Man vs. Machine: Who’s the Better Poker Player, a Human or a Computer?

Dr. Toumas Sandholm, Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University and creator of “Claudico”
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Dr. Toumas Sandholm, Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University and creator of “Claudico”
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Read MoreI’ve got nothing against trying new technology. After all, I own a laptop that works. Sometimes. I’ve used Windows Vista for years now and once spent $350 for Microsoft Office. I even maintain an active AOL e-mail account, for the bargain price of just $24.95 per month. Trying finding a great deal like that on your own — bet you can’t.

Read MoreThe objective of conservatives is no longer to win the political debate. They aren’t willing to engage in honest discourse anymore because it’s become abundantly clear — especially to them — they can’t win. Most of the conservative talking points we hear are destined for the ash heap of history, soon to be buried alongside the forgotten memoirs of their most outspoken demagogues from the previous generation, from Strom Thurmond to Jerry Falwell. Even Ronald Reagan doesn’t resonate much anymore within the political mainstream.
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David Sklansky, true to his reputation for thinking beyond the usual parameters of expectation, noted that if scientific research could somehow prove a direct link between playing poker and preventing Alzheimer’s (and other diseases of dementia and mental deterioration), such news might trigger another tidal wave of enthusiasm for the game.

Read MoreThis column created a firestorm when I first wrote and published it. I lost friends and even received threats. Nonetheless, I stand by the conclusions herein. Until it can be shown an orchestrated and deliberate “genocide” occurred, I remain convinced the horrific episode known as the attempt to exterminate Armenians was one of many terrible outcomes of World War I and unbridled nationalism.

Read MoreFew politicians in the modern age ignite as much passion — pro and con — as Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Read MoreIreland is a country full of surprises. What follows are ten things I learned about Ireland during my visit that surprised me most.

Read MoreMost people have heard of Waterford Crystal. It’s the best crystal in the world and the ultimate symbol of both excellence and craftsmanship. I toured the factory recently and have this report to share.

Read MoreNothing tops nature. Not the Las Vegas Strip. Not the Manhattan skyline. No man-made object can possibly surpass the splendor of nature’s abundant power and beauty. Borrowing a famous line I once heard somewhere — You think a tall building is impressive? Try making a butterfly from scratch. You can’t.

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The United States has a peculiar way of defending and promoting freedom and democracy abroad, particularly in the increasingly turbulent Middle East.
To illustrate American foreign policy’s glaring double standard, let us compare two predominantly Muslim, oil-rich nations. These two nations are treated differently by the United States and most of its closest allies.