#power outage strategy

[najia-cooks]

[ID: One puffy circle of bread, and three which have been halved to show an internal pocket, on a striped blue and white kitchen towel. End ID]

خبز الكماج / Khubiz al-kmaj (Palestinian flatbread)

Khubiz al-kmaj is a thin flatbread with an internal pocket. It is commonly eaten with breakfast to scoop up dips such as hummus, used to eat stews, served alongside main dishes, and used to make sandwiches and to wrap falafel. "خُبْز," pronounced "khubz" or (in Levantine varieties of Arabic) "khubiz," comes from the root خ ب ز (kh-b-z), which also produces the word "خَبَزَ" "khabaza" (Levantine: "خَبَز" "khabaz"), "to bake."‎

This bread is eaten across the Levant and in Greece, with slight differences in terminology and style. It is variously called "خُبْز العَرَبِيّ" (khubz al-'arabiyy; Arabian bread), "خُبْز "البَلَدِيّ (khubz al-baladiyy; bread from my country), or (occasionally) "خُبْز البيتة" or "البيتا" (khubz al-bita), a borrowing from "pita." ("Pita" itself is perhaps from Greek "πίτα" "pita," or the modern Hebrew "פיתה.") The bread is referred to as "khubiz al-kmaj" in Palestine, from the Turkic "kömeç" / كُمَجْ‎ ("bread baked in ashes"). The collective term for the bread in general is كماج (kmāj); each individual piece of bread is referred to with the singulative "كماجة‎" (kmāja).

Today, kmaj is frequently made with white flour; some people add olive oil or milk powder to ensure a very soft dough. Leila el-Haddad writes that a more traditional method omits milk and uses whole white spring wheat, a whiteish wheat grain harvested in late spring and ground without removing the bran.

Since the late 20th century, many Palestinian households have used an electric cooker (طنجرة الكهرباء; ṭanjara al-kahrabā') to cook kmaj, placing one kmaja inside of the chamber and one on top and allowing both to bake at the same time. These aluminum and tin cookers, which were invented in Gaza and became popular there during the first intifada in the late 1980s, are designed to route electricity through a metal pipe or spiral wire on the underside of their lids, heating both the top and the inside of the cooker simultaneously.

The cookers' popularity can be attributed in part to a curfew that Israel imposed on Gazan refugee camps during the intifada, supposedly in an attempt to restrict the movements of resistance fighters. Refugees in the Jabalia camp in the north, for example, unable to afford home stoves, and without the necessary outdoor space to make familial clay ovens, would have to wait in line for hours every day to get bread from shared ovens, risking curfew violations; household electric cookers were far more convenient. The success of local industry and innovation in the form of Gazan-manufactured technology was also symbolically and strategically important during the first intifada, in which Palestinians employed strikes and boycotts (largely organized by women) of Israeli companies and goods as a strategy of resistance to occupation.

An electric cooker is still today considered a very important tool, as it spares families the need to purchase kmaj (the price of which was soaring compared to the cost of flour in the 2010s, and which was often of inferior quality compared to what could be made at home). They are frequently given as wedding or housewarming presents. Lack of access to electricity, though, imposes a limiting condition on the usage of these cookers, as Israel has for over a decade strangled the flow of power to Gaza: Abier Almasri wrote in 2017 that tasks such as cooking and laundry had to be rushed during the four or so hours a day when electricity was available. In this environment, electric cookers are useful in that they can prepare a lot of bread in a short period of time. Fathia Radwan said in 2022 that she would wake up early, after the nightly power outage, to prepare more than 100 loaves of bread at a time for her family of nine.

Today, the taxes that Israel levies on imports of raw materials into Gaza makes the cost of new electric cookers, which sometimes exceeds 120 shekels (37 USD), too expensive for some families to afford. The difficulty and expense of importing materials, and the impossibility of exporting goods to foreign markets with the advent of the 2007 siege, also limit the number of factories in Gaza that are able to manufacture these cooking pots. The aluminum industry, introduced to Gaza in the 1960s and once the basis of a manufacturing and economic renaissance in the region, deteriorated as a result of the siege, as factories were no longer able to export goods to the West Bank and were newly reliant on imports of raw materials from Egypt. Even parts to repair electric cookers are expensive, due to a tax levied on items judged by Israel to have a "dual," i.e. a possible civilian and military, use.

Still, repairman Iyad Faraj estimates that over half the homes in Gaza have and use an electric cooker, as maintaining, repairing, and operating one is cheaper than having a gas pipe installed (at 68 shekels, 20 USD) and purchasing gas. Electric pots thus stand in many homes as both a utilitarian item, and a symbol of Palestinian ingenuity and resistance to Israel's attempts at impoverishment and starvation.

Support Palestinian resistance by contributing to Palestine Action’s bail fund or to Palestine Legal’s defence fund, by attending court or making a sign to support the Elbit Eight, or by buying an e-sim for distribution in Gaza.

Ingredients:

500g (4 cups + 3 Tbsp) white whole wheat (spring) flour

1/2 Tbsp (5g) active dry yeast

1/2 Tbsp (6.25g) vegetarian granulated sugar

1/2 Tbsp (7.25g) kosher salt

About 2 1/4 cups (530mL) room-temperature water, divided

Olive oil

White whole wheat flour is flour that has a white color once ground, despite the fact that it includes both the bran and the germ of the wheatberry. It is milled from white spring wheat (so named because it is harvested in late spring).

You may instead mix white all-purpose flour and brown whole wheat flour in your desired proportion. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will need more water and more kneading than white flour. If you’re using all white flour, you will need about 1 1/4 cup (300mL) water.

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add water gradually until dry ingredients come together into a sticky dough.

2. Knead the dough on the countertop or in a wide, shallow bowl until smooth, about 5 minutes. (If using whole wheat or white whole wheat flour) continue incorporating water into the dough as you knead to maintain a tacky texture.

3. Fold the dough into a ball and return to the bowl, seam-side down. Pat the top of the dough with some olive oil, cover the bowl, and let rise for an hour.

4. Pinch the dough into about 8 balls of equal size (about 110g each). Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into a circle about 1/4" (1/2cm) in thickness. Set dough circles on a surface prepared with parchment paper and cover closely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let rest and ferment for at least 1 and up to 10 hours.

An overnight rest is traditional in Palestine and will create a more complex flavor in the bread (see note below).

6. Remove each circle of dough from its resting place with a metal spatula and roll it out to a 1/4” thickness again. Preheat a baking stone or sheet in the top third of an oven at 500 °F (260 °C), and then cook breads in the oven for three minutes, until large bubbles have begun to form.

7. Flip bread over and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and puffed up completely.

8. Wrap breads in a kitchen towel or tea towel and allow to steam for a few minutes while the others cook.

Notes

The climate where I live is dry enough that I have discovered a risk of my breads becoming crackers if I leave them out overnight. The dried-out flatbread does puff up in the oven, but the resulting product is not as nice and fluffy as it should be.

Through experimentation, I have found the best method of both preventing drying out and guaranteeing that the flatbreads will puff up during cooking the next day is:

1. Roll out the dough and place dough circles on a lightly oiled surface. Cover them closely with lightly oiled plastic wrap.

2. The next day, fold dough circles back into balls. Place seam-side down and roll out again on a lightly floured surface.

3. Bake as described above.

If you live in a humid environment, the first instructions given in the recipe above should work for you.

#Palestinian #bread #khubz #baking #breadmaking #long post /

[bagopucks]

J. Hughes - Blackouts

✄————————————

Jack Hughes x Reader

Requested✨ (as a comment in a previous post)

@lolihaveaproblem

Word Count: 1.8k

Warning(s): None!

Not proofread!

—————————————

“This is so stupid!”

“Well if you hadn’t blown all your money, you wouldn’t be losing this bad.”

“Jack, you idiot.”

“I don’t wanna play this any more. You guys cheated.”

It’s all Ive heard all evening. When the boys at the lake house asked me to oversee monopoly, I did not think it would be this hectic. Or heated. It was Monopoly.

To be fair though, I did learn quite a bit about the Hughes and their friends.

Quinn was silently competitive, and I had definitely seen him slipping Luke some money here and there under the coffee table. I only let it slide because I was rooting for the youngest brother. I learned Cole was incredibly good with his money. Maybe a little stingy, but he was definitely a saver. Trevor didn’t give two shits. He was playing just for the hell of it, spending here and there and everywhere, but still managing to stay out of debt or bankruptcy, and Luke just seemed to have a natural knack for the game.

My beloved Jack was trying to do Trevor’s method, but luck was not on his side. He was owing people money he did not have. He was all over the place. He was a financial nightmare. I kept it in mind in case of the day you both get married. Any conjoined bank accounts would certainly have a pin or password he would not know.

“It’s a little late to quit now. Might as well stay in.” Quinn tried to reason.

“With my one property? Hell no.” Jack quickly stood up from the floor. I was not the only person who winced at the crack in his back. “Trevor can have it.”

Trevor, who somehow seemed to be the richest and luckiest.

“Oh fuck yes!” I giggled at Trevor’s excitement.

I would say I had more fun overseeing monopoly than Risk. When the boys decided to play that, I had to take headache medication due to all the yelling. They took that strategy game quite seriously. Again, except for Trevor. Who had a weird obsession with Australia, and overpopulated it with his troops.. and somehow ended up winning the game after two days of on and off playing.

There had been a lot of F-bombs there. A lot of negotiations. A lot of snack breaks. The second time it was brought out to play, halfway through day three, one of the boys got so tense they flipped the board.

The NATO of hockey players did not enjoy that.

Sometimes I played board games with them, but other times I really did enjoy watching them bicker and argue.

Throw Throw Burrito was another I enjoyed to watch. From a safe distance. Considering the main concept of the game was to throw foam burritos at one another. Some of the welts those boys left the table with amazed me. But I hadn’t laughed harder than the time Trevor got hit in between the legs. The speed with which everybody scattered, was highly amusing.

They didn’t play board games often at the lake house, but seeing as we were in the midst of a three hour power outage, and phones were on their last percentages, everybody was desperately looking for something to do.

“Babe, come on.” Jack mumbled, ever the sore loser. I looked up at him from the couch, his face illuminated by the many candles we had burning. Fucking scented candles that had the house smelling like too many things at once.

“I don’t know, Jack. Last time I left a board game unmonitored the whole thing was flipped.” I commented. I knew what I was doing, and as soon as the words left my mouth, the uprising of displeasure from that memory came in the form of new arguments and accusations about who it was that had flipped their poor game of Risk. Jack chuckled softly. I swiftly climbed over the arm of the couch, seeing as boys were sitting at the foot of it all gathered about the coffee table.

“They’re never gonna get over that.” Jack mumbled as he grabbed my hand. I was swift to snatch up one of the candles before he led me down the hall to his room.

“Not my problem. I still have my money on Cole.” I whispered in response. We both snickered softly, and I winced at the sound of another outburst. Trevor yelling about money missing. Looks like they caught Quinn and all his laundering.

“So, Rowdy,” I began with a playful smile as we wandered down the hall. “What’s on the agenda for tonight?”

“I don’t know. There’s gotta be something in this house to do.” Jack shrugged. I smiled at his cluelessness.

Once we got back into his room, I pushed the door shut behind myself. I opened his blinds and watched the rain pelt the windows, gently biting my bottom lip. Jack swiftly snuck up behind me, wrapping his arms around my body.

“Watch out baby,” I whispered, holding the candle out.

“Sorry.” Jack’s mumbled apology made me smile.

“Come on, Jack-O.” I tried to make my way to his tall dresser, but seeing as he wasn’t letting go, we both waddled our way over together. I set the candle down on top of the safe area, slowly turning in his arms to get a good look at Jack’s face.

“You think my mom and dad are okay?” His question caught me off guard.

“I have a strong feeling they’re more than fine.” I assured him, reaching up to cup his cheeks. “Probably having a more peaceful night than we are.” I added playfully, just in time to hear another shout and a loud bang. I winced. Somebody was beating the table now.

As much as I claimed to hate the noise, the silence in the lake house was often worse than that. Especially in the evenings. I got so used to the noise that the silence began to feel eerie. Like something was incredibly wrong.

“Can’t do movies, not enough phone power to play games. Not enough light to read.” I mumbled thoughtfully. “I have hair dye in the bathroom.”

Jack seemed to really consider the idea before shaking his head.

“Okay. Makeovers?”

He shrugged.

“Wanna watch me try on lingerie?” He lit up like a kid on Christmas. It was a cruel joke, but alas, I had no lingerie to try on, and I was not going to resort to seduction at a time like this. Not when something could go worse with the weather. The last thing I wanted to do was be huddled up in the basement with my boyfriend and his brothers and friends, in a less than appropriate outfit.

“Sorry for the false hope,” I apologized with a smile. Jack groaned.

“I’ll play mini sticks with you.” I finally offered, and Jack shrugged before deciding that was good enough.

“I’ll go get ‘em.” He was out of his room and back within a minute, two tiny little plastic nets in hand, a ball, and two sticks. I giggled softly. Even in the off season, we couldn’t escape hockey.

By the foot of his bed, Jack set up one net on one side of the room, and a net on the other. We quickly got situated on the floor before Jack slid a stick in my direction. I felt incredibly silly, but anything to pass the time at this point.

“You know the rules?” He asked, and I nodded.

“Same as normal hockey.” I checked. Jack smiled at me before he tossed the foam ball in my direction.

“Loser has to eat the melted nasty ice cream on the counter.” Jack made the condition. I grimaced. How disgusting. But once I agreed, we faced off, and our game began.

I could not say I was surprised near the end of the game, when we took an ‘intermission’ and I found I had holes in my leggings. Jack and I had played quite an aggressive game of knee hockey. Despite the fact that he tried to enforce penalties, he quickly gave up when I reasoned that he couldn’t be in charge of them. Especially when he kept grabbing the back of my shirt to keep me from getting too close to his goal.

The Hughes brothers were always cheating to win in some kind of minor game.

We’d laughed and yelled, pushed each other over and played with no mercy. But it was 9-9, and I seriously did not want to eat the warm ice cream. I figured if Jack had cheated, then I could play dirty too. So when I had the foam ball in my own possession, I rushed Jack, who was trying to play defense in the middle of the floor.

We made eye contact at the last second when I moved my stick into both hands -acting as though I planned to cross check him- and pressed my weight against his chest, shoving him onto the floor and effectively pinning him down.

Jack broke into a fit of laughter as I climbed on top of him.

“That’s a penalty,” he tried. I laughed and shook my head.

“Your mom is.”

I was swift to tap the puck into his net with my stick.

“And I win.” Jack was still laughing at the ‘your mom’ joke when he actually registered his loss. The poor brunette craned his neck to see the goal, his expression dropping with realization.

“What? You cheated!”

I leaned forward while he was busy complaining.

“You’ve been cheating since we started this game. I’d just accept my loss and get ready to eat shitty ice cream, Hughes.” I was quick to kiss him before I stood up, dropping my stick on his chest for effect.

“I want a rematch!”

“Can’t, Jacky. I’m retired.” I’d certainly give him hell about this moment for the rest of our lives.

“Bullshit. One more game.” Jack finally sat up, staring up at me as he held my stick out.

“I can’t, buddy. Not pulling a Tom Brady. I’m retired, end of story.”

“This sucks.”

“Aww it’s okay. How’s about you just come to bed and we can cuddle for a bit instead of the ice cream.” Jack eyed me cautiously, seemingly trying to decide if it was another joke or not.

“I’m not making you eat warm ice cream, Jack.” My tone took on a much more serious sound before I held my hands out to him. “Just come lay with me.” He let me help him get up from the floor, dropping his own stick and nodding.

“Can’t believe you thought I was cruel enough to make you eat that,” I teased.

✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾

#nhl imagine #nhl x reader #jack hughes #trevor zegras #quinn hughes #luke hughes #jack hughes x reader #jack hughes imagine #hughes brothers #cole caufield

[bbunisre]

𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐑 /// ,, utahime

SUMMARY ༊*·˚ utahime gets a new neighbour in her apartment complex who is loud, obnoxious (you) and, seems to have no perception of the type of person they are. this annoys utahime and causes quite a few debacles between the two of you whilst you start falling for her. will utahime stop seeing you as anything more than just an irresponsible young adult or will the hostile neighbourly tension perpetuate?

PAIRING ༊*·˚ utahime x fem!reader

WARNINGS ༊*· fluff, smau, parties, EXTREME chaos, wlw, age-gap (utahime is 11 years older than y/n), drinking here and there

INTRO :: M1LF HUNTERS | CONNOISSEURS | SPECIAL GUESTS

01 : KELP, KELP, KELP & SALMON !

02: A NEIGHBOUR, A COOKIE AND A PARTY INVITE (written)

03: DOUBLE TROUBLE

04: THE NOT SO GREAT PARTY

05: THE ESCAPE FROM THE NOT SO GREAT PARTY

06: ANOTHER PLATE OF COOKIES LATER

07: DORIBOO

08: GOJO NO SAIKYO (written)

09: COFFEE

10: GROCERY BAG

11: OLD LADY (written)

12: AVOIDANCE STRATEGY

13: DECORATIONS (written)

14: UTAHIME IS NOT A LOVELY NEIGHBOUR

15: CRYING CRYING CRYING (written)

16: THE POWER OUTAGE

17: ELEVATOR (written)

18: Y/N APPRECIATION PARTY

more coming soon!

lmk if u wanna be the in the tag list!!!

#jjk smau #jjk x reader #gojo fluff #gojo jjk #jujutsu gojo #jjk gojo #jjk smut #jjk crack #jjk x y/n #jjk x you #utahime #utahime x reader #utahime iori #iori utahime #utahime smau #jujutsu kaisen smau #anime smau #jjk reactions #jjk fluff #jujutsu kaisen reactions #jujutsu kaisen scenarios

[lena-rosey]

Mainstream news is barely covering this, but Borikén (puerto rico by its colonial name) was hard hit by hurricane Fiona yesterday.

As my friends reach out despite widespread power outages, they’re sharing that flooding is happening where water didn’t even reach during Maria.

Grass roots organizations need our support right now, but for those of us showing solidarity from overseas it can be hard to find the right places to donate. During Maria in 2017 literally thousands died, not just as a result to unequal exposure to the natural disasters of climate crisis and instability, but even more so due to the US government’s colonialism and negligence and the incompetency and corruption of the Puerto Rican government.

DO NOT give money to the government or organizations closely working with it unless you want aid materials to rot in a shipping container. Or to buy people KitKat bars. Here are some alternatives I and my close friends trust:

Taller Salud

https://www.tallersalud.com

Comedores Sociales de Puerto Rico

https://www.comedoressocialespr.org/aportar

Pro-Techos

https://protechos.org/es/donate/

Brigada Solidaria del Oeste

https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org/co-conspirators/brigada-solidaria-del-oeste/?doing_wp_cron=1663304559.420053958892822265625O

La Code, Parceleras AfroCaribeñas

https://www.parcelerasafrocaribenas.org/donate

Proyecto Agroecológico Campesino

https://instagram.com/proyectoagroecologicocampesino?igshid=YzA2ZDJiZGQ=

El Hangar en Santurce

https://instagram.com/elhangarensanturce?

igshid=YzA2ZDJiZGQ=

Finally here is La Colmena Cimarrona, an Agro ecological farm working towards food sovereignty and collective land ownership in Vieques. They need some resources and financial support after the hurricane, so feel free to pitch in to their work, which will address both short term relief and long term survival strategies. https://www.hasercambio.org/colmena-cimarrona/

Hope this helps some of you direct your support. Y Fuerza Borikén

#boriken #puerto rico #hurricane fiona #mutual aid #decolonize #decolonisation #climate emergency #grassroots #signal boost #decolonization

[jadeslashes]

🔗 sit down beside me , masterlist

jonathan crane x f!reader

synopsis , in which jonathan crane finds himself in the depths of obsession with a colleague of his. and with his calculated actions following his exigent desires, he makes y/n l/n his own.

warnings , stalking, obsessiveness, smut, stockholm syndrome, & manipulation. there will be content warnings on each chapter for what they specifically include. minors please dni.

🕸 chapters:

chapter one — patience

y/n speaks with jonathan, who to her is simply old coworker from her previous job at arkham asylum, when he comes across her working at a bookstore in downtown gotham.

chapter two — the last book

the final pieces of jonathan’s plan become finalized, and y/n shelves the last book at the store before clocking out and heading home.

chapter three — close

jonathan’s plan goes from just that, a plan, to reality.

chapter four — a dream

y/n and jonathan each wake up in what seems to be a dream.

chapter five — expected, not desired

y/n thinks about what led up to all of this, refuses to eat, and fruitlessly attempts to escape.

chapter six — a step in the right direction

jonathan thinks that y/n is beginning to understand and accept what he’s done, whether he’s right or wrong in this assumption, it’s hard to tell. for both y/n and himself.

chapter seven—strategy

y/n tries to escape once again, only to find that maybe what’s outside is worse than inside.

chapter eight—indifferent

jonathan comforts y/n during a power outage, and investigators are beginning to look into her disappearance.

chapter nine—coming soon.

˗ˏˋ ꩜ :: and stay a while.

#jonathan crane x reader #scarecrow x reader #masterlist

[mariacallous]

Last week marked the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has been marked by multiple reports that Russia may have committed war crimes by indiscriminately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. During the first winter of the conflict, Russia pursued a strategy that US secretary of state Antony Blinken described as trying to “freeze [Ukraine] into submission” by attacking its power infrastructure, shutting citizens off from heat and electricity.

Now, using satellite imagery and open source information, a new report from the Conflict Observatory, a US-government-backed initiative between Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab, the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative, PlanetScape AI, and the mapping software Esri, offers a clearer picture of the scale of this strategy. Between October 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, researchers found more than 200 instances of damage to the country’s power infrastructure, amounting to more than $8 billion in estimated destruction. Of the 223 instances identified in the report, researchers were able to confirm 66 of them with high confidence, meaning they were able to cross-reference the damage across multiple trustworthy sources and data points.

“What we see here is that there was a pattern of bombardment that hit front lines and non-frontline areas, at a scale that must have had civilian effect,” says Nathaniel Raymond, a coleader of the Humanitarian Research Lab and lecturer at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated at the time that attacks on Ukraine’s power grid had left “millions” of people without electricity throughout the country.

Researchers found and were able to identify and verify damage to power infrastructure in 17 of the country’s 24 oblasts, or administrative units.

Documenting specific instances of damage to power infrastructure has been particularly difficult for researchers and investigators, because the Ukrainian government has sought to limit public information about which sites have been damaged and which continue to be operational in an effort to prevent further attacks. (For this reason, the report itself avoids getting too specific about which locations it analyzed and the extent of the destruction.) But this can also make it difficult to collect, verify, and build upon the data necessary to prove violations of international law.

By making its methodology public, Raymond hopes that it will make further investigation possible. “Having common standards to a common dataset is a prerequisite for accountability,” he says.

International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians or civilian infrastructure, like schools or hospitals. But Oona Hathaway, professor of international law at Yale University, says that power stations and infrastructure can present a trickier question, because it’s often difficult, if not impossible, to tell whether power is being distributed to the military or civilians (oftentimes it’s both). This can sometimes make targeting power infrastructure legitimate, says Hathaway, but combatants need to consider how something like a sustained power outage or an explosion at a power plant could impact civilians. Unleashing “dangerous forces” by, say, bombing or opening a dam could also be a war crime.

“That is a clear violation, even if part of its infrastructure might be supporting both civilian and military purposes,” says Hathaway.

Russia has not only sought to damage Ukraine’s power infrastructure through physical attacks. In October 2022, during the same time period covered by the report, hackers from Russia’s GRU military intelligence unit known as Sandworm plunged an unknown number of Ukrainian civilians into a blackout during a missile strike. It is the third time Sandworm has caused a blackout in Ukraine with a cyberattack since 2015.

While some of the attacks documented by the Conflict Observatory did indeed occur near the front lines, Raymond says that researchers found strikes as far away from the battlefield as the country’s westernmost city, Lviv. Of the strikes that Raymond and his team identified, 128 occurred in places that were not part of the conflict’s front lines at the times when they were attacked.

The report “indicates the attacks were deliberate and disproportionately harmed civilian populations, which, if true, would violate international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict,” says US state department spokesperson Russell Brooks. “Many of the affected areas are remote from the front lines of the war, calling into question whether the attacks served any justifiable military objective.”

Some Russian officials have claimed that Ukrainian infrastructure is a legitimate target. In December 2022, Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, asserted that by attacking the country’s energy grid it was making it harder for Ukraine to access weapons provided by Western countries. In other instances, Russian officials indicated that its attacks on the country’s electricity supply were “strikes of retribution,” according to Russian politician Boris Chernyshov.

“The justifications that Russian officials provided varied from arguments that they were legitimate military objectives to statements that pointed more toward civilian harm and general retaliation not grounded in a concrete and direct military objective,” says Raymond. “It was important to capture this, because it can be indicative of intent, even though the statements alone are not in themselves indicative of an international legal violation.”

Hathway notes that several of the statements seem to indicate that Russia was intentionally targeting civilians as a way to pressure the Ukrainian government into conceding the conflict. “I think a lot of the comments are indicative of this unlawful purpose that Russia and certain Russian leaders and military officials may have had in the carrying out of these attacks,” she says.

Hathaway adds that while the report’s findings are not themselves evidence of war crimes, they provide a strong foundation for bodies like the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, whose work is still ongoing. “I would say it is kind of a roadmap for prosecutors.”

[greyeyedmonster-18]

(for the @wolfstarmicrofic prompt: cards)

"This is a stupid game."

Remus half-smirked from behind the cards in his hand, "You said you wanted to know what muggles did when the power went out so..." he shrugged, catching Sirius's eye-roll in the room only lit by candles.

The tiny flat they had picked out had not been the rustic, rough, fever dream Sirius had imagined for them (though the two of them had learned to find joy in fixing leaking showerheads and laughing at windows that didn't close all the way and the sounds they heard from their upstairs neighbors). But Sirius was embracing it. As he always did. Never a single thing by halves, so when the area had suffered a power outage, Sirius insisted. And when Sirius insisted on being stubborn and full of too much pride for his own good, not wanting to admit that sweating in the dark wasn't fun unless they were on top of one another, not wanting to just us magic to take care of it, Remus admittedly, almost always, had his fun.

"That was before I knew how stupid this game was. There's no point! There's no strategy!"

"Sure there is you--"

"If you explain the rules to me one more time."

"What? You'll finally go fish?"

Sirius's grey eyes narrowed for a moment before he leaned forward to take a card from the pile, putting it into his overflowing hand. "Yes and--"

"And?"

This time when Sirius leaned forward, his lips met the shell of Remus's ear and whispered. Remus swallowed, his face flushing, thankful for the glow of the candle light to mask his face which would have been bright red.

"S-stupid game, you're right," Remus nodded, putting down his hand and turning his head so he could meet Sirius's lips with his own. "Let's do that."

#wolfstar microfic #sirius black #remus lupin

[generatorflow]

Ensuring Computer Safety with Generators: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's digitally-driven era, our dependence on computers is undeniable. They are essential for many activities, from professional work to personal entertainment. However, power outages often challenge this dependence, which can occur unexpectedly due to various reasons such as natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or maintenance activities. In such scenarios, generators emerge as a lifesaver, providing an alternative power source. However, the intersection of generators and sensitive electronic devices like computers has risks.

Understanding the Risks:

The primary concern when using a generator to power a computer is the quality and stability of the power output. Unlike the grid's consistent and regulated power supply, generators can produce power that varies in voltage and frequency. These fluctuations can be particularly harmful to computers, which require a stable power supply for optimal operation. Voltage fluctuations and spikes can damage the internal components of a computer, leading to hardware failure. Electrical surges can also cause irreversible damage to the motherboard and other critical components, while frequent power instability can lead to data corruption or loss.

Critical Strategies for Safe Usage:

To safely harness the power of generators for running computers, it's crucial to implement specific strategies:

Voltage Regulation: A voltage regulator is imperative when connecting a computer to a generator. A voltage regulator stabilizes the power output, ensuring it remains within a safe range for the computer. This device acts as a buffer, absorbing voltage fluctuations and preventing them from reaching and damaging the computer.

Proper Grounding: Grounding the generator is a critical safety measure. It provides a path for excess electricity to be safely dissipated into the ground, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shocks and potential damage to the computer. Proper grounding also helps in stabilizing the electrical current.

Power Quality Considerations: The type of generator plays a significant role in determining the quality of power it produces. Inverter generators are often recommended for powering computers because they generate cleaner and more stable power. They work by converting the AC power to DC and then back to AC, smoothing out the power fluctuations in the process.

Advanced Protective Measures:

In addition to the key strategies, there are advanced measures that can further enhance the safety of using a generator with a computer:

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A UPS is vital in safeguarding computers against power inconsistencies. It provides emergency power in case of sudden outages, allowing for a safe and orderly computer shutdown. It not only protects the hardware but also prevents data loss. Furthermore, many UPS models have built-in surge protection, offering extra defense against power spikes.

Surge Protectors: Surge protectors are another essential tool in protecting computers from the potentially damaging effects of power surges. These devices are designed to detect and divert excess voltage, shielding the computer from sudden spikes in power.

Expert Insights:

For a more thorough exploration of this subject, including detailed technical advice and safety tips, the article "Is it safe to run a computer on a generator", available at Generator Flow, is an invaluable resource. This guide delves deep into the nuances of using generators with computers, offering practical insights and expert recommendations.

Practical Considerations:

In practice, using a generator to power a computer involves more than just plugging in the devices. It requires a conscious effort to monitor the power output and maintain the generator. Regular maintenance of the generator ensures its efficient operation and longevity. Additionally, users should be aware of the power requirements of their computer systems and choose a generator that can meet these needs without overload.

Conclusion:

Running a computer on a generator is feasible, but it demands careful attention to the quality of power, the type of generator used, and the implementation of various safety measures. Following expert guidelines and equipping yourself with the proper protective devices, you can ensure your computer operations remain uninterrupted and safe, even during unexpected power outages. Ultimately, the goal is not just to keep the computer running but to do so safely for both the equipment and the user.

#generators #generator

[saintlaurentproblems]

so interesting to see Dua release 3 singles before the album, while we have Taylor not releasing a single one before the album - I don’t know what’s worse or better

I think it’s the difference of pop star stability. Dua is still on the newer side of her career. It’s a good strategy to rack up album streams before the album is released.

Taylor’s sales and streams are pretty much already secured. Unless there is a global power outage, people will be listening to TTPD

#answered

[sa-rasel]

AI ASSIST Review - 16X more powerful than ChatGPT & Google Bard

Introduction Of AI ASSIST

Ai Assist is an Ai virtual assistan. In addition to its unmatched intelligence, AI Assist introduces a new era of convenience by harnessing the collective power of Amazon AI, Microsoft AI, and Google Bard. This unique fusion of advanced technologies positions AI Assist as the forefront leader in the realm of artificial intelligence. With an established track record of being 16 times more powerful than both ChatGPT and Google Bard, AI Assist emerges as a formidable force, reshaping the landscape of AI-driven solutions.

The accelerated pace at which AI Assist operates is a standout feature, excelling at generating a diverse array of marketing assets. From websites and funnels to apps and voiceovers, AI Assist covers an extensive range of tasks with unparalleled efficiency. Its ability to create engaging videos, compelling content, captivating graphics, insightful eBooks, persuasive ad copies, comprehensive business plans, and impactful blogs in record time sets it apart as a multifaceted tool for marketers in any industry. The speed at which high-converting ads, professional audio, innovative chatbots, art images, and accurate translations are produced is truly groundbreaking, making AI Assist an invaluable resource for businesses seeking swift and reliable marketing solutions. One of the most notable aspects of AI Assist is its adaptability and linguistic prowess. 

The AI effortlessly handles tasks in any niche and language, making it a versatile and globally applicable tool. Whether users input a keyword or issue a Siri-like voice command, AI Assist responds with precision, executing marketing strategies seamlessly. This adaptability ensures that businesses can confidently rely on AI Assist to navigate the complexities of diverse markets, transcending language barriers and catering to a global audience. 

AI Assist's commitment to delivering up-to-date information sets it apart from its counterparts. By utilizing real-time, 2023 data, AI Assist ensures that users benefit from the most current and relevant insights. Thisnot only enhances the accuracy of its outputs but also positions AI Assist as a forward-thinking solution that keeps pace with the dynamic landscape of digital marketing. In contrast to ChatGPT's reliance on outdated 2021 information, AI Assist stands as a testament to the continuous evolution and improvement in AI technology. The unparalleled speed at which AI Assist completes tasks is a

game-changer in the world of virtual assistance. By seamlessly integrating with various marketing platforms and executing hundreds of tasks in a mere 40 seconds, AI Assist transforms the efficiency and productivity of businesses. Its role as a 24/7 smart virtual assistant ensures that users can delegate

tasks and streamline their workflow, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making and core business activities. Furthermore, AI Assist's capabilities extend beyond traditional marketing tasks. Instantly crafting top-notch emails, landing pages, and sales pages tailored to any niche showcases its versatility in content creation. Its prowess as a PHD-level programming expert opens new possibilities, enabling users to build mobile apps and software with ease. 

What sets AI Assist apart is its commitment to accessibility; anyone, regardless of technical skills or prior experience, can harness the power of AI to enhance their marketing endeavors. User satisfaction is at the forefront of AI Assist's mission, reflected in over 200 positive reviews and an impressive 4.6/5 average rating. This widespread acclaim underscores its reliability and effectiveness in meeting the diverse needs of users across industries. Additionally, the commitment to an outage-free experience distinguishes AI Assist from its

counterparts, providing users with a seamless and uninterrupted AI-powered journey. In a landscape where technological advancements are rapid and user expectations are high, AI Assist not only meets but exceeds these standards. With a 180-day money-back guarantee, users can explore the vast capabilities of AI Assist risk-free, solidifying their confidence in the transformative power

of this exclusive AI technology. Embrace the future of AI with AI Assist, where innovation, speed, and reliability converge to redefine the possibilities of digital marketing. 

AI ASSIST – OVERVIEW

Product: AI ASSIST 

Creator : Seun Ogundele 

Website: Click Here 

Price: $17 

Recommendation: Highly Recommended! 

Niche: Software (Online) 

Refund: 30 Days Money-Back Guarantee 

>>> Get Access Now <;<<

FEATURES AND BENEFITS 

Prepare to be amazed because if you find ChatGPT smart, AI Assist will leave you saying "holy smokes!"

Surpassing ChatGPT's intelligence by a whopping 16 times, AI Assist delivers:

16 times better articles.

16 times better websites.

16 times better landing pages.

16 times better ad copies.

What sets AI Assist apart is its real-time information utilization, providing an edge beyond ChatGPT's capabilities. Get ready for a smarter and more dynamic experience!

AI Assist offers a suite of powerful tools for diverse creative and business needs-- 

Logo & Graphics Creation: Effortlessly design logos and graphics with AI Assist, rivaling those crafted by high-paid designers. It's versatile for creating eye-catching logos, posters, and various graphic art. 

Copywriting: Let AI Assist be your 24/7 copywriting genius. Craft persuasive copy for ads, websites, and marketing materials. It handles everything from sales letters to social media ads, saving you time and effort. 

Ebooks & Courses: Quickly generate engaging eBooks and online courses on any topic. Position your brand as an industry authority, attracting, educating, and converting leads into customers effortlessly. 

Website Design: AI Assist's AI designs sleek websites for any individual or business, creating masterpieces tailored to specific industries. 

Web & Mobile Apps: Offer lucrative coding services without the hassle. AI assists codes in any language, turning a few customers into a full income. 

Social Media Marketing: Streamline social media management with AI Assist, planning and creating content at the click of a button, ensuring consistent and engaging brand presence. 

VSL & Webinar Script Writing: Generate captivating scripts tailored to your audience for videos, product demonstrations, or webinars effortlessly. 

Content Writing: Skip high writing costs and generate SEO-friendly articles in seconds, leaving customers eager for more. 

SEO Marketing: Optimize existing content for search engines, achieving impressive first-page rankings even for high-competition keywords. 

Generate Audio & Voiceovers: Save on audio production costs with AI Assist's realistic voiceovers created in seconds. 

Transcription Services: Swiftly transcribe audio or video files at a fraction of the cost with AI Assist's Speech to Text feature. 

Create Funnels & Landing Pages: Design marketing funnels and landing pages in seconds, turning leads into loyal customers effortlessly. 

Create Business Plans: Craft winning business plans in seconds, guiding marketing efforts for growth and success. 

Create Video: Save on video production costs by turning plain text into attention-grabbing videos with AI Assist's video generator. 

Customer Service: Enhance customer service with AI Assist's AI chatbots, engaging with customers in real-time, responding to inquiries, and resolving issues swiftly.

FREE BONUSES 

Unlock these Bonuses to Supercharge Your AI Assist Success: 

Bonus #1: AI Assist $10K Monthly Extravaganza - Your Exclusive LIVE Invitation! Join a complimentary live training session to discover the step-by-step formula that takes you from $0 to $10,000 monthly, regardless of your experience level.

Bonus #2: WoowBot - Your 24/7 AI Sidekick for AI Assist Businesses Integrate WoowBot, an easy-to-use WooCommerce ChatBot plugin for your WordPress site. Powered by Google's AI-driven Dialogflow, it enhances your store's sales by enabling customers to seamlessly chat, search for products, add items to their cart, and receive support—all within the chat window. 

Bonus #3: AI Service Agency Power-Up - Elevate Your Business Instantly! Revamp your website effortlessly with our cutting-edge AI Service Agency. Boasting a sleek, modern design for both back-end and front-end, it allows you to build your website in just a few clicks without any coding.

Bonus #4: AIKit - ChatGPT Autoblog - Swift Content for Your Blogs! Integrate AIKit, a WordPress plugin connecting your site to OpenAI's GPT-3. Unleash the power of AI to generate content, craft engaging paragraphs, summarize text, paraphrase, create catchy marketing copy and titles, and simplify complex text—all within minutes.

THE USEFULNESS OF THIS AI ASSIST IS TREMENDOUS 

 Integrates Google & Microsoft's AI - Value: $597 Seamlessly harnesses the combined power of     Google and Microsoft's AI for enhanced functionality. 

 Top-notch Content Creation - Value: $297 Craft exceptional content for ebooks, articles, essays,   stories, poems, and more with top-notch quality. 

 Generates Persuasive Scripts - Invaluable Create compelling sales scripts, video scripts, and email swipes for effective marketing campaigns. 

 Composes Engaging Content - Value: $397 Produce captivating blog posts, social media content,   Facebook ads, Google ads, and reel content for your business. 

 Eye-catching AI Graphics - Value: $97 Instantly generate visually appealing AI graphics, visuals,  and art to elevate your brand. 

 Sleek Funnels & Website Codes - Value: $297 Construct sleek funnels and website codes tailored to your specifications. 

 Task Automation - Value: $97 Save time by automating repetitive tasks with AI Assist's efficient  automation capabilities. 

 Built-In AI Chatbot - Value: $597 Manage sales and support effortlessly with the built-in AI   Chatbot for enhanced customer interaction. 

 One-click Social Media Sharing - Value: $497 Simplify social media management with one-click  sharing, streamlining your online presence. 

 FREE Commercial License Included - Value: $997 Enjoy the benefits of a commercial license without additional costs. 

 Eliminate Monthly Expenses - Value: $597 Say goodbye to monthly expenses for content and copywriters, saving  you valuable resources. 

 AI Assist Mobile Edition - Value: $297 Access the power of AI Assist on the go with the Mobile   Edition.

 Lifetime FREE Updates - Invaluable Receive lifetime free updates, ensuring your AI Assist stays  at the forefront of innovation. 

 24/7 Support & 100% Uptime Guarantee –  Invaluable Benefit from round-the-clock support and a 100% uptime guarantee for uninterrupted usage. 

 Step-by-Step Instructional Videos - Value: $297 Access step-by-step instructional videos for easy  implementation and optimization.

 Exclusive Bonuses - Invaluable Gain access to exclusive bonuses that add immeasurable value to your AI Assist experience. 

>>> Get Access Now<;<<

#AI ASSIST Review #ai assist #affiliate marketing #chat gpt #digital products #digital marketing #make money online #chatbot #ai tools #openai #ai technology

[danishk97]

Why Cloud Strategy Is So Important for Today's Businesses?

Introduction:

In the rapidly evolving landscape of today's digital age, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to stay competitive, efficient, and resilient. Among the transformative technologies that have become indispensable is cloud computing. Cloud strategy and design play a pivotal role in harnessing the full potential of cloud services to drive business success. This article explores why crafting a robust cloud strategy and design is crucial for businesses in the contemporary environment.

Agility and Scalability:

Cloud computing offers unparalleled agility and scalability, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. A well-defined cloud strategy ensures that organizations can scale their resources up or down based on demand, optimizing costs and performance. This flexibility is particularly vital in industries with fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands.

Cost Efficiency:

Cloud services provide a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the need for substantial upfront investments in physical infrastructure. A carefully crafted cloud strategy allows businesses to optimize their spending by selecting the most cost-effective services and adjusting resources as needed. This cost efficiency is especially beneficial for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to compete with larger counterparts on a more level playing field.

Innovation and Collaboration:

Cloud environments foster innovation by providing easy access to cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. Moreover, cloud platforms enable seamless collaboration among teams, allowing employees to work on projects from anywhere in the world. A well-designed cloud strategy supports innovation by leveraging the latest tools and promoting a collaborative work culture.

Security and Compliance:

Security is a top concern for businesses, and cloud providers invest heavily in advanced security measures. However, a comprehensive cloud strategy involves designing a secure architecture, implementing robust access controls, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. This proactive approach enhances data protection and builds trust with customers and partners.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:

Unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks, can disrupt traditional business operations. Cloud services provide built-in redundancy and disaster recovery options that contribute to a resilient business model. A well-thought-out cloud strategy includes contingency plans, ensuring that critical data and applications can be quickly restored in the event of an outage or data loss.

Global Reach:

Cloud services allow businesses to expand their reach globally without the need for physical infrastructure in every location. This global accessibility enhances the ability to serve customers worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and opening new market opportunities. An effective cloud strategy considers the geographic distribution of resources to optimize performance and user experience.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:

The vast amounts of data generated by modern businesses hold valuable insights that can drive strategic decision-making. Cloud platforms offer powerful tools for data analytics and business intelligence. A well-designed cloud strategy integrates these tools, enabling businesses to derive actionable insights from their data, leading to informed decision-making and improved performance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the importance of cloud strategy and design for today's businesses cannot be overstated. From driving innovation and collaboration to ensuring security and compliance, a well-crafted approach to cloud computing is fundamental to achieving business goals in the digital era. As technology continues to advance, businesses that prioritize and invest in a robust cloud strategy will find themselves better positioned to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of the ever-evolving business landscape.

#technology #cloud computing #microsoft azure #businesstransformation

[tinimoreno]

valentina.

STATUS: open LOCATION: chalet c TIME: approx. 30 mins after power outage

truth me told, valentina moreno wasn’t one for DRAMATICS. the world was cut and dry, cruel enough without any added flair and quite frankly, any elaborate reactions were always messy and unclear. in her eyes, overreacting to a situation only made it harder to devise an approach, an exit strategy, an angle. granted, it was slightly difficult to refrain from overtly panicking in the situation she currently found herself in, i.e. stranded with a handful of students each one drunker than the last with no idea of how long they could actually ward the icy cold away. she’d started off just fine, opting for blissful ignorance by simply drinking away any dull fears but that only lasted about.. 10 minutes?

now all that was left was unease pooling in the depths of her stomach, worsened each time she tried to drown it out with tito’s. counter productive, to say the least. would this be a bad time to mention she was mildly terrified of freezing to death? ❝ you’d think any reasonable host would stock this place full of blankets in the winter, no? isn’t that part of the charm of a winter wonderland getaway, wrapping up in blankets and reading books by the fire or some other hallmark trope? ❞ the brunette sputtered as she continued to dig through the many  e m p t y cabinets for something that might provide warmth.  ❝ please tell me you’ve found anything remotely useful . ❞

#ogdenstart #* ✶ ━━ 𝓥. ┋ ˢᵗᵃʳᵗᵉʳˢ. #i offer up a lil trash 🥹

[haripriya2002]

Hybrid Cloud Strategies with Azure Arc: My Practical Insight

Are you ready to unlock the true potential of hybrid cloud strategies? Look no further than Azure Arc, the game-changing solution that promises seamless integration and unparalleled flexibility. From streamlining operations to enhancing security, Azure Arc has revolutionized the way organizations harness the power of both on-premises and cloud environments. In this blog post, I’ll be diving into my practical insights on leveraging Azure Arc for your hybrid cloud journey. So buckle up as we explore the endless possibilities and unveil a new era in hybrid computing!

Introduction to Hybrid Cloud Strategies with Azure Arc

I’m under pressure to digitally transform in order to remain competitive. I’m looking to the cloud as a way to accelerate this transformation. Not all workloads, meanwhile, are appropriate for the public cloud. Some may require on-premises or edge computing due to data sovereignty or local regulations. Others may need to be kept on-premises due to performance requirements.

Hybrid cloud strategies allow me to keep some workloads on-premises or at the edge while still taking advantage of the agility and scalability of the public cloud. Azure Arc is a tool that can help me manage and monitor my hybrid cloud deployments. In this blog post, I will share my practical insight into using Azure Arc for my hybrid cloud deployments.

Benefits of Azure Arc Adoption & Challenges in Implementing it

In recent years, using the cloud has grown in popularity among organizations of all sorts. One of the major advantages of cloud computing is its scalability; I can quickly add or remove capacity as needed without making a long-term commitment. Azure Arc is a hybrid cloud solution that allows me to take advantage of the benefits of the cloud while still maintaining control over my data and applications.

There are several benefits to adopting Azure Arc, including:

Increased flexibility and scalability: As mentioned above, one of the major advantages of Azure Arc is its scalability. I can easily add or remove capacity as needed, without making a long-term commitment. This can help me save money on IT infrastructure costs, as well as ensure that I have the necessary resources available when I need them.

Improved disaster recovery: Another benefit of Azure Arc is improved disaster recovery capabilities. With this solution in place, I can quickly recover from outages or disasters with minimal downtime. This can help keep my business up and running even in the event of a major problem.

Enhanced security: Security is always a major concern for me, especially when it comes to sensitive data. With Azure Arc in place, I can take advantage of enhanced security features such as encrypted data storage and multi-factor authentication. This can help give me peace of mind knowing that my data is safe and secure.

Lower maintenance costs: Maintaining on-premises IT infrastructure can be costly and time-consuming. Azure Arc helps me lower maintenance costs by simplifying resource management and automating tasks.

Understanding the Necessary Requirements for Azure Arc Usage

Azure Arc is a cloud management platform that enables me to optimize my hybrid cloud deployments. It provides a unified control plane for managing resources across on-premises, edge, and multi-cloud environments. Azure Arc also simplifies the process of integrating Azure services with on-premises and third-party solutions.

In order to use Azure Arc, I must first have an Azure subscription. I must also have the desired Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template or Resource Manager package deployed in my environment. Azure Arc uses these templates or packages to deploy and manage resources in the target environment.

Once the necessary requirements are met, I can begin using Azure Arc to manage my hybrid cloud deployments. I can use the platform to provision and manage resources, monitor activity and usage patterns, set policies and governance controls, etc. Additionally, I can use Azure Arc to connect my on-premises or third-party solutions with Azure services. This allows me to take advantage of the many benefits that Azure has to offer, such as scalability, high availability, security, and so on.

Steps for Setting Up Azure Arc Configurations

Azure Arc is a cloud service that enables me to manage and monitor my resources whether they’re running on Azure, on-premises, or in other clouds. With Azure Arc, I can use the same tools and portal experiences I’m used to in Azure to centrally govern all my infrastructure.

Setting up an Azure Arc configuration is simple and straightforward. I just need to follow these simple instructions:

9a. If I want to scrape data from multiple workspaces, I can repeat steps 5–8 for each workspace.

Troubleshooting Common Issues Related to Hybrid Cloud with Azure Arc If I’m working with hybrid cloud and Azure Arc, there are a few common issues I may run into. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

I can’t see all of my resources in the Azure portal.

Make sure that I’ve selected the correct subscription in the Azure portal. If I’m still not seeing all of my resources, check the resource provider status page to see if there are any known issues.

I’m getting errors when trying to deploy resource group templates.

When deploying resource group templates, make sure that the template includes all required resources for Azure Arc enabled resource providers. Consult the Azure Resource Manager documentation for further details.

My hybrid cloud app isn’t running correctly.

If I’m having trouble with a hybrid cloud app, first check the logs to see if there are any error messages. Then, try redeploying the app using a different approach (for example, using Azure CLI or PowerShell instead of the Azure portal).

Unifying Multiple Clouds with One Platform:

A Comprehensive Overview Azure Arc is a cloud management platform that enables me to unify multiple clouds with one platform. Azure Arc provides a comprehensive overview of my resources and allows for central management and policy enforcement across all of my Azure subscriptions. Azure Arc also provides integrated security and compliance features to help me secure my data and meet regulatory requirements.

Best Practices for Utilizing Hybrid Cloud Strategies with Azure Arc

When it comes to hybrid cloud strategies with Azure Arc, there are a few best practices that I should keep in mind. For starters, I should make sure that I have a clear understanding of my workloads and how they need to be supported. I should also have a clear picture of my network topology and how the different components will interact with each other. Additionally, it’s important to have a plan for data security and management, as well as monitoring and logging. By keeping these things in mind, I can be sure that my hybrid cloud strategy with Azure Arc is as effective as possible.

All things considered, Azure Arc is an impressive offering from Microsoft that can help me realize the potential of hybrid cloud technology. By leveraging my existing infrastructure while taking advantage of the benefits offered by public clouds like Azure, I can enjoy features such as greater scalability and improved flexibility to meet changing needs. Whether I need basic access control or more advanced policies to manage my distributed systems, my practical insight on using Azure Arc for my hybrid cloud strategy shows how powerful this platform is in streamlining and optimizing cloud operations for various enterprises.

#microsoft azure #cloud services #information technology #tech #education #cloud computing

[jcmarchi]

Secure out-of-band console and power management for Check Point security gateways - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/secure-out-of-band-console-and-power-management-for-check-point-security-gateways-cybertalk/

Secure out-of-band console and power management for Check Point security gateways - CyberTalk

Contributed by WTI as part of Check Point’s CPX silver-level partner sponsorship opportunity. WTI is an industry leader in out-of-band network management.

Nobody has time to drive to a site when an ISP drops service or you simply need to reconfigure and/or reboot a switch, router or firewall. Your time is too valuable not to have an out-of-band solution in place. WTI out-of-band solutions comes with a cellular connect and fallback option that gives you secure remote access to console ports as well as control of individual power outlets when your network services are disrupted.

WTI out-of-band management solutions

WTI engineers and manufactures secure out-of-band management solutions for local and globally deployed networks. WTI out-of-band products are designed to ensure uninterrupted access to network devices and services by providing solutions to quickly and effectively respond to problems at distant or hard to reach equipment sites. When a router, switch or security appliance becomes inaccessible and interrupts network services, WTI out-of-band solutions provide redundant, remote console port management and power switching/reboot control to regain access and restore services in mission critical applications.

Even when the network is down, WTI out-of-band console server solutions can provide secure connectivity over primary and secondary ethernet and cellular LTE connections, allowing remote access to console ports and power control functions.

In addition, WTI DevOps allows administrators to configure, deploy and orchestrate WTI out-of-band management solutions across your entire network for automated provisioning, monitoring and disaster recovery of critical infrastructure. Features such as RESTful API, Ansible Playbooks and Python Scripting are supported.

Check Point Software Technologies and WTI

WTI offers a comprehensive out-of-band management strategy for Check Point Security Gateways, allowing your NOC to deal with equipment outages and resulting interruptions of network communication without the need to dispatch support teams to remote branch offices and data centers.

During network outages, WTI’s console server products allow you to establish remote out-of-band connections to console ports on security gateways via secure, authenticated communication protocols.  If a reboot is needed, WTI Switched PDU products can provide remote out-of-band access to power switching functions at distant equipment sites. WTI also offers a combination console server plus switched PDU unit for applications that require both out-of-band console access and power reboot control.

WTI out-of-band centralized management provides access and control for all of your network devices, allowing for console data from multiple Check Point devices spread over a global network to be monitored, logged and available to administrators, simplifying the challenge of managing a large number of remote devices while minimizing resources.

With multiple connectivity options, WTI console servers including 4G LTE and/or dual Gigabit Ethernet ports can provide secure access to advanced DNS functions when primary and/or secondary ISP connections are switched or disconnected. WTI’s dual ethernet console servers allow you to remotely configure primary and secondary DNS settings and set up IP tables to maximize availability of security gateways during network outages, ensuring seamless transfers between primary and secondary ISPs. The optional 4G LTE internal modem provides a secure additional alternate path for out-of-band connectivity using security protocols such as IPSec and OpenVPN.

About WTI

WTI designs and manufactures Secure Out-of-Band Management Solutions for local and globally deployed networks. WTI provides redundant OOB console access and power control to mission critical infrastructure … even when the network is down.  WTI products can be purchased factory direct and through various channel partners worldwide.  Since 1964, WTI has maintained local in-house manufacturing, engineering and technical support. Learn more at www.wti.com.

About Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

WTI out-of-band management solutions provide Check Point security gateways with:

In-band and out-of-band console access from anywhere.

Remotely reconfigure, revive and restore gateways via SSH.

Connect via ethernet or cellular 4G LTE with optional failover.

Power cycle and monitoring capabilities.

Faster network issue resolution.

Application example

Challenge: Provide secure, authenticated access to configuration parameters on console ports on Check Point security gateways during outages.

Answer: WTI console servers with dual gig ethernet ports ensure secure console port connections via primary and secondary ethernet as well as OOB access via optional LTE cellular modem.

Results: If the primary in-band network fails, admins can initiate secure SSH connections to security gateway console ports via out-of-band, allowing access to configuration parameters and other data used to troubleshoot unresponsive devices and revive network services.

In conclusion, WTI out-of-band management solutions empower your team to regain control quickly and reduce network disruptions. Are you ready to save time, energy and resources? Let’s discuss how WTI can help!

#000 #4g #ai #AI-powered #ansible #API #applications #challenge #channel #Channel partners #Check Point #Check Point Software #Cloud #cloud-delivered #CloudGuard #collaborative #communication #comprehensive #connectivity #CPX #critical infrastructure #cyber #cyber security #data #Data Centers #deal #devices #Devops #disaster recovery #DNS

[mariacallous]

Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States has just about as much trouble answering the question “how are you?” as many Ukrainians these days.

“I usually tell people we are kicking, fighting, but to say that we are fine is hard,” Oksana Markarova told the Kyiv Independent during our first conversation over Zoom from her office in Washington, D.C. in late November. 

In between near 24/7 work with the Pentagon to secure much-needed weapons for Ukraine’s fight against Russia, the ambassador says she is able to get in touch with her family, affected by Russia’s constant attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, when they have power. 

“They’re more or less hanging in there, but it’s cold,” she said.

Since Oct. 10, Russia has launched a series of mass missile and drone attacks at Ukraine, damaging and destroying critical energy infrastructure in the middle of winter. Millions across the country have faced frequent heat, water, and power outages. 

Markarova says Russia’s goal with its attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure is pretty clear: to completely subjugate and occupy Ukraine. “It’s just that their means are evolving as they fail to do so.” 

According to the ambassador, it’s all part of Russia’s perennial strategy to absorb Ukraine into its orbit. Even before 2014, when Russia invaded eastern Ukraine and annexed Crimea, Russia went to lengths to install its puppets in government positions, managing to get its own citizens into leadership positions in Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and security services, she said. 

“When that didn't work, and people said a resolute no on Maidan to (then-President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision) not to join the European Association, that's when the war started.”

But Markarova is certain that no matter what Russia does to try and scare Ukrainians into submission, they will not be successful, despite living with frequent blackouts in the middle of winter. 

“Talking to not only the president but also to family and friends (these attacks) have made everyone more resolute,” the ambassador said. 

It is not just Russia’s attacks on critical infrastructure that have made Ukrainians more determined. As Ukraine continues to liberate territories and evidence of Russian war crimes comes to light, Ukrainians understand that they “only have one choice, to fight,” Markarova said. 

Gaining and maintaining support from the US

Fighting Russia will require a steady stream of support and weaponry from Ukraine’s Western partners. 

American support for Ukraine has been on a roll lately. In late December, the U.S. announced $1.85 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including the first Patriot air defense system–a big hand in protecting Ukraine’s skies. 

Following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Washington, during which he delivered a historic address before Congress on Dec. 21, the U.S. announced more than $3 billion in military aid–this time with the long-awaited Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. 

Markarova believes Zelensky’s trip to D.C. has a lot to do with this latest military aid package–the largest so far. 

“Zelensky’s trip energized everyone. There was no guarantee that the Congress would support a bill that big, they could have let the next congress decide. I think the trip was essential to that decision,” Markarova said during a follow-up conversation over Zoom in early January. 

Traveling to D.C. also allowed Zelensky to talk to U.S. President Joe Biden one-on-one. “There are so many things that you cannot discuss even over the secure phones,” she said. 

During the trip, Zelensky also spoke to leaders of Congress about the possibility of confiscating Russian assets to use as assistance for Ukraine through the Foreign Assistance Act. That made it into the bill just days before it was passed, Markarova said. 

The recent and seemingly sudden change of heart among Western politicians who earlier claimed sending more advanced weaponry could escalate the war and antagonize Russia is also partly the result of 11 months of empty Russian threats, according to the ambassador. 

“During the past 11 months, Putin himself has proven how the new capabilities that help us to liberate our territories and our people do not result in anything escalatory on his part,” Markarova said, citing the lack of major Russian escalation or retaliation after each time Ukraine liberated its territories.

Ukraine’s cause enjoys widespread support not only in the halls of the U.S. government but among the American population. According to the latest poll by Reuters in October, three-quarters of Americans say that the U.S. should continue its support for Ukraine despite any threats by Russia. 

When asked where this support comes from, Markarova says that firstly, Russia’s full-scale invasion is black and white: “This is horrible injustice being done by a large nuclear, barbaric country to a much smaller democratic country that never attacked Russia.” 

But on another level, Markarova believes that the support is deeply rooted in American culture. Ukrainians “are fighting now for the values on which this country is built. And it's not just great words. It's its freedom, its independence, I think this fight is so deep in every American heart.”

True or not, support for Ukraine among Americans didn’t just happen, Markarova said.

After February, diplomats were no longer diplomats but soldiers of the country, she said. This means being “everywhere all the time” and finding ways to co-organize and co-sponsor pretty much every major event in support of Ukraine. 

And everywhere Ukraine appears to be. In April, Zelensky gave a speech to the crowd at the Grammys. New York City’s Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall gave concerts in honor of Ukraine, with the likes of film director Martin Scorsese giving keynote speeches. Ukrainian flags have been seen popping up all over the country, even in seemingly unlikely places. 

Which is why the ambassador isn’t too concerned with the recent shift to a Republican-led Congress in Washington. According to the ambassador, support for Ukraine is “really bipartisan and has always been bipartisan, regardless of different ideas” that some members of Congress may have about aid to Ukraine.

Markarova nonetheless cautions being overly optimistic about the support. People’s attention has a way of wandering, and maintaining support for Ukraine requires constant work: “work with the administration, Congress, and with so many people.”

Fighting Russia on all fronts

A large part of generating support for Ukraine is combating Russian disinformation and propaganda, which Markarova says didn’t begin with Russia’s full-scale invasion, or even with Ukraine regaining independence in 1991. 

Over the past 400 years, the world has seen the region through the eyes of Russian imperial, Soviet, and current-day Russian propaganda, according to Markarova. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war agenda may be “based on a false history which he created in his mind,” as Markarova puts it, “but he’s not the first Russian ruler who put it on paper, and for generations, billions were spent on promoting that (history) outside of Russia.”

“Some people might say that weapons and sanctions are the priority now and we can leave history and culture for later, but as a matter of fact, it can’t because it’s all very much interrelated.” 

In addition to coordinating with the defense sector on weapons, the Ukrainian embassy in the U.S. works with universities, think tanks, and museums “because in so many places we still find artifacts from Kyivan Rus marked as Russian.”

Combatting centuries of Russian disinformation is no simple task. Despite the widespread support for Ukraine in the U.S., Markarova understands that Ukraine’s diplomats “have to constantly explain, get the truth out about Ukraine, about Russia, and the truth about every event because every time they do something to us, they also try to spread lies about it.”

When Russia blocked Ukraine’s Black Sea ports amid the first days of the full-scale invasion, Russian propaganda claimed that it was Western sanctions that prevented grain shipments from getting to countries that needed it most – "a total lie,” Markarova said. 

Even after a U.N.-backed deal between Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey to allow for some grain shipments out of Ukraine’s ports, Russia falsely claimed most of the grain was going to Europe instead of the countries that needed it most. “We have to stay on top of it,” Markarova said. 

One upper hand Markarova does see Ukraine has over Russia on this front is freedom of the press in both the West and in Ukraine, as there “is no such thing in Russia.” 

Markarova believes Russia simply doesn’t stand a chance against the number of journalists in Ukraine who are unhampered by a lack of freedom and 21st-century technologies that can get the truth out quickly. 

Winning the war 

Winning the war against Russia is as much about liberating Ukrainian territory as it is about helping to solve global problems, according to Markarova.

And Ukraine is the answer to many of those problems, Markarova says. Ukraine possesses the most arable land in Europe. Markarova says that after victory, Ukraine can double, even triple, its agricultural production to be a solution in food security. 

Ukraine’s energy sector, which had begun exporting energy to other European countries even before the war, has the ability to be a crucial actor in Europe’s green energy goals. 

“But we have to win first. The faster we can get more weapons, the faster we isolate Russia, the faster we increase sanctions, the faster we can actually win.” And it’s not going to be easy, she said. 

Russia is counting on a drawn-out war scenario in which people get tired and begin to focus on their own problems.

But as Markarova says, “President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine have been very clear that after this brutal, full-fledged war, after all these war crimes and atrocities, we will not give up, and we will not surrender.”

President Zelensky has outlined his 10-step plan for Ukraine’s victory, which he presented at the G20 summit in November. The plan includes restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and that includes Russian-occupied Crimea. “We have to return our people, all of our people.” 

Part of winning isn’t just kicking Russia out but seeking justice for those who started and carried out this war, Markarova says. Ukraine has recorded over 50,000 war crimes committed by Russian soldiers and has filed cases with the International Criminal Court in the Hague and the European Court of Human Rights.

“It is not only important to have justice for Ukraine, but also to prevent other dictators from doing something like this in the future.”

Which is why President Zelensky said people should not waste time proposing something that excludes parts of Ukraine, like Crimea.

Regarding calls for negotiations among certain Western voices, Markarova said she hears fewer suggestions for a negotiated peace with Russia that would involve territorial concessions from Ukraine. 

She also said that her counterparts in the United States government have been firm in their stance that they will be with Ukraine as long as it takes. 

But Markarova admits that some, but not everyone, she said, “want the issue to be somehow resolved and go away.”

But for Ukrainians, reaching a deal with Russia that does not involve the full liberation of Ukraine’s territories is not an option, Markarova said. 

“We did not start (this war). We did not choose it. And the choice for us is pretty clear. It's either fight and liberate Ukraine or die. And we choose not to die.”

[armorservices]

Powering Success: Essential Generator Maintenance Tips for Businesses in Kuwait?

Set the stage by highlighting the critical role generators play in ensuring uninterrupted power supply for businesses in Kuwait.

Emphasize the importance of regular maintenance to maximize generator performance and reliability.

1. Understanding the Importance of Generator Maintenance in Kuwait:

Discuss the significance of generators as backup power sources, particularly in Kuwait's environment prone to power outages and extreme weather conditions.

Highlight the potential consequences of neglecting generator maintenance, such as costly downtime and equipment failure.

2. Essential Generator Maintenance Tasks for Businesses in Kuwait:

Outline a comprehensive maintenance checklist covering tasks such as regular inspections, fluid checks, and component testing.

Provide step-by-step guidance on performing basic maintenance tasks in-house or partnering with professional service providers.

3. Seasonal Maintenance Considerations for Kuwait's Climate:

Address the unique challenges posed by Kuwait's climate, including high temperatures, dust storms, and humidity levels, and their impact on generator performance.

Offer specific maintenance tips tailored to each season to ensure optimal generator operation year-round.

4. Importance of Load Testing and Performance Monitoring:

Stress the importance of load testing to assess generator capacity and reliability under real-world conditions.

Discuss the benefits of implementing remote monitoring systems to track generator performance and detect potential issues proactively.

5. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements and Safety Standards:

Highlight the legal and safety obligations associated with generator maintenance in Kuwait, including compliance with local regulations and industry standards.

Provide guidance on ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

6. Cost-Effective Strategies for Generator Maintenance in Kuwait:

Share practical tips for businesses to optimize their generator maintenance budgets without compromising on quality or reliability.

Discuss the benefits of preventive maintenance contracts and proactive troubleshooting to minimize long-term costs.

7. Case Studies: Successful Generator Maintenance Practices in Kuwait:

Showcase real-life examples of businesses in Kuwait that have implemented effective generator maintenance strategies and experienced tangible benefits.

Highlight key takeaways and lessons learned from these case studies.

Conclusion:

Summarize the importance of regular generator maintenance for businesses in Kuwait to safeguard against power disruptions and minimize downtime.

Encourage readers to prioritize generator maintenance and seek professional assistance when needed to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

#air conditioning kuwait