Well I have to say for one thing that I am glad to have chatted with many of you and to have met a few of you... this being my first year in the water cooler. Thanks! I hope to meet more of you tonight down at McGoverns. :)
I think we should rephrase Occam's Razor (the simplest explanation tends to be the right one) into Como's Razor- The stupidest most obscure explanation tends to be the right one.
And so on. Maybe a little visual demonstration will make it easier in the future to not try and read something into every little word. These are what I call optional clues. While its possible they might mean something and you can fit it into your favorite spot, then fine. Though be careful that this isn't the only reason for picking a spot. But by no means should you ever dismiss a spot because they don't fit one of these "optional" clues. Usually they mean nothing anyway.
I can't either. An overpass that doesn't exist? Tracks that don't exist? Maybe next year we can actually use landmarks we might be able to SEE? My poor dog will be so devistated!!!!
Hey, gang. Lunch time at the office. I was on earlier when it was found. My husband was there when it was found - digging in the wrong part of the west part. He said it was right up from the West Picnic Grounds sign, following the walk path, and then to the right by the picnic tables. It was not deep with snow but closer to the bathroom shelter area not the pavillion.
Allison, now that the hunt is over, I want to share with you my real thoughts for Arlington Arcwright Park. We checked out park on Friday and Saturday. The one thing that had us convinced it was there was the fact there was a home with a big smiley (sp?) face on it. A face like Wal-Mart. That convinced us until the next clue pointed us to our 2nd choice.
At least I was focusing on the old bridge near Lexington & Horton. The 'street' car used to turn 'around' on tracks under the bridge. This bridge still stands.
Man of mettle = FDR or Churchill. Not some stupid ironman sock.
I think many of us online this weekend could write the clues 10 times better than these guys.
To the real Cluewriters: This IS a challenge. Take us up on it. JTA
At first I was thinking maybe clue 11 and 12 were still locked away somewhere out of access, but if that was true, wouldn't the same be true for clue 10 and the explanations? Maybe not, but I wonder. Possibly they hadn't been completely written yet? When I did my mock hunt, I actually went to clue 11 without having clue 12 written yet. Maybe they actually do wait to see what's throwing people off before they write it?
Also, seems I remember this happening in Conway too, which is part of what fueled the conspiracy theories. They printed the first 11 clues and explanations, but not 12. I think it came later, though I guess I'd have to check the Cooler Crew site to be sure.
Terry, I'm with you about the Iron Man clue, though I have to admit that that was my first explanation of the clue (Alison can back me up on that I think), -only I thought Iron Man reffered to something you could SEE from where the medallino was hidden, not litteraly AROUND it!
Ironman clue reminds me of Cherokee Park '98 when they stuffed it in an Old Navy sock, got all excited, and decided to tell us in a silly Annapolis clue.
I believed the picnic grounds and dig there for a while, though I was right by the mini golf and gazebo. All the clues seemed to fit there except for the man of mettle, and now I know why. But as it turns out, some of the explanations I had in mind weren't the same ones they had (as if anyone would think of some of the things they had!)
Let's face it though, we ALWAYS hate the clue explanations when they come out. Terry, have they always been so frustrating after they print the explanations?
After 31 years of hunting, I can tell ya...the worst was when we heard it had been found in the earmuffs. The clues are always vague - but need to be to keep the hunt on - and I usually hate the explanations though there have been times when I've just smacked myself in the head and went DUH!!!
george washington memorial plaque on a rock I thought went pretty well as a man of mettle and with dove soap- washing. Oh well next year I think I'll just try drinking heavily before reading the clues
Yes Stallion, you did say Ironman, though I didn't see how that could possibly relate to anything. I knew the phrase "around our deal" was troublesome though.
I think we have to remember next year that when we are noodling clues that one clue, be it #5 or #6, will be some totally useless clue that refers to what the thing is hidden in, as if it really matters. We might also want to note that any clue which we know DOES refer to what it is hidden in most likely doesn't contain ANY other references, though we'd have to check past clues to verify this theory . . .
hate knowing that i was that close and i did not find it, i knew it was there, and i spent all day yesterday in the west pic area, i'll have to wait until next year
I really don't think we can come up with a strategy for next year. The nature of the clues depends upon the instability of the writer at the time of writing. I have a hunch that cluewriter is someone who just couldn't make it in the real world. Perhaps a burnt-out columnist who just isn't making sense any more.
I thougt around our deal was refering to the New Deal and FDR. There is an FDR memorial at Phalen. I was digging up the "old street" out at Phalen on Saturday. These clues fit Phalen better than Como. I hate it when that happens
Circular thinking = Wheel. Linking = Lock. East or West but NOT both = East Shore Drive (there is no West Shore Drive).
if only they did not do the plenty of mettle thing i would have dug more in the west pic area, oh well it was a good year, i was in the right spot as of clue #8, well hopefully next year it will be that good, if so i will see you all there
Well I have to say for one thing that I am glad to have chatted with many of you and to have met a few of you... this being my first year in the water cooler. Thanks! I hope to meet more of you tonight down at McGoverns. :)
just got back at como, sad but relieved . no more stress
year 33 was not a good one. I was close again, that only counts in horseshoes. Maybe my 34th hunt will be better next year.
it has been fun. to next year: Good luck and See u in the the 2002 medalion hunt!
There's some video up, although I couldn't hear the audio.
I think we should rephrase Occam's Razor (the simplest explanation tends to be the right one) into Como's Razor- The stupidest most obscure explanation tends to be the right one.
Channel 4 showed some video and the reported kept making mistakes saying it was found in a picnic shelter. Then, he couldn't pronounce Dove.
AW - I am with you - I can't picture it all exactly.
what up Matt
And for future reference:
And so on. Maybe a little visual demonstration will make it easier in the future to not try and read something into every little word. These are what I call optional clues. While its possible they might mean something and you can fit it into your favorite spot, then fine. Though be careful that this isn't the only reason for picking a spot. But by no means should you ever dismiss a spot because they don't fit one of these "optional" clues. Usually they mean nothing anyway.
I can't either. An overpass that doesn't exist? Tracks that don't exist? Maybe next year we can actually use landmarks we might be able to SEE? My poor dog will be so devistated!!!!
This was my first year posting messages in the cooler. I hope to meet some of you at the party. JTA
Allison, what do you think about clues 11 and 12 "available soon" ?
Oh My G !!!!!! my first Joe.........
Hey, gang. Lunch time at the office. I was on earlier when it was found. My husband was there when it was found - digging in the wrong part of the west part. He said it was right up from the West Picnic Grounds sign, following the walk path, and then to the right by the picnic tables. It was not deep with snow but closer to the bathroom shelter area not the pavillion.
the over pass is right at the end of Beulah lane which is right between zones 3 and 4.
Unfortunately the clue writers are clueless. This proves it again this year.
at least it lasted longer than newell. i imagine it's still too short, though.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!
Unbelieveable!
I was so ready to get out there tonight after work! Is anyone planning a pity party tonight at the park like we did last year?
Allison, now that the hunt is over, I want to share with you my real thoughts for Arlington Arcwright Park. We checked out park on Friday and Saturday. The one thing that had us convinced it was there was the fact there was a home with a big smiley (sp?) face on it. A face like Wal-Mart. That convinced us until the next clue pointed us to our 2nd choice.
I hate the explanation for the man of mettle. Who woulda ever thought of that?
The clue writer sure kept us guessing though. We were all over the city.
Anyone hear about the incoming storm and when it's supposed to get here? I wanna burn my clues!
At least I was focusing on the old bridge near Lexington & Horton. The 'street' car used to turn 'around' on tracks under the bridge. This bridge still stands.
Man of mettle = FDR or Churchill. Not some stupid ironman sock.
I think many of us online this weekend could write the clues 10 times better than these guys.
To the real Cluewriters: This IS a challenge. Take us up on it. JTA
jiatta - I was with you. Didn't believe it was over on those picnic grounds.
At first I was thinking maybe clue 11 and 12 were still locked away somewhere out of access, but if that was true, wouldn't the same be true for clue 10 and the explanations? Maybe not, but I wonder. Possibly they hadn't been completely written yet? When I did my mock hunt, I actually went to clue 11 without having clue 12 written yet. Maybe they actually do wait to see what's throwing people off before they write it?
Also, seems I remember this happening in Conway too, which is part of what fueled the conspiracy theories. They printed the first 11 clues and explanations, but not 12. I think it came later, though I guess I'd have to check the Cooler Crew site to be sure.
Clues that sucked: #2 because it could have been said in #1
#5 because no-one really cares what it's hidden in. 2 stanzas could have been one if this was all they cared to reveal.
#9 because it gives us visual points of reference which don't exist
#10 because already know the area it's in and this does nothing to narrow down the playing field.
#'s 11 and 12 because, as with #9, they also do not exist. Cluewriter's writing them now.
Pitty party tonight at McGovern's
Terry, I'm with you about the Iron Man clue, though I have to admit that that was my first explanation of the clue (Alison can back me up on that I think), -only I thought Iron Man reffered to something you could SEE from where the medallino was hidden, not litteraly AROUND it!
It sure is what threw me off. I figured it had to be Churchill as a street reference around the sight.
Of course that's after I had to come back to Como after being at MLK with Clark Kent and MLK as the man of mettle.
Ironman clue reminds me of Cherokee Park '98 when they stuffed it in an Old Navy sock, got all excited, and decided to tell us in a silly Annapolis clue.
I believed the picnic grounds and dig there for a while, though I was right by the mini golf and gazebo. All the clues seemed to fit there except for the man of mettle, and now I know why. But as it turns out, some of the explanations I had in mind weren't the same ones they had (as if anyone would think of some of the things they had!)
Let's face it though, we ALWAYS hate the clue explanations when they come out. Terry, have they always been so frustrating after they print the explanations?
step, you around right now? or out fruitlessly digging up zone 7?
at least with this clue, schlett, it wasn't a leap from annapolis->naval academy->old navy.
After 31 years of hunting, I can tell ya...the worst was when we heard it had been found in the earmuffs. The clues are always vague - but need to be to keep the hunt on - and I usually hate the explanations though there have been times when I've just smacked myself in the head and went DUH!!!
george washington memorial plaque on a rock I thought went pretty well as a man of mettle and with dove soap- washing. Oh well next year I think I'll just try drinking heavily before reading the clues
Yes Stallion, you did say Ironman, though I didn't see how that could possibly relate to anything. I knew the phrase "around our deal" was troublesome though.
Yah, I guess cluewriter seemed a little more down to earth this year than last year or '98. Maybe we'll just tar, but not feather.
schlett, i was thinking draw but not quarter. :)
I think we have to remember next year that when we are noodling clues that one clue, be it #5 or #6, will be some totally useless clue that refers to what the thing is hidden in, as if it really matters. We might also want to note that any clue which we know DOES refer to what it is hidden in most likely doesn't contain ANY other references, though we'd have to check past clues to verify this theory . . .
hate knowing that i was that close and i did not find it, i knew it was there, and i spent all day yesterday in the west pic area, i'll have to wait until next year
thx, stallion. now they're gonna un-do your theory to throw us off next year :)
I better run, lunch break is over. See you all at McGovern's tonight . . .
Iconfused....I went to the ice sculpture things and took daughter on the big slide last nite. Was it by those restrooms or am I in the wrong place?
stud drink heavily tonite at mcgoverns
I really don't think we can come up with a strategy for next year. The nature of the clues depends upon the instability of the writer at the time of writing. I have a hunch that cluewriter is someone who just couldn't make it in the real world. Perhaps a burnt-out columnist who just isn't making sense any more.
Nildear, you were in the wrong place. I did see a mother and son yesterday digging out around the fire grills there and had to laugh.
it was up the hill behind the food area, that was the west pic area
I really enjoy reading all the explanations here better than on PP's site because at least here they make more sense.
nildear you might as well come back to work now
I thougt around our deal was refering to the New Deal and FDR. There is an FDR memorial at Phalen. I was digging up the "old street" out at Phalen on Saturday. These clues fit Phalen better than Como. I hate it when that happens
Circular thinking = Wheel. Linking = Lock. East or West but NOT both = East Shore Drive (there is no West Shore Drive).
Frustrated, JTA
wasn't digging there digger. Just trying to figure out what restrooms they are talking about. Can you tell I'm not a native.....LOL
if only they did not do the plenty of mettle thing i would have dug more in the west pic area, oh well it was a good year, i was in the right spot as of clue #8, well hopefully next year it will be that good, if so i will see you all there