Selasa, 21 Oktober 2014

Clean Eating, Where Women Cook & Plans�

Hi there! & nbsp; I wanted to thank you all for your lovely comments and emails on our master bedroom and kitchen. I also wanted to answer some of the questions. This is a quick post. We are off to Disneyland tomorrow!

First off, I wanted to share some of my favorite cooking magazines and a great cook book .My husband and I are into fitness and now Clean Eating. & nbsp; We want to set a good example for the little ones. I wanted to share this amazing cookbook with great recipes by Tosca Reno's Eat Clean. & nbsp;

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We also have a subscription to Clean Eating magazine, love the recipes. & nbsp; I have been trying out recipes and will let you know which ones we like best.

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Another favorite cooking magazine is Where Women Cook! & nbsp; There are amazing chefs, recipe idea's and adorable kitchens. Fifi is in this latest issue. She looks so lovely in her kitchen.

scan 80005 & nbsp;

The paint color I use throughout the common areas of the house is White Fever by Dunn Edwards (for now lol). The kitchen chandelier is a Rachel Ashwell find, I did not distress it myself. & nbsp; That is the way I bought it. The duvet cover on the bed is by Pom Pom. & nbsp; I found the herb box in the kitchen at a flea market. I did not distress that either. I found it that way. The backsplash on the back kitchen counters are white subway tiles. I went most of the way up the wall. On the island is Carrera Marble. & nbsp; We also did half a wall in one of our bathroom using subway tiles. I haven't shown that bathroom yet. I will try to soon. I hope I got most of the questions. & nbsp; Thank you for asking.

I did get a lot of positive yes feed back on painting the floors white. & nbsp; Most everyone agrees. This is our dilemma though. & nbsp; This home is our 3-5 year plan. & nbsp; My husband and I have moved and flipped 11 homes in our 10 years together. But, when you have a family priorities change when looking for a home to raise them in. We have been going to open house's the last few months to get an idea of the area in which we want to live and find our dream home to finally settle in.. & nbsp; I already have my dream home in mind, finding it in the perfect area is the trick. & nbsp; We have narrowed it down to 3 different locations. The school district being top priority. & nbsp;

Dilemma�We want to possibly keep this house and rent it out, or possibly sell it. Problem is do you think painting the floors white will be a distraction to renters or buyers???

In debate�.

One last thing check out Jennifer Rizzo's gorgeous new Urban Journey Collection Line�

Amazing talent!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Sleeping on Saturday

& nbsp;The oregano seems to like this hot dry weather. The rest of our plants not so much. Mommy is struggling to keep the tomatoes alive. They never seem to have enough water. Not only is it scorching hot (think 90s and 100s) we has a hot dry wind blowing.

& nbsp;Black-eyed Susan Vine


& nbsp;Zinnia

I is exhausted, it is just to hot to move I thinks I will be sleeping this Saturday.

Oh bother Fenris says I has to answer these questions first.

Do you think you're hot?
If by hot you many absolutely adorable, stunningly sexy, ravishing, gorgeous etc. Then the answer is yes of course I am hot. Just ask my suitors or my boyfriend, Prince Casper. I am the hottest ticket in the cat blogosphere. It is also very hot here, so yes I am hot from the weather too.

I use the same wallpaper as Scylla.

When was the last time you ate chicken meat? Whenever Mommy cooked it last. I always get to sample whatever the beans had as long as it is OK for cats. My favorite people food is scrambled eggs.


The song(s) you've listened to most recently?
The music from Halo, there is no escaping it since Youngest Boy Bean is taking things easy because of his dislocated knee and spends zillions of hours playing Halo. Luckily I likes the music. Specially since he has the Halo soundtracks.


What were you thinking when you were doing this?
That I wanted to be napping.

Do you have any nicknames?
Of course I do. I is Arty Mouse, Arty, Mouse, Artemis, Itty Bitty Kitty, Cutie Pie, The Butt (Daddy is so rude), Mini Mini Meow Meow, Your Majesty, and some I forgot. & nbsp; & nbsp;

Tag 8 blogger friends (tag you're it)!
  1. Tiny Johnson from the Katnip Lounge (My #1 Suitor)
  2. Prince Casper (My Boyfriend)
  3. Herman (A Suitor)
  4. Merci from JFF & nbsp;
  5. Mr Puddy
  6. Alfie
  7. Socks (My Brother)
  8. & nbsp;Harley who blogs @ Daisy the Curly Cat & amp; Harley Too! & nbsp;

Who is listed as number 1? Tiny Johnson, he is my #1 Suitor and he lets me ride him around the yard.

Say something about number 5. He is a sweet guy.

How did you get to know number 3? He visited our blog

How about number 4? Same way they visited our blog.

Leave a message for number 6. I'll see you at the Society for Feline Gardners meeting.

Leave a lovey dovey message for number 2
That is easy since Prince Casper is my boyfriend. You are the most romantic Prince and I loves spending time with you in the Hummingbird Cottage.

Do number 7 and number 8 have any similarities?
They are both boy cats and they both has sisters. Harley has an older sister (Daisy) and Socks has two younger sisters (me and Scylla).
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Back into the swing of things! Master Bedroom Reveal part 1

Hi friends! I feel like I have been gone forever, I miss everyone, and will be visiting soon. It was a great break for me though. I got to revive, rest and now I am coming back feeling fresh and inspired. We all need that from time to time. & nbsp; I have had a great time these past few weeks catching up on things, visiting with my dad, and being pregnant, (10 weeks left.) My Dad flew in from Italy two weeks ago, I haven't seen him in 6 years!!! We had such a wonderful time together reconnecting and he finally met my son. & nbsp; Dustin loves his nono. & nbsp;

I have & nbsp; also been busy with school . I have some fun project's that are due, I can't wait to show them to you. I have been learning photo shop CS5. Its pretty tuff, but I think I am finally getting the hang of it.

Master Bedroom 2 010 & nbsp;

Photography this semester has been a bit overwhelming, to say the least. Electronic and digital photography is one of the hardest course's I have taken yet. & nbsp; Just when I think I have figured something out, there is a ton more to learn. Its endless. There are so many tricks and techniques to photography, I love it!

I & nbsp; finally finished shooting a & nbsp; few homes, which I just got word that they will be published! I can't wait to show you them. One of which is a home & nbsp; that my husband and I designed from the inside out.

My sister did some work I will be showing as well. Stay tuned!

Master Bedroom 2 015 & nbsp;

I also did a shoot for product line of & nbsp; cute greeting cards, soap, etc, & nbsp; & nbsp; I will soon share as well, plus more.

Ok, I won't yap to much about things. Onto the master bedroom, & nbsp; it has been done for awhile and I finally got around to shooting it! I love the pops of color I added here and there. The bedding is a mix of Rachel Ashwell and Pom Pom. I have a few different types of bed linens, but these two are my favorite.

Master Bedroom 2 023

When I was working with Rachel and the girls from Shabby, sometimes when they style a bed for a photograph, & nbsp; the girls jump into the bed to make it look comfy. So fun and funny. I fell in love with how it looks when it is not made completely. Makes me want to jump right in, which I did...you have to try it..Lol,

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Senin, 20 Oktober 2014

Denson: Casino up to Choctaws

Jackson County Supervisor Frank Leach sent a letter to Denson this week asking for a public meeting to discuss his plans.

"My hope is that the voice of Jackson County will be heard and be respected," said Leach. The county had an agreement with Martin to walk away from the casino if the vote was against it, and Leach said, "I think he spoke for the tribe." Just as the current Jackson County supervisors abide by actions of previous boards, he feels Denson should honor Martin's commitment.

Leach is against the Choctaw casino and said he wants to ask Denson to do some type of positive development with the property that would be pleasing to the majority of Jackson County residents.

Unlike casinos in Harrison and Hancock counties that pay 8 percent of their earnings to the state and up to 4 percent in local taxes, with a tribal casino in Jackson County, "We are not guaranteed anything," Leach said. The most the county could hope to receive is some payment for infrastructure, he said, and he doesn't want the citizens of Jackson County paying the costs for the casino. "We have not heard from the people yet," he said

They're going to have to listen to what the county wants," said Jan Vos of Ocean Strings. To put a casino on U.S. 57 the Choctaws would have to use county roads and services and therefore have to work with the county. "I believe they bought that land about 10 years ago," he said, so it isn't traditional tribal land.

That is also the position of the U.S. Department of Interior, which would have to approve the off-reservation casino before it could be built 200 miles from the Choctaw reservation.

Read the complete article in The Sun Herald. Reasons to vote NO to the casino

  • It would not be taxed. The residents of Jackson County could wind up paying for the infrastructure while getting very little in return.
  • Denson has demonstrated he doesn't feel bound by Martin's agreements with Jackson County. Any agreement we work out with Denson could be voided by a new chief.
  • This is not traditional tribal land, it is 200 miles from their reservation.
  • Denson has stated that he only wants Choctaws to hold high paying management positions.
  • Jackson County would face increased traffic.
  • Jackson County would face increased drunk driving around the casino.
  • The location is near the current Jackson County Soccer Complex, several schools and the proposed Ocean Springs Sportsplex. A casino does not belong in an area geared toward family activities and schools.
  • The impact on wetlands.
  • The possible flooding of nearby residents.
  • The impact on the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.

If the Choctaws want a casino on the Gulf Coast they should build it in Harrison or Hancock County where casinos are welcomed and play by the same rules as the other casinos.

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Fenris Friday

It is very hot here. I stay inside under the AC most of the day. I come out in the evenings to go walking with Mom and to help her water the plants. I lays in the shade while she waters stuff.

She says she would like to trade places with me. Is she nuts I am not dragging the hose around in the hot sun to water the plants. I will stick with my snoopervising role thank you very much.

I check out the wildflower seeds Daddy planted when we go for our evening walk. Very few of the seeds are coming up. I thinks it is because we are in a drought here. We are purring & amp; wooing for rain.

(Sigh) Somebody needs to teach Mommy how to take pictures. These flowers are very pretty and dainty but since the picture is out of focus it is hard for you to tell.
Since Daddy has to work, Mommy and I will be meeting her friend for our beach walk this weekend.

Scylla tagged me, so I am going to answer her questions.

Do you think you're hot?
Well I have been told I am the Paul Newman of doggies and I was named after Frank Sinatra at the Animal Shelter so I guess some people and pups think I am hot.

I use the same wallpaper as Scylla.

When was the last time you ate chicken meat?
Yesterday, Mommy lets me have a taste when she cooks it. I especially likes it when she gives me raw chicken meat that is frozen.

The song(s) you've listened to most recently?
In Lonesome Dove by Garth Brooks

What were you thinking when you were doing this?
That I likes sitting by Mommy

Do you have any nicknames?
Sure doesn't everybody. My nicknames are Fen, Fenny Marriny, Good Boy, Bad Dog and Handsome.

Tag 8 blogger friends (tag you're it)!
1. Artemisia
2. Ciara of The OP Pack
3. Asta
4. Mango
5. Frankie Furter
6. Tommy from The Poupounette Gang
7. Mayzie
8. Eva

Who is listed as number 1? My sister Artemisia, she is my best friend. She actually plays with me.

Say something about number 5.
He is the mayor of Blogville

How did you get to know number 3? She came to visit our blog and left a comment.

How about number 4? I entered Mango Minster.

Leave a message for number 6.
Hi Tommy wanna play ball with me.

Leave a lovey dovey message for number 2
Ciara, I has a crush on you.

Do number 7 and number 8 have any similarities? they are both beautiful girl doggies.

~Fenris
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Rabu, 15 Oktober 2014

Neurobots: Robots Controlled by Brain Simulations

Simulations
Researchers have been developing robots that are powered by better artificial brains. They have recently created a computer neural simulation consisting of 6,700 neurons with approximately 1.3 million synaptic connections. This technology builds on previous work in the field of neurorobotics. The robot they used for this experiment is shown on the left. It is equipped with a CCD video camera. The camera has IR sensors to avoid obstacles and an RF transmitter to process objects visually. The emulation attempts to model aspects of the mind that researchers believe to be important for information processing. The goal is to allow the robot to act in a manner similar to an actual animal. This gives insight into the functioning of the brain and how it encodes for behavior.

The scientists claim to have chosen three different neurotransmitters subsystems to model. These systems include dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin. Dopaminergic, cholinergic and serotonergic cell bodies are found in the VTA, basal forebrain and raphe nucleus respectively. Some of these cells are located deep within the brain and they project their axons like a branching tree to numerous other regions. The synaptic junctions allow cross-talk between areas using these discrete neurotransmitters as messengers.

The VTA for instance (see picture on left), makes connections to places like the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. The neural facsimile they carried out emulates 100 neurons for each of these three cell body regions. Their simulation also contains brain cells devoted to processing images from the CCD camera. In addition, they have areas to encode for find/flee behavior and good/bad judgements (100 neurons for each).

So this is really an extremely simplified replica that is merely meant to represent some very basic ways that the researchers believe how the mind works. Obviously 6,700 neurons is much less complex than even a fly's brain. They ignored a considerable amount of neuronal function. So the behavioral output of this robotic device is definitely limited in scope compared to more complicated organisms.

The researchers appear to give an overly simplistic explanation for how specific neurotransmitter systems function. So I'm not necessarily convinced of the utility in labeling the 100 neuron subpopulations as "dopaminergic" or "serotonergic". Their brain is really only a crude simulacrum and assigning these labels may not be particularly relevant.
Dopamine appears to be important for “wanting”, that is, the motivation process in acquiring an object [13]. Dopamine, which is found throughout the central nervous system, is produced in the ventral tegmental area. A recent proposal ties the prediction error to wanting by suggesting that incentive salience is the expected future reward that maps actions to rewards [14].
There are a lot of nuances to dopamine's role in motivating an organisms to action and I'm not confident that the authors do it justice in their paper. Since this is done via computer, it does allow the scientists to do temporary lesions to see the resulting affect on robotic performances. They can basically turn off the functioning of specific neurotransmitter subsystems selectively. I'd be wary, though, of linking the behavioral changes that they witnessed to a real animal's dopaminergic system.
When CARL-1’s dopaminergic system was intact, it approached stimuli that were predictive of positive value, and ignored neutral stimuli. When CARL-1’s VTA was lesioned, the number of Find responses, which signify “wanting”, significantly decreased. Instead of approaching these positive-value stimuli, CARL-1 treated green objects as neutral stimuli.
They go on to talk about the other neuromodulatory systems and how adjusting them altered the functioning of the neurobot.
In our experiments with CARL-1, we showed that serotonergic neuromodulation arising from a simulated Raphe nucleus was needed to respond appropriately to threatening stimuli. When CARL-1’s serotonergic system was intact, it moved away from threatening stimuli, and ignored neutral stimuli.
The interpretations they make seem somewhat facile to me. However, I do think the interesting aspect of neurorobotics is that it allows the researchers to test an extraordinary range of different hypotheses. There is a lot of potential in scaling up the neuron count to enable a more extensive range of robot routines.

You can see some videos of this robot here. A recent paper on the topic is here (PDF). The researcher also gave a video presentation about it (see here, requires flash).
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GPU Conference Presentations



I mentioned previously about a GPU conference that discussed the implications of the technology for doing scientific research. There are certain classes of problems that GPU's are especially suited for and they offer a speed up when compared to CPU's. As an example, researchers have recently developed a relatively inexpensive 13 gpu "supercomputer" with about 12 teraflops of computing power for scientific problems. GPU's have been rivaling the complexity of intel's most advanced technology and 3 billion transistor gpu chips will probably hit the market shortly. Nvidia also believes that they can reach 10 billion transistors easily. With this speed up of processing power coupled with machine learning, we will be able to learn more about the brain than ever before. While it's probably somewhat facile to make a blanket statement that computing power is increasing exponentially, there are still some interesting exponential trends in the field that will likely continue for at least the next 5 or ten years.

Nvidia has put media from that 2009 conference online and several of them are related to neuroscience. The company Evolved Machines is "pioneering the reverse engineering of brain circuitry to build intelligent machines". An audio talk can be found here (6.1 MB).

"Reconstructing the Brain: Extracting Neural Circuitry with CUDA and MPI" is a 37.6 MB video presentation (download here). The following is an excerpt about that video;
In this talk we will present our insights and lessons learned in using CUDA to reconstruct neural connections in high-resolution EM data. We will present technical details and non-trivial issues regarding the implementation of NeuroTrace, our system for semi-automatic segmentation and interactive visualization of terabytes of EM image data. The segmentation method is based on a sequence of 2D level set segmentations of cell membranes integrated with an image correspondence energy for robust transition between consecutive slices and a weighted path extrapolation method to trace a 3D centerline of a neural pathway along non-axis aligned slices.
Optimizing Ion Channel Kinetics Using A Massively Parallel Genetic Algorithm on the GPU (26.4 MB video presentation);
Voltage-gated ion channels effect the integration of information in many neurons. Some neurons express over 10 voltage-gated channels that turn information processing into a highly non-linear affair.
The currently popular analysis techniques suffer from various shortcomings that limit the ability of the researcher to rapidly produce physiologically relevant models of voltage-gated ion channels.

To solve this computational bottleneck we have been converting our optimization algorithm to work on a GPU using CUDA. We have succeeded to parallelize the process on a GTX 295 giving a speed increase of roughly X100 over that of the CPU.
Medical Image Registration with CUDA (37.6 MB video presentation);
Speedups of up to 750 times were obtained as compared to code in daily use at Addenbrookes Hospital and Bio-Medical Campus. Some very recent results are shown in the figures. This work is of direct application in both research and clinical practice. A particular application is voxel based MRI morphometry in humans and in animal brains.
High-Throughput Science (271 MB keynote speech);
How did the universe start? How is the brain wired? How does matter interact at the quantum level? These are some of the great scientific challenges of our times, and answering them requires bigger scientific instruments, increasingly precise imaging equipment and ever-more complex computer simulations.
The rest of the presentations can be found here. They cover a wide variety of topics.
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