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Can Watson Win Jeopardy?

By Michael Jacobs

Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

February 13, 2011 07:03 AM

Can Watson Win Jeopardy?

Beginning tomorrow on Valentine's Day, an IBM-engineered machine by the name of Watson will begin his competition to see if he can "beat" two Jeopardy champions. In one corner --- Watson with his powerful ten refrigerator-size arsenal of IBM systems against champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Watson will not use the internet for his answers but will rely on his errr its vast database of reference material including encyclopedias, plays, textbooks and dictionaries. According to the article, Watson does make mistakes: when asked what does a grasshopper eat he responded kosher. Hmm, not sure if the answer was ruled incorrect because of the response or because it was not in the form of a question.

Can Watson Win Jeopardy?

Tune in starting Monday and find out.

Before or after the show, if you have any questions regarding real estate in the San Gabriel Valley or northeast foothill communities in the city of Los Angeles, please feel free to contact me on my cell 818.516.4393 or michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com.

Serving Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury, Highland Park, Monterey Hills, Montecito Heights, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sagamore Park, Eagle Rock, Glendale and La Canada.

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Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Michael...

I watched a documentary about teaching Watson to play Jeopardy. It was very interesting to see just how hard it was to make a computer competition worthy!

Feb 13, 2011 07:39 AM

Dale Baker

Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH

New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and afternoon to you Michael

Michael, IBM has been working with Watson for the pass 4 years, and have worked out most of the bugs now. During the testings, when ever Watson gave an answer that was not in the form of a question, the answer was ruled as being incorrect.

Actually the best that Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter should be able to hope for, is to be able to tie. If Watson does not win or at less tie the game, then IBM has a real problem going on with the programmers in their programing department.

I got a real hoot when I first heard Watson's voice, seeing its the same voice that was used for the computer that was used in the movie War Games.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Feb 13, 2011 07:50 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Team Honeycutt -- I agree should be fun. I guess the show wants to keep it interesting during "sweeps" month.

Richard -- I didn't see the documentary but have read a couple of articles. We'll soon see how ready Watson is soon.

Dale -- it seems more than just bragging rights are on the line, don't you think? Thanks for your comments as always.

Feb 13, 2011 08:30 AM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Man vs. machine. I'm going with man. I'll have to tune in to see the conclusion of this one. Thanks for giving us the head's up.

Feb 13, 2011 10:36 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Chris Ann - I'm with you in rooting for "our" team!

Feb 13, 2011 11:05 AM

Andrea Swiedler

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT

Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Michael, I just learned about this, should be quite interesting, to say the least. I just might have to tune in!

Feb 13, 2011 12:42 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Andrea --- I'm not sure of all the logistics --- how will Watson buzz in? Hmm, there's another reason to watch.

Feb 13, 2011 01:45 PM

John Novak

Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV

Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate

It's not always just knowing the right answer, but the timing on buzzing in, plus where in the round the Daily Doubles hit. Will be interesting to watch.

Feb 13, 2011 01:53 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

You are right John, strategy is as crucial as knowing the correct answer in this game.

Feb 13, 2011 02:06 PM

Dale Baker

Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH

New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and evening to you Michael

Michael, there sure is a lot more on the line, than just someone being able to have bragging rights. I have also say, even though I did have a computer tech and programing back grand. I'm not real big on making computers being able to start thinking on their own.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Feb 13, 2011 02:17 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thanks for coming back again to comment, Dale. As you state so well, the truth is a little frightening to think that computers or machines could start thinking on their own. The concept that it could be for the betterment of society certainly has an argument in its favor but the other ramifications make it seem a little too much like George Orwell.

Feb 13, 2011 02:33 PM

Anonymous

Keeya Jones - Kimajin Studios, LLC.

What a great Jeopardy post! My good friend Josh Powell was just on Jeopardy and he did pretty good.
He said it was an experience that he would do again. Which can always be a good sign.

Computers coming alive, to think. Watson... Johnny 5 (Short Circuit Movie) Sometimes, I would love my mac to think and do the work. Especially, the busiest days of the week- Monday and Fridays. I am so dependent on my own brain, I wouldn't it trust it to be a designer. Every thing will look like an Atari Game. Just one moving stick and a ball bouncing around the screen.

It's best I do it myself. LOL... CHEERS! Great Post!

Feb 16, 2011 05:40 PM

#13

Kimajin Studios, LLC. (Graphic Design and Printing Services )

POSTCARD DESIGN, PRINT, AND MORE - San Diego, CA

Like today, wish computer was thinking for me. I didn't realize that I logged out. Have a good night!

Feb 16, 2011 05:43 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thanks Keeya ----- SPOILER ALERT

Watson won the Jeopardy contest by a big margin.

Feb 16, 2011 05:45 PM

Jim Frimmer

HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA

Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

We watched all three days here. There also was an extensive NOVA documentary about Watson on PBS. Well worth watching if they air it again.

Feb 18, 2011 11:25 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Jim --- also watched all three days. I've heard/read of the NOVA documentary -- certainly will watch when when there is the opportunity.

Feb 19, 2011 03:18 AM

Dale Baker

Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH

New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and afternoon to you Michael

Michael, the NOVA documentary about getting Watson ready for the Jeopardy shows sure was fun to watch, just like the three Jeopardy shows were. Wonder when they will have Watson appear on the Wheel of Fortune.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Feb 19, 2011 08:43 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Dale --- actually I would like to see how Watson could handle himself itself participating in a debate

Feb 19, 2011 10:27 AM

Dale Baker

Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH

New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and evening to you Michael

Michael, it sure would be fun to see Watson take part in a Political debate.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Feb 19, 2011 12:41 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Dale --- can you think of any worthy opponents? I wonder if Watson would sidestep issues and/or answer the question with a non-answer response. It would certainly be entertaining if nothing else.

Feb 19, 2011 12:48 PM

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