorer was the first person to lead an official European expedition to Puerto Rico and Florida? (5,2,4)

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Matthew Modine

    2.  Maya Lin

    3.  Edith Head

    4.  Dennis Hopper

    5.  Ponce de León

** common denominator for the answers: Chemical Elements

(by changing the 1^st letter of the 2^nd word in each answer:

Modine=> Iodine, Lin => Tin, Head => Lead, Hopper => Copper, Leon => Neon)