Petter Petto recollects that the number 23 is important in the writings of William S. Burroughs. It's also a major trope in _Illuminatus_ by RA Wilson and some other joker, who collectively run it into the ground (along with the Law of Fives [2+3=5]). IMO, _Illuminatus_ point out the difference between playing with paranoia and the genuine article. ss