Jumping On The Bandwagon

Packing revelations.

Considering the amount of traveling I have to do with my job, you'd think that I'd be a pretty capable packer.

Yet, as I'm frantically packing for my 8-day trip to Canberra (starting tomorrow, ending next Sunday, I've had something of a revelation - I'm not a particularly fugal packer.

For example, I'm only going for 8 days, so why, during my first attempt to pack, did I include 14 t-shirts, 9 pairs of pants, 6 pairs of shoes, and 13 pairs of socks?

14 T-shirts? Apparently it's been -8 degrees in Canberra recently... Why on earth did I pack that many t-shirts?

And where are the jumpers, thermals, overcoats, long-johns, scarves, beannies, gloves and pretty metallic hypothermia blankets that I'm going to need to deal with the cold?

I don't know, but I'm currently undergoing a rethink/repack in an attempt to ensure that my luggage doesn't breach the Virgin Blue baggage weight limit.

I guess I don't really need my blue worn-through runners, my "lion in the bedroom" boxers, or my entire Encyclopedia Britannica... Do you think that'll free up enough room for another t-shirt?

posted by Graham @ 1:39 PM

A case of slow translation.

My latest article for In The Mix has been published.

This time I caught up with house music legend DJ Blade, one of the producers responsible for the group known as Jestofunk.

It's not one of my best interviews, a little too rushed, but I blame that on the fact that I sent the questions two and a half weeks ago and, apparently due to the need for a translator (Blade doesn't speak much English), I only received the answers yesterday.   Makes it a bit tricky when the deadline was meant to be last Monday.

Still, if you're a house music fan then it's probably worth a look.

posted by Graham @ 12:06 PM

Can you show me how to get to Memory Lane?

I just read Jared's latest post and it brought back a flood of memories.

For those of you who weren't aware, a few years ago Jared and I (and Nick, Marcus, Fran and many more) used to share a house in Canberra.

Well... perhaps house isn't the right word... We used to share a dilapidated rabbit warren which we suspected may have been a foreign embassy during one of it's many incarnations.

That house/mansion/junkyard was demolished a couple of weeks ago.

Jared has made a pretty comprehensive list of some of the memories he had of his time spent in 61 National Cct, Forrest, ACT.  Reading through it almost brought a tear to my eye.

It's only appropriate then, now that I'm sitting here with a beer in hand, that I add a few more things to that list.

So, mimicking Jared's stream of consciousness, I remember-

The night Jared's room suddenly gained a water feature (but only because it was raining).  The mammoth laundry. The lock on the outside of my wing.  The night Nick shouted the following at Jared and I, "I don't care what's on TV! Just shut up and go to sleep! I need to be at work tomorrow!" (the date was September 11, 2001).   The day Fran phoned me from the kitchen (I was in the bedroom) to tell me she had collapsed, followed by a frantic trip to the hospital and my attempts to tactfully inform her parents that she was about to have a spinal tap.  The fence I was always going to build.  The fence that got built (not by me).  The dog that came to live with us.  The dog that escaped.  The dog that was found and sent back to live with my parents.  The fence that became redundant.  The 40 year old ex-residents who turned up to one of our parties.  Lunch and Rob being security for Abode.  The Abode T-shirts.  Fran finding Marcus' old year-books.  The many cocktails that were forced down my throat on the night after the day I had been in a car accident.  The cranky guy across the street.  Having the Swiss embassy as a back fence.  The constant Protective Services drive-bys.  Walking to Manuka for breakfast.  Cooking dinner with Fran but not telling the others because we knew they'd mock us.  Nick, my bed, the cyclone fencing and the tantrum.  Waking up one morning to find Merryn and Phizby in the loungeroom.  Waking up one morning to find Cyzilla helping himself to our beer.  The silence that descended on the house on "comic pick-up day".  The coffee table books.    And, finally, many (and I do mean many) relaxing afternoons spent in the back yard with good company and a beer.

Ahhhhhhh.... The end of an era!

Here's to 61 National Cct and all that sailed in her!

posted by Graham @ 11:27 PM

It starts with an N, but how does it end?

It's been three posts since I mentioned that shadowy organisation I've become embroiled with, which must be cause for severe withdrawal symptoms for many of you clandestine hi-jinks junkies out there.  So, to prove that I'm not completely heartless, I've decided that it must be time for an update on the latest intriguing developments.  The only question is - Should I call the organisation Neurocam or Nautonier?

Xade still appears to be referring to it as Neurocam, or at least whilst he does so whilst out leaving their mark in Melbourne's art galleries.  Then again, he still appears to be in contact with Robert Henley, my original contact within the organisation who seems to have disowned me. 

Oh Robert!  What hast I done to offend thee?

Someone who hasn't disowned me is Iocus Severus, to whom I recently sent the following e-mail:

------------------------------
Sender: Graham Henstock
Subject: Recovery and Reflection
Date: Monday 26 July, 2004.
 
Dear Iocus Severus.
 
More than a week has passed since our rather exciting gathering! 
 
A week in which recovery and reflection have been foremost in my actions. I can't help but wonder if you may have spent at least some of that time also reflecting on our meeting, though I would imagine your choice of mirror would be remarkably different to mine.
 
One week!  One week in which to reflect on two and a half minutes, and yet, somehow, I suspect that many aspects of the evening remain a mystery.
 
In your most recent e-mail you asked me if it was, to parrot your own words, worth it.  That is not a question I feel I can answer fully as I am not privy to the minds (and goals) of many of the other participants.  It is fair to say that I found the experience worthwhile, just as I find most new experiences worthwhile. I do not, however, know your mind, or that of Egotript, and so am unaware as to whether or not either of you share that sentiment.
 
Despite your assertions the nature of the slide remains obscured from me.  Although I can see that there is an image contained upon it, the details remain beyond my grasp.  Never fear, I have not yet thrown in the towel.  I am in the process of securing a carousel slide projector, and it is my fondest hope that such an arcane technological device may help me in my quest for understanding.
 
Your invitation for me to explore my inquisitiveness is intriguing, although I suspect any answers I received would be cloaked in symbolism and masked with metaphor, as is your characteristic manner.
 
Do I have a raft of question?  Indeed! Of course, the real concern is - Which ones should I ask? 
 
I could inquire as to whether or not you and Fiat Nox are the same person, or I could query about the well-being of Robert Henley and the reasons why the Neurocam website is currently offline. I could attempt to discover the true nature of the "Robin Hely matter", or I could simply ask you to help me decipher the meaning of SAPPHIRES and RUBIES.  I suspect, though, that patience will prove to be a virtue, and that you may offer the answers to these questions when you feel it is appropriate to do so.
 
Instead I will return to my usual form and ask you just one question - In regards to the organisation known as Nautonier, what do you envision my role to be?
 
I look forward to your response, and hope that we will have the pleasure of meeting again soon.
 
Kind regards,
 
Graham Henstock.
------------------------------

Iocus Severus is yet to respond, but as soon as he does I'll post his response on this site.

In other Neurocam/Nautonier news,  Egotript has posted a report on the contents of his folder.  All in all, his files seem remarkably similar to mine, although he did get a slightly different slide and he has had some further correspondence with Iocus Severus which raises some interesting questions about the presence of the Police on that fateful Sunday night.  Worth a read, if only so you can see where his documents differ from mine.

The only other news I have at present is that Korgmiester from Bullet Holed Messenger claims in a comment to one of his own posts that he too has joined Neurocam.  To date, he hasn't posted any sort of follow-up on his site... I wonder if he ever heard back from them...  Is it possible that we have a slightly more covert participant?

That's all the N-word news for the moment, so I hope that all you junkies have had your fix.  If not, then I suggest that, to relieve your withdrawal symptoms, you try cutting out random parts of Egotript's, Xade's and My blogs and out them back together in an order dictated by Fibonacci numbers.  Perhaps you'll discover a new insight that will help us unravel this sordid mystery.

Then again, maybe you won't.  I'm not making any promises.

posted by Graham @ 11:25 PM

A New Look!

As you are all no doubt aware, I've spent the last few weeks experimenting with the design of my blog.  After a constantly changing array of colours, an ever-moving side-bar, and a few other additions and hiccups here and there, it's finally starting to look the way I'd like it to.

Everything seems to be in the right place, my reading and listening lists have been updated, and most things seem to be easily readable and decipherable (my meandering posts not included). Yep!  Definitely starting to look the way I'd envisioned.

So, without further ado, I'm proud to announce the launch of the redesigned "Jumping On The Bandwagon".

Please do, however, let me know if any of you have any suggestions for improvements, or are having any trouble viewing this site.

It's been 8 months of blogging since I got this baby started and I suspect that, like most babies, it's still learning how to walk.    I hope that most of you will hang around long enough to see it start to run.

posted by Graham @ 10:56 PM

It's music Jim, but not as we know it...

I was just having a poke around on the blog of one of my favourite authors, Neil Gaiman, when I noticed a link that I just had to click.

In my last post I wrote about a song which changed my life, but, although this post keeps with the music theme, I'm pained to admit that I don't think Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Ben Folds covering Pulp's 90's super-hit "Common People" will make it into that list, but it sure as hell made me have a fine old chuckle.

posted by Graham @ 10:19 PM

Music, Hornby, Henstock, and some inspired plagiarism

In a previous post I mentioned that I have recently read Nick Hornby's book "31 Songs".

I was surprised by how deeply it touched me.

In "31 Songs" Hornby discusses the 31 songs that have most changed his life.  Each of the essays/stories within the book centers on a different song, with the author explaining how the song reminds him of/connects him to various moments of his life.

I think the reason this touched me so much is that it's something that I can relate to.

Anybody who knows me reasonably well will know that listening to music is a major part of my life.  My CD and vinyl collection has reached near leviathan proportions and that doesn't even take into consideration the fact that no less than 20GBs of my computer's hard-drive is currently devoted to storing Mp3s. 

Like Hornby, my fascination with music means that I constantly associate certain songs with aspects or moments of my life.  There are many songs which, somewhere in the depth of my brain, are permanently wired into particular memories.  I suspect that it's the same for many of you.

When I explained to Sharn what "31 Songs" was about she said to me, "I'd like to see your 31 Songs."  I realised that I would like that too.

So I've been inspired to try a little experiment. 

Each week I'm going to put up a post about a song which has changed my life.  Will I reach 31 Songs or will I get bored long before then?  I don't know, but there's only one way to find out.

We'll see where this journey takes us, but along the way I'd love to get your feedback on some of these songs, or even some feedback on other songs which have changed your life. 

So, without further ado or explanation let's get to it -

Graham's 30 (or so) Songs (with apologies to Nick Hornby) #1 - "ABC" by the Jackson 5.

"A, B, C.
It's easy as 1, 2, 3
As Easy as Doh, Rey, Mee.
A, B, C.
1, 2, 3, Baby you and me girl."

Before the scandals, before the accusations of underage sex, before even the freaky friends and the pet monkeys, Michael Jackson and I were both living in more innocent times.

He was part of the legendary Mo-town group the Jackson 5 and I was at St.Monica's Primary School.

During this period of innocence, my exposure to music had been limited to my parent's Slim Dusty records and the odd hymn at my primary school's church.   The furthest my musical exploration had so far taken me were my attempts to "Sing Me A Rainbow" in Year 1.

Then I fell victim to one of the man-kind's  most insidious inventions.  An invention which could only have been created by baby sacrificing, goat-wearing satanists... That's right, I fell victim to that most evil of evils - Cross Marketing.

Although the Jackson 5 cartoon was only produced during two years of the early 70's, due to the delay caused by sea freight, and the complete lack of a quality Australian equivalent (The Johnny Farnham cartoon never really took off), it was still playing on television screens across Australia every Saturday morning in the early 80's.

My parents, duped by the belief that all cartoons must be wholesome, turned a blind eye each Saturday as I was slowly tainted by the evil that was the Jackson 5.  Each episode their singing slowly indoctrinated me into the religion known as modern music.

For those of you who managed to avoid the Jackson 5 cartoon, each episode went something like this -

1. The Jackson 5 would sing a song.
2. A dilemma would occur, and the group's fans would get worried.
3. Little Michael (sans glove and monkeys) would get into strife.
4. Little Michael, with the help of his brothers, would save the day.
5. The Jackson 5 would sing a song.

At the time, my underdeveloped sense of narrative allowed me to believe that these stories were without equal.  Although I don't actually remember dancing around the loungeroom, singing along with this African American family who (at the time) seemed the perfect picture of normality, I have no doubt that's exactly what occurred.

When you consider the way the lyrics of many of the Jackson 5 songs had now been permanently etched into my brain by the TV's picture tube, it's not surprising that "The Jackson 5's Greatest Hits" is the first cassette tape that I can remember asking my parents to buy for me.  Because I was something of a slow-starter and, at the ripe old age of 5, still hadn't secured myself a job and income of my own, I was still reliant on the purchasing mercies of "Mummy" and "Daddy".

My parents must have been distracted by the unprecedented excitement of a "5 socks for $2" sale that day in K-mart, or else they assumed that the signpost on the front cover meant that the tape was educational, and they bought me my first cassette of modern music.  It's a decision which, in retrospect, I'm sure they have long since regretted. 

Over the next few months I played "The Jackson 5's Greatest Hits" constantly and "ABC" was my favourite song on the album.  I played it so much that I suspect both of my parents probably still know the words. 

Eventually the cartoon was taken off the air and I became interested in more mature cartoons such as "He-Man" and "Astro Boy", but I never forgot the "Jackson 5" cartoon because of the way it marked the beginning of my long, and sometimes rocky, relationship with music.

I still own "The Jackson 5's Greatest Hits", but I don't play it anymore... 

Well... At least not that I'd admit to...

posted by Graham @ 11:40 AM

I'm not alone!

Wow!  I write just one slightly morose post on a blog and the next day I receive no less than 3 phonecalls from distant friends... Maybe I should try being morose more often,  at the very least it might help me save some money on MY phonebill (although add considerably to the rest of yours)... 

Thanks for the calls everyone.  It wasn't really an S.O.S, I was just feeling a little down and forgot that my blog wasn't in fact an agony aunt.  Still, I hugely appreciate the fact that so many of you felt inspired to call and check that I was OK...

Just remember though, if you're feeling like we might be alone, you're only going to have to wait 20 years to find out for sure. 

Whilst on the subject of "not being alone" there are a few other things I should mention, and they all have to do with another blogger (and sometime commentator on this site) known as Xade.

It seems that Xade has embraced the core "Jumping On The Bandwagon" philosophy and done just that... in more ways than one. 

Confused?  Let me explain -

In a recent post, Egotript paraphrased Nietzsche and declared that Neurocam was dead.  Well it appears that it's obituary may have been a tad premature. 

Yesterday I was partaking in a long overdue read of Xade's blog and discovered that Xade has joined Neurocam.  Not only that, but Xade still appears to be in contact with that mysterious troublemaker known as Robert Henley... Mmmm...  It appears Tript and I have been disowned in favour of fresher blood. 

Neither Robert or RJ have contacted me for quite sometime, I guess that means I am now, somewhat by default, firmly aligned with the camp of Iocus Severus...

While I'm talking about alliances, there's yet another example of Xade's bandwagon jumping that deserves a mention.

Xade has heard my plea and succumbed to my ongoing Kings of Chaos recruitment drive, together we shall go forth and destroy the other armies...  And it's still not too late for YOU!   Captain Coincidence's Army wants you!  And if you're a little uneasy about being  in an army run by me, then perhaps you should join Xade's army...   Together we might triumph!  Ummmm... but I'm not promising anything, because together we might also get trampled into the mud.  At the very least I am prepared to promise that I won't make you eat urine soaked field rations...

See? I'm still absolutely shameless!

Anyway - Welcome to the party Xade!  Did you remember to bring some beer?

posted by Graham @ 1:59 AM

But who will save us....

... from bloggers who turn introspective at the slightest taste of red wine?

Just read my last post... ummm... Quick lesson for the kids - Don't drink and blog!

That said, the post's sentiment remains true, but it was probably a little bit more gushing than I would have, in retrospect, liked.

Oh well, no regrets and all that...

To change the subject - Let's talk music!

In a previous post I commented on the fact that I hadn't updated my blog's sidebar for quite sometime.  I promised that I would get around to it (and that promise stands... Just as soon as I can convince the sidebar to appear where I want it to) and as a stop gap I discussed some of the books that had passed in front of my eyes over the last few weeks... Now it's time for me to tell you about some of the music which has entered my ears.

Due to financial constraints I haven't purchased much music over the last few weeks, but there have been some notable exceptions.

The first exception is Fabriclive 16- Adam Freeland - Adam Freeland is one of the most innovative and inspiring DJs currently mixing broken beats, and this CD is the recording of a set he recently performed at London uber-club Fabric.  Put simply, this is what DJing should be about.  An eclectic mix of songs (he begins with a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club track and ends with one by Radioactive Man) melded together seamlessly in what amounts to a high-quality listening (and dancing) experience.  Buy it!  Play it loud!  Dance around you bedroom!  You have been told...

The second exception is the Handsome Boy Modeling School - So... How's your girl? This one's probably not for everybody.  It's solidly grounded in Hip-hop, with a slightly grunge edge...  There's a few standout tracks ("The Truth" which features Roisin of Moloko and J-Live, and The Runway Song which features DJ Kid Koala) but there are times that it becomes a little too inaccessible...  Still, worth a listen if you're a die-hard hip-hop fan, or just looking for something a little different.

As I said before, I haven't purchased much music over the last few weeks.  That hasn't stopped me, however, from checking out some great sets on-line.  The first set that I recommend you point your browser towards is James Zabiela at Lot 33 in Canberra.   Smooth, progressive beats, that are just the ticket when cruising around the wide world web...

The second on-line set worth checking out is by Brewster B (the mix is at the bottom of the page).  Brewster B is currently one of the biggest names in the Melbourne broken beat scene, and this mix is a good example of what he is capable...  Mind you, I haven't seen him live for quite sometime, so finding this on-line set was like re-meeting an old friend.

That's all from "Graham's School Of Musical Appreciation" for today...  Although I will sign off with one more thought...

How excited was I to discover that the next CD in the Back to Mine series is going to mixed by none other than British legends Lamb?   Well let's just say it was lucky I wasn't standing near a live power socket... 

posted by Graham @ 12:39 PM

Old Friends, New Friends, and Mysterious Pen-Pals..

I've just returned home from work.

Tonight's performance ran exceptionally smoothly, which made a nice change from last night where we had one of the actors throwing up in the wings (although not on stage, and, to his credit, he did get through the show without the audience being aware). After the show some of us retired to the stagemanagement office, opened a bottle of red, and talked shit to each other for a few hours... Just what I needed...

Part of the reason it was exceptionally lovely is that I've been feeling a little disconnected over the last few weeks.

I have become used to the fact that many of my friends are either incredibly busy, scattered around the four corners of the globe, uncontactable, or anti-social, and, perhaps due to my regularly fitting into at least one of those categories, that hasn't really been a cause for concern in the past. Over the last few weeks, however, I've been acutely aware of how little time I actually spend in the company of those people I consider my friends.

This heightened awareness may be in part due to fact that I've been working evenings and have had lots of days off. Most of the people I'd normally catch up with in Melbourne generally work days, as do many of the people that I'd normally call for a chat, and so I've had to find a way to fill time before going to work. It's not something that I'm overly good at. Add to that the fact that Sharn has been working nights, and thus has been sleeping through the days, and you'll probably understand why I've been feeling a little isolated.

Hence why tonight was so lovely. A glass of red, some good conversation, old friends and new, and suddenly I feel 100% better. It's amazing how beneficial a bit of human interaction can be.

Whilst on the subject of friends, there's a couple of things I wanted to mention...

Firstly, I'd like to say a big "Welcome to the Army" to Chaos Butterfly who has recently signed up to be part of my Kings of Chaos army. Together we will go forth and crush any who stand in our way... At the very least, it's got to be better than us fighting amongst ourselves.

By the way, you can still join my army if you want to... Be warned, though, it's highly addictive!

Secondly, I'd like to put all of my Canberra friends on notice - I'll be visiting Canberra in two weeks time!  

Amigos is going to Canberra and I'm heading up to bump it in.  The first half of my week I'll be working, but I'll be hanging around until Saturday August 7th, so hopefully I should get a chance to catch up with most of you.

Thirdly, and lastly, and not really so much a friend-thing as a pen-pal-bane-of-my-life sort of thing, I was delighted to discover the following e-mail waiting for me when I arrived home last night:

Sender:  Iocus Severus
Subject: Recovery
Date: Wednesday 21 June, 2004.
 
Dear Graham,
 
I trust you've recovered from our little party on Sunday evening. 
 
The duration of our meeting, from the moment I greeted you, to my request of Tiny that you be escorted away, was all of two and a half minutes.  Every second lingers an eternity though doesn't it?  I know what you went through, I've been in a similar position myself.
 
Was it worth it?
 
I'd like to encourage you to pose those questions that proved so elusive when you were on the spot, so to speak.  Never mind what I said at the time.   I expect there will be a raft of queries following your investigation of the documents. 
 
What do you make of the slide?  There's more to it than meets the eye.
 
You know where to find me if you'd like to chat.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Iocus Severus

I've got to admit that I had suspected my correspodance with Iocus Severus may have reached it's conclusion with our meeting - I'm pleasantly surprised to discover that I was wrong.

Any questions?  Damn right I've got some questions, but I'd also like to give those of you who have been following my Neurocam adventure a chance to have some input. Do you have any questions I should pose to Iocus Severus?

I'll be composing a response to Iocus over the next few days (I'll probably send it Sunday) so get your questions in quick and I'll add them to my e-mail.

Anyway, I've rambled on long enough, so I'll sign off with a big hello to all my friends (new and old, old and young, near and distant) and wish good evening to you all. 

posted by Graham @ 11:58 PM

The Neurocam File -

Sitting here in my room, the contents of Iocus Severus’ manila folder strewn around me, I am suddenly seized by the desire to buy a fedora and a trench coast, rent a dingy office in downtown Melbourne and change my name to Sam Spade.  At least then I’d have an excuse for referring to women as dames, hanging out in dodgy jazz bars, and often forgetting to shave., which has gotta be a good thing, right?
 
In total there were 11 documents within the folder and one indecipherable slide.  4 of the documents are reproductions of passports, whilst the others appear to be a collection of letters, reports, and memos pertaining to Neurocam.  Every document is stamped excessively with the words “Classified” or “Top Secret.” In addition, many of the documents have words, names, or entire sections which have been blacked out by persons unknown whom obviously have a high degree in the ancient skill of "black texta censorship."
 
Throughout this post I’m going to attempt to describe the contents of these documents to you.  For the moment I won’t draw any conclusions about their validity, or their role in the greater Neurocam mystery, instead I’ll just try to lay it all out so you can make your own assumptions.
 
Document 1 – The Transcript:
 
The first page of the Neurocam file appears to be the transcript of a conversation between Robert Henley and someone known as Kissinger.  They are discussing an upcoming conference and the role of someone referred to as Fiat Nox.
 
In regards to Nox, Henley says: 

“Soon mothers will start frightening their children by saying, “Neurocam will come get you.”  Fiat Nox.  If they said, “Nox will get you,” that would be the cult of personality.”

 
Henley then asks if Kissinger has ever seen Nox.  Kissinger replies that he hasn’t, but does go onto say: 

"We want him to join the Ruby Treaty; we’d never have any conclusion."

 
The conversation then degenerates, with both sides complaining about the excessive number of boring speeches that occur at Neurocam and Yellow One meetings. 
 
Document 2 – The Digital Telephony Memo.
 
The second document contained in the file is a formal memo written on Neurocam letterhead.  It is from Robert Henley to an unknown person (the recipients name has been blacked out).  It reads: 

On December 30, 2001, I sent to the Nautonier a memorandum seeking his approval for a legislative strategy for digital telephony.  The substance of that memorandum is attached.  On January 15, 2002, he approved the following course of action: 
  
Neurocam should go ahead now to seek a legislative fix to the digital telephony problem, and all parties should prepare to follow through on the encryption problem in about a year.  Success with digital telephony will lock in one major objective; we will have a beachhead we can exploit for the encryption fix; and the encryption access options can be developed more thoroughly in the meantime.

 
The memo is signed by Robert Henley.
 
Document 3 – The Fr. Fiat Nox memo.
 
The next document seems to be page 4 of a memo which comes from the desk of Fiat Nox.  It is addressed to Iocus Severus and dated April 28, 2002.
 
In the section of the memo I've been given, Fiat Nox seems to be enquiring as to whether the Nautionier is willing to allow Fiat Nox to question Neurocam personnel.  The reason for requesting this questioning is unclear.  Most interesting is Fiat Nox’s closing paragraph, which reads:  

We and the Elemental Quadrants believe the information from Neurocam is important to ascertaining the true facts of the Robin Hely matter.  As these issues demand expediated resolution, kindly apprise me of the answers to these questions.

 
Document 4 – Robert Henley to Fiat Nox.
 
This document appears to be a memo sent by Robert Henley to Fiat Nox.  Here the nature of the dialogue starts to take on a slightly more occult tone, but I can’t help but wonder if this is all just a cover, perhaps, even, a sophisticated use of code words?
 
It reads: 

Dear Sir.
 
Salutations on all points of the triangle.
 
I continue to perform the rituals, Star Ruby, The Middle Pillar (twice daily each) and the Mass of the Phoenix (as the sun sets.)  I have made considerable progress in equilibrating the Elements but continue to strive for that singular point of which the Master speaks.
 
Eng. report slight delays in the successful calibration of the F-class Halcyon units.  Suggested ETA: nine (9) days
 
Q.A have resumed testing of the RUBY unit.  The SAPPHIRE unit has demonstrated a particular vulnerability to Fabry crises and is being returned to Eng. for Alpha Galactosidase sluicing.  I recommend caution in the mobilization of this unit.
 
See attached reports for further details.  Please advise.

 
The memo is signed by Robert Henley.
 
Document 5 – The Security Directive.
 
This is yet another memo, but this time it's author remains unknown.  It is entitled “Neurocam Security Decision Directive Number 192 – The Ruby Treaty and The SDI Program” and is dated October 11, 1999.
 
As it is quite long I will attempt to summarize it, if, however, any of you feel like seeing the whole thing then feel free to e-mail me and I’ll send you a scan of it (the same goes for the rest of the documents).
 
The author of the memo seems to be discussing the way in which the organisation could creatively interpret something called “The Ruby Treaty” so to enable the continuation of the development of what they refer to as the SDI (Neurocam Strategic Defense Initiative).
 
The most interesting aspect is the final paragraph, part of which reads: 

Our assertions about this portion of the Treaty were not, at the time, shared by our negotiating partner.  Rather, the record indicates that they were resisted by YELLOW ONE.

 
Hmmm….  The plot thickens.
 
Document 6 – Sapphires and Rubies.
 
The last text document included in the file seems to be an official report on a business meeting held between Robert Henley and a group of unknown persons.  Due to it’s length I’ll also only summarize it’s contents.
 
Once again, code words (in particular the words RUBY and SAPPHIRE) seem to be used to great effect, but it appears that they are discussing the Neurocam headset.  One section reads: 

“… the present bill for 47 million was calculated on 25 hours a month per RUBY, and would amount to 23 million dollars a year; the remainder was for research and development and simulators and headsets.
Mr. (name blacked out) said that you must decide the policy first.  Do you want the RUBUES, and then we can argue about price.
Mr. (name blacked out) stated that they were told two years ago that the SAPPHIRE UNIT was on the way out and that is why they cancelled the (word crossed out).”

 
The memo then goes on to discuss the fact that there was an expectation that the SAPPHIRE threat would be lessened, thus the need for less RUBIES, but that it appears the expected lessening had not occurred.

The entire final paragraph of this page has been blacked out.
 
Document 7 – The Organisation Flow Chart.
 
This appears to be a chart of the management structure of an organisation named “Nautionier”.
 
 
  
At the head of the organisation seems to be some named “Nautionier (Navigator)”, who has received a mention on a number of occassions in the above documents. 
 
Directly below Nautionier is “Fiat Nox (Yellow One)”, which I guess might go someway towards explaining Neurocam’s recent change of e-mail address.
 
Below Fiat Nox, on the chart, are three phrases that are awfully familiar – “Neurocam”, “Innocence” and “Splint”.  All three of these then link back into something called the “Elemental Quadrants.”
 
Documents 8, 9, 10 and 11.
 
The last 4 documents contained in the file are reproductions of passports from a variety of different countries.  4 different passports, just one face, but what’s his name – Robin Hely?  Robert Henley?  Or Chan Joo Jang?
 
 
 
 
 
The Slide:
 
The final thing contained in the file was an indecipherable slide - 
 
 
So there you have it!   One hell of a long post, and the details of the contents of the manila folder handed to me by Iocus Severus, but what does it all mean?   I’ve got some thoughts, but for now I’m going to rest my tired fingers and give you all a moment to digest all of the above… 
 
Any theories you may have, however, would be more than welcome.

posted by Graham @ 9:24 AM

Lucky!

Last night I was fortunate enough to catch two amazing interviews on the ABC.
 
The first was on Andrew Denton's show "Enough Rope" where Denton was interviewing none other than Ex-American President Bill Clinton. 
 
I am firmly of the opinion that Andrew Denton is the best interviewer we have in this country,  and his work last night supports that proposition.  His questions to Clinton were intelligent, probing, and revealing, as were Clinton's answers.  One of the most interesting half hours of TV I've seen in a long time.  
 
You can read the whole interview here.

If I hadn't been watching "Enough Rope" then I probably wouldn't have caught the second amazing interview of the night.

The ABC's hard-hitting late night current affairs program "Lateline" came on whilst I was still loitering in the lounge room.  They immediately launched into an expose on Opposition Leader Mark Latham's time as Mayor of Liverpool Council - discrediting the description of that time that Latham has recently delivered to Parliament... Quite damning stuff!

If that wasn't enough, "Lateline" came straight out of the story into an interview with Mark Latham himself. 

Tony Jones went in hard, and Latham looked noticeably shaky.  In the end Latham handled himself quite well, but I'm sure he would have been checking for bruises once he got home...  A Labor bias on the ABC?  Not if that was anything to go by...

I don't watch very much TV anymore, but it's a relief to discover that we still have such high quality current affairs programs on the air-waves.   My only question though - Is anyone actually watching them?

posted by Graham @ 10:10 AM

Assignment - Meeting Iocus - Part 2.

Here I am, back from after what Egotript has described as my "patented cliff-hanger".  Never fear Tript, I'm not about to do an ALF-style disappearing trick...  Considering the circumstances, an Agent Dale Cooper from the final episode of Twin Peaks' second series would be much more appropriate...
 
So where was I?  That's right!  Sitting in the rotunda in the middle of Clifton Hill's Darling Gardens, holding a now drinkable coffee, not speaking to Egotript and waiting for events to unfold...  Caught up?  Good!  Let's continue with the story...
 
It's a good thing I didn't have to wait long since my coffee wasn't doing much to combat the cold.  At least I had a coffee, though, as Egotript was doing a great impression of one of the guys from "Touching the Void".  Of course I'm assuming that his shivering was being caused by the cold, if not I'm going to feel like shit when I discover he's suffering from early onset Parkinson's.
 
I'd only been seated for a couple of minutes when I noticed movement in the park behind Egotript's shoulder.  He must have noticed me looking, because he turned around to check it out too. 
 
Walking towards us across the park were four figures dressed entirely in black.  As they drew closer I realised that each of them was wearing a white kabuki mask.  On the forehead of each mask was a symbol (which I'll unashamedly admit I've now stolen from Tript's blog) -
 
 
The four figures stepped up into the rotunda.  One of them, a small slender woman, took charge of the situation.  She approached us, removed a crumpled brown bag and read what was quite obviously a prepared speech.  It went something like this:
 
"Good evening Gentlemen.  I am Sapho.  From here I will be taking you to another location where the meeting you are expecting will occur. 
 
It is important that you do not speak during tonight's activities unless you are directly spoken to.  To ensure a level of secrecy we will be asking you to wear a bag over your heads.  If at any point you wish to leave just say so and you will be allowed to go, but be aware that this will mean the end of your involvement with Neurocam and Yellow 1.
 
Now, do you have any questions?"
 
I had no questions, and neither, it appeared, did Egotript. 
 
"Good!"  Sapho exclaimed and then started to approach us so she could give us our bags.  It seemed that instead of having to dive through rubbish bins I was instead going to have to do my best 2 Many DJ's impersonation.
 
On that note, it was around this point in the proceedings that the slightly odd looking fellow whom I'd spotted rummaging through the bin earlier returned to  do more of the same. Still, I guess I shouldn't be judgmental about how someone chooses to pass the time on a Sunday night, after all I was the one that was about to voluntarily put a paper bag over his head.    The bin-diver took one look at the assembly in the rotunda, seemed about to say something, then bit his lip and promptly turned around and left the park.   The Yellow 1 figures stared after him and then at each other, but I was unable to garner what they were thinking as a Kabuki mask does a pretty good job of hiding any expression.

As the paper bag went over my head I had one thought - "I should ditch this coffee."  By the time the thought had crossed my brain though, it was too late, I was already being led from the park.
 
The experience of being led across uneven ground, whilst deprived of sight, by a group of people you don't know, is not necessarily one I'd recommend for everyone.  It was intense to say the least, especially once they decided that I wasn't moving fast enough and so increased my speed with a firm hand on my shoulders.
 
Throughout the experience I was thinking just two things - "Please don't let me trip" and "I really should have ditched this coffee."
 
We reached the edge of the park and I was forced into what felt like a van or truck.  The seats were a nice leather finish and the cabin seemed quite spacious.  A pair of hands helped me with my seatbelt.  I heard someone jump in the front seat.  The car started and then we were traveling.
 
The first leg of the car trip was extremely bumpy, something that I clock up to the propensity for Melbourne's innercity shires to install speedbumps.  Everytime we went over a bump I spilt a little more of my coffee.  Great!  Not only was I being kidnapped, but I now had scalding coffee in my lap.  The forensic detectives were going to have a field day... Good thing I was wearing clean underwear.
 
Playing through the speakers in the van/truck was a strangely familiar circa 1920's song.  The gist of the lyrics was- "Maybe baby, he's waiting for you. The man waiting for you right now..."   Of course I'm sure that's an extreme example of my ability to paraphrase, but you get the idea.
 
After a while the song changed to a track that sounded like it was off a "DIY Hypnotherapy" tape.  "You are at peace.  Everybody here loves you.  You are safe.  Do not worry."  Good advice, but it didn't help much whenever we turned a corner and another splash of coffee hit my groin.
 
We'd been traveling for around 5 minutes (although it seemed a hell of a lot longer) when the van/truck suddenly screeched to a halt.  The engine was turned off and I heard the door next to me open.  A pair of hands carefully guided me out of the van/truck and, in the process, took my coffee.  "Good!"  I thought, "I'm glad to get rid of it."
 
I was led along a sidewalk and then forced into another car.  Once again I was assisted with my seat belt and then, damn it, someone forced my coffee back into my hand.  This new car felt much smaller, a hatchback perhaps.  The seats were more cramped and when I sat up straight I could feel the roof pressing against my paper bag.  Someone climbed into the front seat, started the car, and then we were once again speeding through the streets of Melbourne.
 
In retrospect, we must have been quite a sight for anybody who passed us on the street.  A car full of people wearing Kabuki masks with a coffee stained, paper bag wearing, buffoon in the back seat.
 
The music in this second car was much less interesting than what was in the first - It was merely a down tempo, slightly spooky, electronica track.  The other passengers in the car, however, were much more interesting.  Every couple of minutes the driver would chant/sing in a wheezy, slightly disturbing voice "Hey, hey, hey, yeah baby!" and then laugh.  The person sitting next to me (female... I think) would then reply with a series of gasped breaths, a small clap of the hands, and a laugh...  Not quite as terrifying as the round-robin renditions of "Kumbaya" I used to be subjected to at scout camp, but still pretty disturbing.
 
We continued driving for around five to ten minutes, and then the car stopped.  The engine was turned off and I heard at least two people leave the car.  It seemed that I was then left in the car alone for quite sometime.  I could hear a coversation going on outside the car, but couldn't make out any of the details.  Finally, the door next to me opened and once again I was helped from the car.  For the second time in the night someone took my coffee cup, but my relief was shortlived as it was quickly forced back into my hand.
 
I was then led quickly across a road.  I sensed an air of urgency in the people around me.  Once across the road I was directed into a doorway.  After I passed through it became apparent that I was standing at the bottom of a flight of stairs... There was someone ahead of me on the stairs wearing a leather jacket-  Tript? 
 
If you think the walking across the park would have been harrowing, then I suspect you really shouldn't try being led up three flights of stairs whilst blind.  Harrowing doesn't even begin to describe the nature of the experience.
 
Somehow we managed to reach the top of the stairs without incident, neither I, nor my coffee cup, took a tumble.  Mind you, I was pretty sure by this point that the majority of my coffee was either on my crotch or in the back of the cars.  As we reached the summit I noticed that there was  loud, but slow, music playing.  Lot's of deep, spacey, organ sounds.  I was taken into a room, made to stand still, and then the hands which had been leading me disappeared.
 
I almost leapt out of my skin when a deep voice behind me exclaimed - "You may now take off your mask."  I did so and found myself staring at a white wall. 
 
"Turn around!"  The voice ordered.
 
As I turned, I took in my surroundings.  I seemed to be in an unfurnished, semi-renovated apartment.  There were building scrapes around the room, timber, rolls of carpet, and the overwhelming smell of fresh paint.  More importantly, at one end of the room there was a table, behind which stood the four Kabuki mask wearers and another larger, rather intimidating figure who also wore a mask.
 
"Gentlemen!" He boomed, "I'm sure that I need no introduction."  I assumed at this point that I was looking at the mysterious Iocus Severus.
 
"Neurocam was once a game," he explained, "but that is the case no longer."
 
Iocus Severus (I presume) then asked me to step forward.  He picked up a manilla envelope and handed it to me.  I returned to my spot and then the process was repeated, this time with Egotript receiving an envelope.
 
"Do you have any questions?"  The figure asked. 
 
Did I have questions? You bet I did!  Could I think of any of them whilst in the presence of this imposing figure and his gang?  Not a chance.
 
The fact that neither Tript or I had any questions seemed to unnerve Iocus Severus a little.  "Think hard." He exclaimed. "This is the last chance you're going to get..."
 
The test pattern in my brain continued.
 
"Fine!" He finally stated.  "Put your masks back on! By the way, there's a film on Channel Seven tonight.  The last line of the film will be relevant to your next assignment." 
 
I did as I was told.  Hands grabbed hold of me once again and I was led from the room.  After an even more harrowing descent of the stairs, we reached the bottom and seemed to stop for a while.  I could hear a whispered conversation was occurring between my escorts.  Finally a female voice (Sapho?) addressed us.  "Due to unforeseen circumstances we will not be able to lead you away from here.   Instead we will be taking the bags off your heads now and ask that you leave this building in an orderly fashion.  Please do not look back." 
 
Unforeseen circumstances?  My mind began to race with the possibilities.
 
The bag was removed from my head and I was shoved out onto the street.  The unforeseen circumstances became immediately apparent - The street was filled with Police cars.  There were at least five or six cars, and quite a number of police officers roaming up and down the street.
 
At first I had no idea where we were, the other side of the road was just a large concrete wall, as I looked along the wall, though, I soon realised that I was staring at the side of the Richmond train station.
 
Egotript and I, glanced at each other briefly and then, without a word, began to walk down towards Hoddle Street.  As we walked down the alley we were passed by a pair of police officers who were leading a flannelet shirt wearing gentleman back up towards the squad cars.  Due to the fact that we were both doing our best to look inconspicuous we probably looked as suspicious as hell.   Luckily we were able to leave the alley without being questioned (what would I say?  Sorry Officer, I've got no idea how I got here. I was wearing a paper bag at the time...  What's that?  Why yes, I'd love to come down to the station for a psychiatric assessment...) . 
 
Just as we reached the end of the street, however, we were approached by a young gentleman who was awfully keen to find out if we knew what was going on.   We didn't, but luckily the helpful fellow decided to fill us in.  It seems that there may have been a brawl which at the local pub between some regulars, some overly friendly women, and some neo-nazi skin heads...  Although our walking news service couldn't be one hundred percent sure...  Both Egotript and I seemed to have difficulty holding a conversation with this guy, our brains still reeling from our recent experience, but he didn't seem to notice (he was quite happy to talk at us).  He eventually said farewell, wished us a safe evening, and went in search of someone who might be better informed than we were.
 
From there it was a quick tram ride into the city, a quick walk to my car, and then a quick drive home.  I walked in the door with plenty of time to spare and immediately turned to Channel Seven.
 
Whilst waiting for the movie to end I examined the contents of the envelope.  I won't go into what they were just now, as this post has gone on for long enough.  Instead I'll finish my account with the some details of the end of the movie.
 
The movie?  Kiss of the dragon!
 
The final line?  "My daughter?" 
 
Not very exciting, although somehow I suspect that Iocus Severus may have been referring to the final conversation had in the movie, which seems much more appropriate:
 
"Have I been asleep long?"
 
"Just a minute!"

posted by Graham @ 2:17 PM

Assignment- Meeting Iocus... Part 1.

It's been an eventful (if somewhat confusing) evening. 
 
Did I meet the mysterious Iocus Severus?  Perhaps... Although, as you've no doubt deducted,  one can never be entirely sure of anything once Neurocam is involved.
 
Were my predictions correct?  Not by a long-shot... Although I still believe that the signs I noticed may be indicative of a major shake-up in the Neurocam ranks.
 
So what actually occurred during my nocturnal adventure? Quite a bit, but to tell the story I need to backtrack a little.
 
I spent most of yesterday in a state which fluctuated between eager anticipation and general annoyance.   I was eager to find out what my instructions were, but annoyed that it seemed to be taking so long.  I was determined to plan my day,  but due to the lack of information was starting to suspect that I was about to spend most of the day killing time, waiting for Iocus Severus to contact me.
 
I did, however, after being pointed to an article in The Age, spend sometime suspecting that Iocus Severus was merely going to suggest that we meet for coffee...  Once I got home from work though, I quickly discovered that it was a unfounded suspicion.  The following awaited me in my in-box:
 

Sender: Tiny Qual fiat_nox@london.com
Subject: Sunday 18 July
Date: Saturday 17 July, 2004.
  
Follow these instructions to the letter. You will be under observation. Any deviation will result in termination of the meeting.
1. If you are driving, park your car in the Central Business District. That is, the area bounded by Spencer, Flinders, Latrobe and Spring Streets.
2. Catch public transport to Darling Gardens (Clifton Hill).
3. Walk to the Rotunda at the centre of the gardens.
4. You will need to be at the Rotunda at 8:00 pm sharp.
5. Wait for further instructions.
6. Do not talk.
7. Sudden, unpredictable, violent or subversive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
8. RSVP at iocus_severus@hotmail.com before midday Sunday 18 July 2004

Good luck

Yours Sincerely,

Tiny Qual

A letter from Tiny Qual ordering me to respond to Iocus Severus?  Suddenly a whole series of suspicions were confirmed for me.  Vaguely disappointed (and perhaps mildly disillusioned) I fired off the following as an RSVP to Iocus Severus: