Brain teasers

Charlotte's Pat Battaglia, a longtime rocket scientist turned puzzle creator, has a new book of word games that can exercise the brains of young and old alike.

"Smart Is as Smart Does: Brain Games to Reveal the Genius in You" is the fourth book in Battaglia's Smart Series. And he's eager to let people know about it in time for "National Game & Puzzle Week," Nov. 20 - 26.

Battaglia, who also has a syndicated newspaper puzzle column called "If You're So Smart, " often takes his puzzles to elementary schools, dressed as "Dr. Fun" in a white wig and lab coat with a pocket protector and a weird bow tie. He also visits nursing homes, sharing his "joy of words" with senior citizens.

"I've been lucky, " he said. "I've made my pastime my profession."

To order a book: http://www.cleverpuzzles.com/.