A Lifelong Party of ‘Puzzle-Making Tomfoolery’

In 1978, Jerry Slocum assembled the first International Puzzle Party in his living room. Now it’s a global event.

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Petunia Wins the Ugliest Dog Contest by Being Loved, Not by Looking Perfect

Rescued from neglect, the hairless bulldog claimed the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest title on Friday but her prize came long before the competition results were announced.

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Joey Chestnut Returns to Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Mr. Chestnut, who was barred last year over an endorsement deal with a vegan-meat company, and Miki Sudo easily won their respective contests but did not break records.

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A Space-Out Competition in Seoul Was Harder Than I Expected

I spent 90 minutes attempting to empty my mind and slow my heartbeat at a “space out” competition. It was harder — and weirder — than I expected.

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How to Watch the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Nearly 250 contestants from around the nation and the world traveled to Maryland for a chance to win up to $50,000.

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What Is … an Editing Game Show?

The newsroom recently hosted an internal game show to quiz editors on grammar rules and Times style. It was educational, exciting and all-around geeky.

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To Win This Contest, Just Squawk Like a Seagull

Contestants gathered in Belgium to screech and move like gulls in a competition that is meant to “make sea gulls sexy again.”

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This 127-Year-Old Christmas Contest Has an Unusual Star: The Radish

In southern Mexico, a city dazzles with a celebration of its rich culture and history through a radish-carving competition, a cherished tradition upheld by generations of families.

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