VSRR III Ruth on the Road Day 28 (5375)

July 28, 2007

“Morning racers - been up early this morning preparing a few things for the weekend - but first things first - Scores are up to date as of 0400 ZULU. Be back shortly with some details” . . . Donna said, “there is coffee Dan... cause day 28 isn't quite right.... I was in 4th place on 27, but somehow have less points but in 3rd....hum......” . . . Dan responded, filling his cup, “Haven't update the score on Day 28 yet will do shortly” . . . returning shortly he said, “Thanks for the coffee all of Day 28 updated now” . . . Referring to Dave’s reminiscing about his family trip and later his kids, Dan said, “Hi Dave - that's what's fun about the race - many of the racers have been to these places and the tales they tell just help make it come alive! Thanks for sharing this.” . . . then he posted the daily narrative. “Today's Episode: "Favorite Family Recipes!" Or "At the Copa – Copacabana” . . .

“Morning Racers - for most of the month we have been finding things in the world that are the LARGEST of their kind - it's time to move from the real world to this - The Largest Digital Photo in the World http://www.tabloidcolumn.com/worlds-largest-digital-photo.html Your assignment - should you accept it - is very simple all you have to do is to find the two shoppers in this photo as defined on that web page and SEND TO THE JUDGES ONLY a detail description of where the shopping ladies are in the photo - couldn't be simpler. The judges need to be able to follow your instructions to find the shoppers. Before you send in your answer check out the points on Day 28 scorecard for the "Weekend Special" - this offer is only good for the next days 28 and 29 - it expires 0400 ZULU 7/30 - not valid in Venice, Italy - see we have a reputation there! OBTW - Like most Hollidan Specials when they are gone they are gone! Feel free to ask questions about scoring - the only instructions on how to navigate the photo are on that web page - or from your fellow racers - the judges can not provide technical assistance… Have fun shopping!” . . . Donna immediately asked, “”And have the judges found this ????? … Hate to quit so late in the race, but this is going to take way more time than I have.” . . . Dan laughed, “Yes this judge has found them - you have the whole weekend so take you time not rush - points are available through Sunday - There had to be at least one real challenge during the race - this may be it if you are challenged by it! Isn't the detail incredible in the photo – even the stuff way off in the distance on the horizon when you zoom in – not where the shoppers are by the way.” . . .

Sly said, “Since my weekend starts on Tuesday, can I assume that I will also get the chance to have the weekend special? This is my week of overnights, and sleep is difficult enough to get - but the 'shopping expedition" sounds like it could be fun. Last days of Zulu is also when I am at work, so I am not sure how that will work out. Have to check the times again.” . . . she continued, “One little section of tree takes up my whole screen - will take a lot of time which I won’t have until my weekend.” . . . Dan answered, “ Hi Sly, still it's a fascinating use of digital photography - don't make yourself crazy - its just a game - its just a game - even though the points may run out for the "Weekend Special" on Day 29 - it's still a intriguing challenge - when I first ran across it took me about 30 minutes of concentrated effort to locate them - but this judge DID find them - even found them again yesterday just to be sure I remembered where they were.” . . . continuing, Dan said, “You know what they say about assumptions - They make an ................... errr .... Sometimes they are wrong!” . . . Sly answered, “It’s really amazing that I can enlarge the tree to that size, and still have so much detail! Not to worry I am not going to get crazy - people have tried, but it doesn’t work.” She laughed, “I just saw a post about having to drop out because there was not time to do it, and thought maybe it was a requirement to finish or something. Saw later it was just points. But I like to bug "duh judges" anyway, so all was not lost.” . . . Dan replied, “Sometimes it amazes me how brilliant some racers are in the simplicity in which they approach a problem - not to be misconstrued - it's a simple statement, an observation.” . . .

Barney asked, “So when we find it we do what? Don't know how to detail it to you. Didn't find a whole lot of instructions on the web page besides the zoom instructions.” . . . Penny asked, “Is the column with the points there yet? I just looked and didn't see it. A shopping trip - how fun. Almost like going to Ikea. Do they sell D56 at this mall? Is that what these two gals are looking for?” . . . NPS said, “I must have just looked in the right spot - it only took me a couple of minutes. How do we describe the area to you” . . . Dan replied, “Therein, perhaps, lies the biggest challenge - but knowing how creative this group is - it should not only be interesting but entertaining as well - all you need to do is convince the judges you really found the two lost shoppers - be sure to check the points structure.” . . . Answering Penny’s question, NPS said, “It's on the bottom where HITS was” . . . Penny said, “Okay I found them - now what. And it took all of about 5 minutes. How much is it worth?” . . . Dan answered, “The rest of the day off till start time!” . . . Barney said, “Sly, We will work the midnights together & have tons of fun. I generally stay up all day today until 8 tomorrow morning & sleep for 5 to 6 hours. Close all blinds, some people cover the window with sheets. I don’t have much problem getting to sleep, just once in a great while. Wife wants me to take a nap in afternoon before going in, once in a while I get in 40 min. or so… 4 to 6 am is the pits. Will save the photo work on the shoppers until work tonight. It will give me lots to do, & should be able to stick with it. My job is not that demanding, just more of high risk when something does go wrong in the chemical process. I am a distillation Operator for the past 9 years, mainly watching computer monitors in a control room. It still is a big change from the office job of being a grain trader for 19 year I still can not spell, that’s why I don't post… Later” . . . Dale laughed, “Hey Barney- If spelling counted- I would never post-- But I would look at pictures!” . . . Dan said, “And you told me you only bought those magazines for the articles!!! “ . . . Dale continued, “You do know--That kind of job will hinder your spelling,” he laughed, “I knew a Still Operator who couldn't spell at all.” . . . “Yes, indeed!!” said Barn! . . . Dale laughed, squinting at the picture. “Finding them wasn't too hard------ It's just that I can't read that sign.” He laughed again, “Can I just give you the colors” . . . Penny answered Sue in Swedish, “tack så mycket! Sue!! ” . . . From Dan, “EEEEE what she said!” . . . then airily added, “Go to your Swedish to English dictionary to translate. It was all good.” . . .

Reiterating what he said earlier, Dan replied, “Hi Barney - this just went out on the wire - hope it helps…Weekend Special - isn't technology amazing - just a reminder - send your description of where the Lost Shoppers are - ONLY TO THE JUDGES – your description must be specific enough that there is not doubt you did indeed find and rescue the lost shoppers - Judges are NOT a resource for technical help - but perhaps your fellow racers may be willing to assist - as its only a game - its only a game!”… To Penny, “Hi Penny - if you are referring to the Shopping adventure - they are on the bottom of the page where the HITS points were.” . . . Holli came in with apologies, “Sorry folks... I had the worse headache yesterday... got even worse by evening, so I laid down after picking my son up, and that was the end of me! Didn't even get to make dinner” . . . Sympathetically Dan asked, “To much partying in Venice? Hope you feel better!” . . . Dan said, “All you need to do is convince the judges you really found the two lost shoppers “ . . . and Dale asked, “What if Holli can't follow directions very well- You know that could be a problem” . . . Dan quickly replied, “Not a problem - she has Hollidan GPS installed! But thanks for your concern!” . . . Dale asked again, “a How about the other Judge---? Are you sure she can read the GPS?” . . . and Dan replied, “Sure we have special GPS software for our HGPS (Hollidan Girl Place Sender)!” . . .

Morning racers - been busy in the background this morning - seems we lost a couple of shoppers and search parties are out now looking for them - this could be a challenge - anybody up to it?... -- 1. Start time for today's segment - 1900 ZULU - no answers for SS, PP or location before then will count - Bingo and the search for the Secret Shoppers can be called anytime -- 2. Score card for day 29 is also published on the web page – please note - Points go up and up 3. SS#28 when available for answering - what is it and where is it both worth points - some of the pretty BIG -- 4. PP#28 also when available for answering - find it and answer the question both worth points - some of the pretty BIG here too 5. WILDCARDS - something a little different again - can't wait for the questions on this one. -- a. If you are next to a WC you get double your score. b. If you have a double digit score - you can place a single zero after it c. If you have a single digit score you can place a double zero after it. d. Simple enough - any questions???? No -- okay! - I was offering to answer them myself this time but since there are none – we can move on. -- 6. Bingo - down to the wire again - just a few days to go - don't forget ONLY if you did not call Bingo in A or B you have TWO Free Spaces. -- 7. Weekend Special - isn't technology amazing - just a reminder - send your description of where the Lost Shoppers are - ONLY TO THE JUDGES - your description must be specific enough that there is not doubt you did indeed find and rescue the lost shoppers - Judges are NOT a resource for technical help - but perhaps your fellow racers may be willing to assist - as its only a game - its only a game!... We'll, that'll do it for now - got some chores to take care of around the Judgemobile this morning - I'll check in when I can! … Thanks, HRS” . . .

Suddenly the buzzers sounded and lights flashed and Dan reported, “Allyn - first to find lost shoppers!” . . . Vera cheered. “Way to go Allyn........those girls obviously need the map! You on the other hand are a Professional! Great Job!” . . . Penny asked, “When you posted Allyn's score - did you delete the wrong # at the bottom? The amount for Day 29 is gone.” . . . Dan answered, “Nope - that's no longer available only 2-20 remain” . . . Penny answered, “HUH???” . . . Allyn offered, “Billy wanted me to wait till tomorrow to post. We've learned the hard way that "first is worst"...sigh. Oh, well. The games are fun and the picture is amazing!” . . . Penny asked, “So are you saying we get the points shown for Day 29 if we answer today?” . . . Dan replied, “Nope - if no body claims points today that's what will be available tomorrow. Strategy is the name of this game – oh, and a little detective work to find the shoppers!” . . . Penny said, “I am still trying to figure out what points we get for today. Day 29 or Day 28 as we should.” . . . Dan continued, “Considering this is Day 28 - that's the points available today!” . . . He turned to Penny saying, “Fun is the most important part of the game!” . . . “Only the points sets 3-20 remain now.” . . .

Sly laughed and explained, “I can spell, but my fingers are too short to reach the far keys fast enough to beat the other fingers reaching the close keys, so I tend
to reverse certain letters.” She added ruefully, “No internet at work, sorry, or I would love to work on it with you. And I am usually very busy, so probably wouldn’t have time anyway. (more :- Usually get about 4 hours or so, not because I want to, but because my rhythms just don’t work that way. Double curtain in a dark colour, sheets, etc - Tv on to drown out noise, etc. No dice until I am pretty much ready to pass out! ” . . . she ended, laughing again! . . . Rosanne grumped, “OK....WHO THOUGHT THIS ONE UP????...I guess I'm out of the race because I'm never going to find the 2 shoppers. I tried, but it doesn't work for me on my computer & it kept freezing up my computer… We should have kept the puzzles. They were a lot more fun than this….Happy racing.” …. Dan said, “I'm sure your fellow North Carolinian will help you - he's that kind of guy!” . . . Vera, wanting to be helpful said, “Just use that description....he just has to have a general idea???? They are to the right of the road … he will take it!” . . . Dale eagerly responded, “All you have to do is ask—“. . . then Dan Announced, “WC Donna - has found the secret Shoppers!” . . .

. . . WCDonna said, “Go figure, I found the silly shoppers easily, but do you think I've narrowed down the SS for today yet? Glad I've still got 2 hours to find it and solve it! Found the PP, but then the APB went out to find the shopping gals, so I abandoned the PP and now that the gals have been found, I'll resume! ... Happy weekend folks!” . . . Dan reported again, “Donna interrupted today's family reunion -- joins search -- finds lost shoppers!” . . . Helen said, “Found the girls, SS and PP.....The question is how long will I hold my cards aka emails…when will bingo be listed??? … think I'll go check on Harry Potter...” . . .Dan reported, “Vera finds shoppers … describes them as rookies … too few bags and no power van to haul away the goodies!” . . . Dan reported, “In a manly sort --of what Dave deftly describes - (it's a good thing too, cause I don't hear very well), -- exactly where the shoppers are -- right next to the whosamawhatsie!!! Along with Donna - moves into the top 5 racers shortly before start time!” . . . Another loud buzzzzz, “With just moments to go before today's start Esme, Penny and Suepa - selectively search, surround and find the Secret Shoppers!” . . . Continuing his reporting, Dan said, “While still at the starting line Helen puts down her Harry Potter book to search for the secret shoppers - FINDS THEM and moves into first place even before leaving the starting line!... Way to go Helen!” . . . .”You think you have a problem Barney - that was supposed to say – ‘Yea next to the TREE!’ (Dan had written ‘Yea next to the three!’ in response to Vera’s message.) . . . And the race is on … Dan held the starter’s gun and braced himself against the inevitable onslaught of the wind at the start of each race. Dan announced, “As the starting gun was going off, Rita found the shoppers!”… Here come the clues, “a. Sanford City Council turned down the opportunity. -- b. Covers 30,000 acres. -- c. Has it's own Fire Department . -- d. Has it own Transit system. -- e. Ayefour Corporation bought the first 5 acres on 10/24/64. -- f. RETLAW - bought more land - note what that spells backwards. -- g. WD first flew over site 11/22/63 - a day most of us will never forget. -- h. Home of the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” . . . Dan continued…”While Helen went back to her book - Dale located today's destination - and in sole possession of first place! Way to go Dale!” . . . Helen smiled, “Sorry, Dale, just couldn't resist....NPS will be along shortly to wipe us both out” . . . Dale said, “That's OK Helen- Kay took a picture- now I'm looking for another frame- That makes 2 for this year…And the race is not over until we hear ?????? Sing.” . . . At this moment Holli appeared, somewhat improved with her headache, and said, “Here ya go – bingo picks for today – Baboons, the Riviera, Clints Hog breath Restaurant . . . good luck, racers! DUJ” . . . Dan laughed, “Just to make it interesting at the scorer's table! I LOVE IT - Bring it on!” . . . “Using his GSP (Girl Shopper Programmer) Dale finds Shoppers – offers them a ride to today's destination!” . . .

Continuing his reporting, Dan said, “The crowd from the west is well represented in the seekers who search with success - Kay finds lost shoppers, move into 2nd 12 minutes before today's start!” . . . “Ruth finds Secret Shoppers before leaving Rio - gets details on gentlemen who just offered them a ride!” . . . Penny asked, “You mean the naked one?” . . . “Penny packs on the points reaches destination - humming happy tune - moves into first!” . . . [[While some of us earnestly struggle with locating destinations so we won’t be late for tonight’s party, and try to pin down the SS so we won’t be low man on the totum pole, Penny blithely changes the subject and chats to herself,]] “Cod intestines are a delicacy on the crab boats in Alaska. Not something I would want to try… Listening to "The Deadliest Catch" while unpacking houses for my display ledge.” . . . [Should she go by suffocation or strangulation?] . . . Dan reported, “Penny - timing her moves carefully while watching the "Discovery" Channel and unpacking ,carefully plans her moves -- scores big - moves back into 1st Place.” . . . Penny modestly says, “Nice to be in 1st place if only for a short while till Sue passes me by.” . . . Still cheerily talking to herself, Penny said, “That's it - I am done for today. Back to unpacking my houses. Company coming next weekend - so it needs to look good. Then onto Florida for the gathering. YIPEE!!! Warm weather” . . . Dale gallantly steps up. “Hey if you need help as when to send in your answers- Let me know- I'll be glad to help.” . . . Doris suddenly jumped up excitedly saying, “yippee!!!! I did too!” . . . Ruth said, “Doris, I’d love to congratulate you and enjoy the moment – but what the heck did you do?” . . . Rita answered, “Even though Doris is not playing in the road race, it appears she found the shoppers in the digital photo. Good for you Doris!” . . ., Penny sent a link saying, “For a quick block of the site for the two gals - click on this link. Very interesting. http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=1717392&postRepeater1-p=2” . . . Susan said, “Thanks for stopping here today, Dan. My umbrella needed a tune up to make it to the end of the race.” . . . Karen looked around and said, “This location made me do research into it. Just may have to take a trip there next year in real life not road races!” . . . Dan replied, “Hadn't thought of that - but we can all use a recharge - this is a great place to do - anybody up for Space Mountain?” . . .continuing, Dan said, “Hi Karen - it's the happiest place on earth - if you get a chance GO - you'll never regret it!” . . .

Rita said, “Well Dan, since we are so near you, we decided to have tonight's party at your house. Tracy thinks it is a great idea; however she doesn't know what she is in for with this group.” Rita laughed. “Maddie has assured us that there are some "hot" cabana guys in the area that she knows and will invite to join us. Holli has even brought her lit palm tree to ensure a festive surrounding. Now if we could just get Ruth to put down her writing pen and join us, the fun could begin” . . . Ruth replied, “I’m there! I’m there!  What time – and what’s the dress… silly question! We’re all looking for Maddie’s Toga!  Man she was smashing! (…in the Toga, I mean!)!” . . . Dan’s reply was immediate. “Not a problem at all - as a matter of fact I put the finishing touches on the pool this afternoon in anticipation - but please no lettuce this year - If I conk out early - feel free to enjoy your selves – I recommend sitting out on the dock after the sun goes down - there's enough room for dancing and such - have fun - don't worry about waking me up - I sleep very well through our afternoon thunder storms so loud noise won't be a problem!” . . . Esme jumped in saying, “Wait, wait, I think I'm the hostess here! We'll have cotton candy, hamburgers, pizza, wraps, hot dogs, snow cones, funnel cake, carmel apples, and great chardonnay!...I'm afraid the "guys" will all be clean cut, no facial hair, no visible tats, hair above their ears, and they won't be punting the boats in circles or running the cars off the tracks! … The "women" for you guys have three fingers and big ears.” . . . Esme, clapping her hand to her forehead moaned, “Oh, no, it's the other place!? (Wrong coast)…This wasn't my assignment today, as you can tell. And I even did the puzzle… TM56, going back to bed with that flu you guys spread around.” . . . A less than sympathetic reply from Dan, “That's why it not a good idea to sneeze on your computer screen - that's how bugs and viruses get spread!” . . . Rita graciously responded to Esme’s suggestions. “We will leave it up to you to decide on our menu for the evening. The requirements for the "guys" sound great. The band will be along about sunset and will meet us on the dock.” . . . Rita glanced down, saw her printing and fussed, “What the heck is with all the "?" marks at the end of my sentences. .? Even when I only use one space they appear.” . . . Esme thought for a moment and suggested, “I think AOL is trying to help us out with Yahoo. At least that's what I think. ? Maybe.” . . . [Now look! They both have that “?”.]

Rita said, “Karen, it's a great place for both adults and kids. We had an office in Kissimmee in the 80's, so I bought a house there and would spend a lot of time down there, shuttling between Chicago and Orlando. At least one night a week was spent at one of the restaurants or on their boat where they had different bands playing. I haven't been there for about 10 years and I'm sure a lot has changed. Sea World is nearby and also lots of fun, as is Universal Studios. Someplace you should definitely try to see.” . . . Sly kept looking at Penny’s link, and answered, “Didn’t see anything about 2 shoppers, but did see something about a transaction in an alleyway.” . . . Dan announced, “NPS - coming off a roof singing - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious recharges her umbrella and resumes her spot in 1st place!” . . . […talk about Spelling!!] . . .

Dan’s final announcement for the evening…”Evening ladies and gentlemen - the scoring board is clear at the time of this typing and all scores are posted - feel free to make sure I haven't missed anything… I'm going to head over to the pool and help Tracy finish setting up for tonight's party - you are all welcome - come and enjoy!... If you don't see me here when you arrive feel free to start without me! … See ya all in the morning!” . . .

Rita laughed, “Esme, Esme, I thought you had arrived and were helping Tracy get ready for the onslaught of vehicles, which should be arriving soon. Never figured you'd be on the wrong coast!” . . .Holli said, “Have no fear Holli is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” . . . Vera swung into action, “Have a couple of sisters to help tonight too. For Ruth to enjoy we are just putting together one big salad. Not to take away from the fluids we will consume....Lettuce mixes/ strawberries/raspberries/blueberries/banana, avacado/cucumber and some grape tomatoes with poppy seed dressing! Hope you all like it! Ruth - kick back we are serving you where you are! Rest up for the limbo!” . . . Holli said, “Oh Dan... If you should fall asleep, I will keep an eye on things. Well I will try, as my Cedar Beach night went bust so I am very happy with tonight’s Circle Racers Party. Now can you even imagine us in VEGAS??...There is a liquor store near the Hotel I hope! ) We will have to have a party in Vegas” . . . Helen reminded, “Don't forget the ice cream on a stick that looks like mouse ears...They have different flavors which should go with the berries...and will melt nicely into some of the drinks.” . . . she added, “Watch out for Dan's dogs....I heard that they liked to swim” . . . Penny said, “I just sent Dan a photo of what we are serving at tonight's party. In the event he doesn't see it - they are in the folder marked "Penny".” . . . She continued, “Whatever did anyone do with their pieces of broken buildings they were given at the 25th Anniversary back in 2001?” . . .

Sly decided to call Bingo! – “Day 22 Wildcard - Day 23 The Gold Lame Bikini -- Day 24 Our Manatee Ms. Bubbles Hollidanatee -- A Refrigerator -- Day 25 The HOLLI-CAR -- Scuba Mom -- Day 27 Fiber Optics, Lombard street, -- Day 28 Baboons, THE RIVIERA.” . . . Penny asked, “I am surprised that no one has commented on the delicious crustaceans I provided for appetizers. The young people holding them are my son & his girlfriend.” . . . Vera said, “Penny – sorry, just came in from planting flowers. Wow...good looking kids! Now about the crustaceans....they are too cute to eat! Can we put them loose in the pool? Do they eat lettuce?” . . . Helen answered, “That's because I've been away from the computer looking for a pot big enough for those crustaceans.....Does Dan have a gas grill near the pool?” . . . Vera, getting excited, said, “Dan’s salad is low on lettuce and high on fruit....and now ice cream too! … WoooooooooooHhhhhoooooooooo” . . . Penny, speaking to Sly, said, “Congratulations Sandra - I guess they are all out partying. I haven't heard from anyone since Dan said he was going to the pool.” . . . Holli came out of the pool dripping and said to Sly, “As the Official Bingo Judge, I can confirm that indeed your Bingo card C is true and complete!! Congrats! ...DUJ” . . .

Holli, reacting to Vera’s call, sang out, “SHAKIN MY BOOTEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Wooo Hooo!!!!” . . . Rita said, “Those are some lobsters and sure will be well appreciated by the racers tonight. Hope Penny and Jon are going to join us.” . . . Penny answered, “Rita - Jon & Debra said they are excellent lobsters. They went scuba diving just to get them for us.” . . . Ruth said, “What a fantastic salad!! ... I do hope Dale doesn't wash the lettuce in the pool again. Practice dive excuse or not, he should have at least used a colander. And make Barney stop picking out all the strawberries!” . . . NPS wagged her finger at Dale saying, “Dale, you're not supposed to put the lobsters in the pool - but in the pot that is boiling on the stove. Dan is not going to be happy in the morning.” . . . she continued, “Now Dale is trying to use the lettuce to lure the lobsters back to the edge of the pool. There is going to be a big cleanup in the morning. I give up - where's my drink.” . . .

Penny said hurriedly, “I know that Jon & Debra will be there. I got tied up at security with this titanium knee of mine. Will be there as soon as I can.” . . . The music got louder – the dancing more enthusiastic and Tracy had the men carry a third pot of lobsters out to the pool area. Titanium or not, Penny cut a mean rug on the floor. WCDonna did the mixing at the bar while Dale happily splashed the neighbors peeking over the fence to watch the fun. Maddie found her Toga and was followed around by some fellow on a pole in the pool. Sly figured ‘what the heck,’ she can always sleep tomorrow, so she joined Vera was in the deep end playing volleyball with NPS. Barney and Rita tangoed across the floor with everybody applauding… Esme called Holllywood trying to book them as the latest sensation. Dave took pictures like mad – fell in the pool but Kay saved the camera with her expert dive. All the swimmers seemed to be munching lettuce. Donna, coffee cup in hand, thought she heard a strange sound – and finally realized it was Dan, sound asleep on the diving board! The party lasted long into the wee hours!!