Daily Archives: February 10, 2017

Physicists Unveil Blueprint for a Quantum Computer the Size of a … – Singularity Hub

Posted: February 10, 2017 at 3:33 am

Quantum computers promise to crack some of the worlds most intractable problems by super-charging processing power. But the technical challenges involved in building these machines mean theyve still achieved just a fraction of what they are theoretically capable of.

Now physicists from the UK have created a blueprint for a soccer-field-sized machine they say could reach the blistering speeds that would allow them to solve problems beyond the reach of todays most powerful supercomputers.

The system is based on a modular design interlinking multiple independent quantum computing units, which could be scaled up to almost any size. Modular approaches have been suggested before, but innovations such as a far simpler control system and inter-module connection speeds 100,000 times faster than the state-of-the-art make this the first practical proposal for a large-scale quantum computer.

For many years, people said that it was completely impossible to construct an actual quantum computer. With our work we have not only shown that it can be done, but now we are delivering a nuts and bolts construction plan to build an actual large-scale machine, professor Winfried Hensinger, head of the Ion Quantum Technology Group at the University of Sussex who led the research, said in a press release.

The technology at the heart of the individual modules is already well-established and relies on trapping ions (charged atoms) in magnetic fields to act as qubits, the basic units of information in quantum computers.

While bits in conventional computers can have a value of either 1 or 0, qubits take advantage of the quantum mechanical phenomena of superposition, which allows them to be both at the same time.

As Elizabeth Gibney explains in Nature, this is what makes quantum computers so incredibly fast. The set of qubits comprising the memory of a quantum computer could exist in every possible combination of 1s and 0s at once. Where a classical computer has to try each combination in turn, a quantum computer could process all those combinations simultaneously.

In a paper published in the journal Science Advances last week, researchers outline designs for modules containing roughly 2,500 qubits and suggest interlinking thousands of them together to create a machine containing two billion qubits. For comparison, Canadian firm D-Wave, the only commercial producer of quantum computers, just brought out its latest model featuring 2,000 qubits.

This is not the first time a modular system like this has been suggested, but previous approaches have recommended using light waves traveling through fiberoptics to link the units. This results in interaction rates between modules far slower than the quantum operations happening within them, putting a handbrake on the systems overall speed. In the new design, the ions themselves are shuttled from one module to another using electrical fields, which results in 100,000 times faster connection speeds.

The system also has a much simpler way of controlling qubits. Previous designs required lasers to be carefully targeted at each ion, an enormous engineering challenge when dealing with billions of qubits. Instead, the new system uses microwave fields and the careful application of voltages, which is much easier to scale up.

The researchers concede there are still considerable technical challenges to building a device on the scale they have suggested, not to mention the cost. But they have already announced plans to build a prototype based on the design at the university at a cost of 1-2 million.

While this proposal is incredibly challenging, I wish more in the quantum community would think big like this, Christopher Monroe, a physicist at the University of Maryland who has worked on trapped-ion quantum computing, told Nature.

In their paper, the researchers predict their two billion qubit system could find the prime factors of a 617-digit-long number in 110 days. This is significant because many state-of-the-art encryption systems rely on the fact that factoring large numbers can take conventional computers thousands of years. This is why many in the cybersecurity world are nervous about the advent of quantum computing.

These researchers arent the only ones working on bringing quantum computing into the real world, though. Google, Microsoft and IBM are all developing their own systems, and D-Wave recently open-sourced a software tool that helps those without a background in quantum physics program its machines.

All that interest is due to the enormous potential of quantum computing to solve problems as diverse and complex as developing drugs for previously incurable diseases, devising new breeds of materials for high-performance superconductors, magnets and batteries and even turbo-charging machine learning and artificial intelligence.

"The availability of a universal quantum computer may have a fundamental impact on society as a whole, said Hensinger. Without doubt it is still challenging to build a large-scale machine, but now is the time to translate academic excellence into actual application, building on the UK's strengths in this ground-breaking technology.

Image Credit: University of Sussex/YouTube

See the rest here:

Physicists Unveil Blueprint for a Quantum Computer the Size of a ... - Singularity Hub

Posted in Singularity | Comments Off on Physicists Unveil Blueprint for a Quantum Computer the Size of a … – Singularity Hub

Rowe FTC robotics team RSF Singularity takes top honors at Championship – Rancho Santa Fe Review

Posted: at 3:33 am

On Saturday, Feb. 4, at The Grauer School in Encinitas, the three Rowe FTC robotics teams -- Singularity, Logitechies and Intergalactic Dragons -- ended up being 1st, 2nd and 3rd place captains in the League Championships exciting alliance rounds which culminated the end of a hard-fought event. David Warner, who heads the schools FTC robotics program, said, Im so proud of our students, parent mentors and coaches who worked countless hours to achieve success. Being the youngest teams at the championship, this is truly remarkable and a testament to their hard work!

The Logitechies and Intergalactic Dragons alliance teams faced off in an exciting third game to determine who would move on to face the Singularity alliance in the championship round. The Intergalactic Dragons won, but when they moved on to the final match to determine the champion, Singularitys 90-point autonomous program was the key to victory as their alliance put up well over 200 points in the two final games.

In addition to competing in the alliance matches, the Logitechies team was also a finalist in the judged Connect and PTC awards.

Singularity earned top honors of the day as they advance, along with the Intergalactic Dragons, to the San Diego Regionals at Francis Parker High School on Feb. 25.

Go here to read the rest:

Rowe FTC robotics team RSF Singularity takes top honors at Championship - Rancho Santa Fe Review

Posted in Singularity | Comments Off on Rowe FTC robotics team RSF Singularity takes top honors at Championship – Rancho Santa Fe Review

The Ethics of Innovation: Creativity, Machines, and Artificial Intelligence – Kootenay News Advertiser

Posted: at 3:33 am

Most experts say we are not ready for the massive job losses that will happen because of automation.

In most instances, we think we are interested in innovation, but we are mostly interested in incremental innovation such as changing the proverbial flavour of the ice cream, adding a blade to a razor, or buying a welding robot.

A bigger step is social innovation, the changing of mindset, attitude, and culture. As they say, culture beats strategy every day.

Many have figured out that if we dont learn to think differently, we will not solve our big problems.

A better toothbrush may be important, but it has little to do with finding ways to address complex issues such as racism, terrorism, violence, or even the inability for rich countries like ours to get people working, feed impoverished children, or address mental health issues.

The key to social innovation is deep listening, according to Pauline Oliveros, the kind of dialogue that builds understanding, acceptance, and partnership.

It wasnt very long ago, when people with differences--women and minorities of all kinds-- endured violence and state-level oppression. Residential schools are a clear example of state-sponsored and legalized violence.

But social innovation processes allowed us to change, for equity to evolve, and eventually become the rule of law.

But letting go of old ways is challenging. The process may require an active forgetting or relearning, a long period of healing, and an active phase of reconciliation.

The work done in South Africa, for example, under their Truth and Reconciliation agenda is not so much about boosting poverty rates directly, but empowering and healing so that oppressed people can address generations of collective trauma.

Social innovation may help us come together, but of all the kinds of innovation, I put quantum innovation as the most misunderstood.

A quantum social innovation is the leap from one state of social consciousness to another, the kind of change that has made meditation an important social signal for this era.

Some think that quantum innovation is impossible because it requires a system to evolve in ways that are posthuman.

What is posthuman? It means getting beyond a limiting anthropocentric perspective where humans are the centre of everything--something Indigenous people all over the world have known for millennia.

Those who study consciousness, neuroscience, computation, biological evolution, and creativity point to studies in evolutionary adaptation, quantum physics, and photosynthesis to identify non-linear change where a system, species, or structure evolves beyond its current form.

What we have discovered is that quantum change is all around us. The sub atomic level reveals evidence that not only is time not linear, but that one particle can be in two places at one time. This is the kernel of what is known as quantum computing.

The biological perspective reveals many examples of quantum change such as how cells or photons do more than regenerate, but evolve to create new forms.

Neuroscience tells us that consciousness extends beyond our brains to our bodies and perhaps even beyond.

In my view, artificial intelligence (AI) offers us potentially new ways of addressing our human limitations and offers a chance to refocus our energy on posthuman ethics.

New automobiles with assisted technologies are a clear example of the ways in which machines are assisting human beings.

We have already created new interfaces with machines that may give us a peak into a future where machines help us in unexpected ways.

The question that many ask in the field of artificial intelligence is what will we do when robots put 60% of human beings out of work?

Many commentators see a global depression coming because soon robots will eliminate millions of jobs.

Before this happens, we must think about these challenges to human productivity and the human economy.

Might robots make us enough money so that we dont have to work? It depends on who owns them or programs them doesnt it?

Did you know that the current economy could not function without robots?

Artificially intelligent agents make the stock markets fairer by taking the human element out, so that trades can be conducted ethically and so that catastrophic events can be mitigated.

Just as artificially intelligent umpires will make our sports, like tennis, fairer, the same will happen to arenas where there is human error or emotion.

Ethics is the key discipline when addressing artificially intelligence and automation.

Soldiers who work with sentient machines (i.e. bomb disposal robots) consider their machine partners as persons and give them human levels of loyalty and respect. Is this loyalty to the inanimate ethics?

Can sentient machines help us make better ethical judgements and eventually help us be better, more compassionate humans?

Can robots assist us to create jobs?

Can they identify and predict where we will face not just say weather and traffic issues, but where violence and conflict might emerge?

Can they lead us into useful court/medical/negotiation simulations where win-win outcomes will help us avoid conflict, ecological exploitation, and war?

Or will they simply steal our jobs and put our global economy into a tail spin?

In my view, machines can help us evolve if we focus on evolving ethical ways for human beings to advance our mutual well-being with the planet.

What will we do? Instead of asking how machines can help us be more innovative, let us ask machines to assist in becoming more ethical.

Stan Chung, PhD is the author of I Held My Breath for a Year available at stanchung.ca.

Read the rest here:

The Ethics of Innovation: Creativity, Machines, and Artificial Intelligence - Kootenay News Advertiser

Posted in Posthuman | Comments Off on The Ethics of Innovation: Creativity, Machines, and Artificial Intelligence – Kootenay News Advertiser

Tower Ascension Xbox One review enter the Dark World – Metro

Posted: at 3:31 am

Tower Ascension (XO) couch-based carnage

One of the best offline multiplayer games of recent years finally appears on Xbox One, along with its expansion Dark World.

After reviewing Candleman we had a root around on the Xbox One store to see what other gems might lay hidden, at which point we came across TowerFall Ascension. Despite having been released on PlayStation 4 and PC way back in 2014 its only now that the game has appeared on Xbox. That in itself is notable, but its also brought with it an expansion called Dark World which weve never played before. But thank goodness weve now rectified that oversight.

In fact, TowerFall was first released in 2013 on the Ouya microconsole, and if you dont know what that is then we can assure you youre missing nothing. As youd expect of a multiplayer-focused indie game the premise is extremely simple to describe. It also involves what has long since become our favourite video game weapon: the bow and arrow. Fresh from enlivening the armoury of many a first person shooter, the medieval eras answer to a sniper rifle is here the weapon of choice in a series of single screen multiplayer face-offs against four human foes.

Theres no online option though, which wed like to think is a purposeful rather than technical decision. Online gaming has its place of course, but where the action allows it having everyone sat screaming round the same TV screen is always far more entertaining. We certainly cant imagine the triumph of catching an arrow in mid-air and firing it back at your opponent being quiet as sweet when all you can hear is mumbled tuts and curses from the other end of a microphone.

The arrow-catching trick is one of the games signature moves but its tactics are far more varied and nuanced than you at first realise. Although youre perfectly able to take potshots from a distance the bow can also be used at close range. And so you have to master aiming in all positions, since staying in one place is the most reliable way to ensure failure.

Theres also the not inconsiderable problem of running out of arrows. You only start with three and how many you have is always obvious to everyone, thanks to the little icon above your head. More can be picked up from around the arena or you can pluck your opponents out of the air and add it to your quiver. If neither option is available you can also jump on an opponents head, but this rarely seems to work out as well as it does for Mario.

More reliable are the various trick arrows, including bomb and drill attachments. Picking one of these up can instantly turn a match around, but there are other ways to change the status quo before you even start the game. A number of optional features, from exploding corpses to dying if you use the bow when you have no arrow, are reminiscent of the endless variations encouraged by split-screen classic GoldenEye 007.

The more obvious comparisons though are classic 2D games, with the game most resembling a cross between the single-screen platforming of Bubble Bobble and the intense four-player rivalry of Bomberman. Super Smash Bros. also offers a more modern comparison and really, praise doesnt come much higher than that when youre talking about offline multiplayer games.

The only real flaw is that the single-player modes are really not that interesting. Trials and Quest mode are useful for practising the basic skills but theyre not very engaging in themselves. Even with the addition of various kinds of monsters in Quest mode the appeal is lost when theres no human around to taunt with every victory. And even the two-player option is far less interesting than just straight deathmatch. But then none of the other games weve just namechecked have a decent story mode either.

The expansion Dark World adds a much more involved campaign mode than Quest, but its still not much fun on your own. As a four-player co-op campaign though its fantastic. There are multiple boss battles and new arrow types to take advantage of, one of which traps anyone that tries to catch it and another that allows for remote-detonations making the comparisons to Bomberman all the plainer. New stages can also be played in deathmatch mode, there are 10 new characters, and the option for an infinite array of procedurally-generated levels.

At 8 its a little pricey, and were surprised there isnt some kind of all-in-one compendium to celebrate coming to the Xbox One, but the campaign is definitely worth it if you can get some friends together. Obviously though the sensible thing to do is just start off with the base game, and what even on its own is one of the best local multiplayer games of the generation.

In Short: One of the best offline multiplayer games for years and yet more proof that the bow and arrow is gamings most entertaining weapon of choice.

Pros: Instantly accessible gameplay and controls, and yet with plenty of nuance and tactics to learn and master. Superb four-player action, including in the expansions Dark World mode.

Cons: The single-player modes do their best but the package as a whole is pointless if youre always going to play on your own. Dark World is quite expensive.

Score: 9/10

Formats: Xbox One (reviewed), PlayStation 4, and PC Price: 11.99 (Dark World 7.99) Publisher: Matt Makes Games Developer: Matt Thorson Release Date: 25th January 2017 Age Rating: 7

Emailgamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk, leave a comment below, andfollow us on Twitter

More here:

Tower Ascension Xbox One review enter the Dark World - Metro

Posted in Ascension | Comments Off on Tower Ascension Xbox One review enter the Dark World – Metro

Ascension Parish arrest report – News – Gonzales Weekly Citizen … – Weekly Citizen

Posted: at 3:31 am

February 2

Burdette, Margaret D., 33, 40052 Cotton Field Ave., Gonzales, Two Counts Surety, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Bercegeay, Allen John, 60, 12485 Camelia St., St. Amant, Parole Violation.

Lowery, Amy Margaret, 34, 1501 W. Young Ave., Stilwell, Okla., Theft of a Motor Vehicle over $1500 (Felony).

Jeansonne, Sherri, 39, 30196 W. Bates Road, Hammond, Operating Vehicle while License is Suspended, Hit and Run Driving.

Day, Danielle Anne, 22, 42157 Bayou Narcisse Road, Gonzales, Theft of a Firearm.

Hebert, Devyn Paul, 17, 45120 Summerfield Road, Prairieville, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids.

Chutz, Benjamin Zachariah, 30, 5351 Monroe St., Los Angeles, Calif., Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances (Methamphetamine).

Albert, Travis R., 36, 7194 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, Fla., Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin, Second Degree Murder/Distribute CDS/Direct Cause of Death, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances (Cocaine).

Scott, Terrell T, Jr., 20, 18094 Conthia St., Prairieville, Bond Revocation, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Operating while Intoxicated; first (Misdemeanor).

White, Cheryl J., 51, 39061 Saturn Ave., Darrow, Cruelty to Animals; Aggravated (Felony).

Ballard, Brandon Paul, 26, 18285 Autumn Run Drive, Prairieville, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances (Methamphetamine), Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids.

February 3

Alsay, Glyndale Lee, 30, 907 Pine St., Donaldsonville, Domestic Abuse Battery.

Johnson, Tyron Ra'keen, 19, 1007 St Patrick St., Donaldsonville, Bond Revocation, Simple Burglary (Vehicle), Criminal Trespass/ All Other Offenses, Resisting an Officer.

Hamilton, Carlin Scott, 25, 10571 Springlyn Court, Baton Rouge, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Beall, Olivia V., 21, 37503 Dutchtown Crossing Ave., Gonzales, Aggravated Battery, Bond Revocation, Disturbing the peace / Violent & Tumultuous Manner/ Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Battery.

Johnson, Jazzlyn, 28, 1509 N. Coolidge Ave., Gonzales, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Dennis, Randell Darnell, 22, 117 Alvin St., Napoleonville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Willis, James E., 31, 718 Third St., Donaldsonville, Four Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Cowart, Clay B., 46, 18253 Old Perkins Place Ave., Prairieville, Bond Revocation, Operating Vehicle while License is Suspended, Careless Operation, Hit and Run Driving.

February 4

Laiche, John N., 66, 9414 Airline Highway, Sorrento, Careless Operation, Hit and Run Driving, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Willis, Jeffrey S., 48, 37306 Ski Side Ave., Prairieville, Driving on Right Side of Road; Exceptions, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Bayham, Adam J., 33, 15119 Joe Sevario Road, Gonzales, Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $500 (Misdemeanor).

Harris, Casey Wade, 26, 13460 Joe Gautreaux Road, Gonzales, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Coppenbarger, Dawn Renee, 35, 39041 La. 621, Gonzales, Bond Revocation, Unauthorized Use of a Movable over $500 (Felony).

Burtwell, Darrin Robert, 56, 1153 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen, Colo., Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Operating while Intoxicated; Fourth or more (Felony).

Valburg, Brent Wayne, 24, 8367 Annie Oak Drive, Sorrento, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Girlinghouse, Hollis, 56, 2023 S. Phillipe Drive, Gonzales, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor), Reckless Operation, Flight from an officer (Misdemeanor).

February 5

Thibodeaux, Randall Shane, 30, 42456 Goldstone Ave., Prairieville, Domestic Abuse Battery; Strangulation (Felony).

Joshua, Michael, 33, 3101 Abend Church Road, Donaldsonville, Bond Revocation, Disturbing the peace / Violent & Tumultuous Manner/ Disorderly Conduct, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land after being Forbidden.

Carlton, Marcus A., 25, 28825 S. Red Oak Road, Livingston, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substances, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Harris, Standford, 59, 710 First St., Donaldsonville, Simple Battery.

Vicknair, Alton James, Jr., 48, 42320 Black Bayou Road, Gonzales, Aggravated Battery.

Berthelot, Charlotte June, 47, 37419 E. Hillside Drive, Prairieville, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Gray, Kelly, 31, 7180 S. River Road, Addis, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

Matthews, Shenard Donell, 47, 2649 N. Central Ave., Lutcher, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land after being Forbidden , Violations of Protective Orders.

Williams, Donald Ray, 43, 213 W. Sycamore, Gonzales, Careless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

February 6

Dawson, Paul , 46, 14086 Airline Highway, Gonzales, Two Counts Stalking, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land after being Forbidden, Disturbing the peace / Language/ Disorderly Conduct.

Millien, Stanley, 34, 17376 W. Autumn Drive, Prairieville, Proper Equipment Required On Vehicles; Inspection Tag Required, Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, Traffic-control Signals, Operating while Intoxicated; First (Misdemeanor).

Frierson, Jake Michael, 31, 544 S. Flannery Road, Baton Rouge, Two Counts Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

Nixon, Joseph Haskell, 25, 2463 Topsy Road, Lake Charles, Reckless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Second (Misdemeanor).

Comstock, Constance, 32, 14823 Easby Ave., Pride, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Theft $750 but less than $5000 (Felony), Identity Theft (Felony), Bank Fraud.

Johnson, Bertrell R., 37, 215 E. New River Road, Gonzales, Soliciting Donations without Permit, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land after being Forbidden.

Williams, Melvin, Jr., 41, 6889 La. 308, Belle Rose, Five Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Denham, Benjamin Paul, 28, 133 Pecan St., Thibodaux, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Theft, Forgery.

Burns, Shannon M., 30, 3454 Maura St., Paulina, Security Required, Operating Vehicle while License is Suspended, Reckless Operation, Operating while Intoxicated; Third (Felony).

Scott, Eric Joshua-Devontai, 19, 5452 LV Road, Sorrento, Criminal Trespass/Trespassing of Real Property.

February 7

Lachney, Hannah E., 19, 18752 La. 444, Livingston, Illegal use of Controlled Dangerous Substances in the Presence of Persons under Seventeen Years of Age, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles; Crime or Controlled Dangerous Substance Law (Felony), Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Morphine), Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Amphetamine).

Hayden, Daven Wayne-Jacob, 17, 13560 Genre Drive, Denham Springs, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Morphine), Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Amphetamine).

Motichek, Hunter Isaiah, 18, 42245 Moody Dixon Road, Prairieville, Illegal use of Controlled Dangerous Substances in the Presence of Persons under Seventeen Years of Age, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles; Crime or Controlled Dangerous Substance Law (Felony), Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Morphine), Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Amphetamine).

Aaron, Robert D., 48, 39103 Dooley Road, Gonzales, Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction.

Thierry, Shamecca, 32, 1113 S. Sky Ave., Gonzales, Simple Criminal Damage to Property, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (Felony), Disturbing the Peace.

Longanecker, Nikki, 26, 16288 La. 431, Prairieville, Careless Operation, Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated; Child Endangerment Law.

Gager, Gregory, 49, 3033 Pratt St., Sharon, S.C., Two Counts Fugitive-Other Louisiana Jurisdiction, Residential Contractor Fraud over $1,500 (Felony).

Strickland, Derrick Keith, 49, 108 Oak Ridge C., Donaldsonville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances.

Moran, Marcos Jesus, 20, 615 N. Pleasant Ave., Gonzales, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substances (Alprazolam).

Ovante, Linda S., 21, 615 N. Pleasant Ave., Gonzales, No Drivers License on Person, Stop Lamps and Turn Signals Required on New Motor Vehicles, Possession of Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substances (Alprazolam).

Nicholas, Carlos J., 23, 207 Bunn St., Donaldsonville, Parole Violation, Domestic abuse aggravated assault, Domestic Abuse Battery.

February 8

Levy, Graclyn N., 37, 421 W. Bluebird St., Gonzales, Theft of Goods under $500.

Smith, Shieasha Myaia, 25, 4131 Cadillac St., New Orleans, Surety, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Spier, Chaase, 30, 1132 Audobon Drive, Hammond, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Stowe, Lucas, 29, 11695 Home Port Drive, St. Amant, Simple Criminal Damage to Property $500 to $50,000 (Felony), Illegal use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities, Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $500 (Misdemeanor), Simple Burglary (All Others).

Morris, Matthew J., 39, 21313 Turkey Creek Drive, Baton Rouge, Engaging in Business of Contracting without Authority Prohibited; Penalty, Intent To Injure, Defraud, Or Deceive Any Insurance Company, Or The Department Of Insurance, Filing or Maintaining False Public Records, Theft of Assets Aged/Disabled Person > $1500 (Felony), Contractors; misapp of payments > $1000 (Felony), Residential Contractor Fraud over $1,500 (Felony).

McAllister, Jeannie D., 33, 601 E. Verna St., Gonzales, Theft less than $750 (Misdemeanor).

Powe, Caparica, 35, 500 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville, Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $500 (Misdemeanor), Disturbing the peace / Language/ Disorderly Conduct.

Minor, Monique E., 28, 39403 Germany Road, Prairieville, Two Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

Sanders, Niame Aabule, 34, 11232 Roddy Road, Gonzales, Simple Battery, Second Degree Battery.

February 9

Landry, Kevin A, Jr., 29, 1511 Loretta St., Donaldsonville, Resisting an Officer, Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA.

Duplush, Colin, 23, 15477 Shirley Drive, Prairieville, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Violations of registration provisions, Vehicle not registered, No Motor Vehicle Insurance.

North, Peter J., 48, 306 Claiborne St., Donaldsonville, Three Counts Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant, Prohibited acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Bicycles; front lamps; side and rear reflectors, Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances (Cocaine).

Sullivan, Richard, 56, 804 Sixth St., Donaldsonville, Disturbing the peace / Drunkenness.

Walker, Demerius M., 36, 307 Second St., Donaldsonville, Simple Battery, Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Failure to Appear-Bench Warrant.

See original here:

Ascension Parish arrest report - News - Gonzales Weekly Citizen ... - Weekly Citizen

Posted in Ascension | Comments Off on Ascension Parish arrest report – News – Gonzales Weekly Citizen … – Weekly Citizen

Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office investigating fake Facebook page – WBRZ

Posted: at 3:31 am

ASCENSION The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office is looking for the individual responsible for creating a fake sheriff's office page on Facebook.

The page claims to belong to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office. It uses an official logo, however the page is filled with posts of false information.

Officials say the page can cause a serious problem for residents in the parish.

"I think this can turn into a real big problem because people will start following that page and believe in that page and with social media, rumors kinda get out there and spread in matter of seconds," Allison Hudson, of the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, said.

The difference between the fake page and real page is an apostrophe. The real page reads: Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, while the fake one reads: The Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office. The fake page also does not have a check mark next to it, which Facebook uses to show a verified account.

One resident, Karisti Fowler, said that she follows the Facebook page and relies on it to stay informed.

"If the person that did it, gives out the wrong information, that could hurt somebody," Fowler said.

Officials say that the fake page is reposting official messages from the real page, along with fake information.

"Fake messages, fake stories that did not happen here. What we are not sure of is if they are sending messages asking for any type of money," Hudson said.

The sheriff's office has issued Facebook a search warrant and an order to take the page down, however as of the posting of this story, the page still exists.

More:

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office investigating fake Facebook page - WBRZ

Posted in Ascension | Comments Off on Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office investigating fake Facebook page – WBRZ

Contestants Chosen for 2017 Ascension Idol Competition – TheCreole.com (press release) (blog)

Posted: at 3:31 am

Gearing up for the 7th year, Ascension Idol has chosen the contestants for the 2017 Ascension Idol Competition.

Auditions were held on February 2nd, where judges selected the 16 competitors that will by vying for the title of Ascension Idol 2017 Champion.

This years contestants are:

The competition will be held on Friday, February 24th starting at 7PM at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center Trademart Building. The event will be hosted my Matt Pryor and 2014 Miss Louisiana Lacey Sanchez; and judges will be Alison Duboc, Clayton Decoteau, Julie Jones and Mike Waguespack.

The Champion will take home a $1,000 Cash Prize, Second Place will win a Samsung Smart HDTV and Third Place will enjoy Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones.

We are excited to be able to move the event to a larger venue at Lamar Dixon as last years event sold out, Ascension Fund Executive Director Jennifer deFrances said. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors: Alisons World of Music, Air Products, CF Industries, Domain Architecture, EATEL, PotashCorp-Geismar, Shell, Smith Tank & Steel, St. Elizabeth Hospital, The Creole and Waguespack Insurance.

L to R: Ascension Idol Champions, 2015 Champion Madeline Ringwald, 2016 Champion Hannah Chiquelin, 2014 Champion Faith Carmouche.

Tickets are available http://www.ascensionidol.com VIP Front Section Seating is available for $20 per person, General Admission is $10 and Student Admission is $5.

Ascension Idol is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Ascension Fund, which provided its first teacher grants in 1992 and has since given more than 1,200 grants representing over $1.4 million in awards to area public schools and teachers.

For more information, contact Jennifer deFrances at 225.290.3322.

See the article here:

Contestants Chosen for 2017 Ascension Idol Competition - TheCreole.com (press release) (blog)

Posted in Ascension | Comments Off on Contestants Chosen for 2017 Ascension Idol Competition – TheCreole.com (press release) (blog)

FIP: Ascension Preview: What’s Next From Uncle John’s Friends? – FloSlam

Posted: at 3:31 am

FIP: Ascension Preview: What's Next From Uncle John's Friends?

Now the promotion is ready to build off the more successful moments from Everything Burns 2017 with Saturday's FIP: Ascension.

Your FloSlam subscriptiongets you access to both the live streamand replayof the event, as well as the previous day's Style Battle S1:E2. Signing up gets you access to theevent plus every other live event on our calendar AND our ever-expanding library of past pro wrestling cards.

Cage is a monster of a man, able to toss men around with a disturbing ease. However, he's also able to land standing moonsaults and shooting star presses, something that looks almost completely unnatural when done by a man of his size.

Yehi has held the title for over 250 days. However, he has never faced a challenge as great as Cage while defending his title.

Stone repeatedly challenged Davis to participate in a wrestling match, rather than engage in the no-rules tactics native to FIP. Then, after appealing to Davis to battle on the level, Stone scored the win by knocking out Davis with the help of a chain.

After his behavior at Everything Burns, Stone now has to face Davis again. This time, can Davis end the 250 day run of Stone as champion?

It's clear the group intends on causing havoc in and out of the FIP ring. But what have they got in store at Ascension? And WHO is Uncle John?

Hopefully fans get answers on Saturday night.

Read this article:

FIP: Ascension Preview: What's Next From Uncle John's Friends? - FloSlam

Posted in Ascension | Comments Off on FIP: Ascension Preview: What’s Next From Uncle John’s Friends? – FloSlam

Game Theory: Google tests AIs to see whether they’ll fight or work together – Neowin

Posted: at 3:31 am

Understanding how logical agents cooperate or fight, especially in the face of resource scarcity, is a fundamental problem for social scientists. This underpins both our foundation as a social species, and our modern day economy and geopolitics. But soon, this problem will also be at the heart of how we understand, control, and cooperate with artificially intelligent agents, and how they work among themselves.

Researchers inside of Googles AI DeepMind project wanted to know whether distinct artificial intelligence agents worked together or competed when faced with a problem. Doing this experiment would help scientists understand how our future networks of smart systems may work together.

The researchers pitted two AIs against each other in a couple of video games. In one game, called Gathering, the AIs had to gather as many apples as possible. They also had the option to shoot each other to temporarily take the opponent out of play. The results were intriguing as the two agents worked harmoniously until resources started to dwindle; at that point the AIs realized that temporarily disabling the opponent could give each of them an advantage and so started zapping the enemy. As scarcity increased so did conflict.

Interestingly enough, the researchers found that introducing a more powerful AI into the mix would result in more conflict even without the scarcity. Thats because the more powerful AI would find it easier to compute the necessary details, such as trajectory and speed, needed to shoot its opponent. So, it acted like a rational economic agent.

However, before you start preparing for Judgement Day, you should note that in the second game trial, called Wolfpack, the two AI systems had to closely collaborate to ensure victory. In this instance, the systems changed their behavior maximizing cooperation. And the more computationally powerful the AI, the more it cooperated.

The conclusions are fairly simple to draw, though they have extremely wide-ranging implications. The AIs will cooperate or fight depending on what suits them better, as rational economic agents. This idea might underpin the way we design our future AI and the methods we can use to control them, at least until they reach the singularity and develop superintelligence. Then were all doomed.

Source: DeepMind Via: Verge | AI image via Shutterstock

See the rest here:

Game Theory: Google tests AIs to see whether they'll fight or work together - Neowin

Posted in Superintelligence | Comments Off on Game Theory: Google tests AIs to see whether they’ll fight or work together – Neowin

What Will Space Exploration Look Like Under Trump? – Law Street Media (blog)

Posted: at 3:31 am

Politics ByAlec Siegel|February 9, 2017

While President Donald Trump seeks to build walls around the United States, his administration is pursuinga robust planwhen it comes to further frontierslike space. According to internal White House documents obtained by POLITICO, the Trump team is looking to encourage competition between Old Space (traditional contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing) and New Space (private firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin) to develop new technologies and pushthe boundaries of U.S. space exploration.

Trump has yet to name a NASA directora top contender is Republican Rep. Jim Bridenstine of Oklahomabut his administration is shooting for the stars: theyd like to see a return to the moon by 2020; space stations built and operated by private companies; and a return to the large-scale economic development of space, according to the internal documents.

During an October rally in Sanford, Florida, Trump gave the most recent public statement regarding his vision for space exploration: A cornerstone of my policy is we will substantially expand public private partnerships to maximize the amount of investment and funding that is available for space exploration and development, he said. This means launching and operating major space assets, right here, that employ thousands and spur innovation and fuel economic growth.

A major competition could be brewing between traditional space players and new, ambitious projects from private tech titans like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. NASA, which currently has an annual budget of $19 billion, could be in for budget cuts. And more government investment could be poured into private efforts like Musks SpaceX and Bezos Blue Origin.

According toa briefing the administration provided NASA during the transition period,Trump plans to see private American astronauts, on private space ships, circling the Moon by 2020; and private lunar landers staking out de facto property rights for American on the Moon, by 2020 as well. It wenton to instruct NASA on how it should direct its activities moving forward.NASAs new strategy will prioritize economic growth and the organic creation of new industries and private sector jobs, over exploration and other esoteric activities, it said.

However Trumps space strategy plays out, its clear that NASA will not necessarily be the nucleus of Americas forays beyond Earth. Former Rep. Robert Walker (R-PA) who helped draft Trumps space policy plans, and is currently involved in discussions on the plans, seesNASA as somewhat of the stalwart of a bygone era.There are billions of dollars at stake. It has come to a head now when it has become clear to the space community that the real innovative work is being done outside of NASA, he told POLITICO.

Alec Siegel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. When hes not working at Law Street hes either cooking a mediocre tofu dish or enjoying a run in the woods. His passions include: gooey chocolate chips, black coffee, mountains, the Animal Kingdom in general, and John Lennon. Baklava is his achilles heel. Contact Alec at ASiegel@LawStreetMedia.com.

The rest is here:

What Will Space Exploration Look Like Under Trump? - Law Street Media (blog)

Posted in Space Exploration | Comments Off on What Will Space Exploration Look Like Under Trump? – Law Street Media (blog)