The Flat Earth Society

Flat Earth Discussion Boards => Flat Earth General => Topic started by: Username on February 02, 2014, 06:51:49 AM

Title: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 06:51:49 AM
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2004/mar/HQ_04093_subvocal_speech.html (http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2004/mar/HQ_04093_subvocal_speech.html)

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NASA Develops System To Computerize Silent, "Subvocal Speech"
 
 
NASA scientists have begun to computerize human, silent reading using nerve signals in the throat that control speech.

In preliminary experiments, NASA scientists found that small, button-sized sensors, stuck under the chin and on either side of the "Adam's apple," could gather nerve signals, and send them to a processor and then to a computer program that translates them into words. Eventually, such "subvocal speech" systems could be used in spacesuits, in noisy places like airport towers to capture air-traffic controller commands, or even in traditional voice-recognition programs to increase accuracy, according to NASA scientists.

Really? They developed mind reading technology because of an inability to deal with noise cancellation?

I'm not a conspiracy theorist sorta guy, but at the very least this is a misuse of their funding.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: iwanttobelieve on February 02, 2014, 07:00:11 AM
If you are not a conspiracy theory type guy then you are on the wrong forum.

Please stop with this NASA witch hunt. 

Thank you.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 07:05:33 AM
If you are not a conspiracy theory type guy then you are on the wrong forum.

Please stop with this NASA witch hunt. 

Thank you.
Hardly a witch hunt. They have no business researching in anything but Aeronautics and Space.

Also, it may surprise you to know not all flat earthers believe in a conspiracy.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: iwanttobelieve on February 02, 2014, 07:15:57 AM
If you believe this, you are on the wrong site.
and, please stop with your NASA witch hunt, it only degrades what was once a great society.
Your conspiracy theories has made this a parody site.

It is time for new leadership.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: JimmyTheCrab on February 02, 2014, 07:32:04 AM
How is this in any way "thought reading"?  Unless you think with your throat.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 02, 2014, 07:35:49 AM
You need to change your topic header.  It's nothing to do with "reading thoughts"!

And you are aware that this NASA report is a decade old?

At any rate, at Carnegie Mellon University, researchers found that the same "speaker" with accuracy rates of 94% one day can see that rate drop to only 48% a day later; between two different speakers it drops even more.

Thus far, after 10 years, it's still useless technology, and has no practical application.
 
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: glokta on February 02, 2014, 07:38:38 AM
I don't see any mention of "thought reading" here? And the potential practical applications of the research are listed quite clearly in the piece you quoted.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Antonio on February 02, 2014, 07:53:09 AM
This is just an improvement of the WWI throat mic :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throat_microphone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throat_microphone)

Where is the conspiracy there ?
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 08:01:54 AM
The conspiracy is they have no business spending tax payers money to study the reading of subvocalizations. Why are they even interested in reading thoughts? 

Especially if it is useless - which may just be purposefully misreported.

This is not an improvement on the Throat Microphone. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subvocalization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subvocalization) . This is reading peoples thoughts, which not only is a morally gray area, but also has absolutely nothing to do with space travel or astronomy.

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 02, 2014, 08:04:58 AM
This is reading peoples thoughts, which not only is a morally gray area, but also has absolutely nothing to do with space travel or astronomy.

No, it is NOT "reading people's thoughts".  One has to sub-vocalise for this thing to work.  And its application has positive ramifications for astronauts.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: glokta on February 02, 2014, 08:06:05 AM
are we reading the same article? Can you point out for me where it states they can read thoughts?
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 08:10:48 AM
I think its fair to define subvocalizations as thoughts as a large portion of people subvocalize often and without real knowledge they are doing it. [nb]Rayner, Keith and Pollatsek, Alexander (1994) The Psychology of Reading[/nb] Many even have to work hard to remove subvocalization.[nb]http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/beginning_insight_meditation.php[/nb]

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 02, 2014, 08:26:43 AM

I think its fair to define subvocalizations as thoughts as a large portion of people subvocalize often and without real knowledge they are doing it.

You're welcome to consider it "fair" to equate subvocalisation with a uniquely neurological process, but nobody else does.

One easy way to disprove this?  Whilst you're reading this thread, think simultaneously of one of your loved childhood pets.
 
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: JimmyTheCrab on February 02, 2014, 08:36:19 AM
This is reading peoples thoughts,
No.  It. Is. Not.

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http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/beginning_insight_meditation.php (http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/beginning_insight_meditation.php)
Why have you linked this?  Subvocalisation is not mentioned.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 08:57:22 AM
This is reading peoples thoughts,
No.  It. Is. Not.

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http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/beginning_insight_meditation.php (http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/beginning_insight_meditation.php)
Why have you linked this?  Subvocalisation is not mentioned.
If you really want to harp on the word "thought" just switch the word "subvocalize" in place instead or whichever word we can come to an agreement to use.

That said, I'm not meaning to equate subvocalization to all thought; I'm saying that Subvocalization is one instance of thought, or at least the manifest ion of such an instance - and it is one that can contain particularly private information.  Many medical conditions affect this as well.  Its not reading *all* of peoples thoughts, just some, namely those involved in subvocalization. Many people are not aware of their subvocalization (especially when in a fatigued state); thus they could betray themselves, reveal private information, be manipulated, or otherwise be put into a morally suspect position.  Many others can not control their subvocalization. This leads to the naive idea that your inner voice is due to the "Holy Spirit" or conscience.

Do you really think it is right to build technology that reads conscience?

Empty mind meditation does rely on the removal of subvocalization - your inner monologue, the chattering monkey, etc. Obviously, buddhism is not going to be using the same terminology.

NASA has no business doing this research. The gain is minimal, the cost is high (both in moral terms and in monetary terms) and they are an organization that deals with space research, not improving technology that is already suitable for their purposes. They are wasting tax payer money. The blood, sweat, and tears of the working class is fueling their useless and morally suspect research ends.

Those that believe in a conspiracy could likely think of many reasons they would not like their inner monologue revealed.
 
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 02, 2014, 09:16:33 AM

If you really want to harp on the word "thought" just switch the word "private monologue" in place instead or whichever word we can come to an agreement to use.

Nope.  We're not "harping" on the word thought.  We're simply ensuring that we're all on a level playing field here.  The definitions are critical.  There's NO way that a private monologue (whatever that is precisely) can be considered identical to thought.

And you're still missing the point about astronauts communicating with subvocalisation.

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That said, I'm not meaning to equate subvocalization to all thought...

So now you're shifting the parameters, as compared to your original assertions about "reading thoughts"?  You've now added a qualifier—it's now not "all" thoughts.  So you're just making things up on the trot to suit your notions as you please.  This sort of thing happens all too often when debating with FEs and makes it very difficult for REs to mount and maintain a cogent argument.  It should also be noted that REs never alter their original premises—we stick by them because they're correct.  We don't need to change our definitions half way through a debate.
 
 


Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 09:18:20 AM

If you really want to harp on the word "thought" just switch the word "private monologue" in place instead or whichever word we can come to an agreement to use.

Nope.  We're not "harping" on the word thought.  We're simply ensuring that we're all on a level playing field here.  The definitions are critical.  There's NO way that a private monologue (whatever that is precisely) can be considered identical to thought.

And you're still missing the point about astronauts communicating with subvocalisation.
I'm not missing the point. They already have a technology that allows astronauts to communicate.

Where did I say thought was identical to an inner monologue?
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Quote
That said, I'm not meaning to equate subvocalization to all thought...

So now you're shifting the parameters, as compared to your original assertions about "reading thoughts"?  You've now added a qualifier—it's now not "all" thoughts.  So you're just making things up on the trot to suit your notions as you please.  This sort of thing happens all too often when debating with FEs and makes it very difficult for REs to mount and maintain a cogent argument.  It should also be noted that REs never alter their original premises—we stick by them because they're correct.  We don't need to change our definitions half way through a debate.
I'm not. You are reading into what I'm saying.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 09:19:24 AM

If you really want to harp on the word "thought" just switch the word "private monologue" in place instead or whichever word we can come to an agreement to use.

Nope.  We're not "harping" on the word thought.  We're simply ensuring that we're all on a level playing field here.  The definitions are critical.  There's NO way that a private monologue (whatever that is precisely) can be considered identical to thought.

And you're still missing the point about astronauts communicating with subvocalisation.
I'm not missing the point. They already have a technology that allows astronauts to communicate.

Where did I say thought was identical to an inner monologue?
Quote
Quote
That said, I'm not meaning to equate subvocalization to all thought...

So now you're shifting the parameters, as compared to your original assertions about "reading thoughts"?  You've now added a qualifier—it's now not "all" thoughts.  So you're just making things up on the trot to suit your notions as you please.  This sort of thing happens all too often when debating with FEs and makes it very difficult for REs to mount and maintain a cogent argument.  It should also be noted that REs never alter their original premises—we stick by them because they're correct.  We don't need to change our definitions half way through a debate.
I'm not. You are reading into what I'm saying.
"Much of what people consciously report "thinking about" may be thought of as an internal monologue, a conversation with oneself."[nb]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_Monologue[/nb]
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: JimmyTheCrab on February 02, 2014, 09:19:50 AM

That said, I'm not meaning to equate subvocalization to all thought

and then...

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I'm saying that Subvocalization is one instance of thought,

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Do you really think it is right to build technology that reads conscience?

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The blood, sweat, and tears of the working class is fueling their useless and morally suspect research ends.
Wait...what?  This is about class warfare now is it?

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they would not like their inner monologue revealed.
 
Well, they shouldn't let NASA strap a microphone to their throat then.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 09:21:25 AM

That said, I'm not meaning to equate subvocalization to all thought

and then...

Quote
I'm saying that Subvocalization is one instance of thought,

Quote
Do you really think it is right to build technology that reads conscience?

Quote
The blood, sweat, and tears of the working class is fueling their useless and morally suspect research ends.
Wait...what?  This is about class warfare now is it?

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they would not like their inner monologue revealed.
 
Well, they shouldn't let NASA strap a microphone to their throat then.
Great, so I never equated the two; Thanks.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 09:35:24 AM
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The blood, sweat, and tears of the working class is fueling their useless and morally suspect research ends.
Wait...what?  This is about class warfare now is it?

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they would not like their inner monologue revealed.
 
Well, they shouldn't let NASA strap a microphone to their throat then.

If they have a choice in the matter perhaps, and if its NASA doing the "strapping". This is of course ignoring the possibility that the technology would develop even further into something that could be used from a distance.


As far as class warfare goes, science is all about class warfare. Science has taken the place of theocracy.  Scientists are the monks handing down their priestcraft and ruling through their lies and half-truths. Priestcraft funded largely by those who have to perform real work; funded by those who unaware that scientists are liars, cheaters, and fakes.

Newton, Galileo, Copernicus, Einstein - some of the rockstars of science are all known to be academically dishonest. Pushing it further, there are studies that show this is common behavior.  On top of that, some even suggest that it is necessary for the advancement of science!

Science should be separated from state. Government funded research is wrong. Let the invisible hand of the market handle scientific funding. This is a prime example of why.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 02, 2014, 10:06:03 AM

Where did I say thought was identical to an inner monologue?

I quoted you before you edited your post.  Whoops..... you've been sprung, and now lost any credibility.

At 08:57:22 AM you said, and I quote:

Quote
If you really want to harp on the word "thought" just switch the word "private monologue"...

And for the record, I personally take a very dim view of people who alter their comments after being fairly criticised for their content.  There's hardly much point in debating with people who do this, but just bear it in mind before you do it again.



Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 02, 2014, 10:08:01 AM

Where did I say thought was identical to an inner monologue?

I quoted you before you edited your post.  Whoops..... you've been sprung, and now lost any credibility.

At 08:57:22 AM you said, and I quote:

Quote
If you really want to harp on the word "thought" just switch the word "private monologue"...

And for the record, I personally take a very dim view of people who alter their comments after being fairly criticised for their content.  There's hardly much point in debating with people who do this, but just bear it in mind before you do it again.
I didn't alter it after I read any of the posts. Its just my style to edit my posts if i see something I misused or misstated. If you want to read in whatever malicious intent you want, I can't help it.

You still haven't shown where I said they were equivalent. Even if you did, its clearly not my intent. I don't see any point in wasting my time with this level of argument. If you have any actual points to bring up, feel free.

You know my point of view on the matter and you are willfully ignoring it. I'm not saying its the only point of view. I am saying its a valid one.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 02, 2014, 10:33:54 AM

You know my point of view on the matter and you are willfully ignoring it. I'm not saying its the only point of view. I am saying its a valid one.

Um... okay... whatever. 
 

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: markjo on February 02, 2014, 06:32:41 PM
I'm not missing the point. They already have a technology that allows astronauts to communicate.
Yes, but my guess it that NASA was hoping that this would be a technology to allow astronauts to communicate better.

Research into controlling devices with thoughts (which this is not) has been ongoing for many years by government and private industry, so why sudden concern? 
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 03, 2014, 05:50:14 AM
I'm not missing the point. They already have a technology that allows astronauts to communicate.
Yes, but my guess it that NASA was hoping that this would be a technology to allow astronauts to communicate better.

Research into controlling devices with thoughts (which this is not) has been ongoing for many years by government and private industry, so why sudden concern?
The thing is they are often throwing huge sums of money at ideas that I doubt the tax payers would support. Whats worse is they fail to keep records of their monetary spending.

Perhaps they were hoping this technology would improve communication. Perhaps they were interested in selling this technology to the private sector or to the military. Perhaps someone just wanted funding for their pet project. We just can't say for sure.

The governments place is to protect its people.  Thus, I have far less an issue with ends such as tracking climate change and approaching asteroids or even their improvements that lead to laser heart surgery, cat scans, mri's etc - though, eventually some of these should still be handled partly by the private sector - at least as far as funding goes.

In addition, NASA has had quite the failure to produce advancements over the past few years. Should they not be punished through budget cuts?  We are in debt and we are wasting money on a largely useless program that hasn't shown us practical use in years and has had issues in the past with tracking where they are spending their tax payer money. The cold war is over; whats worse is we barely had the money *then* to deal with this. Their funding needs to be cut so they can only stick their fingers in the pies they are designed to. They are a bloated government whale, and the flat earth society is Captain Ahab.

Even when it is in their supposed field of expertise  ( http://theflatearthsociety.org/forum/index.php?topic=60967.0#.Uu-eYvZAV1A (http://theflatearthsociety.org/forum/index.php?topic=60967.0#.Uu-eYvZAV1A) ) they still fail us.

We need to cut their spending to remind them that NASA is not a microphone design agency, or a bedding design company, a fastener designer, or even a medical research facility.  These are all needs that should have been met by the private sector.



These fat cats in their ivory tower are getting away with abusing the working class through their misuse and misreporting of their money.

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: markjo on February 03, 2014, 06:39:03 AM
The thing is they are often throwing huge sums of money at ideas that I doubt the tax payers would support.
That's because it's hard to support something that you don't understand.

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Perhaps they were hoping this technology would improve communication. Perhaps they were interested in selling this technology to the private sector or to the military. Perhaps someone just wanted funding for their pet project. We just can't say for sure.
Yet that doesn't stop you from pressing the panic button.

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The governments place is to protect its people.  Thus, I have far less an issue with ends such as tracking climate change and approaching asteroids or even their improvements that lead to laser heart surgery, cat scans, mri's etc - though, eventually some of these should still be handled partly by the private sector - at least as far as funding goes.
So, you don't think that being able to communicate effectively in a noisy environment, or trying to stay quiet in a quiet environment don't have practical benefits?  I could easily see this technology being useful by military special forces to improve communications in hostile environments where stealth is critical.

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In addition, NASA has had quite the failure to produce advancements over the past few years. Should they not be punished through budget cuts?  We are in debt and we are wasting money on a largely useless program that hasn't shown us practical use in years and has had issues in the past with tracking where they are spending their tax payer money. The cold war is over; whats worse is we barely had the money *then* to deal with this. Their funding needs to be cut so they can only stick their fingers in the pies they are designed to. They are a bloated government whale, and the flat earth society is Captain Ahab.

Even when it is in their supposed field of expertise  ( http://theflatearthsociety.org/forum/index.php?topic=60967.0#.Uu-eYvZAV1A (http://theflatearthsociety.org/forum/index.php?topic=60967.0#.Uu-eYvZAV1A) ) they still fail us.

We need to cut their spending to remind them that NASA is not a microphone design agency, or a bedding design company, a fastener designer, or even a medical research facility.  These are all needs that should have been met by the private sector.



These fat cats in their ivory tower are getting away with abusing the working class through their misuse and misreporting of their money.
Now I'm confused.  Are you pissed because NASA is (was?) researching mind reading (not really) or the because that they couldn't get it to work well and therefore wasted all that money?
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 03, 2014, 06:53:44 AM
I doubt people would have a hard time understanding what a bed is, what velcro is, or what a space pen is. All of these have easily implementable existing solutions and are all inventions that should be in the private sector.  The government is not an organization that should be inventing new pens or beds.

Of course these items have practical benefits. The question is why is the government making them? How does it really have to do with the protection and safety of its people?  Is NASA a military organization? If not, then why are military applications relevant.

I'm pissed that NASA is spending time and money on projects that are not reflective of its reason of existence AND that they fail at it. When it does work, instead of giving the technology to the people (who should rightfully own it) they sell it so they can work on further pet projects or indulge their cocaine habits.

They have no business researching subvocalizations AND they failed at it. That the military could use this atrocious technology is of no doubt. That the military should use it is another question altogether.

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: JimmyTheCrab on February 03, 2014, 06:57:17 AM
The NASA budget is:  $17.6B
The US military budget is: $664B

The US spends 47 times more on killing people and blowing stuff up than it does on peaceful space exploration and associated research.

The NASA budget is 0.49% of federal spending

If you are going to get on your high horse about wasting tax-payers money then there might be more obvious targets with much more morally objectionable aims.  Plus:

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A report by the Space Foundation estimated that NASA contributed $180 billion to the economy in 2005. More than 60% of this came from commercial goods and services created by companies related from space technology. This means that each dollar of NASA spending creates $10 of benefit in the economy. NASA spending created the satellite communications which allows not only radio and television, but also telemedicine, GPS navigation, weather forecasts, and defense.

A 2002 study by Professor H.R. Hertzfeld of George Washington University showed there is a large return to the companies work with NASA on its research contracts. These companies are able to commercialize the products developed and market them. The 15 companies studied received $1.5 billion in benefits from a NASA R&D investment of $64 million.

Small companies didn't receive as much benefit, because they didn't have the ability to market the technology on a larger scale. The study concludes that NASA could create greater economic benefit by continuing the relationship with the companies they work with. NASA could also help open additional financial and marketing doors for these companies.

These benefits trickle down to everyday life. Since 1976, there were 1,400 NASA inventionsthat wound up as products or services,such as kidney dialysis machines, CAT scanners, and even freeze-dried food.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 03, 2014, 07:07:28 AM
The US should spend vastly more on military than on  peaceful space exploration and associated research. Because the military provides a basic function of government. 17.6B dollars should be going to help the welfare of our people. Not some Fat Cat's pet project.

Obviously, other areas where the government is spending too much money should also be examined.

As far as the fact that they make ridiculous amounts of money off their ventures - yes we know that. Instead of that money going to the protection of the people or their well being its lining the pockets of those in tight with NASA. NASA shouldn't be in the business of business or improving the economy. That's not their purpose - nor is  R&D of silly and non-necessary projects. We have organizations whose concern is the economy.

The government having their hands this much in business shares disturbing parallels to communism.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: markjo on February 03, 2014, 07:24:39 AM
Is NASA a military organization? If not, then why are military applications relevant.
Just because a product is developed for civilian use does not preclude military applications.

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I'm pissed that NASA is spending time and money on projects that are not reflective of its reason of existence AND that they fail at it.
It seems to me that astronauts being able to communicate effectively in a noisy environment could be considered a relevant project.  Besides, from the way that you're ranting, would you rather that they did succeed?

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When it does work, instead of giving the technology to the people (who should rightfully own it) they sell it so they can work on further pet projects or indulge their cocaine habits.
First of all, the "cocaine habits" bit was uncalled for and you should know better.  Secondly, if NASA can sell their patents to industry, then they don't need as much taxpayer money to fund their research.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 03, 2014, 07:32:47 AM
Is NASA a military organization? If not, then why are military applications relevant.
Just because a product is developed for civilian use does not preclude military applications.

Quote
I'm pissed that NASA is spending time and money on projects that are not reflective of its reason of existence AND that they fail at it.
It seems to me that astronauts being able to communicate effectively in a noisy environment could be considered a relevant project.  Besides, from the way that you're ranting, would you rather that they did succeed?

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When it does work, instead of giving the technology to the people (who should rightfully own it) they sell it so they can work on further pet projects or indulge their cocaine habits.
First of all, the "cocaine habits" bit was uncalled for and you should know better.  Secondly, if NASA can sell their patents to industry, then they don't need as much taxpayer money to fund their research.
They are selling patents that are rightfully owned by the people of the United States. They can't be funding their projects this way - its wrong. These technologies belong to the people of our country - the ones working their asses off to supply their families with bare necessities in these times of economic uncertainty. They should not have to pay for research both in taxes and in the private sector.

If this is the model they wish to take ( privatized funding ), they should privatize. They already communicate effectively. Furthermore there is no evidence that this research would help with communication and in fact it hasn't.

I'm also not so sure the cocaine remark is uncalled for. Two strikes so far:
http://www.space.com/7780-cocaine-nasa-space-shuttle-hangar.html (http://www.space.com/7780-cocaine-nasa-space-shuttle-hangar.html)
http://www.space.com/11128-nasa-kennedy-space-center-cocaine.html (http://www.space.com/11128-nasa-kennedy-space-center-cocaine.html)

Yes, I would like for their silly projects to at least work. On the other hand, I would rather they not indulge themselves in these projects.
(https://edgecastcdn.net/800034/www.perpetualkid.com/productimages/lg2/PENN-2201.jpg)
Next time they should use a  pencil instead of spending a million dollars inventing a new kind of pen.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: JimmyTheCrab on February 03, 2014, 08:02:50 AM
You've got some weird anti-NASA shit going on.  Did one of them sleep with your wife or something?

Or are you just an angry internet conpspiracy warrior?
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: markjo on February 03, 2014, 09:27:10 AM
They are selling patents that are rightfully owned by the people of the United States.
Who says that those patents are owned by the people?

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If this is the model they wish to take ( privatized funding ), they should privatize.
The government routinely sells lots of things that "are rightfully owned by the people of the United States".  Why should patents be any different?

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They already communicate effectively. Furthermore there is no evidence that this research would help with communication and in fact it hasn't.
Perhaps that's why they dropped the research years ago.  ::)

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Next time they should use a  pencil instead of spending a million dollars inventing a new kind of pen.
You do realize that NASA did not invent the space pen, don't you?
Quote from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Pen#Uses_in_the_U.S._and_Russian_space_programs
However, the claim that NASA spent millions on the Space Pen is incorrect, as the Fisher pen was developed using private capital, not government funding
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 03, 2014, 09:55:13 AM
They are selling patents that are rightfully owned by the people of the United States.
Who says that those patents are owned by the people?
I do.
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Quote
If this is the model they wish to take ( privatized funding ), they should privatize.
The government routinely sells lots of things that "are rightfully owned by the people of the United States".  Why should patents be any different?
Just because this behavior is widespread does not mean it is morally right.
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Quote
They already communicate effectively. Furthermore there is no evidence that this research would help with communication and in fact it hasn't.
Perhaps that's why they dropped the research years ago.  ::)
Perhaps that's why they shouldn't have started it.
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Quote
Next time they should use a  pencil instead of spending a million dollars inventing a new kind of pen.
You do realize that NASA did not invent the space pen, don't you?
Quote from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Pen#Uses_in_the_U.S._and_Russian_space_programs
However, the claim that NASA spent millions on the Space Pen is incorrect, as the Fisher pen was developed using private capital, not government funding
Fair enough, I did not know that - thanks. Though they did start developing it before switching back to pencils.

The urban legend does show the abstract though, even if that particular example is wrong. NASA routinely wastes money on silly projects.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 03, 2014, 10:33:55 AM

NASA routinely wastes money on silly projects.


Okay;  I'll name a few products that have resulted directly from NASA scientific research carried out for their space programs.  And I'd like you to name just as many "silly" projects.  Fair enough?

► Activated charcoal drinking water filters.
► Freeze drying.
► High-intensity LEDs.
► Mylar (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate).
► Safety grooving on high-speed freeways.
► Invisible tooth braces (translucent polycrystalline alumina).
► Ionization smoke detectors (americium-241).
► Scratch-resistant spectacle lenses.
► Dynacoil 3D polyurethane foam shoe insoles.
► Viscoelastic memory foam (disabled persons bedding/seating).
► Aural infrared thermometers (ear canal, babies).
 


 
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 03, 2014, 11:22:13 AM
Shoe insoles?
Water Filters?
Tooth Braces?
Freeway grooving?
Eye glasses?
Medical Bedding?


With the exception of freeway grooving these are things the government has no business developing, let alone a space agency. A space agency likewise shouldn't be developing freeway grooving. That's over half your list.

And then let us consider this: the working class pays this ticket for all these items but gains no benefit from them without paying again for the development of them at purchase (via markup for patent acquisition etc).  They are stealing from those that pay their salary to continue their silly projects.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: JimmyTheCrab on February 03, 2014, 11:28:49 AM
With the exception of freeway grooving these are things the government has no business developing
Why not?
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Ski on February 03, 2014, 01:07:41 PM

The urban legend does show the abstract though, even if that particular example is wrong. NASA routinely wastes money on silly projects.

Nor does the debunking dispute the fact that NASA was spending money developing such a pen until the costs "skyrocketed". How high is too high? How high does cost have to rise before even such a stingy, fiscally-responsible organization like NASA cancels it, I wonder. Conveniently the monetary figures for that development were missing from the article in favour of the fact that the same pen NASA spent too much money on before giving up was ultimately developed by a man in private enterprise who was able to develop them and sell them at under $3 a pop and turn a profit on the venture. It also neglects the fact they bought the 34 mechanical pencils mentioned for $4,382.50 in 1965 dollars, and they looked for an alternative only after the contract became public and predictably the taxpaying public was not impressed.  Surely, this is a stunning story of fiscal success for NASA.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: markjo on February 03, 2014, 05:01:22 PM
With the exception of freeway grooving these are things the government has no business developing, let alone a space agency. A space agency likewise shouldn't be developing freeway grooving. That's over half your list.
Did you forget that NASA is also an aeronautics agency?  You know, it's in the name: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.  NASA does quite a lot of research in aircraft safety, including grooved pavement for airport runways and aircraftde-icing technology, which benefits quite a few average taxpayers.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 04, 2014, 05:40:42 AM

With the exception of freeway grooving these are things the government has no business developing, let alone a space agency. A space agency likewise shouldn't be developing freeway grooving. That's over half your list.

You must have misinterpreted this bit of my posting?  "...a few products that have resulted directly from NASA scientific research carried out for their space programs".

None of those things I listed were part of any NASA research aimed primarily at the civilian sector.  They were all offshoots of space technology modified for public usage.  And as such, cost the taxpayers no more than the original R&D would've for the space program.  The secondary commercial development of all those things were paid for by private companies.

I'm not quite sure why you've got such a hard-on for dissing NASA.  Any personal reasons may I ask?

I'm also awaiting your similar listing of "silly things" that NASA have spent taxpayer money developing.
 

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 04, 2014, 06:28:19 AM
I have a problem with all government funded research. They just happen to be one of the most vocal and one of the worst. Compare with Ann Rand and Paul Feyerabend.

I also have a problem with priestcraft. Again they are one of the worst. Remember when they claimed dark matter was discovered? They routinely lie to the populace that is supporting their ridiculous endeavors through their blood sweat and tears.

I have a problem with bloated government agencies that should be part of the private sector. The government should not have their hands in aeronautics or space except in a regulatory manner. Just because we had a pissing contest with Russia during the cold war does not mean space exploration or science should be part of the government.

I have a problem with the military and government controlling and guiding scientific research through use of grants and other tactics.

I have a problem with companies that exploit the common person. NASA routinely does this by selling their research and patents to further their funding.

I have a problem with NASA using cocaine while on the tax payers clock.

I have a problem when NASA is completely useless at their job. WHen they can't recognize a moon rock from a petrified tree; when they ignore a mystery donut rock, when they purposefully misreport or edit findings etc.

I love science, and the government and scientific community is turning it into a religion, in the worst sense of the term. We are dealing with a farce of science, and its about time someone fixed the issue.

I have a problem with any technology that is possible of invading personal space. Science and the government are too amoral to be trusted with this power.
If any of those are personal, then yes. I have a personal problem with NASA.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: markjo on February 04, 2014, 06:37:47 AM
I have a problem with all government funded research. They just happen to be one of the most vocal and one of the worst.
Wow.  I can only imagine how you feel about DARPA.  ::)
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 04, 2014, 07:26:32 AM

The government should not have their hands in aeronautics or space except in a regulatory manner. Just because we had a pissing contest with Russia during the cold war does not mean space exploration or science should be part of the government.

Why, specifically, do you think it'd be better for multinational corporations alone to be researching and developing aeronautics and space programs?  Surely that'd likely open the floodgates of crime and corruption more than entrusting a government agency that at least has to answer in some measure to the taxpayer? 

CEOs of every major private corporation across the planet earn [sic] tens of millions of dollars in salaries per annum—relatively few people at NASA get that sort of income.  And the corruption follows the money trail.

I also did a double-take when I read your claim that the Cold War was only a "pissing contest".  You must be joking surely?

Can I ask if you were even alive during that time when the Doomsday Clock was set at 3 minutes to midnight at the height of the Cold War?  Do you understand what the Bay of Pigs was all about?
 

Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 04, 2014, 08:48:51 AM
Why, specifically, do you think it'd be better for multinational corporations alone to be researching and developing aeronautics and space programs?  Surely that'd likely open the floodgates of crime and corruption more than entrusting a government agency that at least has to answer in some measure to the taxpayer? 

CEOs of every major private corporation across the planet earn [sic] tens of millions of dollars in salaries per annum—relatively few people at NASA get that sort of income.  And the corruption follows the money trail.

I also did a double-take when I read your claim that the Cold War was only a "pissing contest".  You must be joking surely?
The space race was a pissing contest - not the cold war. 

The only proper function of government is the protection of the individual rights and well-being of its people.  Clearly the private sector is corrupt as well. That's a whole different conversation though. If the question is Plutocracy or Scientocracy my answer is : neither.  Both share exactly the same central issue - a corrupt amoral ruling class. If  we want an open and free society, we have to address these two issues at the very least. To me, science seems to be the more pressing issue as we already have lots of theoretical solutions for plutocracy. We are just too barbaric to want to make use of them.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: ausGeoff on February 06, 2014, 04:42:15 AM

The space race was a pissing contest - not the cold war.

In actuality, the so-called "space race" was a very integral part of the Cold War.  The US was caught napping when the USSR launched the first ICBM and put Sputnik 1 into orbit. Hence JFK stating in May 1961 that the United States should set as a goal the "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth" by the end of the decade.  The launch of Sputnik inaugurated the space race. This culminated in the Apollo Moon landings, which NASA astronaut Frank Borman later described as "just a battle in the Cold War".

Quote
If the question is Plutocracy or Scientocracy my answer is: neither.  Both share exactly the same central issue - a corrupt amoral ruling class. If  we want an open and free society, we have to address these two issues at the very least. To me, science seems to be the more pressing issue as we already have lots of theoretical solutions for plutocracy.

Generally speaking, I'd agree with these comments.  The dilemma of course is that we (the people) ultimately have no say in choosing one or the other—or neither.
Title: Re: Why is NASA researching thought reading?
Post by: Username on February 09, 2014, 08:57:07 AM
https://archive.org/details/space_place_live_6

This aired at around 8pm est the other night.