Saturday, September 14, 2013
Asking a Machine
Two Friends and a Computer
“The mistake people make is not using the model
for personal matters. You can feed into it for
business stuff and it's infallible. I'd like to think
it's the same for...”
“Well, let me try it. I just really met Jeanne, and her
birthday’s at the end of the week. Should I get
her anything?”
The program asks for more information about
both of them. He, of course, can’t supply
much about her. ‘Funny’ and ‘Wry’ seem to
set up cautions.
“Get her nothing,” concludes the machine.
But he forgot to say what he had been
considering, and does so now.
“Been looking at this ceramic thing, coffee mug
with a mermaid for handle?”
“Nothing.”
“But this program rules out anything that's
wifty and funny and light and spontaneous!”
he complains.
“For the very good reason that those things
can turn into pain!” friend reminds.
“Well, I'll take my chances.”
“1 in 7!” stresses the computer.
“Glad to know that. Better than most.”
Labels: artificial intelligence, computer, flirtation, gift, Romance
