"Ars gratia artis"

ARG or not to ARG…that is the question. Of course we have to ask this question, after all, a few months ago Damon and Carlton were noted saying there would not be an ARG this hiatus. Yet here we are playing… something.

We’ve received a few separate bits of material from the powers that be.

Here's what we have so far:

1). LOST UNIVERSITY.

2). Mysteries of the Universe: The Dharma Initiative

3). A couple of video commercials and a segment from America's Most Wanted. {Shown at Comic Con.}

4). DamonCarltonandaPolarbear.com

Are they separate entities or do all roads lead to “The Island”?



LOST UNIVERSITY.:

Get Schooled at LOST UNIVERSITY. That’s right LOST fans!  As students of LOST University we will dig deeper into the mysteries of LOST and life. Enrollment for the first semester of LOST University will be open to all students beginning September 22nd, 2009. At that time we will take a placement exam and be given a Student ID, and watch our LOST University introductory class, LOST 101.

Semester 1 begins on December 8, 2009. We will be able to choose and enroll in classes and build credits toward Semester 2.
Those who do well will graduate.

Check out the online course catalog offering a variety of courses, taught by notable professors.
Here's a little preview:
HIS: Ancient Writing on the Wall.
LAN: Foreign Language for Beginners
PHI: I’m Lost, Therefore I am.
PHY: Introductory Physics of Time Travel
ART: Seminar: Inspiration & Expression with Jack Bender.
PHY: Seminar: New Physics with Jeremy Davies
SCI: Jungle Survival Basics
LAN: Advances Foreign Language
PHI : I’m Right, You’re Wrong: The US VS. Them Mentality
PHY : Advanced Physics of Time Travel
PSY : Self Discovery Through Family Relationships

Be sure to check out News at The Lamp Post for information such as:

* Campus Job Fair Update- A career in aviation is an exciting adventure just waiting to happen! Visit booth #16 at the LOST University Job Fair, co-sponsored by Oceanic and Ajira Airlines, today and find out how your work can take flight!

* The LOST University Department Of Theatre announces auditions for their fall production of The Tempest. Please see the audition notice on the bulletin board outside the Emerson Auditorium box office for more details.

* Anti-Radiation pills will be given to all students free of cost, but only through next Thursday. You can pick up your pills at the Shephard Clinic between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A person of note with LU at this point is Adam Nussdorf.
His number was written on the back of a flyer for LOST University that was handed out at comic-con along with a note that said that he could possibly need a TA. When I called the number got a prerecorded message mentioning his sabbatical. "Professor Adam Nussdorf at Lost University. Professor Nussdorf is on sabbatical so will return to his office on September 22nd. This machine currently does not accept voicemail."
The university's news page posted that he was recently promoted to the head of the Department of Media Studies and Online Education. The position was created to make sure all the classes are designed to educate and enhance viewer appreciation of LOST in preparation of season 6.

MY NOTES On Adam Nussdorf: According to his IMDb page he is associated with LOST. And interestingly enough the two titles in particular correlate to his current circumstances. This is what it shows:
Miscellaneous Crew:
“LOST” (production staff) (2 episodes, 2009)
 Because You Left (2009) TV episode (production staff)
 The Lie (2009) TV episode (production staff) (uncredited)

As far as higher learning goes, I wonder how many will make the Dean’s List. And Yes, I already purchased my LU tee-shirt and sweatshirt.

Mysteries of the Universe. The Dharma Initiative:
This is an abc show from "back in the day". The video segments seem dated i.e. the 1980’s, but are they?
Here are the dates that were listed in a KIA ad in my Entertainment Weekly as the dates for the new clips to be released: {Note the dates reflect The Numbers}
7/23/09

8/4/09

9/8/09

10/15/09

11/16/09
Why is an "old episode" of this abc show being resurrected for us? The clips blend footage of the Dharma Initiative with images of "persons" who have appeared on LOST episodes. To date, an important fact that is being delivered is about "Brainwashing".
You can follow the clips here on my site or at abc.com

Television Ads:
Comic Con 2009 gave us a look at a different perspective on things.
Mr Clucks- Hugo Reyes Owner and CEO of Mr. Clucks {Is that Dave leaning on the counter?!} He claims ever since he won the lottery he's had good luck. He had a dream while camping out under the stars on an Outback vacation; a dream of chicken. Thus the invention of Outback Roasters. Cost $4.42. It's chicken heaven.

The dad and son at the counter look similar to, or represent a Michael and Walt image. But this bald dude looks like Dave. What say you?

Oceanic Airlines- In the air since 1979, thirty years with a perfect safety record.
"Our Skies Lead To Your Destiny"

America's Most Wanted- Kate is featured on America's Most Wanted. This clip has a completely different version of Kate's life of crime.


DamonCarltonandaPolarbear.com:

At Comic Con 2009, Paul Scheer presents Damon and Carlton with a tacky velvet painting of the two creators and a polar bear. Paul has been working on this thing for the past six months.
Paul hawks his art work and tells the crowd of Lost fans to head over to http://damoncarltonandapolarbear.com and view his handiwork.

 Then through Paul’s shenanigans we are given "Hints".

Here's a quick run through of things:

* We can get a DamonCarlton and a Polar bear wallpaper for our computers.

* In the comments of Paul’s site/post Get to Know Your Lost Cast Members: Vincent the Dog, is a message from a user called Asst. “Mr. Scheer, We have left you three phone messages and you have ignored three emails from our office, please contact us immediately."

* VIP DocArzt is contacted and receives a letter from Paul.

* A comment from Alexandra Miller to Paul - “Again, we request that you contact us immediately and halt posting anything new on this blog. Alexandra Miller Ronie Midfew Arts"

* Paul gets some news and inside info from an intern at ABC. {His art is in the trash!}

* A very excited Paul Scheer visits the ABC lot looking for Damon, Carlton and his “painting”.

* Some numbers are posted on Paul’s site.

* The video of Paul and Scott on the ABC lot. There are hints and clues in it; Map, Mr. Clucks, Mr. Friendly, a broken rose, set design for the temple, a pile of shredded paper, and Damon walking by Paul at the dumpster talking to someone on the phone "Kill em. I don't care what his motivation is, make him dead". The shredded paper has been put back together by Paul to supposedly reveal the title of the season six opening episode.

LA  X {Does that mean 10, as in 2010 or marks the spot?}

* Paul receives a call from Alexandra Miller. The gets a call from Ronie Midfew and answers/responds to him with Lost quotes/ sound bites.
* There was supposed to be a Facebook page for Alexandra Miller but it ends up comments were left on the wrong Facebook page.
* Paul “misquotes” the Ronie Midfew website - "The 15th is LOST and the 16th will be FOUND" and asks us for suggestions as to what this might mean
.
Paul tells us "Saturday" we will be able to see "dozens" of paintings and some might even be glow in the dark.

* Gets a visit by a man in black- E.Sau.

* Paul will meet Ronie Midfew on 8/14/2009 at 4:08pm

* Paul and Ronie strike a deal. {Hold on the velvet paintings} Something will still happen at midnight on the 15th. He has also met with....{Darlton}

* The Ronie Midfew Arts website gets updated and announces the “Deal” made with Paul.

* Ronie Midfew Arts and DamonCarltonandaPolarBear.com presents - The website is “transformed” and picture frames are displayed. What is this evolving in to?

* The "Hub" page shows a poster for a club event at Bardot nightclub in LA. A few mistakes with the poster like the wrong address for the club, there are three E's in Thee Mike B, and there are spaces within some of the words.

THE POSTER: Address in Hollywood. Bardot-1715 N. Vine St. Hollywood. Judy Garland’s star on the walk of fame is located on 1715 Vine Street. The real address for Bardot is 1735 N. Vine St. And FYI- 1737 N. Vine St is the Spider Club.

* On 8/16- At the club party Sterling Beaumon (Blood on hoodie?) reads notes and gives out a web address.



















Here are some important bits that came from the very first "frames" and the 4:38 video that was posted 8/20 on the Hub to kick things off:
* The poster of the Bardot event. Banana Splits. DJ AM.
* Red glow on a group of people on the dance floor with the EXIT sign obvious in the shot.
* Partiality open Swan hatch in the middle of the floor, people dance around it.
* Framed painting of a ship near stairway. {Black Rock perhaps.}
* Shot of DJ AM in the Dj booth.
* Dude with NY Yankees cap on, dancing.
* FLASHING LIGHTS.
* Pumping Techno-Trance music.

I found it very interesting that underage hooded "Ben Linus" {Not Sterling Beaumon} shows up at the club event wearing a {bloody} hoodie.
He delivers a message on behalf of the Dharma Initiative.   They sent him there to make sure everybody is having a great time. They're there to celebrate the partnership of
Ronie Midfew Arts and DamonCarltonandaPolarbear.com, as well as the launch of the Lost Underground Fan Art Project. The next six months this program is not going to be about math, science and puzzles, or even an alternate universe.
This is all about fan appreciation.








Additional Bits:
* We happen to find Rousseau’s Map is translated.
* A Tidbit about the Bearded Men of LOST.
* Info makes its way around the web about Seth Norris Lives.
* The Auction of LOST items.
* A sign on the shop door - Build Your World, this is the organization that Sayid was building structures/homes.

Framed Artwork: {To Date.}
Frame 1- Tim Doyle for "The Numbers" {The original addy given shows poster focusing on Hurley that is for sale. On 8/19 The poster page is updated to say - "This poster has glow-in-the-dark elements".}

Frame 2- Olly Moss for "Locke's Secret"

Frame 3- Methane Studios for the "Dharma Van".

Frame 4- Eric Tan for "The Crash"

The newest info in Frame 5 is THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA BOOKSTORE. Phrase BEAR DOWN and "Wildcat Readers, see you on - J. Perkins/R. Morrison"

Links: {To Date.}
http://damoncarltonandapolarbear.com
http://paulscheer.com/
roniemidfewarts.com
actuallyitsketchup.com http://actuallyitsketchup.com/dcpb/I/
http://flynnsarcade.net/
http://www.myspace.com/bananasplitsundaes
Catchdubs.com
http://catchdubs.com/blog/ Nick Catchdub
http://www.myspace.com/nickcatchdubs
http://twitter.com/CATCHDINI
http://www.bpmmagazine.net/2009/08/banana-split-presented-by-the-dharma-initiative-steve-aoki-dj-am-catchdubs/
http://dimmak.com/tv/bananasplit
http://www.dimmakcollection.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USt_LYIOsUc
http://www.foolsgoldrecs.com/blog/
widmorefinearts.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/theemikeb
http://twitter.com/steveaoki = http://home.dimmak.com/blog/
http://twitter.com/Hollywood_Bob
http://thatandbasketweaving.com.
http://www.crumbs.com/ Shops in Larchmont CA and Wall Street in NYC.
http://www.johnnycupcakes.com/
http://www.internationalposter.com/
http://www.newburycomics.com/
http://wewerecaughtinanet.com
http://icangetyoupeanutbutter.com/
http://g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/
http://www.artofthestate.co.uk/ {?}
http://ithinkthatmanwasyou.com

Things to note…Questions to ask...
* Dominick (Charlie) shows up at Comic Con with a message on the palm of his hand.
* The NOTE written by Paul has spelling mistakes and shitty grammar
* There is misspelling, missing letter and/or spaces within words and bad grammar over at the site.
* The site has changing information and at times has pixel issues.
* Be on the lookout at the site for appearing and disappearing words, items, frames, etc..
* Each phase is called a FRAME.
* There are 16 gold frames- 14 are hung portrait- 2 are hung landscape.
* HUB.
* Anagrams.
* Video clips.
* Photo clues.
* Web and physical address clues.
* Clues have led us to a Video Game Network.
* Data Matrix.
* I notice a > symbol shows up once in a while on the site. Have you seen this?
* "Actually Its Ketchup" -Hurley says this line to Ana Lucia in the season 5 episode The Lie.
* At the club part young Ben had on a bloody hoodie...Actually, it may be ketchup.
* thatandbasketweaving.com. -There are references to basket weaving in the show- Alex mentions it in season 3.
* "I can get you peanut butter" - Charlie says this to Claire in Confidence Man.
* "We were caught in a net" - Season 2/Jack mentions being caught in a net.
* "I think that man was you" - Said by Charlotte in This Place is Death.

Vocabulary and Research...
* A scavenger hunt is a game in which individuals or teams seek to gather a number of specific items—usually not by purchase—or perform tasks as given by a list. The goal is usually to complete the list first.

* X- Roman Numeral for 10 (decem). 10 comes up in our story ALL the time.
 -X- Marks the spot.
* La Dimension X [Dimension X] (1953) and Nous les Martiens [We The Martians] (1954), Guieu introduced a new hero: Archeologist Jean Kariven. In the Kariven series, Guieu began to explore his favorite themes such as UFO's, close encounters, Erich Von Daniken-like theories of ancient astronauts, secret societies, lost civilizations and occult conspiracies.Throughout, he sprinkled his novels with footnotes claiming that the various facts upon which he was basing his tales were indeed “authentic”. In Nous les Martiens [We The Martians], Kariven discovers that, in the far distant past, men had emigrated to Earth from Mars. Eight more Kariven novels followed, often pitting good aliens from Polaris versus evil aliens from Deneb with Earth secretly caught in the middle. Univers Parallèles [Parallel Universes] featured a crossover with Jerry Barclay.

* A QR Code is a matrix Code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. The "QR" is derived from "Quick Response", as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. QR Codes are common in Japan, where they are currently the most popular type of two dimensional codes. Moreover, most current Japanese mobile phones can read this code with their camera.

* A Data Matrix code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode consisting of black and white "cells" or modules arranged in either a square or rectangle pattern. The information to be encoded can be text or raw data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 2 kilobytes. The length of the encoded data depends on the symbol dimension used. Error Correction Codes are added to increase symbol strength: even if they are partially damaged, they can still be read. A Data Matrix symbol can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.




I will deal with this diversion until the season kicks in, I always do. We'll still compile all the data given to us from posters, websites, locations, TV shows, DVDs, social networks, magazines, books, ads, or any other medium the puppet masters lead us toward. I landed on many more websites than I’ve listed here {you know how over the top I go with research}. And those sites seemed very LOST-like in that they had references that "could be" taken for connections with comic books, video games, The Cobra, John Locke and other image and text references to the "island".

Now, are we supposed to end up on these other sites or is it just a coincidence?
Do we mistake coincidence for fate or vice versa?

This was just a short run down of info we gotten over the past few weeks. I would love it if you discover anything while on this hunt feel free to post it here in a comment for all the LOST fans to keep up with.

Paul went excitedly on a quest to find Darlton and his painting at the studio. He was so damn distracted by dressing up to sneak in and following maps, that he never even saw what was right in front of his eyes.

Through the DamonCarltonandaPolarbear site we learn we're participating in a scavenger hunt of sorts and we don’t even have to leave our homes to do it. Imagine that! Participating in a game with people all over the world via my computer and the Internet without even leaving my home.

At this point all I can say is we are all caught in a net...literally...the InterNET.

Love to all who are "LOST"™


Disclaimer: I never claim to know everything about the show and my thoughts by no means make me right. The things I share here are my views and/or opinions. I don't claim to catch every single detail either. You all know I hate spoilers, and I stand clear of reading certain sites as to not take me off my own course of research. The one thing I don't need to do here is rehash all of the obvious clues from an episode, we all know what they are. Understood? Good. Let the fun begin! I'll only note things that I know come up as clues later, but need to be noted when they first show up and things I find that will be of importance. It will get very exciting as we progress into the story.