Secret Codes…

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Some people may be able to decode this very easily, but I think it is a pretty tough code to crack.  I am discussing it in the next paragraph, so if you want to try to decode it yourself, scroll back up.  For an explanation, keep reading.

The code uses two extra “characters” over the regular twenty-six.

• /-when decoding, it means one letter to the right of the one below it.  When encoding, it means one letter to the left of the one above it.
• \-This has the opposite effect

You decode it by translating each line from the bottom, up to the top line one by one.  The top is where your answer lies.  A few perks:

• It can be as easy or as complicated as you want.  This took me roughly 15 minutes to draw out.  My guess is that every minute it takes to make, it takes three minutes or more to crack (if you know how).
• The “\/” formations are very interesting.  You can offer them to confuse the decoder.  Basically, a “\/” can make two lines out of one.  The “/\” formations can make one line out of two.  You can give the decoder conflicting information in a line and force them to keep tabs on both bits of information until they find out which one fits.
• You can make a chain between letters if you want.

It’s tough to describe these things.  I wish I could just project what I see in my head to you guys.  Maybe I’ll release another puzzle/code.

In case you are wondering, the answer is “RENDIPEN”

One of those “Oh My God” Moments

Have you ever had one of those?  You know, you’re thinking about something and suddenly an awesome thought occurs to you.  You are thinking about it a little more because you know that there is something special about it and after a while it occurs to you that this idea is pure awesome.  No?  Let me provide an example:

Me and my high school friend Dave are on a plane to Florida.  We are only sixteen.  Its the beginning of spring break, and we’re getting ready for a lot of fun in the sun.  Suddenly, as I watch the flight attendant walk by with a tray, I’m hit by an “Oh my god” moment.  Those are the only three words that can come out of my mouth for a minute.  Dave takes notice and asks what is up, but of course I have to keep him in the dark until my plan comes to action.  He knows I have planned something big, and he threatens to beat me up until I stop smiling at him.  I can’t help myself.

So I call over the flight attendant, and I swear that this is what I told her:

“My friend here has never flown on a plane before, is it possible that he can get those plastic wings?”

And she says, “Really? Oh, okay.  Certainly!”  She smiles at him, and he gives her the sweetest little smile back.  But this is not a showing of gratitude.

Basically, back when we were in high school, Dave had this air of childishness about him.  He smiled for two reasons:

1. He had this really weird thing where he smiled when he was angry.  I never understood why but this time I was counting on it.
2. He knew that my plan was genius.

So as she walks away, all I hear are the words “I hate you so much.”

The point to my story is, I had another one today.  I think I thought up a new secret code.  Actually, it will probably be better as a puzzle.  You’ll see, I just need to scan it in.