Welcome to the Frederick Puzzler's Corner!
This is a monthly event to encourage puzzle solving in the geocaching community, and all are welcome.
September 4th is Newspaper Carrier Day.
Newspaper carrier - do you remember what that used to be? Do you know what it is now? Before the advent of online news feeds and digital versions of periodicals, print newspapers were delivered every day to most households. It hasn’t been that long since this carrier workforce primarily consisted of kids on their bicycles, on foot, or towing a wagon - you know, the ones with good throwing arms (aim didn’t seem to count - just distance). You would find most of this work force under the age of 16, because at the ripe old age of 16, we were all getting our drivers licenses, and there was no more interest in riding our bikes or hoofing it around the neighborhood. Most at that age were also looking for better paying jobs - or better work/sleep schedules - so they could obtain the income needed to get their own wheels (of the motorized variety) and pay for the required insurance.
Some say that the earliest carriers hired, in the 1830’s, had to meet one prerequisite to get a job - be able to throw a newspaper into the bushes.
Today, for those who still subscribe to a print version of newspapers, they are usually delivered by adults from their cars. Throwing is not always required.
Hats off to all the carriers, past and present, for sacrificing their early morning sleep or after-school time to deliver the latest news to our doorsteps! Or bushes. Or the only puddle within five blocks….
And now, for the usual spiel…
This event is open to all cachers, no matter what your statistics say or whether you even like puzzles! So newbies and addicts, socialites and lone wolves, mark you calendar.
If you've got a puzzle or mystery cache that's currently got you stumped and you'd like to pick some brains, this event is for you! Zombies are not welcome here though, so please leave your pets at home - we want everyone to leave with the brains they brought, at minimum.
This event has evolved to a think-tank type gathering, with everyone collaborating on the latest tantalizing quizzler on their radar. Occasionally there may be a short tutorial on some aspect of puzzle solving, but the learning seems to come from working with others to solve a teaser. You don't have to work on puzzles to enjoy this, as there are plenty of stories to be heard. However, you'll have plenty of others to commiserate with, and you might find someone who has already solved a puzzle using a similar technique. We continue to see successes and progress at each gathering.
For the puzzle junkies, bring your puzzle paraphenalia - flagged caches, laptop or tablet (Wi-Fi is available), theories, library card, worksheets, (sp)eye glasses, HTML color code charts, Enigma machine, abacus, scratch paper (don’t forget your writing instrument) - you never know who (or what!) will show up, and what kind of help you can take advantage of. Maybe you’ve recently cracked a tough one and want to see the wheels spinning while others tackle it - that can be loads of fun! Yes, we have regular head-slapping moments!
If you have a specific puzzle or puzzling topic you'd like help with, feel free to make note of it in your Will Attend log.
When & Where:
Tuesday, September 4, 2018, 6pm - 8pm
Wegman's Market Cafe
7830 Worman's Mill Road
Frederick, Maryland
If you also bring your appetite, all costs are your own responsibility.
Field trips not included.
(But it's a good time to plan them!)