Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-4-2023 — The Godfather.

3rd May, 2023: James Brown.

You’ve heard of artificial intelligence, haven’t you?

The idea that computes can — if I’ve understood things correctly — can think for itself, and learn along the way.

Assuming ‘think’ is the right word, of course!

And you’ve possibly also heard of ChatGPT: the AI chatbot that’s causing waves.

I’ve used it once: to help me generate some quiz questions.

And — this morning — to ask about diabetes: getting a couple of worryingly coherent answers in the process.

Well, I say worrying.

Possibly I shouldn’t be: as the things answers seemed cogent, helpful … and clarified a couple of points for me.

I know people worry about this area, though: one factor writers are worried about — in the current Hollywood script writers strike — is the potential use of AI to write scripts.

How this will turn out?

I don’t know.

I do know that — many years ago — the late Isaac Asimov wrote the Three Laws of Robotics*: a basic set of rules for AI computers and robots.

Yes: I know there’s a lot of fuss about the safety — or dangers — of AI.

But think those sixty-seven words of Asimov’s are the shape of the future.

AI will have what other forms of human technology will have.

Safety features.

I just can’t help but think of an old line from Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather will crop up on the way.

“Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.”

~≈💻≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Mum†, Olga‡ and Debbi§ putting in their answers: with Olga and Debbi scoring five out of five, and Mum on four.


Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video.

Q1)        Singer, James Brown, was born on the 3rd May.   Of which year of the 1930s?

Q2)        He was known — amongst other things — as the Godfather of what?

Q3)        Between 1956 and 1961, he was lead singer of the Famous who: Flames, Farts or Furies?

Q4)        Brown released ‘Prisoner of Love’, when: 1962, 1963 or 1964?

Q5)        His first live album was released in the same year.   What was it called: Live at the Apollo, Live at the Royal or Live at the Garden?

Q6)        Brown is considered a big influence on which genre: funk, heavy metal or southern rock?

Q7)        According to the Godfather’s first Top Ten hit, ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New …’ what: bag, bone or bottle?

Q8)        Brown performed a version of ‘The Old Landmark’ in which musical comedy: The Blues Brothers, Little Shop of Horrors or Tokyo Pop?   (It’s in today’s Spotify playlist, if that’s any help: the bass line’s superb!)

Q9)        The film, Rocky 4 used a James Brown song called ‘Living in’ … where?

Q10)        Finally … ?   For many years, Brown had an undiagnosed form of what: diabetes, schizophrenia or arthritis?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        2nd May is World Tuna Day.   Tuna is a what: fish, octopus or squid?

A1)        Fish.

Q2)        Do tuna live in saltwater or fresh water?

A2)        Saltwater.

Q3)        How many species of tuna are there: thirteen, fourteen or fifteen?

A3)        Fifteen.

Q4)        Several species of tuna are served as sushi.   In which Asian nation’s cuisine: Japan’s, China’s or Vietnam’s?

A4)        Japan’s.

Q5)        Finally … ?   Many tuna fishermen try to make sure tuna fishing is what friendly: dolphin friendly, whale friendly or fox friendly?

A5)        Dolphin friendly.

Here’s a thought …

“Don’t want a war with the rappers.   If it wasn’t good, they wouldn’t steal it.”

James Brown, the hardest working man in show business.

And some music …

Today’s questions will be answered in tomorrow’s Teaser.

Decisions about scores are final.

Thank you for coming: have a good day.

*        Asimov’s old friend, Arthur C. Clarke had his own three laws: which you can read, here.   I noticed a novel version of Clarke’s third law: “Any sufficiently technology is indistinguishable from magic” was re-written as “Any sufficiently advanced act of benevolence is indistinguishable from malevolence.”

        I can’t help but wonder if whoever coined that, had read Asimov’s ‘The Evitable Conflict.’   That’s the theme of the story.

†        Hello, Mum!

‡        I thought the name sounded familiar, Olga!

        OK.   Hopefully, we’ll catch you later: but have a good day, today!   (If you get the chance to turn up the volume on today’s playlist, feel free!)

§        Yeah, I thought that might sound familiar, Debbi!   I’ve grabbed something else, today.   It’s from The Evil of the Daleks: the one with the Daleks playing trains!

        Oh, I’ve just found this clip on YouTube, from Episode three or four.   It’s the only time I can remember seeing a Dalek physically attacking someone, rather than just shooting them.