8 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH
Dear Cappie, My good friend tried to explain to me how to do a reverse image search on Google, but it makes absolutely no sense to me…could you clarify how to do it and why would you search that way? Diane from SCG
Dear Diane, Your friend was referring to using a photo rather than words to search for written information about any image. Often, it is faster, easier, and more accurate to use an image rather than words to describe an object. For example, your driver’s license may list your distinguishing features (height, ¬weight, eye/ hair color) … but your picture identifies you much faster. A computer can “read” a picture faster than it can “read” words, especially when we humans enter descriptors in random order, misspelled, incorrect, etc. There are specific apps if you have a frequent interest in a specific area, or you can use Google to identify things occasionally. For example, there are specific apps to identify almost any category: bugs, birds, stars, plants … then within general plant recognition apps, there are apps to identify trees, flowers, medicinal plants, pond plants, weeds, succulents … Some apps are free, some are paid, but all begin with your taking a picture of the plant … and within seconds the app will provide information about your subject. However, you may not have enough interest in one class of objects to download a specific app. Instead use the general Google app on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop to do a reverse image search. For more examples of how you can use reverse image search, google the topic itself: reverse image search. But you can easily get the idea by taking a picture of almost any object in your yard or home. See for yourself what google can tell you about it. Smartphones: Android phones are preloaded with the Google App (you may have the Google toolbar on your home screen). For iOS products, download the Google App from the Apple Store. n Open the Google App and tap the camera icon in the Google search bar.
n Frame the object with your smartphone’s camera.
Everything in the image that
Google can identify in realtime will have a blue dot and brackets surround the object you want to be identified. (If a blue dot doesn't appear on the object, take a picture anyway because Google still may be able to identify the object you capture.) n Next, press the round search button with the magnifying glass icon, and results will appear below the image captured. n To switch between objects if there are more than one in the photo, tap on the white circle.
If there's an object without a circle, tap on that area, and Google will attempt to identify the object. OR to use an image saved from your camera or downloaded from an email, text message or screenshot … n Open the Google app and tap the image icon to the left of the search button n This will bring up images from the Photos app to use an image you've saved from your camera or have downloaded from an email, text message, or a screenshot.
Results will appear the photo. Other computers (MAC, PC, Chromebook, etc.), and any browser): n Go to images.google.com website
n To search using images saved on your computer: click the camera icon in the search bar >Upload an image > Choose File > Select the filename of the photo > Open. Possible related searches will appear below the image. n To search using a picture you have seen on the web, you need to copy that image first or you can drag an image from one screen to another. Searching by image is a great way to quickly find information about the world around you. For example, you see a building, tree, toy, etc., and you want to find more information about the object? Take a picture and reverse image search.
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www.grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Roxie and Lynn for this lovely photo of 13-year-old Thea, a bit skittish and shy but very curious and so sweet. Trying to catch the red laser light is her favorite toy and we love watching her dart around…she sure has the moves!
Aly Cline
Council Member
Happy New Year!
Embrace the New Year with an open heart and a fierce spirit. The past year was one for the books. Here’s to a year of good health, lots of love and plenty of laughter. I can’t wait to see what adventures await us in 2022!
MLK Celebration Events
The City of Surprise is excited to announce two events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2022. The programs are for all ages and will include a variety of local musicians, performers and speakers. Wednesday, January 12 – MLK Musical Celebration & Reflections Saturday, January 15 – MLK Day of Celebration & Service Stay up to date on these events at surpriseaz.gov/MLK
Truck Noise
Noise pollution is a concern that is often shared by residents of Sun City Grand. Sometimes these concerns are in regard to cars on Bell Road, vehicles with modified exhaust systems or even truck traffic on SR303. This noise can be especially disruptive at night or in the early morning hours, as there is less overall ambient noise in the community during these times and sounds travel further. Our Surprise police department enforces traffic laws including prohibitions on speeding, racing and modified exhaust systems on city streets, such as Bell and Sunrise Boulevard. We rely on the Arizona Department of Public Safety to patrol and enforce state laws on highways such as SR303 and US-60/ Grand Avenue.
One of the most common questions received is in regards to air brake use by large trucks. Because large trucks are largely regulated and governed by Federal law which preempts local and state laws, implementing and enforcing local bans on air brake use is difficult. Local laws also usually include their own exemptions, such as the use of air brakes being allowed when necessary to avoid an accident. This exemption by itself makes enforcement very challenging. The City of Surprise understands and appreciates the noise pollution concerns that have been shared and will continue to coordinate with our state law enforcement partners to address and mitigate this issue where possible.
Fire Station 308 Courage Walk
“COURAGE is not living without fear, but being able to walk through it while doing the right thing anyway.” This statement is part of a new art installation at the recently completed Surprise Fire Station 308 and pays tribute to the character of our Surprise FireMedical Department team and all they do to keep our community safe. Stop by and check out “Courage Walk 308” at 13771 W. Cactus Rd.
Sunday in the Park
Sunday in the Park returns to Mark Coronado Park in January! Join us on January 23 from 3 – 7 p.m. for live music, various food trucks, an assortment of beer and wine, and family-friendly entertainment such as bounce houses, face painting, a trackless train and more! View event details: bit.ly/3sw1lBr. Future dates are February 13 and April 3.
Recent Openings & Ribbon Cuttings in Surprise
Now Open! Over Easy is located at 14345 W. Bell Rd. December 3: Village at Prasada Groundbreaking Ceremony for a planned outdoor shopping mall off the loop 303 and Waddell Road. December 3: Surprise Party Tree Lighting at 16089 N. Bullard Ave. December 14: Fire Station 304 and 308 ribbon-cutting ceremony. December 15: 360 Physical Therapy ribbon-cutting located at 11340 W. Bell Rd.
Meet and Greet
My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, January 25, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.
City Council Meetings
The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are January 4 and 18 at 6 p.m., and City Hall is open to the public for in-person attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz. gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook. com/cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11.
JANUARY FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. ARIZONA CARDINALS VS. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
State Farm Stadium 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale
Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
CONSERVATION EXPO
Arizona Boardwalk—OdySea Aquarium 9500 E. Via de Ventura,Scottsdale
n January 15, 2022 n FREE n 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM n azboardwalk.com/event/free-conservationexpo/
This FREE family-friendly festival will feature photos with Odysea Aquarium’s animal ambassadors including African Black-Footed Penguins and Squidney, OdySea Aquarium’s lovable two toed sloth. Live animals including raptors (hawks, falcons, vultures), reptiles, wild horses, and more. Pet adoptions through Arizona Humane Society and Dane Haven, Inc. 40+ organizations who are making a difference! PHOENIX SUNS VS. INDIANA PACERS
Footprint Center 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix
Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. ARIZONA COYOTES VS. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Arizona Coyotes 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
n January 17, 2022 n 6:00 PM n (623) 772-3800 n nhl.com/coyotes/ tickets/ single-game
The Arizona Coyotes take on the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena.
