#Future-proofing IT infrastructure

[century-solutions-group]

How to Achieve Business and IT Strategy Integration

Exciting News!  

Check out our latest blog post on Strategic IT Alignment and how it can transform your business! Discover the secrets to integrating business and IT strategies, planning for future-proof IT infrastructure, and leveraging innovative technology solutions.  

Don't miss out on the best practices for aligning IT with business objectives and driving digital transformation.  

Read more and stay ahead in the game!  https://centurygroup.net/how-to-achieve-business-and-it-strategy-integration

#ITStrategy #DigitalTransformation #BusinessAlignment #TechInnovation 

[julianova44]

This gives me a bit of hope that we’ll survive

As relentless rains pounded LA, the city’s “sponge” infrastructure helped gather 8.6 billion gallons of water—enough to sustain over 100,000 households for a year.

Earlier this month, the future fell on Los Angeles. A long band of moisture in the sky, known as an atmospheric river, dumped 9 inches of rain on the city over three days—over half of what the city typically gets in a year. It’s the kind of extreme rainfall that’ll get ever more extreme as the planet warms.

The city’s water managers, though, were ready and waiting. Like other urban areas around the world, in recent years LA has been transforming into a “sponge city,” replacing impermeable surfaces, like concrete, with permeable ones, like dirt and plants. It has also built out “spreading grounds,” where water accumulates and soaks into the earth.

With traditional dams and all that newfangled spongy infrastructure, between February 4 and 7 the metropolis captured 8.6 billion gallons of stormwater, enough to provide water to 106,000 households for a year. For the rainy season in total, LA has accumulated 14.7 billion gallons.

Long reliant on snowmelt and river water piped in from afar, LA is on a quest to produce as much water as it can locally. “There's going to be a lot more rain and a lot less snow, which is going to alter the way we capture snowmelt and the aqueduct water,” says Art Castro, manager of watershed management at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. “Dams and spreading grounds are the workhorses of local stormwater capture for either flood protection or water supply.”

Centuries of urban-planning dogma dictates using gutters, sewers, and other infrastructure to funnel rainwater out of a metropolis as quickly as possible to prevent flooding. Given the increasingly catastrophic urban flooding seen around the world, though, that clearly isn’t working anymore, so now planners are finding clever ways to capture stormwater, treating it as an asset instead of a liability. “The problem of urban hydrology is caused by a thousand small cuts,” says Michael Kiparsky, director of the Wheeler Water Institute at UC Berkeley. “No one driveway or roof in and of itself causes massive alteration of the hydrologic cycle. But combine millions of them in one area and it does. Maybe we can solve that problem with a thousand Band-Aids.”

Or in this case, sponges. The trick to making a city more absorbent is to add more gardens and other green spaces that allow water to percolate into underlying aquifers—porous subterranean materials that can hold water—which a city can then draw from in times of need. Engineers are also greening up medians and roadside areas to soak up the water that’d normally rush off streets, into sewers, and eventually out to sea...

To exploit all that free water falling from the sky, the LADWP has carved out big patches of brown in the concrete jungle. Stormwater is piped into these spreading grounds and accumulates in dirt basins. That allows it to slowly soak into the underlying aquifer, which acts as a sort of natural underground tank that can hold 28 billion gallons of water.

During a storm, the city is also gathering water in dams, some of which it diverts into the spreading grounds. “After the storm comes by, and it's a bright sunny day, you’ll still see water being released into a channel and diverted into the spreading grounds,” says Castro. That way, water moves from a reservoir where it’s exposed to sunlight and evaporation, into an aquifer where it’s banked safely underground.

On a smaller scale, LADWP has been experimenting with turning parks into mini spreading grounds, diverting stormwater there to soak into subterranean cisterns or chambers. It’s also deploying green spaces along roadways, which have the additional benefit of mitigating flooding in a neighborhood: The less concrete and the more dirt and plants, the more the built environment can soak up stormwater like the actual environment naturally does.

As an added benefit, deploying more of these green spaces, along with urban gardens, improves the mental health of residents. Plants here also “sweat,” cooling the area and beating back the urban heat island effect—the tendency for concrete to absorb solar energy and slowly release it at night. By reducing summer temperatures, you improve the physical health of residents. “The more trees, the more shade, the less heat island effect,” says Castro. “Sometimes when it’s 90 degrees in the middle of summer, it could get up to 110 underneath a bus stop.”

LA’s far from alone in going spongy. Pittsburgh is also deploying more rain gardens, and where they absolutely must have a hard surface—sidewalks, parking lots, etc.—they’re using special concrete bricks that allow water to seep through. And a growing number of municipalities are scrutinizing properties and charging owners fees if they have excessive impermeable surfaces like pavement, thus incentivizing the switch to permeable surfaces like plots of native plants or urban gardens for producing more food locally.

So the old way of stormwater management isn’t just increasingly dangerous and ineffective as the planet warms and storms get more intense—it stands in the way of a more beautiful, less sweltering, more sustainable urban landscape. LA, of all places, is showing the world there’s a better way.

-via Wired, February 19, 2024

[heileysoffice]

Ensure Reliable Tech Infrastructure in Coworking Office Spaces

Introduction

Co -workers have become a professional and associate work -looking solutions for freelancers, startups and distance workers. However, the efficiency of a colleague location depends a lot on the reliability of its technical infrastructure. Ensuring a spontaneous tech setup increases productivity, promotes innovation, and attracts a diverse customers. There are important strategies here to establish and maintain a reliable technical infrastructure in colleagues.

 1. High-speed internet connectivity 

Reliable and sharp internet is the backbone of any colleague place. Investment in high-speed broadband with fiber-optic connection ensures uninterrupted workflow. Additionally, setting backup internet connection and several access points prevents downtime and supports high-mang use.

 2. Safe and scalable network

Data security is paramount in a common field. Applying a strong firewall, VPN access and encrypted Wi-Fi network, protects members from cyber threats. In addition, a scalable network infrastructure is allowed to accommodate the growing user demands without compromising speed or safety to the location.

3. Power backup solutions 

Power outage can severely interrupt work and cause damage. Installing a uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system and backup generator ensures continuous operation. Proper load management and regular maintenance of power systems prevents unexpected failures. 

4. Smart Meeting and Cooperation Equipment 

Smart meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities and equipment equipment with digital whiteboard enhances cooperation. Cloud-based file-sharing platforms and project management tools provide comfortable workflows between remote teams and onsite members.

 5. Technical assistance and maintenance 

The onsite providing this support reduces downtime and ensures quick solutions to technical issues. Hardware, software updates and regular maintenance of network checks help prevent disruptions. Having a dedicated aid desk improves user experience and increases reliability.

6. IOT and automation integration 

Integrating the Internet of Things (IOT) devices for smart lighting, climate control and access system improves efficiency and user comfort. Automatic booking systems for rooms and workspaces streamlines operations and increase productivity. 

7. Future proofing infrastructure 

Technology develops rapidly, making it necessary for future infrastructure. Investing in adaptable technologies, cloud computing and modular systems ensures long -term reliability and scalability. 

conclusion 

A well -structured and reliable technical infrastructure is important for the success of a colleague location. High-speed internet, cyber security, power backup, smart tools, proactive maintenance, IOT integration, and preferred solutions for future, colleagues can provide an optimal work environment for spaces and businesses. Investment in these techniques not only enhances productivity, but also ensures an easy and innovative colleague experience.

[blackstarlineage]

Overemphasis on Individual Success Over Collective Upliftment: A Garveyite Perspective

Introduction: The Illusion of Personal Success Without Community Progress

One of the greatest obstacles to Black liberation is the modern emphasis on individual achievement over collective advancement. While personal success is important, it is often used as a distraction from the larger reality of Black economic and political disempowerment worldwide. Many successful Black individuals achieve fame and wealth, but their accomplishments do not translate into community-wide upliftment.

From a Garveyite perspective, this focus on individual success is a symptom of colonial brainwashing, designed to:

Encourage Black people to pursue personal wealth instead of nation-building.

Divide the community by rewarding a few individuals while keeping the masses oppressed.

Maintained black economic dependency by preventing group wealth accumulation.

If Black people do not prioritize collective economic and political power, they will remain powerless, no matter how many individual success stories exist. A few wealthy Black individuals can not uplift an entire race—the whole community must rise together.

1. The Historical Roots of Individualism Over Collectivism in Black Societies

A. The Destruction of Communal African Societies by Colonialism

Before European colonization, African societies were community-driven and operated on collective wealth-building, where:

Families and tribes pooled resources to benefit the whole group.

Decisions were made with the future of the entire community in mind.

Leadership was about service, not personal enrichment.

Example: The Igbo, Akan, and Zulu people practised communal land ownership and cooperative economics, ensuring generational wealth within their communities.

Key Takeaway: African societies thrived on collectivism before colonialism introduced individualistic capitalism.

B. How Slavery and Colonialism Forced Black People Into Individual Struggles

During slavery, Black people were:

Taught to see each other as competition for survival rather than allies in resistance.

Forced into labour systems that rewarded individual servitude rather than group economic control.

Conditioned to seek personal advancement under white supremacy instead of building Black power.

Example: Enslaved Africans were given small privileges for betraying or outperforming others, creating a system where personal survival took precedence over collective unity.

Key Takeaway: Slavery and colonialism conditioned Black people to prioritize individual survival over group progress.

C. The Post-Colonial and Civil Rights Shift Towards Tokenism

After legal independence and civil rights movements, Western societies:

Selected a few Black individuals for high-status positions to create the illusion of racial progress.

Used successful Black figures as proof that racism was 'over' while the majority still suffered.

Promoted celebrities and business elites while discouraging collective Black economic power.

Example: The election of Barack Obama was used as proof that America had 'moved past racism', even though Black communities still faced economic and political oppression.

Key Takeaway: A few elite individuals can not uplift an entire people—the community must have collective power.

2. The Modern Consequences of Over-Prioritizing Individual Success

A. The Failure to Build Generational Black Wealth

Because Black success is focused on individual achievement rather than group economics, we see:

Successful Black athletes and entertainers earning millions, but their communities staying poor.

No major Black-owned banking system or corporate infrastructure.

Black wealth disappearing after one generation instead of being passed down.

Example: Many wealthy Black celebrities spend money on luxury goods instead of investing in Black businesses and institutions.

Key Takeaway: Individual wealth does not lead to collective upliftment without economic reinvestment.

B. The Lack of Political Power Despite Black Representation

Even as more Black people hold government positions, there is little change for the larger Black community because:

Black politicians often serve within white-controlled political systems, limiting their impact.

There is no Pan-African political unity—African nations, Caribbean nations, and Black Americans act separately.

Black leaders are encouraged to focus on personal careers rather than movement-building.

Example: Many Black politicians rise to power but do not push policies that directly benefit the global Black population.

Key Takeaway: Representation is meaningless without policies that empower the entire community.

C. The Continued Economic Dependency on Non-Black Entities

Even with Black success in various industries, Black communities:

Still rely on non-Black-owned corporations for jobs and services.

Spend their wealth outside of their own communities instead of circulating it.

Have little economic self-determination because they do not own production industries.

Example: Despite a growing number of Black billionaires, Black people still depend on non-Black banks, businesses, and investors for financial security.

Key Takeaway: A race without economic control will always be economically enslaved.

3. The Garveyite Solution: Restoring Collective Upliftment Over Individualism

A. Promoting Cooperative Economics Over Individual Wealth Accumulation

Black communities must:

Prioritize group investment in Black-owned businesses, banks, and industries.

Encourage pooling resources for community development projects.

Build financial institutions that serve collective Black interests instead of relying on white-owned banks.

Example: Marcus Garvey’s Negro Factories Corporation was designed to keep Black wealth within the Black world through cooperative economics.

Key Takeaway: Black wealth must serve the people, not just a few individuals.

B. Creating Pan-African Networks for Economic and Political Power

Black nations and communities must:

Develop strong trade relationships between Africa, the Caribbean, and Black America.

Form political alliances that focus on global Black self-determination.

Use collective bargaining power to push for international policies that benefit the Black world.

Example: The African Union and CARICOM should work closely with Black communities in America and Europe to strengthen global Black power.

Key Takeaway: Black people worldwide must unite economically and politically to create collective progress.

C. Shifting Black Leadership from Celebrity Culture to Community Investment

Black leaders must:

Focus less on individual fame and more on grassroots empowerment.

Use their platforms to build institutions that serve future generations.

Advocate for Black self-sufficiency instead of assimilation into white-controlled systems.

Example: Instead of spending millions on luxury goods, Black athletes and entertainers should fund Black schools, banks, and business incubators.

Key Takeaway: Leadership is about uplifting the masses, not personal gain.

D. Teaching Collective Responsibility in Black Education Systems

Black educational institutions must:

Teach students about Pan-Africanism and cooperative economics.

Instill the idea that individual success is meaningless without community progress.

Develop programs where Black students learn how to reinvest wealth into their communities.

Example: Schools should teach about Black Wall Street, the UNIA, and other models of group economic success instead of only focusing on individual success stories.

Key Takeaway: If Black children are not taught collective responsibility, they will grow up chasing personal success instead of community empowerment.

Conclusion: Will Black People Keep Focusing on Individual Success, or Build Collective Power?

Marcus Garvey said:

“The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself, but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity.”

Will Black people continue glorifying individual success while the community remains economically weak?

Will we prioritize collective wealth and power over short-term personal achievement?

Will Black leaders serve their people, or will they only seek status and riches for themselves?

The Choice is Ours. The Time is Now.

[slyandthefamilybook]

What is the Accountability Archive?

(I was gonna make this an addition to another post but OP turned off reblogs while I was halfway through my deep dive so I'm making my own)

With any activism (or something trying to pass itself off as activism), especially list-making like this site, the most important question to ask is "why". What is the purpose? What do they hope to accomplish? How will this data be used?

The answer is......eh? The list is being compiled so that possibly someday some future historian might maybe think about wanting to form a committee to explore the possibility of..."understanding how 'power holders' manufacture consent". These power holders are, of course, politicians, but also journalists?, and "public figures", which is an extremely vague term. Am I a public figure? I certainly make my opinions public. So when these future researchers want to understand the nature of the current conflict, they won't need to look at the history of the region, the contemporary local politics as well as the international stage, and the personalities of the specific people involved. They'll just check out this eyesore of a website to find proof that slyandthefamilybook supports genocide. And future lawyers will be able to use this incontrovertible evidence to...sorry, to prosecute war crimes?????? Sorry, I couldn't help but laugh at that one. Well if I am on there it shouldn't be too hard to check. Surely a site called the "Accountability Archive" believes in transparency

Oh. Well. I'm sure if you pass their screening process they'll respond promptly from their encrypted archive-less email and definitely give you access. But don't worry. They have a "vision" of one day making this public. When are we the people going to be able to see the info? I want the juicy deets on who is and isn't a Zionist!

So, sometime in the future. Maybe. Probably. Well what kind of info are they collecting anyway?

Alright, seems normal so far. I appreciate that when talking about targeting of civilian populations or infrastructure they've remained impartial. I submitted a page from the ADL cataloguing US professors who celebrated Hamas' pogrom on 10/7. I will let you know how or if they respond

One thing I've noticed is the distinctly European spelling of some words like "dehumanisation" and "analyse". So who are these people even? They must have pictures, or names, or evidence of their bona fides. They claim to be "middle east experts" [sic] so surely they'll link articles they've written, or talk about degrees or accolades they've received. Something, anything to let us know that they're real serious people who know what they're talking about

Well that's......I mean that's not even an answer. You don't answer the question of "who are we" with "this is the purpose of our website". They have a Twitter, which despite being made in October 2023 (huh. weird) only made its first post in February 2024

The site itself went live on November 22, 2023, but according to Google was only certified as of 9 days ago

I'm not going to try to dig into who potentially runs the account. I don't want to doxx anyone. But this should give you an overview of what this site is and why you definitely shouldn't use it

[whyeverr]

It's time to go, but of course everyone is burning the midnight oil cramming things in last minute! Knitting through the night, rotating out all our fall crops for winter-hardy types, staying up reading well past bedtime, and of course, reflecting on all we've accomplished as we say goodbye to autumn:

Celebrated Día de los Muertos with community, good food, and music ✅

Had a breakthrough — with a whole lot of help from Cherry — on how to improve New Promise's floundering school program ✅

Upgraded countless plumbing fixtures in an effort to future-proof against aging and under-maintained utility infrastructure ✅

Tyler and Octavia are officially engaged ✅ ...now, what sort of nuptials suit them best?

Octavia and Lydia developed a Supportive family dynamic ✅

Tyler and Octavia developed a Wholesome romantic dynamic ✅

In addition to the infant onesie, Octavia has knit heaps of new socks and sweaters for Christmas presents and has maxed her knitting skill! BACC-wise it unlocks, from memory, absolutely nothing! But knitwear for all is pretty important this time of year. ✅

Tyler got SO close to maxing his Gardening skill, but sadly ran out of work to do in the garden and fell just short... If not over the course of community gardening projects in others' rotations, next time for sure! ✅

This rotation has been such a comfort to play and share with you all. I will be back at it soon with what, I assume, promises to be a chaotic week with Dawson, and Jagger, and... Wait, what was that about Rose Rivers having her own room at Dawson's place? Didn't Dawson call it quits with Cora...? 🤔

[the-most-humble-blog]

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap"> <meta species-shame="irrecoverable"> <script> ARCHIVE_TAG="HUMANITY::DEATH_GOD_PRIMATE::KILLSTREAK_COSMIC" EFFECT: ego fracture, ancestral guilt, laughter through blood TRIGGER_WARNING="statistical war crimes, species-wide roast, extinction prophecy" </script>

🩸 THE MOST HORRIFICALLY MURDEROUS PRIMATE IN HISTORY? LOOK IN THE FUCKING MIRROR. 🩸

—

You ever wonder what the most blood-soaked, batshit insane, nightmare-fueled apex predator ever to soil the surface of this planet is?

Chimp? Gorilla? A baboon with an inferiority complex and a machete?

Nah, bitch.

It’s you.

Not “humankind” in a feel-good, TED Talk tone.

YOU. Right now. Reading this. Sitting there with murder in your bloodline and a Wi-Fi connection.

—

🧠 YOU ARE A HIGH-FUNCTIONING MASSACRE ENGINE.

You aren’t just violent. You are performance-art-level violent.

🦈 Sharks kill because they’re hungry. 🦁 Lions kill to eat. 🐍 Snakes kill to defend themselves.

You?

You kill because you got ghosted. Because a flag looked different. Because a guy walked into your parking space.

And you’ll do it with flair, hashtags, and historical revisionism.

—

📉 STATS THAT MAKE GOD FLINCH

🧬 Chimps kill 1-2% of their group. You?

You were clocking 12–15% murder rates in prehistoric societies before literacy.

Middle Ages? 30-40 per 100,000 murdered every year in Europe. Not counting all the unrecorded shankings over bread, women, and vibes.

Modern era? Just a sample platter of your greatest hits:

🌍 WWII: 85 million dead

🍚 Mao’s Great Leap: 45 million starved

❄️ Stalin’s purges: 20 million deleted

⛓️ Atlantic Slave Trade: 15+ million moved like furniture, millions more dead

🌄 Native genocide: 90% wiped out like a fucking software update

Y’all killed entire civilizations and gave it a name like Manifest Destiny.

This isn’t war.

This is performance homicide with branding.

—

😈 SERIAL KILLING? THAT’S FOLKLORE TO US.

You are the only species that kills:

✅ For fun ✅ For art ✅ For profit ✅ For theology ✅ For lunch ✅ For no reason at all

Dolphins might be freaky.

But only humans looked at a beating heart and thought:

“Y’know what? I bet I can make furniture out of that.”

Ted Bundy? Dahmer? Gein?

They're not anomalies. They're proof-of-concept.

You evolved just enough empathy to feel the kill, then just enough abstraction to enjoy the aftermath.

—

🏆 YOU ARE THE MICHAEL JORDAN OF DEATH.

If murder was a sport?

Humanity invented the court, killed the referee, and played naked for drama.

You kill:

For land (colonialism, gentrification, turf wars)

For faith (crusades, jihads, “convert or die”)

For oil (aka “freedom”)

For resources (the Congo’s blood-soaked minerals)

For politics (genocides, death squads, Twitter beef)

For TikTok clout (yes, we’re here now)

And sometimes?

You just do it.

Because "he looked at me wrong."

—

🤡 “BUT WE’VE EVOLVED!” — SWEETIE, NO.

You think we’re peaceful now?

You just moved the slaughter to spreadsheets.

Now we:

☑️ Drone strike families from climate-controlled bunkers ☑️ Starve nations through economic sanctions ☑️ Destroy lives via algorithm ☑️ Gaslight history with AI ☑️ Disappear whistleblowers behind corporate logos

You didn’t evolve.

You rebranded.

Now murder wears a fucking lanyard.

—

🌍 THE 21ST CENTURY IS SHAPING UP GREAT 🔥

🌪️ Climate collapse? We’re about to kill ourselves with weather.

🤖 AI war systems? Robots with machine guns and zero emotional baggage.

🏛️ Rising fascism? Been there. Mass graves. Black boots. Coming back like a reboot no one asked for.

You’re not better.

You’re smoother.

You’re murder with UX design.

—

🪞 LOOK IN THE MIRROR, EXTINCTION MONKEY.

You are a walking extinction event.

Lions stop when they’re full. You kill until God hits reset.

You kill the future. You kill infrastructure. You kill your own blood. You kill while praying.

And the scariest part?

You call it progress.

So next time you brush your teeth, and glance up at your reflection?

Just say:

“There it is. The deadliest apex predator in planetary history. Homo sapiens. Made of meat. Designed for violence. And I love brunch.”

—

📢 REBLOG. FOLLOW. SPREAD THE APOCALYPSE.

This isn’t a mood board. This isn’t a meme. This is your species profile.

You are what nightmares have nightmares about.

—

🧠 FOLLOW [The Most Humble Blog] for more brain-cracking transmissions- Now on Patreon! 🔁 REBLOG to slap someone awake with data 💬 COMMENT if you’re ready to get roasted alive with stats

You don’t escape this.

You either accept it or get eaten by it.

</div> <!-- END TRANSMISSION [BLOOD-INDEX: 100%. MIRROR STATUS: SHATTERED.] -->

[iflotrs]

"Capitalist realism, however, entails subordinating oneself to a reality that is infinitely plastic, capable of reconfiguring itself at any moment” [1]

I believe hedvas notion to“endure[ing]”[2] is aligned with “remain[ing] in existence”; to “last.”[3] Similar to the efforts we as humans take to engrave our legacy so it lasts as long as our cities take to decay in some far future. The “infinitely plastic” giant; Capitalism, has consumed this nature. We must keep in mind that humanity is temporal which is why we have a preservative nature. Yet, mortality is detested and avoided in current Western society, which in turn, denies us as beings who innately need support. Consequently, the infrastructures of support that were made for humans are unaligned with the temporal human body, they are a product of afterthought, techniques to keep Capitalism bearable. Capitalism disguises itself in our traditions of ‘passing down’, feigning mortality, as we have known no other option of life for centuries it convinces us of its necessity due to its familiarity. Capitalism isnt organic: it is a machine that can run with or without us (ai) and it hiding withing the temporality of human tradition, discuises it as mortal, human, an ally, when it is infact beating us like a dead horse. Consequently, I believe Capitalism for many has transitioned from just the need to ‘survive’ to persistence. A slow grueling marathon and at the end we will be able to see the tiny, insignificant scratch we made in the concrete, in the world. This has led to a Western society incapable of comprehending death, an end to all things, allowing it to simmer into pressure within the subconscious, to fear-drive a working nation. An unnatural fear that is curated by a Capitalism that discuises itself inside our mortal flesh. This shift gives Capitalism the power to use bodies as though they are permanent. Temporary bodies are expected to do anything to make humanity persist, in turn, endorsing capitalism, and because it hides itself in our humanity, we do not know how to live without it. Proof of existence is more important than existence itself, unfortunately, many people (including myself) do not know how to exist.

[wachinyeya]

Hydrogen has been billed as the future of home heating for years but has yet to live up to its promises. That could be about to change, however, after Scotland cut the ribbon on a collection of newbuild hydrogen homes.  

Located in Levenmouth on Fife’s east coast, the demonstration homes show how hydrogen can provide heating and cooking experiences similar to natural gas. 

Hydrogen emits only water vapour and can be produced using renewables but has been hampered by high costs and a lack of infrastructure for storage and transportation.

The H100 Fife project offers a proof of concept that could pave the way for similar developments, says SGN, the gas company behind it. 

“We believe that H100 Fife can act as a catalyst for regional decarbonisation,” said SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback. “This project is also far more than just a hydrogen for home heating trial and will provide key evidence to support the development of the hydrogen economy, whether that be production, storage, distribution or operations.” 

-via positive.news, 2/23/25

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New data model paves way for seamless collaboration among US and international astronomy institutions

Software engineers have been hard at work to establish a common language for a global conversation. The topic—revealing the mysteries of the universe. The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) has been collaborating with U.S. and international astronomy institutions to establish a new open-source, standardized format for processing radio astronomical data, enabling interoperability between scientific institutions worldwide.

When telescopes are observing the universe, they collect vast amounts of data—for hours, months, even years at a time, depending on what they are studying. Combining data from different telescopes is especially useful to astronomers, to see different parts of the sky, or to observe the targets they are studying in more detail, or at different wavelengths. Each instrument has its own strengths, based on its location and capabilities.

"By setting this international standard, NRAO is taking a leadership role in ensuring that our global partners can efficiently utilize and share astronomical data," said Jan-Willem Steeb, the technical lead of the new data processing program at the NSF NRAO. "This foundational work is crucial as we prepare for the immense data volumes anticipated from projects like the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array and the Square Kilometer Array Observatory in Australia and South Africa."

By addressing these key aspects, the new data model establishes a foundation for seamless data sharing and processing across various radio telescope platforms, both current and future.

International astronomy institutions collaborating with the NSF NRAO on this process include the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), and Joint Institute for Very Long Baseline Interferometry European Research Infrastructure Consortium (JIVE).

The new data model was tested with example datasets from approximately 10 different instruments, including existing telescopes like the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder and simulated data from proposed future instruments like the NSF NRAO's Next Generation Very Large Array. This broader collaboration ensures the model meets diverse needs across the global astronomy community.

Extensive testing completed throughout this process ensures compatibility and functionality across a wide range of instruments. By addressing these aspects, the new data model establishes a more robust, flexible, and future-proof foundation for data sharing and processing in radio astronomy, significantly improving upon historical models.

"The new model is designed to address the limitations of aging models, in use for over 30 years, and created when computing capabilities were vastly different," adds Jeff Kern, who leads software development for the NSF NRAO.

"The new model updates the data architecture to align with current and future computing needs, and is built to handle the massive data volumes expected from next-generation instruments. It will be scalable, which ensures the model can cope with the exponential growth in data from future developments in radio telescopes."

As part of this initiative, the NSF NRAO plans to release additional materials, including guides for various instruments and example datasets from multiple international partners.

"The new data model is completely open-source and integrated into the Python ecosystem, making it easily accessible and usable by the broader scientific community," explains Steeb. "Our project promotes accessibility and ease of use, which we hope will encourage widespread adoption and ongoing development."

[blueiscoool]

Biblical Steps Where Jesus 'Healed a Blind Man' Unearthed by Archaeologists

In Jerusalem, a recent excavation effort uncovered stairs that had been hidden for more than 2,000 years near the spot where the New Testament says Jesus treated a blind man.

A new excavation project in Jerusalem has unearthed steps unseen in over 2,000 years at a place where the New Testament records Jesus as having healed a blind man.

The Israel Antiquities Authority, the Israel National Parks Authority and the City of David Foundation early this year announced that the Pool of Siloam, a biblical site cherished by Christians and Jews, will be open to the public for the first time in 2,000 years in the near future.

In recent weeks, archeologists achieved significant progress in the excavation, unearthing some eight steps descending into the Pool which had not been seen in 2,000 years — around the time when Jesus walked the Earth.

“The ongoing excavations within the City of David — the historic site of Biblical Jerusalem — particularly of the Pool of Siloam and the Pilgrimage Road, serve as one of the greatest affirmations of that heritage and the millennia-old bond Jews and Christians have with Jerusalem,” Ze’ev Orenstein, director of International Affairs – City of David Foundation said.

“Not simply as a matter of faith, but as a matter of fact,” he added.

The City of David Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1986, “dedicated to the preservation and development of the City of David and its environs, and is committed to connecting people of all faiths and backgrounds to ancient Jerusalem.”

“The half-mile running through the City of David, from the Pool of Siloam in the south, continuing along the Pilgrimage Road, up to the footsteps of the Western Wall, Southern Steps and Temple Mount, represents the most significant half-mile on the planet,” Orenstein said.

“There is no half-mile anywhere on Earth which means more to more people – not to millions, but to billions — than the half-mile that is the City of David,” he added.

The pool was first built roughly 2,700 years ago as part of Jerusalem’s water system in the eighth century B.C.

The construction unfolded during the reign of King Hezekia as cited in the Bible in the Book of Kings II, 20:20, according to the two Israeli agencies and the City of David Foundation.

According to estimates, the Pool of Siloam passed through many stages of construction and reached the size of 1.25 acres.

According to a passage in the Gospel of John, Jesus restored the sight of a man born blind at the Pool of Siloam.

A small section of the pool, which has been fully excavated, has been accessible to the public for several years.

The vast majority of the pool is being excavated and will either be opened piecemeal or once the entire site is unearthed.

Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, told Fox News Digital in January that, “In the Pool of Siloam, we find evidence of history preserved for us, revealed at just the right time.”

“Theologically, it affirms Scripture, geographically it affirms scripture, and politically it affirms Israel’s unquestionable and unrivaled link to Jerusalem. Some discoveries are theoretical. This one is an undeniable. It is proof of the story of the Bible and of its people, Israel,” he said.

A stroke of luck revealed the pool in 2004, when infrastructure work carried out by the Hagihon water company uncovered some of the pool’s steps.

The Israel Antiquities Authority, under supervision of professors Roni Reich and Eli Shukron, launched a survey.

As a result, the northern perimeter, as well as a small section of the eastern perimeter of the Pool of Siloam, were uncovered.

“Whether in the halls of the United Nations, ongoing efforts by Palestinian leadership, or on university campuses, Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage is under assault,” said Orenstein.

Orenstein noted that in few years time, visitors to the City of David will be able to witness the factual history for themselves and “see with their own eyes, touch with their own hands, and walk with their own feet upon the very stones their ancestors walked thousands of years ago, as they made their way to Jerusalem on pilgrimage.”

[signaturglobalplots]

Why Signature Global Farukhnagar Plots Are the Smartest Real Estate Investment in Gurugram?

In recent years we have seen a large transformation in the Indian real estate space which is very much also the case in the National Capital Region (NCR) area. To the list of up and coming areas for smart investors and home buyers, Farukhnagar has emerged as a star for it’s affordability as well as it’s growth prospects. In this dynamic segment of the market, Signature Global Farukhnagar Plots are a stand out which present a package of lifestyle, investment and future readiness. As buyers which are looking for more from their purchase than just land a community feel, convenience of location and appreciation in value this project is it.

In the heart of Gurugram’s growth story which we see in Farukhnagar a once quiet area which has transformed into a hot bed of urban development we have Signature Global which is a name in the Indian real estate space that you can trust for quality and innovation. They have responded to this change with a well thought out development which brings together the best of both worlds - a peaceful home environment and also access to the best infrastructure. For those looking at plots in Farukhnagar this project is a rare find in terms of value and location. Also it's proximity to key routes like the Dwarka Expressway, KMP Expressway, and NH-48 which in turn connects to Gurugram, Delhi, Manesar and IGI Airport makes daily travel a breeze and very efficient.

What makes Signature Global Farukhnagar Plots stand out is the development philosophy which we have designed. This is not to break out the land but to put in place a smart, sustainable and future proof neighborhood. We have planned the township to foster walkability, green living and self sufficiency which are today’s urban buyers’ top priorities. In a world which is health and environment conscious, at Signature Global we present rain water harvesting systems, wide internal roads, landscaped parks and secure gated access which turns our residential plots into much more than just land. We have set out a model for a modern, liveable community.

In the real estate space we see that which is very true of residential plots in Farukhnagar they have great growth prospect. Out of the saturated city areas, Farukhnagar is still in the growth stage which means we see competitive prices today but also a very large chance of that changing as infrastructure develops. Also the Haryana government is behind the push to take urban development out of the hands of Gurugram and into the outlying areas which in turn benefits this region. We are at the stage of large scale urban expansion and also of planned development which in turn means high ROI for early in to players. Also with Signature Global being a RERA approved developer buyers also have legal transparency and regulatory safety a key element in today’s real estate environment.

From a financial perspective the Signature Global Farukhnagar plots present great value. We see that as opposed to the very high prices of Central Gurugram which is soaring, what we have here is a different story, these plots come at a fraction of the price at the same time they have access to the same economic areas. Also this is a big draw for middle income families, first time buyers, and young professionals that wish to get into the market without putting everything they have into it. Also the plots are made to order so buyers have the chance to create their dream home at a pace that is right for them and to a design that suits them best. That also is a huge plus point in a market that is very much for the personalized home as opposed to the mass produced home unit.

The lifestyle is very much the same. These don’t exist in silo. They are within a gated township which at completion will include schools, retail, parks, and recreation areas. Here you are a part of a full scale ecosystem which in turn fosters community living while still very much preserving individual privacy. For those that want to live in nature's embrace but still be a part of the economic pulse of Gurugram, Farukhnagar puts forth the ideal balance. And at the helm of that is Signature Global which is bringing that promise to life.

Another which does very well from Signature Global’s Farukhnagar plots is the NRI community. NRIs are increasing putting money back into what is home for them also for the emotional and cultural ties but what we see is that Indian real estate is outperforming foreign markets. These plots present a chance to get into tangible assets in one of India’s most dynamic real estate zones. With the rate of development in the area it is a sound and forward thinking play. Also high net worth individuals (HNIs) looking to put diversity into their investment portfolio will see in these plots a safe and also scalable addition which balances risk and reward and at the same time adds prestige to what they hold.

Another issue for Farukhnagar is that it has become a residential extension of Gurugram. As the city center is transforming into a more business oriented and crowded environment families and professionals are looking out for what the periphery has to offer in terms of better air quality, quiet streets, and at the same time which also provides easy access to their work places and schools. In that regard Farukhnagar is the answer. Also in on the action is Signature Global’s project which is put forth to benefit from this outlying migration trend. With report of many infrastructural projects in the pipeline which includes new metro lines and improved arterial roads the area is to become a residential priority. Also for those who put in now is the best time to do so.

Also see that which we at Signature Global come from a very strong background. In Gurugram, Sohna and beyond we have delivered many successful projects which our audience of thousands of families put their trust in. We are known for our timely delivery, open books policy and customer first approach which goes beyond just building homes for our customers we are building communities. Purchasing a plot from them in Farukhnagar is to be a part of this legacy and that which they stand for.

The range of plot sizes we offer from small which is great for compact homes, to large for duplex villas or boutique developments. We have designed this flexibility for our customers’ specific wants or market growth strategies. If you are looking to build out your own home, hold the land for it to increase in value, or turn around and rent it out we have options for that.

In that which is left, Signature Global Farukhnagar Plots are not just a real estate purchase. They are a foray into a better future lifestyle, wealth creation, and peace of mind. As Farukhnagar transforms to become Gurugram’s next premier suburb these plots are at the crossroads of value and vision.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from National Geographic:

Immigrants tend to migrate to neighborhoods that meet their cultural and linguistic needs, but the exodus of climate migrants to Buffalo wasn’t solely due to that established community. Months before Maria struck, the city’s mayor declared Buffalo a “climate refuge city,” noting that Buffalo has, “… a tremendous opportunity as our climate changes.”

Since then, the city has launched a relocation guide advertising the advantages to living in Buffalo, including how its average July temperature is a comfortable 71˚F. Anticipating a possible population uptick, the city revised zoning codes in 2017 to encourage development in existing city corridors and began upgrading its dated sewage infrastructure.

And Buffalo isn’t alone. Planners in cities such as Cleveland, Ohio; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Duluth, Minnesota; and elsewhere are beginning to map out what a future with thousands more residents could—and should—look like. 

The question of ‘climate havens’—places where extreme weather events are rare and which tend to be located in the northern regions of the U.S. close to bodies of freshwater—has gained currency in recent years, as deadly wildfires, record heat, and damaging hurricanes increasingly affect day-to-day life in the southern and western parts of the country. 

Last year, 675,000 people in the U.S. were displaced from their homes by disasters, second only to Colombia among all 35 countries in the Americas, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center.

One academic has gone as far as labeling Buffalo and Duluth “climate proof” communities.

Many of these communities were once economically dependent on manufacturing, and are potentially well-placed to meet the needs of an influx of climate migrants: When factories started closed in the 1970s and residents moved elsewhere in search of work, they left behind homes and city spaces that today can be repurposed.

Cleveland, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, has around 30,000 vacant lots. Detroit, which has lost nearly two-thirds of its population since its industrial heyday in the 1950s, has more than 30 square miles of empty land inside its city limits. Duluth already has the infrastructure to accommodate tens of thousands more residents.

“We need to model various land use and development scenarios for population growth at the neighborhood, city-wide, county-wide, and regional scales,” says Terry Schwarz, director of the Cleveland Urban Design Initiative. “But at this point, we’re only getting started.”

While available land may be an advantage for some, other cities are examining how to modernize existing housing stock by fortifying them against cold in winter and heat in summer. 

“Thinking through ways of reinvigorating the urban core is going to be central to having a more climate-resilient region,” says Nicholas Rajkovich of the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning.

[altaqwaelectric]

The Importance of Cable Management in Electrical Panels

In modern electrical installations, particularly in industrial, commercial, and residential applications, cable management in electrical panels plays a critical role. Poor cable organization can lead to inefficiencies, overheating, safety hazards, and costly downtime. Implementing proper cable management is not just a technical necessity — it’s a long-term investment in the performance, safety, and scalability of your electrical system.

What is Cable Management in Electrical Panels?

Cable management refers to the planning, installation, and maintenance of cables within an electrical panel to ensure neatness, organization, and optimal functionality. It includes the use of accessories such as cable ties, ducts, cable trays, wire markers, and labeling systems.

Common Components Used:

· Cable trays and ducts

· Cable ties and clips

· Wire markers and labels

· Conduits and sleeves

· Cable management panels and grommets

Why is Cable Management Important in Electrical Panels?

1. Enhances Electrical Safety

Proper cable routing reduces the risk of:

· Short circuits

· Arc flashes

· Fire hazards due to overheating or overloading

· Accidental disconnections or loose terminals

Safety is non-negotiable in any electrical system, and disorganized wiring is a known contributor to accidents and failures.

2. Improves System Reliability and Performance

A clean layout ensures stable voltage and current flow by minimizing electrical interference (EMI/RFI). It helps in:

· Preventing signal loss

· Reducing cross-talk in data cables

· Maintaining consistency in power distribution

3. Simplifies Maintenance and Troubleshooting

With labeled and properly routed cables:

· Technicians can quickly identify circuits and connections

· Downtime during maintenance is significantly reduced

· Errors due to wrong connections are minimized

4. Optimizes Space and Panel Layout

Efficient cable arrangement allows:

· Better airflow and heat dissipation

· Accommodation of future upgrades or expansions

· Reduced clutter and stress on terminal blocks

5. Compliance with Standards

Organizations such as IEC, NEC, and IEEE provide guidelines on wiring practices. Adhering to these standards not only ensures safety but also legal compliance during audits and inspections.

Best Practices for Cable Management in Electrical Panels

✅ Plan Before You Install

· Design the cable layout during the panel design phase

· Use CAD software for accurate visualization

✅ Use Quality Cable Management Accessories

· Invest in fire-resistant and durable cable trays and ducts

· Use color-coded wire markers for quick identification

✅ Ensure Proper Bending Radius

· Prevent cable damage by maintaining manufacturer-recommended bend radii

✅ Label Everything Clearly

· Use laser-printed or pre-numbered labels for durability and readability

✅ Separate Power and Signal Cables

· Avoid EMI by isolating high-voltage and low-voltage cables

✅ Secure Cables Firmly

· Use cable ties, clamps, or holders to prevent movement or vibration

✅ Regularly Inspect and Maintain

· Schedule routine inspections to spot frayed, loose, or overloaded cables

Industries Where Cable Management is Critical

· Manufacturing Plants — High-voltage systems and automated machinery

· Data Centers — Dense cable infrastructure and sensitive equipment

· Commercial Buildings — Office automation, security systems

· Healthcare — Life-support systems and diagnostic machines

· Renewable Energy — Solar inverters, battery management panels

Conclusion

Cable management in electrical panels is more than just a matter of aesthetics — it’s a critical component of a safe, reliable, and future-proof electrical system. From enhanced safety to easier maintenance and compliance, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Whether you’re an installer, facility manager, or system designer, investing in organized and well-planned cable management is a smart, long-term decision.

[almayarelectric]

The Benefits of Using Modular Switchgear Systems

Why Modern Industries Are Choosing Modular Solutions for Electrical Infrastructure

In today’s fast-paced industrial and commercial environments, electrical safety, efficiency, and scalability are more important than ever. That’s where modular switchgear systems come into play. Designed to meet the evolving needs of various sectors — such as manufacturing, commercial buildings, power utilities, and data centers — modular switchgear offers flexibility, safety, and long-term value.

In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of using modular switchgear systems, and why they are becoming the preferred choice over traditional switchgear configurations.

What Is a Modular Switchgear System?

A modular switchgear system is a type of switchgear that is built from interchangeable modules or sections. Each module contains electrical components such as circuit breakers, busbars, relays, isolators, and fuses. These modules are pre-engineered and can be easily configured, added, or replaced based on the specific requirements of a facility.

Modular switchgear is used for the protection, control, and isolation of electrical equipment. It is typically found in low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) power distribution systems.

Top Benefits of Modular Switchgear Systems

1. Flexibility and Scalability

One of the most significant advantages of modular switchgear is its flexible design. Whether you’re expanding an existing facility or starting from scratch, modular systems allow you to add or remove units without interrupting the entire system.

· Ideal for facilities expecting future expansion

· Easy to customize layout based on project demands

· Supports phased development in infrastructure projects

2. Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Modern modular switchgear systems are designed with advanced safety features. Segregated compartments, arc fault containment, and reliable insulation materials ensure operator safety and system reliability.

· Reduces risk of electrical faults and arc flashes

· Complies with IEC and ANSI safety standards

· Minimizes downtime during maintenance or upgrades

3. Ease of Installation and Maintenance

Thanks to its pre-fabricated modules, modular switchgear is faster and easier to install compared to conventional systems. It also simplifies troubleshooting and routine maintenance.

· Less on-site wiring and civil work required

· Individual modules can be isolated for servicing

· Reduces maintenance costs and system downtime

4. Compact and Space-Saving Design

With limited space in modern industrial setups, compactness is crucial. Modular switchgear systems are designed for space optimization, making them perfect for high-density environments.

· Vertical and horizontal expansion possible

· Reduced footprint compared to traditional gear

· Neat and organized layout improves cable management

5. Future-Proof and Upgrade-Friendly

Industries evolve, and so should your electrical infrastructure. Modular switchgear supports easy integration of new technologies, such as remote monitoring, IoT-enabled control systems, and energy management solutions.

· Supports integration with SCADA and BMS systems

· Accommodates evolving energy needs

· Long lifecycle with upgrade options

6. Cost-Effective Over the Long Term

Though the initial investment may be higher than conventional switchgear, the long-term benefits of modular systems — including reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and scalability — make them a cost-effective solution.

· Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)

· Reduced operational expenses

· Optimized energy efficiency

Applications of Modular Switchgear Systems

Modular switchgear is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

🏢 Commercial buildings

🏭 Industrial plants

⚡ Power generation and distribution

🖥 Data centers

🏥 Hospitals

🏗 Infrastructure projects and smart cities

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a smart, scalable, and reliable solution for your electrical distribution system, modular switchgear systems are a worthy investment. With benefits ranging from safety and efficiency to cost savings and future readiness, they offer a significant upgrade over traditional switchgear models.