NJ Congressman Shows Up Super Computer 'Watson' on 'Jeopardy'
by Elizabeth Sexton
IBM’s game show-sweeping computer “Watson” proved it might know a thing or two about human emotions, as seen during a “Jeopardy”- like match Monday against U.S. Rep Rush Holt of New Jersey.
When prompted on what Ambrose Bierce described as "a temporary insanity curable by marriage," Watson beat the representative to the buzzer with “love.”
Nevertheless, Holt, a five-time “Jeopardy” champion from 35 years ago, topped Watson during the congressman vs. machine contest held at a Washington Hotel.
Like the rocket scientist it would take to conquer the computer, Holt carries an impressive background which includes working as an arms control expert and former leader of the federal Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
"I wonder if Watson wasn't having a low-voltage night, because I certainly didn't expect to score higher than the computer," Holt told The Associated Press.
Perhaps being modest, Holt’s lead grew in categories like "Presidential Rhyme Time," in which he correctly responded to "Herbert's military strategy" with "Hoover's maneuvers."
Answers like “What is hippophobia,” the fear of horses, also helped Holt earn $8,600 to Watson’s $6,200.
The computer called victory in later rounds against other representatives, Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y., Jim Himes, D-Conn. and Jared Polis, D-Colo.
Ultimately, Watson won the entire contest with a combined $40,300 to the humans’ $30,000.