...»See Ya

Can You Crack a Code?
Try Your Hand at Cryptanalysis

12/24/09

We've challenged you before—in November 2007, December 2008, and May 2009—to unravel a code and reveal its secret message like the “cryptanalysts” in our FBI Laboratory.

In our latest quiz, we've switched gears a bit, using pictogram symbols based on Native American motifs. And with more than 50 words to decipher, it's our longest one so far.

For the first time, we're also posting the answer (see the bottom of this page) in case you are stumped. We ask, however, that you not post the solution on the web so that everyone can have a chance to give it a try.

Once again: If you want a primer on basic cipher systems and how to break them, see the article "."

Good luck!

Note: Sorry, but cracking this code doesn't guarantee you a job with the FBI! But do check out careers with us at FBIJobs.gov.

The answer

To learn more about code-breaking in the FBI:

• A 400-Year History of Cryptanalysis
• The Zodiac Killer Case
• Cryptanalysis in the FBI Lab

via fbi.gov

Can You Crack a Code? Try Your Hand at Cryptanalysis 12/24/09 We've challenged you before—in November 2007 , December 2008 , and May 2009 —to unravel a code and reveal its secret message like the “cryptanalysts” in our FBI Laboratory. In our latest quiz, we've switched gears a bit, using pictogram s ...»See Ya

via fbi.gov

via fbi.gov ...»See Ya

via breakmyface.com

via breakmyface.com ...»See Ya

Red Rockers ~ Guns of Revolution (New Orleans Punk following act)

IT NEVER ENDS #12

RED ROCKERS ~ Guns of Revolution EP (Vinyl Solution 1980)

With the production help of Huns guitarist John Burton, New Orleans' Red Rockers — who took their sound from the Clash and their name from Dils — produced a fine little debut EP. None of their follow-ups could really touch "Guns of Revolution", though the band did gain some moderate commercial success. Whether it was sticking around their hometown, assembling picture sleeves, maintaining line-ups, or toeing the Party line, the Red Rockers didn't do anything for very long.

Back in 1999, our man Dirk Horst put together a fairly thorough Red Rockers dissection here. His discography lists the Red Rocker's debut EP as being issued only in a white paper sleeve. While true for the majority, an oversize picture sleeve was issued on plenty of copies, and it's been a want list standard for years. Cutting, folding, and pasting the picture sleeves proved to be a bit too proletarian for the band which is a cryin' shame considering how top-notch the artwork is.

Textured, coated stock makes the sleeve impervious to convincing color-copying

And just when collector scum had gnashed their teeth to the gums trying to find the above, INE introduces an even tastier morsel for all to sink their dentures into. Below is the ultra-rare first issue of the picture sleeve. The band designed and printed these before opting for the more professionally designed and printed "cockpit" artwork. According to the band, very few of this version were printed and most were trashed or used for set list stationery. One of these surfaced in the Jeff Bale collection years ago and only a couple others have been spotted since.

Crude two-color offset litho printing makes for a great punk rock aesthetic

After the Lubricants saga, I figured it was time for some short 'n' sweet installments, so th-th-that's all, folks. Stay tuned for further hair pulling, teeth gnashing, nail biting, and face smashing. Happy New Year.

— Ryan Richardson
January 1, 2006

via breakmyface.com

IT NEVER ENDS #12 RED ROCKERS ~ Guns of Revolution EP (Vinyl Solution 1980) With the production help of Huns guitarist John Burton, New Orleans' Red Rockers — who took their sound from the Clash and their name from Dils — produced a fine little debut EP. None of their follow-ups could really touch " ...»See Ya