Looking Forward to 2009

At the beginning of 2008, things looked kind of bleak hunt-wise. There hadn't been a BANG since April of the previous year and I had no idea when this hunger created in me would be sated again. (I went so far captain a team in Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt to feed said craving; it didn't help.) Things look a lot different for 2009: Two BANGs and a Game have already been announced.

That's to say nothing of the strongly-suggested-but-just-short-of-required (as Joe put it) responsibility laid upon two teams to host a BANG; the one, hopefully two, Microsoft Puzzle Hunts; theoretically another Shinteki Decathlon; the MIT Mystery Hunt; and any other unannounced hunts that are still in the planning stages. I'm hoping for about ten puzzle events next year, up from the six or seven we participated in this year.

Of course, I won't be able to make all of them; any that require airfare will probably be out of reach unless my donations to the California educations system pay off. However, the GNU will hopefully be represented at each event. For example, Jonathan is planning to head to Boston again this year to rejoin the Silly Hat Brigade for the Mystery Hunt and Given is thinking to join in the MSPH fun next time it occurs.

I could always try remote solving for events I can't attend; however, the one time I tried it in the past, it didn't work out very well. Maybe it was because I work better in groups or because the one puzzle I'd really got a handle on ended up being solved by someone on site while I was working on it.

Also, it doesn't help that Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood's Third Annual Farewell Tour is on the January 16...

Late Mystery Hunt Photo

I meant to post this a while ago, but here's a photo of Jonathan (left) doing his part with the Silly Hat Brigade at the MIT Mystery Hunt that was published in the MIT student paper. On more than on occassion, oddly enough, he was asked what team he was on...

Upcoming Puzzle Events

Today - Trogday: Trogdor turns five.

January 18 - MIT Mystery Hunt: Jonathan's flying out to Boston and joining the Silly Hat Brigade, the captain of which, oddly enough, went to the SRJC with us. Sure, he was eight at the time, but maybe he'll remember.

February 3 - Superbowl XLII: Hosting a surprise mini-puzzle hunt for friends. Something to do between commercials. And if any of them happen to read this, I'll deny everything.

February 9-10 - Iron Puzzler 2008: Tempting, but considering our abysmal showing at the last one, I think we'll pass and leave the slot open for other team.

February 23 - Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt: In the midst of putting a team together. I've been told it won't be as challenging as a puzzle hunt, but it'll be a fun life event anyway.

[Date Unknown] - Microsoft Puzzle Hunt 12: I doubt I'll be going up to Seattle for Cracking Good Toast's hunt, but other GNUs may. Perhaps I can remote solve for Second Breakfast.

[Date Unknown] - BANG 18: The Unibangers are planning on hosting the next BANG. I'm sure we'll be there!

[Date Unknown] - Googol Puzzle Hunt II? - The organizers of the Googol Conglomerate had hoped that it would become an annual event and that the winners (Phobos-Grunt) would host the next one. I have no hints or indications that this will happen, but I can hope, can't I?