The Writers’ Tell All!
Secrets from the “Where’s Vinnie?” Hunt Revealed
Posted on March 25, 2009
Did you spend your days during the Vinnie hunt agonizing over the clues? Were you cursing the clue-writers as you tried to figure out the rhyme or reason behind the hints? At last, the meaning behind the clues to the longest-ever “Where’s Vinnie?” hunt are revealed to “Northwestern Today” readers.
Clue #1: Vinnie the Vertebrate went out one day;
He went to teach some kids but got lost along the way.
Explanation: A very broad clue, letting the campus know that Vinnie had been hidden. It gives insight into the fact that Vinnie tried to leave, and in effect, was hidden near an exit.
Clue #2: You can look near the Great Wall of China, but you won’t find him there;
If you look in Egypt, you don’t have a prayer.
Explanation: A hint that Vinnie could be anywhere, except the areas of campus that revolve around Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Clue #3: The health hero needs a hand;
He can be found on familiar land.
Explanation: Vinnie was not in a remote area of campus. He was located in a high-traffic location.
Clue #4: Vinnie doesn’t have a license, he doesn’t own a car;
So from the building he wouldn’t stray far.
Explanation: Vinnie was not in the parking lot, and hadn’t gone too far from his home in the communications office.
Clue #5: Vinnie’s a Vikings fan but not a fan of Moss;
Please keep looking so he’s not forever lost.
Explanation: A literal hint: Vinnie was hidden amongst moss.
Clue #6: Vinnie likes the outdoors, but not when it’s cold;
If you look indoors, it’s likely Vinnie you’ll hold.
Explanation: To be paired with clue five – Vinnie was hiding in moss that was located indoors.
Clue #7: Vinnie teaches kids to stand straight and tall;
But where Vinnie is, isn’t like that at all.
Explanation: The tree Vinnie was in had twisted branches.
Clue #8: When you’re walking around campus, look around;
But not on your way to class, because there he won’t be found.
Explanation: Vinnie was not located near any classrooms.
Clue #9:As Vinnie’s curiosity grew;
He wanted to go somewhere new.
Explanation: Vinnie was in the new building.
Clue #10: You may think it’s real, but we admit it, it’s fake;
Vinnie’s in a place where students go to take a break.
Explanation: The hiding place was a fake tree in the fireside lounge.