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Monday, October 27, 2003 Not Just For Dogs >
Monday, October 27, 2003
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Why is This Dog Smiling?
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10/27/03
The Saddest Link You'll Click Today
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Not Just For Dogs Anymore
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The Manchurian Spectacles
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Drive Time
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Monday, October 27, 2003
9:34:00 AM EST
Hearing Meteorology -- Overseer (I'm reviewing the album)

The Manchurian Spectacles


Today, MIT scientists are unveiling glasses to improve your memory. The idea is that the glasses have an optical element that flashes the name of something on the glasses (something you forgot to remember). The message is too fast for you to consciously perceive, but your brain picks it up anyway -- and the thinking is that you'll remember that thing better. They're testing it on people with memory issues, as well as those with poor eyesight.

Basically what we're talking about here is a subliminal memory jog jog. Being the paranoid conspiracy theorist that I am, I see all sorts of nefarious uses. Sure, they could help you remember your keys, but couldn't they also "help" you to buy more of a particular brand of soda, vote for a specific political party, or kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia? All I'm saying is, if someone comes up and offers you a pair of free sunglasses and the next thing you know you're in the grocery store with a basket full of products you don't remember buying (or, alternately, surrounded by Malaysian Secret Service agents), don't say you weren't warned.



Written by johnmscalzi Blog about this entry
This entry has 2 comments: (Add your own)
  • #2 Comment from fleetdoc1994 
    10/27/03 11:41 PM | Permalink
    As long as you don't buy a pile of copies of "Catcher in the Rye", I guess it's ok.
  • #1 Comment from andreakingme 
    10/27/03 9:52 AM | Permalink
    Well hot dang, I forget things all the time. And I was really into this idea about the glasses until Machurian thing. Heh, look out bad guys, here comes Gimpy Weeble Girl behind a pair o' killer lenses!