I marinate mine in an chipotle and adobo sauce. It gives it a nice unexpected kick. You should try it.

So I’m doing another pork butt (Smithfield. a few weeks ago they were a grand 92 cents a pound at Walmart. No that’s not a typo)\
I was planning to do applewood, so just for fun I bought some Applewood rub. But I’m about to coat it and I’m thinking it probably needs an acid, right? Should I just add a smidgen of apple cider vinegar? Or will dry rub + vinegar in the mop be enough?

drunknerds

So I’m doing another pork butt (Smithfield. a few weeks ago they were a grand 92 cents a pound at Walmart. No that’s not a typo)\
I was planning to do applewood, so just for fun I bought some Applewood rub. But I’m about to coat it and I’m thinking it probably needs an acid, right? Should I just add a smidgen of apple cider vinegar? Or will dry rub + vinegar in the mop be enough?

Apple Cider Vinegar for the win. Don’t use the junky kind or it will taste bad. Get quality stuff like Bragg. You can add it a couple of different ways, but I like to make a cup out of foil and put it in the coldest part of the pit. This way you get steam along with the smoke.

burnstyle

I marinate mine in an chipotle and adobo sauce. It gives it a nice unexpected kick. You should try it.

gManTexas

Apple Cider Vinegar for the win. Don’t use the junky kind or it will taste bad. Get quality stuff like Bragg. You can add it a couple of different ways, but I like to make a cup out of foil and put it in the coldest part of the pit. This way you get steam along with the smoke.

Thanks! I’ll do both of these things in the future (you know I still have like 50 lbs of pork butt in my freezer). This time I went with store brand apple cider vinegar, I had no idea there was that much of a quality difference. Just a little in the rub made a nice paste.
I’m also going to try to make my own applewood-focused rub. This storebought one seems alright, but I bet there’s way too much salt in it.

Unknown

Unknown:
Mr. Seabass wrote:
… yes. It is so small and featureless that you can claim anything is inside it. It’s painted to look like a polished turquoise.

Correct, it is polished turquiose. Looks just like the stones in an old bracelet I gave my wife ages ago.
Look at the piece of jewelry in the center of this pic. Looks identical.
https://www.durangosilver.com/native-american-turquoise-jewelry.html
Regards,
Mac

Dang I miss one morning and miss a logical solve. I know he thinks the dig in the dirt in front of the hall but I want to see the whole solve. Can you pm it to me please.

MrSeabass

… yes. It is so small and featureless that you can claim anything is inside it. It’s painted to look like a polished turquoise.

Ok, cool. Don’t look in the location I specified. It’s not there.

It’s been killing me. For the past two days I’ve been waiting on a response to probe and dig up he casque in New Orleans. I’ve message Egbert to try to get him to back check my work but he hasn’t responded. I believe I’ve found the exact dig site. 3 dead on visual clues giving you an area of a couple square feet to dig. I would share details but any little detail is an obvious give away. I was in the middle of typing out my thoughts on the general location and spotted something that absolutely gave it away, then I found the other two while in disbelief that I found that 1 clue.
Question for you guys, does anyone have any contacts in New Orleans that could help me out? This is not a very private area. So going and digging without permission is absolutely out of the question.
Also, if I can’t get in touch with Egbert (I wanted him to review since he actually found one) is there anyone on this board who is extremely trustworthy and would not give away the location that could back check me just so that it is confirmed that I found the location? I know yall hear this all the time, and I know I seem very full of myself, but this clue is much more obvious once it’s pointed out than either of the 2 found casques clues in my honest opinion. I would appreciate any help. If there are any local new orleans people (I’m in Baton Rouge) who want to be notified of when they will allow the probe and dig (if they allow it all) I can certainly post it on here.
Please some one help me out. I’m going crazy waiting. My wife has been freaking out, lol.
Thanks

roughdraft274

It’s been killing me. For the past two days I’ve been waiting on a response to probe and dig up he casque in New Orleans. I’ve message Egbert to try to get him to back check my work but he hasn’t responded. I believe I’ve found the exact dig site. 3 dead on visual clues giving you an area of a couple square feet to dig. I would share details but any little detail is an obvious give away. I was in the middle of typing out my thoughts on the general location and spotted something that absolutely gave it away, then I found the other two while in disbelief that I found that 1 clue.
Question for you guys, does anyone have any contacts in New Orleans that could help me out? This is not a very private area. So going and digging without permission is absolutely out of the question.
Also, if I can’t get in touch with Egbert (I wanted him to review since he actually found one) is there anyone on this board who is extremely trustworthy and would not give away the location that could back check me just so that it is confirmed that I found the location? I know yall hear this all the time, and I know I seem very full of myself, but this clue is much more obvious once it’s pointed out than either of the 2 found casques clues in my honest opinion. I would appreciate any help. If there are any local new orleans people (I’m in Baton Rouge) who want to be notified of when they will allow the probe and dig (if they allow it all) I can certainly post it on here.
Please some one help me out. I’m going crazy waiting. My wife has been freaking out, lol.
Thanks

So just to summarize, you don’t want to give us any information, but you are asking us to give you information.
Still, since you asked for information, let me put forth my most common response to the hundreds of “I’m sure I found it check out this exact visual match,” just for your consideration:
I don’t think you have as exact a visual confirmation as you think you do. Those three matches are just dissecting one part in the image into shapes and lines, and shapes and lines are everywhere. I could say `I found an exact location for the hourglass in the image: Here is the letter V, another letter V which could be turned upside down, and two parallel lines.’
Might not apply to your solve, but again, how would I know since you haven’t posted anything.
That said, it’s awesome you are going through the proper channels, and I’d love to be wrong and see you dig up a casque. It’s just that these boards have seen literally hundreds of exact match super-secret-I-can’t-tell-anyone-claims.

drunknerds

So just to summarize, you don’t want to give us any information, but you are asking us to give you information.
Still, since you asked for information, let me put forth my most common response to the hundreds of “I’m sure I found it check out this exact visual match,” just for your consideration:
I don’t think you have as exact a visual confirmation as you think you do. Those three matches are just dissecting one part in the image into shapes and lines, and shapes and lines are everywhere. I could say `I found an exact location for the hourglass in the image: Here is the letter V, another letter V which could be turned upside down, and two parallel lines.’
Might not apply to your solve, but again, how would I know since you haven’t posted anything.
That said, it’s awesome you are going through the proper channels, and I’d love to be wrong and see you dig up a casque. It’s just that these boards have seen literally hundreds of exact match super-secret-I-can’t-tell-anyone-claims.

I don’t mind giving information. I just can’t put it all out there because someone who’s not scared of getting arrested might go dig it up today, lol. I understand your concerns and I agree. You shouldn’t believe me just as I wouldn’t believe someone with not much experience who told me something like this. I just want 1 or 2 incredibly trustworthy people who have been following this for a while to look at everything and agree that it’s as 100% obvious as I think it is.
As for the exact visual match, it’s not just lines. It explains the mask perfectly, it explains the grand father clock perfectly, it explains the second hand and the hand holding the stick. Also, if you follow my path with the verse there isn’t a single line that’s not explained. I understand that’s a crazy assertion. And I’m not some guy like Josh who is mad you don’t believe me (who would believe me?) and I don’t think I’m better at this than others. I just happened to catch something at the right angle just perfect.

In order for your solve to be correct, you have to use both elements from the Image and the verses, not just some lines. If you are in fact worried about getting arrested, you are probably looking in the wrong area, perhaps something that is either protected or off limits according to the author, like a flower bed, etc.
My suggestion is to post your proposed solution and let people dissect it. If it looks good, then the race is on to see who gets a shovel in the ground first. The gem is a turquoise. You are not retiring on the treasure you find, yes there may be glory, but the turquoise will not even cover your gas money to get to your location.

Feel free to PM me your solution in confidence, I will then write back to say it’s all nonsense. Free service.

The verse gets you to the general area of the dig, the picture gives you the exact spot. It’s one of those things where once you see everything it will be painfully obvious. Like I said, this is very similar to the fence in the picture for the Chicago casque. It’s obvious and in the exact spot where the verse leads you. Thats why the verse ends in “near this spot” and not an exact thing.
I’d also like to remind everyone that if they found what they were literally 99.9% sure was the exact location of the casque, would they post it and hope no one digs it up? If I were only 75% I’d post and ask for ideas and confirmation. But this is just too obvious. I hate to keep saying that, and I understand cause I would call BS if someone were telling me the same thing. But it’s true. I desperately need someone who can confirm my thinking and can be trusted not to give out any details til after the hopfully successful probe and dig.
Also, this isn’t a flower bed or in a dangerous area.

WhiteRabbit

Feel free to PM me your solution in confidence, I will then write back to say it’s all nonsense. Free service.

Lol, I appreciate the good natured ribbing
.
I see that you’ve been here quite a long time.
I will take you up on your offer if you guarantee secrecy even if you think I’m wrong. You can come back here and tell everyone that you think I’m right or that I’m just a loony, but absolutely no details? Deal?

roughdraft274

The verse gets you to the general area of the dig, the picture gives you the exact spot.

In both chicago and cleveland The picture gets you to the general area of the dig, The verse then took you to the exact spot, and then the picture confirmed the exact spot.

Unknown

Unknown:
is there anyone on this board who is extremely trustworthy

No. You should assume that whatever you share will eventually be shared with others. It’s a public forum and that’s just the way things work around here.

roughdraft274

Lol, I appreciate the good natured ribbing
.
I see that you’ve been here quite a long time.
I will take you up on your offer if you guarantee secrecy even if you think I’m wrong. You can come back here and tell everyone that you think I’m right or that I’m just a loony, but absolutely no details? Deal?

No offense, but I think you missed the point of this forum. People are sharing their ideas and potential solves in order to better understand how this works and solve these. I can tell you, that even the best of solves have come up empty. It is a logistical nightmare to pin down a location and get there, then dig in the correct spot. Especially after 36 or more years.

maltedfalcon

In both chicago and cleveland The picture gets you to the general area of the dig, The verse then took you to the exact spot, and then the picture confirmed the exact spot.

I offer you the same offer I gave to White Rabbit conditioned on secrecy of the details and location. But you are more than welcome to say I’m a lunatic after reviewing. All I can say is the verse leads you to an exact spot that you then must stand and spin around and in one direction you will see the exact dig point maybe 15 yards away.

roughdraft274

I offer you the same offer I gave to White Rabbit conditioned on secrecy of the details and location. But you are more than welcome to say I’m a lunatic after reviewing. All I can say is the verse leads you to an exact spot that you then must stand and spin around and in one direction you will see the exact dig point maybe 15 yards away.

Seriously, why the big secrecy? What are you hoping to gain here?

gManTexas

No offense, but I think you missed the point of this forum. People are sharing their ideas and potential solves in order to better understand how this works and solve these. I can tell you, that even the best of solves have come up empty. It is a logistical nightmare to pin down a location and get there, then dig in the correct spot. Especially after 36 or more years.

If you were telling me what I’m telling you I’d say the exact same thing. Due to something I can’t mention on the forum, along with the verse and picture, there is yet another clue that Preiss never even intended that only confirms it even further. I know how stupid that sounds, but after an explanation it makes 100% perfect sense.
And I’m all about working together when neither person knows where it is. I’ve recently been posting on the Boston Casque trying to help out. And I was planning on posting here on the NO one until I found the exact site. If my actions/statements are rude and not welcome I’ll gladly bow out because I don’t want to piss people off or troll. I’m an engineer in Baton Rouge. I wouldn’t waste my time trolling the forum with a hunch that I’m just way overblowing. This location should be more exact and more obvious than even the Chicago fence once it’s recognized.

I’ve emailed my solution to maltedfalcon. I’ve told him I welcome him calling me crazy if that’s the case. But he has graciously promised to keep the secret til I’ve had a chance to probe and dig. I also promise if I find it to do a full video walk through of the verse and the probe and dig if I am lucky enough to be right.

MrSeabass

I think you’re missing the point that we got an influx of people that solved it overnight, then quite literally taunted the forum with it, then vanished or offered no collaboration. Lots of us here are fairly sour by now because of it.
If you stated that you are digging it as we speak and have a theory, then fine. Showing up saying you solved it with none of the goods will turn off a lot of people.

I absolutely agree. I’m trying to get help so that I can dig this spot. I’ve emailed the solution to maltedfalcon and if he thinks I’m wrong or only could possibly be right then he will come here and say so hopefully. But I’m very confident that he will confirm this is about as close to a fool proof solve as you get.
I’ve also welcomed Egbert and WhiteRabbit to confirm or call me crazy. Because they have all been here a long time and seem to be honest and trustworthy. It’s the only way I can think of to get this thing confirmed so that everyone doesn’t think I’m crazy and also to make sure that no one digs it up before (hopefully) I get my hands on it this weekend.

roughdraft274

I don’t mind giving information. I just can’t put it all out there because someone who’s not scared of getting arrested might go dig it up today, lol. I understand your concerns and I agree. You shouldn’t believe me just as I wouldn’t believe someone with not much experience who told me something like this. I just want 1 or 2 incredibly trustworthy people who have been following this for a while to look at everything and agree that it’s as 100% obvious as I think it is.
As for the exact visual match, it’s not just lines. It explains the mask perfectly, it explains the grand father clock perfectly, it explains the second hand and the hand holding the stick. Also, if you follow my path with the verse there isn’t a single line that’s not explained. I understand that’s a crazy assertion. And I’m not some guy like Josh who is mad you don’t believe me (who would believe me?) and I don’t think I’m better at this than others. I just happened to catch something at the right angle just perfect.

This was a great response, and I wish more of the new people would have this constructive attitude. Most new people would’ve just called me a jerk

drunknerds

This was a great response, and I wish more of the new people would have this constructive attitude. Most new people would’ve just called me a jerk

I’m an engineer with a family and a career in Baton Rouge. The last thing on my to-do list is troll an online forum. I saw the TV show on Expedition Unknown, spent a week searching and got incredibly lucky. I fully expected people to question me, which is why I haven’t posted for two days, but now I’m not hearing from my contact in New Orleans and was hoping for someone who knows someone.

I looked over roughdraft274’s theory.
Unlike some recent theories, it is succinct, well thought out and leads to an exact logical spot.
That being said I totally disagree with his concepts for 90% of the verse and how he got to his dig spot.
That of course is neither here nor there since he got to a dig spot that has some very good other methods (on q4t) that lead there.
So regardless of how he got there, he got there.
some of his site confirmer images are among the best I have seen for NO and others reach a bit (meaning not really exact)
his in the middle of 21 is unique, I could be wrong, but I don’t remember anybody coming up with that one (I will need to check though, because now it seems obvious)
so if nothing else I will applaud him for that.
But mostly in a spot that has been examined a million times, and one in that i was pretty sure there was no good space to actually dig,
He has come up with a dig spot that makes sense.
The first thing I would do is run it back on google earth pro as far as I could to make sure it has been intact since the 80s…
Other than all that This is a good theory.

maltedfalcon

I looked over roughdraft274’s theory.
Unlike some recent theories, it is succinct, well thought out and leads to an exact logical spot.
That being said I totally disagree with his concepts for 90% of the verse and how he got to his dig spot.
That of course is neither here nor there since he got to a dig spot that has some very good other methods (on q4t) that lead there.
So regardless of how he got there, he got there.
some of his site confirmer images are among the best I have seen for NO and others reach a bit (meaning not really exact)
his in the middle of 21 is unique, I could be wrong, but I don’t remember anybody coming up with that one (I will need to check though, because now it seems obvious)
so if nothing else I will applaud him for that.
But mostly in a spot that has been examined a million times, and one in that i was pretty sure there was no good space to actually dig,
He has come up with a dig spot that makes sense.
The first thing I would do is run it back on google earth pro as far as I could to make sure it has been intact since the 80s…
Other than all that This is a good theory.

I appreciate your response. I’ve already run the area back and haven’t found any construction in that exact area.

maltedfalcon

I looked over roughdraft274’s theory.
Unlike some recent theories, it is succinct, well thought out and leads to an exact logical spot.
That being said I totally disagree with his concepts for 90% of the verse and how he got to his dig spot.
That of course is neither here nor there since he got to a dig spot that has some very good other methods (on q4t) that lead there.
So regardless of how he got there, he got there.
some of his site confirmer images are among the best I have seen for NO and others reach a bit (meaning not really exact)
his in the middle of 21 is unique, I could be wrong, but I don’t remember anybody coming up with that one (I will need to check though, because now it seems obvious)
so if nothing else I will applaud him for that.
But mostly in a spot that has been examined a million times, and one in that i was pretty sure there was no good space to actually dig,
He has come up with a dig spot that makes sense.
The first thing I would do is run it back on google earth pro as far as I could to make sure it has been intact since the 80s…
Other than all that This is a good theory.

The 21 thing I have never heard, and I was in the middle of posting it when I found the dig spot. Or else I would have posted.

I’ve also sent my theory to SeaBass and I’m awaiting his response. He promised secrecy and to come to this thread when he is done and to give his honest review.

Maltedfalcon…
May I send you my theory for NOLA in confidence?

erexere

Maltedfalcon…
May I send you my theory for NOLA in confidence?

Hey! Go get your own thread!
>:D

Hey, Malted, can I send you my borscht recipe and you can tell me why it’s not savory enough?

roughdraft274

Hey! Go get your own thread!
>:D

The moderator won’t let me start new threads. *sigh*

drunknerds

Hey, Malted, can I send you my borscht recipe and you can tell me why it’s not savory enough?

you didn’t caramelize your onions and I always use EVOO not the crap you use.

maltedfalcon

you didn’t caramelize your onions and I always use EVOO not the crap you use.

Wow, that’s spooky.

erexere

Maltedfalcon…
May I send you my theory for NOLA in confidence?

sure but I prefer borscht recipes.

MrSeabass

OK so I read it over a few times and this one is really, really good.

OK, I’m intrigued now so would be interested to read under oaths of secrecy if you felt like sending it.

MrSeabass

Me sending you or roughdraft sending you?

…cheers, yep, I meant roughdraft…

Ok everybody, after a pleasant but very brief discussion with the assistant to public works I got in touch with the head of park services and he politely told me that he would never issue a permit and can guarantee an arrest if I so much as put my finger in the ground on new orleans property. He was an asshole and would not even consider hearing me out.
I’d like to thank everyone for their secrecy up to this point and apologize for my nervousness.
So with no further ado, my next post will be my solution.

roughdraft274

Ok everybody, after a pleasant but very brief discussion with the assistant to public works I got in touch with the head of park services and he politely told me that he would never issue a permit and can guarantee an arrest if I so much as put my finger in the ground on new orleans property. He was an asshole and would not even consider hearing me out.
I’d like to thank everyone for their secrecy up to this point and apologize for my nervousness.
So with no further ado, my next post will be my solution.

Its not the city you want its the building manager…

*Edited*

MrSeabass

Seconding this. Public Works does not own that area. Go to the building website and contact them there.

Same thing. They told me go to park works. New Orleans is sick and tired of the secret and they apparently have bombarded with digs and are strictly not allowing it.

If anyone finds a way to dig here I’d appreciate a heads up because I will meet you out there if at all possible.

Thanks for posting the solve. I like the pole and the hand-with-stick part. Now I want to study that carving for more matches

How long before Josh shows up to claim this is where his “solve” led all along?

I feel like this doesn’t fit into the narrative of the book at all.

gManTexas

I feel like this doesn’t fit into the narrative of the book at all.

Why is that? Gallier hall was the city hall of new orleans at one point. Historically significant. And the image matches to me seem pretty conclusive. It also takes us along a route that is absolutely full fo the most popular areas of new orleans. I also think another distinct evidence that this is it is that the horsehead is louisiana upside down. Preiss wanted is to flip it upside down so we could see the column and where to dig. With the shovel pointing right to it.

roughdraft274

If anyone finds a way to dig here I’d appreciate a heads up because I will meet you out there if at all possible.

I’ve got some contacts in NOLA. Hold tight, let all of us see if we can get you some help.

drunknerds

Thanks for posting the solve. I like the pole and the hand-with-stick part. Now I want to study that carving for more matches

I didn’t include this but look at the red building next to Gallier. The top window has little cherubs looking over this spot. Could be the fay and gnome reference. But not sure.

burnstyle

I’ve got some contacts in NOLA. Hold tight, let all of us see if we can get you some help.

It would be greatly appreciated. Everyone I’ve talked to said that if I send them my information on where it is it will be deleted. I have a feeling this ain’t happening with permission. They have all been pissed.

I’ll be interested to see where this goes!

matled falcon pointed out that the circle around McDonouch and the path in lafayette square matches the second hand even better and points directly at this dig spot. A great observation.

roughdraft274

I have a feeling this ain’t happening with permission. They have all been pissed.

I bet you are right about that. and since the solve was posted publically that spot will be dug by someone before the weekend is over.
There are no trees around right? Did you probe it?

roughdraft274

Why is that? Gallier hall was the city hall of new orleans at one point. Historically significant. And the image matches to me seem pretty conclusive. It also takes us along a route that is absolutely full fo the most popular areas of new orleans. I also think another distinct evidence that this is it is that the horsehead is louisiana upside down. Preiss wanted is to flip it upside down so we could see the column and where to dig. With the shovel pointing right to it.

I agree that you have identified some important things, but if you read the book, it’s less about man and his accomplishments, and more about nature and conservation. While the casque might be where you suspect, a tiny strip of grass next to a building in one of the most heavily travel parts of town just doesn’t seem to work in my mind.

WhiteRabbit

OK, I’m intrigued now so would be interested to read under oaths of secrecy if you felt like sending it.

I figured after a few people read it that it might peak your interest
Why did you ever doubt me? lol.

burnstyle

I bet you are right about that. and since the solve was posted publically that spot will be dug by someone before the weekend is over.
There are no trees around right? Did you probe it?

I tried to get permission to probe. The hall is used for cerimonies and weddings and events all the time. I wanted to be polite and not interfer with anyones event. I was told if I probed it I will be arrested.

gManTexas

I feel like this doesn’t fit into the narrative of the book at all.

do you mean the verses/images or the rest of the book?
because I strongly feel the rest of the book (while there are some nods to locations) has absolutely nothing to do with the hidden casques.

MrSeabass

I agree, might want to take down the solve real quick before nefarious folks ruin it for others. Or find someone native to the area to take a bunch of photos immediately to at least confirm if anything becomes disturbed over the next few days.

If someone is really brave enough to do that I applaud them and wish them well. The cat is out of the bag for now. And I’ve warned everyone, I have been told 3 times now by different officials that you will be arrested for digging here and that it will never be allowed. You can’t help someone if they are stupid enough to honestly try to quietly dig a hole there.

I guess I should also mention that the front entrance of Gallier Hall is a checkered floor like the background of the picture.

Fenix

I agree, there are some nice connections in this theory. However, the method of getting to the final dig spot seems very abstract for the least valuable gem.

That’s because, that part of his solve is wrong (LOL)…. but there are plenty of others that are stronger to get you right here.

If this were SF, LOL you could set up camp there live in a tent over the area, dig a hole, fill it back in and no one would ever see you.
What you need to set up is an Occupy New Orleans movement in that square… No one would notice you…

maltedfalcon

That’s because, that part of his solve is wrong (LOL)…. but there are plenty of others that are stronger to get you right here.

Agree to disagree
I think it’s simple and straightforward and makes perfect sense if Preiss really though there were supposed to be solved in a year or less.
I also think there’s a reason he put preservation without hall on the clock. Preservtion hall is to obvious but maybe alluding to the fact it’s at another hall because hall isn’t in the image. Not sure.

maltedfalcon

If this were SF, LOL you could set up camp there live in a tent over the area, dig a hole, fill it back in and no one would ever see you.
What you need to set up is an Occupy New Orleans movement in that square… No one would notice you…

Viva la revolucion!
Who’s ready to camp out?

maltedfalcon

That’s because, that part of his solve is wrong (LOL)….
but there are plenty of others that are stronger to get you right here
.

Can you point out the better starting point than mine? I’m genuinely curious. Mine is so simple and fits everything in my head that I’m a bit astonished that people disagree, though not calling you wrong, just surprised. It’s easy to think it’s more perfect than it really is because I’ve been stressing over it for two days straight now.

Check your Pm’s

Due to an avalanche of requests for me to take the solution down I have edited those posts. Any long time respected members that promise not to dig it up without permission from New Orleans PM me and I will send you the solve.
Respectfully,
Roughdraft
PS* I see the great irony in being called out for not posting this solve and then being told that I better take it down after lol. Life is funny at times, but thanks to everyone.

How about pulled pork. What wood do you like to smoke a butt/shoulder with? I’ve gone cherry for a while, because it’s so perfect for ribs, but I’ve been experimenting with oak and I think it might convey a more smooth, complimentary flavor.

roughdraft274

Due to an avalanche of requests for me to take the solution down I have edited those posts. Any long time respected members that promise not to dig it up without permission from New Orleans PM me and I will send you the solve.
Respectfully,
Roughdraft
PS* I see the great irony in being called out for not posting this solve and then being told that I better take it down after lol. Life is funny at times, but thanks to everyone.

I say you need to try on the sly…..try on the sly guy…

roughdraft274

PS* I see the great irony in being called out for not posting this solve and then being told that I better take it down after lol. Life is funny at times, but thanks to everyone.

It is ironic. It’s just that we get a BUNCH of posts that say “I solved it!” so it’s nice to take a glance at the theory to verify it hasn’t been tried before. Otherwise you might be applying to dig where someone else already has.

drunknerds

How about pulled pork. What wood do you like to smoke a butt/shoulder with? I’ve gone cherry for a while, because it’s so perfect for ribs, but I’ve been experimenting with oak and I think it might convey a more smooth, complimentary flavor.

Applewood.
And never use hickory. Tastes like Satans butt-hole.

drunknerds

How about pulled pork. What wood do you like to smoke a butt/shoulder with? I’ve gone cherry for a while, because it’s so perfect for ribs, but I’ve been experimenting with oak and I think it might convey a more smooth, complimentary flavor.

So you have a smoker, because I suggest smoking for 1/2 the time required
then use a slow cooker to get the moisture into it… otherwise it’s just smoked pork, good but its the moisture and sauce that makes a pulled pork for me.
oh and duh – mesquite.

maltedfalcon

So you have a smoker, because I suggest smoking for 1/2 the time required
then use a slow cooker to get the moisture into it… otherwise it’s just smoked pork, good but its the moisture and sauce that makes a pulled pork for me.

maltedfalcon

So you have a smoker, because I suggest smoking for 1/2 the time required
then use a slow cooker to get the moisture into it… otherwise it’s just smoked pork, good but its the moisture and sauce that makes a pulled pork for me.

That’s great advice. After 6-8 hours the pork can’t take in anymore smoke. I tend to smoke larger portions than can fit in my slow cooker, so I crutch it and just toss it in the overn and mop for another 16-24 hours or so.
That’s great advice. After 6-8 hours the pork can’t take in anymore smoke. I tend to smoke larger portions than can fit in my slow cooker, so I crutch it and just toss it in the overn and mop for another 16-24 hours or so.
Oh, shoot I typed “cherry” and I meant “applewood.” Yeah, I’m not using cherry on pork, I’m so embarrassed.

maltedfalcon

So you have a smoker, because I suggest smoking for 1/2 the time required
then use a slow cooker to get the moisture into it
… otherwise it’s just smoked pork, good but its the moisture and sauce that makes a pulled pork for me.

Good lord, the kind of stuff you californians say. You want me to smoke a pork butt then throw it in a slow cooker with a bunch of sauce???
Might as well add liquid smoke. If you like crappy pulled pork you can buy it by the bucket at the grocery store.

drunknerds

How about pulled pork. What wood do you like to smoke a butt/shoulder with? I’ve gone cherry for a while, because it’s so perfect for ribs, but I’ve been experimenting with oak and I think it might convey a more smooth, complimentary flavor.

Post oak is always a good choice but have you tried Apple? Apple wood and pork pair nicely.

I thought Malted’s plan sounded delicious. Although, I am from California, so yeah maybe that’s the thing.
With every post that recommends apple, I grow increasingly shamed that I mistyped “cherry”

drunknerds

It is ironic. It’s just that we get a BUNCH of posts that say “I solved it!” so it’s nice to take a glance at the theory to verify it hasn’t been tried before. Otherwise you might be applying to dig where someone else already has.

Agreed. But I was just too sure and I’ve searched and searched for someone claiming to have probed there but can’t find anyone saying it. I think honestly I stopped looking there because I though Preiss would never bury it in such a public area.

drunknerds

I thought Malted’s plan sounded delicious. Although, I am from California, so yeah maybe that’s the thing.
With every post that recommends apple, I grow increasingly shamed that I mistyped “cherry”

I like bark on my pork. I do high heat in my smoker, like 275-300 until i hit 195 internal and take it out. I put a tiny bit of applewood every hour so it’s not getting bombarded with smoke the whole way. When done you have delicious bark and melt in your mouth pork.
Applewood also isn’t as strong as others so I find it hard to over do it on pork.

drunknerds

I thought Malted’s plan sounded delicious. Although, I am from California, so yeah maybe that’s the thing.
With every post that recommends apple, I grow increasingly shamed that I mistyped “cherry”

It’s ok, I start thinking about pulled pork or brisket and I can hardly tell up from down. Probably because I drink bourbon on days I’m smoking lol.

MrSeabass

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/238001/simple-and-yummy-pulled-pork/
Takes about 2 hours

But… then how will we duck outside to drink bourbon all night?

drunknerds

But… then how will we duck outside to drink bourbon all night?

Ding ding ding. You’re supposed to be snookered enough to where even bad barbecue is pretty good.
But I’ve never been drunk enough to put sauce on my pulled pork unless it came from some demonic portal… or even worse… a slow cooker *gasP*

MrSeabass

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/238001/simple-and-yummy-pulled-pork/
My go-to for pulled pork ion college football weekends. Takes about 2 hours to make enough to feed the whole neighborhood. Cheap and effective.

That sounds good my favorite brisket is made with Coke-

roughdraft274

Ding ding ding. You’re supposed to be snookered enough to where even bad barbecue is pretty good.
But I’ve never been drunk enough to put sauce on my pulled pork unless it came from some demonic portal… or even worse… a slow cooker *gasP*

I can appreciate a taste purist.
My wife makes a really light jus with white vinegar that brings out the flavor.
I don’t mind a light, mustard-based bbq sauce, too, but yah it tastes fine just straight out of rest.

Very impressive work. The image matches are high quality.
I really like the $20 bill Jackson theory. I had always thought that the stone wall’s (possessive) door verse for SF may have been a reference to Jackson as well.
I hope you can find a way to retrieve the casque. Properly or otherwise. Best of luck.

BINGO

Very impressive work. The image matches are high quality.
I really like the $20 bill Jackson theory. I had always thought that the stone wall’s (possessive) door verse for SF may have been a reference to Jackson as well.
I hope you can find a way to retrieve the casque. Properly or otherwise. Best of luck.

Thanks.
I have a buddy in new orleans standing guard to make sure no one digs and another friendly poster from here who shall remain anonymous is trying to get there to dig it up.

BINGO

Very impressive work. The image matches are high quality.
I really like the $20 bill Jackson theory.
I had always thought that the stone wall’s (possessive) door verse for SF may have been a reference to Jackson as well.
I hope you can find a way to retrieve the casque. Properly or otherwise. Best of luck.

I was stuck on that too but it wasn’t the right jackson. But that area is right next to cafe du monde, and if you’ve ever smelled their hot chocolate and beignets you know that I’m being serious that no air anywhere smells sweeter than that. You could get light headed from the powdered sugar floating in the air, lol.

As a frequent visitor and lover of New Orleans (and especially it’s food), I love that this thread has gone full food related side tangent. Very fitting.

mindydaile

As a frequent visitor and lover of New Orleans (and especially it’s food), I love that this thread has gone full food related side tangent. Very fitting.

Drunk Nerds seemed pretty adamant that we lean that direction. I didn’t want to interfere with a man and his cravings. I’m an enabler at heart.

We know people, who know people, who know where things are buried, if you know what I mean…..
Dammit now I have to go get Bbq for lunch…

maltedfalcon

We know people, who know people, who know where things are buried, if you know what I mean…..
Dammit now I have to go get Bbq for lunch…

You’re driving all the way to the southeast for lunch? You sure are hungry.
I can’t imagine what I’d do if I lived that far from actual BBQ
Do they wrap the pulled pork in Kale or something over there? Haha

I’m currently training my twin sons to dig holes and replace them neatly.
Then I shall contract them out to hit dig spots.
Who’s going to arrest a five year old?

drunknerds

I’m currently training my twin sons to dig holes and replace them neatly.
Then I shall contract them out to hit dig spots.
Who’s going to arrest a five year old?

You evil genius, lol.
I can’t tell you how many small toys or bags of candy my 3 year old has swiped because I forgot to take it out of his hand and give it to the cashier to scan before leaving.

roughdraft274

You’re driving all the way to the southeast for lunch? You sure are hungry.
I can’t imagine what I’d do if I lived that far from actual BBQ
Do they wrap the pulled pork in Kale or something over there? Haha

you laugh but you have proabably never had Santa Maria tri-tip
That being said the best pulled pork bbq I ever had was Nick’s BBQ off 30 in Arkansas

maltedfalcon

If this were SF, LOL you could set up camp there live in a tent over the area, dig a hole, fill it back in and no one would ever see you.
What you need to set up is an Occupy New Orleans movement in that square… No one would notice you…

I like this idea… or you can tell them you believe there is a man-made artifact down there with potentially toxic paint/materials from the ’80s and you’d like to initiate a HAZMAT removal service free of charge as your gift to the fine city of NOLA!

maltedfalcon

you laugh but you have proabably never had Santa Maria tri-tip
That being said the best pulled pork bbq I ever had was Nick’s BBQ off 30 in Arkansas

Never had the fortune of visiting california.
And yea I’m just joking. I’m a firm believer in no sauce, but barbecue can be made anywhere even a hole in the ground with a box on top and some wood embers. Still fun to tease though.

I know you guys are going to roast me for this but…
I LOVE my pulled pork slathered in yellow vinegar/mustard based sauce. That is how we do it in South Carolina. (BTW I am originally from California)
Let the beatings begin.
Regards,
Mac
BTW – Good theory/solve RoughDraft…

MrSeabass

No beatings because there’s no such thing as ‘best bbq’. Saying things like MUH MEMPHIS IS DA BEST VINEGAR SUX is reserved for assholes. There’s a million kinds of great BBQ recipes and sauces, and reasons why there are regional specialties.

I love it all … well, I will jump out on a limb here and say there is probably no good canadian Bbq

roughdraft274

I guess I should also mention that the front entrance of Gallier Hall is a checkered floor like the background of the picture.

So is St. Louis Cathedral. But that’s now what the checkered floor represents…IMO.

You people should start a new thread:
EPICUREAN 100% SOLVED!!!

And back to food we go… This is my heavenly hole:
http://www.piggiepark.com/
Regards,
Mac

MrSeabass

You need to PM roughdraft and see his solve. I’m sorry, but yours is speculative about things that never existed, whereas his has a very *hard* visual and path confirmer. It practically obsoletes your solve.

I just requested it. If it “obsoletes” me ..so be it.

And I’m not keeping my ideas about where it is secret. I posted the area of Armstrong I believe it is located on the Secret Wiki.
So far, I have yet to see anyone explain the symbols in the Turquoise itself above the clock face. I believe they correspond exactly to Eastern corner of Armstong and even tell you what the “three watch over” are. I believe they are three palm trees located on the Eastern corner of the park and right next to the “moon” marker. I have confirmed the Palms were there as of the 1980 renovation to the park.
I’m not saying I’ve solved anything…but I believe this is exactly what the symbols in turquoise represent.
http://thesecret.pbworks.com/w/page/86302876/Image%2007

MrSeabass

I see absolutely nothing in the turquoise. Book-sized print, there is nothing there. Blowing it up only shows print/jpeg artifacts. And it is next to impossible to deny the visual confirmations made by roughdraft (except maybe the mask, I’m not sold on it). The shape of the grandfather clock is unmistakeable.

I thought they were comparing the hands holding sticks, not actually the items on the end of the sticks

MrSeabass

I see absolutely nothing in the turquoise. Book-sized print, there is nothing there. Blowing it up only shows print/jpeg artifacts. And it is next to impossible to deny the visual confirmations made by roughdraft (except maybe the mask, I’m not sold on it). The shape of the grandfather clock is unmistakeable.

I didn’t “blow” anything up. I zoomed in on what is already there. That’s funny…you’re so dismissive that you refuse to acknowledge there are actually symbols in the Turqouise. Ok…I made it all up. I made up the actual location in the park that matches the symbols too. It’s also right across the 4th fountain where the Armstrong statue was originally placed in the 1980 renovation, then moved over to the octagonal position. So the Armstrong statue was looking right at that area when the casque was buried.
I guess I’m imagining all of this. Ok.

Dambala

I didn’t “blow” anything up. I zoomed in on what is already there. That’s funny…you’re so dismissive that you refuse to acknowledge there are actually symbols in the Turqouise. Ok…I made it all up. I made up the actual location in the park that matches the symbols too. It’s also right across the 4th fountain where the Armstrong statue was originally placed in the 1980 renovation, then moved over to the octagonal position. So the Armstrong statue was looking right at that area when the casque was buried.
I guess I’m imagining all of this. Ok.

No I see them in the digital scan online, I just don’t see them in my original copy, I think they are scanner artifacts.

What is your favorite bread for pulled pork sandwiches?
Lately, I’ve been really partial to toasted ciabatta

drunknerds

What is your favorite bread for pulled pork sandwiches?
Lately, I’ve been really partial to toasted ciabatta

Depends on the pulled pork. If the pork is not sweet, then a Hawaiian Roll is nice. Small yeast or potato rolls make for great sliders.

The odds of anyone finding that quote without the internet is virtually zero. I actually like gallier hall as a match for the sovereign people part due to its use for dignitaries lying in state, but I think it’s a mistake to assume such an obscure quote is a key to solving the puzzle.

clarkrock7

The odds of anyone finding that quote without the internet is virtually zero. I actually like gallier hall as a match for the sovereign people part due to its use for dignitaries lying in state, but I think it’s a mistake to assume such an obscure quote is a key to solving the puzzle.

Actually it is very easy to find without using the internet.
Prior to the Internet we would go to this place called the library, >
where you could find a book called
“Bartlett’s book of Familiar Quotations”
which is where it was found,
what is funny is that quote is not in the online bartletts.

clarkrock7

The odds of anyone finding that quote without the internet is virtually zero. I actually like gallier hall as a match for the sovereign people part due to its use for dignitaries lying in state, but I think it’s a mistake to assume such an obscure quote is a key to solving the puzzle.

I doubt that as well. We had Barlett’s and libraries. I also doubt that BP would have put something so obscure in the verses that no reasonable person could find it. Yes, it might take some work, but able to find it. You may have actually had to put in a request at your local library system for the NY Public Library or other major system to find it. Encyclopedias were also very popular.

Here is my solve. Numerous posters have pointed out their issues with the beginning, but that the ending seems to be close or possibly correct but too late. I personally am still a big fan of it, but will make changes to it after walking it out in person and reviewing all feedback that was offered by the wonderful people here.
At the place where jewels abound
-New Orleans reference, alluring to mardi gras
Fifteen rows down to the ground
-Steps in front of Jackson Square, down from Washington Artillery. One of the most iconic sites of New Orleans. Café Du Monde near by, River Walk, the Washington Artillery, Jackson Square, direct line of sight with the St. Louis Cathedral and the clock located in the Image. The steps are large and pronounced. There are performers and crowds all day long.
In the middle of twenty-one
-In the middle of twenty, there is one. In the middle of the twenty dollar bill is Andrew Jackson. Which we are sitting in front of Jackson Square. It’s telling us to move in to the square, heading towards the cathedral. Heading towards the clock from the image.
From end to end
Only three stand watch
-Most people assume “From end to end” is referring to the twenty-one clue. Really it’s telling you that three stand watch from end to end. Obvious reference to the three large towers on the cathedral right in front of us. Moves us closer to the clock.
As the sound of friends
Fills the afternoon hours
-Either telling us about the area in front of the cathedral, maybe church being let out? Or telling us to keep moving past the cathedral to preservation hall on St. Peters St only a block or so away from the rear of the cathedral. The clock obviously has preservation written on it, alluding to the hall. But that would be far to easy, so it’s not buried around here. I’m not even sure that preservation hall is really part of the path or the clue though.
Here is a sovereign people
Who build palaces to shelter
Their heads for a night!
-We are already either on Royal street right behind the cathedral or we are on St. Peter at preservation hall which is half a block from royal. So we should get on Royal (turns in to St. Charles Ave., probably the most famous street in new Orleans, next to possibly Bourbon) and head towards the St. Charles Hotel old location on the corner of St. Charles and Common. At the time that Preiss wrote The Secret, this was nothing but dirt. The Hotel had been demolished and they were planning on rebuilding, but that never came. Years after the book they built the sky scraper that sits there now. But the location would have been noteworthy due to the history of the hotel and the big gaping hole on st. charles avenue walking past it. I can imagine there would be signs showing what happened and the history of the building or what the plans were for the location.
Gnomes admire
Fays delight
-If we pass up the St. Charles hotel location, continue on St. Charles, we arrive at Lafayette street. Fay could be a play on words. When we get here we notice the McDonough Statue with the boy that matches the clock. Gallier hall is on our right. It has two statues on the front porch holding objects, similar to the image but not perfect. Also has lady liberty on the front of the building, holding a stick that appears to be hanging something from the top. Something that for lack of better terms looks like a gnomes hat, lol. Gallier hall also would be a perfect location. Historically important, no flower beds out front, very french matching the image reference.
The namesakes meeting
Near this site.
-Obvious reference to how Lafayette square is intersecting with Lafayette street. The casque is in this area. We already know the little boy statue is near by and we know that the two statues on Gallier hall are near by. Continue looking at Gallier hall, there are two flagpoles that match the second hand on the clock. Lady Liberty is holding a shield that has stars matching the stars above the clock and that is in the matching shape of the mardi gras mask on the image. Perfect matches. Upon this we notice that if you turn the image upside down, the mask turns in to a shovel telling you to dig at the column at the corner of Gallier square. The base of the clock is that column. The base of the flag pole is also a perfect match for the top part of the clock. It’s absolutely perfect. On top of that, it’s been widely believed that he wouldn’t bury the casque below ground in new orleans because due to the city being below sea level, caskets have to be above ground or else they would rise out of the ground. If we look directly below this column the ground is rising. The casque is literally rising out of the ground from the years of pressure pushing it up.

Roughdraft,
I liked your theory but it has many weak points where subjectivity or loose ideas just come together as in the case with many “likeable” solves. Can you tell us what is your strongest most favored lead in this solve?
Thanks.

sadly. the things rising up out of the ground is a manhole cover.
https://imgur.com/a/z8yv0

erexere

Roughdraft,
I liked your theory but it has many weak points where subjectivity or loose ideas just come together as in the case with many “likeable” solves. Can you tell us what is your strongest most favored lead in this solve?
Thanks.

The very end at the column. I’ve always thought that regardless of the starting point, the St. Charles hotel part of the verse followed by the Fay’s delight and the namesakes meeting place always led directly to that intersection. The only other plausible ending to me was the McDonough statue because he is the namesake of many of the schools. And for a while I thought that it meant at the moonwalk because NO is known as the crescent city because the mississippi river gives it that shape. So I was thinking where namesakes meet means where the river meets new orleans. But I always thought Lafayette Street and Square was best. Then when I found that column with a shovel pointing at the ground I was certain. It’s a very close visual marker in an area that almost certainly has to be the ending point. The reason I found the column is cause I thought that since the Louisiana “horsehead” was upside down, maybe other things were. I’ve also looked near all the flag poles I could find because the second hand has just always struck me that way.
Edit: Also, I know I’m in the minority, but I’ve never thought that the Arch or the mask were as perfect a match as many believe them to be. To me they are possible matches.

burnstyle

sadly. the things rising up out of the ground is a manhole cover.
https://imgur.com/a/z8yv0

I suppose it would have been super exciting if it was a stars and moon design cover.

MrSeabass

For me it is the discovery of the columns shape. 90% of the theories always end up or circulate around Lafayette square, and the column design is spot on with the clock.
I challenge anyone to discredit the likeness or find a similar shape elsewhere in the city.
That appearance, standing on that grass square and spinning round and round means you see that, the flagpole, the 3 statues, the fountain kid, etc.
I don’t really agree with the A-to-B pathing but it ended up there, and I find it really hard to discredit.
Also the moon and the checkerboard ideas aren’t really fulfilled well, and that’s a little bothersome.

I’ve searched every nearby building and couldn’t find any other column like that yet. But I haven’t searched further away. I searched for that before I even contacted anyone on here cause I didn’t want to look foolish, lol.
The thing was buried before I was born. If we were able to explain literally every single thing it would be astounding, especially in a city that got sunk in floodwaters for days straight.
We might still find more clues. But it will be incredibly difficult.

I like this site also. It feels so much like a sure thing to see many visual elements all in one place.

roughdraft274

Not sure if anyone noticed, but the lamppost with the scroll work on top resembles part of the clock hands.

gManTexas

Not sure if anyone noticed, but the lamppost with the scroll work on top resembles part of the clock hands.

I’ve thought about it, but those lamp posts are literally every where in the french quarter.

roughdraft274

I’ve thought about it, but those lamp posts are literally every where in the french quarter.

I only meant that it’s a design element.

like the fence post halos in Chicago

Roughdraft, I definitely like design of the clock matching the building and your eye for detail. Great job. I know you believe it is here and I think there is a good chance you are correct. However if you get a chance, can you look at my theory on Post Image 7 Dig-Please Read and Help thread a little bit down the page? I would love your perspective and if you can see something I can’t whether it be positive or negative to my theory. I added a little more to it yesterday. Again, if you have time or if anyone else has ideas, I would definitely appreciate it.
Thanks

The hat that liberty is holding is a Phrygian cap. Which appeared in images during the American Revolution and was used in American art and coins in the early 19th century. Many of the coins minted in NO had the cap images on them. So I doubt this answers the gnome admire verse. The outside of other buildings in the CBD have simular looks to the columns on the hall. The Hibernia bank building is one for sure. I do like what you have done with this verse. I think verse 2 is not for NO. Verse 2 should be considered for Montreal Image 9. The gnome in image 9 is Dutch and I think links it to the opal in image 9. What do you guy think.

Howardjthomas

The hat that liberty is holding is a Phrygian cap. Which appeared in images during the American Revolution and was used in American art and coins in the early 19th century. Many of the coins minted in NO had the cap images on them. So I doubt this answers the gnome admire verse. The outside of other buildings in the CBD have simular looks to the columns on the hall. The Hibernia bank building is one for sure. I do like what you have done with this verse.
I think verse 2 is not for NO.
Verse 2 should be considered for Montreal Image 9. The gnome in image 9 is Dutch and I think links it to the opal in image 9. What do you guy think.

If it didn’t have the quote that’s directly referencing the St. Charles Hotel I could be convinced to look at other verses. But once that is considered, and along with the jewels abound line, I think looking at any other verse would be a waste of time in my honest opinion.

Howardjthomas

The hat that liberty is holding is a Phrygian cap. Which appeared in images during the American Revolution and was used in American art and coins in the early 19th century. Many of the coins minted in NO had the cap images on them. So I doubt this answers the gnome admire verse. The outside of other buildings in the CBD have simular looks to the columns on the hall. The Hibernia bank building is one for sure. I do like what you have done with this verse. I think verse 2 is not for NO. Verse 2 should be considered for Montreal Image 9. The gnome in image 9 is Dutch and I think links it to the opal in image 9. What do you guy think.

Agreed. Never could put reference to “Twain” with anywhere else besides Southern State like NO, as well as “sovereign people” referring to Canada.

roughdraft274

If it didn’t have the quote that’s directly referencing the St. Charles Hotel I could be convinced to look at other verses. But once that is considered, and along with the jewels abound line, I think looking at any other verse would be a waste of time in my honest opinion.

The St. Charles hotel quote is extremely obscure. The jewels abound are likely a reference to the casque. I read it as where jewels abound = where the casque is buried.

I agree. The Twain connection to the river is strong.

davinci4

Agreed. Never could put reference to “Twain” with anywhere else besides Southern State like NO

Davinci4, As a Californian, I find your statement almost insulting! LOL

maltedfalcon

Davinci4, As a Californian, I find your statement almost insulting! LOL

LOL. I just happen to favor the reference to Robert Louis Stevenson more for San Francisco. Anything is possible though! Very much enjoying the discussion.

davinci4

LOL. I just happen to favor the reference to Robert Louis Stevenson more for San Francisco. Anything is possible though! Very much enjoying the discussion.

Ok just to feed your theory,
Stevenson came to San Francisco in August, 1879 and rented a room in a building which then stood at 608 Bush Street. There is a plaque on that site commemorating him.
and in china town the RLS memorial in portsmouth square.. (Thinking about it, it might have been the San Francisco Chronicle or the Examiner)
He was noted for sitting in the park and writing while all the elderly chinese locals made comments about the strange skinny white man among themselves. (there is an SF history book that particularly notes this, but I have long since forgotton what that source was….
This Stephenson reference seems to be guiding us to a place RLS was noted for writing in by elders…
Of all the romance retold
Men of tales and tunes
Cruel and bold
Seen here
By eyes of old

Completely agree. This verse seems like a walkthrough in SF with the beginning maybe starting at a water fountain (clear sounds of water). Any ideas on a water fountain? There are so many in SF. The one in Ghirardelli Square seems like an obvious one with reversed “GH” in the image. Nob Hill has a fountain. It is on Clay Street which would take you to my favorite spot (LaFayette Park).

davinci4

Completely agree. This verse seems like a walkthrough in SF with the beginning maybe starting at a water fountain (clear sounds of water). Any ideas on a water fountain? There are so many in SF. The one in Ghirardelli Square seems like an obvious one with reversed “GH” in the image. Nob Hill has a fountain. It is on Clay Street which would take you to my favorite spot (LaFayette Park).

We shouldn’t be in this thread so I will go over to the correct one to continue.
verse 6 image 1

I’m sold on the idea that Robert Louis Stevenson is involved with a lighthouse-centric puzzle, that being South Carolina. His father and his father’s father were both lighthouse builders.

Howardjthomas

The St. Charles hotel quote is extremely obscure. The jewels abound are likely a reference to the casque. I read it as where jewels abound = where the casque is buried.

In my experience, the St. Charles hotel quote is irrefutable evidence that it’s new orleans.
If a puzzlemaker wants to put in a red herring, they make it obvious. That way people who dig deeper are rewarded with the truth. Hence “Bell + L = liberty bell,” a very surface clue that has a lot of deeper evidence going against it.
Having an incredibly obscure quote and then “rewarding” the diligent efforts of solvers by leading them to a completely wrong city isn’t puzzle design, it’s just being a jerk for no reason. Preiss didn’t seem like a total jerk.

Unknown

Unknown:
Preiss didn’t seem like a total jerk.

Well, not when it came to puzzle design, anyway.

meatypuffs

Using baking powder always produces super crispy wings if you don’t want to fry or have a thick breading on the wings. Here’s a good recipe and video to demonstrate:
http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2015/01/ … s.html?m=1

Thanks! Will try it next time. Here are my results:
No additions but flour and spices: Okay crispiness
Polenta: Better
Panko: Way Better
Polento + Panko : Better but not way better
My family had a great time trying and judging the wings, thanks! I combined three different recipes for this one, so it was a relief to get approval from the diners on my first try. Going to try to tweak this now that I have all this great advice and data

Panko for da winz!!!!!

drunknerds

Good tips, thanks
Not worried about salt, it’s just that store-bought rubs often have a way disproportionate amount, for PRESERVATION purposes

Haha, nice.

drunknerds

Thanks! I’ll do both of these things in the future (you know I still have like 50 lbs of pork butt in my freezer). This time I went with store brand apple cider vinegar, I had no idea there was that much of a quality difference. Just a little in the rub made a nice paste.
I’m also going to try to make my own applewood-focused rub. This storebought one seems alright, but I bet there’s way too much salt in it.

If you are worried about salt, I understand, but salt is the key to rub. Most of it will flash off during the cook. What you are looking for is flavor. You can make rub that is low sodium, but you have to use more of it to get flavor. If you are okay with salt, I would use pure salt (no iodine) or better yet, Himalayan salt crystals. Maybe Kosher at a minimum.

Good tips, thanks
Not worried about salt, it’s just that store-bought rubs often have a way disproportionate amount, for PRESERVATION purposes

Unknown

Unknown:
I have a buddy in new orleans standing guard to make sure no one digs and another friendly poster from here who shall remain anonymous is trying to get there to dig it up.

Tap…tap…tap…

Lol… i dont smoke but I hear it is a heck of a contact buzz…
Regards,
Mac

Getting back to the food discussion….
I gave up smoking pork. Its hard to inhale and near impossible to keep lit.

Hawaiian roll sounds like a great move. Do you toast it? Does that mess up the sugars?
Also; since we’re in a NOLA thread, how was your excursion?

drunknerds

Hawaiian roll sounds like a great move. Do you toast it? Does that mess up the sugars?
Also; since we’re in a NOLA thread, how was your excursion?

I don’t usually toast them, but you could or just cut it and sear the inside faces if the pulled pork is really moist to prevent the roll from disinigrating. Although, Hawaiian rolls are like sponges.
The trip to NOLA was a blast. Quick though. Took tons of photos and looked around, lots to think about. Certainly not my first visit there and won’t be my last.

drunknerds

Hawaiian roll sounds like a great move. Do you toast it? Does that mess up the sugars?
Also; since we’re in a NOLA thread, how was your excursion?

If you want something really good, find a dense cornbread recipe (Not crumbly) and cut to whatever sandwich size you like. Split and slap some pulled pork, sliced onions and pickles. Cole slaw too if you are into it.
Or you can make your own:
https://www.seededatthetable.com/2014/0 … ast-rolls/

Did someone say food??? I love coleslaw but only the vinegar type… cant do that mayo stuff… plus if you leave it out on a hot Charleston day and then eat it, you will be slave to the porcelain god for 2 days…
I thought Josh already found NOLA??
Regards,
Mac

I’ve been working with op.
I’ve dug his spot over the last two nights.
There is nothing there.
Sorry guys.

Hey, nice try!

burnstyle

I’ve been working with op.
I’ve dug his spot over the last two nights.
There is nothing there.
Sorry guys.

god bless you for doing all that. Apologies for the wild goose chase.
My laptop is at work but tomorrow i will post my solve and evidence so that others may possibly build on it.
Appreciate all the reponses and best wishes ive recieved from everyone.

That’s too bad. I thought the op’s ideas/visuals made good justification for a dig.

Sad news. I do think your new finds are going to lead to a major break through.
Nice job roughdraft. Keep looking at the Boston puzzle too, we need some developments like this.

MrSeabass

Not trying to put the cart before the horse, but these discoveries are really starting to reinforce the whole ‘you’ll see several things in the image from where you stand’ concept. They won’t be buried in a place ambiguously next to an abstract.

I believe that is the biggest problem in Boston. We need some sharp eyes like the OP to see what has been right in our faces and missed for so long. Or maybe just a little luck. Roughdraft’s image matches have been a breath of fresh air for me and I bet for a few others as well.

BINGO

Sad news. I do think your new finds are going to lead to a major break through.
Nice job roughdraft. Keep looking at the Boston puzzle too, we need some developments like this.

Im gonna take a few days to lick my wounds lol. But after that who knows. Im gonna take a trip down to new orleans for a day myself and investigate. If i dont find a better spot im giving up and assuming it was dug up during maintanence or something.
The biggest problem for me with boston is that google maps doesnt have neadly the same pictures and detail that it has for new orleans. Every little side street every little statue had numerous weel shot pics or streetviews. Not so for boston imo

Euhirudinea

Tap…tap…tap…

We should have some kind of news hopecully tonight.

Unknown

Unknown:
Hope it involves BBQ

Sadly, I think it will.

MrSeabass

Hope it involves BBQ and a lively debate about what type of potato salad should accompany it.

Or cole slaw. Mayo or vinegar. Discuss!

roughdraft274

it was dug up during maintanence or something.
The biggest problem for me with boston is that google maps doesnt have neadly the same pictures and detail that it has for new orleans. Every little side street every little statue had numerous weel shot pics or streetviews. Not so for boston imo

There are a bunch of signs in the area that talk about them digging up the sidewalks and installing a new sewer and water system. So the manhole cover there was installed in 86.
It’s likely it was removed/destroyed then.

burnstyle

There are a bunch of signs in the area that talk about them digging up the sidewalks and installing a new sewer and water system. So the manhole cover there was installed in 86.
It’s likely it was removed/destroyed then.

damn. You are probably right. If that man hole was installed in 86 then i bet they dug it right up. At least thats what im going to keep telling myself lol.

Goldengate

Good luck! Your approach was one of the better thought out theories I’ve read.
Casque or not, it’s great work that shines a light on areas others didn’t see — some which were in plain sight and absolutely have a clear A-HA element to them. I still think that all the photoshopping and advanced calculus that some pour into interpreting the illustrations and verses are overboard. The puzzles aren’t easy, but they can be solvable 1982 style by just taking what you see, keeping it simple and being willing to put boots on the ground.
I wish you well tonight!

im actually still in baton rouge due to family responsibilities. But a generous poster on here is on site. Fingers crossed.

roughdraft274

god bless you for doing all that. Apologies for the wild goose chase.
My laptop is at work but tomorrow i will post my solve and evidence so that others may possibly build on it.
Appreciate all the reponses and best wishes ive recieved from everyone.

Please don’t forget can’t wait to see the solve images.

I will. For now you can check yourself. Go to gallier hall on google maps. The corner or the building mathes the grandfather clock turned upside down. The base of the flag pole also kinda matches. Also i think the shield that lady liberty is holding on the top of the building matches the mask and the stars in the image.
I will post everything tomorrow.

roughdraft274

im actually still in baton rouge due to family responsibilities. But a generous poster on here is on site. Fingers crossed.

OMG good luck! Can’t wait for an update! I’m really cheering for you guys!

I take a couple days break from reading this board and a good solve comes and goes. Doh!!!

Mister EZ

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=lZmlWq6WFoOSjwSJqYLwAg&q=No+fry+crispy+chicken
Can try one of those, too….potato flakes, corn flakes….panko bread crumbs works great…

Good thinkng. I always have too much panko.
I have ~8 lbs of wings to make, so I think I’ll try one polenta, one panko, one polenta and panko, and one with just the flour base

Using baking powder always produces super crispy wings if you don’t want to fry or have a thick breading on the wings. Here’s a good recipe and video to demonstrate:
http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2015/01/ … s.html?m=1

Anyone got tips for a good, CRISPY, chicken wing recipe that doesn’t fry? The crispy part is something I just can’t master.
Tonight I’m going to try this:
Brine the chicken
Roll it in spices + flour
Dip in beaten egg (I don’t have buttermilk right now)
Roll it in spices + flour again
425 for ~an hour
Serve with IPA
Anything else that would help? Thanks a bunch!

Thinking maybe I should brine it for ~4 hours first?

Try some lemon, polenta and honey with a light flour or pancake mix.

MrSeabass

Screw that it’s Sunday go get chicken and waffles instead.

Used to live down the street from Roscoe’s. That was amazing!
But I’ve got the twin 5 year old boys. It would be preferable to not have to take them to a restaurant

erexere

Try some lemon, polenta and honey with a light flour or pancake mix.

Polenta, huh? That bakes up crispy?
I just so happen to have some polenta I was looking to use soon.
Thanks!

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=lZmlWq6WFoOSjwSJqYLwAg&q=No+fry+crispy+chicken
Can try one of those, too….potato flakes, corn flakes….panko bread crumbs works great…

MrBackstop

Guys, I believe these are the lamp posts that are the Big Hand in the clock. They are unique to the streets of the New Orleans Central business district.
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media … strict.jpg

I probed the spot to the right of the pole I hit something that felt promising. However I pushed hard and went through. The soil here was not packed like old undisturbed ground and was very rocky not native soil. It’s like the construction soil they were putting in the new moonwalk. I felt two spots could have been the dig spot. The small area I probed. due to the second hand on the clock pointing to the right at 14 second mark. I felt it was showing the spot 1 degree off of a straight line from pole. Spot 2 is in the direction of the river from the right pole off of the step down. Unfortunately all the soil was striped before I arrived as shown in the image I posted. To me all these things are more than just forcing things to fit or coincidence.

I saw Dambala’s vimeo yesterday. Everything about it seemed to be off. The scratched up buried object he claims to be a casque is not believable.
This is what a casque find should look like:

erexere

I saw Dambala’s vimeo yesterday. Everything about it seemed to be off. The scratched up buried object he claims to be a casque is not believable.
This is what a casque find should look like:

Hey I thought there was supposed to be beer in there! That’s BS!

I admit there was beer involved.

gManTexas

I doubt that as well. We had Barlett’s and libraries. I also doubt that BP would have put something so obscure in the verses that no reasonable person could find it. Yes, it might take some work, but able to find it. You may have actually had to put in a request at your local library system for the NY Public Library or other major system to find it. Encyclopedias were also very popular.

I was not the original finder, but the first place I read it was out of a book of quotes in the library… how the original finder found it in 2007 I suspect was the same method, but you would have to ask them. I realize it wasn’t that long ago, but even 10 years ago the amount of data online was no where near what it is now.
We know for a fact that BP used several quotes in the hunt, including Melville and RLS, Sarmiento is not as obscure as you seem to think.

I don’t think is a red herring. I just think it’s a coincidence that it matches a quote in an obscure book. The BP did not have the internet. It’s not likely he knew of the quote.
Gnomesin the book relate to the Dutch and fays are French. That ties the verse to Montreal witch has a French and Dutch roots. I believe the flur de lis in I9 was scratched out to prevent it being mistaken for NOLA.

maltedfalcon

Actually it is very easy to find without using the internet.
Prior to the Internet we would go to this place called the library, >
where you could find a book called
“Bartlett’s book of Familiar Quotations”
which is where it was found,
what is funny is that quote is not in the online bartletts.

I do pre date the net.
So I did learn card catalogs and other obsolete (old school) research tools. It’s slower and hard to find with out computer searches. Its so easy to do now with computers. I’ve ask people that are book worms and from NOLA no one knows the quote. I just believe it should be fairly straightforward to marry the verse to the image.

Howardjthomas

I don’t think is a red herring. I just think it’s a coincidence that it matches a quote in an obscure book. The BP did not have the internet. It’s not likely he knew of the quote.
Gnomesin the book relate to the Dutch and fays are French. That ties the verse to Montreal witch has a French and Dutch roots. I believe the flur de lis in I9 was scratched out to prevent it being mistaken for NOLA.

You think it’s coincidence that BP wrote “Here is a sovereign people who build palaces to shelter their heads for a night” which matched “Here is the sovereign people who build palaces to shelter their heads for a night!” ? It’s cited in the book
Abroad in America
which Preiss also took another qote from for another verse, so he was for sure familiar with a book that contained the quote.
I’m sure I’m not understanding exactly what you mean, because the odds of BP just randomly making up that extremely archaic phrase and having it spot on match a quote is near infinite.

https://books.google.com/books?id=Z519B … t!&f=false
Above is the link to the book the quote is from.

drunknerds

You think it’s coincidence that BP wrote “Here is a sovereign people who build palaces to shelter their heads for a night” which matched “Here is the sovereign people who build palaces to shelter their heads for a night!” ? It’s cited in the book
Abroad in America
which Preiss also took another qote from for another verse, so he was for sure familiar with a book that contained the quote.
I’m sure I’m not understanding exactly what you mean, because the odds of BP just randomly making up that extremely archaic phrase and having it spot on match a quote is near infinite.

Maybe it’s just hotels in General. It could be New Orleans. I just like to second guess the status quo.

Howardjthomas

https://books.google.com/books?id=Z519BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA141&lpg=PA141&dq=Here+is+a+sovereign+people+Who+build+palaces+to+shelter+Their+heads+for+a+night!&source=bl&ots=gO9YFyXEB7&sig=Sx4yhf6LaHpyoCVfrbIDqG4PrmI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiWkuvF_8TZAhVDbKwKHbqBAeoQ6AEwA3oECAAQAQ#v=onepage&q=Here%20is%20a%20sovereign%20people%20Who%20build%20palaces%20to%20shelter%20Their%20heads%20for%20a%20night!&f=false
Above is the link to the book the quote is from.

Great point. Also, the Sarmiento quote is cited, in
Abroad in America
which is also where the “Edwin and Edwina named after him” comes from.
I like that you second-guess stuff that is assumed to be true. That’s going to go over well, here. I’m just shocked that people are attempting to hand wave a verbatim quote about New Orleans as coincidence or red herring. If this obscure quote we know the author had access to isn’t a clue pointing straight to New Orleans, then anyone can come up with a theory for any image and tunnel it by ignoring all information that runs contradictory as “a coincidence” or “intentionally misleading.” It’s disheartening. Might as well dig holes randomly if we are going to ignore huge, hidden clues. Might as well just ignore the letters in a verse until the remaining letters spell out “the casque is in your backyard, drunk nerds.”

Quote is from Hollis Lynch’s book Edward Wilmot Blyden: Pan-Negro Patriot (1967)

drunknerds

Great point. Also, the Sarmiento quote is cited, in
Abroad in America
which is also where the “Edwin and Edwina named after him” comes from.
I like that you second-guess stuff that is assumed to be true. That’s going to go over well, here. I’m just shocked that people are attempting to hand wave a verbatim quote about New Orleans as coincidence or red herring. If this obscure quote we know the author had access to isn’t a clue pointing straight to New Orleans, then anyone can come up with a theory for any image and tunnel it by ignoring all information that runs contradictory as “a coincidence” or “intentionally misleading.” It’s disheartening. Might as well dig holes randomly if we are going to ignore huge, hidden clues. Might as well just ignore the letters in a verse until the remaining letters spell out “the casque is in your backyard, drunk nerds.”

I agree it’s hard to not take the quote as a clue. The whole Gnome and Fay part makes me

Howardjthomas

I just believe it should be fairly straightforward to marry the verse to the image.

As do I, unfortunately this method has eluded hundreds of very smart people for about 36 years. Seriously we have spent a lot of time on that and still have no plausible method. While there have been methods that work for one or two pairs, they always fall apart when looking across the whole. I would love it if somebody could come up with a plausible method.

Is there any way here that
Fifteen rows down to the ground
In the middle of twenty-one
Can work as the final dig instruction at this location instead of a general pointer to the larger area? It seems comparable to the precise indicators from Cleveland and Chicago.

I guess I look at it as not much of a “hidden clue.” If it refers to the original place it isn’t clever or interesting, it’s just obscure. I think it is more likely that the phrase that originally described a torn down hotel is being used to describe an actual current (in early 80’s) location. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not in N.O., just that I don’t think it makes sense to assume that.

Unknown

Unknown:
Is there any way here that…

Sure, why not? But people have been actively looking for over 10 years and no one has found anything that is 21 rows wide by 15 rows high in the places where Preiss would have hidden the casque. The real problem as I see it is that without context, the dig spot clues (in the middle of four alike, under that which may be last touched, giant pole, etc.) are too general to be of any real value. It’s only once you are at the correct site that they make any kind of sense and can be used in any meaningful way.

Euhirudinea

Sure, why not? But people have been actively looking for over 10 years and no one has found anything that is 21 rows wide by 15 rows high in the places where Preiss would have hidden the casque. The real problem as I see it is that without context, the dig spot clues (in the middle of four alike, under that which may be last touched, giant pole, etc.) are too general to be of any real value. It’s only once you are at the correct site that they make any kind of sense and can be used in any meaningful way.

I have the middle of 21 and three watch over. And a bunch of the other specific coordinates in a very specific spot. But not 15 rows down on this specific spot. However I believe it is Washington Artillery Park and the puzzle leads you to the spot I’m at for a specific reason.

Unknown

Unknown:
But not 15 rows down on this specific spot.

But that’s the question that was asked, and the question I tried to answer.

Euhirudinea

But that’s the question that was asked, and the question I tried to answer.

I wasn’t criticizing you, I was just making a statement.

JoshCornell1

dambala showed me his solution…its wild. but its highly speculative compared to mine. all i can say. good luck to him…but i dont think its where he thinks it is…

“Highly Speculative” . You are too much man. It’s highly specific down to the square foot.

Dambala

I have the middle of 21 and three watch over. And a bunch of the other specific coordinates in a very specific spot. But not 15 rows down on this specific spot. However I believe it is Washington Artillery Park and the puzzle leads you to the spot I’m at for a specific reason.

Do you live around there? Because when I was there this past weekend they were tearing the area between the back fence and the moonwalk apart. It looked like part of the moonwalk was gone as well.

burnstyle

Do you live around there? Because when I was there this past weekend they were tearing the area between the back fence and the moonwalk apart. It looked like part of the moonwalk was gone as well.

Yes, I live here. I’m not looking in that area….the Moonwalk is on the federal levee system, I’m sure he didn’t bury it at the Moonwalk because it would be a felony.
I’m committed to Armstrong Park.

Gotcha. Sorry, I misread your post.

burnstyle

Gotcha. Sorry, I misread your post.

No worries.

oh well… for everyone else’s reference, this is what the park currently looks like.
https://i.imgur.com/8wUX0OO.jpg

Guys, I believe these are the lamp posts that are the Big Hand in the clock. They are unique to the streets of the New Orleans Central business district.
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media … strict.jpg

Careful – he never wrote ‘Mark Twain’, just ‘Twain’. Maybe that’s implied, but I’ve always wondered if Twain represented the dictionary translation or another reference, and not specifically *Mark* Twain.
Seabass, I like that detail. But perhaps BP was just a big fan of Elmer Fudd.
And if that’s true the whole message changes doesn’t it.

burnstyle

oh well… for everyone else’s reference, this is what the park currently looks like.
https://i.imgur.com/8wUX0OO.jpg

Yea the whole walk was totally dug out more than cask depth. If it was there it’s gone for sure. So are some perfect spots (for a casque) in the parking lot behind Washington artillery. I still like my theory that put the casque in that lot. No way to prove or disprove now.