What’s Your AI IQ?

 

 

What’s Your AI IQ?

AI has taken the world by storm and according to some will bring about more changes to the way we live since the Internet.

You may think of ChatGPT when you hear the term AI but there are many other “large language models” you can use. For this article, I used Google’s Bard. You can access Bard too… just go to https://bard.google.com. Bard readily admits it may display inaccurate or offensive information.

Although AI is in its infancy it can save you time if you’re careful and you understand that AI can spew a lot of misinformation and outright lies.

Using AI is easy, but to get the best answers you have to give a good prompt. And, we’re going to tell you right now -if you ask a critical question like how to fix a car or computer – don’t trust the answer unless you know something about cars or computers, or you could end up making the problem worse.

But some non-critical uses for AI can help save you time

For instance…

RECIPES

Out of tartar sauce? The following recipe came from Bard and my prompt was…. “Give me a simple recipe for tartar sauce.”

Sure, here is a simple tartar sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
• Mix well until smooth.
• Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Here are some variations of the recipe:

Add 1 tablespoon of capers for a more intense flavor.
Add 1 tablespoon of horseradish for a spicier sauce.
Use Dijon mustard instead of regular mustard for a richer flavor.
Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a more flavorful sauce.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

“Give me a recipe for spaghetti sauce with only 3 ingredients.”

Sure, here is a three-ingredient spaghetti sauce recipe.

Ingredients:

2 pounds whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter

Instructions:

• In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat.
• Add the onion and cook until softened …about 5 minutes.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Here are some tips for making this recipe:

• You can use any type of canned tomatoes, but whole peeled tomatoes are the most common.
• If you don’t have fresh onions, you can use 1/2 cup of dried onion flakes.
• You can also add other herbs and spices to the sauce, such as basil, garlic powder, or oregano.
• If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a little bit of water or broth.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

This recipe is a variation of Marcella Hazan’s famous 3-ingredient spaghetti sauce. The addition of onion adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that is not present in the original recipe. The butter also helps to smooth out the acidity of the tomatoes and give the sauce a richer flavor.

“Give me a unique recipe for snickerdoodles.”

Sure, here is a unique recipe for snickerdoodles:

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
1/4 cup ground cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the granulated sugar and cinnamon mixture.
• Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Here are some tips for making this recipe:

• For a chewier snickerdoodle, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• To make the snickerdoodles even more flavorful, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• If you don’t have ground cinnamon, you can use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sticks, crushed.
• To make the snickerdoodles ahead of time, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough balls overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

NUTRITION

It’s melon season where I live and while I’m not a fan of watermelon, I am a fan of cantaloupe…

“Give me nutrition information for 2 cups of cantaloupe chunks.”

Here are the nutrition facts for 2 cups (540 grams) of cantaloupe chunks:

Calories: 106
Total fat: 0.9 grams
Saturated fat: 0 grams
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.3 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 0.6 grams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Sodium: 1 milligram
Carbohydrates: 27 grams
Fiber: 1.4 grams
Sugar: 24 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin A: 100% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 62% of the DV
Potassium: 212 milligrams
Manganese: 15% of the DV
Copper: 10% of the DV
Folate: 8% of the DV

Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for vision, immune function, and skin health. It is also a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health. Cantaloupe is a low-calorie fruit that is a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Here are some of the health benefits of cantaloupe:

• Improves vision: Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Vitamin A helps to protect the eyes from damage and can help to prevent night blindness.
• Boosts immunity: Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for the immune system. Vitamin C helps to protect the body from infection and can help to shorten the duration of colds and flu.
• Promotes skin health: Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to keep the skin hydrated and can help to protect the skin from damage from the sun.
• Aids in weight loss: Cantaloupe is a low-calorie fruit that is a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Cantaloupe is also a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full.
• Reduces the risk of heart disease: Cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, which is an important mineral for heart health. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

GENERAL WONDERING 🙂

Being that I’m not a big fan of cashews, I’ve never really thought about where they came from. I recently learned the grow out from the bottom of an apple-like fruit called Cashew Apples. That led me to wonder what cashew apples are used for. So, I asked Bard, What are cashew apples used for?”

Cashew apples are the fleshy fruit of the cashew tree. They are yellow, orange, or red when ripe and have a sweet, tangy flavor. Cashew apples are not as commonly eaten as cashew nuts, but they can be used in a variety of ways.

Here are some of the uses of cashew apples:

Fresh: Cashew apples can be eaten fresh, but they are often sour and astringent. They can be peeled and eaten raw, or they can be cooked or pickled.

Cashew apples fresh

Juice: Cashew apple juice is a refreshing drink that is high in vitamin C. It can be made by blending the flesh of the cashew apple with water.

Cashew apple juice

Jam: Cashew apple jam is a sweet and tangy spread that can be made by cooking the flesh of the cashew apple with sugar and spices.

Wine: Cashew apple wine is a sweet and fruity wine that is made by fermenting the juice of the cashew apple.

Cashew apple wine

Culinary uses: Cashew apples can be used in a variety of savory dishes, such as curries, soups, and stews. They can also be used to make chutneys and pickles.


Cashew apples: Culinary uses

Cosmetics: Cashew apple extract is used in some cosmetics, such as lotions and soaps. It is said to have moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

Cashew apples: cosmetics

Traditional medicine: Cashew apple extract is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.

It is important to note that cashew apples contain a toxin called urushiol, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to poison ivy, you should avoid eating cashew apples.

VACATION PLANNING

Because I am familiar with northern Ohio, I asked a vacation-planning question to see how accurate Bard was in planning a 3-day vacation in northern Ohio. Except for one glaring error (Put-in-Bay is also called South Bass Island and you can’t drive to it), I found that it would make a nice vacation plan for those who have never been to northern Ohio.

“I plan on spending 3 days in northern Ohio. Make a vacation plan for me.”

Sure, here is a possible 3-day vacation plan for northern Ohio:

Day 1:

Start your day with a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland

In the afternoon, take a walk through the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland

In the evening, catch a show at the Playhouse Square Performing Arts Center.

Playhouse Square Performing Arts Center in Cleveland

Day 2:

Visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and take a hike on the Towpath Trail.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio

In the afternoon, drive to Sandusky and visit Cedar Point amusement park.

Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio

In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise on Lake Erie.

Day 3:

Visit the Toledo Museum of Art and see its collection of European and American art.

Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio

In the afternoon, drive to Put-In-Bay and explore the island’s shops and restaurants. (TC  says – “you can’t drive to Put-In-Bay, it’s an island – South Bass Island, but you can take a ferry from several different locations to Put-In-Bay, and it’s definitely worth the trip.)

Put-In-Bay in Ohio

In the evening, catch a ferry to Kelleys Island and enjoy a quiet evening on the island.

Kelleys Island in Ohio

This is just a suggestion, of course, and you can tailor it to your own interests and preferences. There are many other great things to see and do in northern Ohio, so you’re sure to have a great time no matter what you choose to do.

Using AI correctly — and wisely — can save you time

We’ve given you some safe ways to use IA. There are others like looking up word definitions and getting directions (with caution, of course).

If you use AI correctly and use it for non-critical questions, it can be a real-time-saver. But we warn you again, the information can be inaccurate so don’t use it for technical questions, health questions, or any other critically important questions unless you know a great deal about what you’re asking because AI can produce some very inaccurate answers.

Did we improve your AI IQ? We hope so!