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Once upon a time there were four friends. They hung around together, nearly always in the same order like this:

A B C D

They were noted for their cheerful sounds.

Even on those occasions when they were out of sorts Like this:

D A B C

They looked very happy. One day, they were joined by the twin of friend number 2. The twin always took first place and bumped the former friend 2 to third place like this:

B A B C D

For a time, life had no meaning.

The five decided to try inviting others to lead their group. At first it was hard work,

1 B A B C D

so on their second try they rented a vehicle.

2 B A B C D

The third time, they all went for a walk.

3 B A B C D

The next time was almost a disaster: the lights all went out but they were soon able to put that to rights.

4 B A B C D

Finally, they went to the zoo and watched an animal being born.

5 B A B C D

These activities were so much fun that the five invitees got together and had their own party.

1 2 3 4 5

They had such a wild time they woke up in a completely different state!

Identify the friends.

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    $\begingroup$ Is it the original cast of The BIG Bang Theory ? $\endgroup$
    – ABcDexter
    May 5, 2016 at 13:57
  • $\begingroup$ They decided to try inviting others to lead their group. When you say "they", do you mean the original four or including the twin? It sounds like the latter but I wanted to be sure. $\endgroup$
    – rybo111
    May 5, 2016 at 15:19
  • $\begingroup$ @rybo111 edited for clarity. $\endgroup$
    – Hugh Meyers
    May 5, 2016 at 16:03
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    $\begingroup$ @HughMeyers: That hint was a bit too much IMO. $\endgroup$
    – Deusovi ♦
    May 5, 2016 at 16:11
  • $\begingroup$ @Deusovi In retrospect, I think you're right. Especially the out of sorts bit. $\endgroup$
    – Hugh Meyers
    May 5, 2016 at 16:36

1 Answer 1

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The four friends are:

RING.

ABCD

RINGs are a type of cheerful sound.

DABC

GRINs certainly indicate happiness,

BABCD

IRING isn't a word - it has no meaning.

At first it was hard work,

TIRING

so on their second try they rented a vehicle.

HIRING a vehicle, you mean?

The third time, they all went for a walk.

AIRING - going out into the fresh air.

The next time was almost a disaster: the lights all went out but they were soon able to put that to rights.

WIRING would help fix the lights.

Finally, they went to the zoo and watched an animal being born.

SIRING

They woke up in a completely different state!

Well, something turning from solid to liquid THAWS out.

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  • $\begingroup$ BABCD totally threw me off. Well done. $\endgroup$
    – rybo111
    May 5, 2016 at 16:11
  • $\begingroup$ As an afterthought I just googled B A B C D and it's almost a word. Dang. $\endgroup$
    – Hugh Meyers
    May 5, 2016 at 16:16
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    $\begingroup$ Hanging "a-round" was kind of a half-hint as well. $\endgroup$
    – Hugh Meyers
    May 5, 2016 at 16:39

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