May 31, 2010
RAY: This puzzler was sent in by George Parks. He writes, "My son sat patiently in his seat and waited for service. After awhile, an attractive looking young lady came over and asked if he would like something to drink. He replied that he'd like a beer. Being youthful in feature and appearance, she asks him to produce an ID. The woman checks his ID and, with no problem, serves him his beer.
"Four hours later, he's in the same chair and asks the same server for another beer. To his surprise, the server again asks for his ID. Not a surprise. She forgot who he was. He produces the same ID. The server tells him that unfortunately she cannot not serve him alcohol at this time, as it would be illegal for her to do so.
"It has nothing to do with closing times or blood alcohol levels."
What's going on here?
RAY: Here's the answer. George's son was returning from a study trip in China. He was flying from China to America, and when he got on the plane it was his 21st birthday.
TOM: Yeah.
RAY: So the plane takes off. He asks for a drink. The server checks his ID and serves him a drink. But four hours later, when the plane had crossed the international dateline, George's son lost a day.
TOM: And he was only 20.
RAY: He was only 20. So who's our winner?
TOM: The winner this week is Kim Kennedon from Louisville, KY, and for having her answer selected at random from among all the correct answers that we got, Kim gets a $26 gift certificate to the Shameless Commerce Division at cartalk.com, with which she can get a copy of our two-CD collection called The Best and Second Best of Car Talk.
RAY: Congratulations, Kim!
