Playing the Godgame

Discontinuation

2005-05-07T13:03:00.000-04:00

I am Hereby Discontinuing posting on this blog. I think it is in the best interests of Neurocam, and myself to stop. Rather than risk walking the thin security line of what I am allowed to comment on, I will save myself, and my superiors the trouble by just not posting. I decided this of my own will, and wasn't coerced or asked to do so. I will continue making myself available through my e-mail, Mr.Urfe@gmail.com, and will also not stop conversing on appropriate topics on the board. Thanks.

-Nicholas Urfe
Out.

(no subject)

2005-05-01T22:20:00.000-04:00

To: Mr.Urfe@gmail.com
From: miles.carrefour@neurocam.com
Subject: (no subject)
Sent: 9:33 PM EST, May 1st 2005

Dear Operative Nicholas Urfe

Thank you for your email.

While I am not in the correct position to be assigning further
operational
assignments beyond induction related activities, which includes
providing
detailed information about any Neurocam Identifiers, I can confidently
convey, unfortunately, that your research and contemplations, while of
some merit, incorrectly lead you to several assumptions about the
operational significance of Neurocam Identifiers. Suffice to say you
should not concern yourself with such matters, and if, due to
operational
requirements, it does become relevant to your engagement with Neurocam,
you will be contacted by the Operations Division regarding this.

I have, for future reference, made a note about your enthusiastic
research
aptitude on your personnel file.

Regards,

Miles Carrefour
Induction Officer
Human Resources Security Division
Neurocam International
miles.carrefour@neurocam.com

Apparently Mr Carrefour keeps late hours. Sunday at 9:00? This settles it. The cam is open weekends.

::EDIT:: I was wrong, at this moment in Australia, It's noontime. Assuming Neurocam's HQ is in Australia...

What is Neurocam?

2005-05-01T20:51:00.000-04:00

I have finally answered the oh so frequently asked question. I don't think there has ever been a speculation on what Neurocam is which has been proven to be true. My answer is.

What is Neurocam?

Neurocam Is.

I'm not trying to sound existential or anything, but it's true!

Also, when reading archives on blogs, they should be listed in chronological order, starting from the earliest, not vice versa, as they are. I hate that. Can we get a Neurocammer Blog Lobby to bug blogger about this? Comment if you want in.

To Miles Carrefour, On Neurocam Identifiers

2005-05-01T15:02:00.000-04:00

From: Mr.Urfe@gmail.com
To: Miles.Carrefour@neurocam.com
Subject: Concerning a Neurocam Identifier
Sent: 3:01 PM EST, May 1st, 2005

Dear Mr. Miles Carrefour,

As I am sure you know, I have been a Neurocam Operative since April 23rd or this year.

I have been very interested in other operatives experiences with Neurocam, and have read countless weblogs pertaining to Neurocam.

On a number of these the author refered to a "Neurocam Identifier". I am curious as to what this is, and if all operatives are to recieve them. Are they only for operatives in more populated areas, like Melbourne, Australia, and New York City?

Have I not yet been assigned to recieve one due to my location(Buffalo, New York, US), or has my initial assignment (NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NTC – 5555/01) been different due to it's urgency in the matter of Ms. Fischer's saftey?

I also wish to understand the practicality of the Identifier, and it's use. Will I only receive one if I need to go on an assignment with another operative?

I apologize if I am contacting the wrong person on this matter, and would appriciate it if you would forward this to whomever should be it's recipient. I also understand that the Security of Neurocam is foremost, and no answer to these questions will be justified. Despite this, I eagerly await your reply.

Warm regards,

Operative Nicholas Urfe
Mr.Urfe@gmail.com

A special hello, and good day to the Workers of The World.
Happy May Day

Coulds Without Water

2005-04-29T18:35:00.000-04:00

I’ve done some basic research (Google is my hero) on the buzzwords and phrases mentioned recently on so many blogs, and thought it would be interesting to share them. I found little on the scientific sounding phrases, but thought the biblical reference to be very fascinating.

“Clouds without water”

Most likely a reference to Jude 1:12 of the Christian Bible.

“These men are unseen rocks at your love-feasts, when they take part in them with you, keepers of sheep who without fear take the food of the sheep; clouds without water rushing before the wind, wasted trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots,”

From the Bible in Basic English translation

"These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;"

From the American Standard Version translation

"These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;"

From the King James Version translation

Another less scholarly reference Knight could be making is to the band "Zoar" which has what I think is a concept album of the title "Clouds without Water". for a review of the alvum I suggest visiting the reveiw on the Middle Pillar Distro site.

"The lyrics here, an excerpt from author Charles Bowden's Blood Orchid, deals with the ancient wisdom that humans have lost, becoming completely dependent on technology for our fundamental means of survival."

Perhaps Knight commenting on the ARG like atmosphere the Blogs and message boards have created around neurocam. Or maybe not, and I'm way off base here.

"Jennifer Charles of ELYSIAN FIELDS, gives a startling performance on "In These
Rooms", portraying a femme fatale that would frighten Mickey Spillane. Vintage
film-noir style dialogue about murder combines with gothic horror elements to
chill the blood."

Perhaps Knight is refering to some cold blooded and hostile female he may know from his life, perhaps the workplace. Maybe not, and I'm way off base here.

There is also a book by Rev. C. Verey (Aleister Crowley) of the same title.

"Look! Look! upon the tripod through the smoke Of slain things kindled, and fine
frankincense. Look deep beyond the phantoms these evoke Are sightless halls
where spirit stifles sense. There do I open the old book of Fate Wherein They
pictured my delight and me Flushed with the dawn of rapture laureate And leaping
with the laughter of ecstacy. Mine eyes grow aged with that hieroglyph Of doom
that I have sought : the fatal end. That which is written is written, even if
Great Zeus himself great Zeus ! -- were to befriend. Even in the spring of the
first floral kiss : "No happy end the gods have given for this "

Above Quote Borrowed from Agent Titan's blog.

The obscurity and scholarly nature of such quotes leads me to believe that
both men are highly educated. We may be looking at Theology, philosophy or
English majors. Also, possibly former (maybe even current) art students. In few
other environments then a University would one find such intellect in such
concentration, and from a look at Neurocam’s application process, it can be
assumed that such a concentration did not come about merely be rising through
the ranks, but is more likely those up top, began there.
(Not to say that the
Application process is simple, or requires little intelligence, but such a
massive intellect, as displayed in e-mails with Operative Toby Esterhase by
Knight, rarely comes across so many others frequently)
In my speculation on the possible meaning of these quotes, I do not mean to agree with whatever the speaker is saying. I'm afraid that soon there will be sides to take and for now wish to stay out of the conflict itself until I have a better understanding of what is occuring.

[It seems I have some catching up to do with what has happened with Neurocam since I have been busy, and will thusly be updating backwards tommorow, dating each entry as they happened, starting with may acceptance last Saturday.]

I've been Accpeted

2005-04-25T09:05:00.000-04:00

I've Been Accpeted

Dear Operative Urfe

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, Gertrude Zelle (gertrude.zelle@neurocam.com), as she 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.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, Gertrude Zelle
(gertrude.zelle@neurocam.com), as she 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.

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 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 bridget.fischer@neurocam.com 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
bridget.fischer@neurocam.com

I've also been assigned NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NTC – 5555/01.
Feel free to contact me if you've been assigned the same one.

Application Perception Assesment

2005-04-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

Name: Nicholas Urfe
Age: 17
City / Country: Buffalo, USA
E-Mail:Mr.Urfe@gmail.com

1. I heard about Neurocam by stumbling across a news report about
graffiti done on one of the Neurocam billboards in melbourne, while
searching for street art from that city.
2. I expect Neurocam to be an Interesting experience at least. From
reading various blogs, I expect Neurocam to help me see the world, and
the people who inhabit it around me in a very different way.
3. My lucky number is 14.
4. I instinctively turn right.
5. Neurocam is a means to change how we see the world and each other,
making life more exciting and fulfilling.

4.00 PM
I arrived at a park in Kenmore, New York a few Minutes earlier, with
my Girlfriend, Shannon. We watched her little brother play, who ran up
and down the front end of a slide, throwing off a toy parachute man he
had made at school. There were two middle aged women watching their
elementary aged daughter and a young male toddler, probably no older
than four playing as well. At a nearby basketball court there were six
middle schoolers playing.

4:04 PM
One of the Middle Schoolers, a young blonde girl, strolled away from
her friends playing basketball to have a cigarette. It surprised me
that someone so young was smoking so early, and in the vicinity of
smaller children.

4:16 PM
We started walking back to Shannon's house

4:21 PM
We arrived at Shannon's house to drop off Danny before going back to
school where my father was waiting to drive me home (He's the
principal where I go to school, Kenmore West High School). Her dad was
home from his workplace early, and had been dropped off by a friend
because he sold his car.

4:23
We got into Shannon's car (a used 1990 Honda Civic) to leave, but the
Key wouldn't turn due to a malfunctioning anti-theft system.
Subsequently, we had to walk back to school, which was by far the
worst part of my day. We took her street (Summerton) to Delaware
Avenue, and Delaware to Columbia St. Columbia connects straight to
Highland Avenue which is where my school is.

4:47
We arrived back at school where I kissed her goodbye, the best part of my day.

4:50
I went to the main office and checked my mail for a few minutes while
waiting for my father to finish up before we left for home.

5:15
We left the school and I drove home, because I have my learners driving permit.

5:42
I arrived at home, and sat down for dinner with my family. We had
homemade macaroni and cheese with baked rolls and salad. Conversation
was sparse and quiet, except for my little 5 year old brothers, who
wouldn't shut up about the Zoo, an upcoming field trip for their
classes.

6:13
I finished my dinner and cleared the table.

6:17
I sat down with my 15 year old brother Forrest in my living room to
watch "Kky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" I liked the design but
the plot and the concept were sort of cheesy.

8:03
We finished the movie, and I watched "Law and Order" on TNT while
doing an outline from my Advanced Placement American Government
textbook.

9:00
The show ended and I finished my outline around 9:15. I then went to Bed.

Thank You
Sincerely,
Nicholas Urfe

An Introduction

2005-03-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

After being introduced to Neurocam by stumbling across and old news article, I thought it would be interesting to sign myself up, and see what happens. Following in the footsteps of others, I have set up this blog to document what happens.

My initial Application Info:

Name/Alias: Nicholas Urfe
Age: 17
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA
E-mail: Mr.Urfe@gmail.com

Personal Info:
I'm a senior in High School, with an interest in International Politics, Computers, and Science Fiction.
Some of my favorite authors include John Fowles, Robert J. Sawyer, and Chuck Palahniuk.
Feel free to contact me though e-mail or on AIM at Mr Urfe