The Rumours of My Demise

Were slightly exaggerated. So I battled with the University Bureaucracy today so they would recognise the fact I had been on my deathbed with the flu, and not just drinking down the pub. I won out in the end, despite several claims of "this isn't the office you need" or "you have the wrong papers I'm afraid".

Interesting fact of the day: The US Congress hasn't declared a war since WWII. Learnt that in Foreign Policy Analysis today. So there you go, don't say I never tell you anything.

On to news of the Cam (lets face it, the only reason you visit). First of all, a tidbit on Robert Henley. Seems he is still in Europe at Neurocam International Headquarters, doing things not to with the Operations. Still, I don't doubt he will appear again in due time. I get the feeling his is a persona that is hard to keep hidden for any length of time.

Secondly there was some fun with Wikipedia. There was a very accusationary entrance under "Neurocam" stating that Robin Hely had been arrested over using Shelly Innocence arts grants to fund the Neurocam billboards. Hely immediately denied this via the http://robinhely.com website. The entry was badly spelt and contained several other factual errors concerning Mr Hely. A shoddy attempt at disinformation? If so, it was very bad and rushed indeed.

Also, http://robinhely.com has updated again. This time it has what appears to be a mock up of a movie poster. I say mock up as my Google powers reveal nothing about it, it seems to either exist in limbo or have been done recently. A quick seach revealed nothing about the names mentioned. However, note it is directed by Robin Hely and mentions Robert Henley. Another art project? Perhaps. We shall see what the coming hours and days reveal....

New Assignment

Recieved Neurocam Assignment NCI - 8063/01

Ah, Ive been in bed for the past 2 days, I think I may have the 'flu, as I have all the aches that go with the blasted disease. Anyway, Operational Security only allows me to say that it has “something to do with entrances”. Now, Im going to go buy some nice hot soups and milk so I can get rid of this sore throat....

Its been a while

But I am back. Past few days have been busy, enrolling in new classes, hunting down obscure textbooks and even more obscure professors. Then partying, and more partying...

But lets face it, most of you aren't here to read about my fascinating life at University. You want to hear about Neurocam. And I shall deliver.

Firstly, the Anna Scmidt blog was shown to be fake, which probably surprised no-one. However, it was apparently done by Operative Young Atom,who is meant to be no longer a part of Neurocam. Furthermore, there is another Operative who has made their presence known, Xul Solar 23. Although they hasnt made the best of starts with some Operatives/bloggers (or them with him/her) they has alot of new information about Neurocam's activities.

Also I emailed Maxwell Knight with a couple of questions, as I tend to once in a while. After updating my location (as I hadnt been precise on the signup sheet and I dont like the idea of going to Edinburgh everytime I am needed for an assignement) I asked about Neurocam's history and about the nature of it.

Me:

How long has Neurocam International been in existence, as it currently operates?
And is this the full time of its existence, or has it had different incarnations
before?

MK:

To address your questions – The organization currently known as Neurocam
has been in existence for in excess of thirty years.  The name “Neurocam”,
however, was only adopted in 2000.

Me:

Would it be accurate to say that although the various sources that are available
give some understanding of Neurocam, that Neurocam itself is essentially unknowable
through these means, and can perhaps only be experienced through the assignments?

MK:

Your assumption is accurate about understanding what Neurocam is.

Interesting replies, and certainly more to ponder on.

Oh and ther is a Neurocam Discussion board set up by Simon Moon (Kyablion). The URL is
http://smoon.nixsys.bz/forum/

Grey rainy days

I really hate Tuesdays, always have done. I dont know why, they just seem as bad, if not worse than Mondays. Espescially when I am rudely awoken by a faulty fire alarm at 6:00 in the morning.

Well the day wasnt much better after that. After the fun of enrolling in classes yesterday (ie not working) I actually had to do some today, inlcuding a 2 hour Psychology lab on methodology. Not much, but still....

And it was rainy and cold all day, not good form for the "dryest part of Scotland". I dont mind the cold, its just the rain. And thats all. Going out for a drink with friends tonight, not much more to say.

Looks like I'm in

Got an email from Bridget Fischer, which I found about 20 minutes ago. Looks lik eI have been accepted into the Neurocam fold. I'm sure you have seen the email before but here it is again for those who are interested

--------------------------------------------

Welcome to Neurocam!

I am pleased to advise that I hereby offer you a position within Neurocam International.

Your Perception Assignment report was evaluated in accordance with our pre-determined assessment criteria. Neurocam’s Human Resources and Security Division found that your report demonstrated a minimum of seven of the ten qualities desired by Neurocam International. This rating determines that you would be an appropriate candidate for operational deployment.

Neurocam International hopes that you will accept this offer and that this act will mark the beginning of a sustained mutually beneficial association with our organization. Upon acceptance of our offer you will immediately receive accreditation for ongoing operational deployment, a privilege achieved by less than 26% of applicants.

Your operational deployment will be effective immediately, although the details of your first assignment will remain confidential until such time as the Operations Division contacts you. Be aware, the date of your first assignment will be determined by a variety of factors (including, but not limited to, your current location, your age and the state of any current Neurocam operations within your area). Although your deployment is effective immediately, Neurocam can not guarantee the exact date upon which you will receive your first assignment.

Being part of Neurocam is a responsibility we expect you to take very seriously. Neurocam International highly prizes its strong corporate image and reputation, so your continued involvement with us is conditional upon the demonstration of a public manner which will in no way reflect poorly upon the organization. Conduct contrary to this condition, such as overt aggression, physical violence, or any similar potentially embarrassing or disruptive behaviour displayed during the completion of assignments, will result in the immediate termination of your involvement with the organization.

I have included with this letter a copy of one of Neurocam’s introductory brochures - “A brief guide to being a Neurocam operative”. It should answer the majority of questions you may have. If, however, you have any further questions, please contact the Head of Neurocam’s Human Resources and Security Division, Maxwell Knight (maxwell.knight@neurocam.com), as he will be happy to respond to your queries.

Congratulations on completing Neurocam’s application process. I take great pleasure in being the first to welcome you to the Neurocam team.




A brief guide to being a Neurocam Operative

The Neurocam Operative

There are multiple streams of Neurocam involvement, however the majority of recruits commence their relationship with Neurocam as a Field Operative (or simply ‘Operative’). For this reason the following section addresses several frequently asked questions in relation to the practical aspects of becoming, being and retiring from being an Operative.

Operative Life

Recruitment
Recruitment into Neurocam and our organisation is undertaken via a range of methods, both standard and innovative. Operatives are recruited from a range of backgrounds. Each brings to our programme a unique range of skills required by our organisation and together our network of operatives form an indispensable aspect of this endeavor.

Despite repeated speculation otherwise, potential recruits self-select. Following selection they undertake a preliminary assignment while mandatory administrative activities are undertaken. While appropriate verification and positive vetting methods are resource intensive, to date we have been able to obtain information on all operatives adequate to our needs. We have no reason to anticipate any change to this situation.

The Human Resources and Security Division further employs a range of investigative techniques in support of recruitment and vetting processes.

NB: Further information in relation to background checks shall be made available to operatives engaged in Human Resource-related assignments.

Recruit travel and residency

Neurocam International is part of a multifaceted organization with operations throughout the world. We have operatives in countries such as: Australia; New Zealand; the United States of America; Nigeria; Kenya; Japan; Netherlands; Germany and the United Kingdom.
Residence within any single country is not a requisite of continued Neurocam involvement. Recruits may communicate with their contact via their usual channels (where these are available) while traveling. Alternatively, secondary or replacement, arrangements can be negotiated (at the discretion of Neurocam International) to support you during travel, or following relocation.
In extraordinary circumstances, Neurocam may contact you while away from your general residence in relation to its current assignment needs. Participation at such times is voluntary.

Retirement

The Executive of Neurocam International regards any cessation of an Operative's involvement as regrettable; however we accept that this will, on occasion, be unavoidable. Recruits and/or Operatives wishing, for what ever reason, to terminate their involvement need only send an e-mail which expresses this wish. Upon receipt of such an e-mail, all contact with the individual will immediately discontinue. There will be no further correspondence with you.

Assignments

As a recruit you will be placed on assignment. Our requirements are highly varied and recruits are frequently called upon to undertake both diversionary and directly productive assignments. At this point, the exact number and nature of Neurocam assignments must remain confidential, however all applicants who enter the recruitment process will be invited to participate in one, or more, assignments. As recruits progress through initial assessments, and as mandatory administrative processes progress, they may be offered Field Operative status.

Field Operatives are vital to the organisation achieving its aims with the Neurocam programme. Field Operative status ensures your continued inclusion in Neurocam endeavours. The frequency of assignments varies in accordance with programme requirements. In general Operatives are activated once every 20-30 days.

Public Relations/Assignment Security

We do not actively discourage general discussion about Neurocam. We would prefer that Operatives display a high degree of discretion when relating details of Neurocam’s operational practices.

Inappropriate disclosure of details pertaining to upcoming assignment(s) that result in the compromise of the assignment(s) can result in disciplinary action.

Participant health and safety

Neurocam International prides itself on its safety record. Unforeseen circumstances not-withstanding, Neurocam attempts at all times to provide operatives with all the information they require to undertake assignments in a safe and secure manner. Operatives are not knowingly sent into situations that pose a significant risk to Operative health or safety. In short, we will never intentionally place our operatives or employees in overly risky or dangerous situations without their prior consent.

NB: Neurocam premises are protected by state-of-the-art security measures, including both passive and active protections.

Contact between operatives

Operatives are not prohibited from entering into correspondence, or other contact, between Operatives during the completion of assignments, or otherwise. Operatives are expected to fully report such correspondence/contact.

Operational intelligence (including media)

Operational intelligence in the form of tangible media, or the electronic means to produce such, relating to an assignment is always both appropriate and welcome unless the Operative is specifically advised otherwise within the assignment brief.

Time zones

Assignment dates and times always refer to an Operative’s current time zone upon receipt of the assignment brief.

Failure

The nature of consequence is relative to the nature and cause of non-compliance. The most severe penalty, however, is generally termination of an operative's involvement with Neurocam.


Warm Regards,

Bridget Fischer
CEO
Neurocam International

----------------------------------------------------------------

Life should be alot more interesting from here on in....!

On "initiation"

This has been mentioned a few times in the Neurocam literature on the net, with Robert Henley and Maxwell Knight both making reference to it to different operatives. Anyhow, I just found an interesing piece on Chaosmagic.com on initiation.

" Elements of an Initiatory Experience

Peter Carroll outlined several elements that he argued should be part of an initiation into a magical order: an ordeal, empowerment, induction into the order, and the unexpected (Carroll, 1987, 133). Of course, formal initiations into orders and covens aren't the only sorts of initiations possible. Besides unplanned and unexpected initiatory experiences, one can self-initiate through private rituals, of which Israel Regardies supposedly became a strong advocate (Cicero and Cicero, 1998, xviii). The Cicero thread of the Golden Dawn, in fact, seems to emphasize this approach over traditional temple initiations, referring to it, not as an initiation into an order, but into a "current"

The Ordeal
Carroll identifies the ordeal as a test of devotion to the order and of those abilities required by the order (1987, 133)...a significant decision requiring substantial self-reflection and a focused will....Before certainty was restored, I had first to be judged by the initiator.

Carroll offered initiatory journeys, the guarding of a single position against a variety of challenges, and magical combat as possible types of ordeals (Carroll, 1987, 134). I add to that the use of restraints, ritual separation from others, confinement, making, without preparation, a statement of one's magical will, and the near torturous use of uncertainty. These could, of course, be fit into those methods Carroll recommends as well. Ideally, these ordeals would be of sufficient intensity that an order could avoid the phenomenon of people collecting initiations as if they were baseball cards or Beanie Babies. An initiation should occur either spontaneously or as a reflection of the will of the candidate after sufficient self-reflection to recognize that such an initiation is what is needed at that moment to further one's personal work.

During the empowerment phase of an initiation, the candidate receives or is taught new knowledge or skills or is led through new and transforming experiences. (Carroll, 1987, 134-135)

During all three initiations, the primary knowledge that was transmitted was often the knowledge of the processes of the initiations themselves as I experienced them.

The pronouncements were brilliant in that, by defying any sort of rationality, the initiator forced me to shut down my rational mind, empowering me to find new and deeper spiritual meanings in the nonsense and in new modes of thinking.

Induction
Carroll describes the induction phase of initiation as the phase during which the candidate is recognized as a member of the order. In doing so, he or she may be required to accept certain conditions of secrecy or may have something of his or hers taken and kept in the possession of the order so as to demonstrate power over the candidate in case he or she should choose to violate those rules of secrecy or otherwise bring harm to the order (Carroll, 1987, 135).

A cheaper way of interrogating the dynamics of power and privilege within an order or as part of the initiatory experience is through an analysis of the social, rather than personal, dimensions of power."

OK, so its not totally the same as the netry into Neurocam, however the parallels can be drawn without difficulty. And for those of you who were wondering, Chaos Magick is a postmodernits branch of magick fcused on using whatever method necessary to get results, regardless of the system it comes from. There is more to it than that, but that is the simplest explanation.

Two posts in one night, I know...but I just checked my email account and found this:

------------------------------------------------------------------
Important message to all staff and students

You may be aware from press reports that the Union Debating Society,
a student organisation, has invited Nick Griffin of the British
National Party to speak at a debate on multiculturalism in St Andrews
next week.

The University is conscious that this invitation is likely to cause
significant concern to a large number of people in St Andrews and
more widely. We have pointed out to the Debating Society that any
such visit is likely to be damaging to our efforts to promote
diversity in St Andrews and have asked them to reconsider this
invitation.

The University has also issued the following press statement:

"The views and values of Mr Griffin and his party are utterly odious to the
University of St Andrews, but we do not have a locus as a censor of
independent student debates."

If you have any concerns, please address them to the Debating Society.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gah, the great dilemma! I hate racist scum like this, but I also have a profound respect for Freedom of speech. Oh what to do....I assume there will be some protestors outside the place, and I can't blame them. For any foreign readers, the BNP is a far right racist party (though they deny that part). They are essentially a fringe group, but with increased media reporting on immigration (way out of proportion I might add) they have made gains in recent years. They also have a habit of stirring up trouble at public meetings, sometimes ending in small riots. I suppose I could join in the debate, which might be fun (hehe, Reason and Argument now seems like a useful module) but I cant see it doing much.

Right I sent off the Perception Test. I know you are all dying to see what I didon Monday so here it goes...

4:05 pm, I left my flat to go into town. I had some money given as a present that I had been unable to spend, and I had been recommended a few books by friends so I walked into the main town high street to go to the main bookstore.

It was a 15 minute walk, quite relaxing really, given the time of day. There were some more people in the park than usual (the park was a short-cut) but given that the local schools had just ended, hardly unexpected or surprising.

4:20 I had arrived at Ottakar’s Bookstore. I saw a friend from University accommodation outside, but she was clearly busy so we just exchanged quick hello’s.

Inside, I decided to first check if they had Neil Gaiman’s American Gods in stock. Fortunately finding one slightly damaged copy, I moved on to check if they had the other books I was after. I made an inquiry with one of the employees about Robert Anton Wilson, author of the Illuminatus! Trilogy, among others, but to no success. I decided not to place an order, because I wanted to check the other shop and prices on the Internet. I also bought a copy of Naomi Klein’s No Logo. I had read a report of hers on www.GuerrillaNews.com and found her to be an interesting and insightful writer, plus it dealt with corporate power and influence with branding, a topic I find interesting on economic, political and psychological levels.

I left at 4:35 and made the five minute walk to the next store, using a nearby alley as my shortcut. On crossing the street I nearly got run over by a newish looking red car (I didn’t see much detail) who failed to use an indicator when going around the corner into the street. Getting to the bookstore, I made the same inquiry about R. A. Wilson, but with no positive result. On hearing this, I left and made my way back to the flat.

It was a 15 minute walk, pretty quiet and fairly normal. On getting back (5:00pm), I switched on the radio and took out the book America Gods. I prefer to read with some music or other sound in the background.

At 6:10 I decided that I would have a University provided dinner tonight. I went to the Dining Hall and had some sort of fried beef and vegetables. I chatted with some friends while having the dinner and left at around 6:40pm.

Getting back to my flat, I decided to draft some emails for some friends who I hadn’t seen since Christmas time. I had been too busy earlier on in the previous weeks, with exams etc to be able to do that, but now seemed a good time. I also used the opportunity to check out what the news was, as I watch virtually no TV and hadn’t been anywhere to get a paper.

At 8:00 pm I finish my first draft, save them and switch the computer off. I have a quick flick through No Logo, just to get a feel for it, then I went for a shower at around 8:15pm. At 8:40pm I finished at decided to listen to a CD I recently bought, Kasabian (self titled album) while sorting through some of my files in preparation for next semester.

And that was my fun filled day. Im rather hoping Neurocam will take pity on my boring existence and give me something to keep an interest in!

And in other news, I have spent the last 24 hours basically debugging my PC. It has this wonderful habit of doing random things and crashing, and given most kids know more about computers than me, its been tough. Ah well. Until next time, dear reader....

A sense of humour

Doesnt seem to be lacking at Neurocam International somewhere. I have been looking at the disclaimer on their site, since reading Lady J's blog bought to my attention that there had been additions. Here are some that made me laugh

Neurocam is not pornography
Neurocam is no your fantasy
Neurocam is not our fantasy
Neurocam is not a herpes virus (oh damn, and I really thought that was the answer)
Neurocam is not influenced by the Thelema (hmm, not so sure about that myself, although Thelema hardly have the monopoly on Crowley and his writings)
Neurocam is not a new brand of ice cream
Neurocam is not a new energy drink
Neurocam is not engraved in 1 of every 45,000,000 Coca Cola cans
Neurocam is not implanting embryos into my uterus as we speak
Neurocam is not queer eye for the neurotic guy
Neurocam is not controling the weather
Neurocam is not collecting my feces
Neurocam is not transporting my feces across the world through operatives

Which still leaves the question of what it is, if it is indeed capable of definition? If in fact, the question of what it is, and what is does, are not linked, and so it is the wrong sort of question? Or just it is one of those things and they are lying? Argh, too much thinking too soon after waking up.

In other news...nothing. Thats right, absolutely nada. While holidays from studies are good, it can be a drag when 90% of the people you know have gone to their respective homes all over the western world. I suppose it gives me more time to devote to greatest hobby, sleeping, though!

I appear to have a blog...

Well, it seems to be the "in thing". Espescially since I am trying to be a Neurocam operative (cue odd emails hinting at the occult and gentics technology). Since this is going to be a "Neurocam" blog I may as well explain to where I have got. So far I have the perception test to undergo on Monday, as per normal, then a wait of a week to see what happens. I'll also contact some occult interested friends, and see what they make of the numerous odd references so far in the Neurocam literature on the net.

I've pretty much ruled out a standard "advertising ploy" as with the film AI, for example, as it has been going on for too long. It could be an APG, even though the website disclaimer denies it, perhaps to "add realism" (although I'll probably recieve several rebuttals of that now!). Watever it is, it seems to be interesting, and certainly caught my attention.

Well, that'll be all from me for now. I still have a slight hangover from too much bad vodka last night, hence why I am in on a Saturday instead of enjoying myself. Ah well...