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Re: Mystery Postal #416 is now open!
Board: Postals
Reply to: #961701 by IrishRef
Jun 30, 2018 5:56am
Thread Board
I thought this would be a hard one!? We have a correct answer with only three clues.

Clue 4 = They have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.
The Headless Horseman Strikes again!
Board: State: California
Jun 30, 2018 6:35am
Thread Board
Having spent a restless night at the local Inn, you choke down what the barmaid called "coffee". "Tis a shame there isn't any Novadollars on every street corner outside of New York," you mutter to yourself as you consume the last of your breakfast.

Young Master Nesbeth, having already finished his meal was picking his teeth, silently contemplating.

"Has the Horseman taken your tongue this morning? You seem too quiet," you half heartily complain.

Shaking awake, he looks at you. "No, Good Inspector. I had that particular dream again last night."

You snort, loudly. "Are you referring to the one where there are flying machines that take you to foreign lands in a matter of mere hours?"

Somberly, he shook his head. "No, Good Inspector. It was the one about plays being shown on a big wall. You remember, from a bright light in the back to the wide wall in front. The moving plays, I call it."

You chuckle. "Young man, you have a grand imagination but here in 1790, your imagination will not get you far!"

Ignoring you, he replied, "You were in it. You were being played by a well known actor, very popular with the ladies."

Nodding your head, you concede. "Oh, aye. Played by some actor with a ridiculously name like 'Johnny', and who lacks depth."

Reaching out, you had pat his shoulder with kindness. "Come my good man! We have an actual murder to solve."

Standing up, you toss a few coins on the table. Knowing you still have several days ride ahead of you, you exit the Inn and immediately see your driver speaking with a strange, young man. The driver points to you and the young man hurries to stand before you.

"Are you Inspector Crane?" he asks, nearly out of breath.

"Oh, aye!"

Extending his hand you see he has a letter posted to you.

Giving him a coin, you take it.

Ripping it open, you quickly scan it. The news is grim. Your face sinks. This is noticed by Young Master Nesbeth.

"More deaths?" he asks.

Breathing in deeply, you nod your head. "Aye and a missing man. Apparently Jonas Hutichson, a local trapper, was traveling with his brother Abner Hutchison and Abner appear to be missing. More importantly the Governor's man is certain that Jonas' body was placed where it was found and his body staged."

"So, he was killed in one place and then moved?" Nesbeth asked, to clarify.

In response, you nod.

Together you step into the Governor's Carriage. From your carpet bag, you pull out the file Mr. Irving gave you back in New York. Opening it up, you begin to read:

Baltus Van Tassel was born to poor farmer parents, Bartholomew and Amity Van Tassel. After Baltus, came his sister Prudence. Due to Scarlet Fever, Prudence lost her sight at age 4. Baltus deeply loved his sister and was very protective of her.

Baltus Van Tassel loved to read. He was an avid fan of Julius Caesar. He loved tracking the stars with his sister. He loved creating sensory boxes for Prudence. But he loved creating puzzles, riddles and codes for his school friends more.

At age 11, Bartholomew died and Amity sent Baltus to Cairo, Egypt, to be with her brother, Howard Carter. Together, Baltus and Howard, an Egyptologist, discovered tombs of the great Pharaohs. During this time, Baltus kept in contact with childhood friend, Grace Van Bethuyson, even sending her gifts from the tombs they discovered and reportedly raided.

Upon his uncle's death, Baltus returned to Sleepy Hollow, only to find his mother and sister greatly impoverished and highly malnourished. His family's dire state prompted Baltus to cut off all further contact with the love of his life, Grace Van Bethuyson and pursue the rich and land-laden Haticia, aka Hattie Price. Together, they had one child, Katrina Van Tassel.

Despite their vast lifestyle improvement, both Amity and Prudence died five years into the marriage. Baltus was besides himself. Then Hattie followed them to the grave and Baltus was free to pursue the love of his life, Grace. But she refused him, never having forgiven him for being dumped by him for Hattie.

To console himself and fend off his loneliness, Baltus took to riding the south end of the property. Initially it was believed that he intended to contact the Governor of New York about the mystery surrounding the Headless Horseman. But after interviewing his daughter, Katrina, it is now believed that Baltus initially made a home visit to Patience Hall. It was this visit that prompted his immediate desire to post his letter to the Governor. Katrina, herself, professes to not knowing what the letter entailed.
Patience Hall was a recluse woman who was accused of being a witch during the Salem Witch trials. Baltus, having known the kind woman from childhood, balked at the notion and offered her safe haven in the rocky and ridge-filled land in the south. While Baltus never charged rent for the cave she inhabited, he considered her presence there a win-win. Nicknamed the "Pickety Witch" by the Salem and Sleepy Hollow people alike, many avoided Patience and that section of his property out of fear of her. Since her arrival, Baltus never had to worry about trespassers in that area.

Since it was well known that the Headless Horseman was the true culprit in Baltus' death, no contact has been made with Patience.


Closing your eyes, you pause to think. Perhaps she would be the first person to interview. Having made this mental note, you dive back into the file.

List of Victims:
Baltus Van Tassel- Killed
Brandy Van Eyck, barmaid for Sleepy Hollow Tavern-Killed
Elijah Bloodgoode, Wigmaker, salesman-Killed
Jonas Hutchison, trapper-Killed
Abner Hutchison, trapper-Missing, Presumed Killed
Rufus Moody, town drunk-Chased but not killed
Arthur Miller, Salesman-Chased but not killed
Thaddeus Bradford, farmer-Chased but not killed


Leaning back, you close your eyes. You allow your body to sway to the rocking of the carriage. The victims seem to be at random. Yes. Perhaps at the wrong place at the wrong time.

A sudden chill comes over you and your body shudders. Deep inside you are afraid. Very afraid.
Re: What to do?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #961830 by Wise Wanderer
Jun 30, 2018 6:39am
Thread Board
Thank you for replying and for the advice. They were planted in a rhododendron area and I guess they didn’t last too long. Lesson learned, I’m going to relocate the boxes to a new location.
The Headless Horseman Strikes again!
Board: Event News and Planning
Jun 30, 2018 6:40am
Thread Board
Having spent a restless night at the local Inn, you choke down what the barmaid called "coffee". "Tis a shame there isn't any Novadollars on every street corner outside of New York," you mutter to yourself as you consume the last of your breakfast.

Young Master Nesbeth, having already finished his meal was picking his teeth, silently contemplating.

"Has the Horseman taken your tongue this morning? You seem too quiet," you half heartily complain.

Shaking awake, he looks at you. "No, Good Inspector. I had that particular dream again last night."

You snort, loudly. "Are you referring to the one where there are flying machines that take you to foreign lands in a matter of mere hours?"

Somberly, he shook his head. "No, Good Inspector. It was the one about plays being shown on a big wall. You remember, from a bright light in the back to the wide wall in front. The moving plays, I call it."

You chuckle. "Young man, you have a grand imagination but here in 1790, your imagination will not get you far!"

Ignoring you, he replied, "You were in it. You were being played by a well known actor, very popular with the ladies."

Nodding your head, you concede. "Oh, aye. Played by some actor with a ridiculously name like 'Johnny', and who lacks depth."

Reaching out, you had pat his shoulder with kindness. "Come my good man! We have an actual murder to solve."

Standing up, you toss a few coins on the table. Knowing you still have several days ride ahead of you, you exit the Inn and immediately see your driver speaking with a strange, young man. The driver points to you and the young man hurries to stand before you.

"Are you Inspector Crane?" he asks, nearly out of breath.

"Oh, aye!"

Extending his hand you see he has a letter posted to you.

Giving him a coin, you take it.

Ripping it open, you quickly scan it. The news is grim. Your face sinks. This is noticed by Young Master Nesbeth.

"More deaths?" he asks.

Breathing in deeply, you nod your head. "Aye and a missing man. Apparently Jonas Hutichson, a local trapper, was traveling with his brother Abner Hutchison and Abner appear to be missing. More importantly the Governor's man is certain that Jonas' body was placed where it was found and his body staged."

"So, he was killed in one place and then moved?" Nesbeth asked, to clarify.

In response, you nod.

Together you step into the Governor's Carriage. From your carpet bag, you pull out the file Mr. Irving gave you back in New York. Opening it up, you begin to read:

Baltus Van Tassel was born to poor farmer parents, Bartholomew and Amity Van Tassel. After Baltus, came his sister Prudence. Due to Scarlet Fever, Prudence lost her sight at age 4. Baltus deeply loved his sister and was very protective of her.

Baltus Van Tassel loved to read. He was an avid fan of Julius Caesar. He loved tracking the stars with his sister. He loved creating sensory boxes for Prudence. But he loved creating puzzles, riddles and codes for his school friends more.

At age 11, Bartholomew died and Amity sent Baltus to Cairo, Egypt, to be with her brother, Howard Carter. Together, Baltus and Howard, an Egyptologist, discovered tombs of the great Pharaohs. During this time, Baltus kept in contact with childhood friend, Grace Van Bethuyson, even sending her gifts from the tombs they discovered and reportedly raided.
Upon his uncle's death, Baltus returned to Sleepy Hollow, only to find his mother and sister greatly impoverished and highly malnourished. His family's dire state prompted Baltus to cut off all further contact with the love of his life, Grace Van Bethuyson and pursue the rich and land-laden Haticia, aka Hattie Price. Together, they had one child, Katrina Van Tassel.
Despite their vast lifestyle improvement, both Amity and Prudence died five years into the marriage. Baltus was besides himself. Then Hattie followed them to the grave and Baltus was free to pursue the love of his life, Grace. But she refused him, never having forgiven him for being dumped by him for Hattie.

To console himself and fend off his loneliness, Baltus took to riding the south end of the property. Initially it was believed that he intended to contact the Governor of New York about the mystery surrounding the Headless Horseman. But after interviewing his daughter, Katrina, it is now believed that Baltus initially made a home visit to Patience Hall. It was this visit that prompted his immediate desire to post his letter to the Governor. Katrina, herself, professes to not knowing what the letter entailed.
Patience Hall was a recluse woman who was accused of being a witch during the Salem Witch trials. Baltus, having known the kind woman from childhood, balked at the notion and offered her safe haven in the rocky and ridge-filled land in the south. While Baltus never charged rent for the cave she inhabited, he considered her presence there a win-win. Nicknamed the "Pickety Witch" by the Salem and Sleepy Hollow people alike, many avoided Patience and that section of his property out of fear of her. Since her arrival, Baltus never had to worry about trespassers in that area.

Since it was well known that the Headless Horseman was the true culprit in Baltus' death, no contact has been made with Patience.


Closing your eyes, you pause to think. Perhaps she would be the first person to interview. Having made this mental note, you dive back into the file.

List of Victims:
Baltus Van Tassel- Killed
Brandy Van Eyck, barmaid for Sleepy Hollow Tavern-Killed
Elijah Bloodgoode, Wigmaker, salesman-Killed
Jonas Hutchison, trapper-Killed
Abner Hutchison, trapper-Missing, Presumed Killed
Rufus Moody, town drunk-Chased but not killed
Arthur Miller, Salesman-Chased but not killed
Thaddeus Bradford, farmer-Chased but not killed


Leaning back, you close your eyes. You allow your body to sway to the rocking of the carriage. The victims seem to be at random. Yes. Perhaps at the wrong place at the wrong time.

A sudden chill comes over you and your body shudders. Deep inside you are afraid. Very afraid.
Re: What to do?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #961836 by Only Dreaming
Jun 30, 2018 6:40am
Thread Board
Thank you, it’s what I’m going to do.
Re: I lost another one of my plants!
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #961834 by chili pepper
Jun 30, 2018 7:02am
Thread Board
I realized some of those boxes are a PITA to get to.

Nothing wrong with that! Make 'em work for it!
Searching a driving route?
Board: Letterboxing Help Desk
Jun 30, 2018 7:46am
Thread Board
Hello LB friends!
At one time I remember searching a particular driving route for LBs found a few miles off a driving route/major highway (you know, for planning a driving trip). I can't seem to find that search feature now on the website. Can y'all help me please? I am trying to find some good LBs before I leave for a road trip!

Many thanks,
Albatross Chick
Re: Searching a driving route?
Board: Letterboxing Help Desk
Reply to: #961857 by Albatross Chick
Jun 30, 2018 8:23am
Thread Board
I think what you are searching for is under Letterboxes/Simple Search/Trip Search.
Re: I lost another one of my plants!
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #960629 by Una Marlee Sue
Jun 30, 2018 9:27am
Thread Board
One of mine that was in a park went missing recently and the last person who looked for it said it appeared to have been burned! I seriously wondered how anyone would have just found it in the first place (it was well hidden under a boulder) and then why burn it? Some people ...
July 4th in Charlevoix
Board: State: Michigan
Jun 30, 2018 9:58am
Thread Board
Charlevoix on July 4th

Any letterboxers in the Charlevoix area this week? My husband will be playing golf in Charlevoix the morning of the 4th. Anyone available for an exchange or boxing time? I’m guessing I would be in the downtown area from 7:30 to 11:00.

TeachJR
Re: Classic Windows MS Paint Theme
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #961849 by cyaneus
Jun 30, 2018 10:34am
Thread Board
Those are really amazing!

I haven't found a quick or easy way to change some of the site graphics like the icons purely with CSS. The background graphics are easy to change with CSS (which I see you've done!), but the foreground graphics are embedded directly into the HTML and aren't so easily changed (although I'd like to!)

I thought about turning a lot of those foreground images into background images like the attributes for boxes, but then they wouldn't print out on most people's clues since background images usually don't print.

So.... you're pretty much stuck with the foreground images that are provided. Although there is an interesting "filter" property you can use in CSS to tweak some of the images. For instance, in the 9-11 theme, I could use "img { filter:grayscale(100%) }" to turn all of the images into grayscale versions of themselves. But it's not so much that I'm using a different image in place of the default one, but rather just tweaking the current image to take out the color.

There aren't any filters available to turn images into 8-bit graphics or anything like that, though, so I don't think it'll help with your themes. But any of those CSS filters will work: blur(), brightness(), contrast(), drop-shadow(), grayscale(), hue-rotate(), invert(), opacity(), saturate() and sepia(). (There's also a url() for "applying SVG filters" but I'm not entirely sure what that includes.)

Anyhow, while none of those will turn an icon into 8-bit images or Paint-like graphics, they might still help set an ambiance you're looking for. You could use the saturate() filter to over-saturate the colors which might give it a more 8-bit look or something. In any case, those filters are your best options for tweaking icons.

-- Ryan
Re: July 4th in Charlevoix
Board: State: Michigan
Reply to: #961860 by TeachJR
Jun 30, 2018 11:31am
Thread Board
Very Interesting Idea .for Everyone.....All states/ counties/ cities!
Re: I lost another one of my plants!
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #961847 by Sunia
Jun 30, 2018 2:10pm
Thread Board
Around a tree trunk would work if it doesn't make the hide too obvious. Sometimes around the trunk of a very small tree works well. Alternatively, I'll loop it around just one root of a larger tree. In any case, such a loop needs to be deliberately very loose so as not to impact the tree's growth. Sometimes I include a ring and a clip so the finder can unhook the box and carry it somewhere to stamp in, but that's not really necessary as the finder can simply open the box and take the contents off somewhere while leaving the entire container at the hiding spot.

Most of my hides are screw-top jars, so I'll tie a string or wire around the neck of the jar. A few years back I developed a scheme for tying a string across the lid of a Lock N Lock to form an X pattern, with a key ring or some other sort of ring at the cross of the X. Then a carabiner or other form of clip tied to a tree with a cord or chain can be used to fasten it down.

Other ideas include the use of a mesh bag. Tie the mesh bag down with a string, then put the container inside the bag.
Re: I lost another one of my plants!
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #961859 by Basset Mom
Jun 30, 2018 2:17pm
Thread Board
I seriously wondered how anyone would have just found it in the first place (it was well hidden under a boulder)...

I hid a box under the edge of a boulder once, and when I say boulder, I mean this rock was ten feet across and five feet high. And this was in Florida, making the existence of any rock at all, let alone a boulder, a rare thing indeed. I got a few very confusing not-found reports, so I went to check on it -- and discovered that someone had busted up that boulder into hundreds of rocks less than a foot each, creating a little rock field. No box to be found. Aaaaargh! Sometimes you just can't win for losin'.
Re: Searching a driving route?
Board: Letterboxing Help Desk
Reply to: #961857 by Albatross Chick
Jun 30, 2018 3:32pm
Thread Board
Great feature! I'm doing one right now as a matter of fact. AAA "Triptic"-letterboxing style. LOL

But, I believe it is a premium member perk. So, you might not have access to it.
Re: Impersonal travelers
Board: Stupider Questions About Letterboxing
Reply to: #961675 by Maude
Jun 30, 2018 5:08pm
Thread Board
I believe it's a PT that you take to events, put out on the table for people to find, and then go off on the trails.

Hmm, that's intriguing! What's the difference between that and a table-topper "event" stamp"?

The ideas seems pretty similar. I think I like the impersonal traveler better because it's not necessarily thematic with the event.
Re: Impersonal travelers
Board: Stupider Questions About Letterboxing
Reply to: #961866 by BaliWho
Jun 30, 2018 6:13pm
Thread Board
What's the difference between that and a table-topper "event" stamp"?

Glossary says:
event stamp
An event stamp, sometimes called an event box, is a stamp or box brought to an event or gathering for just the duration of the event. Many event stamps are tabletop boxes, but an event stamp generally won't have clues, may not have a logbook, and will only be available for the duration of the event or perhaps the day or two after the event has ended.

Whereas an impersonal traveler travels from event to event with someone.
Re: Found My First Painted Rock
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #961838 by chili pepper
Jun 30, 2018 7:43pm
Thread Board
Not that I am implying that someone should test it out and post the results at AQ.

The kinks will need to be worked out. I bought a bag of river rocks at the dollar store. They must come with some kind of coating on them - the paint (enamel spray paint) didn't stick well at all.

It also requires a bit of finesse to stamp a curved surface.

First attempt.
Re: Question RE: Event listing on AQ
Board: Event News and Planning
Reply to: #961610 by Wronghat
Jun 30, 2018 7:51pm
Thread Board
I suppose that if one checks the do not track RSVPs under the miscellaneous heading, no list of attendees will be kept.

I'd try to edit and then change that setting.

That did the trick!!
Re: Impersonal travelers
Board: Stupider Questions About Letterboxing
Reply to: #961868 by Wronghat
Jun 30, 2018 7:53pm
Thread Board
Whereas an impersonal traveler travels from event to event with someone.

Ok, but if someone has a personal traveler they just leave on the table, it may have clues, but the clues are really irrelevant because anyone can see it.

I have a series I have labelled as "event boxes" that have travelled to more than one event with me. The clue basically just says "look for them" or something like that. The are in magnetic boxes hidden around the room. (At the last event someone collected them all up and left them at their table, so they basically ended up table toppers).

Maybe I should change the box type to impersonal traveler? I just don't really see a huge distinction between these two types of boxes. I like the ImPT name better because the name event box seems like it should be provided by the host, or someone else, specifically for that event. But most of the time, that's not the case.
Re: Found My First Painted Rock
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #961869 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jun 30, 2018 7:59pm
Thread Board
Nicely done! I think on a curved surface, it might work to roll the stamp over the rock or the rock over the stamp.. rather than just trying to press down equally like you would on paper.

As far as rocks, I got a whole bunch from a local landscape business that sells topsoil, mulch, landscape rocks in bulk. One of the local rock painters in my area asked him about buying some. He didn't really have a price for it, but let her buy a bag full for a very small amount of money. I went in and asked, and he let me do the same thing. I think I got about 50 for $2 or less.
Re: Impersonal travelers
Board: Stupider Questions About Letterboxing
Reply to: #961871 by BaliWho
Jun 30, 2018 8:17pm
Thread Board
Ok, but if someone has a personal traveler they just leave on the table, it may have clues, but the clues are really irrelevant because anyone can see it.

Not necessarily so.

Impersonal travelers came about when Texas Wench asked how to label a letterbox that was in the truck that she traveled to events in. Clues were something like: Parking lot--then some identifying characteristic of the truck--maybe, a personalized license plate.
Re: Classic Windows MS Paint Theme
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #961861 by Green Tortuga
Jun 30, 2018 8:57pm
Thread Board
Thanks for the tips! I haven't had much cause to use the image filters before, but they ARE fun. While I can get some pretty extreme results on the icons, it does make photographs on the site look truly terrible. I settled for a level of terrible-looking that allows you to at least see what the photographs are of while still giving the rest of the site's images a more 8-bit-looking color scheme.

I would be surprised if anyone used this theme long-term as their main theme on the site, but you could probably get used to it! Maybe next I'll make a theme whose point is to actually look good???
My Fathers Flowers has been pulled!
Board: State: Oklahoma
Jun 30, 2018 9:40pm
Thread Board
Thank you to those of you who have stamped in at my father's gravesite. I appreciate it greatly. Thank you quiet place and your group for replacing a wet logbook with such a fine logbook....i have pulled this box and will replace soon I'm in the works to fix up a way to hopefully keep things from getting wet from now on.
Help with laser printer toners
Board: Tools of the Trade
Jun 30, 2018 10:54pm
Thread Board
I just scored a Brother HL-2170W laser printer. The included Brother-brand toner doesn't work for transfers (acetone or iron).

I was just wondering if anyone happens to have this model or similar, and has luck with an off brand toner for acetone transfers. I've always used inkjet/parchment, so I don't really know what I'm doing :D
Re: Help with laser printer toners
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #961876 by kudichan
Jun 30, 2018 11:03pm
Thread Board
I just scored a Brother HL-2170W laser printer. The included Brother-brand toner doesn't work for transfers (acetone or iron).

I have a Brother HL-5450DN. The Brother cartridge didn't work for acetone transfers, but the off-brand does. I hope that the same works for you.
Re: Classic Windows MS Paint Theme
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #961874 by cyaneus
Jun 30, 2018 11:06pm
Thread Board
While I can get some pretty extreme results on the icons, it does make photographs on the site look truly terrible.

You can control which images the filters apply to--to a degree, at least. The icons, for instance, include the class "icon" and are usually PNG images while the images that are not icons usually don't specify any classes at all and usually aren't PNGs.

So you could apply a filter to just images that are icons with something like:

img.icon { filter:grayscale(100%); }

OR (which targets all links that point to PNGs)

img[src$=".png"] { filter:grayscale(100%); }

You could also target non-icons with something like which targets all img links that point to JPGs:

img[src$=".jpg] { filter:grayscale(100%); }

It's pretty amazing how much you can fine-tune a theme!

-- Ryan
Re: Help with laser printer toners
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #961877 by Oberon_Kenobi
Jun 30, 2018 11:16pm
Thread Board
The Brother cartridge didn't work for acetone transfers, but the off-brand does.

Maybe I should be asking about off-brand names that are successful for Brother printer transfers, instead of model numbers. I imagine the laser jet off-brand inks are probably the same no matter the model?

If anyone feels like peeping into their amazon past order history, I'd really appreciate it!
Re: Help with laser printer toners
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #961879 by kudichan
Jun 30, 2018 11:23pm
Thread Board
If anyone feels like peeping into their amazon past order history, I'd really appreciate it!

V4INK 2 Pack Compatible Replacement for Brother TN720/ TN750 Toner Cartridge - for use in Brother HL5450DN HL5470DW HL6180DW DCP8110DN MFC8710DW Series Printers
Freaky "Asia's Got Talent"
Board: Television: After the Show Ends
Jun 30, 2018 11:49pm
Thread Board
I don't know why "Asia's Got Talent" is done in English, but you've got to see this freaky magician.