explain xkcd - User contributions [en]

329: Turing Test

2013-01-15T18:57:49Z

2.204.189.74: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 329
| date = October 15, 2007
| title = Turing Test
| image = turing_test.png
| imagesize =
| titletext = Hit Turing right in the test-tees
}}

== Explanation ==
In brief, a {{w|Turing test}} is a test for assessing whether a machine/program demonstrates "intelligent" behaviour. Suggested by {{w|Alan Turing}}, the test involves a human examiner talking through a computer terminal to either a human or a computer -- which it is, is not known to the examiner. If the machine/program's responses convince the examiner that he/she is talking to a human, the machine/program is said to be passing the test. This comic suggests that extra credit should be awarded if the machine/program is capable of "counter-convincing" the examiner that he's actually a computer.

The most common implementation of a Turing test Internet users may see is the {{w|CAPTCHA}} (Completely Automated Program to Tell Computers and Humans Apart), which is often found on web site registration pages and usually involves trying to identify letters/numbers in an image. The text in the image is often distorted and/or in different colors or sizes or fonts, or may be very blurry as if from a very bad photocopy. This is to deter an automated {{w|Optical_character_recognition|OCR}} (Optical Character Recognition) program from easily identifying the characters. The idea is that humans can process and decipher things from highly distorted pictures much easier than (current) computer algorithms can.

The caption makes a play on words, in that ''extra credit'' (optional additional work to perform) is sometimes offered on curricular examinations ("tests") to allow the taker to increase his or her total score by demonstrating a heightened understanding of the subject, but the Turing test is not such a test. (This misapplication of vernacular associated with academic testing to a non-academic procedure that also bears the name ''test'' is a common vehicle of humor, as in "what if I take a blood test, and don't pass?" One may pass or fail an academic exam, but a blood test only identifies blood type, and the concept of passing or failing is not applicable.)

Similarly, the title text makes a play on words with "test-tees" vs ''testes'' suggesting that such extra credit would be an ironic twist to Turing test. (Hitting or kicking an adversary in the testes is considered dirty fighting.) This play on words is actually itself a form of aural CAPTCHA; humans can processes and recognize {{w|pun}}s for what they are, but machines generally run afoul of the ambiguity.

A person with an appreciation for macabre humor will note that actually hitting Alan Turing in the testes would be rendered somewhat ineffectual by the fact that the British government {{w|Alan Turing#Conviction for indecency|chemically castrated him}} after he was convicted of "gross indecency" (Victorian-era code for "homosexuality") under the Labouchere Amendment in 1952. Whether or not this was intended by Randall is uncertain.

== Transcript ==
:Turing test extra credit:
:Convince the examiner that <u>he's</u> a computer.
:Cueball: You know, you make some really good points.
:Cueball: I'm... not even sure who I am any more

{{Comic discussion}}
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Computers]]

261: Regarding Mussolini

2013-01-15T18:46:10Z

2.204.189.74: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 261
| date = May 14, 2007
| title = Regarding Mussolini
| image = regarding_mussolini.png
| titletext = Constantly stopping these briefings halfway through is becoming a pain.
}}

==Explanation==
{{w|Godwin's Law}} states that all conversations on the Internet, given enough time will devolve into comparisons to Hitler or the Nazis. The scene in the comic is generals of the {{w|Allies of World War II|Allied forces}} briefing each other and strategizing defenses and offensive positions. Of course in {{w|World War II}}, most of the conversations would at some point come to the Nazis (as they were kind of a big part of WWII).

==Transcript==
:[Three people are standing around a map. One of them is pushing something with a stick.]
:[A messenger arrives.]
:Messenger: General, Italian forces have entered Egypt.
:General: As I expected. This is a foolish move by Mussolini, but like Hitler he will no doubt force his commanders to—
:Messenger: Hey. Godwin's Law.
:General: Dammit.
:General: You know, this may become a problem.

{{comic discussion}}
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Hitler]]

108: M.C. Hammer Slide

2013-01-15T18:37:02Z

2.204.189.74: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 108
| date = May 29, 2006
| title = M.C. Hammer Slide
| image = mc_hammer_slide.png
| imagesize =
| titletext = Once, long ago, I saw this girl go by. I didn't stop and talk to her, and I've regretted it ever since.
}}

==Explanation==
The base part of the comic is self-explanatory: Girl attracts Boy, Boy notices Girl, Boy approaches Girl, Girl reacts positively, Boy falls in love, Girl decides to answer lovecall, happily ever after etc. The quirk in this comic is the way Girl catches attention of Boy in the comic: through the signature move of 1980's rapper {{w|MC Hammer}} (the slide). To watch MC Hammer doin' the slide, click [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIHAkqCls4A&t=1m47s here].

The title text indicates that [[Randall]] once saw a girl go by and regrets that he did not speak with her as Boy does in this comic. The title text is unclear whether Randall is stressing the word "this". It is possible that the girl Randall is referring to was actually doing the slide.

==Transcript==
:[Two guys stand next to each other talking]
:Cueball: I just feel like somewhere out there is the girl for me.
:Person: Yeah.
:Cueball: Someone loving and caring.
:Person: I know what you mean.
:Cueball: A girl whose only mode of transportation is the M.C. Hammer Slide.
:Person: Yeah.
:Person: ...Wait, what?
:[Megan hammer slides past]
:[Cueball sees Megan hammer slide and it's love at first sight]
:[Megan hammer slides over into Cueball's waiting arms]

{{comic discussion}}
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]
[[Category:Romance]]