Synthetic Solutions To Real Problems

Synthetic Solutions To Real Problems

Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) is a program that is commonly known to be used to verify that you are indeed human and not a robot while accessing a website. 

“Click all the squares that contain traffic lights.”

The application has a bit of a backstory. From 2011, reCAPTCHA was used to digitize millions of New York Times articles that dated as far as 1851. Typing tests asked users to prove their humanity by recognizing obscured or warped text and correctly identifying a string combination of numbers and upper and lower case letters. Optical character recognition programs became more sophisticated, aided by humans answering these CAPTCHA tests. Visual tests followed, requiring that users identify certain objects within a picture split into several squares.

CAPTCHA tests were once as easy as one-click to check off a box. Today, CAPTCHA tests have become a little more rigorous—and a little bit more tedious.

Exactly what is CAPTCHA trying to do?

CAPTCHA tests are mostly used for security, but they’re also used to improve artificial intelligence. The program tests the same content on users around the world and aggregates responses to determine accuracy. This then helps train Google’s artificial intelligence, which is used to improve applications like Google Maps and Google Images.

“In 2014, Google pitted one of its machine learning algorithms against humans in solving the most distorted text CAPTCHAs: the computer got the test right 99.8 percent of the time, while the humans got a mere 33 percent.”

— “WHY CAPTCHAS HAVE GOTTEN SO DIFFICULT“, Verge

It’s no surprise that one of the inventors of CAPTCHA is passionate about education and technology. His inventions have not only taught robots and humans alike. Luis von Ahn is the co-founder of CAPTCHA as well as the popular language-learning application Duolingo. He is the recipient of the prestigious 2018 Lemelson-MIT prize, which awards those whose inventions have significantly improved society.

There is another invention that involves artificiality imitating reality to significantly improve society. Specifically, it has improved the lives of countless homeowners. It saves people the time, money, and hassle of mowing, watering, and treating their lawns. 

Artificial turf is a miracle for those who want everything about a beautiful green lawn without any of the hangups of real lawn maintenance. It may not be real grass, but artificial turf is about as close to having a real lawn maintained by AI robot gardeners. That said, we’re unlikely to see robots doing our gardening any time soon. 

Free Cute siblings resting in green garden Stock Photo

Synthetic grass not only allows homeowners to be more carefree, but it is also more durable, meaning that it can withstand wear and tear and the elements. Moreover, your lawn will look picture-perfect year-round, which is nearly impossible in many parts of the country. 

There is no shame in fixing a real problem with a synthetic solution. If it makes your life easier, then you deserve to replace your lawn with artificial grass. After all, all revolutionary inventions were borne out of an all-too-common situation that had to be improved. 

Protect Your Home Like Rocky

Protect Your Home Like Rocky

It is uncomfortable to think about the dangers of everyday life. Accidents and tragedies are reported on the news daily. True crime documentaries and podcasts are soaring in viewership and listenership. And it is just because humans love to indulge in our morbid curiosities. In fact, no matter your luck, anything can happen to anyone—and it could happen to you. 

The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.

— Rocky Balboa

How can you protect yourself from the dangers of our world? 

Virtual Private Network 

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet usage data and passes it through a remote server, obscuring your location and identity. It is highly recommended to use a VPN when you are using a public intent connection or whenever you are connected to a network you cannot trust. Beware that VPNs do not serve as malware and they do not directly prevent hacking. But there are many benefits to using a VPN, including being able to set your remote server to a location that is different from where you are based. Although not recommended, many people use VPNs to stream shows and movies that are blocked in their home country.

Two-Factor Authentication

Private accounts with sensitive information are constantly being hacked. And yet, the irony is that most people don’t bother to secure their apps and sites with strong passwords. One of the most common passwords of hacked accounts is:

password

People are lazy with their passwords even though do care about securing their data—it’s just that secure passwords are hard to remember. After all, most people have a hard enough time remembering birthdays or even basic facts about their week.

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring verification by the user even after the correct password has been entered at login. This means that even if the wrong person correctly manages to guess your password, two-factor authentication will require further verification such as entering a one-time code from an authentication app or a text message from your phone.

Pest Control

If you haven’t looked away from this article yet, bravo for being brave!

Unfortunately, hackers and thieves aren’t the only people trying to make unwelcome entrances into private spaces. 

One of the most problematic and common pests in America is termites, which cause billions of dollars worth of damage annually. Though small and seemingly harmless at first glance, termites will potentially eat anything that is wood or wood-based in your home at an alarmingly fast rate. If you have a termite infestation, we highly recommend calling a professional immediately for termite tenting and control.

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Delaying professional termite control or attempting at-home remedies will allow the infestation to persist, which can lead to costly structural damage and health hazards. We recommend the seeking the help of Grand Oaks Termite & Pest Control Inc. You can give them a call today:

Grand Oaks Termite & Pest Control Inc
110 S Worthy Dr Glendora, CA 91741

Create A Mini-Golf Course At Home With Synthetic Turf

Create A Mini-Golf Course At Home With Synthetic Turf

Are you one of the many who want to hit the golf course these days? There are many health benefits to outdoor physical activity. Did you know that playing golf lowers stress and improves your mental health? It can also ward off physical ailments such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Undoubtedly, golf is an activity you should be participating in regularly. That’s why creating a mini-golf course in your backyard is a beautiful idea that you will not regret doing.

But how do you achieve that? It turns out that it is very simple with the help of synthetic grass.

The benefits of synthetic grass

Can you create a mini-golf course with synthetic turf? Yes, you can. Synthetic grass completely elevates the landscape, among many other time-saving and cost-saving benefits. The artificial turf-covered golf courses don’t need irrigation. In an era where homeowners are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, artificial grass has become a popular choice for its eco-friendly nature.

Green Grass Field

For some busy homeowners, natural grass simply requires too much money and time to maintain. It can be frustrating to see how it takes no time for weeds to grow and regrow on a freshly manicured lawn, destroying the overall aesthetic of your backyard. However, homeowners don’t need to think about the weeds with synthetic turf. While natural grass requires maintenance year-round, synthetic putting greens in Lake Forest can be used in all four seasons, as it is able to withstand snow, sun, and rain. Synthetic turf has a significant lifespan. Thanks to the fibers forming its structure, artificial grass provides a durable surface to play golf on a natural-looking green field. It’s worth mentioning that artificial turn doesn’t retain water on the surface. Hence, the holding capability of the ground increases and lowers any injuries. Golf is always played with a golf club, which can cause a natural grass golf course to be deformed over time. That said, the good thing about synthetic grass is that it hardly ever looks worn. Designed for professional sports and various other use cases, modern turf allows people to enjoy the outdoors with more comfort and beauty.

Synthetic grass can be installed in one day by experts, allowing homeowners can relax. You run no risk if you take an added step by adding a weed wall cloth upon installation. Artificial turf does not attract pests as natural plants do. Moreover, they do not require watering, which can save significantly on utility costs. The ease of artificial grass lawns simply cannot be achieved with natural grass, not to mention that stunning aesthetic.

Among the many incredible things that you can do in your backyard, installing a mini-golf course is one of the best. Golfing is an outdoor activity that can keep your family healthy in a fun and light-hearted way. Anyone can spend time with friends and loved ones from the comfort of their home. If you would rather spend your summers enjoying the outdoors instead of toiling away at lawn maintenance, call NoMow Turf, Inc. today!

NoMow Turf, Inc. – Synthetic Lawns & Putting Greens
26674 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States

Build Your Own Spa At Home

Build Your Own Spa At Home

A spa is a place for recharging your mind, body, and energy. Pampering at a professional spa can be quite the luxury—and the prices can certainly reflect that. However, you can create a spa experience at home. There are many ways to practice self-care and connect with your highest self at home.

Our skin is our body’s largest organ. Elevate your bathing ritual and turn it into an experience. Bathing is more than a daily chaotic task of jumping in and out of the shower as you rush to get out the door; it can be an extremely relaxing experience if you give it time! Fill your bathtub with warm water and add relaxing Epsom salt. Pour yourself a glass of coconut water (fresh, if possible) and place it beside you in your tub so you can sip it while bathing. Use an organic plant-based body scrub with essential oils and lightly apply all over your body. Light candles, play some soothing music, and immerse yourself in the moment. Don’t forget to deeply moisturize your skin right after you step out of the bathtub!

Take 20 to 30 minutes out of your busy day to give yourself a head massage. Apply olive or coconut oil to your scalp, warm it a bit, and gently massage. Drop some essential oils into your diffuser. Some of the most relaxing essential aromatic oils are bergamot, lavender, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can apply them to your bed sheets or curtains. 

Free stock photo of anxiety, bamboo, bath salt
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

You can also create the aesthetics of the spa in your home. Instead of visiting a luxury resort, you can build your own spa at home by renovating your bathroom. Update the color palette, as color can have a huge influence on our mood. Spa salons usually follow a pastel color scheme to create a feeling of serenity. They tend to follow a monochromatic color scheme so that everything flows seamlessly together. Minimalistic design has become the most popular design aesthetic for millennial homeowners, as simplicity elegantly separates their minds from the hustle of their daily lives.

A new bathroom can change your home and your life. The best bathroom remodels are the work of professional designers and contractors. An experienced team can do wonders for your home. They can suggest the styles of appliances and fixtures that will best suit your desires and floor plan. One of such customizations is the choice of shower accessories that offer different modes for the flow of water like a spa is another option. In addition, they can offer multifunctional lighting, to adjust the brightness and color of your bathroom. You can also upgrade your water and lightning appliances to smart and eco-friendly technology to conserve utility costs and help preserve the environment.

The spa is an experience that comes from the ambiance and tranquility of the surroundings! Build yours at home today with Inspired Remodels.

Inspired Remodels
21098 Bake Pkwy Suite 102, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States

Landscaping Ideas For Your Next Staycation

Landscaping Ideas For Your Next Staycation

After a hectic day at work, wouldn’t you love to enjoy a relaxed and calming activity in the arms of nature? Spending time outdoors has been scientifically reported to provide real health benefits, not just for physical wellbeing, but for mental peace as well. Spending time in nature can help relieve depression, stress, and anxiety. It is observed that spending time with fresh air and plants can elevate your mood and lower stress hormones.

Research reports reveal that natural exposure helps in stress reduction by moderating brain activity, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Spending more time in greenery can also reduce the production of cortisol levels while increasing endorphin and dopamine generation which promotes happiness. Nature also leads to restorative properties while increasing the feeling of focus, vitality, and positive energy. It can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety.

During these unique times, many of us have experienced the tragedy of loved ones experiencing health complications. Nature can assist with the grieving process as it improves a person’s ability to cope with self-confidence and self-awareness, which can result in a positive uplift in mood. Experts advise taking a walk outside every day for your overall well-being. That said, many of us are working from home these days, and we prefer to get fresh air in the comfort of our own backyard. If that sounds like you, it might be the perfect season for a landscape redesign and reconstruction.

Why you should hire a professional landscaper instead of attempting to do it yourself

Although you may find lots of tutorials for DIY landscaping on the internet, you can never be certain that you will achieve your desired results. Landscaping is serious labor; it requires lots of time and effort, and the process may be quite difficult to handle for the average homeowner. Moreover, inexperienced homeowners may not be aware of the right technique and process of designing and landscaping. That is why experts are recommended for San Diego landscape maintenance. They can design your landscape to your desired look and functionality.

Landscaping experts are best for installing pools, sheds, tiles, driveways, and walkways on your property. When it comes to planting florals and greens, they have the right knowledge about the best plants to choose based on your location and climate to ensure healthy growth. This ensures the proper survival of all the plants on your premises. Professional landscapers can also create a master plan to design and maintain your landscape with a fresh perspective. They will also consider drainage issues, seating arrangements, and curb appeal as well. 

Read Ryan S.‘s review of Torrey Pines Landscape Company on Yelp
Happy family members talking and sitting down to eat tasty food at big wooden table in backyard in daytime
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The professional landscapers know how to prevent costly mistakes while maintaining a garden. They can choose right layouts, forms and shapes for the landscape while suggesting adequate material selections. These experts can also recognize the inherent challenges associated with your yard while providing great solutions to every problem. The professionals can assure that every landscaping project is executed within set time constraints and specific budget ranges. They do not just work on plantation and grass management; rather, can also provide best suggestions for irrigation and lighting. Therefore, hiring an expert for landscaping projects can save your time, money and efforts while ensuring better returns in the long run.