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Special Symposium on Intelligent Systems 2018
September 18 – 20, 2018, in Stuttgart and Tübingen
Cars are becoming increasingly autonomous, bird-like aerial vehicles may soon deliver packages, soft robots have the potential to assist us in our daily activities, and surgery might someday be performed by a fleet of microscopic devices. The digitization of industry and the birth of cyber-physical systems have brought intelligent systems to the forefront of science, technology, and everyday life. Only a deep understanding of natural and artificial systems that can perceive, act, and learn will allow our society to harness the full potential of intelligence in all its various forms.
On September 18, 19, and 20, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems is holding a Special Symposium on Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany. Keynote talks by renowned scientists from outside institutions will provide insights into cutting-edge research on intelligent systems worldwide and provide attendees with a glimpse into the future of this field.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018, Stuttgart
Metin Sitti (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)
Lecture Hall 2R04, Stuttgart
Conor Walsh (Harvard University)
Soft Wearable Robots for Everyday Wear
It is exciting to imagine a future when we can use wearable robots to increase strength or efficiency, restore or repair ability after injury or prevent injuries from happening in the first place. This vision is currently challenging to achieve due to limitations in current technology and a lack of understanding of how humans will respond to physical assistance. This talk will give an overview of our work on developing disruptive soft wearable robot technologies for augmenting and restoring human performance and what we have learned from biomechanical and physiological studies that furthers the scientific understanding of how humans interact with such machines. Our efforts are the result of a multidisciplinary team of students and research staff with backgrounds in engineering, materials science, apparel design, industrial design, biomechanics, and physical therapy, in addition to valuable collaborations with colleagues from Harvard, Boston University, and beyond. Our long-term vision is for ubiquitous soft wearable robots that can be worn all day, every day underneath clothing, in both the community, home, sporting and workplace environments. This would enable a change in the paradigm of how we currently assist mobility for those with physical impairments (i.e. replacing plastic braces with active assistance), and how we rehabilitate those after injury (i.e. training programs outside of a clinic environment) as well as how we protect healthy individuals with physical tasks (i.e. protecting military personnel, athletes or factory workers performing high risk tasks).
Speaker Bio >>
Conor Walsh is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and a Core Faculty Member at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. He directs the Harvard Biodesign Lab, which brings together researchers from the engineering, industrial design, apparel, clinical and business communities to develop disruptive robotic technologies for augmenting and restoring human performance. Example application areas include enhancing the mobility of healthy individuals, restoring the mobility of patients with gait deficits and assisting those with upper extremity weakness to perform activities of daily living. Conor's multidisciplinary research spans robotics, materials, biology and medicine and has led to over 125 peer reviewed scientific papers. His group's work is highly translation focused, with multiple technologies already licensed, and one that has entered a clinical trial. Conor is also dedicated to training the next generation of biomedical engineering innovators through his teaching, as well as outreach efforts through the Soft Robotics Toolkit. He is the winner of multiple awards including the IEEE ICRA Best Medical Robotics Paper Award, MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 Award, IEEE Early Academic Career Award in Robotics and Automation, the Rolex Award for Enterprise, Popular Science Brilliant 10, National Science Foundation Career Award, the Robotics Business Review Next Generation Game Changer Award and the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition Grand Prize.
Coffee Break (In front of Lecture Hall 2R04, Stuttgart)
David Lentink (Stanford University)
Avian Inspired Design
Many organisms fly in order to survive and reproduce. My lab focusses on understanding bird flight to improve flying robots—because birds fly further, longer, and more reliable in complex visual and wind environments. I use this multidisciplinary lens that integrates biomechanics, aerodynamics, and robotics to advance our understanding of the evolution of flight more generally across birds, bats, insects, and autorotating seeds. The development of flying organisms as an individual and their evolution as a species are shaped by the physical interaction between organism and surrounding air. The organism's architecture is tuned for propelling itself and controlling its motion. Flying animals and plants maximize performance by generating and manipulating vortices. These vortices are created close to the body as it is driven by the action of muscles or gravity, then are 'shed' to form a wake (a trackway left behind in the fluid). I study how the organism's architecture is tuned to utilize these and other aeromechanical principles to compare the function of bird wings to that of bat, insect, and maple seed wings. The experimental approaches range from making robotic models to training birds to fly in a custom-designed wind tunnel as well as in visual flight arena's—and inventing methods to 3D scan birds and measure the aerodynamic force they generate—nonintrusively—with a novel aerodynamic force platform. The studies reveal that animals and plants have converged upon the same solution for generating high lift: A strong vortex that runs parallel to the leading edge of the wing, which it sucks upward. Why this vortex remains stably attached to flapping animal and spinning plant wings is elucidated and linked to kinematics and wing morphology. While wing morphology is quite rigid in insects and maple seeds, it is extremely fluid in birds. I will show how such 'wing morphing' significantly expands the performance envelope of birds during flight, and will dissect the mechanisms that enable birds to morph better than any aircraft can. Finally, I will show how these findings have inspired my students to design new flapping and morphing aerial robots.
Professor Lentink's multidisciplinary lab studies how birds fly to develop better flying robots—integrating biomechanics, fluid mechanics, and robot design. http://lentinklab.stanford.edu He has a BS and MS in Aerospace Engineering (Aerodynamics, Delft University of Technology) and a PhD in Experimental Zoology cum laude (Wageningen University). During his PhD he visited the California institute of Technology for 9 months to study insect flight. His postdoctoral training at Harvard was focused on studying bird flight. Publications range from technical journals to cover publications in Nature and Science. He is an alumnus of the Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, recipient of the Dutch Academic Year Prize, the NSF CAREER award, he has been recognized in 2013 as one of 40 scientists under 40 by the World Economic Forum, and he is the inaugural winner of the Steven Vogel Young Investigator Award.
Kyu-Jin Cho (Seoul National University)
Soft Robots with Physically Embodied Intelligence
Soft robotics deals with interaction with environments that are uncertain and vulnerable to change, by easily adapting to the environment with soft materials. However, softness requires controlling large degrees of freedom. Many soft robots use pneumatics which can easily distribute the actuation. If tendons are used for actuating a soft body, the large degrees of freedom of the material either requires large number of tendons or limits the controllability. Tendon drive soft robots can benefit from using the concept of physically embodied intelligence, first proposed by Prof. Rolf Pfeifer. By embodying intelligence into the design, better performance can be achieved with a simpler actuation. In nature, there are few example that exhibit this property. Flytrap, for example, can close its leaves quickly by using bistability of the leaves instead of just relying on the actuation. Inchworm achieves adaptive gripping with its prolegs by using the buckling effect. In this talk, I will give an overview of various soft b robotic technologies, and some of the soft robots with physically embodied intelligence that are being developed at SNU. These examples will show that the concept of physically embodied intelligence simplifies the design and enables better performance by exploiting the characteristics of the material.
Kyu-Jin Cho received B.S and M.S. degrees from Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea and a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory. At present, he is a professor of Mechanical and Engineering and the director of Soft Robotics Research Center and Biorobotics Laboratory at Seoul National University. His research interests include biologically inspired robotics, soft robotics, soft wearable devices, novel mechanisms using smart structures, origami robots and rehabilitation and assistive robotics. He has been exploring novel soft bio-inspired robot designs, including a water jumping robot, flytrap inspired robot and a soft wearable robot for the hand, called Exo-Glove. The work on the water jumping robot was published in SCIENCE and covered by over 300 news media world-wide. He has received the 2014 IEEE RAS Early Academic Career Award for his fundamental contributions to soft robotics and biologically inspired robot design. He has also received the 2014 ASME Compliant Mechanism Award, 2013 IROS Best Video Award, 2015 KROS Hakbo ART (Assistive Robotic Technology) Award and 2013 KSPE Paik Am Award. The Biorobotics Lab has won the 1st RoboSoft Grand Challenge sponsored by European Commission with the robot "SNUMAX" in Livorno, Italy.
Daniel Goldman (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Robophysics: Physics meets Robotics
Robots are moving from the factory floor and into our lives (e.g. autonomous cars, package delivery drones, and search-and-rescue devices). However, compared to living systems, locomotion by such devices is still relatively limited, in part because principles of interaction with complex environments are largely unknown. In this talk I will discuss efforts to develop a physics of moving systems -- a locomotion ``robophysics'' -- which we define as the pursuit of the discovery of principles of self-generated motion [Aguilar et al, Rep. Prog. Physics, 2016]. We use the methods of physics to examine successful and failed locomotion in simplified laboratory devices using parameter space exploration, systematic control, and techniques from dynamical systems. Drawing from examples from my group and our collaborators, I will discuss how robophysical studies in terrestrial environments have begun to aid engineers in the creation of devices that begin to achieve life-like locomotor abilities on and within complex environments, have inspired new physics questions in low-dimensional dynamical systems, geometric mechanics and soft matter physics, and have been useful to develop models for biological locomotion in complex terrain. The rapidly decreasing cost of constructing sophisticated robot models with easy access to significant computational power bodes well for scientists and engineers to engage in a discipline which can readily integrate experiment, theory and computation.
Dr. Daniel Goldman is a Dunn Family Professor in the School of Physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT). He received his PhD in 2002 from the University of Texas at Austin, studying nonlinear dynamics and granular media. He did postdoctoral work in locomotion biomechanics at the University of California at Berkeley. Prof. Goldman became a faculty member at GT in the School of Physics in January 2007, and is core faculty of the GT Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM), on the management team of the GT Soft Matter Incubator, a member of the GT Bioengineering Graduate Program, and is an adjunct member of the School of Biological Sciences.
Prof. Goldman's research program investigates the interaction of biological and physical systems with complex materials. He takes a comparative approach, for example, looking for common principles in the bio and neuromechanics of sand-swimming in lizards and snakes. He has introduced the discipline of ``robophysics'' to discover principles by which self-propelled systems perform work in the real world. His work has been featured popular outlets like the New York Times, Discover Magaziine.
Prof. Goldman awards include a Georgia Power Professor of Excellence, a Dunn Family Professor in the School of Physics at GT, a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2014), and has received an NSF CAREER/PECASE award, a DARPA Young Faculty Award, a Sigma Xi Young Faculty award, and a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award at the Scientific Interface.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018, Stuttgart/Tübingen
Jamie Paik (EPFL)
Hard Challenges in Soft Robotics
The ultimate goal of any soft robotics system is to have a cohesive solution to improve the human – machine interface. For such an interface, it is critical to realize a versatile and adaptable multi-degrees of freedom robotic design. While the findings in soft robotics have broadened the application of robotics, they are still limited to specific scenarios. The next challenge is in pushing the boundaries of multi-disciplinary science interceptions simultaneously: materials, mechatronics, energy, control, and design. Such efforts will lead to robust solutions in design methodology, novel actuators, and a comprehensive fabrication and integration method of the core robotic components. This talk will highlight on the recent progresses in soft- material robots and origami robots that aim at achieving comprehensive solutions toward diverse soft human – robot applications.
Prof. Jamie Paik is director and founder of Reconfigurable Robotics Lab (RRL) of Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and a core member of Swiss National Centers of Competence in Research (NCCR) Robotics consortium. RRL's research leverages expertise in multi-material fabrication and smart material actuation. She received her Ph.D. in Seoul National University on designing humanoid arm and a hand. During her Postdoctoral positions in ISIR (Institut des Systems Intelligents et de Robotic) in Universitat Pierre Marie Curie, Paris VI, she developed laparoscopic tools that are internationally patented and commercialized. At Harvard University's Microrobotics Laboratory, she started developing unconventional robots that push the physical limits of material and mechanisms. Her latest research effort is in soft robotics and self-morphing Robogami (robotic orgami) that transforms its planar shape to 2D or 3D by folding in predefined patterns and sequences, just like the paper art, origami.
Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio (Yale University)
Robotic Skins that turn Inanimate Objects into Multifunctional Robots
Robots generally excel at specific tasks in structured environments, but lack the versatility and adaptability required to interact-with and locomote-within the natural world. To increase versatility in robot design, my research group is developing robotic skins that can wrap around arbitrary deformable objects to induce the desired motions and deformations. Robotic skins integrate actuation and sensing into a single conformable material, and may be applied-to, removed-from, and transferred-between different objects to create a multitude of controllable robots with different functions to accommodate the demands of different environments. We have shown that attaching the same robotic skin to a deformable object in different ways, or to different objects, leads to unique motions. Further, we have shown that combining multiple robotic skins enables complex motions and functions. During this talk, I will demonstrate the versatility of this soft robot design approach by showing robotic skins in a wide range of applications - including manipulation tasks, locomotion, and wearables - using the same 2D robotic skins reconfigured on the surface of various 3D soft, inanimate objects.
Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Yale University. She completed her B.S. at the Johns Hopkins University, M.S. at U.C. Berkeley, and Ph.D. at Harvard University. Prior to joining the faculty at Yale, she was an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University for four years. She currently serves as an Associate Editor of Frontiers in Robotics and AI: Soft Robotics, IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, and IOPscience Multifunctional Materials. She is the recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, the NASA Early Career Faculty Award, the AFOSR Young Investigator Award, the ONR Young Investigator Award, and was named to Forbes' 2015 30 under 30 list.
Coffee Break (In front of Lecture Hall 2R04 Lecture Hall 2R04, Stuttgart)
Mike Tolley (University of California, San Diego)
Design, Fabrication, and Control of Biologically Inspired Soft Robots
Robotics has the potential to address many of today's pressing problems in fields ranging from healthcare to manufacturing to disaster relief. However, the traditional approaches used on the factory floor do not perform well in unstructured environments. The key to solving many of these challenges is to explore new, non-traditional designs. Fortunately, nature surrounds us with examples of novel ways to navigate and interact with the real world. Dr. Tolley's Bioinspired Robotics and Design Lab seeks to borrow the key principles of operation from biological systems and apply them to robotic design. This talk will give an overview of projects in the lab demonstrating approaches to the design, fabrication, and control of soft robotic systems. These projects seek to develop bioinspired systems capable of navigating the world by walking, digging, and swimming, of interacting directly with humans and delicate objects, and of self-assembly by folding.
Michael T. Tolley is Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and director of the Bioinspired Robotics and Design Lab at the Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego (bioinspired.eng.ucsd.edu). Before joining the mechanical engineering faculty at UCSD in the fall of 2014, he was a postdoctoral fellow and research associate at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University. He received the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering with a minor in computer science from Cornell University in 2009 and 2011, respectively. He received the B. Eng. degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University in Montreal in 2005. His research interests include biologically inspired robotics and design, origami-inspired fabrication, self-assembly, and soft robotics. His work has appeared in leading academic journals including Science and Nature, and has been recognized by awards including a US Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program award and a 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award.
Christoph Keplinger (University of Colorado)
Intelligent Materials for a New Generation of life-like Robots
Robots today rely on rigid components and electric motors based on metal and magnets, making them heavy, unsafe near humans, expensive and ill-suited for unpredictable environments. Nature, in contrast, makes extensive use of soft materials and has produced organisms that drastically outperform robots in terms of agility, dexterity, and adaptability. The Keplinger Lab aims to fundamentally challenge current limitations of robotic hardware, using an interdisciplinary approach that synergizes concepts from soft matter physics and chemistry with advanced engineering technologies to introduce intelligent materials systems for a new generation of life-like robots. One major theme of research is the development of new classes of actuators – a key component of all robotic systems – that replicate the sweeping success of biological muscle, a masterpiece of evolution featuring astonishing all-around actuation performance, the ability to self-heal after damage, and seamless integration with sensing.
This talk is focused on the labs' recently introduced HASEL artificial muscle technology. Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic (HASEL) transducers are a new class of self-sensing, high-performance muscle-mimetic actuators, which are electrically driven and harness a mechanism that couples electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve a wide variety of actuation modes. Current designs of HASEL are capable of exceeding actuation stress of 0.3 MPa, linear strain of 100%, specific power of 800W/kg, full-cycle electromechanical efficiency of 30% and bandwidth of 100Hz; all these metrics match or exceed the capabilities of biological muscle. Additionally, HASEL actuators can repeatedly and autonomously self-heal after electric breakdown, thereby enabling robust performance for millions of cycles. Modeling results predict the impact of material parameters and scaling laws of these actuators, laying out a roadmap towards future HASEL actuators with drastically improved performance. These results highlight opportunities to further develop HASEL artificial muscles for wide use in next-generation robots that replicate the vast capabilities of biological systems.
Christoph Keplinger is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and a Fellow of the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he also holds an endowed appointment serving as Mollenkopf Faculty Fellow. Building upon his background in soft matter physics (PhD, JKU Linz), mechanics and chemistry (Postdoc, Harvard University), he leads a highly interdisciplinary research group at Boulder, with a current focus on (I) soft, muscle-mimetic actuators and sensors, (II) energy harvesting and (III) functional polymers. The high quality of his work has been recognized by the scientific community, as illustrated by publications in top journals including Science, Science Robotics, PNAS, Advanced Materials and Nature Chemistry, by prestigious US awards such as a 2017 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, and by international awards such as the 2013 EAPromising European Researcher Award from the European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles. In 2018 his research group has spun out a first company – Artimus Robotics – which will commercialize the labs' HASEL artificial muscle technology to help enable a new generation of life-like robotic hardware.
Coffee Break (Lounge, Tübingen)
Michael Black (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)
N0.002, Tübingen
Thursday, September 20, 2018, Tübingen
Martin Riedmiller (DeepMind)
Machines that Learn from Scratch
Being able to autonomously learn from scratch is a key ability of intelligent systems - and a central focus of my research. A particular challenge in real world robotic scenarios are methods that are in addition highly data-efficient and robust, since data-collection on real robots is time intensive and often expensive. I will discuss two main areas of progress towards this goal - improved off-policy learning and better exploration - and give examples of simulated and real robots that can learn increasingly complex tasks from scratch.
Martin Riedmiller is a research scientist and team-lead at DeepMind, London. Before joining DeepMind fulltime in spring 2015, he held several professor positions in machine learning and neuro-informatics from 2002 to 2015 in Dortmund, Osnabrück and Freiburg University. He has contributed over 20 years in the fields of reinforcement learning, neural networks and learning control systems. He is author and co-author of some early and ground-lying work on efficient and robust supervised learning and reinforcement learning algorithms, and deep reinforcement learning systems.
Angela Schoellig (University of Toronto)
Machine Learning for Robotics: Achieving Safety, Performance and Reliability by Combining Models and Data in a Closed-Loop System Architecture
The ultimate promise of robotics is to design devices that can physically interact with the world. To date, robots have been primarily deployed in highly structured and predictable environments. However, we envision the next generation of robots (ranging from self-driving and -flying vehicles to robot assistants) to operate in unpredictable and generally unknown environments alongside humans. This challenges current robot algorithms, which have been largely based on a-priori knowledge about the system and its environment. While research has shown that robots are able to learn new skills from experience and adapt to unknown situations, these results have been limited to learning single tasks, and demonstrated in simulation or lab settings. The next challenge is to enable robot learning in real-world application scenarios. This will require versatile, data-efficient and online learning algorithms that guarantee safety when placed in a closed-loop system architecture. It will also require to answer the fundamental question of how to design learning architectures for dynamic and interactive agents. This talk will highlight our recent progress in combining learning methods with formal results from control theory. By combining models with data, our algorithms achieve adaptation to changing conditions during long-term operation, data-efficient multi-robot, multi-task transfer learning, and safe reinforcement learning. We demonstrate our algorithms in vision-based off-road driving and drone flight experiments, as well as on mobile manipulators.
Angela Schoellig is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and an Associate Director of the Centre for Aerial Robotics Research and Education. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Machine Learning for Robotics and Control, is a principal investigator of the NSERC Canadian Robotics Network, and is a Faculty Affiliate of the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. She conducts research at the intersection of robotics, controls, and machine learning. Her goal is to enhance the performance, safety, and autonomy of robots by enabling them to learn from past experiments and from each other. She is a recipient of a Sloan Research Fellowship (2017), an Ontario Early Researcher Award (2017), and a Connaught New Researcher Award (2015). She is one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 (2017), a Canada Science Leadership Program Fellow (2014), and one of Robohub's "25 women in robotics you need to know about (2013)". Her team won the 2018 North-American SAE AutoDrive Challenge sponsored by General Motors. Her PhD at ETH Zurich (2013) was awarded the ETH Medal and the Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Award. She holds both an M.Sc. in Engineering Cybernetics from the University of Stuttgart (2008) and an M.Sc. in Engineering Science and Mechanics from the Georgia Institute of Technology (2007). More information can be found at: www.schoellig.name.
Matthias Bethge via Vidyo (University of Tübingen)
Less-Artificial Intelligence
In recent years, deep neural networks have become an ubiquitous tool in a broad range of AI applications, and inspired new models for neural processing in the brain. I will talk about similarities and discrepancies of how decisions are formed in biological and artificial neural networks and how this relates to the ability of domain adaptation, few-shot learning, task transfer and adversarial robustness in the context of visual perception. I will argue that a deeper understanding of the distributed nature of neural decision making will be crucial for more data-efficient, interpretable and robust learning machines and conclude with more speculative ideas on developing social intelligence in artificial neural networks.
Matthias Bethge's research lies at the interface between artificial intelligence and neuroscience and focuses on representation learning, robust decision making and neuro-computational design principles of perceiving neural networks both in brains and machines. A popular outcome of his research has been a new method for creating artistic images (http://deepart.io).
Doina Precup (McGill University/ DeepMind)
Advances in Knowledge Representation for Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning
Intelligent agents need to understand the world and to plan their actions at multiple levels of temporal resolution. In reinforcement learning, the value function is a standard way to model knowledge related to long-term action outcomes. In this talk, I will describe generalized value functions, which are a way of representing knowledge about many behaviours and at many temporal scales. I will describe how such a representation can be learned form experience and describe new open research questions in this area.
Doina Precup splits her time between McGill University, where she co-directs the Reasoning and Learning Lab in the School of Computer Science, and DeepMind Montreal, where she has led the research team since its formation in October 2017. Her research interests are in the areas of reinforcement learning, deep learning, time series analysis, and diverse applications of machine learning in health care, automated control and other fields. She became senior member of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence in 2015, Canada Research Chair in Machine Learning in 2016 and Senior Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research in 2017. Dr. Precup is also involved in activities supporting the organization of MILA and the wider Quebec AI ecosystem.
Fernando Perez-Cruz
Implicit Generative Modeling for Password Estimation
Implicit generative modeling has recently scratched the surface on how deep learning can be used as a universal simulator. Until recently, deep learning has been used quite successfully to solve long standing discriminative problems in computer vision, speech and natural language processing, basically showing that hand-coded human-engineered features are suboptimal in the presence of: complex problems in which human only have a basic understanding of the variability of the data; and, the availability of large labelled data sets. Recently, Variational Auto-Encoders and Generative Adversarial Networks have shown that the same representation learning can be used for generative modelling. These implicit generative models do not provide an interpretable model for the available data, but a universal simulator that it is able to generate data similar to the one used for training. These tools can be used to simplify complex simulations (e.g. climate models) or limited observations (e.g. cosmology or particle physics), opening the door to Artificial Intelligence powered advances in many different fields of science. In this talk, we will first present these general methods and what are their potential used and current short comings. In the second part of the talk, we will focus on a recent application of GANs for password guessing. This is an ideal application to understand the need for GANs and understand why they work and what are their limitations.
Fernando Pérez-Cruz was born in Sevilla, Spain, in 1973. He received a PhD. in Electrical Engineering in 2000 from the Technical University of Madrid and an MSc/BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Sevilla in 1996. He is the Chief Data Scientist at the Swiss Data Science Center (ETH Zurich and EPFL). He has been a member of the technical staff at Bell Labs and an Associate Professor with the Department of Signal Theory and Communication at University Carlos III in Madrid and Computer Science at Stevens Institute of Technology. He has been a visiting professor at Princeton University under a Marie Curie Fellowship and a Research Scientist at Amazon. He has also held positions at the Gatsby Unit (London), Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics (Tuebingen), BioWulf Technologies (New York) and the Technical University of Madrid and Alcala University (Madrid). His current research interest lies in machine learning and information theory and its application to signal processing and communications. Fernando has organized several machine learning, signal processing, and information theory conferences. Fernando has supervised 8 PhD students and numerous MSc students, as well as one junior and one senior Marie Curie Fellow. Fernando has published over 40 papers in leading academic journals, as well as over 60 peer-reviewed conferences.


Shop all New Summer Arrivals here at The Annex!
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Specialty Boutique
Mike Mulligan And More: Four Classic Stories By Virginia Lee Burton
Author: Virginia Lee Burton
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Condition Used New
Best known for the ever popular Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and the Caldecott Medal winner The Little House, Virginia Lee Burton wrote and illustrated stories that have been entertaining children, parents, and grandparents for more than sixty years. Many of her bookswith themes that honor a simple way of life and celebrate heroes who endure through determination and by adapting to changehave become classic American tales. With an introduction by Barbara Elleman, author of Virginia Lee Burton: A Life in Art,this handsome collection commemorates four of Burtons most popular stories, each featured complete and unabridged. Their appeal today, as strong as when the books were first published, is a tribute to one of Americas most innovative illustrators, designers, and writers of stories for children.
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Get to Know the Steadfast Bookkeepers!
I've talked a bit before about how important the team at Steadfast Bookkeeping is to me, and today I want you to get to know some of our MVP's just a little better! Steadfast has a team of three amazing bookkeepers:: Noel, Sarah, and Jessica. I (Stephanie) oversee and manage each of the client accounts that they handle. We work together to make sure our clients receive quality attention and that their books are perfectly managed. We use our bookkeeping system to keep your records consistently and accurately. But, today I want to share some background info on these three multi-faceted, smart ladies who help run this ship. Enjoy our chats below!
How long have you been a bookkeeper and how did you get started?
I have been in the accounting field for a little over 6 years. I kind of fell into it in college. I was interested in business but wasn't certain accounting was what I wanted to do. Many accountants are corporate types with no sense of humor and that just isn't my personality. So to get some experience, I started as an intern for a CPA firm in Mobile, AL. It was not as "corporate" as most accounting firms. I loved it because it was there that I learned just how many options are available in this profession.
What do you think is the biggest bookkeeping challenge facing small business owners?
Easy, it's TIME. Small business owners really don't have the time to keep their books up to date. The thing is, they shouldn't have to! They should be out growing and promoting their business versus categorizing expenses.
What is the first thing you do when you start your work day?
If you could have lunch with one person who inspires you, who would it be & why?
This one is tough. Life is so crazy, you think you have it all figured out and then something comes around and it makes you really question everything. To that end, I think right now it would be Joshua Millburn. I have always been interested in minimalism but I am really trying to put it more into practice in my life. It can be challenging with kids because they want everything but really they need very little. It's an interesting topic and he did a great TED Talk on it – everyone should check out!
What's your favorite bit of bookkeeping advice?
Don't let it go for too long. It's just like anything else, the more you put it off, the more it snowballs.
I have a toddler and an 8 month old so I spend most of my free time entertaining them. We go to the beach and go out on the boat a lot, especially this time of the year. I don't get to watch a lot of TV so, when I have a minute, I like to catch up on my shows. We also have started to grow our own food. We had some success with peppers, cilantro, and kale a couple of months ago so I'm hoping in the next couple of weeks we will have some different stuff ready to pick.
I began bookkeeping in 2003. I was in school and someone asked me asked if I'd be interested in a part time job doing bookkeeping for their small business. I'd never considered bookkeeping before then, but realized I loved it.
I think the stress of trying to do it all alone is a challenge almost all small business owners face.
I check my email to see if there are any clients I need to respond to. I always try to do that first before getting into my other work for the day.
I'd pick Joanna Gaines. I absolutely love her style, but more than that she is creative, not afraid to follow her dreams and has built an amazing business, all while raising her family. She seems to juggle it all so well!
It's easier to keep up than to catch up. Staying on top of your bookkeeping weekly is so much easier than trying to catch up on the past year at tax time.
I love spending time with my husband and 3 boys, whether it be at their sporting events or just spending time together as a family. My husband and I also love to do DIY projects together.
How long have you been a bookkeeper?
I've been doing bookkeeping for 12 years now.
I'd say the biggest challenge is knowing all the right taxes, forms and filings that need to be submitted and when especially income tax. I'd encourage owners to make it a priority to set aside money for estimated income taxes.
I check my emails and respond to client emails first thing when I get started each day .
Kavita is a spiritually strong, passionate woman from my church who is down to earth and always encouraging. I've only known her for over a year now but has deeply blessed my life. She wears many "hats" yet when I am around her, she inspires me to be more of who God has called and purposed me to be. She is gentle in her approach and always leads you back to Jesus Christ. She is refreshing to be around and I always look forward to our conversations.
Hire a bookkeeper ! 🙂 Keep your bookkeeping streamlined by separating your personal and business expenses using different credit cards and especially a separate bank account. Also, going back to the biggest challenge facing business owners, to know how to estimate your income tax, compare your profit & loss from last year and if you're making more money each quarter than last year, pay in more or set more money aside to pay at tax season so you aren't surprised.
Camping with my husband and son using our travel trailer .
There you have it! Some background on the ladies that are currently, or are looking forward to, keeping your books in tip top shape! Have a question for one of our bookkeepers? Give us a shout!


Need a little help, been making a map and it's going fine, but I wish to have a sort of pipeline running underground, but obviously to do this I need a hole in the ground. I have no idea how to do this, can Someren help me with this?
BlackJack did those videos and he was a master at making many aspects of mapping understandable through the use of video. You can find his works at many places including Here.
someone knows why that is?
u know nothing bout my problem?
I fixed the link in my post up above.


Continuing a season-long trend of beating every team it should beat, Marquette barely escaped Seton Hall 67-66 Saturday afternoon.
Made free throws were crucial down the stretch as Marquette went 9-for-10 over the final seven minutes. A team that came in shooting 66.7 percent for the season went 18-for-23 for the game (78.3 percent).
The Pirates were again without the services of Gene Teague and played with a less-than-100 percent Fuquan Edwin.
Jamil Wilson posted his second career double-double, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. His free throws gave Marquette is 65-60 lead after Seton Hall cut it to three with less than two minutes to play.
The Pirates weren't done, however. A three from Brian Oliver — his third of the game — made it 65-63 Marquette with 23.3 seconds left.
Todd Mayo led all scorers with 19 points, including five big free throws down the stretch. Mayo was 9-for-9 from the line.
Edwin missed a wide open layup with 5 seconds left and although Jamil Wilson missed the front end of a 1-and-1, a Sterling Gibbs three was too little, too late.
It looked like a blowout was in the works when Derrick Wilson hit a fadeaway jumper on the first possession of the second half gave Marquette its largest lead at 42-26.
The Golden Eagles fell into one of its patented offensive ruts a few minutes later, however. After a Todd Mayo layup with 16:18 left, Marquette went scoreless until a Deonte Burton layup with 12:50 left.
Seton Hall cut the Marquette lead to 52-47 with 10:51 left on a Sterling Gibbs three-point play.
Both teams went through scoring droughts until Oliver's three cut the lead to 58-52 with 5:32 left. Patrik Auda had a chance to cut into the lead even further, but missed a pair of free throws.
Marquette led 40-26 in the first half while shooting 56 percent. Wilson led all scorers with 12 points and Mayo chipped in 10.


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ZIP code 24237 is located in southwest Virginia and covers a slightly less than average land area compared to other ZIP codes in the United States. It also has a slightly less than average population density.
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21 people per sq mi
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57.13 sq mi
0.07 sq mi
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Median Age: 43 Male Median Age: 43 Female Median Age: 44
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Male 29 33 37 47 21 34 42 27 46 42 52 44 31 52 24 14 9 7
Female 32 40 43 34 34 26 28 37 38 38 50 37 55 34 31 18 15 11
Total 61 73 80 81 55 60 70 64 84 80 102 81 86 86 55 32 24 18
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The median household income of $24,545 is compared to the rest of the country. It is also compared to nearby ZIP codes. While money isn't everything, ZIP code 24237 may not be as nice as other parts of town.
As with most parts of the country, vehicles are the most common form of transportation to places of employment. Pedestrians and cyclists beware. The area has some of lowest percentages of commutes without a vehicle in the country. Compared to other ZIP codes in the country, 24237 has very few people that work at home. In most parts of the country, the majority of commuters get to work in under half an hour. In 24237 though, the percentage of people that make it to work in under half an hour is among the lowest. The area has an extremely high percentage of people that most travel over 45 minutes to their place of employment. People that commute should be aware of the potentially long commute times.
For more information, see Dante, VA household income.
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Q: Python Nose Framework: How to stop execution after N failures I know that nose has the -x and --stop flags to stop after the first test failure, but for the code base I am working with tests usually fail in groups of 3-4. A relevant error message may only be in one or two of those tests, so exiting after the first error could mean that I may need to run the tests again.
Is there a way, possibly with a command line flag or a nose plugin, to stop test execution after N failures?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Pointless interview: Alexander Armstrong & his 'teatime' TV show
by Maggie | Jun 11, 2019 | Arts, Crafts & Hobbies Features | 0 comments
Presenting the ever-popular Pointless suits this multi-talented Cambridge graduate just fine but says: "my family is my priority".
Almost by accident Alexander Armstrong and his 'Pointless friend' Richard Osman have become kings of teatime TV. Their quiz show, Pointless, has become a ratings success almost despite itself, and has been running since 2009, with more than 1200 editions screened to date. Even the Queen is a fan.
The prize money is peanuts compared to what is on offer elsewhere and the "coveted Pointless trophy", what appears to be a small lump of moulded plastic, is about as exciting a prize as the old Blankety-Blank chequebook. And yet pleasant, likeable, rounded human beings appear day after day, week after week, year after year apparently, it seems, simply for the fun of taking part.
Everyone appears to get on and hosts Alexander and Richard are relaxed, self-effacing, kind and encouraging – it's how all quiz shows should be but somehow aren't, and that is perhaps its secret. It all really started when Alexander became one of the leading contenders to take over the hosting job on Channel 4's perennial Countdown after Des O'Connor left the popular quiz show in 2008.
Alexander eventually declined the job, saying that he didn't want to be "pigeonholed" as a presenter, preferring to focus on acting and comedy, but word of his audition had reached TV producer Richard Osman.
Alexander's future co-host had studied at Cambridge at the same time and approached Xander (as he's known to close friends) to co-host a new quiz show, at that stage called Obviously.
Richard had helped to devise the show for the Endemol TV production company and thought Alexander's easy-going style would be perfectly suited to it, especially, as "he didn't seem a typical daytime host".
During a 2017 Guardian web-chat Alexander explained his decision to take on the Pointless role, despite having turned down Countdown.
"As an actor you can't really afford to make career choices. You pretty much take what you're given. In the main you can persuade yourself that any job you do is justified by the fact you'll get a wage from it.
"Pointless has been incredible for me because it's a job I get to do as myself.
"It works very neatly around family life and I'm very proud of it," although he did add the important codicil that "if anyone will ever take me seriously as an actor again I'd love to keep my hand in.
"I get tired but never bored doing Pointless and we do four shows a day. That says a lot about the peculiar chemistry of eight random people being brought together, the imaginative questions that our brilliant team comes up with and the depth of my friendship with Richard. Having someone you know and love to work with is brilliant."
The banter between the two hosts is a key reason for the show's success. They had only been dimly aware of each other at Cambridge and after university their careers took different trajectories, Alexander into comedy and Richard behind the scenes for a producer's role on shows such as Deal or No Deal, Total Wipeout and Whose Line Is It Anyway?
When Pointless was pitched to the BBC Richard took the role as co-presenter, and was such a success he was persuaded to take on the role permanently.
He and Alexander now appear to be inseparable, and Richard says their friendship is stronger than ever having worked together for ten years.
If anything, however, Alexander's early life pointed towards a career in music rather than comedy, acting – or presenting quiz shows.
He was born in Rothbury, Northumberland, in March 1970, the youngest of three children (his older brother is now a risk analyst; his sister runs a language school in Paris). Alexander's father, Henry Armstrong, was an NHS doctor and his mother, Emma Virginia Peronnet Thompson-McCausland, was a magistrate with an aristocratic lineage. Her father was the economist Lucius Thompson-McCausland and her great-grandfather was St Andrew St John, 15th Baron St John of Bletso. Hence the 'posh' tag that has sometimes dogged him.
"It depends what you mean by posh," he says. "I grew up in second-hand clothes but, culturally, we were exposed to a lot of lovely things – great music, good books. We were extremely rich in that regard. And I have seized every advantage I was given to make the most of it.
"In a healthy society, social mobility should be entirely frictionless. And a person's talents and abilities should be their only claim to success. Undoubtedly I have had huge privileges and a blessed life, but I'm the son of an NHS doctor and we were pretty penniless. I don't come from any wealth at all."
Alexander loved growing up in rural Northumberland.
"It made me fiercely ambitious; much as I adore it, you're a long way from stuff and life moves so slowly." It is also provided useful comic material. "You come across the weird and wonderful as a country GP, as my dad did."
At school Alexander showed an early flair for music and, indeed, he is an accomplished singer and has released a series of well-received CD's.
He was a boarder at Durham School and Trinity College, Cambridge, both on music scholarships, playing piano and cello (later switching from the latter to the oboe) and singing bass baritone as a choral scholar with the college choir.
He read English at Cambridge, earning a third class degree, and in his final year joined the famed Footlights, teaming up with future Spooks creator David Wolstencroft to write comedy sketches. Apart from Richard Osman, Cambridge contemporaries included fellow comedians Sacha Baron Cohen, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc.
Alexander's future comedy partner Ben Miller was also at Cambridge at the same time but they did not meet until after both had graduated and were living in London.
They were introduced in 1992 at the TBA Sketch Comedy Group, based at the Gate Theatre Studio in Notting Hill. They hit it off straight away and performed their first full-length show together at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1994, returning in 1996, when they were nominated for the Perrier Comedy Award.
The pair's Oxbridge background and gently satirical sketches appeared to be out of step with the more savage brand of comedy popular at the time but the sheer quality of their material shone through and the Paramount Comedy Channel commissioned them to make the television series Armstrong and Miller, which ran for four series from 1997 to 2001, mostly on Channel 4. In 1998, the duo also had their own radio show The Sunday Format on Radio 4, featuring sketches and characters from their TV series.
Alexander has always, however, been wary of comedians who spout views on issues of the day just because they might be fashionable. "I'm tired of the fact that it's rampant among comedians and very good friends of mine to hide behind the opinion that's going to be most popular," he told the Telegraph in 2012.
Despite this initial run of success the duo broke up in 2001. "I can't remember why exactly," Alexander says, "it was a culmination of things that all exploded one day when we were meant to be writing and I was late – something as minor as that".
After a six-year break they reconvened for The Armstrong & Miller Show, this time for the BBC and also had a second radio show, Children's Hour with Armstrong and Miller.
The Armstrong & Miller Show was a big hit, memorable for characters such as the 'chav' Second World War airmen and Brabbins and Fyffe, a wonderfully rude send-up of Flanders and Swan.
It ran from 2007 to 2010 and won a Bafta for Best Comedy Series in 2009. The duo took the show out on the road for a successful 62 date tour in the autumn of 2010 and Alexander also starred as the voice of the computer Mr Smith in Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures.
By this time Pointless had started its run, although Alexander has managed to fit in some acting work in between his presenting duties, including a deliciously filthy turn in the TV black comedy Hunderby.
He has also been a regular guest presenter on Have I Got News For You, and at one time was considered as a permanent replacement for Angus Deayton.
"I was terrified," he recalls of his first time on the show. "When you first step into the studio, it's a bit like going on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Yet it taught me everything. Before that I hated speaking in public, but Have I Got News For You taught me to be myself, instead of acting a version of myself."
On the rare occasions Alexander has been able to take on an acting role in the past decade or so he has offered glimpses of just how good he can be, following in a long tradition of comedians turned 'serious' actors, including Eddie Izzard, Les Dawson and even Ken Dodd. And his musical training comes in handy, too, as he explained:
"I'm often booked to read at carol services, and I'm also booked to sing at carol services. And when I'm singing I always wish I was reading and vice versa. "Reading and thereby narration is definitely something improved by a sense of musical intonation and phrasing and I would say the same of comedy. Acting in general is always improved by a comic sensibility.
"I've seen more comedians make good actors than actors make comedians and it all comes down to a sense of phrasing. "Good oratory should always have a musical flair. I've got a recording of Michael Foot doing a speech that is a pure aria – he hurls himself into it, it's a feat of musical performance."
Despite being an accomplished actor and musician Alexander does not regret never having fully pursued a career in either sphere, mainly because they would have involved being away from home for long periods of time.
"My family is absolutely my priority," he says and Alexander admits to have being "soppy" over the birth of this three sons.
He met his wife, Hannah, an events organiser whom he once described as "out of his league", in 2003. They married a year later. Two Fat Ladies star (and his cousin) Clarissa Dickson Wright helped to ice the wedding cake.
With Pointless fitting in so well with his family life Alexander is happy to carry on making the show for as long as the BBC are willing to screen it, and there doesn't seem to be much danger of the hosts ever taking themselves too seriously; the title of the show sees to that.
"From the very beginning we've made as much hay as we're allowed out of the fact the programme is called Pointless," Alexander says. "Even at the pitching stage we were aware of – not so much the rod we were making for our own back, but the comic possibilities for us if we got to seize it first. "That doesn't stop people pointing out to us the great irony of the show being called Pointless. It's hilarious. There's a moment when I say "let's meet this evening's pointless celebrities" where I can sense eight egos to my right coming off the top of the roller-coaster."
Pointless: The 7 worst answers ever given to Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman
From confusing US Presidents for fictional characters to forgetting who wrote Hamlet, the BBC One teatime quiz show has seen a lot of silly answers.
Being on Pointless can't be easy. There's the glare of the lights, the pressure of the cameras and – most importantly – not wanting to disappoint presenters Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman with a daft answer can get to even the cleverest contestants. Unlike most quiz shows, there's no passing in Pointless. You have to say something – anything – when presented with the category board. Even if it's 'Fruits beginning with the letter J'.
So let's all spare a thought for these seven people who gave these amusing answers when they stepped up to the podium…
1. The end of a friendship
When Sarah, who lives in England and studied A-Level Geography, couldn't name a country that ends with two consonants it was pretty embarrassing. What made it worse was that she gave the answer Paris – neither a country, nor does it end in two consonants. However, the ultimate pay-off was the reaction of her friend and teammate. It was truly priceless.
2. Shooting star
In a round all about historical assassinations, one contestant decided to answer the clue: 'Assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas' with two letters: 'JR'. Alexander Armstrong struggled to hold back the laughter, while Richard Osman held his head in his hands. She of course was referring to JR Ewing from TV show Dallas, rather than the correct answer, US President John F Kennedy. As the audience tittered, Osman said: "But that's good, because people often ask 'What's the funniest answer you've ever had on Pointless?', and now I shall remember this."
3. Say what you see
If you really don't have a clue with the board you're presented with on Pointless, there's little you can do about it. When former Strictly Come Dancing professional Erin Boag had to say which comedian was famous for playing the character of Randy Mandy, she was stumped. Backed into a corner and told to say the name of any comedian, she took a leaf out of Roy Walker's book and decided to say what she saw. Much to his delight, Erin's answer was Alexander Armstrong. Needless to say, she scored 100 points and was put right with the correct answer of Dick Emery.
4. Coast busters
When one contestant was asked to name a US state with a coastline, their answer was Mexico – which is of course a country and not a part of America at all. Although if we were to try and take away some positives here, we'd say that Mexico does at least have a coastline and it is near the US. At least they didn't say Moscow.
5. Funny bunny
Countries are tricky so and so's, and sadly you can't answer every question with 'Central African Republic' (the programme's all-time most 'pointless' country when given as an answer!). When one contestant was asked to name a country ending with a vowel, they gallantly came up with Angora – the hair made from a species of rabbit. They, of course, meant to say Andorra.
6. He zed what?!
Asked to name words ending in 'z' on Pointless would be hard enough. So spare a thought for the contestants who were tasked with coming up with an answer to 'Words ending in zz'. We'll spare your blushes as to what this contestant's answer was. But suffice to say, he got an encouraging round of applause from the audience, and managed to score an impressive 7 with his answer. So maybe he wasn't so silly after all.
7. Swiss miss
In a round of 'Famous Williams', there's one overriding and obvious answer that you'd expect to see up there: William Shakespeare. However, arguably Britain's most famous playwright had eluded one Pointless contestant, who was tasked with answering who wrote Hamlet. Their answer? The Swiss folk figure, William Tell.
(Article source: Various)


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Shakira In Concert: El Dorado World Tour
Following the hugely successful release of Shakira's album El Dorado - which eventually earned her a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Vocal Album and a Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album - she returned to the world stage with her most celebrated show yet, performing recent smashes such as "Chantaje" and "La Bicicleta" as well as hits from her 20+ year repertoire including "Hips Don't Lie", 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" and "Estoy Aqui", to sold out stadiums and arenas across the planet. Shakira In Concert: El Dorado World Tour relives the larger-than-life show on the big screen and, through documentary footage and Shakira's own words, highlights what it took to bring the career-highlight show to 22 countries and nearly a million fans, following the drama of having to postpone the entire tour due to a vocal cord injury. Shakira is a global superstar who, by the age of 18, had taken Latin America by storm, before conquering international markets at 24 with her crossover hit "Whenever Wherever". Since then, she has continued to break barriers and records around the world with her unique blend of Latin sounds, rock and roll, and world music. Now, she celebrates her triumphant return to the stage in a thrilling concert film documenting her acclaimed El Dorado World Tour - coming to theaters worldwide for a special cinema event this November.
Rated: TBC
Closed Captioning: Available
Sound Amplification: Available
Descriptive Audio: Available
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Posts Tagged 'family relationships'
Love is a Revolution by Renee Watson
Published March 4, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: family relationships, lies, love, passion, Romance, trust, truth
Genre: Romane/Realistic Fiction
Nala Robertson is a very typical teenager who enjoys relaxing and having fun, so when she has go to an open mic night for an activist group for her cousin's birthday she isn't too excited. However, the emcee for the event, Tye, immediately catches Nala's eye and she finds a way to talk to him after the show. He is funny, charismatic, and passionate, which Nala loves, but he is also a very serious activist for causes he cares about. Nala is worried he won't like her since she doesn't have any strong causes that she supports, so she lies and tells him she volunteers at her grandmother's assisted living home, amongst other things. She knows she will be in trouble if Tye or anyone else finds out about her lies, but she's so afraid he won't like her if he knew the real Nala. Can she ever face the truth of who she is and will that be enough for Tye? Will she begin to change like those around her to find things she cares about and is willing to dedicate all her time and energy to?
This engaging story tackles serious issues such as finding ways to love yourself and mother/daughter issues, but does so in a way that feels light and fun. Many readers will be able to identify with Nala and her fear of not being accepted, sometimes even by herself, for who she truly is. At the same time, she must realize that people are constantly changing and growing and it's absolutely possible to change yourself at any stage of life. Several of the supporting characters are fun, such as Nala's grandmother and all of her friends at the assisted living home. There are many examples of love in this story and it's through all these different relationships that Nala begins to understand how love is present in her life and how she contributes love to those around her. Recommended for fans of romances, but also for people who enjoy real stories about unique people.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
Tags: betrayal, family relationships, gender, music, trust
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction
Nannerl Mozart, Wolfgang's real life sister, was also a very talented musician and composer, but due to her gender history would not remember her. In this fantasy retelling, she is desperate to get credit for her work and to be remembered for it. She strikes a deal with a fantastical princeling named Hyacinth from a strange land who promises her everything she wants in life, but first she must complete a few tasks for him in what she comes to know as the kingdom of back. The land is scary and mysterious, but she feels like she must do as Hyacinth says in order to get the life she knows is not possible for her under her father's watchful eye. She starts to wonder, however, what this deal will truly cost her and her beloved younger brother she affectionately calls Wolferl. Can she complete the dangerous tasks Hyacinth has laid out for her? What are the repercussions for following Hyacinth's instructions? Will she be able to truly share her gift with the world or forever be lost in Wolfgan's shadow?
This retelling is fun, exciting, adventurous, and educational as many of the facts about the Mozart family are true. Nannerl is struggling to find her place in a world and a family where she has no voice. Nevertheless, as much as she envies the life her younger brother has before him she knows she would do anything to protect him. The many uncertainties of being a young lady during this time are very accurately portrayed and give the reader an idea of just how serious poverty, illness, and public opinion could be. Recommended for fans of historical fiction and fantasy.
The Gifted, the Talented, and Me by William Sutcliffe
Published February 23, 2021 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: acting, arts, bullying, family relationships, friendship, London, money, school, siblings
Sam is shocked when he learns that his father sold his company and they are leaving the only town they've ever known to move to London where he and his siblings can attend some fancy Liberal Arts school. He seems to be the only one resisting this change, however. His younger sister loves to draw and is excited to attend more art classes and his older brother is a musician and is looking forward to possibly finding people he can start a band with. Sam's mom is the most excited of all as she plans to turn their new shed into a creative workspace where she can find her passion. Sam was perfectly fine where he was, but reluctantly starts this new school. He quickly learns that he does not fit in anywhere in his new school and the drama kids in particular don't let him forget it. When he finally decides he does not care what others think he lets his insecurities go and tries out for the school play. Can Sam really act in a play in front of everyone? Is it possible to find a way to fit in at this crazy new school that doesn't even allow soccer? Will the rest of his family find happiness in this new place?
A lot of readers will identify with Sam because he just wants to fit in and to him it feels like everyone else is having such an easy time doing that while he feels left out. It is important for him to realize, however, that even though it seems like everyone else has it all figured out they all have their own issues to deal with as well. Even Jennifer, the seemingly perfect popular girl that Sam quickly falls for, has some unpleasant things to deal with regarding her boyfriend. At the same time, it isn't until Sam starts trying to make the most of his new environment that he begins to actually feel like he could be happy here. The characters are all well developed and engaging, making Sam's life seem believable and normal (including sibling rivalry and some schoolyard bullying). Recommended for readers who like sympathetic characters that they can identify with.
Perfect Ruin by Lauren Destefano
Published February 14, 2014 Adventure , Fantasy , RAC Leave a Comment
Tags: betrothed, family relationships, government, marriage, rules, secrets, teenage relationships, utopian society
Morgan lives on a city that is floating in the sky. The legend is that the gods of land believed the humans to be greedy and wasteful and were going to exterminate them and begin a new race when the god of sky decided to save them. Therefore, their floating city is suspended in the sky and anyone who attempts to look at or jump to the earth either dies or is seriously injured. Morgan's brother was blinded when he attempted to see the ground below. The community has limited space and resources so everything is carefully monitored such as who will marry who and when or if they will be allowed to have children. Morgan and her betrothed are very close and have no secrets from each other. One day a young girl is found murdered on the train tracks and this makes for the first willful murder ever to take place in this city. Naturally, the citizens get scared and are on high alert even as security is enhanced. Then, Morgan sees the suspected culprit running free in the woods despite all accounts of his being in custody. Is the government lying to the people? If so, what exactly are they lying about and what can she do to find out the truth?
Futuristic stories are incredibly popular right now amongst young adults and this one will fit into that niche easily. The story has similar aspects to books like Matched and Divergent but is different enough to encourage interest. Morgan comes to find that much of what she believed her world to be is in fact a lie. Her government, her teachers, and even her family have all kept secrets from her. The end of the story is exciting and leaves an opening for a thrilling sequel. The supporting characters all enhance the story as you see how each person responds to the world they live in and the rules imparted on them differently. Recommended.
Football Genius by Tim Green
Published June 19, 2010 Award Winners , Sports 2 Comments
Tags: family relationships, football, friendship, trust
2010 Iowa Teen Award Winner
Genre: Sports Fiction
RAC: No
Troy believes he can predict football plays if he watches games closely and understands the pattern of the plays. When his mom gets a job with the Atlanta Falcons he tries to tell the defensive coach his gift so that his favorite team can win a game, but instead he is escorted off the field by security. In the process of trying to help his team, he gets himself and his mother into a lot of trouble. His only hope is to somehow contact the linebacker, Seth Halloway, and get him to believe in his unusual skill so that he can help the Falcons win. Meanwhile, Troy is having trouble with his own football team because the class bully's dad is the coach and refuses to let Troy play, despite the fact he is the best quarterback they have. Can Troy ever get anyone to recognize his talent and passion for football?
This fun football story will engage even the most reluctant male readers. There is excitement, drama, family turmoil, strong friendsip, and of course a lot of football action. The age level is a big too low for my school, but the story is fun and the characters are engaging. Sports fans will enjoy this quick read.
Slam! by Walter Dean Myers
Published November 6, 2009 RAC , Realistic Fiction , Sports Leave a Comment
Tags: basketball, drugs, family relationships, illness, poverty, school life
Genre: Sports/Realistic Fiction
Slam is called Slam for a reason. He can dunk a basketball right in the face of stiff competition. When he is moved to a new school he has some trouble adjusting. First, he is now separated from his friends, including his best friend, Ice. He also has to focus on his grades because if they slip too much he won't be eligible to play basketball, which is his favorite thing in the world to do. His new school is much more difficult, so he is having trouble keeping up. Plus, his coach and some of his teachers think he has an attitude problem, which does not help matters. As Slam tries to deal with the many aspects of his life there always seems to be a new distraction to get in the way. Friends from his old school try to convince him that Ice may be into something bad since he has a lot of money to burn all of a sudden. Slam doesn't want to see that Ice may be dealing drugs because he knows it could be the end of their friendship. At the same time all of this is going on, Slam is fighting to get a place on the school basketball team. Will he ever feel like he has some control over his life?
Fans of Walter Dean Myers will like this book as well. Slam is a likable character with a lot of difficult, yet believable things going on in his life. Many teenagers will be able to relate to dealing with friends, school, sports, and family at the same time. Myers also weaves exciting sports action throughout the story which will make sports fans happy. Most readers will wish that the story was longer just so they can follow Slam as he navigates through all the different people in his life for longer. Teenage boys will be reaching for this one.


An efficient producer of medium to large white eggs, the Appenzeller Spitzhauben gets noticed by most visitors to our farm. They are white with black dots making them easily spotted. Their feathery heads make most think this chicken forgot to comb their hair when getting up in the morning. Named after the local women in Switzerland, who traditionally wore lacey bonnets, the Appenzeller Spitzhauben is also known for having large nostrils. This chicken is perfect for the track and has the ability to jump fences, out run its competition, and is a true high flyer. They are often found roosting in trees. This type of chicken was chosen by MGM Paso Finos LLC for their unique look and white egg laying ability. We are looking forward to strong harvest of white eggs from the Appenzeller Spitzhauben.


Retro Text Effect PSD is a free photoshop text effect for download. These Retro Text Effect can be used to transform a plain type into a beautiful, distinctive one that will match your vintage design projects. Download the style effect and apply them to your layers for instant results.
Get the desired result just by typing your text inside the smart object. The credit for this resource goes to Zeppelin Graphics.
Retro Text Effect PSD is in layered & fully editable PSD format, so that you can easily and quickly add, modify or remove text in Photoshop to create your own text effects. Click and download free texts effects in photoshop.


Yesterday, "Good Shepherd" Sunday, was the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. If you are discerning your vocation, I hope that you could feel the support of the Church's prayers for you, lifting you up from all over the world!
Belief means transcending ourselves, leaving behind our comfort and the inflexibility of our ego in order to centre our life in Jesus Christ. It means leaving, like Abraham, our native place and going forward with trust, knowing that God will show us the way to a new land.
The exodus experience is paradigmatic of the Christian life, particularly in the case of those who have embraced a vocation of special dedication to the Gospel. This calls for a constantly renewed attitude of conversion and transformation, an incessant moving forward, a passage from death to life like that celebrated in every liturgy, an experience of passover…. Vocation is always a work of God. He leads us beyond our initial situation, frees us from every enslavement, breaks down our habits and our indifference, and brings us to the joy of communion with him and with our brothers and sisters. Responding to God's call, then, means allowing him to help us leave ourselves and our false security behind, and to strike out on the path which leads to Jesus Christ, the origin and destiny of our life and our happiness.
The Virgin Mary, model of every vocation, did not fear to utter her "fiat" in response to the Lord's call. She is at our side and she guides us. With the generous courage born of faith, Mary sang of the joy of leaving herself behind and entrusting to God the plans she had for her life. Let us turn to her, so that we may be completely open to what God has planned for each one of us, so that we can grow in the desire to go out with tender concern towards others (cf. Lk1:39).
If you can, go and read the entire message here. It's not just beautiful, but challenging and encouraging, reminding us that the Christian vocation is to love, and that living the fullness of the Gospel message does not limit us but leads us to the fullest possible freedom. I also was struck by his comparing each Christian's vocation to the Exodus experience, because in doing so, Pope Francis is indirectly validating the "storytelling" lens that I'm using on this blog to talk about discernment!


text:
TERRACE SUITE
MORETHAN BAKERY
MORETHAN GRILL
MORETHAN TAPAS LOUNGE
Meeting and Event Spaces
MORETHAN Regular Opening Hours Information(2023/1/7~)
<BAKERY 1F>
<TAPAS LOUNGE 1F>
(Monday to Friday) 8:00~10:30 Eat-In Space
(Sat., Sun. and Holidays) 8:00~10:00 Morning Buffet
【LUNCH BUFFET】 11:00~13:00, 13:15~15:15
【CAFÉ】 15:30~17:00
【DINNER】 17:00~23:00 (Hot dish L.O. 21:00/ Cold dish L.O. 22:00)
<GRILL 2F>
【LUNCH】 11:00~15:00 (L.O. 14:30)
【DINNER】 17:00~23:00 (L.O. 21:30)
【Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19】
We have taken the below precautionary measures so that you can continue to enjoy your MORETHAN experience as safely as possible.
・We will take the temperatures of all customers and staff, and those with fevers above 37.5°C (99.5°F)
will be asked to please refrain from entering.
・Sanitizer has been made available at each eating space or shop, please don't hesitate to use this.
・All staff are required to frequently gargle, sanitize and wash their hands while working.
・All staff will be wearing masks.
・There has been a limit to the number of people allowed in the bakery at one time.
【Update! MORETHAN】 Opening Hours Information on New Year Holiday 2023.
On December 29th. 2022
MORETHAN TAPAS LOUNGE(1F) OPEN FROM 11:00 TO 23:00
MORETHAN GRILL(2F) OPEN FROM 11:00 TO 15:30
MORETHAN BAKERY(1F) OPEN FROM 8:00 TO 18:00
From December 30th. 2022 to January 2nd. 2023.
MORETHAN TAPAS LOUNGE(1F) CLOSED
MORETHAN GRILL(2F) CLOSED
MORETHAN BAKERY(1F) CLOSED
From January 3rd. 2023 to January 5th. 2023.
On January 6th. 2023.
【Update! Extension of Period】 Temporary Hotel Closure as COVID-19 Quarantine facility.
Due to the request of the local government, our establishment is renting out a whole building and will be closed until 28/02/2023.
For guests who have made reservations during the closed period, we are ready to offer you the relocation.
The date we officially reopen on or after March 1st., 2023 will depend on further developments and changes in the situation with the virus.
We apologize to our guests for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
We look forward to seeing you soon. From THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku.
[Contact for the relocation]
hellots@hotel-the-knot.jp
MORETHAN Opening Hours Information
Information on Terrace Suite "Family Stay" plan
■ Room type
Terrace Suite 109sqm, Bedding 2x140cm, 2x90cm
・ Click here for reservation.
➡https://hotel-the-knot.rwiths.net/r-withs/tfi0010a.do?f_lang=en
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the front desk.
MORETHAN Opening Hours Information on New Year Holiday 2022.
MORETHAN BAKERY 1F 8:00-18:00 (regular opening hours)
MORETHAN TAPAS LOUNGE 1F 8:00-22:00 (last order 21:00)
MORETHAN GRILL 2F 11:00-15:00 (last order 14:00)
From December 31, 2021 to January 5, 2022
MORETHAN GRILL 2F CLOSED
From January 6, 2022
MORETHAN BAKERY, TAPAS LOUNGE and GRILL (regular opening hours)
Although we are continuing to operate as safely and cautiously as possible during the current state of emergency, business hours have been adjusted in line with the 8pm closure request. We apologise for the continuous changing but hope that you can bear with us at this time. This hours are current from 7/12 (Mon) – 8/22 (Sun)
BAKERY 1F 8:00-18:00
TAPAS LOUNGE 1F 8:00-20:00
・MORNING 8:00-10:30 (Last in 9:45)
・LUNCH 11:00 – 15:00 (Last in 14:00)
・Cafe & Free Space 15:00 – 20:00 (Last in 19:00)
GRILL 2F 11:00-20:00
LUNCH & DINNER 11:00-20:00 (19:00 LO)
・We will take the temperatures of all customers and staff, and those with fevers above 37.5°C (99.5°F) will be asked to please refrain from entering.
・All staff are required to frequently gargle, and sanitize and wash their hands while working.
Although we are continuing to operate as safely and cautiously as possible after the declaration of emergency was canceled, please note that business hours may change depending on the situation. We will announce any changes here in advance.
BAKERY 1F 8:00-18:00 (normal hours)
・BAKERY MORNING 8:00-10:30 (Last in 10:00)
・BUFFET LUNCH 11:00-15:00 (last in 14:00)
・CAFE 15:00〜16:00
・DINNER 16:00〜20:00 (last in 19:00)
LUNCH& DINNER 11:00 – 20:00 (Last in 19:00, Food Stop 15:00-16:00)
CLOSED Tokyobike Rental Service
It was with a tear in our eyes that on June 30 we had the last day of our much loved Tokyobike rental service. We have had an amazing few years meeting people from all over the world who have ridden all over Tokyo. Likewise we hope that many of your Tokyo experiences were made that much richer by using a Tokyobike. The pandemic has been and will continue to be tough; we ask that everyone looks after themselves and their loved ones and we hope to see you safely soon. Who knows, maybe we can start the service up again in a few years!
tokyobike
Stay Stipulation


iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of global mobile connectivity, today announced that it has extended its partnership with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the flag carrier of Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and the largest airline in Scandinavia. An airline industry first, customers will be able to purchase monthly access to the iPass global Wi-Fi network as a standalone service through SAS. By doing so, customers can get unlimited access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots in locations such as airports, hotels, cafés restaurants, and more worldwide.
To enable the new offering, iPass is working with global IoT/MVNO enabler Teleena, which manages the service setup and the full-service delivery for all customers on the iPass network.
In the coming months, the partnership will be extended, so the approximately 5 million SAS EuroBonus loyalty members earn points from the purchase of Wi-Fi connectivity.
The service is available immediately and is also available for purchase by anyone on the website www.businessclasswifi.com whether they are traveling with the airline or not.
Teleena is a global IoT and MVNO enabler headquartered in the Netherlands, with regional offices in the United Kingdom and Singapore. Since its foundation in 2007, Teleena has been enabling companies with IoT and Mobile ambitions with a broad portfolio of products and services.
Teleena's value proposition: "We take the complexity out of connecting everything and everybody". It is our aim to allow our customers to seamlessly connect with all mobile operators worldwide and help them to realize their mobile connectivity and IoT ambitions. This allows customers to unleash new business, to grow revenue or to reduce costs.
Teleena's service portfolio spans the entire IoT/Mobile spectrum from the core network (SIMs, GGSN/PGW, OCS/PCRF, HLR/HSS) to business support tools (Management Portal and APIs) in a highly scalable way.
Teleena's roaming agreements provide 2G/3G/4G mobile access to 660 networks in 220 countries, as well 57 million global WiFi hotspots, LoRa and Sigfox network connectivity.
iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) is a leading provider of global mobile connectivity, offering simple, secure, always-on Wi-Fi access on any mobile device. Built on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, the iPass cloud-based service keeps its customers connected by providing unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity on unlimited devices. iPass is the world's largest Wi-Fi network, with more than 62 million hotspots in more than 180 countries and territories where iPass customers have connected successfully at airports, hotels, train stations, convention centers, outdoor venues, inflight, and more. Using patented technology, the iPass SmartConnect™ platform takes the guesswork out of Wi-Fi, automatically connecting customers to the best hotspot for their needs. Customers simply download the iPass SmartConnect app to experience unlimited, everywhere, and invisible Wi-Fi.


text:
15,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in California
Cases are exploding across California.
In the last 24 hours, there were more than 15,000 new coronavirus cases and 86 deaths reported in California.
Overall, the state has 1,087,714 confirmed cases and 18,643 deaths. The 7-day positivity rate is 6.1% and the 14-day positivity rate is 5.4%.
Numbers may not represent true day-over-day change as reporting of test results can be delayed.
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COVID-19 UPDATE From The Contra Costa County Health Department


Ilmarinen Our first theme-dedicated library and named after the Eternal Hammerer of Finnish lore, 'Ilmarinen' is a collection of blacksmithing sounds from anvil to forge. 103 files fulls of grindings, glorious hammer strikes, taps, and drops, tap hammer operation, blowers, forge fx, braces, clamps, squelches and more! They are impactful and bright in their nature, but can also achieve *sick* (we've done it) results with modulations applied. The files are a mix of 96kHz and 48kHz (both at 24-bit resolution) and not all are single events. You will find some files to be a series of events that you are able to modify more conveniently. As always, we design each sound to stand robust and ready to use all on its own, but also able to modify freely as you see fit.
Start Select An abundant collection of handcrafted effects geared toward menus, selection screens, options pages, clickable/touchable events, and interactive modalities.
You can use the families as supplied or mix and match until your heart (and interface) is content. This library was built for both convenience and modularity. The sounds and their families are grouped and ready to go right away, but are also broken down individually so they can be used for further creative development outside of their designed family.
Vaeyan I Abundant, spiced, variety. Our sonic alchemy takes us in many different directions, and this blended library is a excellent example of those diversified paths. Herein lies some very malleable audio with enough variety to keep the creative wheels spinning. A fresh boost for your archive, indeed.
Vaeyan II In the second installment of our variety libraries, Vaeyan II offers more audio inspections and design trials. Included are a varied assortment of some of our best source materials and themes ranging from blades and sleet-struck ice fields to motorcycles and cracked buckwheat hulls being crushed and wrought. There are man-made and organic sounds alike, with designed loops, instant transients, and long atmospheric captures. The files labeled with "variety", "varied", "varying", or "multiple" contain many sounds with different performances and/or intensities. Like its brother, this library should surely help to get the creative juices flowing. Be sure to have a look at the Asset List to get the full scope of its diverse contents.