# Can you make any sense out of this list? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 15, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228 "2010-04-15T16:21:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![williamweigand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b3f665/32.png) [@williamweigand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/williamweigand)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/1 "2010-04-15T16:21:35Z")
It was on a sheet of paper in my mailbox - no envelope. I’ll try to re-create it as well as possible. It’s a mimeograph copy of something handwritten. I can only guess at some of the letters - and why the writer had some words with initial capitalization followed by a lowercase version of the initial letter is part of the mystery. ``` Brandishing Irons Zephyrs Rosin oil Caster oil Gerund Mylucient Too lape Lendon Tegratal Iinusita tunnui Iinverted IiridialLugiciGlue Niehlo Socratex Sandoats Lure Ffelunguisi Balsam Fur Aura ApeWorld tonnot Eera Cocoacosh Gladinum Sun Podiatries Laws Moon Dioxine IillegalToffeyChips Stars BetaCarotem Black Stickers Niello Machine Ffelt Loop ``` ---
**Author:** ![brewha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@brewha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brewha)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/2 "2010-04-15T16:27:15Z")
Can you scan in the original? Maybe post a high resolution photo? Maybe something is being lost in the translation. But, as it stands, I got nothing. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/3 "2010-04-15T16:33:32Z")
You need to send it to [Bill Keaggy](http://www.grocerylists.org/). ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/4 "2010-04-15T16:34:58Z")
It’s somebody fixing stuff around the house. They’re doing door oiling, woodwork repair, and gluing stuff together. They also have some folk art project using some wood burning. Let me know how close I was when you find them. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/5 "2010-04-15T16:38:33Z")
Illegal toffee chips? Bad snacker! Bad, bad snacker! ---
**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/6 "2010-04-15T16:40:15Z")
You ever see the movie _Gaslight_? Look it up. It may help. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/7 "2010-04-15T16:41:44Z")
Either you have the missing clues necessary to find the Zodiac Killer, or someone’s grocery list ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/8 "2010-04-15T16:54:31Z")
You wrote the note, in the [reverb]future[/reverb], and sent it back in time to yourself. Clearly it is very important and you thought you would understand it. [I’ve read too much sci-fi haven’t I?] ---
**Author:** ![williamweigand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b3f665/32.png) [@williamweigand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/williamweigand)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/9 "2010-04-15T16:55:44Z")
> [@brewha](#): > > Can you scan in the original? Maybe post a high resolution photo? Maybe something is being lost in the translation. But, as it stands, I got nothing. Nope, I don’t have a scanner. And I don’t know how to post a photo. (Consider me your older parent who feels successfully posting this thread in the first place an accomplishment. In other words, I’m not too tech savvy.) **Sigmagirl** , I’ll check out that website when I get a chance. **Harmonious Discord** , there is some work being done on a house down the block. I don’t know if this list has any connection to it, nor why the list would show up in my mailbox. And why a mimeographed copy and not the original? ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/10 "2010-04-15T17:38:27Z")
Well, if it actually is a mimeograph copy that is really going to narrow it down as to who sent it, I doubt if many people still have those machines. > **[Mimeograph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimeograph)** > > A mimeograph machine (often abbreviated to mimeo, sometimes called a stencil duplicator) is a low-cost duplicating machine that works by forcing ink through a stencil onto paper. The process is called mimeography, and a copy made by the process is a mimeograph. > Mimeographs, along with spirit duplicators and hectographs, were common technologies for printing small quantities of a document, as in office work, classroom materials, and church bulletins. Early fanzines were printed by mimeograph beca... My guess is that it is the key word code for decoding a message meant for a foreign spy that was placed in the wrong box. I would start running now, you could be in great danger. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![cwthree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de0a6/32.png) [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/11 "2010-04-15T17:40:12Z")
You’ve already wasted precious time asking total strangers about this, in a public forum? Get a satchel, now, and throw in a toothbrush, passport, any necessary medications, and as much cash as you can lay your hands on without arousing suspicion. Don’t bother with checks or credit cards - they’ll be tracking those now, if they haven’t already been for some time. Leave the house, as nonchalantly as possible, and head for a trusted friend or relative’s home, preferably one that’s “off the grid.” A circuitous route will give you the best chance of dropping out of view. Use only cash for transactions during that time, and be suspicious of any unfamiliar person who seems interested in you. If you must talk to anyone you don’t know, try to casually work the phrase “Gerund cocoacosh tonnot” into the conversation and gauge their reaction. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/12 "2010-04-15T17:48:05Z")
Some of them sound like they could be plant names. Is there a homeowner’s association that might be passing around a list of acceptable (or non-acceptable) plants? ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/13 "2010-04-15T17:56:49Z")
Another thought, it’s spam sent by a Luddite. Don’t click on any links on the paper, you might get a virus. ---
**Author:** ![palindromemordnilap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/db5fbb/32.png) [@palindromemordnilap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/palindromemordnilap)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/14 "2010-04-15T18:18:44Z")
I admit it–I put it in your mailbox. I just wanted to see if something I wrote could end up in Threadspotting. (almost there – fingers crossed!!) Happy Eera Cocoacosh Gladinum, everyone! ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/15 "2010-04-15T18:51:46Z")
It’s Dan Brown’s notes for his next book. You can make a fortune selling it back to him. Or the respect of book lovers everywhere by shredding it. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/16 "2010-04-15T18:54:29Z")
I was going to say it’s an Amish computer virus, but I don’t think they do mimeo. ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/17 "2010-04-15T19:18:52Z")
Well, I recognize a few things on the list. [Brandish Branding Irons](http://brandish.com) [Linusit and Aura](http://www.auravita.com/product/Linusit-Gold.FSCA12822.html) [Tegretol](http://www.rxlist.com/tegretol-drug.htm) used for Bipolar Disorder. [Dioxin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_dibenzodioxins) I see that down the side, it says “Sun, Moon, Stars”. What’s that about? ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/18 "2010-04-15T19:19:01Z")
I did some googling and found what came the closest to what you have listed. ``` Zephyrs Rosin oil Caster oil ``` Zephyr Rosin appeared in the movie [Joonba](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1264888/) as “English Boy.” ``` Gerund Mylucient Too lape ``` A gerund is an -ing word, and [Lucient.org](http://Lucient.org) is a guild website for Eve online players. ``` Lendon Tegratal Iinusita ``` Tegretol is a drug used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, and [Inusita](http://www.slovakia.culturalprofiles.net/?id=7980) is an art exhibit in Solvakia. ``` tunnui Iinverted IiridialLugiciGlue ``` Tunnui is a town in Myanmar, “iridial” means “Relating to this iris,” and Lugici is located in Serbia. ``` Niehlo Socratex Sandoats ``` Niello is a metal alloy that’s engraved into inlays, Socrates is a famous philosopher, and Sand Oats grow on beaches. ``` Lure Ffelunguisi Balsam Fur ``` The closest I could find is Feeling USA, which sells lingerie online. ``` Aura ApeWorld tonnot ``` [Lost in an Ape World](http://comixland.blogspot.com/2007/11/fansadox-08-lost-in-ape-world.html) is a porno comic, and Louis Tonnot is the [commander of Lyon’s Brigade of Social Protection](http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,942649,00.html), as the French call their vice squads. ``` Eera Cocoacosh Gladinum ``` EERA stands for Electrical Equipment Representatives Association, CocoaCash is a personal finance manager app for the Mac, and ‘Evaginare gladinum tuum’ means ‘Draw forth thy glaive or sword.’ ``` Sun Podiatries Laws ``` A podiatrist is a foot doctor. ``` Moon Dioxine IillegalToffeyChips ``` Dioxin is a hydrocarbon used in pesticides, and Toffey Chips come from almonds. ``` Stars BetaCarotem Black Stickers ``` beta-Carotene is a red-orange pigment found in fruits and veggies. ``` Niello Machine Ffelt Loop ``` Ah ha, Niello again! So I’m guessing an electrician into Central European art is traveling from France to Myanmar, and is looking to stop at various doctors along the way for his eyes, feet, and bipolar disorder. He’s taking along his Mac notebook to keep track of his finances, and he’s going to make sure not to eat anything with almond chips on them because they may contain dioxins. He’s in a Eve online guild, and he wants to make sure he can buy monkey porno without getting busted. He eats carrots for his vision, likes gladiators in sexy underwear, and is wanting to get English Boy’s autograph. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/19 "2010-04-15T19:22:12Z")
Makes no sense at all to me, but now I know what to name my next thirteen albums! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228/20 "2010-04-15T19:27:24Z")
> [@Knowed\_Out](#): > > ``` > Moon Dioxine Illegal ToffeyChips > > ``` Okay, now I’m seriously considering changing my username to this! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-any-sense-out-of-this-list/536228.md?page=2)