eBirdseed.com Wild Bird Feeding Blog

First, (before we get to the contest stuff) be aware that much of this country has suffered under some pretty severe winter conditions. Be sure that the backyard brethren have plenty of suet for energy and warmth. See our "Suet" post. (Nuthatches and Downeys love the stuff!)

Now concerning the encryption contest and its hints... A number of reports have come in suggesting that the puzzle was too hard. Ramblings about the mystery puzzle...

• If the truth be told, the mechanics of the thing were no more complex than learning two simple embroidery stitches... The problem (continuing the analogy) was that in order to solve the entire recipe puzzle you'd have to embroider a small, simple doily using the same two knots ad nauseum. Still, some people enjoy that sort of thing.
• If you've been following this blog for any period of time, one of the themes we've stressed over and over and over again is that of community involvement. We actually hope that you put down the pie, step away from the living room one-eyed brain bandit, and actually talk with a relative, friend, neighbor, or co-worker concerning our contests (and our site). Beyond that, there are countless math forums that could have helped your cause.
• Note also that the XOR operation is a critical element in your life whether you know it or not. From the computer that you're looking at right now to your ATM card, to your credit cards, to your social security information... XOR plays a crucial rule in virtually all data encryption, computer programming, and computer electronics.
• It's interesting to note that if the key is truly random, and used only once, the code is virtually unbreakable. In fact, the hotline between the USSR and the US used this data-encryption system after the 1963 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Anyway... No one solved the puzzle, no one gets the chowder, and (thankfully) I don't have to wear a mouseketeer hat out on the flats... Whew!

See you by the feeders,

CapeCodAlan