An Amazing Peek At What Your Brain Sees

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3716″ align=”left” size=”medium” autoHeight=”true” quality=”98″]Are our brains more computer like than we think? University researchers reveal a startling look at what our brain sees, and it’s a fascinating glimpse of the future!

And yes, these are actually visual scans of what the mind saw while watching movie content using a special (MRI) imaging technique, together with other computational modeling.  In other words, it shows that reading a brain is possible with machines.  As Professor Jack Gallant, a UC Berkeley neuroscientist and coauthor of the study published online in the journal Current Biology said,“We are opening a window into the movies in our minds.”

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3890″ align=”left” size=”Small 150 width” autoHeight=”true”] Curiously, back in the 80’s, Christopher Walken and Natalie Wood starred  in a movie called “Brainstorm,” a sci-fi,  in which the two brilliant researchers developed a system of recording and playing back the actual experiences of people which, ultimately, in the movie goes terribly wrong. Here’s a one-minute clip from that early movie

But, back to reality:  While this research is an exciting step towards recreating moving pictures from internal imagery, the fully realized technology is still a distant goal.  We now know, however, it’s within grasp.  According to the study, one day we might someday be able to capture dreams and memories that exist only in our minds, or utilize the technology to help stroke or coma victims.

And that’s probably just the beginning!

To see the actual research movie clip go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=nsjDnYxJ0bo

Source: http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/09/22/brain-movies/

SiteVision Creates New Website for Harrison Firm, PC

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3541″ align=”left” size=”Small 150 width”] The Harrison Firm, PC, a legal firm located in Roanoke, Virginia needed a better solution for their existing website.  SiteVision developed an easy-to-use Content Management System (CMS) to meet their goals. The new site, not only tells visitors about the firm, it keeps clients and visitors up to date on the very latest legal news and more.

The new website http://www.harrison-firm.com/ enables the firm to aggregate and share important legal news, discuss and present issues on Facebook, share information on Twitter and subscribe to relevant news feeds. Visitors to the site may also read news items, featured newsletter content and sign up to receive updated or relevant legal information as the firm publishes new material.

 An easy-to-use authoring tool works very much like word processing, enabling users to update content without knowing anything about HTML.  Another helpful feature automatically updates the firm’s Facebook and Twitter feeds – a task that was once manual.  By establishing the initial structure and design of the site, the firm’s users are left free to create content while the CMS handles the more esoteric routines in the background. SiteVision provided training for the new site.

Dan Shaffer Joins SiteVision As Director Of GESD

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3545″ title=”Dan Shaffer” align=”left” size=”Small 150 width” autoHeight=”true”] Dan Shaffer, a 22-year veteran in the design, development, and administration of geographic information systems and facility management data, becomes director of Geospatial Information Systems and Enterprise Development (GESD) for SiteVision, Inc., a Virginia Application Development and Hosting firm. As Director of GESD, Shaffer will report directly to the president and will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Division.

Shaffer brings with him expert knowledge in spatial and relational database development and geographic information systems.  He was formerly a faculty member and Acting Coordinator of Applied Geographic Information Systems, James Madison University, College of Integrated Science and Technology.  He was also Vice-Chairman of the Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) Advisory Board as appointed by Virginia Governors Allen, Gilmore, and Warner.  Shaffer received his BS in Geography and his MS in Integrated Science and Technology from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.  He was also CEO of Terralogic, Inc., a Land and Geographic Information Systems Development and Hosting Company that merged with SiteVision when Shaffer decided to pursue additional academic credentials.

“We are extremely gratified to have Dan join our team at SiteVision.  His extensive experience in GIS and systems project management, his ability to provide positive team leadership and mentoring, and his excellent knowledge of all major operating systems including GIS remote sensing, CADD and database systems, will be an extremely positive enhancement for our GESD Division,” said Patrick Maddox, President. “Dan’s presence in the industry is well established, as is his dedication to advancing this increasingly important technology,” added Maddox.

As team leader for the GESD Division, Shaffer will be directly responsible for managing GESD personnel and providing on-the-job training as needed, and will assign and oversee work of GESD personnel. He will also be responsible for developing new GESD services and markets, and for managing GESD client contacts, requests, submissions and contracts.

Why SiteVision?

We’re your advocate. SiteVision has been providing web development and hosting services to government agencies and non-profit organizations for over 20 years. We understand how overwhelming it can be to seek out a reliable solution for you website, custom application, and hosting needs.

At SiteVision we are passionate about creating solutions for customers that make their life better. We excel at understanding your business process and developing an application that is easy to learn and operate. We will always be fair, knowledgeable, honest, and professional.