TreasureTrove

Captain Kidd’s Treasure Chest

Published February 17, 2012 | By Keith Crusoe

What is it about a treasure chest that fascinates all of us? Is it the anticipation of opening up a trunk full of coins and jewels? Just mentioning a treasure chest conjures up images of pirates digging up a trunk on a remote seashore. At least it does in my mind.

The graphic artist that helped with the layout of my game TreasureTrove placed a treasure chest on the box top. One of the 16 treasure pieces to be acquired while playing Treeasure Trove is a treasure chest. I choose to call it Captain Kidd’s Treasure Chest and placed it in the Indian Ocean. Most people think of pirates to have been in the Caribbean Sea and along the Eastern shores of the United States. In reality pirates were on all the high seas. Captain Kidd did indeed sail off the Eastern shores of the United States but most of his exploits were in the Indian Ocean. That is where I choose to place his treasure: a treasure chest. One half buried in the sand. Hopefully those playing the game will remember ole Captain Kidd roamed the far seas a long way from the Americas.

William Kidd was from Scotland who captained the English ship the Adventure Galley during the late 17^th century, that is, until he turned to piracy. He did travel the Atlantic but it is his exploits in the Indian Ocean that are well documented. It is thought he may have ventured as far as the islands of Japan. He eventually returned to New York City as well as the Caribbean, both places rumored to have had caches of his buried loot. He was arrested in Boston, returned to England, tried and hung as a pirate. His actions as a pirate, if indeed he truly was one as some argue, are still debated today. The legends of his buried treasure inspired the writing of books such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and Edgar Allen Poe’s short story The Gold Bug.

William Kidd

Howard Pyle's painting of Capt Kidd burying his treasure

Martian Meteors

Published February 10, 2012 | By Keith Crusoe

Non Martian meteors

I thought about titling this article as “valuable stones” but choose to use meteorites because that is exactly what can in certain situations be worth lots of money. I did not know that. I never realized meteorites could be worth money, that is until I watched a show called The Hunt for Amazing Treasures. One of the segments was about a man named Bob Verish who for years collected rocks as a hobby out in Southern California in the Mojave Desert with his metal detector. Rocks with specific metallic components will be picked up by metal detectors.

As the years passed his collection of rocks grew requiring lots of stacked containers needed for storage. After eighteen years the spouse wanted him to get rid of most of his collection. As he sorted through them he noticed two shiny black rocks that stood out from the others. He suspected they were meteorites and was aware that meteorites are not as common as I thought they were. Only about 50,000 meteors have ever been found. As a kid, my friends and I would pick up shiny brown rocks that I had been told were meteors. I now realize mine quite obviously were not. Funny how 50 years later I am just now realizing my discoveries were only rocks, not meteors. The two black ones that Bob restudied seemed to have a different color speckled in them and suspected they were at least unusual enough to have them checked out by mineral scientists at a university and a museum.

It turns out the chemical composition of the two meteorites match the atmospheric conditions on Mars. What does that mean I thought? In 1976 NASA began measuring and studying the surface conditions and atmosphere of Mars with the Viking landers, equipment sent by NASA to land directly on the surface of Mars to do such research. Because of their research scientists had some understanding of the inorganic composition of the mantle of the surface of Mars and what the chemical composition of rocks from Mars would contain. Since that time it was realized that some meteors discovered on earth may have come from Mars. In other words some meteors found on earth had the chemical makeup of what rocks on Mars would have. At the time Bob Verish’s discovery there had been only a little over a dozen Martian rocks found on the earth and his two are the only known ones from North America. They have since been named Los Angeles 001 and Los Angeles 002, part of the same meteor. I was a little confused. I thought meteors were stars or asteroids that burned up upon entering the earth’s atmosphere. So how did Mars meteors get here if Mars never burned up?

Los Angeles meteor 001

Los Angeles meteor 002

Scientists believe some of the higher mountains on Mars have been struck by comets or meteors which caused a portion of the mountains to fracture into pieces some which got shot up into space. Some were thrust so high up that they escaped the gravitational forces of Mars but were picked up by the Earth’s gravity. The rock portions that came to earth fragmented and burned as they descended to the surface. Since his meteorite discovery or realization that his rocks were indeed meteors there have been dozens more Martian meteorites found in other parts of the world.

His finding was so rare that at the time some of the estimates for his meteors were valued at over $500,000. I think one of the meteors is in a museum in Los Angeles. I have no idea if he sold the other or not, or if it is worth near that much. I do know he sure relishes his treasure of hunting for valuable rocks. The hunt is as much a treasure as are the rocks or meteors.

By the way, one of my rocks I found as a kid was rough but perfectly round, about two inches in diameter, and I was so fond of it I actually painted it black. I kept that black rock for many years thinking it was a meteor. I still think it might have been a meteor, at least that is how I will remember my treasure.

Posted in Martian Meteors | Tagged hunt for amazing treasures, Los Angeles 001, Los Angeles 002, mars meteors, mars rocks, martian meteors, metal detectors, Meteors, mineral scientists, mojave desert, NASA, Viking landers | Leave a comment

Yeti

Published February 3, 2012 | By Keith Crusoe

When I was a small child in the 1950’s my older brothers would watch the Saturday afternoon scary movies. They were actually quite fun. One that we watched was called The Abominable Snowman. The movie took place in snowy mountains. We lived in south Texas and at the time I knew very little about snow, or mountains for that matter. I had never heard of the Himalayas and had no idea what the word abominable meant. I did not like the movie much.

Years went by, actually many, until a movie came out in the 1970s called Sasquatch. Something about a big hairy creature in the northwest mountains of North America. In time, I learned he was also called Big Foot. I now realize many such creatures have been spotted all over the world. It was the 1980s that I realized the Abominable Snowman was in essence the Big Foot of the Himalayas. He was referred to as Yeti.

I wanted to place Yeti on the game board of Treasure Trove because it gave that part of the world a sense of mystery, something many young imaginative minds would find intriguing. Although players in the game are trying to capture treasure, it is fun to infuse a sense of adventure while traveling the world in search of fortune. Encountering strange creatures such as the Yeti are all over game board. The world we live in has so many fascinating things to experience.

Abominable: Discusting, unpleasant, disagreeable.

Yeti: Ape like creature said to live in the Himalayas. Also referred to as Snow Beast. One of the more well known cryptids throughout the world. English exploreers and mountain climbers trying to conquer Everest in the early 20th century heard stories of such a animal from the people of Nepal and Tibet. The legends of such a beast had been passed on for generations.

Abominable Snowman: In the early 20th century an English newspaper writer living in India misinterpretted some language from the people when they used the term “metoh,” to describe a Snowman or Snow Bear. The writer thought the word “metoh’ meant filthy, and hence he used “abominable” to decribe the Yeti. His article on the Abominable Snowman became quite popular in the western world. The inaccurately translated term abominable remains associated with the Himalayan Snow Beast. It captured the imagination of the world for well over half a century. By the 21st century fewer and fewer people were still believing in the Yeti, much less searching for him. It does make one wonder if at one time time there was any truth to the legends that big hairy creatures exist in the high altitudes of the snows of the Himalayas.

Posted in Cryptids | Tagged abominable snowman, big foot, himalayas, Nepal, sasquatch, snow beast, yeti | 1 Comment

Costly Garments

Published January 27, 2012 | By Keith Crusoe

I was not quite sure how to name this article. I thought about titling it “Priestly Garments,” or “Valuable Attire.” Actually, what was on my mind was something called “a robe of righteousness.”

When I watch shows on TV about people bringing in treasure form their attic or wooden chest occasionally they will bring in an old military uniform that ends up having some monetary value. I’m sure some of the old wardrobes of past kings, queens, and emperors would be quite valuable, but let me take a different angle here.

You and I may not have worn something extremely costly although some wedding outfits can be pricey, but probably nothing outlandish, if you know what I mean. However, that wedding garment may have almost a priceless value to you, something indeed very valuable to you. For individuals that wear a fireman, policeman, military uniform, or nurse’s attire, those obviously have tremendous value to the person although the actual uniform may not be worth much money. Let me move on to my point.

I recently attended a retirement ceremony on a military installation for a friend of mine named Dee that have served for 45 years with the military. Yes, she served 45 years with the military but she was never in uniform. She was with the civil service. You see, she served on base in a civilian capacity, most of those years as a secretary. When I was invited to the ceremony some weeks previously I was very much looking forward to attending. Dee was someone I had known for a number of years. Not real close but had needed her help with paperwork off and on for about 25 years. She was always gracious with me as she was with everyone. I knew there would be a lot of people in attendance and perhaps a number of higher ranking officers since she had worked for many commanders. I figured I would be well back in the seating since there could be many high ranking guests coming.

When I arrived and signed in I was escorted to the front which surprised me, but I always appreciative it when someone shows me that kind of respect. Several people spoke on her behalf and tried to keep it fairly light to prevent any tears. All of her accolades were deserved as well as any awards given. I was glad I had attended. I had not prepared to say anything because I assumed there would be a number of others wanting to express their appreciation for her service, help to them personally, and her friendship. There was a pause for a moment when the host speaker asked if anyone else wanted to say anything. I choked. I just sat there. The moment passed and the ceremony progressed. Yes I wanted to say something but just had not prepared to do so. Here is what I wish I would have said.

“Dee, you sit here with a room full of many folks in uniform. Yet they cannot give you rank, or a higher position of authority, and they cannot give you a medal to put on your chest. The land we live in, this America is filled with many quite servers such as yourself. Many, many will never receive even an accolade much less a retirement ceremony. Yet they pray for this nation and they have honored their work, their families, their God in their daily lives of honoring others.

You may not have on a military uniform, but I do see something you wear, something the commander sitting next to you cannot give you, nor can anyone else in the room. I call it a ‘robe of righteousness,’ and it only comes from your walk with the Lord. I too have that ‘robe of righteousness,’ as do a number of others in the room that chose to walk with the Lord. Those are the individuals that bless this land, this nation, this America. Yours is not any cleaner or brighter than others, it just that you wear it very well. My gift to you Dee is a prayer that the Lord bless you and keep you, may he let he face shine upon you. Dee, you have loved us and we love you.”

The following verse from Isaiah 61:10 sums up very well what I am trying to say:

“I am overwhelmed with my joy in the Lord my God. For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and a robe righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.”

I did write Dee a card and tried to express on paper what I failed to do at the ceremony. Perhaps all worked as it was supposed to, I don’t know. Let me close by saying robes are not worth much money per say, but the price that our Lord and Savior Jesus paid for each of us to be able to wear a “robe of righteousness,’ was a sacrifice beyond measurable value. As to how that robe would look, I leave that up to your imagination. No pictures today.

Posted in Costly Garments | Tagged bridegrooms, costly garments, Isaiah, military uniforms, priestly garments, robe of righteousness, valuable clothing, wedding attire, wedding dresses, wedding suits | 1 Comment

Enchanted Land

Published January 20, 2012 | By Keith Crusoe

I like the word enchantment. It conveys a sense of wonder or delight. An enchanted land to me would be an inviting place to visit. A place where I could escape the realities of the world: a time of no work, but rather relaxation, daydreaming, and viewing beautiful scenery. I have been fortunate to have such a place, a land of enchantment.

New Mexico’s state motto is “The Land of Enchantment.” It is certainly that for me and my family. We live in West Texas with open spaces, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as far as your eyes can see. I like the rugged beauty of West Texas, however, each year I am ready to retreat from the summer Texas heat and visit the mountains of New Mexico. It is our favorite getaway of the year. We visit the Texas coast in late spring and usually have done a visit to a major city outside the state once a year, but we need our annual pilgrimage to New Mexico to rest, reflect and refresh.

New Mexico mountains

As far back as the 1960’s I had visited New Mexico as a teenager to snow ski with my family. In the late 70’s my wife’s parents from Lubbock, TX took us to visit New Mexico. In the 1980’s my wife and I began to travel to New Mexico for a yearly camping excursion with our small children. We would search for state parks that provide camping with quite a bit of privacy. The four of us, and eventually five, would sleep in one tent.

The days were comfortably warm and the nights were quite chilly. We were always cold to be honest, often wearing four layers of clothing in addition to the blankets on top of us. I always looked forward to the warming myself by the morning campfire with hot chocolate. I also loved the hearty breakfast my wife would dish up. I always seem hungrier in the mountains. A good hungry if you know what I mean. We would lounge, goof around the stream, play with the fire, and read. We also would take some time to hike.

Our hikes were short, maybe four or five miles round trip. The problem was, I cannot recall a time when I did not have to carry one of the kids. It comes with the territory of being a dad. I was young and in good shape but found myself wanting to get back to camp and rest.

I enjoyed our camping in New Mexico. Of course I camped back in Texas, but it had to be in spring or fall, not the summer. There was a problem however with our remote camping in New Mexico. There were no toilets. The boys and I had no problem with being Daniel Boone out in the bush, but as the years went by my daughter became a teenager. She and with my wife yearned for a cabin. I had my doubts I would like a cabin but needed to be sensitive to their desires. After ten years of the wilderness they were ready for a change.

New Mexico scenery

My wife arranged through a friend to rent a cabin that would meet our family needs, yet was remote. It was a large cabin with three bedrooms, a ping pong table, a kitchen, two toilets, big fireplace, and was isolated in the New Mexico forest. It had been designed for family reunions. No phone, no TV reception, no internet, no cell phone reception. Most days we would eat and walk a very short distance to one of several springs and read a book. We always allowed one day for a drive of a few miles to a larger stream with a great hiking trail. The trial traversed the stream, the type where you have to criss-cross the stream on rocks or trees. We had to cross the stream about a dozen times. The kids loved it. My greatest remembrance of our mountain stream hikes were the years we brought our dog that loved to snoop and play in the stream.

In the evenings we would play ping pong, work on jig saw puzzles and play board games. I have always liked board games and always will. If it was just the boys and myself we might play a strategy game like Risk. If my wife and daughter were open for a game it was often TreasureTrove. Our family played TreasureTrove for almost twenty years before I ever had it marketed to sell. It was a great game for a family because it only takes 30 to 40 minutes to play.

I found myself sleeping better in the cabin and had more time to relax without always building a fire in order to cook. I had liked my camping days but found myself enjoying the cabin. The years passed and we eventually became empty nesters. It has been some time since all the family was together on our mountain retreat. One time it was just my wife and I, and we had a very enjoyable time. A great time to share with no interruptions. My daughter often tries to come along as does my wife’s sister. The boys prefer the family vacation to beach, but for my wife and me, it is the mountains of New Mexico that will continue to beckon us. We hope to visit the beautiful state of New Mexico for the rest of our lives. The folks that graciously rent the cabin to us are a blessing, as is their cabin. The greatest blessing is seeing the beauty of God’s creation within the New Mexico forests. It is indeed a Land of Enchantment.

Posted in New Mexico Treasure | Tagged camping in new mexico, land of enchantment, new mexico, new mexico landscape, new mexico scenery | Leave a comment

Carbonados

Published January 14, 2012 | By Keith Crusoe

I had never heard the term carbonado, but I like it. It sounds cool. Say it again………….. “Carbonado.” A carbonado is a black diamond. Black sapphires are found in a number of places throughout the world, but carbonados are mostly found only in Central Africa and Brazil. I am not sure if some have been found in India in centuries past. There seems to be some debate within the scientific community as to how black diamonds are naturally formed. Most believe they develop like any other diamonds, a carbon substructure under intense heat and pressure for long periods of time. That probably is a little too simplistic, but good enough for my brain. However, some geoscientists think they came from outer space. Sounds like some science fiction movie, but they are quite serious. Because of only two known locations on earth where they are found, these scientists postulate that a huge meteor impacted the earth billions of years ago when a land mass had Brazil and Africa joined. I think the hypothesis is not unfounded.

Most carbonados are not very big, only about the size of a pea. They are diamonds, but they do not sparkle, that is they do not reflect light, but rather absorb light, therefore they are dark. They are not truly black but dark because of the numerous inclusions within the stone. They are also more porous than other diamonds and therefore difficult to cut and polish in order to make them shine. Some famous black diamonds include The Black Star of Africa at 202 carats and the Black Orloff at 67 carats. Black diamonds have never been as valuable as clear or colored diamonds but they seem to have been a little more sought after the last decade. Most black diamonds for jewelry are a very dark green color that has been exposed to radiation. Black diamonds that are mined are a very hard and are useful in industrial settings. The Black Star of Africa was last seen in 1971 in Tokyo. The Black Orloff came from a shrine in India, but I am unsure if it was originally discovered in India. It was bought by a Russian princess in the 1850’s whose last name was Vyegin-Orlov. It is currently owned by a jeweler in Pennsylvania. The Table of Islam is a 160 carat black gemstone, but little is known about it.

I included black diamond on the game board of Treasure Trove because In the process of researching famous treasures around the world I was surprised to read about black diamonds. I had never heard of them. I did my research years ago before the time of internet access. I had limited information on the subject. I placed ‘Black Diamond’ in Brazil on the game board of Treasure Trove because I thought it might be of interest to those who had never heard of black diamonds. I hear jewelry with black diamonds is becoming popular now.

Posted in Black Diamonds | Tagged black diamonds, black gemstones, black orloff, Black Star of India, brazilian diamonds, Carbonados, central african diamonds, gemology, table of Islam | Leave a comment

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