Weird AI Created Dogs for Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota

Say what you will about the future of AI (artificial intelligence), it can certainly be creative. But not always accurate at some things.

For instance, the PetLab Co recently put together a 50-state AI project which was to feature the AI dog breed inspired by its state of origin.

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For example, the "Desert Sun Hound" of Arizona is a kind of artsy painted pot sort of creature. The California "Gold Coast Surfer" is a sort of laid-back, cute, tie-dye pup, Idaho's dog would be a "Pomo-Spud" (part Pomeranian, part potato), and Alabama's AI dog is a buffed-out hound.

Some of the suggested breeds are flat-out adorable, some are just weird. The Minnesota breed is called the "North Star Nordic" and strongly resembles a Malamute.

Iowa's AI pup, the "Heartland Harmony Retriever" is a cute Golden Retriever-looking dog that is a tribute to the community spirit of Iowans.

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South Dakota's AI-created creature is certainly interesting looking. It was named a "Prairie Spirit Collie" and sports multi-colored ear fur and a fedora with a kind of (but not the) South Dakota flag on it.

If you're a dog lover, you will at least appreciate this effort to embody the spirit, geography, and culture of each of our 50 states. You can see all of the interesting AI-created dogs HERE.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown