OK, sorry for the lag there. Doug and I are both swamped at the moment, so this will be short, and then I'll try to get all caught up over the weekend.

New password on the ROT site, in case you haven't found it yet: (scroll over white text to see it) polar bear

Check the comments below (under "Questionable stuff") to see how it was found (via another e-mail from Wally).

Update: Also a new DJ Dan podcast! Persephone calls in! And Rachel has new blog postings which confirm (if we didn't already recognize the voice on the call) that she is Persephone.

Update again: I have the three images from the richerdeeperbroader site posted here so the Photoshop-less can see them:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

OK, lots going on, and some of it looks non-legit.

First there's this business with the dueling Rachel Blake blogs. There's a blog up at http://rachelblake0.blogspot.com/ that says Rachel had her laptop stolen by the Hanso Foundation, so she abandoned her old blog and started this new one. It is giving out info and linking over to supposedly hidden videos on at least one in-game site. It looks faaaaaake to me. Way fake.

Adding to the fakeness feeling is that Rachel is still updating at her old site, which currently has a post with the "hieroglyphs" mentioned in her conversation with Zander, which she says Zander sent her (and of course they are the same as the ones in the "Simon" game).

Then there's www.hansoadoptions.org. It does have some stuff on it that looks like it's supposed to be clue-ish, but it doesn't really lead anywhere, and I can't see anything that makes it look real to me.

The key here is HOW were these sites found. If there's no direct path from a proven in-game site or source, then I'm not believing it. These two sites (Rachel's "new" blog and the adoptions site) just popped up as URLs, no one mentioning how they were found. There's got to be a path, and if there isn't, assume fakery.

Now, on to real stuff: Can someone please help me out with the ROT clues? I am bogged down and haven't been keeping up with the daily posts over there. What's the general sense of what they're trying to give us? Is it making sense and leading somewhere?

Remember back when Brandon was the 1,000 commenter? Well, we've decided on the prize! Brandon, congratulations on your official Lost/Dharma Initiative T-shirt (pictured at right), courtesy of us. We just need your preferred size and a place to send this bad boy. You can post a comment (we promise not to publish it for the world to see) or send an e-mail to me at ehenderson [at] dallasnews [dot] com.

Thanks for posting! Maybe we'll do another giveaway for comment #2,000.

Looks like Rachel has landed in Iceland, according to her latest blog post, and she's got a new video hidden on the Gary Troup site. (Links, other, but it looks like those aren't working anymore, so watch here on YouTube.)

She also quotes some supposed commenters talking about Benoffski, the guy who died in the Vik Institute fire, and links over to a letter (that's in Polish) that says Benoffski was supposed to be at a math conference in Australia at the time of his death.

So Rachel has a new post on her blog today about how she's received new info from GidgetGirl (who chewed her out earlier for posting those photos of Hugh M. and his chippy). The main link is to this:
http://vikarticle.blogspot.com
GidgetGirl says Mittelwerk has gone to Iceland to deal with this.

Rachel also talks about some confusion about the islands. She doesn't think the Canada thing is right b/c she's sure she saw something about the equator on Mittelwerk's maps. Huh.

Also, there's a new clue on the Retrievers site -- on the thread "Our AIM is true." Maybe you are supposed to go on AIM and look for someone with the screen name "GOOD REASON." ? I'm anti-AIM, so someone help me out here.

Allison wrote in to point out a new Gary Troup video found, apparently on MySpace. The video's on YouTube now.

Thanks, Allison!

I want to talk some more about this new thread on the ROT site. It basically says they're going to start leaving us daily clues that we have to find and piece together to get a REAL clue. Right?

It says the clues are "right in front of your face" at the Verizon site (richerdeeperbroader.com). Then it mentions "The first word in the first song in Cabaret." The first song in that musical seems to be "Wilkommen," and the first word of that song is, uh... "Wilkommen." (That's "welcome" in German for the language-impaired.)

Which is perhaps a reference to the "welcome" screen of the Verizon site, which does say "Welcome to the world of Verizon Broadband." But I don't see anything in the source code or hidden on the page anywhere. Anyone?

Rachel's new blog entry leads us to the Jeep site (via letyourcompassguideyou.com in the user folders, look in the "trash" folder). Many wrote it with this update, but Allison was first. Thanks, Allison! Go look for it, or if you want to just know how to get to the video right away, read Allison's comment after the jump.

ALSO, some folks are pointing out that if you click 216 on the compass points instead of 108, you get an admin login box asking for a password that leads you to another video. Not sure why people started clicking 216, and I tried clicking 252 and got the box, too, so it may just be any other place on the compass. Anyway, here's the way to log in, courtesy of Corey: (scroll over to read white no-spoiler text)

"the username is WTK (William T. Kilpatrick, who had a conversation with Rachel), and the password is "themouthpiece", which was found on the "Around the Clock" image. This will take you to a "MyDocs" folder that contains a link to this WTK video."

And ALSO, Brandon points out that there's a new thread on the ROT site. The game's hopping today!

Beverly writes in to alert us to the new DJ Dan podcast today. It's linked from his site to the Monster.com site. Nothing too exciting, just telling us to support Rachel.

Couple of (seemingly matching) suppositions posted about the identity of Mittelwerk's island. I quote:

Alison: I think the small island in Mittelwerks photo is Edward Island in Lake Superior, Canada.

Brandon: The island from the video appears to have been discovered through Google Earth. The island is apparently in Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada, near Thunder Bay. I don't know if the island has a name. Link

And justis points out that it would be unlikely that this island is the Lost island, that they'd reveal that crucial bit of show info in a game very few of the show's viewers are playing. I tend to agree, but we'll see, I guess.

Any solid confirmation on this stuff? Any further ideas?

Also, glad we're all in agreement that Mittelwerk's hair/wig is fugly. Not just a fake-looking ponytail, folks. It's a fake-looking mullet-y ponytail.

Brandon writes in (sooo close to being the 1000th commenter) to point out a new Rachel blog post that refers to a new video. Check it out!

Update: Video found! If you want to keep looking to find it yourself, here's a hint: Try this page and note what's on number 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 AND, most importantly, 43. If you want to just go right to the video, click the extended entry on this post (or see the detailed comment below from one1082).

Side note: We have our 1,000th comment! Yay, Brandon -- you did it! Details coming soon on what your prize is...

Fig. 44: More Things

(Buffy fans will now be singing that song...)

So, I'm thinking, if Rachel really is Persephone, and this game really is going to be in three "acts," it could get interesting. Because first she was talking to us via the Hanso site, but they shut that down, so she had to get a step closer to us with the videos and direct-to-us blogging. So if they shut THAT down at some point, maybe act 3 will be phone calls and more "live" interaction?

That would be cool. Am I crazy?

MrWoodgie and Allison found some cool stuff in the "Trash" file on the Jeep site... check it here.

Here is the OFFICIAL translation:

MITTELWERK: Minsu, so great to see you.

MINSU: Dr. Mittelwerk. Good to see you too. Mr. Paik sends his warmest regards.

MITTELWERK: He's just saying that because we've paid him so much money.

MINSU: Ah. I see that it's straight to business.

MITTELWERK: As always.

MINSU: I think you'll be pleased to hear your ship is almost ready; with all the modifications. But I have to warn you - this kind of ship can't dock just anywhere.

MITTELWERK: We have a port. How long will it be?

MINSU: I'd say no sooner than three weeks.

MITTELWERK: Could you pass the pepper? So what will it take to make it 2 weeks?

Rachel posts again and has hidden some audio on an Australian site!!

It's hidden HERE.

You can get the login and password from Rachel...

Head on over to her stop Hanso site, now.

UPDATE!! We translated the Korean audio, thanks to our co-worker Soyong Hong (commenter JessieP points out that the speaking order might not be correct):

Dr. Mittelwerk: "Minsu, it's nice to meet you."

Other guy: "Dr. Mittelwerk, it's nice to meet you too."

Dr. Mittelwerk: "Mr. Paik is sending his regards."

Other guy: "The reason he is sending me regards is that I had him pay a lot of money."

Dr. Mittelwerk: "Let's talk about business."

Other guy: "Yes, let's do it"

Dr. Mittelwerk: "You want to hear that the delivery service is almost ready. Speaking of the delivery service: we can't drop the delivery just anywhere."

Other guy: "But we have a harbor (for the delivery). How long will it take?"

Dr. Mittelwerk: "At least 3 weeks"

Other guy: "Can you pass me the black pepper. What will it take for you to get it delivered in TWO weeks?"

(hidden behind the pepper shaking: "Grab it")

Rachel, the toothy foe of the Hanso foundation, updated her stop Hanso site with shocking new photos (they're really not shocking, just wanted you guys to get excited about them).

One of out astute commenters, wckdjugallo (probably not his real name), found a new DJ Dan podcast on the Jeep site. It's in the owelles folder.

Interesting to note that it mentions the "Flower of Life Enterprises" group which Dan points out is part of Hanso.

Ellen update: THAT'S what you think is interesting to note about the podcast? THAT? Not the fact that DJ Dan says Alvar Hanso is JOOP?

OK, the Hanso site is shut down, and the game is changing. So I'm starting a new game-tracking file. The old one is completely updated and will still be here for backward reference, but in the interests of not having a huge(r) long file, I'm starting a new one for this new segment of the game.

If you want to catch up to this point, read the "act one" file here.

This will be the new place to get caught up on newer developments. Please check this page before you start posting comments so you're not repeating info that's already known.

So with that... here's what's happening:

---

Britt and Allison have found the next video from the super-dental Rachel. It was found by checking the new threads on the RetrieversOfTruth.com site.

The link led to the ultra-creepy Verizon ad-placement page: www.broadbandstories.com.
Hint: look for two-wheeled conveyances.

We have reached over 100 entires, over 150,000 page views and nearly 1000 comments AND I finally got around to adding some features to the site.

First, and probably coolest, is the addition to the right nav called "Recent Comments." Now you can see the 10 most recent things people have commenting about. Cool, huh?

I also added the right nav to the individual posts.

E-mail me if you have anything else you would like to see added.

COMING SOON: Ellen is updating the "Game so far" page, we will be having new "guest" bloggers and we are planning to reward the 1000th commenter!!

Beverly and Ben found this Dharma memory test; apparently this is what the savants were tested with in the secret sub-basement. Check it out.

http://www.thehansofoundation.org/orientation_testing_issue_1980/

This was found on the "we've shut down the site" page that is now the Hanso site -- if you watch long enough the words "orientation testing issue 1980" show up.

I'm wondering if they snuck a Lymon image in there to really subliminal-message us...

Several folks have written in to point out the new site listed in the source code of the now-shutdown Hanso site -- www.rachelblake.com.

Looks like it's supposed to be some girl's blog, but it's got some crazy stuff on it -- I can see what looks like the world map thing with Alvar Hanso's trips leaping on it. Any other finds here? What's the scoopage?

Meanwhile, the Persephone page is not showing the "recluse" stuff anymore. It's just a crazy lady's face upside-down. Huh?

Doug Note: Rachel's mouth creeps me out. A clue? No, just an observation.

Please forgive Ellen as her superhuman spelling abilities have dwindled, no doubt due to Kryptonite (did I spell that right?).

A few different folks wrote in to alert us to the new Persephone stuff, but Allison was first. Thanks, Allison!

So, check out the new image on the persephone.thehansofoundation.org page. Note the first letter of each item in the picture. You can make a word with those that is a password on the Life Extension Project page on the Hanso site (look for a hyperlink in the word "mortality"). If you just want the password, see Allison's comment below or highlight this hidden text: the password is recluse

When you enter that password, you get some info from Persephone, and then later she'll ask for the last name of the director of the VIK institute. This was revealed earlier in one of the letters Persephone showed us, (and mentioned in the latest DJ Dan podcast) so if you remember it from there, great. If not, it's (highlight to see): Zander.

Be prepared -- once you go through this step the Hanso site will no longer be accessible to you, so make sure you see whatever else you want to see first...

Thanks to commenters and to The Lost Experience Clues there is a new DJ Dan podcast.

It's available on SubLYMONal.com... type in "BigD" and the podcast launches.

So where did this "BigD" clue come from?? Check out the DJDan.am site, go to "Podcasts" and look at the image near the bottom-right of the Podcast archive. It says "BigD." It also links directly to the SubLYMONal.com page.

Following some of the clues posted by our super-snooping commenters (check out persephone.thehansofoundation.org, which leads to hole4.thehansofoundation.org which finds an image... take all the names of the previous images (hole 2 & 3), remove the time info, complete the anagram and... UGH!) below we finally get the most fun I've had in the game so far... a 'Simon' rip-off! It's actually enjoyable.

Anyone made it to 42?

PS: Too lazy to figure this all out? Roll over the text here: Go to the Mental Health Project on the Hanso site and click on the 'Inquire Today' box. Then type in the password: light sequence again. Enjoy.

DJ Dan is missing in action... and Doug and I have been, too. Sorry about the slow updates for a bit there -- busy times here.

ANYway. DJ Dan's podcast page still says "next podcast coming on 6/12..." -- and folks are reporting no new podcasts found on his site or on sublymonal.com or the Hanso site or Retrievers of Truth. Anyone check the compass site? Anyone find the podcast? Remember to tell us HOW you found it if you report it. Thanks.

Also, there's a new message up on the Persephone page, which folks are saying translates to "+1 timeless together" -- which seems to lead to the next "hole" page -- adding 1 to hole3 leads to: hole4.thehansofoundation.org. Another weird man's-face picture. Surely there are clues hidden in it. Findings? Let's hear 'em.

DOUG UPDATE: OK, everyone is rockin' on finding the most recent clues. I wanted to check in earlier but my eyes are permenantly crossed from the "Magic Eye" image on DJ Dan's site... I'm gonna need surgery.

So here's what to do (in case you're... uh, lost):

1. Check out the djdan.am site and click on the little tower icon.
2. Decipher the evil "Magic Eye" image. Get immediate optometrist help. If you can't see the clue check the comments below.
3. If you received the RSS update from the Hanso Site then you know there is something afoot on the Electromagnetic project page.
4. Once you find the secret on the Hanso Site combine it with #2.
5. Enjoy. Get corrective eye surgery. I am.

Rik, Todd and Jamie wrote in to point out the new DJ Dan podcast -- go check it out!

So, the word "disease" is no longer linked to the countdown clock (or anything) for me or Doug. And the cell pictures at the top are all jiggly, but nothing seems clicky. Reader Beverly has written in about a new reveal on the Genomic page, but I'm not getting that. Anyone else? What's a-happenin' here?

Update: Rolling over the cells pics makes the words "Retrievers of Truth" appear in the lungs pic. So that's obviously a reference to same site the commercial gave us.

Update again: There's a text box under the picture of the three people who are looking at a molecule. We tried typing in "waking dream" and "porter" and "retrievers of truth." Nada.

Another update: OK, so apparently there's an informative post on the ROT site message board -- titled "The gospel according to The DSL." Neil points out that it talks about "Mother bearing twins, only one surviving..." and "All features from the mother..." and "Japanese mouse..." and then he sends us to this article. The password for the text box is... in that article.

This was a tough find, I think. If you just want the password and don't want to mess with all the mouse stuff, here is it: (roll over to see hidden text) parthenogenesis

Putting in that password leads you to the latest update, which you can also get to directly from the link Torben put in in the comments below.

Updating again: Larry sheds light! See his comment below about the Verizon site that contains the password in the source code. Darn it. I looked at that site but dismissed it as product placement and didn't check the code. Silly me.

P.S. - Thanks to all who have written in to say "the password is ..." But for future reference, it's much more fun if you can tell us HOW you got the password. We like to play along, you see, not just be handed the answer.

Whoa, we stepped away from the computer for a moment there, and several folks wrote in to inform us all of a new update! Thanks, several folks!

First, the Hanso commercial is running during various shows with a new URL: retrieversoftruth.com. (Weird, I don't even see a product placement tie-in here! Folks who saw the commercial -- was there a "paid for by" tag on it?)

Reader Matt recommends putting your e-mail address in the newsletter sign-up to get a clue/password (I'm not sure for what yet).

Also, after you've signed up for the newsletter, put something else, just any word (some people seem to only be able to use "porter" here) into the newsletter sign-up spot, then hit Go, then do it again until you get to the secret message boards!

Bring back your findings!

Reader jessieP alerts us to a new development on the Hanso site. Under Active Projects, on the Institute for Genomic Advancement page, there's a highlighted word. Click it and see what happens.

Doug update: After clicking the word "disease" and seeing the strange countdown, I had the revelation that maybe I should try re-set my computer's clock. Bingo, that sped up the countdown! But guess what... the clock stopped at :40. Dang!

Several folks pointed out today that the blank link we'd previously noticed on the word "miracle" on the Worldwide Wellness and Prevention Development Program page (under Press Release) was no longer an empty link. Now it brings up a box for a password.

Further intensive scrutiny of the picture that was on the hole3 site turned up the password. (Props to the totally dedicated folks who broke this one.) The characters D2O were found there, and reader Khaos tells us this about that:

D2O is referencing deuterium oxide, which is more commonly (used very loosely) known as "heavy water"

So try the password heavy water and see what happens. Enjoy!

Rik has pointed out that DJDan has a new Podcast linking us back to the letyourcompassguideyou.com site and new contents in usr name owelles' folder.

One is a link to a DJDan video podcast on YouTube. The other a seemingly mysterious link with these numbers and letters:
"B/0/0/G/10/5/5/16/3/15/13/16/1/19/19"
which easily translates to 2006 Jeep Compass which is the lame product placement of the week.

Pay attention to the video Podcast. We think there might be some hidden visual clues. The words "Sell Out" are repeated over and over.