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goodvibesandmemes · 19 days

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GENERAL MEMES: Vampire/Immortal Themed 🩸🦇🌹

↳ Please feel free to tweak them.

Themes: violence, death, blood, murder, depression/negative thoughts

SYMBOLS: ↳ Use “↪”to reverse the characters where applicable!

🦇 - To catch my muse transforming into a bat 🌞 - To warn my muse about/see my muse in the sunlight. 🩸 - To witness my muse drinking blood from a bag. 🐇 - To witness To catch my muse drinking blood from an animal. 🧔🏽 - To witness To catch my muse drinking blood from a human. 🦌 - For our muses hunt together for the first time. 🏃🏿‍♀️ - To see my muse using super speed. 🏋🏼‍♂️ - To see my muse using their super strength. 🧛🏻‍♂️ - To confront my muse about being a vampire. 🌕 - For my muse to lament missing the sun. ⏰ - For my muse to tell yours about a story from their long, immortal life. 🤛🏽 - To offer my muse your wrist to drink from. 👩🏿 - For my muse to reminisce about a long lost love. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏽 - For your muse to look exactly like my muse's lost love. 👄 - For my muse to bite yours. 👀 - For my muse to glamour/compel yours. 🧄 - To try and sneakily feed my muse garlic to test if they're a vampire. 🔗 - To try and apprehend my muse with silver chains. 🔪 - To try and attack my muse with a wooden stake. 👤 - To notice that my muse doesn't have a reflection. 🌹 - For my muse to turn yours into a vampire. 🌚 - For my muse and yours to spend time together during the night. 🧛🏼‍♀️ - For my muse to tell yours about their maker/sire.

SENTENCES:

"I've been alive for a long time [ name ], I can handle myself." "I'm over a thousand years old, you can't stop me!" "Lots of windows in this place, not exactly the greatest place for a vampire." "Do you really drink human blood? Don't you feel guilty?" "Vampires are predators, [ name ] hunting is just part of our nature, you can't change that." "You just killed that person! You're a monster!" "Tomorrow at dawn, you'll meet the sun [ name ]." "Can you make me like you?" "Do you really want to live forever?" "You say you want to live forever, [ name ], but forever is a long time, longer than you can imagine." "What was it like to live through [ historic event / time period ]?" "Did people really dress like that when you were young?" "What were you like when you were human?" "We’re vampires, [ name ], we have no soul to save, and I don’t care." "How many people have you killed? You can tell me, I can handle it." "Did you meet [ historic figure ]?" "Everyone dies in the end, what does it matter if I... speed it along." "Every time we feed that person is someone's mother, brother, sister, husband. You better start getting used to that if you want to survive this life." "[ she is / he is / they are ] the strongest vampire anyone has heard of, no one knows how to stop them, and if you try you're going to get yourselves killed." "Vampire hunters are everywhere in this city, you need to watch your back." "Humans will never understand the bond a vampire has with [ his / her / their ] maker, it's a bond like no other." "Here, have this ring, it will protect you from the sunlight." "I get you're an immortal creature of the night and all that, but do you have to be such a downer about it?" "In my [ centuries / decades / millennia ] of living, do you really think no one has tried to kill me before?" "Vampires aren't weakened by garlic, that's a myth." "I used to be a lot worse than I was now, [ name ], I've had time to mellow, to become used to what I am. I'm ashamed of the monster I was." "The worst part of living forever is watching everyone you love die, while you stay frozen, still, constant." "I've lived so long I don't feel anything any more." "Are there more people like you? How many?" "Life has never been fair, [ name ], why would start being fair now you're immortal?" "You want to be young forever? Knock yourself out, I just hope you understand what you're giving up." "You never told me who turned you into a vampire. Who were they? Why did they do it?" "I could spend an eternity with you and never get bored." "Do you really sleep in coffins?" "There are worse things for a vampire than death, of that I can assure you [ name ]." "You need to feed, it's been days. You can drink from me, I can tell you're hungry." "The process of becoming a vampire is risky, [ name ], you could die, and I don't know if I could forgive myself for killing you." "I'm a vampire, I can hold a grudge for a long time, so believe me when I say I will never forgive this. Never." "You were human once! How can you have no empathy?" "You don't have to kill to be a vampire, but what would be the fun in that." "You can spend your first years of immortality doing whatever you want to whoever you want, but when you come back to your senses, it'll hit you harder than anything you've felt before." "One day, [ name ], everything you've done is going to catch up to you, and you're never going to forgive yourself." "Stop kidding yourself, [ name ], you're a vampire, a killer, a predator. You might as well embrace it now because you can't keep this up forever." "You can't [ compel / glamour ] me, I have something to protect me." "When you've lived as long as me, there's not much more in life you can do." "You want me to turn you? You don't know what you're asking me to do." "You really have to stop hissing like that, it's getting on my nerves." "I'm going to drive this stake through your heart, [ name ], and I'm going to enjoy it."

#ask meme #symbol meme #roleplay sentence meme #sentence starter meme #rp sentence prompts #vampire ask meme #ask box #ask memes #vampires #tw : blood #tw: violence #tw: death #tw: depression #tw: vampires #tw: murder

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aesharecom · 3 days

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Christmas Photos Slideshow For After Effects | VideoHive 49201332

After Effects Version CC Files Included After Effects Project Files Resolution Resizable File Size 104MB Media Placeholders 15 Text Placeholders 32 Direct Download Direct Download is available for Premium Users only Read the full article

#animation #bloom #box #celebration #SZ-motion

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jcmarchi · 26 days

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The Power of :has() in CSS

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-power-of-has-in-css/

The Power of :has() in CSS

Hey all you wonderful developers out there! In this post we are going to explore the use of :has() in your next web project. :has() is relatively newish but has gained popularity in the front end community by delivering control over various elements in your UI. Let’s take a look at what the pseudo class is and how we can utilize it.

Syntax

The :has() CSS pseudo-class helps style an element if any of the things we’re searching for inside it are found and accounted for. It’s like saying, “If there’s something specific inside this box, then style the box this way AND only this way.”

:has(<direct-selector>) /* ... */

“The functional :has() CSS pseudo-class represents an element if any of the relative selectors that are passed as an argument match at least one element when anchored against this element. This pseudo-class presents a way of selecting a parent element or a previous sibling element with respect to a reference element by taking a relative selector list as an argument.”

For a more robust explanation, MDN does it perfectly

The Styling Problem

In years past we had no way of styling a parent element based on a direct child of that parent with CSS or an element based on another element. In the chance we had to do that, we would need to use some JavaScript and toggle classes on/off based on the structure of the HTML. :has() solved that problem.

Let’s say that you have a heading level 1 element (h1) that is the title of a post or something of that nature on a blog list page, and then you have a heading level 2 (h2) that directly follows it. This h2 could be a sub-heading for the post. If that h2 is present, important, and directly after the h1, you might want to make that h1 stand out. Before you would have had to write a JS function.

Old School Way – JavaScript

const h1Elements = document.querySelectorAll('h1'); h1Elements.forEach((h1) => const h2Sibling = h1.nextElementSibling; if (h2Sibling && h2Sibling.tagName.toLowerCase() === 'h2') h1.classList.add('highlight-content'); );

This JS function is looking for all the h1’s that have a h2 proceeding it, and applying a class of highlight-content to make the h1 stand out as an important article.

New and improved with modern day CSS coming in hot! The capabilities of what we can do in the browser have come a long way. We now can take advantage of CSS to do things that we traditionally would have to do with JavaScript, not everything, but some things.

New School Way – CSS

h1:has(+ h2) color: blue;

Throw Some :has() On It!

Now you can use :has() to achieve the same thing that the JS function did. This CSS is checking for any h1 and using the sibling combinator checking for an h2 that immediately follows it, and adds the color of blue to the text. Below are a couple use cases of when :has() can come in handy.

:has Selector Example 1

HTML

<h1>Lorem, ipsum dolor.</h1> <h2>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.</h2> <p>Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eius, odio voluptatibus est vero iste ad?</p> <h1>Lorem, ipsum dolor.</h1> <h2>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.</h2> <p>Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eius, odio voluptatibus est vero iste ad?</p> <h1>This is a test</h1> <p>Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eius, odio voluptatibus est vero iste ad?</p>

CSS

h1:has(+ h2) color: blue;

:has Selector Example 2

A lot of times we as workers on the web are manipulating or working with images. We could be using tools that Cloudinary provides to make use of various transformations on our images, but usually we want to add drop shadows, border-radii, and captions (not to be confused with alternative text in an alt attribute).

The example below is using :has() to see if a figure or image has a figcaption element and if it does, it applies some background and a border radius to make the image stand out.

HTML

<section> <figure> <img src="https://placedog.net/500/280" alt="My aunt sally's dog is a golden retreiver." /> <figcaption>My Aunt Sally's Doggo</figcaption> </figure> </section>

CSS

figure:has(figcaption) background: #c3baba; padding: 0.6rem; max-width: 50%; border-radius: 5px;

Can I :has() that?

You can see that :has() has great support across modern browsers.

This browser support data is from Caniuse, which has more detail. A number indicates that browser supports the feature at that version and up.

Desktop

Chrome Firefox IE Edge Safari 105 121 No 105 15.4

Mobile / Tablet

Android Chrome Android Firefox Android iOS Safari 122 123 122 15.4

:has() in the Community!

I reached out to my network on Twitter to see how my peers were using :has() in their day-to-day work and this is what they had to say about it.

“One example I have is styling a specific SVG from a 3rd party package in @saucedopen because I couldn’t style it directly.”

This is what Nick Taylor from OpenSauced had to say about using :has().

svg:has(> #Mail) stroke-width: 1;

Lol the last time I used it I was building keyboard functionality into a tree view, so I needed to detect states and classes of sibling elements, but it wasn’t in Firefox yet so I had to find another solution. 🫠

Abbey Perini from Nexcor Food Safety Technologies, Inc.

It is great to see how community members are using modern CSS to solve real world problems, and also a shout out to Abbey using it for accessibility reasons!

Things to Keep in Mind

There are a few key points to keep in mind when using :has() Bullet points referenced from MDN.

The pseudo-class takes on specificity of the most specific selector in its argument

If the :has() pseudo-class itself is not supported in a browser, the entire selector block will fail unless :has() is in a forgiving selector list, such as in :is() and :where()

The :has() pseudo-class cannot be nested within another :has()

Pseudo-elements are also not valid selectors within :has() and pseudo-elements are not valid anchors for :has()

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of CSS, including advanced features like the :has() pseudo-class, empowers us to craft exceptional web experiences. CSS’s strengths lie in its cascade and specificity…the best part, allowing us to leverage its full potential. By embracing the capabilities of CSS, we can drive web design and development forward, unlocking new possibilities and creating groundbreaking user interfaces.

Links:

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sunnyglassware · 8 months

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(via Gift box ginkgo leaf rectangular empty box with aromatherapy candle holder gift box,Sunny Glassware)

#candle boxes #gift boxes for candles #candle boxes wholesale #Sunny Glassware

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mariotrailers · 10 months

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The Versatility of Box Trailers: An Ideal Solution for Transporting Cargo

Box trailers offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting medium-weight cargo. They are user-friendly and do not require a license to operate. To make the right trailer choice, it's important to understand the distinction between open and enclosed trailers. Open trailers are a budget-friendly option suitable for hauling larger items such as construction equipment or landscaping materials. On the other hand, enclosed trailers are ideal for transporting valuable or delicate goods that require protection from external elements like wind, rain, and heat. Ultimately, the decision to purchase an enclosed or open trailer depends on your budget and specific transportation needs.

Contact us at 02 9645 3333 (Auburn) & 02 4956 8442 (Cardiff) today to learn more about our products and services and to find the perfect trailer for your needs.

Visit Our Website: https://www.mariotrailers.com.au/blog/why-are-box-trailers-ideal-for-transporting-cargo/

#box trailers #Box Trailers For Sale #Box Trailers Sydney #buy Box Trailers

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couponawk · 10 months

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Want to Know More about Mystery Tackle Box Coupons?

Table of Contents

1. How to Get and Use the Coupon Codes?

2.How About Mystery Tackle Box Black Friday?

3. Does Mystery Tackle Box Support Free Shipping?

4. Does Mystery Tackle Box Support Return?

5.What are the Benefits for Customers to Subscribe at Mystery Tackle Box?

Mystery Tackle Box is a startup company that provides a monthly ordering service for baits and fishing gear. It was just launched in July 2012. Its service is very simple: as long as customers order its paid service, it will send customers three or five unique baits every month. The service was launched a week ago, with 200 subscribers and 3000 US dollars in revenue without any formal marketing. 3000 US dollars is not much, but for many companies that start businesses in various fields of the Internet, it is not likely that they will get much revenue once the service is launched. Mystery Tackle Box aims at a big market with 45 billion dollars and 40 million anglers in the United States alone. If you want to shop at their online store, you can know more details about Mystery Tackle Box coupons first as below.

1. How to Get and Use the Coupon Codes?

If you look at the product of Mystery Tackle Box. But to save money, you need to know how to get and use Mystery Tackle Box coupon codes. I believe these methods have been understood by most people, but some people may still be confused about them. First, you need to select the product you want to buy on the official website of Mystery Tackle Box, and then add the product to the shopping cart. Second, you need to go to the couponawk.com website, find the promotion coupon code of the corresponding product, and then copy it. As a final step, you should return to the Mystery Tackle Box payment interface and enter the valid code you just copied. In this way, you can buy products at a good price. Let’s try it? couponawk.com is the best option to offer a coupon code. Mystery Tackle Box promo code will be displayed on their website, so we suggest you pay attention to this website in advance.

2.How About Mystery Tackle Box Black Friday?

Black Friday’s big promotion has become an inevitable trend in various industries, and Mystery Tackle Box will seize this rare opportunity. If you’re interested in Black Friday and want to buy their products on that day, you don’t need to worry at all. They will offer huge discounts on Black Friday, and you can find a lot of mystery tackle box promo codes on the official website or couponawk.com. When Black Friday is coming, Mystery Tackle Box will send emails to remind customers to join this promotional activity. So you have enough time to be prepared in advance. Before Black Friday comes, give yourself enough time and opportunity to confirm everything and prepare to fight! Follow the link to send your email and offers.

3. Does Mystery Tackle Box Support Free Shipping?

As a consumer, of course, you don’t want to pay your own postage. Mystery Tackle Box fully understands how you feel and offers a free shipping policy. All of their monthly subscription orders provide free mail services in the United States and Canada. All other items, including special boxes, clothing, reels, and other items, need to be charged for shipping, but if your order exceeds $ 49, no matter what product you buy, they provide free shipping. Secondly, their mode of transportation is UPS. You can rest assured that your order can be delivered to your hand safely and quickly.

4. Does Mystery Tackle Box Support Return?

Yes, they support returns but there are some limitations. Mystery Tackle Box takes consumers into full consideration. They understand that consumers may not be satisfied with the product for various reasons, so they have a 60-day hassle policy to protect consumers’ rights. In case you receive defective products, they will replace or return them free of charge. But the monthly subscription boxes and specialty boxes are not allowed to be returned. On their website, you can see a 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee, which means you can trust the service of Mystery Tackle Box, and they will provide you with high-quality products. You don’t have to worry about the quality or price of their products, just visit couponawk.com and search for Mystery Tackle Box promotion codes.

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If you really like fishing and still hesitate about what kind of fishing gear is the best one, you can access Mystery Tackle Box to learn more about different types of fishing products. Once you find any items you want to buy, you can go to couponawk.com to find the Mystery Tackle Box coupons to help you spend less.

https://linkcoupon.wordpress.com/2023/06/07/want-to-know-more-about-mystery-tackle-box-coupons/

#Mystery Tackle Box

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mohammedyusri-blog · 11 months

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Enhancing Business Visibility With Signboard Singapore, Car Decal Singapore, Acrylic Sign Singapore, 3D Signage Maker And LED Neon light

When it comes to business promotion and advertising, signage plays a crucial role. Signage can range from simple signboards to LED Neon lights, car decals, acrylic signs, and 3D signage; in Singapore, where the business market is highly competitive, having an eye-catching and unique signboard or signage can make a significant difference in attracting potential customers.

Signboard Singapore – Making your Business Stand Out

Signboards are the most common form of advertising and branding for businesses. A well-designed signboard with your business name, logo, and colors can help customers identify your brand from a distance. Signboards can act as a guide for customers to find your business location easily.

Car Decal Singapore – A Mobile Advertising Solution

Car decals are a popular form of mobile advertising in Singapore. Car decals effectively promote your business while on the move, reaching a wider audience. Car decals are a non-intrusive form of advertising that doesn’t disturb customers’ daily routines. Moreover, they can also act as a protective layer for the vehicle’s paint, protecting it from scratches and damages.

To create an effective car decal, it’s important to choose the right design and color scheme that suits your brand and message. Choosing a reliable car decal maker who can provide high-quality materials to withstand Singapore’s weather conditions is also essential.

Acrylic Sign Singapore – A Versatile and Durable Solution

Made from durable acrylic that can be cut to any size, these signs are a versatile option for any company.

3D Signage Maker – Adding Depth and Dimension to Your Brand

3D signage is a popular signage that adds depth and dimension to a business’s branding.

The benefits of 3D signage

One of the main benefits of 3D signage is its ability to stand out from traditional signboards. 3D signage adds a unique and eye-catching element to a business’s branding that can attract potential customers. Additionally, 3D signage can be backlit, enhancing night visibility. Moreover, 3D signage can be customized to match a business’s brand, creating a cohesive look and enhancing brand recognition.

LED Neon Light – Brightening Up Your Business

LED Neon lights are a modern and energy-efficient form of signage that can add a vibrant and colorful element to a business’s branding. They are made of LED lights that can be molded to any shape or design, allowing endless customization options. When choosing an LED Neon light maker in Singapore, choosing a company that can provide high-quality materials and precision cutting services is important. A reliable LED Neon light maker can offer various design options, including customized sizes, shapes, and colors.

Conclusion

Signboards, car decals, acrylic signs, 3D signage, and LED Neon lights are all effective forms of signage that can enhance a business’s visibility and attract potential customers. With the right signage and a reliable signage maker, businesses in Singapore can enhance their branding and attract more customers.

#Signage #Signboard #Signage maker #Car Decal Singapore #Signage Company #Acrylic sign #Acrylic sign Singapore #LED Sign #LED light box #3D Signs #LED Neon light #3D Signboard #3D Signage #3D Boxup

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nevver · 2 years

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Korn, Uli Westphal (because)

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nanaluvbug · 1 year

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🧀🥪🌶️🥭 The Ravening War portraits 🧀🥪🌶️🥭

patreon * twitch * shop

[ID: a series of digitally illustrated portraits showing - top left to bottom right - Bishop Raphaniel Charlock (an old radish man with a big red head and large white eyebrows & a scraggly beard. he wears green and gold robes with symbols of the bulb and he smirks at the viewer) Karna Solara (a skinny young chili pepper woman with wavy green hair, freckled light green skin with red blooms on her cheeks. she wears a chili pepper hood lined with small pepper seeds and stares cagily ahead) Thane Delissandro Katzon (a muscular young beef man with bright pinkish skin with small skin variations to resemble pastrami and dark burgundy hair. he wears a bread headress with a swirl of rye covering his ears and he looks ahead, optimistic and determined) Queen Amangeaux Epicée du Peche (a bright mango woman with orange skin, big red hair adorned with a green laurel, and sparkling green/gold makeup. she wears large gold hoop earrings and a high leafy collar) and Colin Provolone (a scraggly cheese man with waxy yellow skin and dark slicked back hair and patchy dark facial hair. he wears a muted, ratty blue bandana around his neck and raises a scarred brow at the viewer with a smirk) End ID.)

#trw #the ravening war #dimension 20 #acoc #trw fanart #ttrpg #dnd #bishop raphaniel charlock #karna solara #thane delissandro katzon #queen amangeaux epicee du peche #colin provolone

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70sscifiart · 10 months

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One of my favorites by Paul Lehr, used as a 1971 cover to "Earth Abides," by George R. Stewart. It's also in my upcoming art book!

#sci-fi art

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389 · 14 days

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PORTO ROCHA

#art #design #ice #cube #block #photography #porto rocha #u

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goodvibesandmemes · 1 month

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AMERICANA/INDIE LYRIC MEMES: “Foxlore - Part 1” The Crane Wives 🐺🐺 ↳ Please feel freeto tweak them etc.

NOTHING AT ALL:

“Happy is the man who wants for nothing.” “Happy is the liar.” “Happiness is itself desire, so long as the fire getting weak” “Do you ever want nothing at all?” “Heart broken men long to feel nothing” “Do you ever feel nothing at all?” “I would not wish that on you” “It sure lends a hand, getting measured in the sweeter parts of life”

I TALK IN MY SLEEP:

“I talk in my sleep.” “You are dreaming dreams that have not a thing to do with me.” “I talk in my sleep when my demons won't let me be.” “They twist the things I say.” “The room, it echoes clear with words we choose not to hear.” “I will finally say that I am not okay.”

DOWN THE RIVER:

“I've been wishing that you'd prove me wrong.” “But you've got no reason to.” “One door closing means another one opens unto some unsuspecting fool.” “Sure, you can forget about all the things you've done.” “But what about the rest of us?” “High-tail it when it gets to be too much.” “Sell us down the river.” “You were never the one to suffer.” “The dust never settles when you're around.” “Too many people with your name top of their lists.” “Now, tell me, when you start again, where will you house your skeletons?”

RIBS:

“No one gave up a rib for me and mine.” “My heart did expose to the elements.” “Oh, my savage empire.” “How lucky we are.” “Never to be moved by the words of a liar.” “The dark doesn't frighten me, I chose to close my eyes.” “It is mine, it is mine.” “The dark doesn't frighten me, I chose to let it thrive.” “Little girl, don't let them sell you any armour.” “Handed down a shield for your tender parts.” “Oh, my precious child, how lucky you are.”

CAN'T GO BACK:

“It's time to learn to be more forgiving of yourself.” “Those mistakes you made, you've gotta try to take, the lessons away from them.” “Leave the rest behind.” “Regret, put it out, put it out of your mind.” “All the self-loathing in the world won't change a thing.” “You can't go back, darling.” “The time has come for moving on.” “You can't be always trying to dig up what you've already buried.” “You've got to carry on.” “It's not fair.” “When have you ever known the world to be a fair place?” “All things end and all things change.” “You'll look back and laugh someday.” “Or at least you'll learn to be okay.”

CURSES:

“There's a fire in my brain, and I'm burning up.” “Keep running for the sink, but the well is dry.” “Every word I say is kindling.” “Won't you stay with me, my darling, when my walls start burning down.” “This house says my name like an elegy.” “Echoing where my ghosts all used to be.” “There's still cobwebs in the corners.” “Won't you stay with me, my darling, when this house don't feel like home?” “The devil's after both of us.” “Make a mercy out of me.” “This tired old machine is a-rumbling.” “Singing songs to the secrets behind my eye.” “All my aching bones are trembling.” “Won't you stay with me, my darling, when the war starts in my heart?”

#ask meme #Lyric Meme #lyric ask meme #lyricaskmeme #indie lyric meme #ask box #crane wives ask meme

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layla-keating · 11 months

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#thistension

XO, KITTY — 1.09 “SNAFU”

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jcmarchi · 1 month

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How Do Neural Networks Learn? A Mathematical Formula Explains How They Detect Relevant Patterns - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-do-neural-networks-learn-a-mathematical-formula-explains-how-they-detect-relevant-patterns-technology-org/

How Do Neural Networks Learn? A Mathematical Formula Explains How They Detect Relevant Patterns - Technology Org

Neural networks have been powering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, including the large language models that are now being used in a wide range of applications, from finance to human resources to healthcare. However, these networks remain a black box whose inner workings engineers and scientists struggle to understand. A team led by data and computer scientists at the University of California San Diego has given neural networks the equivalent of an X-ray to uncover how they actually learn.

The researchers found that a formula used in statistical analysis provides a streamlined mathematical description of how neural networks, such as GPT-2, a precursor to ChatGPT, learn relevant patterns in data, known as features. This formula also explains how neural networks use these relevant patterns to make predictions.

“We are trying to understand neural networks from first principles,” said Daniel Beaglehole, a Ph.D. student in the UC San Diego Department of Computer Science and Engineering and co-first author of the study. “With our formula, one can simply interpret which features the network uses to make predictions.”

The team presented their findings in the Science journal.

Why does this matter? AI-powered tools are now pervasive in everyday life. Banks use them to approve loans. Hospitals use them to analyze medical data, such as X-rays and MRIs. Companies use them to screen job applicants. But it’s currently difficult to understand the mechanism neural networks use to make decisions and the biases in the training data that might impact this.

“If you don’t understand how neural networks learn, it’s very hard to establish whether neural networks produce reliable, accurate, and appropriate responses,” said Mikhail Belkin, the paper’s corresponding author and a professor at the UC San Diego Halicioglu Data Science Institute. “This is particularly significant given the rapid recent growth of machine learning and neural net technology.”

The study is part of a larger effort in Belkin’s research group to develop a mathematical theory that explains how neural networks work. “Technology has outpaced theory by a huge amount,” he said. “We need to catch up.”

The team also showed that the statistical formula they used to understand how neural networks learn, known as Average Gradient Outer Product (AGOP), could be applied to improve performance and efficiency in other types of machine learning architectures that do not include neural networks.

“If we understand the underlying mechanisms that drive neural networks, we should be able to build machine learning models that are simpler, more efficient and more interpretable,” Belkin said. “We hope this will help democratize AI.”

The machine learning systems that Belkin envisions would need less computational power and, therefore, less power from the grid to function. These systems would also be less complex and so easier to understand.

Illustrating the new findings with an example

(Artificial) neural networks are computational tools to learn relationships between data characteristics (i.e. identifying specific objects or faces in an image). One example of a task is determining whether in a new image a person is wearing glasses or not. Machine learning approaches this problem by providing the neural network many example (training) images labeled as images of “a person wearing glasses” or ”a person not wearing glasses.” The neural network learns the relationship between images and their labels, and extracts data patterns, or features, that it needs to focus on to decide. One of the reasons AI systems are considered a black box is because it is often difficult to describe mathematically what criteria the systems are actually using to make their predictions, including potential biases. The new work provides a simple mathematical explanation for how the systems are learning these features.

Features are relevant patterns in the data. In the example above, there are a wide range of features that the neural networks learns, and then uses, to determine if in fact a person in a photograph is wearing glasses or not. One feature it would need to pay attention to for this task is the upper part of the face. Other features could be the eye or the nose area where glasses often rest. The network selectively pays attention to the features that it learns are relevant and then discards the other parts of the image, such as the lower part of the face, the hair and so on.

Feature learning is the ability to recognize relevant patterns in data and then use those patterns to make predictions. In the glasses example, the network learns to pay attention to the upper part of the face. In the new Science paper, the researchers identified a statistical formula that describes how the neural networks are learning features.

Alternative neural network architectures: The researchers went on to show that inserting this formula into computing systems that do not rely on neural networks allowed these systems to learn faster and more efficiently.

“How do I ignore what’s not necessary? Humans are good at this,” said Belkin. “Machines are doing the same thing. Large Language Models, for example, are implementing this ‘selective paying attention’ and we haven’t known how they do it. In our Science paper, we present a mechanism explaining at least some of how the neural nets are ‘selectively paying attention.’”

Source: UCSD

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