THE CELEBRITY CYPHER [PART 2]

6/18/2019

While discussing the September 25th 1990 Celebrity Cypher in an earlier article on this site, Rubislaw32 discovered the identity of the postcard, described by Zodiac researcher Lyndon Lafferty as "Driftwood on Ocean Beach", whereas the face of the card featured a rooted tree on a beach in Carmel, California. Any doubt that this discovery by Rubislaw32 was not of Carmel Beach in California has been seemingly quashed, when the John Hinde alphanumeric publishing code in the top left corner of the address side, was compared to the alphanumeric publishing code on the original Celebrity Cypher mailed to the Vallejo Times-Herald in 1990. This discovery is now available on the Project MK Zodiac website here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea. To visit the Project MK Zodiac site, click the image.

The address side of the original 1990 Celebrity Cypher contained the alphanumeric code 2CG 66-B, as did the Carmel postcard on the left, effectively tying the two together and strengthening the case regarding the image portrayed on the face of the postcard. If anybody has information to the contrary in respect to these alphanumeric codes, please let me know in comments. The only thing left to speculate upon, was whether the 1990 Celebrity Cypher was authored by the Zodiac Killer or somebody attempting to mimic the Zodiac Killer.

There have been numerous theories put forward, including from Sandy Betts, who has expressed her reservations on whether the Celebrity Cypher has Carmel Beach on the face of the card. She believes there may be a connection to the John and Joyce Swindle murder, alongside Ocean Beach, San Diego on February 5th 1964. She stated on Zodiac Killer Site forum "On Wednesday, February 5, 1964, Navy radio-man third class Johnny Ray Swindle and his newlywed wife Joyce were violently murdered along the "Ocean Beach" Boardwalk next to the Silver Spray Apartments. Swindle had married his childhood sweetheart on January 18, 1964 and they stayed in a three room cottage nine blocks from where they would eventually be slain. According to the San Diego Union Newspaper, five shots were fired from the sniper position above. Police said two more were fired at close range. Indicating that the killer fired the last two shots into their heads in a kind of coup de grâce. Their murder case remains unsolved to this day, however, there are many persons who believe the murders were committed by the infamous Zodiac Killer". She further elaborated on Zodiac Killer Forumotion "The "Ocean Beach" that I believe it is was, is in San Diego Ca. I knew about two murders there on Feb. 5th 1964. They were John and Joyce Swindle. The stamp that was used backs up what I believe. The stamp is of Marianne Moore who died on Feb. 5th 1972, I do not think that was coincidence". Here is an image from Google maps from Carmel Beach showing the location represented on the Celebrity Cypher. Here is another.

The Zodiac Killer began his cipher mailings to the Vallejo Times-Herald on July 31st 1969, to which he mailed part one of a three-part cipher to Bay Area newspapers. So this 1990 offering in ciphertext (if Zodiac) would mean the only two confirmed mailings to the Vallejo Times-Herald would both have contained code. The characters of the code are certainly recognizable, but not difficult to replicate for anybody who knows something about the Zodiac Killer. The Bay Area murderer gloried in his narcissism, parading himself in an executioner's costume at Lake Berryesssa on September 27th 1969, so designing a postcard based on the Celebrity Ciphers of Luis Campos would not be beyond him. These ciphers were published regularly in the newspapers featuring well-known people, past and present. The reader had to identify the person and quote from the encoded text. The idea that the Zodiac Killer, deeming himself a celebrity, would then tease us a further time with his name, is not so far-fetched.

You can see that the foot of the Luis Campos cipher solution on the right is reserved for the celebrity's name (in this case, John Lee Hooker). Bearing in mind the positioning of the characters shown above, with the left side of the postcard normally reserved for the name and address - and with the final 5 and 8 characters identical to the beginning of the cipher, we should expect the red rectangles to contain the name of the postcard author. The blue rectangle to contain the address and the green rectangle to harbor the message. If this were the Zodiac Killer, being the celebrity that he is, what better way to encipher this message with one of his old quotes.

The communication that most springs to mind when we are attempting to discover the name of the Zodiac Killer, is the April 20th 1970 "My Name Is" 13 symbol cipher. That being 2 letters, followed by 4 letters, followed by 2 letters and finally his name of 13 letters (split into forename and surname). Well look at that. The 1990 Celebrity Cipher ends in a formation of 2, 4, 2 and 13. This was a Zodiac quote so good, they even named the correspondence after it. But what about the first four words in the Celebrity Cypher message. What Zodiac communication was this chosen from?

Bearing in mind Pam Huckaby (sister of murdered Darlene Ferrin) appeared on a TV celebrity panel with Robert Graysmith just a few weeks earlier, one could envisage an introduction of "to Pam from me" or "to you from me", followed by the promise of a name. This is obviously assuming there is a second letter obscured by the stamp. He teased us similarly in the October 27th 1970 'Halloween' card stating "you ache to know my name. And so I'll clue you in", and in the 408 cipher with "in this cipher is my idenity". But he always failed to deliver. If the 1990 Celebrity Cypher was truly by the Zodiac Killer, his name should be 5 and 8 letters in length, mirroring the '13 Symbol' cipher - but forgive me for being skeptical.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 03:01:39 pm

Thanks for the mention Richard....and yes indeed,this cipher correspondence will remain ''unconfirmed'',and there will be no further ''confirmations'' of any sort,from the FBI....while the case remains active,and ongoing.

But,that doesn't stop us having a good ''chin wag''.

Interesting that you have brought up the subject of the ''My name is --'' cipher,with the ''apparent'' ''my name is'' subliminal element,to the Celebrity Cypher ''cipher text''.

Also,that the ''My name is ---'' cipher is 13 characters,in length.

It seems to me that,with the Celebrity Cypher,being ''probably'' 63 - 65 characters,in length...that ''The Zodiac'',or hoaxer,would have laid his cipher intentions,out as a grid,firstly....then ''placed'' it,in a ''holiday postcard layout text''....as we view the cipher,on the card,now.

There could be ''one or two'' grid systems that he might have employed....an ''8 by 8'' is one example...just like a chess board.

Personally,I believe that the creator of the Celebrity Cypher,employed an orignal '' 5 rows of 13 columns '',before embarking on his ''holiday text layout'' placement.

''Coincidence'',or otherwise then,that for the employment of a ''Z65'',the ''13 characters/row'' tallies with the 13 characters employed for the ''My name is ---'' cipher...20 years previously.

Acceptance of a ''5X13'' Celebrity Cypher grid....would point more to a greater probability that [presumed] Zodiac...''did'' leave his name,in the Celebrity Cypher.

But,of course..nothing much is guarenteed.

My personal opinion is that,the Zodiac did leave a ''semblance'' of his real name,in both the Celebrity Cypher solution....and the 1988 New Canaan ''Z263''.[....both,of course,unconfirmed correspondences..].

Did the Zodiac,become ''braver'',as a ''cipher maker'',as he got older ?

I believe so....but still didn't leave his ''full'' name,behind.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 10:24:30 pm

Just attempting to add ''pertinence'',to what exists under the postage stamp....

What is ''out in the open'' is that,we see 62 unobstructed characters,plus a comma.

Given that we can see a ''partially obstructed'' character ''disappearing'' under the postage stamp....that makes a total of 63 character.....and the reason why,the cipher is often referred to as ''Z63''.

Were there any more characters to this cipher...than the '' 63 '' that we know of ?

The answer,conclusively,lies under the postage stamp.

What is the last thing that we almost always do,when ''readying'' a correspondence,for mailing ?

Add the postage necessary...usually in the form of a stamp.

Given that there is a printed square,with ''Printed in Ireland'' under the Marianne Moore stamp....then I would suggest that ''Zodiac'' avoided laying down characters,inside this ''square'',allocated for a conventional sized postage stamp.

Therefore,in all probability,there were ''no'' extra cipher characters,beyond the top right line,that looks like '' VO WOE ''.

The ''extra'' characters ''might'' have existed,beyond the second line,on the right hand side.

I would suggest,a maximum of 4 extra characters,that would be easily concealed,by the elongated stamp,that is a Marianne Moore one.

Hence,we might deduce,that this cipher is,one of the following :

A Z63....as ''we'' currently are prepared to accept,on the basis of what ''we'' see.

Or :

A Z64 ; A Z65 ; A Z66.....or,A Z67

Naturally,the FBI know the answer to this ''visual conundrum'' for ''us''.....since the FBI will of course,have physically removed the postage stamp,under laboratory conditions.

But..there could be ''suggestive constraints'' to this conundrum of ''total characters''....by ''Zodiac's'' suggestive ''subliminal text.

'' DO YOU KNOW ME '' or,'' IF YOU WANT ME ''...as you have suggested,Richard.

And,'' TO YOU FROM ME ''....as another example [...a possible play on the Beatles song,'' From me to you '' [?]...]

To try out a few other familiar phrases,might give further clues,worth exploring.

''A phrase'',anyway....that precedes '' MY NAME IS xxxxx xxxxxxxx ''.

Richard

6/19/2019 12:07:39 am

Looking at the way he spreads his letters on the right side of the postcard we are probably looking at possibly 2 or 3 hidden letters at most (65 or 66). What puzzles me is that whoever created the cipher surely cannot have been that stupid (after creating a cipher) to then not have the brains to accommodate room for the stamp. Regardless, the stamp hasn't even been affixed in the extreme edge of the postcard, which if done, wouldn't have obscured the one letter partially covered. This could suggest (allowing for accidental stamp placement) there maybe only one letter after all.

If the wording on the message was "do you know me. My name is", then the last 4 letters of the supposed surname would be K - - E, bringing up haunting visions of Harvey Hines KANE solution. The message of "do you know me. My name is" also uses the letter O for all the circled symbols, as does the O in Oakland on the address side (if correct). The letter K (for Y) would also fit for OAKLAND and KNOW. As does M for M for ME, MY and NAME. It marries up really well.

Richard

6/19/2019 12:20:34 am

IF the cipher really contained a proper name (which I doubt), the 5 and 8 letters may reflect the alphabetical characters on the 13 Symbol cipher, hence me mentioning Kane. The 5 representing Larry. But regardless of this, the Celebrity Cypher name in the address side and final two lines of the cipher may have some loose connection to the "My Name is" cipher, as the wording elsewhere suggests. I know you have proposed a different solution, but we always have to keep an open mind. I for one, am not claiming the above as written in stone. But if this postcard was designed by Zodiac (and that's a big if), then believing he is an infamous celebrity of sorts, I can't help thinking he would stick to the spirit of the Luis Campos Ciphers, and use some of his old quotes. Even a copycat could employ this method.

Richard

6/19/2019 12:45:51 am

I've added an exploratory cipher solution at the foot of the article for reference.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 01:51:35 am

Yes,I have often wondered whether the selection of an elongated stamp,was an ''afterthought''....to cover more of the cipher text,than he originally intended.

What one can deduce,though,is that,in all probability,the application of a postage stamp,was the very last task performed...although not an unusal ''order'' of tasks.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 12:21:01 am

The Marianne Moore 25 cent USA postage stamp,was issued,officially,on April 18th 1990.

Five months,then,before the complete 1990 Celebrity Cypher,became a correspondence,received by The Vallejo Times Herald....who,handed it over to the Vallejo PD...who then contacted the FBI.

Given the unusually elongated form of the postage stamp....and that it did not have a particularly high value tariff...though easily enough to cover the cost of sending a postcard ''inland'',then....

Could the postage stamp,itself,have been,in part,the inspiration for sending a cipher,with ''subtle'' covert constraints,administered....as we appear to witness,in the cipher's layout [?].

''That'' a ''sting in the tail'' to the cipher's solving...might have been the recipient's ignorance to the ciphers exact length [?].At least,one might surmise,that the cipher maker would know that the postage stamp would require to be removed,before the cipher's exact length,became known....and at this point,a ''surprise'' in store,for the FBI,perhaps [?].

Beyond this.....possibly some further creedence to the notion that ''Zodiac'' took a keen interest in such hobbies,as stamp and banknote collecting.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 01:28:26 am

I think that your exploratory example,is as good as it gets,Richard,to at least illustrate that the cipher's layout....is a guide to how ''Zodiac'' intended for it,to look like.

''Name and address'' on the left hand side.

Then,''Do you know me,my name is xxxxx xxxxxxxx ''......instead of the more usual '' Wish you were here,weather is lovely ''.

So,in essence,a celebrity cipher [...as stated..],but presented as might be,a holiday postcard sent [?].

Richard

6/19/2019 03:01:15 am

As well as spelling Herald as Herold in the Celebrity Cypher, probably like the 1969 Vallejo Times-Herold envelope, the July 31st 1969 Vallejo Times-Herald is the only one of the three ciphers in 1969 to spell cipher on one occasion using a Y. Albeit CYIPHER.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 02:47:41 am

On a speculative note...I am persuaded that the envelope,addressed to the Vallejo Times Herald,dated July 31st 1969....''was'' messed with,to obscure the spelling of ''Herald''.

If only to detract attention from the ''HEROLD'' employed.in the Celebrity Cypher.

This would infer that,the envelope was messed with,post September 1990....and that,those July 31st envelopes,that we see now,have been ''OK'ed'' for publication,since September 1990.

I spent a few hours,the other night,looking through old newspaper reports,to see if I could spot a difference,pre September 1990.

But,couldn't find a single envelope,not least the Vallejo one.The newspapers,at the Zodiac's height of terror,only seemed interested in the letters,themselves....or may not have been allowed to publish the envelopes,anyway [?].

I also looked for any articles,written early on,to see if a journalist might have written an article,specifically about the Zodiac's tendency to misspell.But ''nada''.

I presume that,once an official photograph of any aspect of a confirmed correspondence was published...then ''this'' became the definitive ''proof'',set in stone.

We are,after all...more observing how the FBI ''went about their business'',in dealing with the Zodiac's correspondence.....and,with a certain amount of ''guess work'',from ''our'' point of view [?].

There may be nothing in it....but one is tempted to think that,there are,at least,a few question marks over the Celebrit Cypher....and more to the possibility of it being ''Zodiac authentic''....

Than not.

Richard

6/19/2019 03:16:15 am

If the Zodiac was the author, was the postcard chosen for purpose or did he simply buy any old postcard to write on. The Carmel beach picture on the postcard doesn't necessarily have to mean anything, even if it is good fun searching for something tangible. This is like the postage stamp featuring Marianne Moore, who died on February 5th. I know Sandy doesn't believe this to be a coincidence with the Swindle's being murdered on Ocean Beach, San Diego on February 5th also, and allied to the "Sandy" character. It's an interesting connection, but what are the chances that a USA stamp in production when this Celebrity Cypher was mailed was fortunate enough to have featured Marianne Moore on its face and just happened to match the February 5th death date for Zodiac. If this was the intention, then it's extremely slim odds. I would love to be proven wrong however.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 04:22:31 am

Interesting thoughts...

I was last in San Francisco 14 years ago,and still have postcards,never used...that I see are still in circulation,and for sale,now.

So,the postcard employed was only about two years,in circulation,when [presumed] Zodiac bought it....and,more than likely,bought it when in California.

A bit of a diasappointment to me,since I was thinking that he bought it,in Europe.

I still think that ''Zodiac'' was a traveller/tourist,at that 1990 time....and probably had already compiled the cipher.....which he then ''assembled'' with the postcard,on a visit.

Ms.Betts ought not to be disappointed,that her specific ''narrative'' isn't precisely the way she saw it.It's just that ''Zodiac'' bought the card....for,probably,more ''general'' reasons,than one thing,specifically.

Even though there are indications,though not conclusive proof...that the Zodiac ''was'' a traveller...and probably,''far and wide''....there are,a few,who still think that he was a ''local man'',who merely moved ''a little'' around California.

Too much ''inward thinking''...but that's my opinion.

For some Californians...Zodiac was a monster....but he was ''their'' monster.

I happen to think that he was a Texan....but the difference of opinion,is ''no big deal'',to me.

Richard

6/19/2019 09:26:54 am

Briefly Rubislaw, in a sentence or two, why did you choose French for your cipher solution? Because I may have something that may interest you.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 10:15:15 am

Difficult for me to be brief,when an intersting question,is posed,Richard.

At the time,I had accomplished the solution,up to the comma,in English...determined to stick with my ''game plan'',to largely ignore the right hand side,until the left hand side had been achieved.

But,then came up against a brick wall,for remainder of the cipher solution.

Believing that the Zodiac was a traveller,I then decided to take a chance on foreign languages,starting with Cantonese,and then Bahasa.''French'' was third on my list...and had Portugese and Spanish.and Italian....in the pipeline.

But....French,''just worked'',and on the basis that I had already made allowances,for being ''flexible'',as to what might be,under the postage stamp.

Why French ?

I believe that Zodiac may have spent about 18 months,in Cherbourg,through work,in the early 70's.

The ''show off'' coming out,on him,perhaps [?].

I see that the French franchise of MacDonald's did a Zodiac-type packaging of there ''Burger boxes'',last year.

Perhaps The Hearst Corporation,aren't the only ones,for whom the cat has been let out of the bag.

All I have is ''proof'' that Kevin Fagan has lied to me,on three separate occasions.

Not that much to go on,really.....

Richard

6/19/2019 10:20:50 am

I'll suggest an addition to add to the french angle and a bit more in the next comment. It may interest you, or you may fall asleep.

Richard

6/19/2019 10:53:24 am

In 1990, obviously the press coverage of Zodiac was nothing. He was effectively old news. But in 1990 Heriberto Seda (the Zodiac copycat) came along, although his identity was unknown at this juncture. This sparked interest from both the San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner, who ran articles on the Zodiac copycat in the June and July of 1990. The Examiner article entitled Son of Zodiac Creates Climate of Fear in New York. It had a sub-heading "Attack on Solstice" stating "police are looking for astrological clues and the latest attack happened on June 21st, the onset of the summer solstice". It continued under the sub-heading "Not very bright" stating "Son of Zodiac's letters are said to be riddled with poor grammar and spelling, but in one letter that has not been made public, he wrote a message in French".
We know the Zodiac (if alive) would certainly have heard about this and likely read both San Francisco articles. Two months later the Celebrity Cypher arrives (as you claim, enciphering the French language). Wouldn't that be right up Zodiac's street?
The Celebrity Cypher was mailed on September 25th 1990, two days after the autumn equinox on September 23rd.
Then came the December 1990 Christmas card from Eureka. It was mailed in December, but very likely just before Christmas day. I looked closely at the franking and believe using the previous conclusion and the corner what I believe is the second number, that it was mailed on December 22nd or 23rd. The December solstice was the 22nd. We therefore have the latest Seda attack on June 21st (summer solstice), Celebrity Cypher on September 25th (September equinox) and possibly the Christmas card on the December 22nd winter solstice. The French angle completing the trinity to his local paper, the Vallejo Times-Herald replete with poor grammar to put the icing on the cake. Anyway, are you still awake?

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 11:23:56 am

Fasciating stuff....more particularly because I thought I had read,most of what there was to read,on Heriberto Seda.And,it hadn't occurred to me that there would be some sort of response from the San Francisco press....albeit,largely ''East Coast'' news.

In addition,there are some claims,that Seda may not have been responsible,for much of any correspondence,attributed to him.Just a ''nutter'',who liked attacking homeless people,if you will....and inspired by the Zodiac and Graysmith.

So,the report of a ''message in French'' is quite something.

To me,anyway,that period was the possible start of the creation of ''The Scorpion'',who claimed to be from New Jersey,and created at least 5 ciphers.Certainly appears to lead on,from the two 1990 correspondences,and Seda antics.My thoughts are,that the Scorpion was ''SF Zodiac'',paying quick visits to Newark Airport,with days out in New York City.

The Celebrity Cypher,I believe was a ''self-elected'' work visit,to a branch office,in the Bay Area.With the Eureka Card,a pre-Christmas family holiday...again,in the Bay Area....having motored up,from L.A.

But,Christmas 1990 itself,being back to family roots,in Texas.

Thanks for the extra,and will look up more on Seda,for possible ''back handed'' influences,on ''SF Zodiac''.

Richard

6/19/2019 11:32:38 am

Go here for the later articles
http://www.zodiackillerciphers.com/?p=190

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 09:35:22 pm

Thanks Richard,and of interest about the ''French letter''.It does not appear that Seda had picked up any French.

Looking at what we have been given on Scorpion...and the little given,which is purportedly to be,from Seda....one wonders if,at some point 1990-1993,whether ''SF Zodiac'' didn't start figuratively walking in to Seda's patch,and ''adding'' to Seda's correspondence work [?].

If the Zodiac case is ever laid bare...I think that we are in for a few extra surprises.

If the authorities already know his identity...why don't they arrest him for ''spitting on the sidewalk'' [?]....then build up a bigger case,against him.

My concerns are that this is all about showcasing the wonderful ''abilities'' of LE,to make up for their ''woeful ineptitude'',in the past.

But,they will ''lose him'',to old age,if they mess about for too long.

How will LE look like,then [?]...if they haven't already done their utmost...to look so ridiculous,over so many years.

[....Detective Poyser,the latest case in point...]

Richard

6/19/2019 11:57:39 am

Not to be taken seriously, but remember the Dirty Harry connection I made to the Celebrity Cypher because Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmel up to 88 and Dirty Harry was based on Zodiac. Well, if the Eureka card was mailed on either the 21st, 22nd or 23rd of December, it so happens Dirty Harry was released in San Francisco on December 21st, New York and Los Angeles on December 22nd, and general release on December 23rd. Just another fun fact.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 12:17:37 pm

Yes Richard,I feel fairly confident that Clint Eastwood would have been,in part,an influence on the Zodiac.The Zodiac would have found that Eastwood becoming Mayor of Carmel...quite a novelty.

I think Zodiac had heros,for whom he was still willing,to take their names in vain.Nothing was ''off the table'',except Herb Caen,who was ''spiritually'',a father figure to the Zodiac...a god-like person.

I believe that Steve McQueen and Charles Schultz were two such celebrities,that Zodiac admired...but still ''sullied''....if by inference,only.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 04:24:32 pm

....and,Richard,maybe you have fallen on the most glaring and seemingly obvious ''red herring'' of all,that the Zodiac intended for the FBI's Cryptanalysis Unit,over the Celebrity Cypher [?].

The first two pieces of information ''handed on a plate''.

i] The card reads : ''Celebrity Cypher'',on the plain side.

ii] The photograph depicts ''Carmel Beach'',on the picture side.

For the FBI,why look any further,for ''starters'',than a cipher inferring Dirty Harry/Man with no name/Stranger [?].

''Red herring'' wins,for the Zodiac.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/19/2019 05:54:32 pm

....and further,that No. [iii] clue,of the primary ''red herring'' was....

CLINT [5] EASTWOOD [8]

Oh how it must have seemed like '' a walk in the park '',for the FBI,initially [?].

Richard

6/20/2019 12:14:49 am

I mean, the connections can be forged, as Sandy did with February 5th and Marianne Moore. But I do take the Clint Eastwood link with the proverbial pinch of salt. I would need a lot more from this card to be reasonably assured, which from a code containing 63 odd characters with too many different ones, is unlikely. The right side in respect to "do you know me. my name is" can be argued with matching O's to the circle symbols, M to M and a known Zodiac phrase, but this breaks down on the address side other than Oakland. The proof this code is too variable to be reasonably be proven can be witnessed on MK Zodiac, where many wildly different solutions have been offered up. If we cannot agree on the solution, it's likely for a reason. But whoever designed it was misguided into believing that providing so many different symbols on such a short code could reasonably be cracked with conventional methods. If a solution exists at all.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/20/2019 01:30:20 am

Indeed...it's entirely possible,that it hasn't be solved....but ''Clint Eastwood'' seems to be a strong contender,for an intended red herring,now that it seems compelling that the postcard's picture,depicts Carmel Beach.

A British newspaper editor claimed that I had solved the Celebrity Cypher,in January 2015.When I asked him,who gave him this information,he pointed at Kevin Fagan.When I asked Kevin Fagan how he had come by this information,he denied that he had.Then the British editor ignored my next question regarding the inaccuracy of the way he had stated it,anyway.

At that time,I had sent one copy of the solution to the Vallejo Times Herald,and one copy,to NCIS Washington.

And yet it was,in effect,the SF Chronicle and Daily Express,who were playing ''Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber''.

So....who knows [?].

Rubislaw 32 link

6/20/2019 11:10:39 am

It is certainly of note that,it now emerges that the date of Marianne Moore's death,February 5th 1972,coincides with the murder date of the Swindles,in 1964.

Now,what of Ms.Moore's birth date,November 15th 1887 ?

Ms.Betts claims that,on the night of November 15th,in the 1980's,that she,Ms.Betts,was subjected to a gun attack,from the man that she [...then,or now [?]....] believes was the Zodiac.

On the basis of what Ms.Betts last claimed,regarding this gun attack,bullets ended up,embedded in wall plaster and ceilings,of her house.

One presumes that Law Enforcement dealt with this attack,and that there would be official reports,to substantiate,the claims made,by Ms.Betts.

Since no official documentation,with regard to a Zodiac link,or otherwise,has emerged...then we just have the word of Ms,Betts.

Ms.Betts has been quick to pick up on the coincidence,or otherwise,of the February 5th date.

But,strangely,not so forthcoming,in furthering her claims,of a Zodiac influence,with regard to the November 15th one.

Initially,the ''pairing of coincidences'' seemed compelling,to fellow contributors,at zodiackiller.com

Since we can be certain that the Swindles were murdered on February 5th 1964,then perhaps,in order to further her argument,for Zodiac involvement,in the Celebrity Cypher,and her claim of ''another picture postcard'' in existence.......Ms.Betts might be more willing to furnish fellow contributors,with information,to bring greater clarity and credulity,to the ''November 15th'' attack,on herself [?].

Toots

6/20/2019 07:25:32 pm

Interesting that Marianne Moore went to Bryn Mawr College. My suspect's parents lived in Bryn Mawr, PA and his sister's also went to Bryn Mawr College.

Toots

6/20/2019 08:04:32 pm

Rubislaw,
I'm curious if you've uncovered the name "Katharine Hepburn" or "Judy Garland" in any of your cipher solutions?

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 12:48:59 am

Thanks for your interest,Toots.

No Ms.Hepburn or Ms.Garland,I'm afraid.But interesting where this might be heading.

Strong and ''pioneering'' women,perhaps [?].

I had done some research,on Marianne Moore,a while back,and she is regarded as having been,one of the three pioneering American Feminist writers.

I believe that the Zodiac was a very extensive,and ''all embracing'' reader,and I am confident that he would have recognised Marianne Moore's depiction,on the stamp,before even reading any details.

You have got me thinking,about my cipher solutions,again,and I will just check on them,to see whom exactly,I perceive that the Zodiac did mention,either pointedly....or,by inference.

I will post again,shortly....perhaps others might see a ''theme'' developing,that I have yet,to notice [?].

And,on the basis,that you ''might'' accept,what I offer.

Toots

6/21/2019 06:07:31 am

Rubislaw, look for Judy Garland's real name which was Frances Ethel Gumm.
"Frances" or Francis I believe is important to Zodiac's name.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 08:09:08 pm

I have yet to find anything compelling,as a link to the Zodiac,from Judy Garland,Toots.

Though born in Minnesota,she was a ''California Girl'',from the age of 4,having moved to Lancaster,CA.

Her parents ran theatres,and from an realy age,joined her two sisters,as the Gumm...then ''Garland Sisters'',a singing trio.[Three Little Maids].

There could be a ''Wizard of Oz'' link,perhaps [?].''Imperial Wizard'',and ''Zodiac'' backwards,is ''Caid Oz'',meaning ''Captain Oz'',in Arabic.

Judy Garland was a ''Gay Icon'',which always perplexed her.When willing to answer a question about this,on one occasion,she said :

'' I couldn't care less.I sing to 'people'. ''

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 01:07:03 am

Just on the ''Pennsylvania'' point,and while I remember,Toots,I have found ''possibilities'' that the Zodiac ''did'' mail letters from '' PA ''.

''Allentown'' [...correct spelling [?]..] certainly rings a bell.Particularly,to Walter Cronkite,and J Edgar Hoover,with regard to D.B.Cooper's banknotes.

Once the Zodiac had a motorcar,the ''whole world'',that he had only previously read about....just ''opened up''.

So..he could have been ''many places''.The essence of an extraordinary extortionist [IMO].

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 01:46:20 am

Well I never...such things...

Rubislaw 32's solution to ''Zodiac'' 's 1990 Celebrity Cypher,is :

Frederick the Great.

And...Bryn Mawr College is about 6 miles south-east of a town called :

King of Prussia.

Toots

6/21/2019 05:24:01 am

Katherine Hepburn also went to Bryn Mawr College.

Toots

6/21/2019 06:12:05 am

I am typically in King of Prussia about two times per week, I know it well!

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 06:41:16 am

...amazing....you're a ''local'' to that area...

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 02:41:31 am

I have a ''loose'' connection,to Katharine Hepburn,in the '' My name is ---'' cipher,Toots.

My solution ''reads'',messages,both forwards and in reverse.

In reverse,it refers to ''Babila'',who was the African Queen,in William Queux's novel,''The Great White Queen'' [1896].

''The African Queen'',of course,was a famous film,starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 04:10:18 am

Gosh...that gets better...

''The African Queen'',in the film,of the same name,was a boat.

And,Rubislaw 32's solution to the ''My name is ----'' cipher,is :

'' SAIL AS A BABILA ''....equivalent to '' Sail as The African Queen ''.

And the solution,forwards,being '' ALI BABAS ALIAS ''...with Ali Baba's alias,being '' Son of the Mighty Caliph '',from the film,'' Sword of Ali Baba '' [1965].

With the ''Knife'' employed at Lake Berryessa,a ''veiled'' term,which was actually....

A Sword Bayonet.

[...thanks for the assistance,Toots....]

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 05:37:09 am

In addition,of course....'' Babila '' and '' Mikado '' mean the same...

'' Honouable Gate '',a portal to God.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 09:02:34 pm

If one is persuaded by ''Son of the Mighty Caliph'',then,albeit ''Caliph'' a Muslim term....

I think that we could safely say that the Zodiac would be claiming,with wishful thinking,to be Herb Caen's ''successor'' [?].

Herb Caen - ''The Mighty Californian''.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 02:50:32 am

Just staying with the ''Female theme'',there are two other women,referred,that I have found :

Z340 : Darlene Ferrin

And,the solution posed,by Z263,in the New Canaan Letters,is :

A reference to ''I dream of Jeannie'' actress,Barbara Eden.

Toots

6/21/2019 08:50:11 am

Rubislaw,
This is totally off topic from the Celebrity Cipher, but I wasnt sure where to post a discovery I made. I recall you have investigated the Joan Webster murder and it's connections to CIA family members and FBI. My family member was on flight TWA800, that was shot down. I noticed that the un-identified luggage tag on that flight with the name "William Kabofovic" is an anagram for "Avow FbiCia Kill MO".

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 10:03:22 am

Thanks for your feedback,Toots.

I will look into a possible Judy Garland link,in a few hours time.

Sorry to hear about your family member,caught in TWA800.

I have a Joan Webster link to Pan Am 103,the Lockerbie bombing,as it happens.

I will also take a general look at TWA800.

Thanks,and will get back,on these matters.

Toots

6/21/2019 10:51:57 am

Rubislaw,
Wow, I also have a connection to Pan Am Lockerbie. We should talk and compare notes....too many coincidences between us. Let me know if you'd like to talk?

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 01:12:21 pm

Yes,that would be good,Toots.

I think that it is ''healthy'' in investigations,to ''unearth'' as many possible links,as one can....and then,''assess''.

A ''one off'' link is interesting....but when one ''lines up'' two,three or four or more....then it is certainly worthy of ''greater focus''.

It is good to mention them in an ''arena'' of interest,such as your site,Richard....for it can inspire even more thoughts,and perceived observations.

Indeed,Toots,if you might like to OK your e-mail addresss,to be passed on to me,via Richard.Or,happy to take mine,via him.

Thanks Richard.

Toots

6/21/2019 04:33:23 pm

Thanks Richard, yes I'm fine with that

Richard

6/21/2019 04:21:52 pm

The first cipher created and mailed by Zodiac was to the Vallejo Times-Herald on July 31st 1969. This was effectively part one. The last cipher (if Zodiac) was mailed to the Vallejo Times-Herald on September 25th 1990. The 1969 cipher was cracked by Donald Gene and Bettye June Harden of Salinas, California.

Salinas and Carmel-by-the Sea are both located in Monterey County. Donald Harden lived at 54 Chestnut Street, about 15 miles from the beach at Carmel. Just another snippet of information.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/21/2019 05:24:37 pm

I think that information about Donald and Bettye living in Monterey County,is potentially ''pretty worthy'',Richard.

The whole county looks ''idyllic'',and includes such notable spots,as ''Pebble Beach''...home to one of the most famous golf courses,in the world.

The Zodiac,wouldn't be forgetting what the Hardens did to him,in a hurry [?] [!].

Rubislaw 32 link

6/22/2019 04:31:28 am

In checking on other John Hinde postcards,both from that period,and ''California'',I came across a website,that might interest Zodiac enthusiasts.

www.minormumbles.com

This is one of the strangest sites,that I have ever come across,but nicely presented,and appearing to be ''quite normal''.

It seems to be for postcard fans.More particularly,postcard fans,that believe that a postcard has not had a ''full'' life,until a message has been written on it,and then sent through the mail.

There is a person,known as ''TM'' that is responsible for giving these postcards a ''full'' life.....and one becomes more familiar,with what ''TM'' is all about,by reading the messages he writes.

In fact,initially,I thought I had stumbled upon the Zodiac's writing,both likeness and composition,when I first started reading the postcards ''borrowed'' by ''TM''.

Cetainly worth checking out.

Other postcards indicate that ''Sandy Beaches'' is,undoubtedly,a ''unique title'' for the card depicting Carmel Beach.

And,unique product code.

Toots

6/26/2019 07:49:42 am

Regarding the name "Sandy", I also noticed that Bible John's first victim, Patricia Doker's son's name was Sandy.

Also the police district in charge of the Scottish Barrowlands district was the "Marine" district...a possible connection to a military US Marine.

I doubt these are both coincidences in the Bible John "judgement" murders.

Richard

6/22/2019 05:36:03 am

Yes Rubislaw, the notion of "driftwood" has to be ditched as having any relevance. This was Lafferty's misguided or deliberate false interpretation of the Carmel postcard. I have the feeling he wanted to claim it was driftwood to manufacture a comparison to the Domingos and Edwards murder in the "driftwood shack", thereby satisfying his preconceptions that was a Zodiac murder. The "driftwood" element has totally sidetracked the search for the postcard. He should have written "tree on an ocean beach".

Rubislaw 32 link

6/22/2019 07:11:20 am

Indeed agreed,Richard.

Naturally,this ''Driftwood on Ocean Beach'' has taken,many interested party's attention.To what extent,Lafferty ''elected'' to state this phrase,remains a bit of a mystery,in itself.

A ''little bit'' of me wonders if the desk sergeant at the Vallejo PD,wasn't ''primed'' to give this phrase to Lafferty [?].Also,why ''LE'' desired that Lafferty should have a photocopy of the cipher,but ''not'' the picture side.

All seems to be ''back to normal'' at zodiackiller.com ...with the ''There is no Zodiac DNA'' thread,seeing ''action'' again.

Mr.Voigt has moved his position,from dangling the phrase ''tipsters'' in front of his followers....to ''sources'',once more.And,''sycophancy'' is in evidence,all too evidently.

Ms.Betts is back to using ''old chestnuts'',as ''My suspect,who I call Honcho.'',at every opportunity.The only difference,seems to be that contributors are growing tired of '' 5-star Mike '',for peddling his book,and accusing everyone,of not having read it,if they disagree with him.

The schoolchildren and students,in the Bay Area,are about to embark on a long summer holiday....with no more reports of Graffiti,in the local press.

No more ''murmurings'' from ''The Portland Ventriloquist'',either.

An interesting newspaper article,I found,from March 1st 2001,taken from The Vallejo Times Herald,which was,in the main,an interview with Zodiac internet pioneer,Tom Voigt :

Mr.Voigt refers to his 1998 start :

'' I started with people to register for the message board.I had to weed out the wackos.I'm still weeding.I think that they should all be locked up.''.

Not so much a ''new begining'' then..but more a convenient ''erasing'' of the past [?].

Everyone,determined to be on their best behaviour,with Ms.Ferrin's 50th anniversary,just round the corner [?].

High expectations....with no one wanting to miss out on a ''Fourth of July party''.

Toots

6/22/2019 07:35:56 am

Did anyone ever do a search of Driftwood apartments, villas, motel, hotel?

Richard

6/22/2019 07:59:18 am

Yes, Driftwood Motel, Monterey

https://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/driftwood-motel-monterey

Driftwood is San Diego’s relaxed coastal living at it’s best. Located in the Crown Point neighborhood you will enjoy a short walk to the beach, bay and a variety of shops and restaurants. Our 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartments will feature high-end flooring and appliances with modern details throughout. Driftwood is pet-friendly too! Contact us today to inquire about leasing opportunities.

https://driftwoodsd.com/

Richard

6/22/2019 12:00:38 pm

Clint Eastwood (5,8), Mayor of Carmel and attended Oakland Technical High School, Oakland, Ca. Same as postmark.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/22/2019 01:07:42 pm

.....another interesting spot...Mr.Eastwood was from Oakland.

The ''hot bed'' of Black Panther recruitment.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/22/2019 02:09:07 pm

...going back to the seventies,a friend of mine,from St.Andrews,Fife,happened to drop into his ''local'' [pub] for a ''swift half'',during the British Open Golf Championships.

Word was being whispered around,that Clint Eastwood and James Garner,were playing pool,in a back room.So,like many others,my friend took his turn,to deftly put his head round the door,to witness ''Inspector Callahan'' and ''Jim Rockford'' duel it out,to pot the 8-ball.

Eastwood is a member of Pebble Beach Golf Club,just along from Carmel Beach.

Annual membership is in the region of $50,000 /year...with a single round,priced at $550,for a non-member,booked in advance.

A bit ''pricey'',compared to my local course,owned by Donald Trump.

A ''mere'' $300 per round.

Richard

6/22/2019 12:32:11 pm

Cannot post the last comment Rubislaw for obvious reasons.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/22/2019 12:53:13 pm

'' Naturelle-ment '',as Basil Fawlty might say,with his best French accent.

[....although,it does hold pertinence [?]...]

Rubislaw 32 link

6/23/2019 11:27:43 am

Thinking more about this ''Driftood on Ocean Beach'',Richard,I am becoming more and more inclined to believe that the Vallejo PD were primed by the FBI,to give Lyndon Lafferty,misleading information.

LE ''desired'' to give Lafferty the cipher,circa 2006....simply because they had failed to solve it...and knew that he might,eventually,give the cipher,some publicity....the cipher ''leaked'' into the public domain.

Lafferty gave it extra exposure,in 2010,by handing it over to the internet community,via Ms.Betts,and A.N.Other.Lafferty had already written the bulk of his book,a few years earlier....but was waiting,in effect,for William Grant,to die,before he could safely publish,without lawsuits.But,by 2010,Grant was still in the land of the living....so,perhaps,Lafferty and his ''publishers to be'' felt that it could provide a little publicity for a book,that many knew that he had completed...but was yet to ''show''.

Grant died in February 2012,as it happens...then Lafferty could proceed,with his book.

I now believe that you,Richard,have provided enough evidence [...and you may disagree....],that the cipher,looked to the FBI,as if ''Clint Eastwood'' was the essence of the solution...but,having failed to actually solve it.had to concede that ''Clint Easwood'',was ''just'' the ''red herring''....and the 99% Fact that the postcard depicts Carmel Beach....''confirms'' the FBI's suspicions of,at least,a Clint Eastwood ''telegraphing'' from ''Zodiac''.

The implications,of this ''telegraphing'',as knowledge,in the public domain...might suggest that,a ''living Zodiac'' might be turning his attention to targetting the wealthy and celebrated people,such as Eastwood.And,that,I think,that Lafferty was denied the Carmel Beach photograph....and ''mislead'',on this ''Driftwood...'' phrase.

In addition,and retrospectively....in 1990 Bettye divorced Don Harden,with Don moving out of their Monterey address.But Bettye remained living there.In 2007,Leslie Harden Harper,their daughter,stated that her mother suffered from a number of psychological problems,including depression.Sometimes,Leslie claimed,her mother would go through periods of fearing recriminations,from the Zodiac.....and take to such things,as sleeping in the bath tub,instead of her own bed,at night.

The police,surely must have had,at least some sense of concerning themselves,over Bettye's safety [?].And,in 1990 the ciphers depiction [Carmel Beach]...must have ''twigged'',with Bettye's residence proximity.

Bettye died in 2001.But even in 2006,with the possible ''celebrity inference'' of a Carmel link...the FBI still didn't want this information coming out [?].

Therefore,''fed'' Lafferty the misleading information.

Richard

6/23/2019 11:51:57 am

Or, of course, he mislead himself by interpreting the card as "Driftwood on Ocean beach" as you suggested. I can see how somebody like Lafferty, unfamiliar with Carmel along with the subsequent information you have found, could easily misinterpret the tree on a beach for a washed up pile of wood and branches as you previously stated. Or he was fed a summation. I honestly don't know why anybody would want to keep this benign picture and cipher from anybody. It is completely understandable that we like sleuthing possible reasons for the choice of an ocean beach in Carmel, but the really mundane and unexiting answer, is that it was just any old card bought at a gift shop or department store without any forethought. As for the cipher, it has too many characters for its length, hence why we have multiple decoded messages being thrown about. Most of the English solutions are in the form of the usual pigeon English vocabulary of a 3-year-old and from my perspective have no merit whatsoever. Putting aside our own biases, it is evident after 29 years there is no consensus on a solution, if one truly exists.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/23/2019 01:39:44 pm

Yes..it will still remain a conundrum.

The two facts ''we'' do know is :

The postcard depicted Carmel Beach.....and,LE were not prepared to allow Lafferty access to proof,of the Carmel Beach fact.

It's all very well,Ms.Betts electing to form a ''minority of one'',against the above...but with her unpreparedness to approach Jerry Johnson,over this matter....then no extra light has a chance of being shed,on the matter.

Ms.Betts...simply,time and time again,,,,is not prepared to think of the ''greater good'' of the case....forever prioritizing her ''suspect led'' agenda.....with personal messages given out,all too obvious to most....but not,apparently,to herself....that her personal preconceived ideas,are to be protected...no matter what.

Just another ''chancer'',running away from what the actual truth,might offer.

Richard

6/23/2019 01:46:02 pm

For their own records printers imprinted a job/card number. This could be a plain 3 to 6-digit number, a combination of numbers and letters and sometimes really unusual like in the case of E. Pinkau & Co, Leipzig and their “Capital Letter” and especially the “Dot & Dash” code (researched by George Webber). These codes are found usually on the address side, with few exceptions. Sometimes arranged inside stamp box and when postally used hidden below postage stamp. The illustration at top shows a “double-code” not often used back then. The 6-digit number is the card number of the printer C.G. Roeder, Leipzig. The number below belongs to the agency/jobber Otto Leder, Meissen, Saxony. The “07” stands for the year 1907, when the photograph/card was first published. Otto Leder, sometimes his initials O.L.M. also also found with code, arranged a number of cards for US and Canadian publishers as well as for other countries. Many printed by Roeder – but not always.

http://www.tpa-project.info/html/body_printer_codes.html

Richard

6/23/2019 01:52:17 pm

Curt Teich & Co., a postcard printing company, operated from 1898-1978 and specialized in view (postcards that have scenic views) and advertising postcards. Curt Teich was the largest volume printer of these types of postcards in the world from the 1920s to the 1940s. Many of the postcards we have at the Archives were printed by Curt Teich & Co. It is easier to give Curt Teich postcards an approximate date because the postcards’ print numbers correspond to production years. This dating guide compiled by the Curt Teich Archives, a wonderful wealth of images and information, provides detailed information about the postcard print numbers and dates.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/23/2019 01:59:17 pm

stunning stuff....but what does it all mean ?

Richard

6/23/2019 02:12:58 pm

Haven't got a clue - just found the CG interesting.

Richard

6/23/2019 02:08:06 pm

Here are some Yosemite National Park, California postcards If these were produced in the same year it proves the code of our letter (66) is attributed only to an individual postcard. The Yosemite page linked below contains John Hinde 2CG 4B. 2CG 5B, 2CG 6B, 2CG 7B and 2CG 8B.

http://www.thepostcard.com/walt/state/cal2/maripos2.htm

Rubislaw 32 link

6/23/2019 02:28:24 pm

Thanks.Richard...I figure that the majority of us,are on ''righteous'' ground,with regard to the ''Carmel Beach'' depiction.

The ''culprits'' I personally figure,in holding back real information,in the interests,of themselves...are not actually the FBI,as an organization who are just doing their job...nor the Vallejo PD,who are the FBI's ''lap dogs'',in this.

The three men,[..my words..] that are responsible for ''self indulgence'',and ''biting off,more than can chew'',at the expense of more sadness and anxiety,to bereaved of victims,are :

Frank Mulholland

James Comey

Jonathan Blodgett

And,with ''nothing'' materializing,in four and half years,I intend to....

''Shop'' the three of them.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/23/2019 05:10:01 pm

I should really qualify,a lttle,for readers at this site.

The three men above,two senior prosecutors and a lawyer/policeman [Comey],are the three who re-started Zodiac investigations,in recent times....and the 1990 Celebrity Cypher,has played,at least a part,in this.

Comey got sacked as Director of the FBI.Mulholland is now a High Court Judge.But Blodgett remains as D.A. for Essex County,M.A.

''Everything'' started with them,in December 2014....at a cost of ''millions'',and about 100 resignations or ''early retirements'',from senior policemen,to date.

And,where are we ?

Who knows..but after Ms.Ferrin's 50th anniversary....and if nothing materialising,then....

It's game over for these public servants.

However controversial Mr.Trump may appear to some,when he said of James Comey :

''Comey is a showboater''

Mr.Trump was right.

[...and yes,some might say that Mr.Trump would be best paced,to know what a showboater is....]

Rubislaw 32 link

6/24/2019 07:42:19 pm

I will see,if I can look into dates,more thoroughly...but,just thinking about the two ''touted'' 1990 Zodiac correspondences,in general.

If we are to put the ''Clint Eastwood'' angle aside [..not that we should..],and just focus on the Hardens,and their Monterey address.

1990- The Hardens divorce,and Don moves out,but Bettye remains.

2001 - Bettye dies.

2006 - Don dies...and,Lafferty receives the Celebrity Cypher photocopy,with plain side only.

2007 - Year of release of the Fincher film.FBI release the 1990 Eureka Card,claiming that it had been uncovered at SF Chronicle offices,during a clear out.

The ''2006'' year,could be significant,with personal safety of the Hardens,no longer being an issue,for LE [?].

Rubislaw 32 link

6/24/2019 08:07:35 pm

....what ''we'',the public see,is...

2007 - The FBI release the Eureka Card.

2010 - Lafferty's photocopy of the Celebrity Cypher appears on the Zodiac internet,via Ms.Betts and A.N.Other.

'' A.N.Other '' may be,either,the late Zodiac contributor,''Vallejo Dave'',or Lafferty handed ''back'' to The Vallejo Times Herald...with Lafferty's proposed cipher solution.

I think that,The Vallejo Times Herald,would have seen Lafferty's ''offering'',as a ''hot potato''.A ''fact'' not of great consequence,really.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/25/2019 12:56:19 pm

My admiration for Lyndon Laffety's as an investigater,with a ''keen nose'',is as high as I can express.

However,Lafferty was no cipher breaker.

His effort,with the Celebrity Cyper,was ''woeful''.He just pinched the ''408'' keys,and came up,with his own ''solved'' anagram....that still left two character places ''spare'' and ''wanting''.

How on earth,he expected The Vallejo Times Herald,to accept his cipher work,and publish,as ''pre-publicity'' for an anticipated book...is anyone's guess.

Lafferty had an ''understandable'' disdain,for the Zodiac community,as a whole....and the way Mr.Voigt,so naively treated Lafferty,when his book did eventually emerge...provides an insight to some relationships,going on,between those that were actual ''gumhoes'',like Lafferty....and,largely ''armchair'' sleuths,such as Voigt.

But,Lafferty held ''generosity of spirit'' in high regard,also....and it appears to be the case that,when The Vallejo Times Herald would not accept his work....he then handed the Celebrity Cypher,over to the internet.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/25/2019 03:58:53 am

Naturally,with the two correspondences in 1990,attributed by some,to the Zodiac...there are ruminations,of what might have inspired to post a cipher,in September of that 1990 year....followed by a Christmas card,in December.

With the Celebrity Cypher,I have previously been inclined to believe that,the uncovering of Joan Webster's remains,in April of that year,solving the mystery of Ms.Webster's disappearance,eight and a half years earler,had spurred the Zodiac on,to ''make a show'',as a warped form of nostalgia.

But obviously,that might depend on whether the Zodiac was responsible for Ms.Webster's disappearance.

Another,perhaps more likely reason,for a possible correspondence return.and with a cipher....to show that he really was making an effort....''could'' have been a ''celebration'',of a sort [?].

The sadist in the Zodiac,does seem drawn to adversity,and he may have seen,news of The Harden's divorce,as an opportunity to pour scorn.

We know,of course,that the FBI were not only disinclined to officially authenticate the 1990 Celebrity Cypher.

But,not even allow it,to see the light of day.And,for at least 16 years.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/25/2019 08:58:11 pm

If anyone knows the official date of Don and Bettye Harden's divorce,it would be appreciated,and might be pertinent,to the September 25th 1990 date,related to the Celebrity Cypher.

I have since found out that Don Harden,didn't pass away,until March 7th 2012.He had retired to Fountain Hills,Phoenix,Arizona,with his second wife,Delia [married,circa 1996].Don's last few years,were plagued by Alzeimer's disease,and one presumes that,authorities related to the Zodiac case,would not have been overly concerned,about his safety [?].

Albeit ''trivia'',it is interesting to note that Don and Bettye's 54 Chestnut Street address,in Salinas,Monterey County....lay between ''Maple Street'',and ''Willow Street''....something probably not missed,by the Zodiac,if he was keeping a figurative eye on them [?].

It is possible that Zodiac ''desired'' to find a picture postcard,depicting,at least,that general Northern Monterey County ''haven''.All he would have to do,is go to Carmel,and seek out a shop,that sold postcards,with tourists,in mind.

It looks as if any ''coincidences'',with respect to the postcard,that ''Zodiac'' ended up,with.....had more to do,with the title...

''Sandy Beaches''

[...oops...''almost'' a freudian slip....]

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 02:56:17 am

Given the ''trivia'' information,above...if the Eureka Card,arriving three months,following the Celebrity Cypher,and this time,to the SF Chronicle,had contained a photocopied picture of ''two trees'',instead of ''two keys''....then the solution to a condrum posed,would be easy.

On a slightly more serious note....through extensive study of FBI Files,and the work of hoaxers and extortionists,it is surprising how often these strange people,send newspaper articles accomanying,their particular brand of messages.As if perhaps,to add explanation,to what they wish to convey.

My suspicions are,that the two keys photocopy,sent by the Zodiac,was referring to the encryption ''two key'' philosophy.The ''public key'',and the ''private key''.

Simply,as a pathetic ''show off'' attempt,to baffle the FBI's Cryptanalysis Unit....on the basis of,rejoicing that Zodiac may have read that,the FBI were admitting that the ''340'' had yet to be solved.

The Eureka Card could well have contained a scientific article,to the philosophy's effect.

Often is the case that LE agencies release material,only ''in part'',or with something missing.....just to guage any further opinion,from the public....seeking something ''extra'',that they may have missed,themselves.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 03:05:06 am

......and,of course,that might explain why the configuration of the two keys,resembled a ''Groucho Marx'' face,with cigar.

Simply,to match the ''Groucho Marx'' lookalike face,on the Christmas card's snowman.

The Zodiac...''sticking his tongue out'',at the FBI.

Toots

6/26/2019 07:20:41 am

Eureka Card I believe is a clue to look into the famous mathematician, Carl Friedrich Gauss...for his proofs, magnetic poles, and Easter holiday algorithm, and the expression "Eureka ive found it".

Regarding the 2 keys, has anyone ever noticed that the 2 sets of numbers can be used to create a NCalif phone number, starting with 415-868-####, which was a prefix used for landlines at that time.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 08:50:33 am

Interesting ''call'',with Eureka,Toots.

Archimedes is said to have exclaimed '' Eureka,eureka'',when realizing the measurement of the displacement of water.

Perhaps more important is,that it means ''I found it,I found it'',in English.

So,could have been some subliminal messaging,from presumed Zodiac....that he ensured that ''Eureka'' appeared on the card's envelope,by visiting the town,specifically [?].

''Gauss'' doesn't seem ''obvious''....''The Prince of Mathematics''...specialized in Number Theory....which doesn't appear to hold symbolism,nor superstition,on the outside.

[....unlike Numerology,which does...]

Toots

6/26/2019 09:52:55 am

Rubislaw,
Carl Friedrich Gauss proved that every Integer is Sum of Three Triangular Numbers...which is often referred to as Gauss's Eureka Theorem.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 03:16:41 pm

That's a great potential spot,and will check it out this evening,Toots.

I was ''brought up''on Gauss...but more to do with his work,on ''Numerical Analysis''...which was a sort of Victorian software theory.It's amazing to think that,had the early Victorians been able to harness electicity,efficiently....then the ''computer age'' would have arrived 100 years sooner,than it did.

Gauss was an extraordinary person....and I am thinking ''German Prince''...following ''King of Prussia''.,now.

Such theorems,as you have mentioned,are all tied in to Number Theory....in essence,the study of the abstract infinity.

The Zodiac wasn't that ''keyed in''...but probably liked to ''flirt'' and ''pick and choose'',with the subject.

I think the Zodiac was ''just'',a bright engineer.

Thanks,and will get back on this observation.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 08:58:44 am

.....so,maybe the Zodiac ''desired'' that ''I found it '' [...Eureka,in Greek...],to appear on the envelope [postmark],as an extra clue [?].

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 09:11:06 am

''Eureka'' sounds like sarcasm,directed at the FBI..for ''not'' having found the cipher keys,to the ''340''.

Richard

6/26/2019 09:33:38 am

I ordinarily wouldn't put too much thought into the postage stamps on letters or the area they were mailed from, but it is slightly curious the blend of Eureka (effect) - the common human experience of suddenly understanding a previously incomprehensible problem or concept - with the addition of two xeroxed keys. It would be nice to believe (if Zodiac) he gave us a final clue to his 340, indicating it was solvable by using two keys - but in reverse. Many people have wondered if the cipher was split into two because of the external dashes on the 10th line. The inversion or xeroxing of the keys wasn't done for nothing. It seemingly has a meaning, even if done by a lunatic.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 09:59:38 am

Well,you might have incited the Zodiac,to issue his own particular brand of the ''Fatwa'',for insinuating ''lunacy'',Richard.

Light-heartedness aside,It's difficult for me to get too involved in ''340'' discussions.I might upset others.

But...as an overview,he constructed a ''might fine'' cipher...and then took a sledgehammer,to it.

Toots

6/26/2019 07:06:42 pm

Need a mathematician to check out Gauss' 17-sided heptadecagon, that contains radians and degrees.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/27/2019 07:21:26 am

Thanks for the pointer,Toots,and I'll have a look.

I had previously found that the ''boyancy co-efficient'' of a vessel in water,is found by measuring the vessel's metacentric height [inches],and angle of heel [radians]....so,could be a clue to ''Hunter's Point'' shipyard.

And,as Richard has pointed out,in the past,the ''target'' in the little list diagram,makes sense,in both degrees and radians.....but,probably just an ''eight o'clock'' direction,from Mt.Diablo....as indicated,by the Zodiac.

For the Zodiac,why kill ''two birds,with one stone''....when,for the purposes of showing off the width and depth of his knowledge,''one bird,with many stones''....was a more ''suitable'' arrangement.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/26/2019 09:30:54 pm

Yes indeed...''Fermat's Polygon Number Theorem'',which became Gauss's Eureka Theorem,when Gauss proved the former.

Such phenomena,as triangular numbers [..1,3,6,10,15...],do lend themselves to puzzle games,that are more of a numerical nature,than the alphabetic and cryptic ones.

And,most of us,who are interested in the Zodiac,see,at least,those ''leanings'',all too clearly,in him.

Zodiac says,in effect : ''Let's play a game,but I make up the rules.''

Zodiac desires to baffle us,with his ''show off'' knowledge.But,the reality is that his ''solutions'' are ''in plain site''.He wants us to take time,over him...but doesn't want to baffle us,to the extent,that we won't actually bother...just walk off,and ignore him.

Some believe,for example,that the ''Bomb Cipher'' 's solution,can't be proved [Z32].In a cryptographic sense,that may be true.But,I believe,the Zodiac leaves us,with enough ''cryptic'' clues,to assist us,to compensate for the lack of ''cryptographic'' ones.

In the case of ''Z32'',horticulture,The Beatles and SF 49's....are adequate clues,enough....though there are more,if one looks.

And yes,I think the Zodiac deliberately drove up to Eureka,to ensure that it appeared,on the envelope.

Another ''teaser'' is....precisely why.

[...13 Hole Postcard....'' 13 t Z s ''...''Thirteen Teases''...]

Rubislaw 32 link

6/27/2019 02:22:27 pm

Gauss's 17-sided heptadecagon looks pretty,and pretty impressive.

But,this is the sort of thing,that a mathematician,as Gauss,got up to,for recreation and hobby....and not of great importance.

But the ''17'' number does tend to ring bells,with Zodiac enthusiasts,wth regard to the quantity of columns employed,in his grid layouts,for Z408 and Z340.Also,''probably'',Z148,in 1971.

Then,perhaps,we can look to 1988,and Z263....and indeed,1990's Celebrity Cypher...where he had switched to the use of 13 columns.

Then,possibly,into the 1990's,as ''Scorpion'',where he used 10 columns,for ''S1''.....but,by the construction of ''S5'',was employing 12 columns.

So,what inspired the Zodiac,to employ 17 columns [?].Then,probably,with a renewed appetite for ciphers,twenty years on....changing,to the use of 13 columns.

I am not sure....but hope to find out.David Kahn's ''The Codebreakers'' book,was almost certainly the choice of self-education,in cipher making,for the Zodiac.

The answer may be found in David Kahn's book.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/27/2019 02:47:51 pm

Just to qualify,on Gauss's ''hobbies''...this was messing about with ''Geometry''....a study,that had then been rendered,close to ''obsolete'',by Isaac Newton's greatest gift,to the world - the Science of Calculus.Now,instead of using outdated tools,as rulers and protractors,many aspects to mathematics,physics,astronomy and natural philosophy,could be calculated,by logic.

This would have included,the concept of '' Pi Radians ''.

So,it seems that,the Zodiac's ''dropping'' of Radians ''into the mix'',in his puzzles....was to show that,he really was to be taken seriously.

Or....so he believed.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/28/2019 06:11:07 pm

If we seek the official definition of '' pi radians ''...then,what do we find ? :

'' pi radians = 3.14150215.... rad ''

In Zodiac's Halloween Card back,there is much ''potential action'',going on,with ''elected'' horizontal readings...as well as the predominent ''vertical'' writing.

The ''apex'' of where ''PARADICE'' and ''SLAVES'' meet,indicate a cross,formed by ''RAD'' and ''LAV''.

On the Halloween Card envelope,Zodiac writes Paul Avery's name,as :

PauL AVerly

.....with the ''LAV'' part,underlined.

The ''Schoolboy puerility'' emerging,in the Zodiac,perhaps ?

In essence,the inference being that the Zodiac accuses Avery,of having used the ''language of the toilet'' against him,the Zodiac.

And further,therefore,on the back of the card,that the Zodiac is telegraphing,that his,the Zodiac's use of ''RAD''....could actually be assigned to the toilet...for any relevance that we may have believed,that the Zodiac,had previously,given it.

''Small points'',perhaps [?].But,bear in mind,that this was a man [..the Zodiac..] who,almost certainly,selected a ''unique'' cattlebrand symbol,which was a variation,on ''The 8-Ball''...from the documents wing,of Berkeley University Library....

Merely,on the basis that,he was struck,by the licence holder's details :

'' Helen Roper Brown,Bent County ''

'' Puerility Rules OK '' [?].

It seems to have done,for the Zodiac.

Carl Krash link

7/18/2019 08:45:17 am

My solution straight (except for one letter) substitution:

R.OAKS/CR.RD. (Royal Oaks / Crown Road) / Petaluma, Ca

The intersection of these two streets in Petaluma is currently the site of a senior living community. I'm going to research its history. Note Petaluma is just a few miles north of Vallejo, where the card was received.

and the msg:

Ah Fun! Aime gun!

E A (Eat at) Joe's!

R N (real name);

Joey Karadanis

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