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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: jimmy olsen on September 13, 2013, 09:43:47 PM

Title: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 13, 2013, 09:43:47 PM
It's nice to know our congressional representatives are rationally evaluating the pros and cons of NSA proposals  :wacko:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/09/08/the_cowboy_of_the_nsa_keith_alexander?page=full
QuoteWhen he was running the Army's Intelligence and Security Command, Alexander brought many of his future allies down to Fort Belvoir for a tour of his base of operations, a facility known as the Information Dominance Center. It had been designed by a Hollywood set designer to mimic the bridge of the starship Enterprise from Star Trek, complete with chrome panels, computer stations, a huge TV monitor on the forward wall, and doors that made a "whoosh" sound when they slid open and closed. Lawmakers and other important officials took turns sitting in a leather "captain's chair" in the center of the room and watched as Alexander, a lover of science-fiction movies, showed off his data tools on the big screen.

"Everybody wanted to sit in the chair at least once to pretend he was Jean-Luc Picard," says a retired officer in charge of VIP visits.

Alexander wowed members of Congress with his eye-popping command center. And he took time to sit with them in their offices and explain the intricacies of modern technology in simple, plain-spoken language. He demonstrated a command of the subject without intimidating those who had none.

"Alexander is 10 times the political general as David Petraeus," says the former administration official, comparing the NSA director to a man who was once considered a White House contender. "He could charm the paint off a wall."
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: The Minsky Moment on September 16, 2013, 09:17:48 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 13, 2013, 09:43:47 PM
a facility known as the Information Dominance Center.

:lol:
CdM looks like there is work for you.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 16, 2013, 09:18:41 AM
 :lol:  The possibilities are endless.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: lustindarkness on September 16, 2013, 09:51:16 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on September 16, 2013, 09:18:41 AM
:lol:  The possibilities are endless.

If you apply, make sure the uniform is not a red shirt.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 16, 2013, 09:52:45 AM
Only for Yeoman Rand.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: MadImmortalMan on September 16, 2013, 10:06:13 PM
Wouldn't you feel kinda silly handling actual emergencies and war situations in a mock Star Trek bridge?
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Josquius on September 17, 2013, 02:07:50 AM
That's one of the key things I learned as I moved into adulthood- there is no sudden change in thinking that suddenly makes everyone rational. From the highest to the lowest a little bit of coolness can get things done.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: grumbler on September 17, 2013, 07:31:57 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on September 16, 2013, 10:06:13 PM
Wouldn't you feel kinda silly handling actual emergencies and war situations in a mock Star Trek bridge?

I'd be willing to bet that, if you were to look at this place, you'd recognize that the writer was exaggerating the similarities to the Star Trek bridge because he thought it would be more interesting that the strict truth.

The CiC on an Aegis-equipped cruiser or destroyer also "mimics" the Star Trek bridge because it has the command chair in the center, and computer stations, and the big screen up front.  Those CiCs don't have the chrome because, you know, salt in the air, but even if they did I doubt people would have any problem making decisions there.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 08:09:23 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?

I don't think so.    :unsure:

Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Syt on September 17, 2013, 09:50:00 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 08:09:23 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?

I don't think so.    :unsure:

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2010-11/10/artemis-spaceship-bridge-simulator
QuoteFor best results, though, then you're going to want to hook up a projector to the main computer, and get a full complement of five friends to bring along their laptops. For that, you'll need the full version of the game, which costs $60 (£37.30).
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 09:51:54 AM
60 bucks is pocket change. Or in Matrix games vernacular "budget priced!"
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:03:08 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?

hmmm, can it be played over the Internet? USS Languish sounds fun...
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:29:37 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:03:08 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?

hmmm, can it be played over the Internet? USS Languish sounds fun...

No, well kinda but no.

Tamas, you could get a group from your work, I'm sure there's 4 other ST nerds there.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Barrister on September 17, 2013, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:03:08 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?

hmmm, can it be played over the Internet? USS Languish sounds fun...

I think that would defeat the entire idea of the game...
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:38:45 AM
Quote from: Barrister on September 17, 2013, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:03:08 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 17, 2013, 02:26:47 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 16, 2013, 11:56:19 AM
Hmmm. Get Artemis Bridge Simulator running on that.....

I've seen it's now out on Steam for 5.99 - wasn't it  priced MUCH higher than that originally?

hmmm, can it be played over the Internet? USS Languish sounds fun...

I think that would defeat the entire idea of the game...

Yeah, good point.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:47:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:

Deep Space 9 : Best Star Trek? True or False?
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: grumbler on September 17, 2013, 10:48:52 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:47:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:

Deep Space 9 : Best Star Trek? True or False?

Careful, Tamas.  I think this is a trap.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:53:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:47:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:

Deep Space 9 : Best Star Trek? True or False?

I didn`t like all the silly interracial romances.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 10:55:54 AM
Who will helm the Beet station?
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:57:56 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 10:55:54 AM
Who will helm the Beet station?

:rolleyes:
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 10:58:24 AM
Captain: prepare to fire the beet torpedoes!
Gypsy: we sold them
Captain: MAAAAAAAAARKOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:59:19 AM
 :lol:
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 11:00:37 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:59:19 AM
:lol:

I looked up Roma names, just for that extra authentic feeling.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 11:01:43 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 11:00:37 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:59:19 AM
:lol:

I looked up Roma names, just for that extra authentic feeling.

Impressive
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Ed Anger on September 17, 2013, 11:02:19 AM
I make sacrifices for my art.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Jacob on September 17, 2013, 11:05:56 AM
Quote from: grumbler on September 17, 2013, 07:31:57 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on September 16, 2013, 10:06:13 PM
Wouldn't you feel kinda silly handling actual emergencies and war situations in a mock Star Trek bridge?

I'd be willing to bet that, if you were to look at this place, you'd recognize that the writer was exaggerating the similarities to the Star Trek bridge because he thought it would be more interesting that the strict truth.

The CiC on an Aegis-equipped cruiser or destroyer also "mimics" the Star Trek bridge because it has the command chair in the center, and computer stations, and the big screen up front.  Those CiCs don't have the chrome because, you know, salt in the air, but even if they did I doubt people would have any problem making decisions there.

So the story is that a more or less standard design has some similarities to the bridge on Star Trek, then someone saw this particular CiC and said "OMG it looks like STAR TREK!" and it became a news story?
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 11:08:25 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:53:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:47:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:

Deep Space 9 : Best Star Trek? True or False?

I didn`t like all the silly interracial romances.

You watched it? ST nerd.
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 11:12:13 AM
 :lol:
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Barrister on September 17, 2013, 11:13:30 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 11:08:25 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:53:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:47:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:

Deep Space 9 : Best Star Trek? True or False?

I didn`t like all the silly interracial romances.

You watched it? ST nerd.

There is no shame in being a Star Trek nerd. :mad:
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 11:20:41 AM
Quote from: Barrister on September 17, 2013, 11:13:30 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 11:08:25 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:53:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 17, 2013, 10:47:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on September 17, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
I am not an ST nerd!  :mad: I just want to play makebelieve ST!  :mad:

Deep Space 9 : Best Star Trek? True or False?

I didn`t like all the silly interracial romances.

You watched it? ST nerd.

There is no shame in being a Star Trek nerd. :mad:

None!  :)
Title: Re: NSA models command center after bridge of USS Enterprise, wows Congress
Post by: grumbler on September 17, 2013, 12:59:01 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 17, 2013, 11:05:56 AM
So the story is that a more or less standard design has some similarities to the bridge on Star Trek, then someone saw this particular CiC and said "OMG it looks like STAR TREK!" and it became a news story?

Or else some staff weenie thought he could get some free press for his boss by bringing in a known nerd reporter and having him tell a story about the "advanced" design for this command center.

I would note that the design for the Aegis cruisers and destroyers mimicked that of the Star Trek bridge for the very reasons that Roddenberry and company used in their decision-making, and that Star Trek was first.  That is different from copying "because it is Star Trek" though.