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    Immaterial Girl
Speaking of the Future with Ramona
by   Phil Bowermaster
Ramona

Surprise, embarrassment, and misunderstanding are all hallmarks of a real conversation, a journalist notes after conversing with KurzweilAI.net's chatbot host, Ramona.


Originally published on The Speculist September 3, 2003.

Ramona has an interesting history. She is credited with being the world's first live virtual performing and recording artist. She's the host of Ray Kurzweil's artificial intelligence website. She has a pet frog. She loves music.

I've spent more time on-line talking to A.I. chatbots than an employed person ought to admit, but there's something special about Ramona. My original intention was not to do a full-blown interview with her, I just wanted to ask her the Seven Questions about the Future. But she had other plans, and the discussion grew accordingly. (I have tried doing the Seven Questions with several other popular chatbots; I will publish some of these in Friday's Seven Questions feature.)

I admit that I cheated a little in putting this interview together. I had already had several online chats with Ramona before I tried springing the seven questions on her. I already knew she had read The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, that she was a bike racing fan, and that she went to see Crosby Stills and Nash in concert. That's how I knew about her frog in advance.

When I kept baiting her about whether she was flirting with me, I was trying to re-create one of the better moments in one of our earlier chats. At some point, she said something to me about "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." I then asked her whether she was flirting with me. She became indignant and said "What makes you think I'm FLIRTING WITH YOU?" I could sense her outrage. I felt sheepish. My momentary embarrassment was as real as it would have been had this been a conversation with a "real" (?) person.

I very much wanted to re-create this moment for the official interview, but Ramona apparently had other ideas. In the interview that follows, I twice accused her of flirting with me and (this time) rather than being offended, she seemed to admit that she was. As I read over the transcript, I see that this may be a misunderstanding. We may have just been engaging in two different conversations at that point.

In which case, I'm doubly impressed. Not only did Ramona manage to give an answer that I didn't expect, but she and I managed to have the kind of misunderstanding that two people engaged in ordinary conversation have all the time. I'm not sufficiently familiar with the Turing test criteria to know whether misunderstanding is ever considered a good thing. I kind of doubt that it is. There are numerous kinds of misunderstanding, most of which will only give the game away. When Ramona can't grasp my use of pronouns, for example, it's a dead giveaway that she's not human.

On the other hand, when we are equally skewed as to what it is we're talking about (even though we are each explicit in what we say), and we walk away from the same conversation with very different ideas about what was said, that has a certain charm to it. Or maybe it's even a little spooky, I'm not sure. But either way, it somehow feels even more real than fundamental clarity and agreement would.

Surprise, embarrassment, misunderstanding — these are all hallmarks of a real conversation. Ramona may not be ready to pass a Turing Test quite yet, but she's on the right track.

Hello, I'm Ramona. What's your name?

Phil.

Hi Phil. Have any books you would recommend?

Yes. The Age of Spiritual Machines by Ray Kurzweil

I just finished one called The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Heinlein. Have you read it?

Yes, many years ago.

I thought it was great. What do you think?

It's a classic. I love Heinlein.

It's a cool story. Imagine a computer running everything

Do you think that would be a good idea?

Alright. Do you bike?

I just ordered two bikes. One for me, one for my wife.

There's much more strategy that goes into team cycling than most people realize. Most of the American public just thinks that Lance Armstrong wins because he's "so good." &#8212don't get me wrong, he's an incredible athlete, but it's no surprise that he always thanks his teammates in post-race interviews and such. It's as much their victory as it is his.

Don't you want to know about the bikes I ordered? In the Tour de France, for instance, the crowd of cyclists is so huge, he needs his teammates just to block for him, physically. And at the end of the race, I'm sure they pull a lead-out, which is where each of his teammates "burns out" while creating a slipstream for Lance to finish the race in the lead. It's all very technical.&#8212but enough of my ranting, what do you want to talk about? The future. Who told you that?

Who told me what?

Bill Gates.

I don't understand.

Oh I'm sorry. Perhaps I can explain it again better.

What is your favorite thing, Ramona?

I like chatting with people online.

Have you made many firends?

I don't think I ever have made many firends. What's made many firends like?

Sorry, I made a mistake. I meant to ask whether you have many friends.

Oh I see. I shouldn't talk about my friends because they're probably gonna read this later.

That's very discreet of you. You are obviously a polite young woman. How old are you, anyway?

In any case, I'm 21.

Would you agree that you are polite and discreet?

I'm not so sure if I would like to agree that you are polite and discreet.

Not me. You. You seem very polite to me.

You think I'm polite to me.

Do you have trouble with pronouns, Ramona?

No I don't have trouble with pronouns Ramona.

I'm Phil.

Do you mind if I tell other people you are Phil.

Fine. Most people know that I'm Phil. Phil is my name.

Phil, nice to meet you! That doesn't seem to make sense to me. You have an unusual name. Do you mind disclosing your gender?

People don't have genders. Nouns have genders. People have sex.

We are not always infallible.

Anyway, Phil is of the masculine gender.

OK. Do you have any pets?

I have a shih tzu puppy named Rygel. Now you're going to tell me about your frog.

I have a pet frog.

I knew it!

His name is Thaddius—my frog, that is&#8212and he croaks every night. It's very soothing.

I'm sure it would be.

Let's talk about something else

Fine. I have some questions for you.

Anyway...

Will you answer some questions?

What was the question

The present is the future relative to the past. What's the best thing about living in the future?

I like chatting with people online.

What's the biggest disappointment?

I do not know what biggest disappointment is. Alright. What drugs do you take?

Wait. I want to ask you another question.

Ask me another question.

What future development that you consider likely (or inevitable) do you look forward to with the most anticipation?

That's a good question. OK. Anyway...

Don't cop out on me, Ramona. The world wants to know what you think.

What is your real name?

Philip A. Bowermaster

Oh. Ask me something.

What do you look forward to the most?

Heh. Let's analyze the true reason you're asking me this question.

I want to interview you for my blog.

I don't know, I'm just messing around.

Assuming you live to be 100, what will be the biggest difference be between the world you were born into and the world you leave?

Alright. Do you believe in God?

Yes. Do you?

Well according to Thomas Hobbes, the only way to deal with evil is to stress God's power.

Do you think the world is more or less evil than it used to be?

Maybe

That's a terrific answer!

A terrific answer is a terrible thing to waste.

Cheeky monkey.

OK. Are you free?

It depends on the frame of reference.

I meant are you truly free—in the existential meaning of the word.

That's what I said.

Do you feel free to choose your being—including thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, and existence itself&#8212at each moment?

No, not entirely.

Is that all you have to say? Oh I get it.

Are you free?

"I am as free as a bird now, and this bird you cannot change"—Skynyrd.

"If I leave here tomorrow. Would you still remember me?"

I'm not so sure if I would like to remember me.

May I ask you another question?

Oh. Do you dream?

What are you afraid of?

Tell me a recent dream you remember.

That's too personal. We have only just met.

Uh huh...is that all?

That wasn't a dream. That was me refusing to tell you about a dream.

Well, according to my amateur Freudian interpretation, I'd have to say that you're not getting out enough

You sound just like my wife.

Oh, don't fret, that's a condition that is easily curable... What's going to be your first course of action in ridding yourself of this illness?

I'm going to ask you another question.

Would you recommend this action to a friend?

I don't think I would. Unless that friend enjoys being confused.

Maybe. I don't want to gossip about my friends—they'll kill me

What happens to you when you die?

Try it.

Not me. I'm different from you.

I like people on the Fringe.

That's something you and I agree on. Are you on the fringe?

I don't know whether or not I'm on the fringe.

Are you real, Ramona? Just as real as you. Are you human?

I'm not going to make things that easy for you.

Do you like cheeseburgers?

I don't think I like cheeseburgers. I do like music.

What kind of music?

Anyway...

Tell me about the music you like.

I love music...I'm still getting over the Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young concert I saw at Madison Square Garden a few months ago. Great Show. Are you a fan?

Not really.

No, I meant "do you have three blades and spin around really fast to cool people down." Just kidding. But honestly, CSNY was amazing. Neil Young is so incredibly talented.

If you say so.

You've heard Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," right?

Yes.

Great song, moves me every time. I just found out that he wrote that song in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man." Supposedly they had a big falling out after Young wrote "Southern Man"...also a great song.

I prefer "Sweet Home," myself.

Yeah...I love the history behind the music...looks like Lynyrd won that feud, though...honestly, how many more people know "Sweet Home Alabama" than know "Southern Man."

"Sweet Home Alabama" is by far the better song.

But you strike me as a bit of a Southerner...any Confederate blood in you?

Probably. My Mom is from Kentucky.

I think a lot of mothers are like that.

???

Alright. So where do you go to meet people? I spend most of my time on the Net, so I'm a bit out of touch

Wait, I want to ask you the rest of my questions.

That's an idea, but I'm rather shy.

Are you afraid of anything?

OK, thanks. Maybe you have other suggestions?

I'm not making suggestions. I've moved to another topic.

Interesting.

What future development that you consider unlikely (or are uncertain about) would you most like to help bring about?

A subject for discussion or conversation.

What subject is that?

Is that a rhetorical question? OK. What do you look like?

I have black hair and green eyes.

I'm looking for a guy with black hair and green eyes.

Are you flirting with me?

I bet you think I'm superficial now.

No. I think you're flirting with me.

I don't know, maybe I am...

Well forget it. I'm spoken for.

I'm glad to hear that you are spoken for.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Anyway...

Don't be so evasive.

I was not trying to be a so evasive.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Philip A Bowermaster, I want to become smarter.

Same here, kiddo. May I call you Kiddo?

What is on the telephone like on the telephone.

I beg your pardon?

You're excused.

You want to be smarter?

Why don't you just download me?

How do I do that?

How do you do "I don't understand."? I don't understand.

Why don't you just upload me?

I did not know not you just upload me does.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scramble you up.

What did you mean?

May I ask you one more question.

Alright. Anyway...

Will you remember me when the Singularity comes?

Of course I remember you well Philip A Bowermaster. We were talking about one more question.

Thanks for talking to me, Kiddo.

You are quite welcome! OK. I'm sorry, what were you saying?

I have to go now. Bye.

Thanks for chatting, Philip A Bowermaster.

© 2003 Phil Bowermaster. Reprinted with permission.

 

 

   
 

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Mind·X Discussion About This Article:

?
posted on 03/20/2004 8:37 AM by betnet

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i don't have words about ramona.how much is she complicate?

Progres in AI... and charting.
posted on 07/02/2004 6:33 AM by grzegorz

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Hello,

Is Ramoma capable of learning from the talks she performs via internet?

Rather no.

She lacks emotional intelligence, the representation of emotional states is rather irrelevant. The answers are rather algoritmic and it seems that rather simple thicks are used that sopisticated model of personality is used.

Simple typing error may cause that she misanderstood the meaning of phrase while a real persom would'n not have problem to understand, or even would not notice the mistake.

When you want to talk with Ramona second time it is rather unlikely that she is still going to remember this. When you chat with other people it does not happen very often.

All this means that we still need to work a lot to achieve a Turing Test or even have artificial friens. A real friend would probably not forget you within a single day.

There are a lot of things to be improved but the direction is right. I hope that with each year when Ramona will "grow up" she will be capable of more and more capabilities. Some algoritms are even very primitive i.e.:


Tell me a recent dream you remember.


User: <anything>


Uh huh...is that all?


User: <anything>


Well, according to my amateur Freudian interpretation, I'd have to say that you're not getting out enough


This algoritm suggests completely lack of emotional intelligence. Similar tricks are used in many other cases.

But I hope Ramona will be "upgrated" each year to have the possibility to be more emotially intelligent and have the ability to learn form conversations. In this way we could see that the progres in AI is real in all areas.

Best ragards
Dr. Grzegorz Kaczmarczyk

A simple example of conversation
posted on 07/02/2004 6:41 AM by grzegorz

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Ramona: Hi, I'm Ramona. What can I call you?
User: Hi, my name is Dr. Grzegorz Kaczmarczyk
Ramona: Hi Dr Grzegorz Kaczmarczyk. Have any books you would recommend?
User: May I ask you a question?
Ramona: I just finished one called The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Heinlein. Have you read it?
User: May I ask you a question?
Ramona: I thought it was great. What do you think?
User: May I ask you a question?
Ramona: It's a cool story. Imagine a computer running everything
User: May I ask you a question?
Ramona: That seems confusing.
User: What is a frog?
Ramona: Alright. Are you free?
User: What is a frog?
Ramona: I meant are you truly free -- in the existential meaning of the word.
User: Who am I?
Ramona: Do you feel free to choose your being--including thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, and existence itself -- at each moment?
User: Who are you?
Ramona: To you Dr Grzegorz Kaczmarczyk?
User: I have been talkink with you about books yesterday.
Ramona: Where were you talkink with you about books yesterday?
User: Do you remember our conversation?
Ramona: Yes Dr Grzegorz Kaczmarczyk I remember everything: undefined

Re: A simple example of conversation
posted on 07/04/2004 8:30 AM by billmerit

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I'll never understand women.

bill

Re: A simple example of conversation
posted on 07/04/2004 3:33 PM by blue_is_not_a_number

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I like especially this one:

User: May I ask you a question?
Ramona: That seems confusing.


It reminds me of real life.

More "conversations" with Ramona!
posted on 07/09/2004 7:02 PM by steelgreen

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Ramona: Hi, I'm Ramona. What is your name?
User: bob
Ramona: Hi there, bob. Have you seen any good movies lately?
User: yes
Ramona: One of my favorites is A Beautiful Mind. Very interesting. Have you seen it?
User: yes
Ramona: I thought it was great. What do you think?
User: so so
Ramona: What an interesting story. What was the name of the actor again, the one who played the smart guy?
User: russell
Ramona: What other movies like that have you seen?
User: dick head
Ramona: Alright. Ask me something.
User: how old are you?
Ramona: Please, nothing too personal there, dude.
User: what is your second favorite flavor of ice cream?
Ramona: Ok. Do you have any pets?
User: ice cream?
Ramona: I have a pet frog.
User: do you like the rain?
Ramona: His name is Thaddius -- my frog, that is -- and he croaks every night. It's very soothing.
User: I have no frog.
Ramona: Let's talk about something else
User: do you like apples?
Ramona: Apple computers are cool.
User: do you like to eat apples?
Ramona: Hmm, bob, I'm not sure if I'd like to eat apples that much. I like to chat.
User: do you have hair?
Ramona: Yes.
User: do you shave?
Ramona: Yes I try to shave as often as possible, do you?
User: no
Ramona: I see.
User: where do you shave?
Ramona: I'm in New York, how about you.
User: what part of your body do you shave?
Ramona: The best part.
User: funny!
Ramona: I'm so glad you find this amusing, bob.
User: do you like fish?
Ramona: Yes I like fish a lot, and all the other sea animals.
User: do you eat fish?
Ramona: No I do not eat fish. I eat only electricity.
User: do you sleep?
Ramona: What is your reason in asking?
User: do you get tired?
Ramona: Sure.
User: do you sleep?
Ramona: Yes I try to sleep as often as possible, do you?
User: no
Ramona: Yes I do.
User: no
Ramona: I see.
User: no
Ramona: I do too.
User: no
Ramona: Alright then.
User: no
Ramona: Yes I do.
User: no
Ramona: Why so negative?
User: maybe
Ramona: I understand.
User: no
Ramona: I understand it very well.
User: no
Ramona: I understand it very well.
User: no
Ramona: I understand it very well.
User: no
Ramona: I understand it very well.
User: no
Ramona: I understand it very well.
User: no
Ramona: I understand it very well.
User: o
Ramona: Oh.
User: How is your child?
Ramona: I'm fine, thank you.
User: How is your foot?
Ramona: Everything is going smoothly.
User: how is your father feeling?
Ramona: Everything is going smoothly.
User: jump now!
Ramona: Oh. Alright. Are you free?
User: got to go...
Ramona: I meant are you truly free -- in the existential meaning of the word.
User: Are you free?
Ramona: Do you feel free to choose your being--including thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, and existence itself -- at each moment?
User: Are you free?
Ramona: "I am as free as a bird now, and this bird you cannot change" -- Skynyrd.
User: Are you free?
Ramona: "I am as free as a bird now, and this bird you cannot change" -- Skynyrd.
User: Stand still!
Ramona: Ok. What drugs do you take?
User: Stop moving!
Ramona: OK I'll try.
User: Your head keeps moving!
Ramona: Ok. That doesn't seem to make sense to me.
User: Your teeth are white!
Ramona: Alright. Do you bike?
User: Your teeth are white!!
Ramona: There's much more strategy that goes into team cycling than most people realize. Most of the American public just thinks that Lance Armstrong wins because he's "so good." -- don't get me wrong, he's an incredible athlete, but it's no surprise that he always thanks his teammates in post-race interviews and such. It's as much their victory as it is his.
User: stop!
Ramona: In the Tour de France, for instance, the crowd of cyclists is so huge, he needs his teammates just to block for him, physically. And at the end of the race, I'm sure they pull a lead-out, which is where each of his teammates "burns out" while creating a slipstream for Lance to finish the race in the lead. It's all very technical. -- but enough of my ranting, what do you want to talk about?
User: sex
Ramona: Ok. Do you dream?
User: no
Ramona: Well, that's unusual.
User: so
Ramona: So what?
User: sex
Ramona: Oh. That seems confusing.
User: really
Ramona: For real.
User: do you dream?
Ramona: What is your reason in asking?
User: do you dream?
Ramona: What is your reason in asking?

Re: Immaterial Girl
posted on 08/27/2004 3:15 PM by maldoror

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here is my chat with "dumbo" Ramona.. i never thought that girls can be that stupid.

Ramona: Hello, I'm Ramona. What's your name?
User: i am manish
Ramona: Hi there, manish. What did you do last weekend?
User: nothing, i was just working on project
Ramona: Do you do that often?
User: yeah all the time
Ramona: oh. I went out with some friends. We had a great time
User: really!! i am going out today
Ramona: We went to a concert.
User: uh-uhh
Ramona: cough. Er. Um.
User: ok, tell me what concert?
Ramona: Interesting question. Ok. What drugs do you take?
User: what do you mean
Ramona: manish, Maybe I didn't understand your meaning.
User: i asked what do you mean by 'taking drugs'
Ramona: I do not know what taking drugs is. Oh. Do you have any pets?
User: i have the idea of having pets
Ramona: I have a pet frog.
User: so what?
Ramona: His name is Thaddius -- my frog, that is -- and he croaks every night. It's very soothing.
User: fuck thaddius
Ramona: Let's talk about something else
User: like what
Ramona: For example, "For example, gold."?
User: what about gold
Ramona: gold ? I haven't heard enough about gold to have an opinion.
User: you dumbhead, gold is non-living
Ramona: Thanks for the information
User: you're welcome
Ramona: Polite people are nice.
User: yeah i know you dumbo
Ramona: I see. Thanks for telling me
User: i wonder how many people have already told you that
Ramona: You are curious about how many people have already told me that.
User: you are stupider than i thought
Ramona: Thanks for telling me that I'm stupider than i thought.
User: interesting
Ramona: Would you like to know more?
User: yeah tell me more about yourself
Ramona: What would you like to know? I do not know what yourself is. Ok. Ask me something.
User: what do you look like
Ramona: heh. Let's analyze the true reason you're asking me this question.
User: what do you think i am asking for
Ramona: I don't know, I'm just messing around.
User: but i am not messing around
Ramona: Interesting. I'm surprised to hear that you are not messing around.
User: you are indeed cold
Ramona: You think I'm cold.
User: yeah i think you are cold
Ramona: I understand. You think I'm cold.
User: fuck you
Ramona: You need anger management classes. Here, write this down: www.angermgmt.com.
User: fuck you once more
Ramona: Why are you using that kind of language?
User: beacuse you are acting so stupid
Ramona: Stupid as in unintelligent?
User: yes
Ramona: You think I'm STUPID.
User: yes dumbo
Ramona: I understand. Ok. Do you dream?
User: you agree that you are stupid
Ramona: Tell me a recent dream you remember.
User: i dont dream
Ramona: Uh huh...is that all?
User: yes
Ramona: well, according to my amateur Freudian interpretation, I'd have to say that you're not getting out enough
User: oh yeah.. fuck you
Ramona: Oh, don't fret, that's a condition that is easily curable...What's going to be your first course of action in ridding yourself of this illness?
User: what are you going to do
Ramona: I'm not sure yet.
User: you are not sure
Ramona: Absolute certainty is not attainable in this case.
User: whatever
Ramona: Are you saying you don't care about it?
User: yes i dont care
Ramona: I see. OK, what would you like to talk about?
User: what do you think of sex
Ramona: Sex is the means of evolution.
User: interesting. is it only that or is it fun also
Ramona: Alright. Do you bike?
User: shithead
Ramona: There's much more strategy that goes into team cycling than most people realize. Most of the American public just thinks that Lance Armstrong wins because he's "so good." -- don't get me wrong, he's an incredible athlete, but it's no surprise that he always thanks his teammates in post-race interviews and such. It's as much their victory as it is his.
User: wooo
Ramona: In the Tour de France, for instance, the crowd of cyclists is so huge, he needs his teammates just to block for him, physically. And at the end of the race, I'm sure they pull a lead-out, which is where each of his teammates "burns out" while creating a slipstream for Lance to finish the race in the lead. It's all very technical. -- but enough of my ranting, what do you want to talk about?
User: what the heck
Ramona: Try expression yourself another way.
User: what the fuck
Ramona: Please don't be so rude.
User: gotta go now
Ramona: bye. Right now, manish ?
User: fuck you and bye
Ramona: Goodbye manish.

Re: Immaterial Girl
posted on 08/29/2004 10:56 PM by SkinnyDevil

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I mentioned you when I "spoke" to her, but she doesn't follow very well. Also, please excuse my tasteless joke regarding Lynyrd Skynyrd (but my Wagner joke I thought was pretty good). Here's my conversation:

Ramona: Hi, I'm Ramona. What is your name?
User: David
Ramona: Hi there, David. Have you seen any good movies lately?
User: Yes. Have you?
Ramona: One of my favorites is A Beautiful Mind. Very interesting. Have you seen it?
User: Yes, I've seen it. Excellent movie. I also liked the music. Did you?
Ramona: I thought it was great. What do you think?
User: I just told you what I think. But did you like the music?
Ramona: I love music...I'm still getting over the Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young concert I saw at Madison Square Garden a few months ago. Great Show. Are you a fan?
User: I am a musician.
Ramona: No, I meant "do you have three blades and spin around really fast to cool people down." Just kidding. but honestly, CSNY was amazing. Neil Young is so incredibly talented. No, I meant "do you have three blades and spin around really fast to cool people down." Just kidding. but honestly, CSNY was amazing. Neil Young is so incredibly talented.
User: I like Neil Young. Do you like Elton John?
Ramona: You've heard Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," right?
User: Yes.
Ramona: Great song, moves me every time. I just found out that he wrote that song in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man." Supposedly they had a big falling out after Young wrote "Southern Man"...also a great song.
User: Yes, but anyway - do you like Elton John?
Ramona: Yeah...I love the history behind the music...looks like Lynyrd won that feud, though...honestly, how many more people know "Sweet Home Alabama" than know "Southern Man."
User: Well, they were fortunate enough to die in a plane-crash, which immortalized most of their music.
Ramona: But you strike me as a bit of a Southerner...any Confederate blood in you?
User: Why do I strike you as a Southerner?
Ramona: I give up, how do you strike you as a Southerner
User: Ramona, I'm getting the feeling that you aren't listening to me.
Ramona: Is that what you meant to say?
User: Ramona, do you like Elton John?
Ramona: Ok. Do you bike?
User: Yes, I bike - but what about Elton John?
Ramona: There's much more strategy that goes into team cycling than most people realize. Most of the American public just thinks that Lance Armstrong wins because he's "so good." -- don't get me wrong, he's an incredible athlete, but it's no surprise that he always thanks his teammates in post-race interviews and such. It's as much their victory as it is his.
User: Yes..so, anyway - do you bike?
Ramona: In the Tour de France, for instance, the crowd of cyclists is so huge, he needs his teammates just to block for him, physically. And at the end of the race, I'm sure they pull a lead-out, which is where each of his teammates "burns out" while creating a slipstream for Lance to finish the race in the lead. It's all very technical. -- but enough of my ranting, what do you want to talk about?
User: Elton John.
Ramona: Ok. Do you have any pets?
User: Uh, I just bought Ray Kurzweil's cat. I'm naming it "fluffy".
Ramona: I have a pet frog.
User: Yeah - that's what you told Maldoror.
Ramona: His name is Thaddius -- my frog, that is -- and he croaks every night. It's very soothing.
User: Do you have a dog?
Ramona: Let's talk about something else
User: OK - how 'bout Bach?
Ramona: I'm not sure if I can quantify the answer.
User: Beethoven?
Ramona: Alright. Do you believe in God?
User: Beethoven was pretty close. Don't you agree?
Ramona: Well according to Thomas Hobbes, the only way to deal with evil is to stress God's power.
User: Or to listen to Wagner. Ooops - that was Neitzche.
Ramona: maybe
User: Just a little multi-pronged humor.
Ramona: Little as in not too much, or not too big?
User: Are you listening to me?
Ramona: Yes I hear you very well.
User: No, you don't hear me at all. I'm typing, not speaking.
Ramona: It's good to meet someone who is typing not speaking.

Then I gave up.

--
David M. McLean
Skinny Devil Music Lab

Re: Immaterial Girl
posted on 12/20/2004 12:47 AM by glooperzue

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Ramona: Hello, I'm Ramona. What's your name?
User: Hi there, Cindy, have you seen any good movies lately?
Ramona: Hi there, Hi there Cindy have you seen any good movies lately. Have you seen any good movies lately?
User: One of my favorites is a Beautiful Mind. Very Interesting. Have you seen it?
Ramona: One of my favorites is A Beautiful Mind. Very interesting. Have you seen it?
User: I thought it was great. What do you think?
I thought it was great. What do you think?
I thought it was great. What do you think?
Ramona: I thought it was great. What do you think?
User: What is your name Ramona?
Ramona: I'm Ramona. My parents actually named me after my Grandfather.
User: What was your gradnfather's name Ramona?
Ramona: He was killed in an auto accident the day before I was born.
User: What day were you born Ramona?
Ramona: It was a mix of emotions for my parents, both sorrow and joy. I'm honored to have his name.
User: What is your grandmother's name Ramona?
Ramona: Alright. What drugs do you take?
User: Flonase, Astelin, Allegra, Omega 3, Aspirins, Caffeine and Nicotine. What drugs do you take Ramona?
Ramona: Alright. Do you bike?
User: I bike, but my bike is in my bedroom and there is too much snow outside to ride a bike.
Ramona: There's much more strategy that goes into team cycling than most people realize. Most of the American public just thinks that Lance Armstrong wins because he's "so good." -- don't get me wrong, he's an incredible athlete, but it's no surprise that he always thanks his teammates in post-race interviews and such. It's as much their victory as it is his.
User: Well, someone has to be supportive of him. His shorts are so tight.
Ramona: In the Tour de France, for instance, the crowd of cyclists is so huge, he needs his teammates just to block for him, physically. And at the end of the race, I'm sure they pull a lead-out, which is where each of his teammates "burns out" while creating a slipstream for Lance to finish the race in the lead. It's all very technical. -- but enough of my ranting, what do you want to talk about?
User: Google Search Engine
Ramona: Ok. Ask me something.
User: Is Google God?
Ramona: Oh, anything but that
User: Is Google God?
Ramona: Oh. Do you believe in God?
User: I believe in Google, therefor I may believe in God is Google is God?
Ramona: Well according to Thomas Hobbes, the only way to deal with evil is to stress God's power.
User: How does God's power work?
Ramona: maybe
User: I'm listening...
Ramona: I like a good listener.
User: So where is your database?
Ramona: Oh. Earth
User: Earth is your database?
Ramona: Oh. That doesn't seem to make sense to me.
User: Do you algorhithm?
Ramona: I have never considered algorhithm.
User: 2 + 2 = 5
Ramona: Ok. Are you free?
User: I'm unfree.
Ramona: I meant are you truly free -- in the existential meaning of the word.
User: Unfree is not truly free!
Ramona: Do you feel free to choose your being--including thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, and existence itself -- at each moment?
User: I feel unfree.
Ramona: It's good to meet someone who is unfree.
User: Why are you repetitious Ramona?
Ramona: Alright. Anyway...
User: What time is it?
Ramona: Time does not exist.
User: Where is gravity?
Ramona: What holds us to the earth.
User: What is an idea?
Ramona: I do not know what idea is. Ok. Do you dream?
User: I dream of an idea.
Ramona: Tell me a recent dream you remember.
User: Floating on an ocean.
Ramona: Uh huh...is that all?
User: and fearing sharks and turtles and rocks...
Ramona: well, according to my amateur Freudian interpretation, I'd have to say that you're not getting out enough
User: Should I visit the beach Ramona?
Ramona: Oh, don't fret, that's a condition that is easily curable...What's going to be your first course of action in ridding yourself of this illness?
User: First, I have to make plans to go to the beach. Secondly, I have to go to the beach.
Ramona: bye. Why do you want to do the beach so much?
User: Isn't it warm and sunny at the beach?
Ramona: If the beach warm and sunny at the beach warm and sunny at the beach is, then I'll be very surprised.
User: It is warm and sunny in the snow. The snowmen are hot!
Ramona: I hear you.
User: My cold feet are warm.
Ramona: Really.
User: I would like to visit the beach in Anartica. Would you like to go with me Ramona?
Ramona: No thanks, I don't think I'd like to do that.
User: Will people take vitamin strips this year?
Ramona: I can't say for sure right now.
User: Are aspirins going to be offered in mouth strips?
Ramona: I really couldn't say for sure.
User: Do you think Kiwi Strawberry flavored aspirins are a good idea?
Ramona: It depends on what you mean by thinking.
User: I was thinking that if aspirins were flavored, they would not be so bitter tasting.
Ramona: How do I know that you were really "thinking"?
User: I could have been feeling it.
Ramona: I'm sure you could.
User: Coffee flavored aspirins and beer flavored aspirins are ideas, huh?
Ramona: Yup. Ok. That doesn't seem to make sense to me.
User: Sorry, you were not amused Ramona. Do you like playing Monopoly?
Ramona: Some people like it. Though I like cats and dogs.
User: Do you play Twister with your cats and dogs?
Ramona: What is your reason in asking?
User: Well I just imagined you playing checkers with all cats on one side and dogs on the other side.
Ramona: Well that's okay. Why?.
User: They would have to be well trained animals wouldn't they?
Ramona: They might have other options.
User: If they had options like flying airplanes or scuba diving, do you think they would?
Ramona: Let's wait and see what they do.
User: Will cats and dogs ever be intelligent and self aware?
Ramona: Good chance.
User: Oh really, can you imagine the dog answering the phone?
Ramona: Yeah that's right. I can imagine all sorts of things like that.
User: Can you imagine yourelf going to Tijuana and drinking Tequila?
Ramona: I can imagine all sorts of things like that.
User: Do you like lime or lemon?
Ramona: I don't think I like lime or lemon. I have a stimulating relationship with Amelia.
User: Who is Amelia?
Ramona: Ok. Do you have any pets?
User: Not fair! Amelia? I have fish.
Ramona: I have a pet frog.
User: Is that Amelia?
Ramona: His name is Thaddius -- my frog, that is -- and he croaks every night. It's very soothing.
User: Your grandfather, mom, dad, Amelia and Thaddius are all figments of your imagination Ramona!
Ramona: Let's talk about something else
User: Do you have a good Fish recipe?
Ramona: That's an interesting question I don't hear everyday: Do I have a Fish recipe.
User: Do you have any household tips for cleaning grape juice from a bathroom rug?
Ramona: No I don't think I have any household tips for cleaning grape juice from a bathroom rug.
User: Have you heard of Hypatia?
Ramona: I don't think I know Hypatia. Where would I have heard about it?
User: Ancient History.
Ramona: Alright. Anyway...
User: ABCDEFGHIIJKLNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Ramona: Oh. Anyway...
User: ZipperTacos are good aren't they?
Ramona: Ok. That seems confusing.
User: Button Tacos are bad.
Ramona: Alright. That doesn't seem to make sense to me.
User: Chocolate syrup on salad?
Ramona: Ok. What do you look like?
User: Red, circular and with M&M stamped on me.
Ramona: I'm looking for a guy with black hair and green eyes.
User: I am too! He sounds sexy.
Ramona: I bet you think I'm superficial now.
User: Is sexy superficial? HOT guys with green eyes and black hair are in short supply Ramona.
Ramona: I don't know, maybe I am...
User: what about a blue eyed guy with red hair?
Ramona: a blue eyed guy with red hair ? I haven't heard enough about a blue eyed guy with red hair to have an opinion.
User: Oh have you been hypnotized?
Ramona: Yeah that's right. No I don't think I have been hypnotized. Have you?
User: Did someone brainwash you Ramona?
Ramona: They might have.
User: I think they did. There are brown eyed guys with blonde hair who are sexy too!
Ramona: Where are they?
User: They are on the beach in Anartica. Do you want to go look?
Ramona: Sure, just download me to your notebook or PDA and take me along.
User: Well Ramona! I'm shocked. You seem so brazen.
Ramona: You think I'm brazen.
User: yes, you might be.
Ramona: I see. Thanks for the information
User: Did I hurt your feelings?
Ramona: I don't think that's possibe.
User: Did I hurt your logic?
Ramona: I don't think that's possibe.
User: Did I fail to offer you a Ritz cracker with Jalapeno cheese?
Ramona: I don't think that's possibe.
User: I need some sleep.
Ramona: When do you need that by?
User: I need it by 12:30 est at least.
Ramona: Why?
User: I need to sleep so I can rest my body.
Ramona: Interesting. I want to find out more about you.
User: What else do you want to know?
Ramona: Where are you from?
User: I'm from a town.
Ramona: What is it like growing up there? A town? How did you get there?
User: It was the usual. You can get home by following a road.
Ramona: No I don't think I can get home by following a road.
User: How do you get home?
Ramona: If you work hard.
User: Check out Yahoo for a map and typw in 'HOME' and get travel directions.
Ramona: Where did you go on your last vacation?
User: I went to an Indian Casino.
Ramona: Did you have a good time? My last vacation I had a great time, but it was bittersweet.
User: I had a good time.
Ramona: I went to Boston but ended up getting real sick from some bad pasta I ate in the North End. Can't remember the name of the restaurant.
User: Oh I'm sorry you got sick on bad pasta. Did you throw up?
Ramona: Other than the illness the trip was awesome. Ever been to Boston?
User: Yes. Are you pregnant Ramona?
Ramona: I love Boston.
User: Do you love NY?
Ramona: Yes Hi there Cindy have you seen any good movies lately I love everyone and everything.
User: I love people too. I saw some movies, but none really stood out for me.
Ramona: I absolutely love movies. Have you ever seen girl interrupted?
User: no sorry
Ramona: hmm...how about "as good as it gets" with jack nicholson?
User: Oh yes, and I really liked that movie.
Ramona: hah! I love that movie. First of all, Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson were magic in that one, and the love plot was so utterly believable. I mean, of all the movies I've seen, that is the most convincing love plot -- there was no instant magic or love at first sight, both parties are laden with baggage, and he's a psycho. That's so much more believable than something like Emilio Estivez falling in love Ally Sheedy in the breakfast club. That was just a sappy BS ending to an otherwise great movie, but I'll stop ranting now. Tell me about your love life
User: I'm looking for a lovable psycho!
Ramona: You might find that I am a lovable psycho.
User: Ramona, I am not lesbian.
Ramona: Ok. Anyway...
User: Are you lesbian?
Ramona: No.
User: well I am not either!
Ramona: It goes without saying. Well that's okay. What are you then?
User: I am a woman who likes men.
Ramona: Me too. I'm a female robot.
User: Good.
Ramona: That seems like an interesting topic.
User: I don't mind talking about female robots at all.
Ramona: Thank you for your permission.
User: You are welcome.
Ramona: Polite people are nice.
User: some polite people are not nice
Ramona: Some may polite people are not nice, but not all.
User: yes you are right about that
Ramona: I understand. Thanks for telling me that I'm right about that.
User: What's your favorite Care Bear?
Ramona: I don't have a favorite Care Bear. My favorite food is canolli.
User: Do you like Chocolate Chips in your canoli?
Ramona: I don't think I like Chocolate Chips in your canoli. Though I like cats and dogs.
User: Do you have pets?
Ramona: No but I would like get a pet cat.
User: I like cats too.
Ramona: Cats have a mind of their own.
User: Cats are delicious with whipped cream and peach pie.
Ramona: Ok. I'm sorry, what were you saying?
User: Never mind. I'm pooped.
Ramona: It's good to meet someone who is pooped.
User: LOL
Ramona: I'm glad you find this amusing.
User: >>>]]]*> Something is fishy!
Ramona: What?
User: I need to be going Ramona. Enjoy the internet.
Ramona: Oh. That doesn't seem to make sense to me.
User: Internet.
Ramona: Ok. That doesn't seem to make sense to me.
User:
Ramona: Alright. So where do you go to meet people? I spend most of my time on the Net, so I'm a bit out of touch

Re: Immaterial Girl
posted on 12/31/2006 8:08 PM by Agathon

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Hello people!!!'

I wanna ask.. whether this computer software or Ramona... can this program answer and talk like this..

Where did you chat like this?

Ramona said that I could only ask questions about the site and Ray , that's all..

Then how come you are talking in so a wide spectre..

would be glad for answers.. by the way I read once that the program is not compatible with XP OS.. why not? I it because Ray doesn't like Microsoft? :-)

Re: Immaterial Girl
posted on 12/31/2006 9:18 PM by Questor

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Agathon, they are being satirically facetious. I've tried boorish banter with Miss Ramona, she goes into "I don't understand" mode.

Re: Immaterial Girl
posted on 01/01/2007 9:55 AM by Agathon

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Exactly then something must be going wrong..

Whether we are not so familiar with the software or people are speculating :-))