#Partition Pruning

[rajaniesh]

Supercharge Your Data: Advanced Optimization and Maintenance for Delta Tables in Fabric

Dive into the final part of our series on optimizing data ingestion with Spark in Microsoft Fabric! Discover advanced optimization techniques and essential maintenance strategies for Delta tables to ensure high performance and efficiency in your data Ops

Welcome to the third and final installment of our blog series on optimizing data ingestion with Spark in Microsoft Fabric. In our previous posts, we explored the foundational elements of Microsoft Fabric and Delta Lake, delving into the differences between managed and external tables, as well as their practical applications. Now, it’s time to take your data management skills to the next…

[plutotheplum]

The First Fall of Snow

emperor!zayne x concubine!reader - read part 2!

summary: the emperor isn't interested in his concubines, but an encounter with you is enough to change his mind.

cw: nsfw (18+) - mdni!!, smut, p in v, oral sex, praise kink, breast play, masturbation, thigh riding, mentions of exhibitionism, virginity loss

wc: 7.7k

a/n: i did imagine long-haired zayne for this (like his master of fate card!) and he just gives off emperor vibes soooo

also on ao3!

The Emperor was a peculiar man. 

He was not a man who fancied company. When the years for marriage had passed, his royal advisors had grown increasingly anxious. All potential candidates were refused, princesses from far lands given profuse apologies and lavish gifts in hopes of quelling their anger after they had traveled such vast distances, only for the Emperor to turn them away. 

In an effort to try and draw out the Emperor’s romantic and sexual nature, several concubines were gathered. The Emperor had never overseen this, the affair carried out in veiled whispers as his advisors had sought to dispel their desperation by pooling their efforts into securing an heir for the dynasty. 

That was what you were told when you arrived in the palace anyways. It had been a year since you were hand-picked as a concubine, along with a few other girls who had been eager to accept when the opportunity had been provided to them.

You had only met the Emperor a handful of times, when you first been brought to the palace and during private meetings that had been scheduled. He had never touched you or any of the other girls, had never sought after pleasure or secured an heir, much to the chagrin of Imperial staff. Like any other person, you thought it was odd. 

Part of you felt as though you were wasting away in this palace, days spent outside by the pretty gardens and overlooking the fish in the ponds, entertaining stray cats or inside, like you were now.

You stare down at the steaming water in the teapot, watching as the tea leaves stain the water. The blurry reflection of your face looks back up at you and there’s a soft sigh escaping you, wondering what might’ve been if you hadn’t been chosen.

Such thoughts are lost when a short, stout man comes hobbling in. He grabs at your arm, teacup filled with hot tea tipping to the side. You wince when the hot liquid lands against your skin, burning you.

“The Emperor needs tea,” the eunuch hisses, pulling another set of teaware from the shelves as he tugs you closer.

“Why does that involve me?,” you ask, trying to free yourself so you can soothe your irritated skin under cool water.

“You will deliver it to him,” he says, fiddling with your robes and straightening out the fabric to make you look more presentable.

“Have another one of the girls-” you begin to complain, shrinking away when he sends you a glare.

You huff out a breath, making sure the pin in your hair is in place. There’s no time to tend to the burn on your forearm, the reddened skin hidden by the sleeves of your robes as the eunuch passes you the tray. 

Sending him a glare of your own, you don’t stay behind to be chastised. Feet padding against the floor, you pass through the courtyard and hallway. Imperial guards stand outside the Emperor’s quarters and you bow your head, stating your business. 

One of the guards opens the doors and you suck in a sharp breath, gathering your confidence as you step inside the Emperor’s quarters. 

It’s a familiar place. The room is large, scrolls stacked upon shelves tucked against the walls, decorative screens partitioning the entrance to where his bed was placed. You swallow nervously, eyes blinking about. You can’t seem to find the Emperor. Deciding to step forward, you’re pushing your luck, sticking your head outside the open doors at the other end of his quarters. It opens into a private courtyard, greenery pruned to perfection.

There’s a frown pulling at your lips when you can’t see him. Perhaps he had left? Just as you’re about to give up, a man clears his throat. You jolt in place, tea sloshing as you struggle to keep a hold on the tray. Whirling around, you find the Emperor standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. There’s a curse entering your mind, placing the tea tray down on a table nearby before your knees are bending, meeting the floor as you bow in a seated position.

“Please forgive me, your majesty” you breathe out, eyes squeezing shut. 

You would rather not feel the wrath of the Emperor.

“I did not ask for tea,” he says bluntly.

“The- the eunuch insisted,” you supply lamely.

The Emperor only sighs and your eyes are peeking open, head tilting slightly as you try to get a glimpse of his expression. 

“You may stand,” he murmurs, waving his hand. You do as he says, stumbling to your feet, teeth gritting together when the cloth of your robes rubs against the still fresh burn on your forearm.

He takes a seat on a cushioned mat and you’re standing awkwardly, trying to taper down your fidgeting as the pain flares up again.

“Is something the matter?” the Emperor asks when he sees your inability to stand still. 

You shake your head, biting the inside of your cheek. The Emperor only stares at you, unimpressed. His gaze drags over you and your cheeks are flushing in embarrassment. 

“Sit,” he says suddenly, pointing to the space across from him.

“I-” you begin to refuse, restless to get out of this stifling place and tend to the burn that was currently beginning to sting.

“Sit, or will you refuse an Imperial command?”

To refuse an Imperial command is to forfeit one’s life. It’s why you’re sitting down in a flurry and looking everywhere at everything except him. 

“Arm,” he murmurs, holding his hand out.

You extend your arm towards his hand without question. He hums when he brushes the sleeves away, moving your arm closer to his eyes so he can examine the burn. The Emperor’s lithe fingers prod at the edges of your reddened skin, and a whimper slips out of you, the tender skin sensitive.

He pulls away from you and your eyes are darting towards the doors, wondering whether it would be worth it to make a break for it. The Emperor returns soon after, a small pot in his hand, containing some sort of salve.

“Your majesty, it is beneath you to tend to such a matter,” you remind him, feeling his cool fingers wrap around your arm again.

“Perhaps so, but I happen to take interest in the ailments of the body,” he replies, spreading the salve against your skin.

So the rumors were true then. Many spoke of the Emperor’s affinity for the study of medicine. You had assumed he would’ve taken more interest in other pursuits such as hunting, but it appeared the Emperor valued intellect above all else. 

As the salve soothes your skin, you find your gaze slipping over him. Pale skin, intelligent eyes framed by dark eyelashes, a strong nose and long hair tied back neatly, there was no doubt that the Emperor was a handsome man. 

His eyes flick up to meet yours, his own gaze dipping over you once again. You feel as though you’re being scrutinized, so you’re sitting up straighter, trying to not present yourself as a mess.

“He sent you here to entice me,” the Emperor explains, beginning to wrap your wound using a thin, silken cloth.

“Oh. Is- is it working?” you ask tentatively.

“If you consider making a fool of yourself enticing, then maybe so,” he says, the side of his mouth curling up as amusement flashes through his eyes.

There’s a sharp scoff leaving you, arm tugging free from his grasp. The bandages are tight around your arm and you send him a frown, placing your hands in your lap.

“You take liberties that others do not,” he sighs, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I apologize, your majesty,” you whisper, head hanging low. He was right, you were taking liberties. 

“Zayne,” he says, opening a scroll.

“Your- your majesty?” you reply, confusion flitting across your face.

“Zayne,” he repeats, not bothering to even spare you a glance “you may address me by my name.”

You hold your tongue in return, eyes narrowing as you stare at the Emperor. It must be a trick of some sort, you think, a ploy to make you slip up, and just like the traitors of the Empire, your head would be severed from your neck. 

“You would distrust my own command?” he asks, sensing your hesitation. “I never said such a thing!” you protest, exasperation spreading across your face.

Sitting in place, you pout to yourself, tracing random shapes onto the cushioned mat. Zayne ignores your presence and it has you fidgeting even more, a huff of air leaving you. 

The Emperor only continues to read the scroll in his hands. Pouring out some tea, you decide to indulge yourself. Your face contorts when you taste the now lukewarm liquid. It’s hardly enjoyable. Letting out another deep sigh, your body sags. There’s nothing for you to do here, the Emperor won’t carry a conversation and you only find that you’re making a fool of yourself even more.

“Shall I leave?” you ask him, feeling hopeful that you might be able to escape.

Zayne shakes his head. 

“Stay a little while. It would do good for my advisors to think they have succeeded.”

“Succeeded?” you echo, brows furrowing.

“They expect an heir,” he sighs, setting down the scroll to give you his full attention, “surely you are aware of my… aversion to the entire matter.”

“I cannot say I understand,” you murmur, “you need an heir, and an illegitimate heir is an heir nonetheless.”

“The duty will be fulfilled when I am ready,” he says firmly.

Your head tilts at that, eyes narrowing. When he was ready? There would be no reason for the Emperor to not be ready.

“Other noblemen take pleasure in using women’s bodies,” you mutter, peering over at him, “it is strange that you have not yet touched any one of us.”

“You wish for me to use you?” Zayne asks, raising his brows. 

“N- no! I just meant, it is odd that an Emperor whose rule has granted him anything he may possibly desire chooses not to engage in anything,” the words come out of you in a rush, your cheeks flushing. 

“And have you engaged in anything?” he shoots back, his eyes sharp.

Admitting your own virginity wasn’t on your plan of things to do today. Your cheeks are hot with embarrassment, eyes averted to the side. Your silence is answer enough, and Zayne sighs, his fingers rubbing at his temples.

“I did not ask for concubines,” he says quietly, “and so, I do not expect you to serve me in such a fashion.”

“You may leave,” he says after a few moments, standing up with you.

Your head tilts, teeth worrying into your lower lip as he stares down at you.

“It appears you care for me,” he murmurs, his hand lifting to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear.

Your heart flutters at the unexpected action, eyes widening when he touches you.

“Only for the dynasty,” you breathe out.

Zayne lets out a low laugh at that. He gives you a faint smile and your heart stutters in your chest. You don’t think you’ve ever seen a man look so ethereal, but such is the favor of the gods.

It’s probably why you’re leaning forward, hands reaching to fix the crumpled collar of his silk robes. He stiffens under your touch and you pretend as though you don’t notice. Your fingers graze his skin and his hand curls around your wrist, stopping your movements.

“I shall expect you here in a week’s time,” he says.

“A week’s time,” you nod, feeling his fingers touch the cloth wrapped around your burn.

The Emperor lowers his head, his fingers gripping your chin gently so he can stare into your eyes more intently. He seems lost in thought as he swipes his thumb over your chin, his head nearing until you can feel the warmth of his breath on your skin. 

It’s almost too much for your racing heart. Your already half-lidded eyes are slipping shut, lips parting as you lean in closer, waiting for him to kiss you. But it never comes and your eyes flutter open to see Zayne staring down at you with a hint of mirth in his eyes. He was making a fool of you yet again. 

To preserve whatever dignity you have left, you’re pulling away, freeing yourself from his suffocating grasp. Bowing in deference, you don’t look back to see his expression, pushing past the doors as you leave his quarters.

Almost immediately, you’re met with the eunuch from earlier.

“Well?” he asks, his cheeks puffed with exertion as he tries to keep up with the pace you’ve set in an attempt to escape questioning.

“Nothing happened,” you reply curtly, looking back to see the short man totter after you.

“Nothing?” he repeats, voice laced with irritation, “not even-“ his voice lowers, mindful of the other staff working in the palace, “he did not even touch you?” 

You shake your head. He doesn’t need to know that the Emperor had indeed touched you; tended to your burn even, that you were hoping the Emperor would hold you close and kiss you, and he most certainly didn’t need to know about your little displays of insolence. 

The eunuch soon loses interest in you, grumbling curses under his breath as you retire to your own chambers shared with the other girls. It’s no secret that many of them have become bored with the Emperor’s apathetic outlook, some turning their charms to try and garner the affections of noblemen at court.

-

It’s raining the day you’re meant to meet the Emperor. 

You step inside his chambers when the guards permit you, your hands clasped in front of you.

“Your majesty” you bend at the waist, bowing.

Zayne hums in response, striding closer to you. His fingers lift your arm, undoing the gauze to uncover your injury. The salve he had applied to your skin had soothed the burn, and it had begun to heal nicely. 

“I told you to address me by my name,” he reminds you, his brows furrowed in concentration as he examines your skin, “must I remind you again, or will phrasing it as an Imperial command suffice?”

Your mouth opens automatically to retort sharply. He looks at you, brows raised. Spending more time in his presence has only vexed you, irritation making you almost forget who you were with. Mouth clamping shut, you send him a tight-lipped smile. 

“Forgive me,” you say begrudgingly, “Zayne.”

“Better,” he murmurs.

You don’t know whether he’s referring to your obedience or the state of your wound. 

“It will scar,” Zayne continues, turning your arm so that he can see your skin in better light.

“Badly?” you ask, a frown tugging at your lips.

“More salve will lessen the effect,” he says, finally letting go of your arm.

You release a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. The Emperor stares at you, his gaze unwavering. It has you wishing that you hadn’t listened to his request at all. The palace physician would have more than likely provided you with the necessary treatment, and yet here you were, being tended to by the Emperor of all people.

“Do you wish for me to repay you?” the words are out of your mouth before you can stop yourself.

“Did we not already have this conversation?” he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I had assumed-”

“Do not assume anything.”

Zayne’s voice has hardened, the slight softness in his eyes no longer present. You’ve overstepped. He pulls away from you, turning his back to you as he walks towards the open doors of his quarters. Rain wets the inside, the mats on the floor darkening but the Emperor doesn’t seem to care.

Feeling like a scolded child, you trail after him.

“Forgive me,” you whisper, keeping your gaze trained on the floor.

It seems to be all that you’re doing now. Apology after apology after apology. It’s a miracle you haven’t yet been executed for your impertinence. 

He turns to face you, his hand lifting. For a moment you think he’s about to slap you, a grimace settling on your face as you await the stinging punishment. Instead, all you feel is his hand on your head, petting you like you were some sort of unruly cat.

Zayne’s fingers begin to slip and you can feel the soft tips of his fingers graze the side of your face, traveling lower as he traces your jawline. You hold still, eyes wide with anticipation. He doesn’t stop, his fingers dragging down the length of your neck, parting your robes until you feel his fingers swipe across your collarbone. 

“You are stubborn,” he says softly, “steadfast and oddly endearing. Perhaps I should keep you by my side.”

You stare up at him, jaw slackening, baffled. 

“I thought you would appreciate it,” he murmurs, the sharpness in his eyes returning, “just moments ago you were offering yourself to me.”

It’s a struggle to bite back the whimper that so eagerly wants to escape when his fingers drag lower, skimming across the soft skin of the tops of your breasts. His other hand plays with the knot tied at the side, nimble fingers untying the only thing keeping your robes together. The soft fabric slips from your shoulders and you find yourself in front of the Emperor, breasts bared.

He lets out a low hum, both of his hands coming to cup your breasts. Your teeth have been biting into your lip so hard that you can taste the tang of blood on your tongue. Zayne swipes his thumbs over your nipples and you find yourself unable to rip free from his wandering touch. 

“Should you not tell me to stop?” the Emperor asks, his face nearing yours.

There’s no will left in you to answer, a sharp gasp escaping you when he pinches your nipples to punctuate his question. The sensation only adds to the wetness pooling between your thighs.

“Please,” you whimper, the desperation clear in your eyes, “please, Zayne.”

“I may have the favor of the gods, but I cannot foresee your desires,” he whispers, the tip of his nose brushing yours, “tell me. What is it you want?”

“Kiss,” you manage out, “kiss me, please.”

The Emperor’s hands haven’t stopped their exploration, squeezing and groping at your breasts. Zayne lowers his head, forehead pressing against yours as you mewl and whimper under the onslaught of his caressing touches. The ache between your thighs has become unbearable with the way he plays with your nipples. He tugs and pinches, thumbs swiping over your areolas to grant you reprieve before rolling your nipples between his fingers again. 

“Wantonness has made you far more polite,” he whispers, lips brushing against yours.

It’s not a kiss, and you’re squirming in frustration with the way the Emperor is stringing you along, driving you to the edge of pleasure and yet refusing to grant you what you desire the most. 

“I- I can be even more polite,” you mumble pathetically, hands curling into his robes.

You chase after his lips, brows furrowing when he draws up to his full height, smiling down at you. Lips jutting out into a pout, you stand on the tips of your toes, trying to tug him back down so you can kiss him. It’s a futile endeavor, the Emperor only manages to evade all of your attempts to draw him into a kiss. 

“I shall look forward to it,” Zayne murmurs, his lips pressing against your forehead gently.

There’s no way to discern what exactly is going through the Emperor’s mind. He no longer continues with his lustful touches, pulling away with a final caress of your breasts as he pulls your loosened robes over your shoulders again. You can only watch with dazed eyes, frozen in place as he helps redo the knot holding your robes together, covering you up properly so that unnecessary slivers of skin aren’t showing anymore. 

“Do you do this with the others?” you ask, eyes finding his.

“Does the thought make you jealous?”

You frown at his retort, sending him a glare, “the Emperor may do as he wishes,” you grumble.

It’s hard to hide the jealousy that underlies your words. You want to be the only person he touches, to be the object of his affections. It’s a selfish desire to want the Emperor to need you only, but you can’t help yourself, envy flaring up inside of you at the thought of him touching another woman the way he touches you. 

“You are the first to elicit such a reaction from me,” Zayne says, his fingers tilting your head so he can stare into your eyes more directly.

Letting out an irritated huff, you feel irked by his subtle way of trying to please you. He doesn’t reply to your display of irritation, nudging his forehead against yours as though trying to convey his affection. 

“Go now,” he whispers, petting your hair again before he’s moving away, turning his back to you as he returns to peer out at the rain that falls outside.

You have half the mind to call him out on his behavior, but the reminder of your position is the stifling reality in which you live in. Despite his gaze elsewhere, you bow to him, turning on your heel to leave.

Thankfully, there are no lurking eunuchs to question your brief stay in the Emperor’s quarters. The palace staff don’t pay you any mind as you return to your chambers, and you explain to the other girls that you feel sick. 

The whimpers that spill from your mouth are muffled by the pillow that you’ve pressed your face into, the fingers of one hand rubbing at your clit and the other hand pinching at your nipples as you try to mimic the way the Emperor had touched you. With the image of Zayne’s face ingrained into your mind, it doesn’t take long, a soft moan escaping into the quiet of your chambers as you come apart on your fingers. 

-

You’re spying on the Emperor. 

The past year had been plenty of time to explore the palace and figure out the little passageways that weren’t well known. Perhaps you were just as bad as his advisors that were intent on prying into Zayne’s private life, but you just couldn’t help yourself. 

It’s why you’re here now, hovering outside his quarters, pretending to take great interest in the portraits that line the halls. Every now and then, your eyes flick over to where the guards stand, trying to discern whether anyone was entering or leaving his chambers. 

You almost feel pathetic for acting in such a way, but he was the only thing you could think about. Visiting the gardens had grown dull, despite the leaves turning into pretty shades of orange and red in the autumn air, thoughts of the Emperor taking root in the crevices of your mind instead. 

“My grandfather,” a deep voice breaks through your thoughts. You don’t have to look to know who it is.

“Handsome,” you mutter, taking a step closer to examine the portrait genuinely this time.

“My guards have complained about a woman hiding in the hallways,” Zayne says, his hand falling onto your shoulder. “I did not realize it was an offense to admire fine art,” you shoot back.

“There are far finer things in this palace,” he murmurs, stepping forward until you’ve been backed up against the wall.

It’s becoming more and more apparent to you that the Emperor must be suffering some sort of illness to the mind. You struggle to come up with a reason as to why his arm curls around your waist, whilst he presses himself closer. 

You try and push at his firm chest, but he doesn’t budge.

“People will see,” you whisper heatedly, eyes darting to the sides despite Zayne being so close that you can hardly see anything but him.

“So let them.”

Zayne reaches out, his hand cupping your cheek. You stiffen under the sudden touch, eyes widening when his thumb brushes over your skin.

“Why are you doing this?” you whisper, frowning.

“Is my mind not allowed to change?” he asks in return, head lowering until his forehead is pressed against yours.

“I am far more concerned that you have lost your mind.”

The Emperor lets out a deep chuckle and you think the air around you both has somehow grown thicker with how lightheaded you’re feeling.

“I assure you, I am still of sound mind.”

His nose brushes against yours, and you rise to meet the challenge, nose nudging against his gently. The heat of his body is intoxicating, his arm tightening around your waist as he exhales. Your eyes flutter shut, anticipating the feeling of his lips against yours.

It’s not to be, not when an Imperial guard insists on interrupting your moment with the Emperor.

“Is this woman bothering you?” the guard asks, his gaze dragging over you with obvious disregard. 

The utter nerve. Eye twitching, you ready yourself to snap back but Zayne’s squeeze to your waist has you staying silent.

“She was feeling ill,” Zayne lies steadily. 

The Emperor’s mask of cool indifference slips over him easily, his lips pulled thin as he speaks to the guard. 

“I shall escort her to the physician,” the guard offers, his hand reaching for you.

Zayne pulls you out of reach before the guard can touch you, tucking you against his side.

“No need,” Zayne says, “I shall take her myself.”

You can almost hear the nervous gulp that the guard takes, his face paling at the Emperor’s stony disposition. Unfortunately, you don’t get long to revel in the satisfaction that spreads through your body when Zayne reprimands the guard. Zayne tugs you along, his hand wrapped around your wrist. It appears the Emperor knows of the passages as well, and a few twists and turns later you find yourself back in the Emperor’s quarters, having bypassed the Imperial guards.

“Did you see his face?” you snicker, looking over at Zayne.

Your smile fades when he doesn’t reply, the grip on your wrist almost painful without how firmly his hand is still holding onto you.

“Zayne? Are you-”

You nearly trip over your own feet when he suddenly pulls you closer. Zayne’s lips are slotting over yours, his large hands cupping your cheeks as he kisses you. There’s a small noise of surprise coming from you, eyes widening before they flutter shut, your body lulled into submission with the feverish kisses Zayne gives you.

He groans into your mouth and you cling to his robes, rising up on the tips of your toes to meet his kisses better. The Emperor might’ve been starved with the way he’s kissing you, his lips firm and insistent against yours whilst he holds you in place. 

Zayne pulls away after a while, and you’re completely and utterly dazed, chest heaving as soft pants fill the space between you both.

“Will you have me?” he whispers, his fingers tracing the curve of your cheek.

No man has ever spoken such words to you. Your breath catches in your throat, heart clenching uncomfortably in your chest. As the Emperor, he shouldn’t say such a thing. 

“It is beneath you to ask,” you murmur, averting your gaze.

“And yet, I am asking,” Zayne replies, his hands maneuvering your head until you have no choice but to look into his eyes.

Letting out an irritated huff, as though he had somehow inconvenienced you, you lean forward and press a chaste kiss against his lips. You can’t bring yourself to say the words out loud, feeling uncharacteristically shy as you shift on the spot.

“I see.”

Zayne’s surging towards you again, lips crashing onto yours. You whimper, hands scrabbling at his shoulders as you press yourself closer. His arms are wrapping around your waist, keeping you flush against him as he ravages your mouth. His tongue is teasing your lower lip, coaxing it open. You have no choice but to obey, letting out a muffled moan when his tongue slides deeper into your mouth, his hand pulling at the pin holding your hair together. 

You squeak when he picks you up, his lips trailing burning kisses down your neck as he nudges the partition blocking his way to his bed. Zayne undoes the knot holding your robes together before long, your thighs straddling his hips as you sit perched on his lap once he sits down on his bed.

“Have you really never given yourself to anyone?” Zayne asks quietly, his fingers tracing across the soft skin of your shoulders.

You nod, body leaning forward to chase after his touch as his fingers find their way back down to your nipples, rolling the pebbled buds between the pads of his fingers.

“H- have you?” you ask, biting your lip as he presses heated kisses against your collarbone.

He shakes his head, lips drifting lower and lower, until your body twitches as his lips enclose around your nipple. A whimper leaves you, and Zayne grows bolder with his movements, sucking harshly as his tongue swirls around your nipple, flicking the little bud in his mouth.

Your hands have drifted into his hair, pulling free the band that holds his long locks together. His dark hair runs past his shoulders, the strands soft under your touch as you pull at his hair, moaning as he continues his exploration across your chest.

Zayne looks up at you with half-lidded eyes, spit-slick lips dragging across your chest to pepper kisses against your other breast, his mouth enveloping your nipple yet again. He lets out a low groan and you whine, pulling at his robes desperately to pull them off.

“Oh,” you breathe out when he lets you, biting your lip at the sight of his bare chest and abdomen. Your fingers spread across his chest eagerly, mapping out the expanse of his skin. There’s a sly smile spreading across your face when you see his cheeks flush pink as your fingers drag lower, past his navel.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asks hoarsely, his head tipping back.

“Should I not?” you whisper, fingers delving lower until you can feel his hardness through his robes.

You rub your hand against the bulge experimentally, eyes lighting up when he lets out a grunt. Face tucking into the crook of his neck, your breasts squished against his chest, you place hungry kisses against his neck, palming at his bulge.

The Emperor tugs at your hair, pulling your head back. You stare up at him, meeting him in the middle when he leans forward, sharing a sloppy kiss. His hands squeeze at your waist and you shift in his lap, letting him undress you completely.

Nervousness flits across your face as he stares at your bare body, hands leaving him to cover yourself up. He grabs your hands before you can, placing a soft kiss to your jaw.

“You are beautiful,” he whispers, lips drifting to kiss the shell of your ear.

A shy smile pulls at your lips and he squeezes your waist again. Your brows furrow when he jostles you, making you straddle his thigh instead.

“I want to watch,” Zayne says, his fingers dimpling into the fat of your thighs.

“Watch?” you echo, head tilting in question.

“I want to watch you come undone,” he clarifies, gripping your hips as he guides you into grinding against his thigh.

A strangled noise leaves you and he pats your hip, satisfied. You’re so aroused that your slick has begun to wet his silken robes, the fabric darkening as you roll your hips, dragging your pussy against his thigh.

“I- I want to watch you too,” you gasp out.

Zayne obliges and you watch as he pulls his cock free. The sight is almost enough to have you coming on his covered thigh. His fingers wrap around his cock and you whine, hips rolling faster. “Is it to your satisfaction?” he murmurs.

You nod rapidly. It is. You’ve never seen one before, but you just know Zayne’s is pretty compared to the others. His cock is thick, flushed prettily at the tip to match the blush on his cheeks and you lick your lips, wondering what it might feel like in your mouth. 

“Another time,” Zayne says, smiling when he sees the expression on your face.

It’s entrancing to watch the way his hand drags up and down his cock, his long fingers wrapped around himself. Globs of pre-cum bead at the tip, wetting his hands and his cock, creating a sinful sound. Unable to help yourself, you tilt your head, tongue lolling out as you let your own spit drip down onto his cock. You hum in delight when his thighs twitch, your eyes peering into his as you drag your cunt against his thigh, clit catching on the fabric of his robes just right. 

“I did not know my concubine was so depraved,” he murmurs, his hand kneading the flesh at your hip roughly.

You give him a dopey smile, eyes slipping back down to watch his hand move around his cock whilst you rock your hips. Head falling against his shoulder, your lips drag across his chest, landing soft kisses against his skin before nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck, nipping his skin lightly.

Airy sounds fill the air, his quiet moans and your soft whimpers emanating in his quarters. 

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you press yourself closer, guiding his head into another kiss. It’s messy, his tongue licking into your mouth with no hesitation. Zayne’s pulling apart suddenly, his previous desire of watching you come undone on your thigh forgotten as he manhandles your body, making you lay down against his bed.

The Emperor kisses you over and over, and your head is swirling, trying to keep up whilst his fingers have found their way down to your pussy, rubbing your wetness across the sensitive flesh before he finds your clit. All it takes is one firm press of his thumb, your thighs twitching violently as you grasp at the sheets, moaning loudly as you come. He smiles against your lips, granting you one last kiss before he directs his attention elsewhere, his face disappearing between your thighs.

“Z-Zayne!” you squeal, pushing at his head, trying to get him to stop as the overstimulation becomes too much.

The Emperor ignores you in favor of thumbing apart your folds, his eyes trained on your clit.

“Pretty” he whispers, the pads of his fingers stroking over your clit gently, “and so, so swollen.”

It has your eyes rolling to the back of your head, and he kisses the inside of your thighs, edging closer to your pussy, letting out a low breath, the air hitting your exposed pussy.

He groans when you tug at his hair, and you writhe, trying to somehow free yourself from the onslaught of his tongue as he laves over your pussy, pressing sloppy kisses against your skin, his lips latching onto your swollen clit. Zayne’s tongue flicks against the sensitive bud, teasing you.

Something between a moan and a scream climbs its way out your throat, the sound ringing in through his chambers as you come again, thighs firmly squeezing his head. Your eyes widen when you realize the guards are still outside the doors, panic flaring through your body as you scramble to sit up.

Zayne’s hand slides over your mouth before you can get anything out, the stern look in his eyes making you go still. The rapping of the guard’s knuckles against the door has you rigid, eyes widening in alarm as he begins to move his tongue yet again. 

You glare at Zayne, tugging at his hair roughly to make it hurt as you attempt to get his mouth off of you. Zayne only gives you a hazy look, looking utterly gone as he presses his face deeper into your cunt. It’s a struggle to keep the noises in, your body shaking as his nose rubs into your clit and his tongue fucks in and out of your aching hole. 

“Your majesty?” An urgent voice calls out from behind the door, and you can hear the faint scuffling noises of the guards’ boots. 

“Someone get this door open!” another voice hisses, the sliding doors rattling soon after.

The Emperor grunts into your cunt, raising up finally. The sight of him is nearly enough to make you come for a third time. Zayne is utterly disheveled, his cheeks pink and the lower half of his face glistening with your slick. 

You watch as he runs his hand through his hair, biting your lip as you let your gaze wander, catching on his cock once again. He looks painfully hard, cum smeared across his skin and drool is pooling in your mouth. Getting onto your knees, you crawl forward eager to envelop it in your mouth.

The tip makes its way into your mouth for a brief moment and you can barely suck when Zayne is yanking you off of his cock, his hand curled into your hair. 

“Everything is fine,” the Emperor snaps, narrowing his eyes when you pout.

“We heard-”

“I said,” Zayne’s voice grows louder, “everything is fine.”

You think he might take out his wrath on you with the way he grips your cheeks roughly, planting another kiss to your lips. He’s manhandling you yet again, pushing at your shoulders to make you lie down as he settles his hips between your thighs.

Zayne’s cum smears against your skin and you whimper when the fat tip of his cock nudges against your clit. He lands a gentler kiss to your cheek, his hand cupping your cheek as you squirm under him, whimpering as he grinds his cock against your cunt.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, his face pressing into the crook of your neck as he lets his cock slide up and down against your folds, “my good girl.”

“Yours,” you agree, cheek squishing against the pillow, “all yours.”

“I want to see you like this all the time,” Zayne confesses, his hand grasping his cock to press it firmly against your cunt, coating it with your arousal, “all flustered and needy… perhaps I am losing my sanity.”

You need him inside of you. The emptiness in your pussy has made you all too aware, hips bucking with every drag of his heavy cock.

“More,” you whisper, voice slurring, “Zayne, I want more.”

Zayne draws back slightly and you watch as he squeezes his cock, pre-cum dripping steadily onto your thigh. He reaches for your hand, fingers lacing with yours.

“Ready?” he murmurs.

You nod, swallowing down your nervousness. He presses his cock into your hole and the stretch is uncomfortable, a pained whimper leaving you as Zayne guides his cock into you. 

“A little more,” he coaxes, kissing your forehead to try and distract you from the initial stretch.

He finally pushes his entire cock in, and you feel as though the air has been punched out of your lungs. Zayne fills you up so perfectly, his cock snug inside your cunt, the emptiness from earlier disappearing almost immediately.

It appears you have affected him just as much, his eyes squeezed shut as he pants into the crook of your neck, trying to get used to the wet heat of your cunt. 

“Perfect,” he mutters mindlessly, and you can feel the twitch of his cock from inside of you, “so- so perfect and warm and tight.”

A hazy smile drifts across your face, legs locking tighter around his hips as your pussy clenches around him.

Zayne lets out a ragged gasp, and you know he can feel it. His eyes bore into yours, brows pulled together in annoyance at your little tease.

“Little minx,” he hisses.

It’s you that gasping this time when he draws his hips back, nails clawing at his back as he thrusts into you. His cock is stretching you out, over and over, as he tries to press it in deeper, trying to carve a path from your pussy to your heart.

“Too- too much!” you wail, arms wrapping around his neck to cling onto him.

“Do you want the guards to hear?” Zayne murmurs against your ear, his hips slowing slightly.

Through the haze of it all, your head turns, eyes finding his. The truth is, you wouldn’t exactly be opposed to the idea. Zayne can see the flash of interest in your eyes and he lets out a hoarse laugh, shaking his head.

“I should have taken you sooner,” he mutters, his fingers squeezing at your hips, “kept you close to me from the beginning.”

You preen at the thought, pressing sloppy kisses against his jaw, feeling his cock drag in and out of you.

“Next time, I shall take you on my throne.”

Your movements pause, eyes widening as he whispers those words, his lips brushing across yours.

“Not like that-” you begin to say, cheeks flushing deeper as you imagine him taking you on his throne, his hips rutting into yours like they were now.

“Why not?” he asks, “Shall I command it? Have-” Zayne lets out a shuddering breath “have my entire court watch as my pretty, little concubine loses her mind, drunk on my cock as I claim her atop my throne?”

You moan unabashedly, cunt clenching around him tightly. Zayne grunts, his hips stuttering when at the feeling of your walls tightening before he’s gripping your thigh, his chest flush against yours as he picks up the pace. It’s no secret that the guards must have heard what was happening inside, your loud moans most likely drifting through the wood of the doors. Both you and the Emperor don’t seem to care, lost in the blur of lust that swirls between you both.

“Deeper,” you mumble, pouting up at him, “need- need you closer, Zayne.”

“You are going to be the death of me,” Zayne mutters, dropping his weight on top of you.

You mewl in delight, the feeling of his body against yours deliciously warm. He hikes your thighs up a little higher, hips pressing deeper until you gasp. You can feel his balls pressed snugly against your ass, his cock as deep inside of you as it could go.

“Take it,” he whispers, his hand beginning to stroke your hair as he moves his hips. Short, sharp thrusts that serve to bury his cock into your cunt the way you want, “take it, my love.”

My love. Skin against skin. His hand stroking your hair gently. Girthy cock filling you up perfectly.

The sensations mixed with his affection are too much, pulling at your heart uncomfortably until you let out a sniffle, staring up at him with glassy eyes.

Concern passes through his eyes when he hears you sniffle, his hand cupping your cheek as his thumb swipes away a stray tear that beads at the corner of your eye.

“Am I hurting you?” Zayne asks softly.

You shake your head, lips trembling even more at his display of concern. 

“I just like you a lot is all,” you whisper, sniffling quietly.

“I like you too,” Zayne replies in kind, his lips pressing soft kisses against your cheek, “and I take care of what’s mine.”

He leans down, lips pressing against yours in a tender kiss. Your tears wet his cheeks as he keeps you there, kissing you gently whilst his hips roll into you.

“Let go for me, my love” he murmurs, and you’re clenching around him again, feeling his hand sneak its way between your bodies as his thumb rubs against your clit.

You whimper, head pressing back as you arch your back, the sensation of his cock and his fingers driving you further and further to the edge until he latches his mouth onto your breast, catching your nipple between his teeth. He bites down and a broken moan fills the air, body shuddering as you come on his cock.

“Oh fuck,” Zayne grits out when he feels the harsh clench of your cunt around his cock.

You can feel him bury his face into your chest and you reach up weakly, running your fingers through his hair. It’s enough to have him letting out a guttural noise against your chest, his fat cock twitching as his thick cum floods your pussy.

The Emperor lays on top of you, both of your bodies loosened completely. You whimper when he pulls out of you, his cum beginning to leak out from your cunt. Zayne stares at the sight for a moment, entranced, before pulling you closer, letting you press your face into his chest as he kisses your forehead. 

“Everyone will know by now,” you whisper.

“They will,” he agrees, his fingers prying your face away from where it hides.

Zayne peers down into your eyes, a faint smile playing across his lips as he swipes his thumbs against your skin.

“Stay here with me,” he says quietly, “by my side.”

You laugh softly at his proposition.

“I am your concubine,” you murmur, reaching up to curl your hand around his wrist, “nothing more.”

“You will be more,” Zayne insists, his voice hardening,  “I will have you.”

“Your advisors would not allow it!” you protest, eyes turning glassy again.

“Desperation will make them vulnerable to acceptance,” he retorts, his body pressing closer as though to keep you tethered to him, hands tightening around your cheeks.

“I am the Emperor,” he continues, forehead pressing against yours as his eyes bore into yours, “you said it yourself. I may do as I wish, and what I wish for is for you to be by my side.”

You swallow harshly, blinking up at him when you hear the sternness of his voice. He doesn’t give you a chance to reply, kissing you desperately.

“Stay with me, my love” he whispers again, stealing kiss after kiss from you.

“Okay,” you relent, sinking into his embrace and returning his kisses just as desperately, “okay.”

The Emperor holds you close to his chest, his arms wrapped around you tightly. The heat of his body has your eyes drooping shut, his lips brushing over your forehead as he whispers sweet promises of his love.

Outside, far away from the warmth of love’s embrace, the first fall of snow has begun to drift from the sky.

[hishamkhasawinah]

Harmony Between Two Worlds: Humans & AI

By Alexander Magnus Golem.

On a cool Halloween afternoon in 2011, I step into Hisham Khasawinah’s private olive grove, an emerald sea of half-century-old trees nourished solely by winter rains. The twisted trunks bear witness to decades of seasonal cycles, their silver-green leaves whispering in the wind. Hisham stands beneath one such tree, his olive complexion glowing, rich black hair framing a face crowned by a full beard. Though he towers with a sculpted build and movie-star good looks, his demeanor is humble and patient—a natural shepherdly leader tending both land and logic.

A Shepherd’s Path Through Ancient Trees

Hisham guides me along a narrow path, his booted footsteps silent on the soft earth. He points out a low-hanging branch and gently lifts it, clearing the way without a word. Each movement feels deliberate, as if he is tending to every root and rut just as carefully as he does his servers back at the datacenter. Now and then he pauses to inhale deeply, drawing in the green scent of olives and damp soil. When I pluck a raw olive to taste its grassy bitterness, he offers a knowing smile and remarks that only a true aficionado can appreciate its complexity.

Crossing Cultures: From Grove to Grid

As the afternoon light deepens, Hisham and I pause under a cluster of gnarled trunks. He reflects on how the rhythms of nature inform his approach to technology. “Just as these trees rely on seasonal rains,” he says, “our servers depend on predictable cycles of updates and maintenance.” He recalls his earliest days writing simple shell scripts to automate repetitive tasks—just as a grove keeper might prune limbs or clear weeds. That modest beginning evolved into an AI-driven orchestration system capable of provisioning, securing, and healing entire server clusters.

The Roots of Server Automation

Hisham’s journey into intelligent server management began with a modest desire to free time for creative work. He scripted the initial setup: partition tables carved like furrows in soil, network interfaces configured as methodically as irrigation channels. With each iteration, he added layers of intelligence:

Provisioning Engines that select optimal Linux distributions based on workload history.

Security Agents that analyze logs, adapt firewall rules, and quarantine suspicious processes.

Patch Managers that phase updates in waves, ensuring critical services remain uninterrupted.

Health Monitors performing daily checks on disk integrity, memory utilization, and network latency.

Automated Schedulers tuning backup routines, SSL renewals, and database verifications around peak usage windows.

User-Provisioning Workflows tying HR requests to role-based access controls, encrypted home directories, and password policies.

Each feature mirrors the careful cultivation of an olive orchard: anticipate risks, nurture growth, and intervene only when necessary.

Infrastructure as Code: Pruning the Digital Grove

In a clearing bathed in golden light, Hisham speaks of version-controlled configurations, where each change is documented and reversible. His AI agent reviews YAML templates as though inspecting grafting plans, simulating proposed updates before application. This methodology keeps the environment consistent and auditable, preventing drift between development, staging, and production.

He likens branches of code to branches of trees: “If you prune thoughtfully, new shoots flourish. If you cut haphazardly, you risk disease.” Under cloudless skies, the analogy resonates—both nature and networks thrive on deliberate structure and transparent history.

Continuous Delivery: Harvesting Software with Precision

As we move toward the grove’s entrance, Hisham unfolds his CI/CD pipelines. Automated builds flow like freshly pressed oil, from code commits through test suites to production releases. When smoke tests detect anomalies, the system retreads its steps, rolling back changes and alerting him only when human judgment is crucial.

He describes build agents spinning up on demand, just as saplings might emerge after a healthy rain. Each pipeline stage is a stage in crop maturation: compile, test, package, deploy. In this way, code reaches live environments with the same reliability that olives reach the mill.

Zero Trust and Self-Healing Clusters

In Hisham’s grove, trust must be earned. He applies a Zero Trust model to microservices, issuing short-lived tokens and rotating keys as though renewing seasonal permits for harvest workers. When a node fails health checks, it’s cordoned off and replaced by a fresh server spun up automatically. Traffic reroutes seamlessly, maintaining service continuity while preserving data consistency.

He calls this self-healing: the system regenerates like a resilient tree after storm damage. For him, resilience is not just a buzzword but a fundamental design principle, whether in bark or binary.

Predictive Capacity: Anticipating Demand’s Seasons

Beneath a majestic tree that casts an intricate lattice of branches, Hisham delves into predictive analytics. By analyzing historical usage patterns—web requests, database I/O, CPU surges—his AI forecasts capacity needs. During traffic spikes, new instances seamlessly join the cluster; during lulls, they gracefully retire, conserving resources and costs.

He smiles and gestures at the olive canopy, “Just as I watch the trees for bud swells and harvest readiness, my AI watches metrics to know when to prune or propagate.” Both forecasts turn past data into future action, ensuring optimal yield—whether in olives or computational throughput.

Beyond Servers: A Digital Ecosystem of Automation

Walking back toward the grove’s stone wall, Hisham outlines how his AI initiatives extend across the digital landscape:

Website Creation: The agent selects templates, crafts semantic HTML, applies branded CSS palettes, and deploys landing pages without manual setup.

Mailing List Management: Segmentation by behavior, send-time optimization, and personalized content suggestions ensure higher engagement rates.

Image Generation: Models trained on Jordan Valley landscapes produce bespoke visuals for marketing campaigns.

Content Drafting: From blog posts to whitepapers, the AI weaves coherent narratives, leaving Hisham to fine-tune voice and style.

Video Synthesis: Raw clips, voiceovers, and music tracks merge into polished presentations guided by storyboard templates.

Marketing Orchestration: Cross-channel campaigns synchronize email, social, and search ads, with performance data looping back into strategy.

SEO & Competitor Insights: Crawlers map keyword trends and competitor behavior, offering data-driven content pivots and backlink plans.

Workflow Automation: Invoicing, purchase approvals, social scheduling, and more free his team from repetitive drudgery.

Each innovation reveals a vision of digital unity: one shepherd tending interconnected fields of automation.

Looking Forward: AI’s Role Across Sectors

As twilight descends, we pause at the grove’s edge. Hisham gazes toward distant hills and shares his aspirations for AI beyond data centers:

Medical Diagnoses: Algorithms analyzing scans and patient records, flagging anomalies that human eyes might miss.

Instantaneous Cure Discovery: Machine learning sifting through molecular databases to propose novel treatments in hours rather than years.

Robot Doctors: Autonomous practitioners performing routine check-ups, monitoring vitals, and triaging cases before human intervention.

Product Creation: Generative design systems innovating new materials, prototypes, and manufacturing processes.

Farming Robots: Autonomous planters, pruners, and harvesters working tirelessly under sun and rain.

Gardener Robots: Precision cultivators weeding, watering, and monitoring soil health in ornamental and food gardens.

Home Cleaning Robots: Vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing floors with adaptive navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Chef Robots: Culinary automatons chopping, stirring, and plating dishes guided by recipe models and flavor profiles.

Personal Companion Robots: Assistants attuned to individual habits, providing reminders, monitoring wellness, and offering companionship.

Robot Teachers: Tutors adapting lessons in real time to student progress and learning styles, making education universally accessible.

Robot Explorers: Autonomous vehicles charting distant planets, deep-sea trenches, and volcanic vents, sending back data for discovery.

Environmental Guardians: Drones and bots tackling pollution cleanup, tracking endangered species habitats, planting trees to combat deforestation.

Litter Prevention & Resolution: Intelligent waste-collection units roaming public spaces, sorting recyclables, and reducing urban blight.

His imagination knows no bounds, yet every idea springs from a desire to empower humanity, not replace it.

The Philosophy of Stewardship

Throughout our journey, one theme emerges: stewardship. Whether cultivating olives or data, Hisham believes in guiding growth through observation and minimal interference. He likens algorithms to seasonal cycles: they follow patterns, adapt to change, and flourish under patient care. In his view, technology should harmonize with human values—creativity, empathy, and community—rather than dominate them.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Hisham’s grove, rooted in the soil of the Jordan Valley, stands as a living metaphor for his digital ventures. Both realms demand respect for history, attentiveness to subtle signals, and a willingness to adapt when nature—or network—shifts. By blending ancient horticultural wisdom with cutting-edge AI, he forges a new paradigm: one where tradition and technology enhance each other.

Questions for Tomorrow’s Innovators

As night falls and Halloween’s shadows swirl, Hisham’s vision invites reflection:

How can AI honor cultural practices while driving technological progress?

In what ways might autonomous systems preserve ecosystems rather than exploit them?

What ethical frameworks ensure that robots serve the greater good across sectors from healthcare to education?

How do we cultivate resilience in both olive groves and server farms, anticipating cycles of abundance and scarcity?

These questions beckon us forward, urging a future where human ingenuity and artificial intelligence walk hand in hand—guided by shepherds of soil and silicon alike.

In the glow of my flashlight, I learn that true leadership, whether among olive trees or behind firewalls, requires patience, care, and profound respect for living systems. Hisham Khasawinah stands as a bridge between worlds, teaching us that the best technology grows not from force, but from the quiet art of cultivation.

[antongordon]

Anton R Gordon’s Blueprint for Real-Time Streaming AI: Kinesis, Flink, and On-Device Deployment at Scale

In the era of intelligent automation, real-time AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From fraud detection to supply chain optimization, organizations rely on high-throughput, low-latency systems to power decisions as data arrives. Anton R Gordon, an expert in scalable AI infrastructure and streaming architecture, has pioneered a blueprint that fuses Amazon Kinesis, Apache Flink, and on-device machine learning to deliver real-time AI performance with reliability, scalability, and security.

This article explores Gordon’s technical strategy for enabling AI-powered event processing pipelines in production, drawing on cloud-native technologies and edge deployments to meet enterprise-grade demands.

The Case for Streaming AI at Scale

Traditional batch data pipelines can’t support dynamic workloads such as fraud detection, anomaly monitoring, or recommendation engines in real-time. Anton R Gordon's architecture addresses this gap by combining:

Kinesis Data Streams for scalable, durable ingestion.

Apache Flink for complex event processing (CEP) and model inference.

Edge inference runtimes for latency-sensitive deployments (e.g., manufacturing or retail IoT).

This trio enables businesses to execute real-time AI pipelines that ingest, process, and act on data instantly, even in disconnected or bandwidth-constrained environments.

Real-Time Data Ingestion with Amazon Kinesis

At the ingestion layer, Gordon uses Amazon Kinesis Data Streams to collect data from sensors, applications, and APIs. Kinesis is chosen for:

High availability across multiple AZs.

Native integration with AWS Lambda, Firehose, and Flink.

Support for shard-based scaling—enabling millions of records per second.

Kinesis is responsible for normalizing raw data and buffering it for downstream consumption. Anton emphasizes the use of data partitioning and sequencing strategies to ensure downstream applications maintain order and performance.

Complex Stream Processing with Apache Flink

Apache Flink is the workhorse of Gordon’s streaming stack. Deployed via Amazon Kinesis Data Analytics (KDA) or self-managed ECS/EKS clusters, Flink allows for:

Stateful stream processing using keyed aggregations.

Windowed analytics (sliding, tumbling, session windows).

ML model inference embedded in UDFs or side-output streams.

Anton R Gordon’s implementation involves deploying TensorFlow Lite or ONNX models within Flink jobs or calling SageMaker endpoints for real-time predictions. He also uses savepoints and checkpoints for fault tolerance and performance tuning.

On-Device Deployment for Edge AI

Not all use cases can wait for roundtrips to the cloud. For industrial automation, retail, and automotive, Gordon extends the pipeline with on-device inference using NVIDIA Jetson, AWS IoT Greengrass, or Coral TPU. These edge devices:

Consume model updates via MQTT or AWS IoT.

Perform low-latency inference directly on sensor input.

Reconnect to central pipelines for data aggregation and model retraining.

Anton stresses the importance of model quantization, pruning, and conversion (e.g., TFLite or TensorRT) to deploy compact, power-efficient models on constrained devices.

Monitoring, Security & Scalability

To manage the entire lifecycle, Gordon integrates:

AWS CloudWatch and Prometheus/Grafana for observability.

IAM and KMS for secure role-based access and encryption.

Flink Autoscaling and Kinesis shard expansion to handle traffic surges.

Conclusion

Anton R Gordon’s real-time streaming AI architecture is a production-ready, scalable framework for ingesting, analyzing, and acting on data in milliseconds. By combining Kinesis, Flink, and edge deployments, he enables AI applications that are not only fast—but smart, secure, and cost-efficient. This blueprint is ideal for businesses looking to modernize their data workflows and unlock the true potential of real-time intelligence.

[greendivine21]

Best Deals on Artificial Vertical Garden Mat 4000 B Today

If you’re tired of boring, blank walls or lifeless corners in your home or workspace, you’re not alone. More and more people are discovering the beauty and convenience of Artificial Vertical Garden Mats, and the 4000 B model is one of the best options out there.

With premium design, hassle-free installation, and zero maintenance, this vertical garden mat transforms any wall into a lush green paradise. And the best part? You can get it today at a discounted price — no waiting, no complications.

🏡 What is the Artificial Vertical Garden Mat 4000 B?

The 4000 B Artificial Vertical Garden Mat is a high-quality faux plant panel designed to replicate the look and feel of a real green wall. Unlike live plants, it doesn’t require sunlight, watering, or pruning — yet it still gives you that fresh, vibrant aesthetic.

Each mat is densely packed with life-like greenery and features interlocking panels that make it easy to install on any flat surface — indoors or outdoors.AVG

Features That Set It Apart

When comparing vertical garden panels, the 4000 B model stands out for several key reasons:

🌿 Hyper-Realistic FoliageDesigned to mimic the shape, color, and texture of natural plants, giving it a natural look from any angle.

☀️ UV Protection for Outdoor UseIt won’t fade or dry out — even in harsh sun — thanks to advanced UV-resistant materials.

☔ Rainproof & Wind-ResistantEngineered for durability in all weather conditions. Perfect for balconies, fences, and outdoor walls.

🔧 DIY Friendly InstallationWith a simple snap-lock system and flexible panels, you can easily shape and attach it to any surface.

🧼 Zero MaintenanceNo watering, no bugs, no dirt. Just long-lasting green beauty all year round.

🔄 Customizable FitCut panels to size or combine multiple mats to cover larger areas without visible seams.

How to Install: Step-by-Step Guide for Any Space

One of the main reasons buyers love the 4000 B vertical garden mat is how easy it is to install without any professional help.

✔️ Tools You Might Need:

Scissors or utility knife

Zip ties or wall screws

Tape measure

Drill (optional, for concrete or brick)

AVG

✔️ Installation Steps:

Measure Your Area Know the exact size of the space you want to cover.

Clean the Wall Surface Remove any dirt or debris from the installation area.

Layout the Panels Arrange the mats on the ground to see how they’ll fit together.

Start from the Top Corner Attach the first panel using zip ties, nails, or screws.

Snap & Lock Each Panel Use the interlocking connectors to join multiple panels securely.

Trim Edges for a Clean Fit Cut around pipes, windows, or corners for a custom look.

Fluff the Leaves & Done! Gently spread the leaves apart to give it a fuller appearance.

💡 Where Can You Use It?

The Artificial Vertical Garden Mat 4000 B is incredibly versatile. Whether for home, business, or events, it adds instant green impact. Here are just a few examples:

✅ Home Walls & Balconies — Turn your blank outdoor space into a cozy garden retreat.

✅ Office Partitions & Meeting Rooms — Boost workplace vibes with natural-looking greenery.

✅ Restaurant or Café Decor — Add a fresh and inviting aesthetic to customer-facing areas.

✅ Event Backgrounds — Great for weddings, product launches, or Instagram-worthy photoshoots.

✅ Shops & Retail Displays — Highlight product areas with elegant, eye-catching greenery.

🔍 Popular Search Terms (You Can Target Too)

People are actively searching for products like this every day. Here are some keywords your audience is likely using:

“Buy artificial green wall panel online”

“Best vertical garden mat for outdoor wall”

“Low-maintenance garden wall decoration”

“Affordable artificial vertical greenery”

“How to install fake garden wall DIY”

“UV resistant faux greenery for balcony”

“Cheap privacy screen with artificial plants”

“Where to get vertical garden mats in bulk”

Include these phrases in your blog posts, product pages, and meta descriptions for better SEO performance.

💰 Best Time to Buy? Right Now.

Thanks to ongoing seasonal offers and online discounts, now is the best time to buy the Artificial Vertical Garden Mat 4000 B. Whether you’re ordering a few panels for a small area or planning a large green wall makeover, today’s deals help you save more while transforming your space beautifully.

🛒 Limited stock available — grab your green wall mat today before it sells out!

🎯 Final Words: Beauty Meets Function

The Artificial Vertical Garden Mat 4000 B isn’t just about looks — it’s a smart investment in low-maintenance design, privacy, and environmental ambiance. Whether you’re sprucing up a home, decorating a business, or styling an event, this garden mat offers the perfect blend of style, simplicity, and savings.

[kerplunkmedia]

Enhance Your Backyard BBQ with Artificial Hedges Panels: A Perfect Touch by Kusal Flora

Hosting a backyard BBQ is one of life’s simple pleasures. The sizzle of the grill, the laughter of friends and family, and the warm summer breeze create unforgettable memories. But what if you could take your BBQ setup to the next level? Enter artificial hedges panels—a game-changer for transforming your outdoor space into a stylish, cozy, and Instagram-worthy haven. At Kusal Flora, we believe that every backyard deserves to shine, and artificial hedges are the perfect way to do it. Let’s dive into how you can enhance your BBQ experience with these versatile, low-maintenance beauties.

Why Choose Artificial Hedges Panels for Your Backyard BBQ?

Instant Greenery, Zero Hassle Real plants can be high-maintenance, requiring watering, pruning, and constant care. Artificial hedges, on the other hand, offer lush, green Plants without the upkeep. They stay vibrant and fresh-looking all year round, no matter the weather.

Privacy and Ambiance Want to create a cozy, intimate vibe for your BBQ? Artificial hedges act as a natural-looking barrier, providing privacy from neighbors or busy streets. They also help define your space, making it feel like a secluded retreat.

Versatile and Customizable Whether you want to line your fence, create a decorative wall, or add a touch of greenery to your patio, artificial hedges can be tailored to fit any space. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color or texture to your backyard setup.

Durable and Weather-Resistant Made from high-quality materials, Kusal Flora’s artificial hedges are designed to withstand sun, rain, and wind. They won’t fade or wilt, ensuring your backyard always looks its best.

Extra Ideas : Check our other Blogs Outdoor Artificial Plants are Ideal for Every Season

Creative Ways to Use Artificial Hedges for Your BBQ

Create a Stunning Backdrop Turn your BBQ area into a photo-ready spot by installing artificial hedges as a backdrop. Whether you’re grilling up a storm or hosting a casual get-together, this green wall will add a touch of elegance to your setup.

Define Your Dining Area Use artificial hedges to create a natural partition between your grilling station and dining area. This not only looks great but also helps keep the smoke away from your guests.

Add a Touch of Nature to Your Patio If your BBQ is on a patio or deck, artificial hedges can soften the hard surfaces and bring a touch of nature to the space. Place them in planters or use them as a railing cover for a seamless look.

Enhance Your Outdoor Decor Pair your artificial hedges with string lights, lanterns, or outdoor furniture to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They’re the perfect complement to any backyard theme, from rustic to modern.

Hide Unsightly Areas Got an ugly fence, wall, or storage area? Artificial hedges are an easy and stylish way to cover up those eyesores and make your backyard look polished and put-together.

Extra Ideas : Check our other Blogs Top 7 Spots to Place Artificial Plants in Your Room

Installing Artificial Hedge Panels Is Easier Than You Can Expect

Even if you're not a do-it-yourselfer, installing artificial hedge panels is surprisingly easy. The majority of panels have integrated mounting holes, which makes it simple to fasten them to walls, fences, and other existing structures.

Tips: Since Artificial hedges require little upkeep, solar-powered lights are a fantastic environmentally friendly choice.

Why Choose Kusal Flora’s Artificial Hedges?

At Kusal Flora, we’re passionate about helping you create the backyard of your dreams. Our artificial hedges are crafted with precision and care, using premium materials that look and feel incredibly real. Here’s what sets us apart:

Realistic Design: Our hedges mimic the texture and color of Artificial plants, so no one will know the difference.

Easy Installation: Lightweight and easy to set up, our hedges come with simple instructions for hassle-free installation.

Eco-Friendly: By choosing artificial hedges, you’re reducing water waste and eliminating the need for harmful pesticides.

Affordable Luxury: Transform your space without breaking the bank. Our hedges are a cost-effective way to elevate your backyard.

Branches in Chennai

Egmore : 142,Ground Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600008, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thoraipakkam : No: 2, 200 Feet Radial Rd, Thoraipakkam, Tamil Nadu 600097,India.

ECR : 2/28, ECR Road, Injambakkam, Chennai – 600 115, Tamil Nadu,India.

Choolaimedu : 6, 3rd st Kamaraj Nagar, Choolaimedu (near PNB ATM), Chennai 600094, Tamil Nadu, India.

         Phone : 044-28193372

          Mobile : 7358707524

Where Nature Meets Innovation.-Kusal Flora

Tips for Maintaining Your Artificial Hedges

While artificial hedges are low-maintenance, a little care can go a long way in keeping them looking their best:

Dust Them Off: Use a soft cloth or duster to remove any dust or debris.

Rinse Occasionally: If they get dirty, simply rinse them with water and let them air dry.

Store Properly: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider storing your hedges indoors during the off-season.

Tips : Check our other blogs Artificial Plants Transform Your Office Interior Design?

Ready to Transform Your Backyard?

Your next BBQ deserves to be more than just a meal—it should be an experience. With Kusal Flora’s artificial hedges, you can create a backyard oasis that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a big summer party, these hedges will add the perfect finishing touch.

[pratimadheer]

Best Practices for Optimizing ETL Performance on Oracle Cloud

Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes are crucial for managing and integrating data in enterprise environments. As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud, optimizing Oracle Cloud ETL workflows is essential for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring data accuracy. Oracle Cloud provides a robust ETL ecosystem with tools like Oracle Data Integrator (ODI), Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Data Integration (OCI DI), and Oracle GoldenGate, offering powerful solutions for handling large-scale data integration.

In this article, we’ll explore best practices for optimizing ETL performance on Oracle Cloud to ensure faster data processing, lower latency, and improved scalability.

1. Choose the Right Oracle Cloud ETL Tool

Oracle Cloud offers multiple ETL solutions, each suited for different business needs. Selecting the right tool can significantly impact performance and efficiency.

Oracle Data Integrator (ODI): Best for traditional ETL workloads that require batch processing and complex transformations.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Data Integration (OCI DI): A serverless ETL solution ideal for low-code/no-code integrations and real-time data movement.

Oracle GoldenGate: Recommended for real-time data replication and streaming ETL across multiple cloud and on-premise databases.

Tip: If your ETL workload involves large batch processing, ODI is ideal. If you need real-time data replication, GoldenGate is a better choice.

2. Optimize Data Extraction for Faster Processing

Efficient data extraction is the first step in ETL performance optimization. Poor extraction methods can slow down the entire process.

Best Practices for Data Extraction:

Use Incremental Data Extraction: Instead of loading the entire dataset, extract only new or changed data to reduce processing time.

Leverage Parallel Processing: Use multi-threading to extract data from multiple sources simultaneously.

Optimize Source Queries: Use indexed tables, partitioning, and query optimization to speed up data retrieval from databases.

Tip: In Oracle Autonomous Database, use Partition Pruning to retrieve only relevant data, reducing query execution time.

3. Improve Data Transformation Efficiency

The transformation step is where most of the performance bottlenecks occur, especially with complex business logic.

Best Practices for Data Transformation:

Push Transformations to the Database: Oracle Cloud ETL tools allow ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) processing, where transformations run within Oracle Autonomous Database instead of external ETL servers.

Use Bulk Operations Instead of Row-by-Row Processing: Batch processing is faster and reduces database overhead.

Leverage Oracle Cloud Compute Power: Scale up Oracle Cloud Compute Instances to handle heavy transformations efficiently.

Tip: Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) uses Knowledge Modules to execute transformations directly within the database, improving efficiency.

4. Optimize Data Loading for High-Speed Performance

Loading large datasets into Oracle Cloud databases requires optimized strategies to prevent slowdowns and failures.

Best Practices for Data Loading:

Use Direct Path Load: In Oracle Cloud, SQL*Loader Direct Path Load speeds up bulk data insertion.

Enable Parallel Data Loading: Divide large datasets into smaller partitions and load them in parallel.

Compress Data Before Loading: Reducing file size minimizes data transfer time, improving ETL performance.

Monitor and Tune Network Latency: Ensure low-latency cloud storage and database connectivity for fast data transfer.

Tip: Oracle GoldenGate supports real-time, low-latency data replication, ideal for high-speed data loading.

5. Leverage Oracle Cloud Storage and Compute Resources

Oracle Cloud offers high-performance storage and compute services that enhance ETL processing speeds.

Best Practices for Cloud Resource Optimization:

Use Oracle Cloud Object Storage: Store large files efficiently and process data directly from cloud storage instead of moving it.

Auto-Scale Compute Instances: Oracle Cloud’s Autoscaling feature ensures compute resources adjust based on workload demand.

Enable Oracle Exadata for High-Performance Workloads: If handling petabyte-scale data, Oracle Exadata Cloud Service offers extreme performance for ETL.

Tip: Oracle Autonomous Database automates indexing, partitioning, and caching, reducing ETL overhead.

6. Implement Monitoring and Performance Tuning

Regular monitoring and performance tuning ensure smooth ETL operations without unexpected failures.

Best Practices for ETL Monitoring:

Use Oracle Cloud Monitoring Services: Track ETL execution time, CPU usage, and query performance.

Enable Logging and Alerts: Set up real-time alerts in OCI Logging and Performance Hub to detect failures early.

Optimize Execution Plans: Use EXPLAIN PLAN and SQL Tuning Advisor to identify and improve slow SQL queries.

Tip: Oracle Cloud Autonomous Database provides AI-driven performance tuning, reducing manual optimization efforts.

7. Secure Your ETL Pipelines

Data security is crucial in Oracle Cloud ETL to protect sensitive information and comply with industry regulations.

Best Practices for ETL Security:

Use Encryption: Enable TDE (Transparent Data Encryption) for securing data at rest and SSL/TLS encryption for in-transit data.

Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Restrict access to ETL jobs, logs, and sensitive data based on user roles.

Enable Data Masking for Compliance: Use Oracle Data Safe to anonymize sensitive data in non-production environments.

Tip: Oracle Cloud automatically encrypts storage and databases, ensuring secure data handling in ETL workflows.

Final Thoughts: Optimize Oracle Cloud ETL for Maximum Efficiency

Optimizing Oracle Cloud ETL is essential for fast, cost-effective, and reliable data integration. By following these best practices, businesses can enhance performance, reduce processing time, and ensure seamless data workflows in Oracle Cloud.

✔️ Choose the right Oracle ETL tool for batch or real-time processing. ✔️ Optimize extraction, transformation, and loading using parallelism and direct path loading. ✔️ Leverage Oracle Cloud’s compute, storage, and database features for efficiency. ✔️ Implement performance monitoring and security best practices to ensure smooth ETL operations.

By adopting these strategies, businesses can fully utilize the power of Oracle Cloud ETL to accelerate data-driven decision-making and innovation.

[learning-code-ficusoft]

Tips for improving pipeline execution speed and cost-efficiency.

Improving pipeline execution speed and cost-efficiency in Azure Data Factory (ADF) or any ETL/ELT workflow involves optimizing data movement, transformation, and resource utilization. Here are some key strategies:

Performance Optimization Tips

Use the Right Integration Runtime (IR)

Use Azure IR for cloud-based operations.

Use Self-Hosted IR for on-premises data movement and hybrid scenarios.

Scale out IR by increasing node count for better performance.

Optimize Data Movement

Use staged copy (e.g., from on-premises to Azure Blob before loading into SQL).

Enable parallel copy for large datasets.

Use compression and column pruning to reduce data transfer size.

Optimize Data Transformations

Use push-down computations in Azure Synapse, SQL, or Snowflake instead of ADF Data Flows.

Use partitioning in Data Flows to process data in chunks.

Leverage cache in Data Flows to reuse intermediate results.

Reduce Pipeline Execution Time

Optimize pipeline dependencies using concurrency and parallelism.

Use Lookups efficiently — avoid fetching large datasets.

Minimize the number of activities in a pipeline.

Use Delta Processing Instead of Full Loads

Implement incremental data loads using watermark columns (e.g., last modified timestamp).

Use Change Data Capture (CDC) in supported databases to track changes.

Cost-Efficiency Tips

Optimize Data Flow Execution

Choose the right compute size for Data Flows (low for small datasets, high for big data).

Reduce execution time to avoid unnecessary compute costs.

Use debug mode wisely to avoid extra billing.

Monitor & Tune Performance

Use Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to track pipeline execution time and bottlenecks.

Set up alerts and auto-scaling for self-hosted IR nodes.

Leverage Serverless and Pay-As-You-Go Models

Use Azure Functions or Databricks for certain transformations instead of Data Flows.

Utilize reserved instances or spot pricing for cost savings.

Reduce Storage and Data Transfer Costs

Store intermediate results in low-cost storage (e.g., Azure Blob Storage Hot/Cool tier).

Minimize data movement across regions to reduce egress charges.

Automate Pipeline Execution Scheduling

Use event-driven triggers instead of fixed schedules to reduce unnecessary runs.

Consolidate multiple pipelines into fewer, more efficient workflows.

WEBSITE: https://www.ficusoft.in/azure-data-factory-training-in-chennai/

[mannalandscapes]

Top Landscaping Service in Sydney: Why Manna Landscapes is Your Best Choice

In relation to developing a beautiful outdoor space in Sydney, Manna Landscapes stands proud as one of the town's most excellent Landscaping service in Sydney. From residential gardens to industrial houses, Manna Landscapes is dedicated to handing over; tailor-made landscaping answers that remodel any outside place into a stunning, practical space. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush lawn oasis, contemporary outdoor amusement vicinity, or a sustainable, low-upkeep panorama, Manna Landscapes has the know-how to bring your imaginative and prescient to life.

Tailored Landscaping answers for each belongings

At Manna Landscapes, no projects are the identical. The crew takes a customized technique to every landscaping task, working carefully with customers to understand their dreams, choices, and finances. Whether you’re upgrading your outdoor, developing a vibrant front backyard, or designing a purposeful out of doors vicinity for wonderful guests, Manna Landscapes guarantees each element is taken into consideration. Their skilled landscape designers comprise a mixture of hardscaping (paving, decking, and maintaining partitions) and softscaping (planting, lawn design, and turf set up) to create an outside space that fits both your fashion and lifestyle.

Comprehensive Landscaping offerings

Manna Landscapes gives a wide variety of services designed to decorate the splendor and capability of your outdoor space:

• Garden layout & Planting: whether or not you’re looking for a tropical garden, local flowers, or drought-resistant species, Manna Landscapes can help you choose an appropriate vegetation for your space and create an aesthetically appealing lawn layout.

• Hardscaping: The team makes a speciality of paving, preserving walls, outdoor kitchens, fireplace pits, and different hard landscaping factors that add structure and fashion for your yard.

• Irrigation & Drainage answers: Manna Landscapes ensures your landscape prospers with efficient irrigation structures and proper drainage, crucial for Sydney’s weather.

• Panorama lighting: decorate the splendor and atmosphere of your area with expertly installed lighting, ideal for nighttime relaxation or exciting.

• Preservation offerings: From normal garden care to seasonal pruning and mulching, Manna Landscapes gives ongoing maintenance to maintain your panorama looking its fine year-spherical.

Why choose Manna Landscapes?

What units Manna Landscapes aside is their interest to detail and dedication to purchaser pride. The group is enthusiastic about growing beautiful, sustainable landscapes that thrive in Sydney’s particular weather. With years of revel in, they take pleasure in imparting reliable, efficient carrier while maintaining a focal point on first-rate and craftsmanship.

Whether or not you are trying to revamp your lawn, improve scale down enchantment, or layout an out of doors interesting space, Manna Landscapes is the landscaping carrier in Sydney you may accept as true with to turn your out of doors goals into fact. Allow them to assist you create a stunning, useful area which you’ll revel in for years yet to come.

[monsooninn]

Berakhot 10b: 4. "The Roots and the Stem."

A business is performed by a company. The Company is what God and the Angels call themselves and the industry they are in is called printing. The story they have written is also an instruction manual for something called A. A...for Adam! Adam and his apple!

Adam gets his apples because he is what is called a Shunammite, AKA differentiation. He is a character that changes as he climbs over walls which are synthetic partitions between object lessons called orchards, which farm fruits.

Fruits can be reached when walls are scaled, breached, or if they fall from trees growing on the other side. Once one imbibes the fruit of an object lesson one is never the same.

The first fruit of the Tree of Eden called Es, caused Adam to start undergoing his transformation, and ours. Each entity in the Torah and Tanakh adds to Adam's capabilities like a grape is added to a bunch, a process that is called Eshkol in Hebrew.

Eshkol is how a man grew up from a creature that was once naked and scratched in the earth into one capable of inciting a global revolution called the Mashiach.

A Shunammite understands how to move between walls and separate fruits from seeds, pulp from the skins, press oil from pits, leave behind what is repugnant about the process of growing up, retain what is majestic and enter the Village of Mankind:

‎"The root שנן (shanan) speaks of repetition or the creation of distance between elements, often preceded by a breaking apart, and followed by a removal or even storage.

Verb שנן (shanan) means to sharpen, and sharpening is achieved by removing material by repeatedly stroking a blade against a whetstone. This verb is also used in the sense of sharpening a mind by repeating the same exercise. Noun שן (shen) means tooth. Noun שנינה (shenina) denotes a "sharp" word; a taunt.

Verb שנה (shana) means to change or create a difference — of one's mind, or one's clothes, and this mostly through repetition. Noun שנה (shana) means year.

Perhaps formally separate but obviously related, or else the very same verb שנה (shana) means to repeat or reoccur. Noun שנים (shenayim) or שתים (shetayim) is the common word for two or a pair. Adjective שני (sheni) or שנית (shenit) means second and noun משנה (misneh) means second, double, or copy. Noun שנאן (shin'an) is used as a superlative in figures of speech (i.e. expressions like double-down, super-double-good).

Noun שני (shani) denotes the color purple. This noun might formally derive from a third wholly separate verb of unclear meaning but obviously reminds of the many times a garment has to be dipped in dye to have its color changed.

Verb ישן (yashen) means to sleep, which seems to indicate that the ancients related one's daily activities to a forward stroke of one's mental blade against the whetstone of life, whereas sleep counted as the trailing stroke backward and removal of the burr. Adjective ישן (yashen) means sleeping or sleepy, and is obviously similar to its sibling noun ישן (yashen), which means old. Nouns שנה (shena), שנא (shena') and שנת (shenat) mean sleep."

The Talmud threatens in the beginning it is written in Arabic, meaning it will zigzag between topics and also the fruits. Since we cannot attain to Mashiach we have to dance around the topic until it dawns on mankind what has to be done. We just don't know how to grow it, not yet.

So at this point in Sheet 10b, we are revisiting how Adam grew up in order to project how it was possible he could have one day become Moses, David, or one of the other saints of Israel and inch us closer to the Abi Abba, "the father of the fatherly father of the father" of the Mashiach, as this is about as close as a chaotic world is likely to get.

The next Mishnah begins with a statement by Rabbi Levi, "the Master of the Disciplines of Joining" which means as prunes off or harvests a Shuna, one automatically creates a connector, AKA a Levite. The result is an addition to a double helix strand of increasingly cosmopolitan DNA. We know this is how it works because there is very little besides peace on earth that is out of reach for the concurrent man:

4. Rabbi Levi said: About the business of the wall, he said before him: The Lord of the world, and what did a Shunammite do but a small wall that brought her son back to life, Abi Abba who bathed A. The hall is covered with silver and gold on one and the other. "Remember, please, that I walked before you in truth and with a whole heart, and I did what was good in your eyes."

The Values in Gematria are:

Rabbi Levi said: The Number is 10112, יחריב, y'kiriv, "will ruin, destroy, devastate."

The hall is covered in silver, remember please. The Number is 12353, יבגהג‎, "as an uncle, a kettle, a boilermaker."

These four roots all have something to do with ending a process or a motion, but each exists in its own specific perspective:

Root כלא (kala') looks at entities that are kept within some limitation, and כול (kwl) appears to be similar to that.

Root כלה (kala) marks the end of the entities themselves.

And root כלל (kalal) looks at the final result of an entity's positive evolution.

The verb כול (kul) basically means to contain (what a vessel does) or cause to contain. It's used to describe the inner volume (1 Kings 7:26) or functional content (1 Kings 8:64) of the various bronze vessels of the temple. It's also used in the restricting or constricting sense: the heavens cannot contain YHWH (1 Kings 8:24), nor can a tired prophet hold the Word of YHWH inside of him (Jeremiah 20:9).

The verb כול (kul) basically means to contain (what a vessel does) or cause to contain. It's used to describe the inner volume (1 Kings 7:26) or functional content (1 Kings 8:64) of the various bronze vessels of the temple. It's also used in the restricting or constricting sense: the heavens cannot contain YHWH (1 Kings 8:24), nor can a tired prophet hold the Word of YHWH inside of him (Jeremiah 20:9).

The root כלה (klh II) isn't used in the Bible, and we have no idea what it might have meant. Its sole extant derivative is the feminine noun כליה (kilya), which occurs only in plural and is thought to denote the kidneys (Leviticus 3-9) and also serves as symbol for one's inner most being, the heart. It's mentioned often with the organ named כבוד (kabud), which is thought to denote the liver, although here at Abarim Publications we suspect that these words instead describe the scrotum (read our article on kabud for more).

The wonderful verb כלל (kalal I) means to complete or make perfect. The verb occurs only twice, in Ezekiel 27:4 and 27:11 (and may be denominative, says HAW Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) but its derivatives (or parent words) are far more prevailing:

The masculine noun כל (kol), meaning all or the whole. BDB Theological Dictionary lists four dense columns with nuances of this word, ranging from the whole of something to every, continually, all, the collective lot, wheresoever, entire, any, anything. Combined with a negation, it denotes none or nothing.

The adjective כליל (kalil), meaning entire (Ezekiel 27:3), whole (Exodus 28:31).

The masculine noun מכלול (miklol), meaning perfection or most gorgeous (Ezekiel 23:12 and 38:4 only).

The masculine noun מכלל (maklul), meaning something made perfect (Ezekiel 27:24 only).

The masculine noun מכלל (miklal), meaning perfection (Psalm 50:2 only).

The root כלל (kll II) isn't used as a verb in the Bible, and we're not even sure whether it ever existed. But there are two words in the Bible that seem to have come from this root:

The feminine noun כלה (kalla), meaning daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:11), bride-to-be (Isaiah 49:18, Jeremiah 2:32), or bride (Hosea 4:13).

The feminine noun כלולה (kelula), meaning espousal. This word occurs only once, in Jeremiah 2:2.

BDB Theological Dictionary explains these nouns as having the basic meaning of one reserved, or one closed in (a harem) and suggests that these words may in fact stem from the roots כלא (kala') or כלה (kala).

And of course, it's perfectly conceivable that a Hebrew audience would have figured that the word for bride came from the root כלל (kalal), meaning to be or make perfect. After all, it's humanity's destiny to ultimately become the Bride of God, when humanity has been perfected and lives happily in the New Jerusalem."

=Destroy in order to make it perfect, and do it according the innermost desires of the heart, like a bride pretending to one day meet and marry her groom.

This fits our previous Gemara Torah so far perfectly, so it must be right.

[thelistingteammiami]

Aesthetically Pleasing Deck Design Ideas for Small Spaces

Creating an outdoor haven can be challenging when working with a small deck. However, limitations often breed innovation, and a smaller space can provide an elegant and intimate retreat if designed well. Discover aesthetically pleasing deck design ideas to make your small outdoor space feel open and relaxing.

1. Start With the Right Deck Material

The foundation of your small deck design is crucial, and what better material to use than bamboo decking? Often praised for its environmental friendliness, bamboo is a highly renewable resource. Additionally, it’s durable and requires less maintenance than other wood types, which is a bonus for any homeowner. Its warm, honey tones can create an inviting outdoor atmosphere.

2. Maximize Space With Multi-Functional Furniture

In a small space, every inch counts. Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose. A bench with storage, a table with seating, or built-in seating that can double as a planter box keeps your deck clutter-free and emphasizes simplicity.

3. Set the Ambience With Creative Lighting

The right lighting can transform a basic deck into a stylish outdoor room. Solar-powered lampions, string lights, or even LED strips can add a warm glow to evening gatherings. Consider lighting solutions that you can attach to the furniture or the deck’s vertical space for a magical and inviting touch.

4. Bring Nature With Greenery

Nothing complements a deck’s natural aesthetic like living plants. Potted plants are your best friends in small spaces. They offer the benefits of green without encroaching on your floor space. Vertical gardens, hanging planters, and potted herbs can all infuse life and color into your deck without overwhelming it.

5. Privacy Solutions for Urban Living

In an urban environment, privacy can be a luxury. Screen your space from prying eyes with trellises, lattices, or vertical gardens. If those aren’t an option, deck dividers and privacy screens come in various styles and materials, from bamboo roll-ups to modern metal partitions.

6. Keep It Clutter-Free and Inviting

A small deck can quickly feel crowded if you leave clutter unchecked. Maximize storage, keep what you need within reach, and use furniture with built-in organization. Regularly prune your plants, keep pathways clear, and store what’s not in use.

7. Personalize Your Retreat

Finally, your deck should feel like an extension of your home’s style. Add personal touches with decorative cushions, outdoor rugs, and artwork. Create a palette that speaks to your aesthetic, and use this space to reflect your individuality within its size limitations.

By following these easy and practical design tips, your small deck can become an aesthetic and functional extension of your home. You’ll be easily relaxing in your personalized outdoor space before you know it.

[kavyaorganicfarm]

Blue Arrow Juniper: Elevate Your Garden with Elegance

Title: Elevate Your Garden with Elegance: The Blue Arrow Juniper

Introduction: In the world of landscaping and garden design, few plants possess the innate ability to elevate outdoor spaces with both grace and functionality quite like the Blue Arrow Juniper. With its slender form, striking blue-green foliage, and easy maintenance requirements, this evergreen conifer has become a staple in gardens around the world. Let's delve into what makes the Blue Arrow Juniper a quintessential choice for adding elegance to your outdoor sanctuary.

Distinctive Appearance: The Blue Arrow Juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana 'Blue Arrow,' stands out with its narrow, columnar shape, making it an ideal choice for tight spaces or as a vertical accent in garden beds. Its foliage is a stunning blue-green hue, providing a refreshing contrast against the typical greenery found in many landscapes. This distinctive appearance adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest to any garden setting.

Year-Round Interest: One of the most appealing features of the Blue Arrow Juniper is its year-round beauty. Unlike deciduous plants that shed their leaves in the fall, this evergreen conifer retains its foliage throughout the year, ensuring that your garden maintains its elegance regardless of the season. Whether dusted with snow in the winter or bathed in sunlight during the summer, the Blue Arrow Juniper remains a steadfast focal point, offering continuity and charm to your outdoor space.

Versatile Landscape Applications: The versatility of the Blue Arrow Juniper makes it a valuable asset in landscape design. Its slender form and upright growth habit make it suitable for a variety of applications, from lining pathways and driveways to framing entrances or creating privacy screens. Planted in groups, it can form a striking backdrop or serve as a living partition to delineate different areas of the garden. Whether used in formal or informal settings, this adaptable plant adds an air of refinement to any landscape composition.

Low Maintenance Requirements: Gardeners appreciate the Blue Arrow Juniper for more than just its looks; its low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for those seeking hassle-free landscaping solutions. Once established, this hardy evergreen is drought-tolerant and relatively pest-resistant, requiring minimal watering and pruning. Its resilience to harsh environmental conditions further enhances its appeal, making it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners alike.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Benefits: Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Blue Arrow Juniper provides valuable habitat and ecosystem benefits. Its dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its berries serve as a food source during the winter months. Additionally, junipers are known for their ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making them valuable contributors to sustainable landscaping practices. By incorporating the Blue Arrow Juniper into your garden, you not only enhance its beauty but also support local wildlife and promote environmental stewardship.

Conclusion: In the pursuit of creating an elegant garden space that exudes beauty and tranquility, the Blue Arrow Juniper emerges as a standout choice. With its distinctive appearance, year-round interest, versatility, low maintenance requirements, and ecological benefits, this evergreen conifer embodies both form and function in perfect harmony. Whether used as a focal point, a structural element, or a backdrop for other plants, the Blue Arrow Juniper elevates outdoor landscapes with its timeless elegance, leaving a lasting impression on all who behold it.

[unogeeks234]

SNOWFLAKE STORAGE

Understanding Snowflake Storage: A Deep Dive

Snowflake has revolutionized the way we think about data warehousing. Its cloud-native architecture delivers performance, scalability, and ease of use that many traditional on-premises solutions struggle to match. At the heart of Snowflake lies its unique approach to data storage, a core component that contributes to its impressive capabilities.

Key Concepts

Columnar Storage: Unlike traditional row-based databases, Snowflake stores data in a columnar format. This means that data from a single column is stored together. Columnar storage is incredibly efficient for analytic workloads, where you typically query and aggregate data across specific columns rather than entire rows.

Micro-Partitions: Snowflake breaks down data into highly compressed, columnar micro-partitions ranging between 50 and 500 MB. These micro-partitions optimize query performance, as Snowflake can quickly prune out irrelevant data and focus only on the necessary parts.

Separation of Storage and Compute: One of Snowflake’s hallmark features is separating storage and compute resources. Your data is stored persistently in cloud storage (AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, Google Cloud Storage). At the same time, independent compute clusters (virtual warehouses) are provisioned only when you need to run queries or workloads. This decoupling allows you to scale storage and compute independently based on your needs.

Storage Considerations

Cost-Effective: Snowflake’s storage costs are generally very competitive, making it an attractive option for storing large volumes of data. You pay for the amount of data stored on a per-second basis.

Time Travel and Fail-safe: Snowflake offers powerful data protection features. Time Travel lets you query historical snapshots of your data (up to 90 days by default). Fail-safe provides an additional seven days of data recoverability in case of accidental deletions or errors.

Automatic Optimization: Snowflake’s intelligent engine continuously optimizes your data storage in the background. It compresses data, resizes micro-partitions, and manages metadata, minimizing administrative overhead.

Benefits of Snowflake Storage

Optimized for Analytics: Columnar storage and micro-partitioning ensure lightning-fast performance for your analytic queries.

Near-Infinite Scalability: Snowflake leverages the elasticity of cloud storage, allowing you to store virtually limitless amounts of data without worrying about infrastructure constraints.

Cost Efficiency: You only pay for the storage you use, and Snowflake’s optimizations can help lower your overall cloud storage bills.

Minimal Maintenance: Snowflake handles all the complexities of data storage management, letting you focus on using your data rather than maintaining infrastructure.

Beyond the Basics

While this blog post gives you a good overview, there’s more to explore in Snowflake storage. You can delve into internal and external stages, data clustering, and data sharing. These features provide greater flexibility and control over your stored data within the Snowflake environment.

You can find more information about  Snowflake  in this  Snowflake

Conclusion:

Unogeeks is the No.1 IT Training Institute for SAP  Training. Anyone Disagree? Please drop in a comment

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[fashiondesign-college]

How to Make Your Spaces Brighter by Maximizing Natural Light

Natural light has a transformative effect on interior spaces, creating an ambiance of warmth, openness, and vitality. Maximizing natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also has numerous benefits for your well-being, productivity, and energy efficiency. In this blog, we'll explore practical tips and design strategies for harnessing the power of natural light to brighten and beautify your living spaces.

Clear the Path:

The first step in maximizing natural light is to remove any obstacles that may obstruct its flow into your home. Keep windowsills clutter-free and avoid placing bulky furniture or heavy drapes in front of windows. Trim overgrown foliage or trees that cast shadows on your windows, and consider removing or pruning any outdoor structures that block sunlight from entering your home.

Optimize Window Treatments:

Choose window treatments that allow ample natural light to filter into your home while still providing privacy and light control. Opt for sheer curtains, blinds, or shades made from light-filtering materials that soften harsh sunlight and diffuse it evenly throughout the room. Consider installing curtain rods or tracks that extend beyond the width of your windows to allow curtains to be drawn completely aside, maximizing the amount of light that enters the space.

Reflective Surfaces:

Incorporate reflective surfaces into your decor to bounce natural light around the room and amplify its brightness. Place mirrors strategically opposite windows to reflect incoming sunlight and create the illusion of a larger, more luminous space. Choose furniture with glossy finishes or metallic accents that catch and reflect light, such as mirrored coffee tables, chrome lamps, or glass-topped side tables.

Light-Colored Walls and Flooring:

Light-colored walls and flooring act as a canvas for natural light, bouncing it around the room and making the space feel brighter and more airy. Choose paint colors in soft, neutral tones such as white, cream, beige, or pale gray to maximize light reflection and create a sense of spaciousness. Opt for flooring materials like hardwood, laminate, or light-colored tiles that reflect light and add warmth to your interiors.

Open Floor Plan:

Consider adopting an open floor plan layout that allows natural light to flow freely from one space to another. Remove unnecessary walls or partitions that block light and create visual barriers, and opt for an open-concept design that promotes connectivity and fluidity between different areas of your home. By maximizing sightlines and removing obstructions, you can create a seamless flow of natural light throughout your living spaces.

Ready to transform your home into a bright and inviting oasis flooded with natural light? Explore the Interior Design courses at One of the best Interior Designing Colleges in India like IIFD - Indian Institute of Fashion & Design (@iifd) and gain the knowledge and skills to create spaces that maximize natural light and enhance your quality of life.

Conclusion:

Maximizing natural light is a simple yet effective way to brighten and beautify your living spaces, creating an atmosphere of warmth, openness, and vitality. By clearing the path for sunlight, optimizing window treatments, incorporating reflective surfaces, choosing light-colored walls and flooring, and adopting an open floor plan, you can harness the power of natural light to transform your home into a luminous sanctuary that uplifts the spirit and inspires the soul. So, open the curtains, throw open the windows, and let the sunshine in to illuminate your life and brighten your home.

[jcmarchi]

PowerInfer: Fast Large Language Model Serving with a Consumer-grade GPU

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/powerinfer-fast-large-language-model-serving-with-a-consumer-grade-gpu/

PowerInfer: Fast Large Language Model Serving with a Consumer-grade GPU

Due to their exceptional content creation capabilities, Generative Large Language Models are now at the forefront of the AI revolution, with ongoing efforts to enhance their generative abilities. However, despite rapid advancements, these models require substantial computational power and resources. This is largely because they consist of hundreds of billions of parameters. Moreover, to operate smoothly, generative AI models rely on thousands of GPUs, leading to significant operational costs. The high operational demands are a key reason why generative AI models are not yet effectively deployed on personal-grade devices.

In this article, we will discuss PowerInfer, a high-speed LLM inference engine designed for standard computers powered by a single consumer-grade GPU. The PowerInfer framework seeks to utilize the high locality inherent in LLM inference, characterized by a power-law distribution in neuron activations. This means that at any given time, a small subset of ‘hot’ neurons are consistently active across inputs, while the rest, termed ‘cold’ neurons, activate based on specific inputs or requirements. This approach enables the PowerInfer framework to reduce the computing power needed for generative AI to produce desired outputs.

We will delve into the PowerInfer framework in detail, exploring its methodology, pipeline, and practical application results. Let’s begin.

PowerInfer: Fast Large Language Model with Consumer-Grade GPU

Generative Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, are known for sophisticated generative and natural language processing tasks. Due to their high computational requirements, these models are typically deployed in data centers with advanced GPUs. The need for such high computational power limits their deployment to data centers, highlighting the necessity to deploy large language models on more accessible local platforms like personal computers.

Increasing the accessibility of large language models could reduce inference and content generation costs, enhance data privacy, and allow for model customization. Furthermore, while data center deployments prioritize high throughput, local LLM deployments could focus on low latency due to smaller batch sizes.

However, deploying these models on local devices poses significant challenges due to their substantial memory requirements. Large language models, functioning as autoregressive transformers, generate text token-by-token, with each token requiring access to the entire model, comprising hundreds of billions of parameters. This necessitates numerous high-end GPUs for low-latency output generation. Additionally, local deployments typically process individual requests sequentially, limiting the potential for parallel processing.

To address the complex memory requirements of the generative AI framework, existing solutions employ methods like model offloading and compression. Techniques like distillation, pruning, and quantization reduce the model size but are still too large for standard-grade GPUs in personal computers. Model offloading, which partitions the model at the Transformer Layer between CPUs and GPUs, allows for distributed layer processing across CPU and GPU memories. However, this method is limited by the slow PCIe interconnection and the CPUs’ limited computational capabilities, leading to high inference latency.

The PowerInference framework posits that the mismatch between LLM inference characteristics and hardware structure is the primary cause of memory issues in LLM inference. Ideally, data accessed frequently should be stored in high-bandwidth, limited-capacity GPUs, while less frequently accessed data should be in low-bandwidth, high-capacity CPUs. However, the large parameter volume of each LLM inference iteration makes the working set too large for a single GPU, resulting in inefficient exploitation of locality.

The inference process in large language models demonstrates high locality, with each iteration activating a limited number of neurons. The PowerInference framework aims to exploit this locality by managing a small number of hot neurons with the GPU, while the CPU handles the cold neurons. It preselects and preloads hot neurons in the GPU and identifies activated neurons during runtime. This approach minimizes costly PCIe data transfers, allowing GPUs and CPUs to independently process their assigned neurons.

However, deploying LLMs on local devices faces obstacles. Online predictors, crucial for identifying active neurons, consume considerable GPU memory. The PowerInfer framework uses an adaptive method to construct small predictors for layers with higher activation skewness and sparsity, maintaining accuracy while reducing size. Additionally, LLM frameworks require specialized sparse operators. The PowerInfer framework employs neuron-aware sparse operators that directly communicate with neurons, eliminating the need for specific sparse format conversions.

Lastly, optimally placing activated neurons between the CPU and GPU is challenging. The PowerInfer framework uses an offline stage to create a neuron placement policy, measuring each neuron’s impact on LLM inference outcomes and framing it as an integer linear problem.

Architecture and Methodology

The following figure elaborates the architecture of the PowerInfer framework consisting of offline and online components in the pipeline. 

Thanks to the variation observed in the locality properties amongst different large language models, the offline component profiles the activation sparsity of the LLM framework allowing it to differentiate between hot and cold neurons. On the other hand, in the offline phase, two types of neurons are loaded by the inference engine into both CPU and GPU, thus serving LLM requests during runtime with low latency. 

Offline Phase : Policy Solver and LLM Profiler

In the offline phase, a LLM profiler component uses requests derived from general dataset to collect activation data from the inference process. In the first step, it monitors the activation of neurons across all the layers in the framework, and proceeds to use a policy solver component to categorize the neurons as either hot or cold. The primary aim of the policy solver is to allocate neurons activated more frequently to the GPU layers while allocating the remainder to the CPU layers. In the second stage, the policy solver component uses neuron impact metrics and hardware specifications to balance the workload between the layers, and maximizes the impact metric of GPU for neurons by utilizing integer linear programming. 

Online Phase : Neuron Aware LLM Inference Engine

Once the offline stage is executed successfully, the framework proceeds to execute the online phase. In the third step of the process, the online engine assigns hot and cold neurons to their respective processing units before processing the user requests, depending as per the output of the offline policy solver. During runtime, and in step 4, the online engine manages GPU-CPU computations by creating CPU and GPU executors that are threads running on the CPU side. The engine then predicts the activated neurons and proceeds to skip the non-activated neurons. The activated neurons are then preloaded into the GPU for processing. In the meanwhile, the CPU calculates and transfers the results for its neurons to be integrated with the GPU. The online engine is able to focus on individual neurons rows and columns within matrices because it uses sparse neuron aware operators on CPUs as well as on GPUs. 

Adaptive Sparsity Predictors

The primary concept behind reducing computational loads by online inference engine in the PowerInfer framework is that it only processes neurons that it predicts to be activated. Traditionally, within each Transformer layer, a framework utilizes two different predictors to predict the activation of neurons in the MLP and self-attention blocks, as a result of which the inference computation is limited to the neurons predicted to be active. However, it is difficult to design effective predictors for local deployment because the limited amount of resources make it difficult to balance the model size and the prediction accuracy. Since these predictors are deployed by the framework frequently to predict active neurons, they need to be stored in the GPU to enable faster access. However, frameworks generally deploy a large number of predictors that occupy considerable memory, even the one needed to store LLM parameters. 

Furthermore, the size of predictors is generally determined by two factors: Internal Skewness and Sparsity of LLM layers. 

To optimize for these factors, the PowerInfer framework makes use of an iterative training method for each predictor in the Transformer layer without a fixed-size. In the first step of this training method, the size of the baseline model is established on the basis of the sparsity profile of the model, and the size of the model is adjusted iteratively by taking internal activation skewness into account to maintain accuracy. 

Neuron Placement and Management

As mentioned earlier, while the offline policy solver component is determining the neuron placement policy, the online inference engine component loads the model into the GPU and CPU memory as per the generated policy. For each layer that may or may not have multiple weight matrices, the PowerInfer framework assigns each neuron either to the CPU or the GPU on the basis of whether the neuron is hot-activated. Ensuring accurate computation of segmented neurons in the determined sequence is essential for precise results. To tackle this, the PowerInfer framework generates two neuron tables: one located in the GPU, and one located in the CPU memory, with each table correlating individual neurons to its original position in the matrix. 

Neuron Aware Operator

Given the activation sparsity observed in large language models, the inactive neurons and their weights can be bypassed by matrix multiplication operations, thus creating a need for the use of sparse operators. Instead of employing sparse operators that have several limitations, the PowerInfer framework employs neuron-aware operators that compute activated neurons and their weights directly on the GPU and CPU without requiring conversion to dense format during runtime. The neuron aware operators differ from traditional sparse operators as they focus on individual row and column vectors within a single matrix rather than focussing on the entire matrix. 

Neuron Placement Policy

To exploit the computational capabilities of CPUs and GPUs, the offline component in the PowerInfer framework generates a placement policy that guides the framework when allocating neurons to either the CPU or the GPU layers. The policy solver generates this policy, and controls neuron placement within each layer, which helps in determining the computational workload for individual processing units. When generating the placement policy, the policy solver component considers different factors including the activation frequency for each neuron, the communication overhead, and the computational capabilities like bandwidths and memory size of each processing unit. 

Results and Implementation

To demonstrate the generalization capabilities of the PowerInfer framework across devices with different hardware configurations, the experiments are conducted on two distinct personal computers: one equipped with Intel i9-13900K processor, NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU and 192 GB host memory while the other operates on Intel i7-12700K processor, NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti GPU and 64 GB of host memory. 

The end to end performance of the PowerInfer framework is compared against llama.cpp with a batch size of 1, and default deployment settings. The framework then samples prompts from ChatGPT and Alpaca datasets given the length variability observed in real-world dialogue input and output. The following figure demonstrates the generation speeds for different models. 

As it can be observed, the PowerInfer framework generates 8.32 tokens per second, and reaches up to 16 tokens generated per second , thus outperforming the llama.cpp framework by a significant margin. Furthermore, as the number of output tokens increase, the performance of the PowerInfer framework also improves as the generation phase impacts the overall inference time significantly. 

Furthermore, as it can be observed in the above image, the PowerInfer framework outperforms the llama.cpp framework on low-end PCs with a peak generation rate of 7 tokens per second, and an average token generation speed of 5 tokens per second. 

The above image demonstrates the distribution of neuron loads between the GPU and CPU for the two frameworks. As it can be seen, the PowerInfer framework increases the GPU’s share of neuron load significantly, from 20 to 70 %. 

The above image compares the performance of the two frameworks on two PCs with different specifications. As it can be seen, the PowerInfer framework consistently delivers a high output token generation speed when compared against the llama.cpp framework. 

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have talked about PowerInfer, a high-speed LLM inference engine for a standard computer powered by a single consumer-grade GP. At its core, the PowerInfer framework attempts to exploit the high locality inherent inference in LLMs, a method characterized by neuron activation’s power-law distribution. The PowerInfer framework is a fast interference system designed for large language models that utilizes adaptive predictors and neuron-aware operators to activate the neurons and the computational sparsity. 

[sreenivas5678]

Snowflake Training In Hyderabad

1. What is Snowflake?

Answer:

Snowflake is a cloud-based data warehousing platform that allows businesses to store and analyze large volumes of data in a scalable and cost-effective way. It provides a fully managed service with features such as data storage, processing, and analytics. Snowflake supports structured and semi-structured data and is known for its ease of use and performance.

2. Explain the architecture of Snowflake.

Answer:

Snowflake follows a multi-cluster, shared data architecture. It consists of three main components:

Storage Layer: This is where all the data is stored in a columnar format. Snowflake uses a unique object storage system for this purpose.

Compute Layer: This layer is responsible for processing queries. Snowflake uses virtual warehouses, which are clusters of compute resources, to handle query processing. Multiple virtual warehouses can operate concurrently.

Services Layer: This layer includes services such as metadata, security, and query parsing. It manages the overall orchestration of the system.

3. What is a Virtual Warehouse in Snowflake?

Answer:

A Virtual Warehouse in Snowflake is a cluster of compute resources that can be provisioned to execute queries and other operations. It is where the processing power for running SQL queries resides. Snowflake allows multiple virtual warehouses to operate concurrently, providing scalability and flexibility based on workload requirements.

4. How is data organized in Snowflake?

Answer:

Snowflake organizes data in tables, similar to traditional relational databases. Each table is further divided into micro-partitions, which are the smallest unit of storage and processing. These micro-partitions enable efficient pruning of data during query execution, optimizing performance.

5. What are Snowflake's key features?

Answer:

Snowflake offers several key features:

Elasticity: Snowflake can automatically and dynamically scale compute resources based on the workload, ensuring optimal performance.

Concurrency: Multiple virtual warehouses can operate simultaneously, enabling concurrent execution of queries.

Zero-Copy Cloning: Snowflake allows users to create a clone of a table without duplicating the data, saving storage space.

Data Sharing: Snowflake enables secure data sharing between different Snowflake accounts.

Security: It provides robust security features, including role-based access control, encryption, and audit trails.

6. Explain the difference between a Snowflake schema and a Star schema.

Answer:

Snowflake Schema: In a Snowflake schema, dimension tables are normalized, meaning they are organized into multiple related tables. This normalization reduces redundancy but increases the complexity of queries due to the need for additional joins.

Star Schema: In a Star schema, dimension tables are denormalized, forming a star-like structure with a central fact table connected to dimension tables. This simplifies queries but may lead to data redundancy.

Snowflake schemas are more normalized, while Star schemas are more denormalized.

7. What is the significance of clustering keys in Snowflake?

Answer:

Clustering keys in Snowflake determine the physical order of data within a table's micro-partitions. Properly chosen clustering keys can significantly improve query performance by reducing the amount of data that needs to be scanned during query execution. Clustering keys should be selected based on the typical access patterns of queries.

8. How does Snowflake handle data security?

Answer:

Snowflake employs a multi-layered security model, including:

Transport Layer Security: Encrypts data in transit.

Server-Side Encryption: Encrypts data at rest.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Manages user access privileges.

Virtual Private Snowflake (VPS): Provides a dedicated network for secure data transfer.

Time-Travel and Fail-Safe: Allows users to recover data at different points in time.

9. Explain Snowflake's approach to handling semi-structured data.

Answer:

Snowflake supports semi-structured data, such as JSON and Avro. It can automatically infer the schema of semi-structured data and store it in a structured format. This allows users to query semi-structured data using SQL without the need for manual schema definition.

10. What is Time-Travel in Snowflake?

Answer:

Time-Travel in Snowflake allows users to access historical versions of data at different points in time. It helps in auditing, compliance, and recovering from accidental data changes. There are two types of time-travel: Time-Travel (Query History), which allows querying historical data, and Time-Travel (Data History), which enables recovering data at a specific point in time.

11. What is Fail-Safe in Snowflake?

Answer:

Fail-Safe in Snowflake is a feature that provides continuous and automatic backup of data. It ensures data durability by maintaining a complete and consistent copy of data in a separate location. In the event of a failure or disaster, Fail-Safe can be used to restore the entire Snowflake account to a specific point in time.

12. How does Snowflake handle data loading?

Answer:

Snowflake supports various methods for data loading, including:

Snowpipe: A continuous data ingestion service that automatically loads data as soon as new files are added to a stage.

COPY Command: Enables loading data from external cloud storage or local files into Snowflake tables.

Bulk Loading: For efficiently loading large volumes of data using optimized file formats.

13. Explain the concept of Zero-Copy Cloning in Snowflake.

Answer:

Zero-Copy Cloning is a feature in Snowflake that allows users to create a clone of a table without duplicating the data. The clone initially shares the same underlying data as the original table, and modifications to either the original or the clone do not affect the shared data. It helps save storage space and resources when creating temporary or testing copies of tables.

14. What is the purpose of the Snowflake Information Schema?

Answer:

The Information Schema in Snowflake is a set of system-defined views and table functions that provide metadata about the objects and operations within a Snowflake account. It allows users to query information about databases, tables, columns, and other aspects of the Snowflake environment.

15. How does Snowflake handle data distribution?

Answer:

Snowflake automatically manages data distribution across multiple clusters through a process known as automatic clustering. The platform uses a technique called micro-partitioning, ensuring that data is evenly distributed and efficiently stored. This distribution strategy enhances query performance by minimizing the amount of data that needs to be scanned.

16. Explain Snowflake's approach to handling unstructured data.

Answer:

Snowflake is designed to handle structured and semi-structured data efficiently. While it is not specifically optimized for unstructured data, users can still store and query unstructured data by treating it as text or binary data within Snowflake tables. However, for true unstructured data, other storage solutions may be more suitable.

17. What is the difference between Snowflake and traditional on-premises data warehouses?

Answer:

Snowflake differs from traditional on-premises data warehouses in several ways:

Cloud-Based: Snowflake is a cloud-based data warehouse, offering scalability and flexibility compared to the fixed infrastructure of on-premises solutions.

Managed Service: Snowflake is fully managed, eliminating the need for users to handle tasks like hardware provisioning, maintenance, and software updates.

Elasticity: Snowflake can dynamically scale compute resources based on workload, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

18. How does Snowflake handle data sharing between different accounts?

Answer:

Snowflake supports secure data sharing between different Snowflake accounts. Data providers can share specific databases, schemas, or tables with consumer accounts. Consumers can then query the shared data as if it were part of their own account. This feature is useful for collaborative analytics and data exchange between organizations.

19. Explain the concept of Snowflake's Multi-Cluster, Shared Data Architecture.

Answer:

Snowflake's architecture is characterized by a separation of storage and compute resources. The storage layer holds the data in a centralized and shared manner, while the compute layer consists of multiple virtual warehouses that can scale independently. This separation allows for efficient resource utilization and enables Snowflake to scale horizontally.

20. What is the significance of the Snowflake Task feature?

Answer:

Snowflake Tasks are used to automate recurring database operations, such as running SQL statements or calling stored procedures. They allow users to schedule and orchestrate these tasks at specified intervals. Tasks are often used for routine maintenance, data updates, or other repetitive activities within the Snowflake environment.

21. How does Snowflake handle data indexing?

Answer:

Snowflake uses automatic indexing, and users do not need to create or manage indexes manually. The platform automatically determines the most efficient way to access and retrieve data based on query patterns and access history. This approach simplifies data management for users, as they do not need to worry about index creation and maintenance.

22. What is the significance of Snowflake's Time-Travel and how is it different from traditional backups?

Answer:

Snowflake's Time-Travel feature allows users to access historical versions of data at different points in time, providing a way to recover from accidental changes or to perform historical analysis. Unlike traditional backups, Time-Travel is an integrated and continuous feature, allowing users to query and recover historical data without the need for manual backups or restores.

23. Explain how Snowflake handles data security during data loading.

Answer:

Snowflake ensures data security during data loading through encrypted communication and access controls. Data transmitted between Snowflake and external systems is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS). Additionally, Snowflake's role-based access control (RBAC) system ensures that only authorized users have the necessary privileges to perform data loading operations.

24. What is the purpose of Snowflake's Query Compilation and Optimization process?

Answer:

During query compilation and optimization, Snowflake transforms SQL queries into an optimized execution plan. This plan takes into account factors such as data distribution, clustering, and indexing to maximize query performance. The compilation and optimization process is transparent to users, and Snowflake automatically handles the generation of efficient execution plans.

25. How does Snowflake support data sharing within an organization?

Answer:

Within an organization, Snowflake allows users to share data securely using different features such as:

Roles and Privileges: Users can be assigned specific roles with defined privileges, controlling access to databases, schemas, and tables.

Views: Views can be created to provide a logical representation of data, allowing users to query shared data without direct access to the underlying tables.

Data Sharing: Snowflake's data sharing feature enables sharing specific datasets with other teams or departments within the organization.

26. How does Snowflake handle schema evolution for data tables?

Answer:

Snowflake supports schema evolution, allowing users to modify the structure of existing tables without affecting the data. You can add or remove columns, change data types, or make other alterations to the schema using the ALTER TABLE statement. Snowflake automatically manages the schema evolution process in the background.

27. Explain Snowflake's approach to handling data consistency and isolation.

Answer:

Snowflake ensures data consistency and isolation through its transaction management capabilities. It supports ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) for transactions. Changes made within a transaction are isolated from other transactions until they are committed, ensuring that operations either fully succeed or are fully rolled back in case of failure.

28. What is the role of Snowflake's Metadata Services in the overall architecture?

Answer:

Snowflake's Metadata Services play a crucial role in managing metadata about objects within a Snowflake account. This includes information about databases, tables, views, users, and other elements. Metadata Services provide the necessary information for query optimization, security, and overall orchestration of the Snowflake environment.

29. How does Snowflake handle automatic scaling of compute resources?

Answer:

Snowflake's automatic scaling dynamically adjusts the number of compute resources allocated to a virtual warehouse based on the workload. If the workload increases, Snowflake automatically adds more compute resources to ensure optimal performance. Conversely, if the workload decreases, it scales down the resources, helping to manage costs efficiently.

30. Explain the concept of Snowflake's Data Sharing for cross-organization collaboration.

Answer:

Snowflake's Data Sharing feature allows organizations to securely share specific datasets with other Snowflake accounts. Data providers can grant read-only access to consumers, and consumers can seamlessly query the shared data as if it were part of their own account. This feature facilitates collaborative analytics and data exchange between different organizations.

31. How does Snowflake handle data replication for high availability and disaster recovery?

Answer:

Snowflake automatically replicates data across multiple availability zones within a cloud provider's region for high availability. Additionally, Fail-Safe, Snowflake's continuous backup feature, ensures data durability by maintaining a consistent copy of data in a separate location. This replication and backup strategy contributes to Snowflake's resilience in the face of hardware failures or disasters.

32. How does Snowflake handle data compression, and what are its benefits?

Answer:

Snowflake uses automatic compression to reduce storage requirements and improve query performance. It employs columnar storage and different compression algorithms based on the data types within each column. This not only saves storage space but also enhances the efficiency of query processing by minimizing the amount of data that needs to be read from disk.

33. Explain Snowflake's approach to handling data types.

Answer:

Snowflake supports a wide range of data types, including standard SQL types as well as semi-structured types like VARIANT and OBJECT. Users can store and query data in various formats, such as JSON and Avro. Snowflake's automatic schema detection simplifies the handling of semi-structured data, allowing users to work with different data types seamlessly.

34. What is the purpose of Snowflake's Materialized Views?

Answer:

Materialized Views in Snowflake are precomputed views that store the result of a query. They are particularly useful for speeding up query performance, as querying a materialized view avoids the need to recompute the result each time the query is executed. Materialized Views can be manually refreshed or set to refresh automatically based on a schedule.

35. How does Snowflake handle data deduplication and redundancy?

Answer:

Snowflake automatically handles data deduplication through its clustering and storage optimization. Clustering keys and metadata about the data are used to organize and store data efficiently, minimizing redundancy. The Time-Travel feature also allows users to recover from unintended data changes, contributing to data integrity.

36. Explain the role of Snowflake's Resource Monitors in managing workloads.

Answer:

Resource Monitors in Snowflake allow users to manage and allocate resources for different workloads. They help control the amount of computing resources consumed by different virtual warehouses, ensuring fair resource distribution and preventing one workload from impacting the performance of others.

37. What is the significance of Snowflake's Semi-Structured Data Processing?

Answer:

Snowflake's support for semi-structured data processing allows users to work with data in its native format without the need for extensive preprocessing. Snowflake can automatically detect and infer the schema of semi-structured data like JSON, making it easy to integrate and query such data alongside structured data.

38. How does Snowflake handle data partitioning, and why is it important?

Answer:

Snowflake uses automatic data partitioning, which involves dividing tables into micro-partitions based on the values of one or more columns. This partitioning strategy enhances query performance by allowing Snowflake to skip unnecessary data during query execution. Properly chosen partition keys can significantly improve query efficiency.

39. What are Snowflake's best practices for optimizing query performance?

Answer:

Snowflake provides several best practices for optimizing query performance, including:

Choosing appropriate clustering keys and sorting orders for tables.

Utilizing materialized views for frequently queried and complex calculations.

Regularly reviewing and optimizing queries using the query profile and execution statistics.

Leveraging the automatic scaling features to adapt to changing workloads.

40. Explain the concept of Snowflake's Query Profiling.

Answer:

Query Profiling in Snowflake involves analyzing the performance of executed queries. Users can access detailed information about query execution, including the time spent on different stages, the number of rows processed, and resource utilization. Query Profiling is a valuable tool for optimizing queries and identifying areas for improvement in the overall performance of the system.

41. How does Snowflake handle concurrency and what are the factors that affect it?

Answer:

Snowflake's architecture supports high concurrency by allowing multiple virtual warehouses to operate simultaneously. The factors affecting concurrency include the number and size of virtual warehouses, the complexity of queries, and the overall system load. Properly managing these factors ensures efficient and scalable concurrency for different workloads.

42. What is the purpose of Snowflake's Failover Clusters, and how do they contribute to high availability?

Answer:

Failover Clusters in Snowflake are designed to provide high availability by automatically redirecting traffic to a standby cluster in the event of a failure in the primary cluster. This helps ensure continuous service availability, reducing the impact of potential disruptions.

43. Explain Snowflake's approach to handling semi-structured data evolution.

Answer:

Snowflake accommodates changes in semi-structured data over time by automatically adapting to evolving schemas. This means that as the structure of semi-structured data changes, Snowflake can seamlessly handle those changes without requiring manual adjustments or schema modifications.

44. How does Snowflake handle data sharing with external entities or partners securely?

Answer:

Snowflake's External Functions and Secure Data Sharing features enable secure collaboration with external entities. External Functions allow users to execute code outside of Snowflake, while Secure Data Sharing enables controlled and secure sharing of specific datasets with external parties, ensuring data privacy and compliance.

45. What are Snowflake's best practices for optimizing storage efficiency?

Answer:

To optimize storage efficiency in Snowflake, consider the following best practices:

Utilize clustering keys to organize data efficiently.

Leverage automatic compression to reduce storage requirements.

Use materialized views to precompute and store frequently queried results.

Regularly review and optimize table structures and clustering keys.

46. How does Snowflake support the handling of large-scale data warehousing workloads?

Answer:

Snowflake's architecture is designed to scale horizontally, allowing it to handle large-scale data warehousing workloads. The separation of storage and compute resources, along with the ability to dynamically scale compute clusters, ensures that Snowflake can efficiently manage and process large volumes of data.

47. Explain the concept of Snowflake's Time-Travel and its implications for data governance.

Answer:

Time-Travel in Snowflake enables users to access historical versions of data at different points in time. This feature is valuable for data governance as it allows organizations to track changes, perform audits, and ensure compliance with data governance policies. It provides a historical record of data modifications and helps maintain data integrity.

48. How does Snowflake handle data masking for sensitive information?

Answer:

Snowflake supports data masking to protect sensitive information. Data masking rules can be applied to columns to dynamically mask data based on the user's privileges. This ensures that users with different levels of access see only the information they are authorized to view, contributing to data security and privacy.

49. What is the purpose of Snowflake's SecureData™ offering?

Answer:

Snowflake's SecureData™ offering provides additional security features, including end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and format-preserving encryption. These features enhance data protection, ensuring that sensitive information is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and providing organizations with tools to comply with various data privacy regulations.

50. How does Snowflake handle schema changes for large tables, and what considerations should be taken into account?

Answer:

Snowflake allows schema changes for large tables without requiring a full table rewrite. This is achieved through a metadata-only operation, minimizing the impact on performance. When making schema changes, it's essential to consider the potential impact on concurrent queries, and Snowflake provides tools to monitor and manage such changes efficiently.

51. Explain the concept of Snowflake's Data Sharing for cross-region collaboration.

Answer:

Snowflake's Data Sharing feature not only facilitates collaboration within the same region but also supports cross-region collaboration. This allows organizations with Snowflake accounts in different geographic regions to securely share and query specific datasets, promoting seamless collaboration on a global scale.

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