Rocks are supposed to be inanimate objects, but at a spot called Racetrack Playa in California’s Death Valley National Park they mysteriously scoot around the flat desert landscape, leaving long trails of dust in their wake. The phenomenon has been studied by scientists since the 1950’s. Though no one has actually seen the rocks move, it’s apparent from their meandering paths in the sand that they do. A 1996 geological survey mapped a total of 162 rocks and their trails using GPS technology. The rocks weighed in at up to 700 lbs, and their tracks varied from just over 1 ½ meters to 880 meters in length. Though the cause of the roving rocks remains a mystery, some scientists theorize that strong winds slide the rocks over slick mud and ice on the seasonal lakebed in cold and wet weather, though this theory has been refuted by other scholars. More fanciful explanations include magnetic fields and alien activity due to the site’s close proximity to Area 51.
A second Rolling Rock mystery involves the number “33” that’s inexplicably printed on the label of the beer's bottle. Though the real reason is buried with Pennsylvania brewers the Tito Brothers, who began producing the beverage in 1939, there are numerous theories on the subject. Some say that the “33” refers to the year prohibition was repealed. Another theory is that the Tito brothers founded their brewing empire on the proceeds of a $33 horseracing bet, while a variation on that theory states that the winning horse (which some say is pictured on the bottle) was number 33. Other explanations offered are that 33 was the number of steps it took to turn water into beer, that it’s the temperature the beer is best served at, that 33 is the number of words in the company pledge of quality and the number of letters in the list of ingredients, while other’s claim it’s a Masonic sign indicating the highest attainable level of Freemasonry.
Before cracking the cap off a Rolling Rock one should perhaps be aware of the power of 33, which is at the peak of numerology’s triangle of enlightenment. The number 11 at one corner of the triangle is said to represent vision, insight and inspiration. The number 22 at the second corner brings action to 11’s vision, making it a reality, hence the number is often known as the master builder. The 33 atop the triangle is the sum of 11 and 22. The number is known as the master teacher, offering guidance to the world. As Plato, perhaps the world's greatest teacher, states, ""He was a wise man who invented beer," so drink up and watch the rolling rocks.
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