text:
Our automotive service department expanded from a three-bay quick oil change. We have a dedicated department to meet customer demand for tune-ups, water pumps, air conditioning service and additional automotive repair.
Saab Tire and Automotive now has four ASE certified technicians in the under hood services department, which include three ASE technicians and one ASE master tech, advanced level. Our master technicians were required to pass a series of challenging tests in all eight areas of auto repair: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, engine performance, automatic transmissions and transaxles, manual drive and axles, electrical/electronic systems, and heating and air conditioning. Certification also requires several years of hands-on experience. This department can handle a wide variety of repairs from changing alternators to complete engine and transmission installations.
We welcome the opportunity to be of service to you!


text:
Dank charged over time at Darwin clinic
A tradesman places a film over a shattered window after the Ascot Vale house where former sport scientist Stephen Dank was shot and injured in Melbourne, Saturday, July, 23, 2016. (AAP Image/Mal Fairclough
Disgraced sports scientist Stephen Dank has been charged by Northern Territory Police with offences relating to his time working at an anti-ageing business in Darwin.
Mr Dank, 56, is facing fraud offences and charges of recklessly endangering serious harm and causing serious harm, NT police said in a statement.
The charges relate to his former employment the Darwin Ageless Health Clinic NT in 2017.
Dank was the architect of the Essendon Football Club's 2012 supplements regime, which led to 34 players being suspended from competition in 2016 after they were found to have been injected with a banned substance.
He has been summoned to appear at the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday, December 18.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hi everyone! Happy Father's Day to all you Cat Dads out there! My kitties are blessed to have a great one who shares his food and gives lots of scritches.
We are joining The Cat on my Head's Sunday Selfie Blog Hop.
Hi everyone! Happy Father's Day to all you Cat Dads out there! My kitties are blessed to have a great one who shares his food and gives lots of scritches.
We are joining The Cat on my Head's Sunday Selfie Blog Hop.
What sweet pictures!
Awww, so may kitties there to help Dad finish his noms, MOL!
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Fathers Day to your male human! My human's dad died three years ago, so it is kind of a sad day here for his cat Smokey. She lives in the house, but in a separate area, and the humans keep hoping there is a home out there for her.
Hmm, seems like I'm being hard done by, by Mrs H, as I never get treats like that. Not since the price of beef went up! MOL
Have a wonderful Selfie Sunday
Toodle pips
Beautiful Father's Day pictures. I'd tell my dad "Happy Father's Day", but as far as I'm concerned every day around here is a holiday because they get to enjoy life with me!
You all are so lucky to have such a FAB Cat-Daddy! I hope it's a super special day for all of you………..with lots of hugs (and snacks to share too….haha).
Love, Teddy
Happy Father's Day to the Dad of the 15andmeowing Crew! Hope your Dad has a most excellent Dad's Day! Maybe a nice glass of wine… 🙂 Sweet trifecta of pictures!
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's day. Those lucky kitties have a great father.
Aw, sweet photos! These are really lucky kitties 🙂
I didn't comment but I enjoyed all your posts this week. Yesterday's strawberry puzzle was great! Although a little bit difficult!
So sweet! Be well, my dears.
He looks like a truly paw-some cat daddy
Happy Dad's Day, Ellen's hubby!
Happy Father's Day to your dad ! Purrs
Happy Father's Day to your very special Daddy!
It's good to have a great cat daddy. You kitties are very lucky.
Have a purrfect day and may your dad have a great Father's Day. ♥
Aww, I love the cat dad photos! Happy Father's Day to him!
We have a tv tray here too that the peeps use for snacks and such…quite an interesting piece of furniture to me
Hugs madi your bfff
Happy Father's Day!!
The Florida Furkids
Isn't it great to have a wonderful Dad!!! We don't get to sit on our Dad's lap , but he is very good about sharing bits of his food:)
Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Happy Happy Father's Day to your pawesome Daddy!!
Awww such sweet photos of cat dad and his kitties 🙂 Happy Father's Day!
What sweet photos! You kitties indeed have a great dad. Happy Father's Day to him.
Happy Father's Day to the very cool cat daddy!
Awww, they look happy sharing Father's Day with their cat dad!
Catdaddies are the best. Happy Father's Day!!!!
Hope your cat dad is having a purrfect day!
Dads are the best, and it sure looks like you got a good one. Happy Father's Day to your special Dad!
Happy Pappaw'ss Day Unccle!!!
Luv yur neffkitty Siddhartha Henry =^,.^=
Happy Dad's Day to your cat daddy!
That is so sweet. Happy Father's Day to your awesome dad, and dads everywhere! 🙂
Wow, you do have a fantastic cad daddy. He allow paws on the table!
What wonderful shots of you guys with your Cat Dad! Happy Father's Day!
You all have such a purrfect dad! We know he is, because he shares his food with you. We hope he had a fantastic Father's Day!
The kitties know who the softie is in the family. LOL
Happy Dad's Day, to the kitty's Pop!
That looks like the purrfect day with a purrfect dad?Extra Pawkisses for a wonderful day???
Happy Father's Day to your sweet Dad!
Whispers . . . our Daddy shares his food too but don't tell our Mama ;p
the critters in the cottage xo
Happy Father's Day to your lovely dad!
Aw happy father's day to yalls cat-daddy 🙂
We hopes your Daddy and a purr-wonderful Father's Day with all the sweeties giving him loves and purrz,
-Chiqhita and Kaite Kat who love to give kisses and chin nips.


text:
Engine, system and method for providing three dimensional content and viewing experience for same
The present invention includes at least engine, system and method for providing three-dimensional content and a viewing experience for same.
Publication number: US2016286195A1 | Search similar patents
Virtual reality devices and accessories
Systems and methods disclosed provided a virtual reality experience, including: a set of motorized pads for coupling to feet of a user; a means of communication between the set of motorized pads and a computing environment operating a virtual reality headset; such that the set of motorized pads are configured to provide pressure on a user's feet as an avatar within a virtual environment traverses the environment. Systems and methods disclosed further provide a multiuser virtual reality experience. Systems and methods disclosed further provide a multiuser experience including generation of a common environment viewable in the virtual reality headsets; and recording a tour including audio data as the first user describes the common environment.
Publication number: US2015279079A1 | Search similar patents
System and method for the rebirth of copyright
A system and method to rebuild copyright in the digital entertainment marketplace by enabling universal ownership of copyrighted artistic works. Such can occur through a free global stock exchange for the entertainment industry that provides global consumers, at no cost, free financial payouts based on "their" artist's commercial earnings from copyrighted artistic works and other products and services, similar to dividends or royalties. The free global stock exchange may involve any artist-based entertainment sector with digital copyrighted artistic works such as music, literature, film and video gaming.
Publication number: WO2014144812A2 | Search similar patents
Immersive display apparatus
In various embodiments, a hand-held, desktop, boom, or mechanical arm-mounted apparatus including wide field-of-view (greater than 60-degrees measured diagonally) collimating optics and using either a stereoscopic or offset biocular assembly to remove parallax due to the position of the display can be configured to augment the display on a computer, laptop, tablet, or other image-generating device for the purposes of enhancing its immersive properties.
Publication number: US2014313580A1 | Search similar patents
Methods and apparatus for receiving content and/or playing back content
Content delivery and playback methods and apparatus are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for delivery and playback of content corresponding to a 360 degree environment and can be used to support streaming and/or real time delivery of 3D content corresponding to an event, e.g., while the event is ongoing or after the event is over. Portions of the environment are captured by cameras located at different positions. The content captured from different locations is encoded and made available for delivery. A playback device selects the content to be received based in a user's head position.
Publication number: US2015346832A1 | Search similar patents
Combined Virtual and Physical Environment
In part, the disclosure related to systems and methods of merging a simulation experience with physical objects and sensory stimuli generated outside of the simulation in a controlled physical environment to enhance the simulated experience.
Publication number: US2016275722A1 | Search similar patents
Rapid virtual reality enablement of structured data assets
Techniques are provided herein for enabling structured data assets for use in a virtual reality environment. These techniques may be embodied as a method, apparatus and instructions in a computer-readable storage media to perform the method. A computing apparatus having connectivity to a network receives a structured data asset that includes data portions identifying characteristics of the structured data asset. The structured data asset is converted to a uniform representation configured to be displayed in a virtual reality environment. The uniform representation of the structure data asset is continually processed and the uniform representation of the structured data asset is displayed in the virtual reality environment.
Publication number: US2015269781A1 | Search similar patents
Menus with hand based gestures
Several embodiments that allow for more precise three dimensional control of menus within electronic interfaces that may include televisions, computers, tablets, and smartphones. Interaction with electronic interfaces may be made through devices that measure three dimensional interaction such as the Leap Motion controller and Oculus Rift headset.
Publication number: US2015074613A1 | Search similar patents
Phone control and presence in virtual reality
In one general aspect, a method can include receiving, by a first computing device from a virtual reality (VR) headset, data indicative of a position of a second computing device, rendering, by the first computing device, an aspect of the second computing device for inclusion in a VR space based on the position of the second computing device, and integrating the rendered aspect of the second computing device with content for display as integrated content in the VR space. The method can further include providing the integrated content to the VR headset for display on a screen included in the VR headset, receiving data indicative of an interaction of a user with the second computing device, and based on the received data indicative of the interaction of the user with the second computing device, altering the content for display as integrated content in the VR space.
Publication number: WO2016118606A1 | Search similar patents
Methods and apparatus for streaming content
Methods and apparatus for streaming content corresponding to a 360 degree field of view are described. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are well suited for use with 3D immersion systems and/or head mounted display which allow a user to turn his or her head and see a corresponding scene portion. The methods and apparatus can support real or near real time streaming of 3D image content corresponding to a 360 degree field of view.
Publication number: US2015249813A1 | Search similar patents
Dynamic adjustment of game controller sensitivity based on audio analysis
An electronic device may receive a plurality of channels of game and/or chat audio during play of a game. The electronic device may detect one or more sounds on one or more of the audio channels during the monitoring of the plurality of audio channels. The electronic device may control, based on the detected one or more sounds, operation of a game controller that interacts with the game during play. The controlling of the operation of the game controller may comprise adjusting sensitivity of the game controller. The electronic device may determine directionality of the detected one or more sounds and adjust the sensitivity of the game controller based on the determined directionality of the detected one or more sounds. The electronic device may increase and/or decrease the sensitivity of the game controller in response to changes in the determined directionality of the detected one or more sounds.
Publication number: WO2015053886A1 | Search similar patents
System and method for controlling immersiveness of head-worn displays
Systems and methods are provided for controlling immersiveness of head-worn displays. A virtual-reality headset includes at least one panel on the virtual reality headset that is capable of being adjusted to increase or decrease opacity of the panel. A control device in communication with the at least one panel is capable of adjusting the opacity of the at least one panel in response to a command to increase or decrease the opacity of the panel so that a system user's immersiveness in the virtual world displayed by the virtual-reality headset is capable of being automatically controlled while the system user wears the virtual-reality headset.
Publication number: US2016196694A1 | Search similar patents
Split-sphere observatory dome with a rotating oculus window
A split-sphere observatory enclosure includes an antrum and a rotor including an oculus. The oculus is covered by an oculus window, which is rotatably mounted to the rotor. As an instrument housed by the enclosure moves to track an object or point across the sky, the oculus window is rotated to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the instrument.
Publication number: US6260309B1 | Search similar patents
Method and System for Providing Virtual Display of a Physical Environment
The present disclosure provides computer systems, apparatuses, computer-executable methods and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for implementing a virtual representation of a physical environment using a virtual reality environment. An example method includes receiving a first set of sensor data from a sensor, identifying at least one physical object within a field of view of the sensor from the first set of sensor data, generating a virtual representation of the at least one physical object based at least in part on the first set of sensor data, generating a virtual environment comprising the virtual representation of the at least one physical object and a virtual representation of at least one virtual object, and displaying the virtual environment via a display device.
Publication number: US2016217616A1 | Search similar patents


text:
Yesterday morning, after a night of immense fun and debauchery with my best friends, I woke up feeling insecure. And the feeling of feeling less than seriously hit me hard enough to send me into a crazy spiral, crying, as I fell back down a hole I've been successfully crawling myself out of for the past two (2) months.
I went to my personal IG page and I briefly wrote about what I was feeling. Usually I'm not one to be afraid of putting my personal shit out there as it relates to my mental health. But, for some reason, I felt ashamed. Afraid. Embarrassed. I was so tempted to take it down but I didn't because I knew to myself that this is all a part of it. I will be afraid sometimes. But I should never allow fear to stop me from doing what I feel as though I was placed on this Earth to do.
And now, this is why I'm writing this blog post.
I don't know whether to blame society for making me believe that I had to have the best body or the prettiest face in order to be something in this life or to blame myself for believing that messed up shit. But let's not play the blame game. Let's learn and move forward.
Winston Churchill said something that resonated with me when I saw the quote not too long ago. And it goes like this:
"When you're 20, you care what everyone thinks. When you're 40, you stop caring what everyone thinks. When you're 60, you realize no one was ever thinking about you in the first place."
I'm guilty.
I'm guilty of thinking about what others would say or think about me whenever I intended on embarking on any sort of venture that was going to place me in the public eye; be it a simple thing like starting to run on mornings or uploading my personal stories on WhatsApp for my contacts to watch. I'd keep overthinking myself to the point of exhaustion and admitting defeat as a result.
It's pretty annoying when that constant nagging voice in your head literally prevents you from living.
But this coming year, I pray that that changes.
I pray that you see it within yourself that you are enough. I pray that we don't wait until we're 40 to stop caring about society's standards and about the thoughts and feelings of others. No matter your appearance, your intelligence, your race and even your sex, YOU ARE ENOUGH.
You can do anything, and I mean goddamn ANYTHING, you put your mind to. You and I? We can do this. We can throw down these barriers that have kept us away from achieving our best. And I know… I know it's going to be hard. But anything worth having, worth doing? Those things never come easily.
I rather live knowing that although I failed at something, I still tried, than having to live 50 years down the road riddled with regret for never trying in the first place.
So today, I pray for our peace of mind. Take deep breaths. Say a few positive self-affirmations (I have a board on Pinterest full with great self-affirmations). Put on your sexiest outfit. And get out there and do the thing.
Much love.


text:
What an inspiration! I cried like a baby……….LOL It is amazing what miracles God can work through others. This guy must be changing hearts and leading souls to God with a message like this 🙂
Thank you God for showing us that such good can pour out of someone, even when others may have called it hopeless.
HT goes to Maureen – thanks!
Archive for the 'my spiritual ponders' Category
I needed a GOOD reason to cry…
Posted in inspiration, my spiritual ponders on November 6, 2008| 1 Comment »
What an inspiration! I cried like a baby……….LOL It is amazing what miracles God can work through others. This guy must be changing hearts and leading souls to God with a message like this 🙂
pondering this lately
Posted in my spiritual ponders on November 3, 2008| 1 Comment »
Nine ways of being an accessory to another's sin.
1.By Counsel
2.By Command
3.By Consent
4.By Concealment
5.By Defense of Evil Done
6.By Partaking
7.By Provocation
8.By Praise
9.By Silence
When we examine our conscience do we recall all the ways we have been an accessory to another's sin? Warning! When you do this God will show you truth and it will disrupt your life as you know it and you may loose friends and loved ones. But, God will heal and bring good of it. Jesus, I trust in you.
praying for others selfishly?
Posted in my spiritual ponders, struggles on October 6, 2008| 2 Comments »
How does the act of praying for others become vainglory for me? This isn't a decision I make, or even notice as it is happening. I love praying for others. I really do — I can't wait to have a quiet moment to say a rosary for the Christians being attacked in India and Iraq. I love to petition our Lord for others in need. I love to feel like I am working with the Body of Christ and praying in union with so many others for the greater good. I especially love when I see God answering prayers. Either wanted or unwanted answers, either way I love to see his work being done — it may be a joyful answer to prayers or a sorrowful answer to prayers. Either way, his will is what I want.
Did you notice how many times I said "I" in the last few sentences! Lately I have been praying for an understanding of suffering and to understand humility more. God is good and smacked me 🙂
I went to an Abortion Clinic to pray for the first time last week. A wonderful friend of mine took me and my 2 kids with her and her kids. As I prayed, I was distracted by myself asking God to send us the face of someone who needs help. I didn't think to ask this…it just popped in my head. I know that for me, sometimes it is nice to see a face of a person you are praying for. Selfish, but human. I was thinking at that moment of a scared young mother, a woman in a crisis pregnancy or maybe a woman who is in a financial crisis. For the life in a mother's womb that God allowed to be there and touched himself at the moment of conception by placing the soul there, he wants to gift the world with that life made in his own Image. Now, I am in no way prepared to be a sidewalk counselor. But I was with someone who's mother is, so I knew we could refer anyone in need to someone who could help. As this thought of putting a face to my prayer entered my head… I dismissed it because I know that it is silly to ask this, so I just ended the thought with…"Sorry God, I didn't mean to ask that of you, I want only your will."
As we were getting ready to leave, a woman stopped to yell something at us. With out thinking for a second I answered "No, it's not…it is God's work" I don't know if it is a good example to say anything back…it just came out. I am sure God is going to help refine me in these matters. But, there it was. My face that I prayed for, only not at all what I had thought of. I am busy praying for the mothers and the babies, they need it. But what about the angered people out there, the workers, the doctors, the security guards. If they didn't have employees they couldn't continue the work of evil, this culture of death. Pray for the workers of abortion agencies. After all, it is easy to pray for those we love or feel for — but what about our enemies, people who hurt us, betray us, cause harm to us or others. This is just like what Jesus teaches us in Luke 6
"But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same.
If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit (is) that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.
That was my first lesson in humility. To want to see what I want even in the midst of being prayerful is an act of pride. To even think that I would have any idea who my prayer would be offered up for is almost an act of disobedience to the Holy Spirit. I hope I will learn to say in service to God "Take my prayer for good to be done through only your Divine Will, not my ownl"
Then, this morning I was was reading Catholic Culture's Saint of the Day, and admiring Waltzing Matilda's coloring pages. I loved the St. Bruno coloring page. We are part German, so we are happy to learn more about St. Bruno and the Carthusians. Which lead me to this site that Catholic Culture linked too. I love the pics and I can't wait for the movie to be shown on EWTN about the Carthusians. That is when I clicked on this pic
Articles I am pondering
Posted in my spiritual ponders on June 9, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Here are some articles/interviews I came across that I am pondering on (but not realted in the least):
Our roles (wives,husbands and parents)
FATHER JOHN CORAPI ON THE EUCHARIST AND BENEDICT XVI (from 2005)
Grace and Justification
When you know something….
Posted in builder, family, lil monster, my spiritual ponders, struggles on April 29, 2008| Leave a Comment »
You know you are living the simple life when your kids are happy to sit forever just watching tiny sugar ants come through a little crack, then smooshing them.
(not to self, they aren't going to go away on their own as longs as crumbs are picked up!)
"Hey mom, I think one just stood up and waved at me!" Smoosh….poor little guy!
You know you are beginning the warning signs of MSO (Mom Spacing Out)
When you go to put your almost 3 yr old in her pj's and lift her shirt over her head, but it gets stuck. You think to yourself…..I know she has a kind of a big head..but dang….it can't grow in one day…YANK…YANK!! Then you hear her say "Mom…Buddom…Buddom!!!" Translation- Button, Button!!! Oh…oops…that's right,this shirt has a button in the back! Poor daughter!!! Bad mommy!
You know you are having another MSO moment when:
Son- "Mom, can I get a drink?"
Mom- " Sure, you can have some T.E.A." but don't let your sister see, she has all ready had her tea for the day.
Daughter- "I want tea"
Mom- gasping in astonishment "How did she know I spelled that?" wow, I must be doing a great job homeschooling if my almost 3yr old can spell !!!
Son- "Duh, the letter T alone says TEA!!"
Mom- I am a Goober!
You know there will be no sympathy for you and temptation will not get easier. When you are coming home from the first meeting with your friends, doing the lightweigh program to loose weight, and your family calls you and ask you to stop at sonic for some strawberry malts on the way home!
A wise man once said something like "Your loved one's may be a pain in your side to help get you to overcome and to earn sainthood" LOL Father Corapi 🙂 I guess redemptive suffering can come in small ways too 😉
A Mother's Seven Miles…..
Posted in my spiritual ponders, struggles on March 26, 2008| 8 Comments »
I woke up this morning to fix hubby's breakfast at 6am. My first thought was…why does he have to eat sausage, eggs and toast every morning…I want to go back to sleep.(was up till 2am playing catchup on my housework, lesson plans and peeking at blogs for inspiration) I let out a sigh and MADE myself get out of bed, grumbling on the way to the kitchen. I made his breakfast and packed his lunch and ran around like a crazy fetching stuff to help him get out the door on time. (we forgot to get gas last night, so his commute time will be shortened because he will have to get gas.) I grumbled some more….then he was finally off. I packed away the extra eggs and sausage to re-heat for the kids when they wake. My first thought was finally…peace, I am going back to bed. Then I looked at the dinner dishes from last night that were calling to me. So, I started to begin dishes while I watched EWTN. The Gospel reading was about the road to Emmaus, one of my favorites. So, I left my nagging dishes and sat, watched and listened.
It hit me how I am so blind in my walk with our Lord. They had a long seven mile walk with him and didn't recognize him. They were complaining to him. They were shocked that their chief priests turned Jesus over and had him crucified. Then they said "they were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel" Then talked to him about the women who reported they went to the tomb and didn't see his body and saw angels that said he was alive. But they had gone to the tomb and found things just as the women said, but him they did not see. Then Jesus was telling them how foolish they were, did they not believe what all the prophets spoke, and was it not necessary for Christ to suffer these things to enter his glory? Then they got to Emmaus and asked Jesus to stay with them. He stayed, then Jesus gave the blessing and broke bread giving it to them. That was when they finally realized that it was Jesus. Then Jesus vanished from them! They ran back to tell the eleven and said that they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
This really hit me hard! Do I recognize my Lord with me on my long walks through the day? Do I see how when I serve my family…that I am serving him. Would I grumble…if JESUS asked me to fix him sausage and eggs? How about when I want to go back to sleep? Would I grumble to myself when I had to get out of bed to serve him? Or when I try not to wake the kids cause I just want them to sleep a bit more so I can steal some peace? This is my 7 mile walk with the Lord….and I too don't see him! I too am complaining that I just want some peace sometimes, so I can sit, pray and "see" him. I too find myself not "seeing" him until the breaking of the bread. The redeeming gift he gives me when he consumes my soul the moment he is placed on my tongue at Holy Communion…..marveling…I think to myself…ahhh… how good it is to be with my Lord, finally…. Peace. Then when I hit the pew, there is my toddler shuffling hymnals, licking her shoes…(ick!!) and my 9 yr old giggling aloud at that sight. I give them both that mother's glare with stern eyes…and then, it begins again. The longing for that brief moment of peace, when he is with me.
I can "see" today, that he is always with me. I am serving him when I grumble to get out of bed, when I run around like a crazy fetching things, when I scold giggling
and licking children in church. He is there, that is my road to Emmaus with my blinders on. God reaches out to be with me through my children, husband…all my duties. After all If I hadn't listened to the dishes calling me and went back to bed… to steal a moment of peace, I wouldn't have heard the Gospel today, reminding me that I can sometimes have my blinders on. Did God call out to me through dishes?….hhhmmmm I need to take my blinders off and hear and see God in my daily duties as a mother. I don't have to feel him, I don't have to see him. I just have to know he is there, always there in little ways, in my little life, on my little 7 mile walk to Emmaus.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings…I am off to wake the children and steal some kisses and finish those dishes!
Birth Verse
Posted in my spiritual ponders on March 9, 2008| 5 Comments »
Jessica posted her Bible verse on her blog and it got me to look at mine….very interesting, I must say.
My Bible Birth Verse is:
Proverbs 2:7 (this is the nab version)
He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly
This verse came from chapter 2- The Blessings of Wisdom
Wisdom is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some in this world today think it is something they can attain, or achieve on their own. This is when it can can become pride, which to me is the deadliest sin because that is the sin that made Adam and Eve fall.
Wisdom, therefore is very dangerous if you try to attain it on your own. On the other hand, if it is God's will to give someone this gift and they humbly accept, then it will bestow the blessings of freedom on that person and all who know him. Freedom from ignorance and lies, they will possess truth that will set them free, free from the bondage that sin can keep us in.
There have been times of weakness in my life where I knew, that If I prayed for truth and searched for it, that I would indeed find it. Finding it would mean I would have to face my battles and face the truth, and stop offending God. There where times he was showing me truth and I turned as if I didn't see.
Satan's favorite tool is pride. It is so sneaky. To believe that our interpretation of truth is ok, as long as you follow your own conscience then you will be ok….that is wrong. Christ lived and died for his word, the truth to be known to us, that was his gift to us…his word will give us eternal life. To follow our own conscience(if it not be in union with the Holy teachings) is like taking Christ's gift and exchanging it for something you think is a better fit for you…..how terrible is that? Who knows you better than your creator?
This leads me to understand this verse all tied up in what wisdom really is, a gift….but it's not all rosy…people with truth and wisdom don't seem to be skipping through life with sunshine following them everywhere. Oh, there is going to be rain…that is for sure, but he will provide you with an umbrella 😉
He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly
It is not easy for the upright…that is what this is saying. This is why he sends the message not to worry, that he will give you counsel. He wasn't fooling when he gave us the message that he will shield you who accept the truth. Does that mean that it is easy…smooth sailing? Heck no! That is why he prepares you by saying he will give you a shield…. he is saying bear down kid, it's gonna be a tough ride.
Isn't that what any of us would do for our kids? If any of my kids receive the gift of wisdom…will I say "wow, look at you" nope I will be saying…grin and bare it, you'll have to white knuckle it…there is gonna be a storm, but you'll make it! With God's grace, you'll make it!


text:
ABC Fora is the result of an exciting new editorial partnership between the ABC and US web group www.fora.tv. Combining content sourced by the ABC from talks events all over Australia with the international material provided by fora.tv, ABC Fora will bring you the most engaging and interesting speeches and debates from all over the world.
Farming has become an occupation and cultural force of the past. Michael Pollan's talk promotes the premise -- and hope -- that farming can become an occupation and force of the future. In the past century American farmers were given the assignment to produce lots of calories cheaply, and they did. Listen to the talk here.
In the past century American farmers were given the assignment to produce lots of calories cheaply, and they did. They became the most productive humans on earth. A single farmer in Iowa could feed 150 of his neighbors. That is a true modern miracle.
"American farmers are incredibly inventive, innovative, and accomplished. They can do whatever we ask them, we just need to give them a new set of requirements." The same applies to all farmers who are willing to reflect and review current practices and are interested in real sustainability.
The energy crisis will also dramatically improve public health. There is no issue of trade offs, this is not a zero sum, this is one those lucky issues that is not zero sum. We can make progress in all these fronts at once. Make the system safer, more secure, more sustainable and tastier. Not only here in America, but in the developing world as well. I think we would not be able to do again, is make food as cheap as it has been or something that we can ever take for granted again. Now, food reform you know, that is a big chaotic subject. It needs a lot of different things to different people. And you have got lots of people on this movement working at in their own little fiefs. I mean you got people working on school lunch, very important work here. People working on labeling, you have people working on building local food economies. Bringing food-to-food deserts in the inter-cities. Getting the trans fats out of food. All these different kind of elements and it is a little inchoate as a movement and that is why when I use this term movement. some people are kind of surprised. ... And that is what I want to talk about, the big picture.
Michael Pollan has seen and reports on many aspects of farming in many countries. We need to research - we need to shift the whole research agenda. We can not count on private companies who will not be able to figure out a way to lock up the intellectual property of a really good relationship between chickens and cows and pigs on a farm. So, that is one thing. We need to research - we need to shift the whole research agenda so we no longer favour monoculture crops - and animals.
We could reward farmers instead for diversification. For how many crops do you have? We will pay more for everyone you add to the rotation or we will pay you to plant a cover crop in the fall which very few farmers do today. Cover crops by themselves, another great technology, completely unglamorous, you know what they do is they keep soil from eroding. They build up carbon in the soil. Farmers do not do it.
Pollan also advocates subsidising farmers for their contribution to planetary health and using farming processes that will reduce climate change.
This is a great program looking hopefully towards a renewed value in the biodiversity options available with sustainable food production. Listen to it here.


text:
The Men's Soccer team took home the win today at West Hills College. The final score was 4-1. The first goal happened in the 13th minute and was scored by Hugo Magana. Alex Cabrera took a shot which was deflected landing at Hugo's feet and he put the ball away. Luis Lopez scored the second goal in the 24th minute when Alex Cabrera played Luis a through ball and Luis tucked the ball away. In the beginning minutes of the second half, the Cougars managed to get another goal. Alan Perez played Alex Cabrera a ball that he put away with a hard left foot shot. The last goal happened in the 77th minute when Hugo Magana managed to pick the ball off giving it to Javien Cortez who took a shot outside the 18-yard box and scored. West Hills managed to get a goal in the 85th minute. Now the Cougars will prepare to play on Friday, October 26 as they travel to Visalia to take on College of the Sequoias.
TC at West Hills
Posted: Oct 26, 2018


text:
Federal Regulators Let Oil Regulate Itself
Typical, actually, though still irritating. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where the government actually cared about enforcement of safety regulations of all sorts, and didn't defer to the industries and their lobbyists? I know I would.
"Federal regulators warned offshore rig operators more than a decade ago that they needed to install backup systems to control the giant undersea valves known as blowout preventers, used to cut off the flow of oil from a well in an emergency.
The warnings were repeated in 2004 and 2009. Yet the Minerals Management Service, the Interior Department agency charged both with regulating the oil industry and collecting royalties from it, never took steps to address the issue comprehensively, relying instead on industry assurances that it was on top of the problem, a review of documents shows.
In the intervening years, numerous blowout preventers and their control systems have failed, though none as catastrophically as those on the well the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig was preparing when it blew up on April 20, leaving tens of thousands of gallons of oil a day spewing into the Gulf of Mexico.
Agency records show that from 2001 to 2007, there were 1,443 serious drilling accidents in offshore operations, leading to 41 deaths, 302 injuries and 356 oil spills. Yet the federal agency continues to allow the industry largely to police itself, saying that the best technical experts work for industry, not for the government.
Critics say that, then and now, the minerals service has been crippled by this dependence on industry and by a climate of regulatory indulgence."
(click to continue reading Federal Regulators' Warnings on Safety Weren't Acted On – NYTimes.com.)
3 Responses to 'Federal Regulators Let Oil Regulate Itself'
[…] of government regulation being half-hearted, notice how this spill occurred in 2009, but nobody seemed to care much at the […]
[…] Petroleum1 is just not having a good week. Don't worry about them though, they won't have any real penalties, based on previous […]
[…] no fan of tea baggers and other conservatives always declaring that the market will "regulate itself." I'm not quick to forget that Sarah Palin once mocked Joe Biden for suggesting […]


text:
Fingerpaint recipe! Wheee!
(the young man above is called Mika!)
« Coudal visits Aesthetic Apparatus | Main | how would you pronounce lekker? »
"Store in refrigerator as it spoils in hot weather."
Not a fun summer time activity, eh?
If I could find corn flour this would be a great way to spend part of a free morning.
Cooool Tina, Danke!!!
s'Freut uns
btw, we actually used cornstarch!
Didn't really know or find cornflour as in the recipe. Still worked out great!
Ohh and Happy Valentines day!!
Anyone have any good alternatives to food coloring to get the nice colors? My 4 year old is allergic to the them (and the gluten in wheat too, but I can work around that!)
The comments to this entry are closed.


text:
Just because Prince George is third in line to the British throne doesn't mean he automatically gets dibs on portraying one of the Three Kings in his school's nativity play.
During a visit to BBC's Bridge House, Prince William revealed that Prince George landed an unexpected—but totally cute—role in an annual holiday production. The proud dad said, "I went to my boy's nativity play. It was funny. He was a sheep."
This past September, Prince George started school at Thomas's Battersea in London. Although it's tough to beat the four-year-old's adorable first-day-of-school pics, we have a feeling his stage debut was just as glamborous (sorry, had to).
All that's needed is a Little Bo Peep costume for Princess Charlotte and we have ourselves a photo op.
RELATED: The Strange Reason Why Prince George Is Not Allowed to Have a Best Friend at School


text:
No crystal balls exist for determining with certainty that a presidential candidate and his running mate are going to be a united team. Signs of similarity raise optimism, but for those not completely sold on the characters at play, potential red flags scream very loudly.
At a summit this week, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar raised eyebrows. He really did say his becoming President of Nigeria would put him in a position to enrich his friends, not his family. Even if you excuse it as a comment made from the perspective of creating a better life for all Nigerians of goodwill – who he may loosely refer to as his friends, it is one that should demand genuine verification on how well he is aligned with the man he hopes to be Vice President, Peter Obi.
A reputed spendthrift hands-on manager, Peter Obi would most probably never let those words slip even if woken from a dream. Actually, his tendency to often play a variant of Goodluck Jonathan's no-shoes card puts some of his party's supporters off. But if his record as Anambra state Governor feeds his thought process at Aso Rock, he should make many enemies. By popular observation and with scant mention of anti-corruption by the PDP in campaigns, the Villa's corridors will remain famous as safe spaces for cozily taking bites off the national cake.
The PDP may win on Feburary 16. If so, Obi should be in charge of the Economic team when they take their oaths of office. Will he be allowed to fulfill that oath and be himself if there is, at the moment, he diverges in understanding from what Atiku's intention to enrich his friends imply?
Atiku was on a discrete wavelength from Olusegun Obasanjo for the seven years their marriage of convenience managed to last. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's views on state policing, restructuring, among other things, are not same as Buhari's. But could a president and his deputy be operating on separate paths on the management of the economy and work effectively as a team?
Atiku has finally traveled to the United States, after 12 years of being denied visas. His closed door, off-the-record meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce adds a veneer of credulity to his ability to draw in networks that will create jobs and 'Get Nigeria working Again'. All of Nigeria, or just his friends?
It's still a long way from President Abubakar and Vice President Obi; Atiku will likely soften and clarify at the coming presidential debate. But knowing their individual thoughts on who gets what, when and how before D-Day should seem standard fare for crowning them.
Featured image: Premium Times | Follow @inquizimedia on Facebook and Twitter
You are reading inquizimedia.com, the nexus of Politics, Tech and Culture


text:
Trend Alert: Metallic Lips
Metallic Lips? Yes, Please! Metallic lips have been everywhere lately and we love this beauty trend!
We've seen metallic lips before from Kylie Cosmetics which sold out instantly, but now we have an affordable ($9!!) and easy to get new player. The Milani Amore Metallic Lip Cremes are amazing! These metallic lipsticks are amazing and come with a great color choice, from a nude to pink, red, purple, and peach. These metallic lipsticks will be everywhere this Fall and you can rocks this at dances, football games, and parties!
Twitter: @milanicosmetics
Instagram: @milanicosmetics
Photo: Twitter/Milani


text:
Fixing your car can cost you a lot of money. The cost of parts are significant, but the labor costs can add up as well. Does the idea of saving money on auto repairs appeal to you? It is really not as hard as you think, and the following article will show you how it is done.
Keep a good battery charger in your car. Batteries die all the time, but you won't be in trouble if you can charge it. It is also important to understand how to properly connect the charger to the battery.
Every time your car is repaired, no matter why it is, keep a record of the repair. If the car has other issues later, it can help the tech see its past records. If you do not have documentation, you may have duplicate services performed.
Take the mechanic for a drive before getting your car repaired. If you don't, you may find that you paid for nothing.
Look out for any mechanics that add unnecessary repairs. A reliable mechanic will tell you if any parts are worn down and need replacing. But, they should ask for your approval before replacing them. Avoid mechanics that have previously done work without your go ahead.
Get OEM components. This means that they've come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but they are not as good. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.
Look for warning signs that repair mechanics may give off. If you have trouble getting a straight answer out of them, (or if, even worse, they refuse to answer questions to your satisfaction) they probably aren't the kind of people you want to work with. Run, don't walk, to another mechanic.
Almost all cars will run into trouble eventually. This does not mean you always need to hire a mechanic to get the work done. You can do the repairs yourself and save the money. This information will help you do that, so do not be afraid.
Automotive Repair Lake Forest
Foreign and Domestic Auto Service Shop
Call Today: 949-829-4262 – Fix Your Car Today
AAA Auto Approved with ASE Mechanics


text:
Company looks beyond borders; with a profit of P94.8 m
Just like many other sectors of the economy, the property market is said to have been under-strained over the last three or four years.
Chief Executive Officer of Letlole La Rona (LLR), Chinkuni Shenjere-Mutiswa told this publication on Monday after his company presented its financial results for the year ended 30 June, 2018.
Mutiswa, with nearly two decades of global investment experience and armed with a Masters in Finance from London Business School, was appointed CEO of LLR in May this year.
After presenting to stakeholders the financial performance of company over the past year, the new man in charge of the listed variable rate loan stock company shared with this publication his views on the local property market as well as future plans for the company.
"We have seen banks slowing down their lending and housing prices particularly on the lower bracket of the residential market going for 10 percent or 20 percent under the original asking price," said Mutiswa.
Mutiswa said at the same time there has been a significant shift in the commercial space as tenants depart old areas around the Main Mall to the new posh CBD.
"So as a result of that rentals have not moved essentially at levels seen five years ago," said Mutiswa, adding that this is an environment where escalations are between 6 percent and 8 percent.
He said on the hospitality front, the number of new hospitality projects has pressured existing operators on their rentals.
"We have been very fortunate; we have managed to weather that and our most recent results indicate a 10 percent growth of bottom line and 7 percent of profit before tax," Mutiswa said, adding that the results are fairly commendable when one considers that local inflation has been hovering around the 3 percent territory.
Turning to the company's future plans, Mutiswa said LLR has been very focused in Botswana, and says though the company has done well here, to grow the business and increase the distribution to the shareholders there will be a need to look beyond the borders.
"So over the next 12, 24, 36 months, that is where we really going to be focusing our attention on," he said, and was quick to clarify that they are not ignoring Botswana, but in fact are doubling down if something comes up.
Mutiswa said they are currently working on a landmark iconic project in the new CBD in Gaborone, and will also have interest in a real estate project in the Okavango Delta.
"So we are very upbeat about real estate opportunities in Botswana. Right now we are on the unfavorable end of the cycle but that will pass and during this time LLR is looking for opportunities and at the same time really expanding into the region.
For the past year, LLR raked in profit before tax amounting to P94.8 million compared to the previous year's P88.9 million which reflects a 7 percent increase.
Contractual revenue increased by 10 percent to P80.8 million compared to the prior year's P73.3 million and the increase is said to have come despite the lower-than-expected contribution from Watershed property situated in Mahalapye. LLR completed the acquisition of the property in May this year.
The increase in top line is attributed to annual escalations upon renewal of existing leases, management's ability to negotiate better rentals and maintaining voids at a very low level of 0.73 percent of gross lettable space.
Diversity in property portfolio is said to have helped the company to consistently deliver positive results in both financial performance and operational metrics. Its property portfolio is spread across a number of sub-sectors such as hotels, office, industrial, residential and retail.


text:
In fact they are cheap....
It all depends how you choose them, what are your requirements and needs. Generally, if you choose wisely, you are able to cut the bill to be < $50. It can be done. It does not mean that server is feauture-poor; just the opposite - you get full-featured server.
You can cut even more once you buy physical server - its one time price but its worth it. With size of 15,6" laptop, you get: Xeon 4,8 GHz * 6, up to 256GB RAM, 4*2TB SSD. It costs (one-time) $1299, but monthly cost is +/- $40 (with server running 24/7). Its worth trying.
On SSD you get nothing (fully bootable but empty), you get dvd with OS (usually Linux - I got Arch cause I ordered it).
Once unpacked, insert DVD, boot it from there, install system, configure your webspace (the way you want it - its yours) and enjoy.


text:
After school silliness
Connor is in love with the programmable soda machine at Pagliacci
Ballard Locks/Salmon Bay
Go Poppy go!
Put em up
My lap on a Saturday morning
Blurry but I thought it was kinda cool with the shadow :)
Found an old card Amelia made for Tunip.. the outside..
And inside.
Working in class with Amelia the day that they kick off their whale unit.
Testing out "blubber gloves" (ziploc bags lined with crisco) in ice cold water
Lake Union and Lake Washington and east
Discovery Park
New doo with hair chalk
In jail
Reunited with Poppy after our trip to Tx. :)
Triangle head. Maybe she's part whippet.
First M's game of the season. brr
Really cool seats
Connor was supposed to be getting his jammies on.
Mt Si trail, recently fallen tree
Top of Mt Si, first snow I've seen up there!
Connor's first trip down the driveway on a bike!


text:
Teriyaki Chicken
Our All Natural chicken is baked and lightly glazed with teriyaki sauce. Teriyaki Chicken is an ideal side dish for soups or topping on Yumm! Bowls and salads. It can be served as a standalone snack or appetizer too.
We feature All Natural chicken that is minimally processed and has no artificial ingredients, no nitrites, and no preservatives.
- Single Serving 203 Cal.


text:
Syria has been accused of planting landmines near its borders as thousands of refugees try to escape the conflict.
The advocacy group, Human Rights Watch, says it has documented multiple accounts from witnesses in Turkey, Lebanon and inside Syria who have either seen Syrian troops laying or been hurt by mines.
It is unclear however, exactly how many people have been injured by the munitions because activists say most casualties avoid state hospitals when they are wounded.
In response to continuing allegations of atrocities, the United Nations says it will soon deploy monitors in countries bordering Syria to collect eyewitness testimony.
In some of the latest unverifiable footage to emerge, a sniper appears to hit a man trying to drag another to safety.
Also read: Inside Syrian unrest


text: Get ready to showcase your best work through Melon Gaming Gamedev Competition! Register yourself or your team now and get a chance win a total prize of $15.500 and get your game published on Facebook! For registration and further info, go to http://melongaming.com/gamedevcontest. Don't forget to submit your work before December 18th 2018


text:
Okay – I'll admit, it's been a hot minute or two since I've posted!! Which is crazy, because we've had SO much happen since I've posted last. Good news, bad news and everything in between. BUT…I'm very excited to update you on everything that's happened and where we are now!
So watch this space…updates are coming soon!!


text:
Scenario Lifecycle¶
Note: This document is still work in progress.
1. Overview¶
1.1. Problem Statement:¶
OPNFV provides the NFV reference platform in different variants, where each variant is called a "scenario".
OPNFV introduces scenarios in order to provide a way to deploy the stack using different combinations of upstream components, or to provide different sets of pre-defined configuration options for these components.
In some cases a scenario is introduced in order to provide isolation of a specific development effort from other ongoing development efforts, similar to the purpose of a branch in a code repository.
A certain amount of effort and resources is required in order to include a scenario in a release. The number of scenarios has increased over time, so it is necessary to identify ways to manage the number of scenarios and to avoid that their number grows infinitely. To enable this, we have to clearly define how to handle the lifecycle of scenarios, i.e. how to create, how to terminate, etc.
1.2. Scenario types:¶
Some OPNFV scenarios have an experimental nature, since they introduce new technologies or features that are not yet mature or well integrated enough to provide a stable release. Nevertheless there also needs to be a way to provide the user with the opportunity to try these new features in an OPNFV release context.
Other scenarios are used to provide stable environments for users desiring a certain combination of upstream components or interested in particular capabilities or use cases.
The new OPNFV scenario lifecycle process proposed herein will support this by defining two types of scenarios:
- Generic scenarios cover a stable set of common features provided
by different components and target long-term usage and maintenance of the scenario. Only stable versions of upstream components are allowed to be deployed in a generic scenario. Across all generic scenarios in a given OPNFV release, the same version of a given upstream component should be deployed. Creation of generic scenarios and promotion of specific to generic scenario requires TSC approval, see section 5. Generic scenarios will get priority over specific scenarios in terms of maintenance effort and CI resources.
- Specific scenarios are needed during development to introduce new
upstream components or new features. They are typically derived from a generic scenario and are intended to bring their features back into the parent generic scenario once they are mature enough. It is also possible that multiple specific scenarios are merged before bringing them back to the parent scenario, for example in order to test and develop the integration of two specific features in isolation. Specific scenarios can consume unreleased upstream versions or apply midstream patches. Creation of specific scenarios is not gated, but if a project intends to release a specific scenario, it has to indicate that in its release plan at milestone MS1. The scenario itself can be created at any time, by means of a simple request by a PTL to the release manager.
OPNFV scenarios are deployed using one of the OPNFV installer tools. Deploying a scenario will normally be supported by multiple installers. The capabilities provided by the resulting deployments should be identical. The set of tests to run and their results should be the same, independent of the installer that had been used. Performance or other behavioral aspects outside the scope of existing OPNFV tests could be different.
1.3. Parent-child and sibling relations:¶
When a developer decides to define a new scenario, he typically will take one of the existing scenarios and do some changes, such as:
- add additional components
- change a deploy-time configuration
- use a component in a more experimental version or with midstream
patches applied
In this case the already existing scenario is called a "parent" and the new scenario would be a "child".
Typically parent scenarios are generic scenarios, but it is possible to derive from specific scenarios as well. it is expected that the child scenario develops its additions over some time up to a sufficient maturity, and then merges back to the parent. This way a continuous evolution of the generic scenarios as well as a manageable overall number of scenairos is ensured.
In some cases a child scenario will diverge from its parent in a way that cannot easily be combined with the parent. Therefore, is is also possible to "promote" a scenario from specific to generic. If this is foreseeable upfront, the specific scenario can also be derived as a sibling rather that child.
Promoting a scenario from specific to generic or creating a new generic scenario requires TSC approval. This document defines a process for this, see section 5.
1.4. Scenario deployment options:¶
Many OPNFV scenarios can be deployed in different variants that do not justify creation of separate scenarios. An example would be HA (high availability) or non-HA configuration of otherwise identical scenarios. HA configurations deploy some components according to a redundancy model. Deployment options will also be used if the same scenario can be deployed on multiple types of hardware, i.e. Intel and ARM.
In these cases multiple deployment options are defined for the same scenario. The set of distinguishable deployment option types (e.g. redundancy, processor architecture, etc.) will be pre-determined and each scenario will have to define at least one option for each option type.
It is emphasized that virtual deployments vs. bare-metal deployments are intentionally not considered as deployment options. This should be a transparent feature of the installer based on the same scenario definition.
For generic scenarios, there are certain expectations on the set of supported deployment options, e.g. a generic scenario should support at least an HA deployment and preferably both HA and non-HA.
1.5. Scenario descriptor file:¶
Every scenario will be described in a scenario descriptor yaml file. This file shall contain all the necessary information for different users, such as the installers (which components to deploy etc.), the ci process (resource requirements in order to identify the right pod, machines, etc.).
The scenario descriptor file will also document which installer can be used for a scenario and how the CI process can trigger automatic deployment for a scenario via one of the supported installers.
1.6. MANO scenarios:¶
In early OPNFV releases, scenarios covered components of the infrastructure, that is NFVI and VIM. With the introduction of MANO, an additional dimension for scenarios is needed. The same MANO components need to be used together with each of the infrastructure scenarios. Thus MANO scenarios will define the MANO components and a list of infrastructure scenarios to work with. Please note that MANO scenarios follow the same lifecycle and rules for generic and specific scenarios like the infrastructure scenarios.
2. Generic Scenarios¶
Generic scenarios provide a stable environment for users who want to base their products on them.
- Generic scenarios provide a basic combination of upstream components together with the superset of possible mature features that can be deployed on them.
- Generic scenarios should be supported by all installers.
- All generic scenarios in a release should have the same common major versions of the included upstream components. These upstream versions can then be seen as the upstream versions for the release. E.g. that way we can say: "OPNFV xxx contains OpenStack abc, ODL def, ONOS ghi, OVS jkl". But most installers cannot directly reference any upstream version. This may lead to minor differences. Nevertheless features and test cases require all installers using the same major versions.
- Generic scenarios should use stable sources and lock the versions before the release by either pointing to a tag or sha1. According to the LF badging program it should be possible to reproduce the release from source again. Thus the upstream repos should be in safe locations. Also only tagged source versions should be used for the release, so the release can be reproduced identically for different purposes such as reproducing a baug reported by users and issuing the fix appropriately, even after the upstream project has applied patches. .. Editors note: There is discussion ongoing in INFRA and SEC working groups how .. to realize this. Thus the description is still a bit vague. Details will be .. added later either here or in some INFRA document.
- Generic scenarios should be stable and mature. Therefore they will be tested more thoroughly and run special release testing so a high level of stability can be provided.
- Generic scenarios will live through many OPNFV releases.
- More resources will be allocated to maintaining generic scenarios and they will have priority for CI resources. .. Editors note: Discussion ongoing in INFRA about toolchain issues.
Note: in some cases it might be difficult for an installer to support all generic scenarios immediately. In this case an exception can be defined, but the installer has to provide a plan how to achieve support for all generic scenarios.
Note: in some cases, upstream projects don't have proper CI process with tagged stable versions. Also some installers' way of working doesn't allow selecting the repo and tag. Thus a stepwise approach will be necessary to fulfill this requirement.
3. Specific Scenarios¶
Specific scenarios are used for OPNFV development and help to isolate a path of development.
- Specific scenarios typically focus on a feature or topic.
- Specific scenarios allow to advance in development for their main feature without de-stabilizing other features.
- Specific scenarios provide additional flexibility in their handling to allow the development be agile.
- Specific scenarios can use new version of their main upstream component or even apply midstream patches during OPNFV deployment, i.e. the deployable artifact is created via cross community CI or even only in OPNFV and not upstream.
- Specific scenarios should have a limited life time. After a few releases, the feature development should have matured and the feature made available different configurations if possible. Typically the scenario then should be merged with other scenarios, best with generic scenarios.
- Normally specific scenarios will be released within the major OPNFV releases. But they don't need to fulfill maturity requirements (stable upstream versions and repos, stability testing), and can deviate in the used upstream versions.
- In exceptional cases we might release a specific scenario independently, in case there is a need. Thus specific scenarios provide a way to a more DevOps-like process.
- Specific scenarios will likely have a shorter support period after release as they are of interest to a smaller user community vs generic scenarios.
- They will be granted less CI resources than generic scenarios, e.g. for periodic CI jobs.
- We may need to prioritize resources post-release for maintenance / regression testing.
4. Parent - Child Relations¶
In many cases, development adds a feature to an existing scenario by adding additional components. This is called creating a child scenario from a parent.
- Parent scenarios typically are more stable than children.
- Children should plan to merge their feature back to the parent.
- Merge back will often add components to the parent.
- Child scenarios can be part of releases.
- Child scenarios should merge back to their parent after 2 releases.
- If a child scenario lives through several releases, it might be desirable to "rebase/cherrypick" a child scenario to follow changes in the parent scenario.
- Child scenarios typically support a smaller number of deployment options than their parent
Child scenarios are specific scenarios. Parent scenarios can be generic or specific scenarios.
Child scenarios can be created any time. If they want to join a release, they have to be created before MS0 of that release.
4.1. Siblings¶
In some cases it could make more sense to create a sibling rather than a child (e.g. if expected that merging back to parent will be difficult). In other words, the content of a child scenario will be incompatible with content of the parent scenario. In that case, the child scenario should rather become a new branch instead of merging back to the parent.
Typically the sibling uses alternate components/solutions than the parent – in long term it might evolve into a new generic scenario, that is a new branch in the scenario tree.
Creation of the sibling shall not be gated. It should be covered in the scope of an approved project, so there cannot be too big surprises.
But at a certain time the new scenario will want to change its status from a specific scenario to a generic scenario. This move will need TSC approval. For the application, the scenario owner shall demonstrate that the scenario fulfills the requirements of a generic scenario (see later).
Examples: SDN controller options, Container technologies, data plane solutions, MANO solutions.
Please note that from time to time, the TSC will need to review the set of generic scenarios and "branches" in the scenario tree.
5. Creating Scenarios¶
5.1. General¶
A new scenario needs to be created, when a new combination of upstream components or features shall be supported, that cannot be provided with the existing scenarios in parallel to their existing features.
Typically new scenarios are created as children of existing scenarios. They start as specific scenario and as they mature, they either merge back their features to the parent or promote to a generic scenario.
5.2. Scenario Owners¶
Each scenario must have an "owner". Scenario owners have the following responsibilities:
- The scenario owner is responsible for the contents and usage of the scenario.
- He shall define the contents for the scenario deployment:
- The components and their versions that need to be deployed
- Options for the deployment of such components, e.g. settings, optional features, ..
- Which installers to use
- Deployment options (HA, NOHA, hardware types, ..)
- He shall define the usage of the scenario in the development process:
- Initiate integration to CI
- Define which testcases to run
- Applies that the scenario joins a release
- The owner maintains the Scenario Descriptor File (SDF)
- Drives for the scenario be supported by more installers
The scenario owner of a specific scenario typically comes from the feature project that develops the features introduced by the scenario.
The scenario owner of a generic scenario will need to drive more integration tasks than feature development. Thus he typically will come from a project with a broader scope than a single feature, e.g. a testing project. The scenario owner of a generic scenario needs to cover issues of all installers, so only in exceptional cases he will come from an installer project.
5.3. Creating Generic Scenarios¶
Generic scenarios provide stable and mature deployments of an OPNFV release. Therefore it is important to have generic scenarios in place that provide the main capabilities needed for NFV environments. On the other hand the number of generic scenarios needs to be limited because of resources.
- Creation of a new generic scenario needs TSC consensus.
- Typically the generic scenario is created by promoting an existing specific scenario. Thus the only the additional information needs to be provided.
- The scenario owner needs to verify that the scenario fulfills the above requirements.
- Since specific scenarios typically are owned by the project who have initiated it, and generic scenarios provide a much broader set of features, in many cases a change of owner is appropriate. In most cases it will be appropriate to assign a testing expert as scenario owner.
5.4. Creating Specific Scenarios¶
As already stated, typically specific scenarios are created as children of existing scenarios. The parent can be a generic or a specific scenario.
Creation of specific scenarios shall be very easy and can be done any time. However, support might be low priority during a final release preparation, e.g. after a MS6.
- The PTL of the project developing the feature(s) or integrating a component etc can request the scenario (tbd from whom: CI or release manager, no need for TSC)
- The PTL shall provide some justification why a new scenario is needed. It will be approptiate to discuss that justification in the weekly technical discussion meeting.
- The PTL should have prepared that by finding support from one of the installers.
- The PTL should explain from which "parent scenario" (see below) the work will start, and what are the planned additions.
- The PTL shall assign a unique name. Naming rules will be set by TSC.
- The PTL shall provide some time schedule plans when the scenario wants to join a release, when he expects the scenario merge to other scenarios, and he expects the features may be made available in generic scenarios. A scenario can join a release at the MS0 after its creation.
- The PTL should explain the infrastructure requirements and clarify that sufficient resources are available for the scenario.
- The PTL shall assign a scenario owner.
- The scenario owner shall maintain the scenario descriptor file according to the template.
- The scenario owner shall drive the necessary discussions with installers and testing teams to get their support.
- In case the scenario needs new keywords in the SDF, the scenario owner shall discuss those with the installer teams and CI.
- The scenario owner shall initiate the scenario be integrated in CI and participate in releases.
- When the scenario joins a release this needs to be done in time for the relevant milestones.
6. Deployment Options¶
6.1. What are deployment options?¶
During the analysis of scenario definitions in Colorado and Danube releases, it became visible, that HA and NOHA deployment of otherwise identical scenarios shouldn't be called different scenarios.
This understanding leads to the definition of another kind of attributes in scenario definitions. Many scenarios can be deployed in different ways:
- HA configuration of OpenStack modules (that is redundancy using multiple controllers running OpenStack services) versus NOHA with only a single controller running a single instance of each OpenStack service
- Some scenarios can be deployed on intel and on ARM hardware.
- We can see the installation tools in the same way. Independent of the installer that was used for the deployment of a scenario, the same functionality will be provided and we can run the same testcases.
Please note that a scenario can support multiple deployment options. And a scenario definition must specify at least one option of each type.
In future there will be more deployment options, e.g. redundancy models or other clustering options of SDN controllers, or upscaling compute or control nodes.
CI Pipeline needs to test all configuration options of a scenario.
- Development cycles (verify-jobs, daily, weekly) don't need to run all options each time
- Release testing must cover all those combinations of configuration options that will be part of the release. Typically the HA configurations are released on bare metal with the allowed hardware options and all installers that can deploy those. Release of an NOHA option should be an exception, e.g. for a scenarios that are not mature yet.
- Virtual deployments are not mentioned here. All scenarios should allow virtual deployment where applicable. But in release testing, bare metal deployment will be necessary. CI will use virtual deployments as much as appropriate for resource reasons.
6.2. Deployment options or new scenarios¶
In general we can say that a different scenario is needed when the set of components is changed (or in some cases a general deploy-time configuration of a component). If we deploy the same components in a different way, we can define this via deployment options.
- Deploying different SDN controller or data plane (OVS/FD.IO) requires different scenario.
- HA/NOHA will deploy the same components on different number of nodes, so it is a deployment option.
- Different hardware types should not lead to new scenarios. Typically the same scenario can be deployed on multiple hardware.
6.3. HA and NOHA¶
Both, HA and NOHA options of a scenario are important.
- HA deployment is important to be released in major OPNFV releases, because telco deployments typically have strong requirements on availability.
- NOHA deployments require less resources and are sufficient for many use cases. For instance sandbox testing can be done easier and also automatic verification in the CI pipeline can make use of it.
- Generic scenarios shall support the HA and NOHA option.
- Specific scenarios can focus on the NOHA option if their features are independent from the controller redundancy. But before merging with generic scenarios, they should provide both options.
6.4. Hardware types¶
In its first releases, OPNFV could be deployed on Intel hardware only. Later, support for ARM hardware was added and now 5 scenarios can already be deployed on both.
6.5. Virtual deployment¶
Many, but not all scenarios can be deployed on virtual PODs. Therefore the scenario definition shall specify whether virtual deployment is possible.
Typically a virtual HA deployment shall look very much the same as a bare-metal HA deployment, that is the distribution of modules on nodes/VMs is similar. But there might be cases where there are differences. Thus, the scenario specification needs to provide the data for each separately.
6.6. Deployment tools¶
Deployment tools (installers) are in a very similar relation to the scenarios. Each scenario can be deployed by one or more installer. Thus we can specify the installers for a scenario as a deployment option.
However, the installers need additional detailed information for the deployment. Every installer may not support the same HA, hardware, virtualization options, or same distribution of modules. Each deployment may look slightly different per installer.
The scenario definition needs to provide such information in a way it can be easily consumed by the installers.
6.7. Other deployment options¶
This set of deployment options is based on what is required by Danube scenarios. Future releases will most likely introduce additional deployment options.
7. MANO Scenarios¶
Since OPNFV organizes all deployments using scenarios, also MANO components need to be covered by scenarios.
On the other side all NFVI/VIM level scenarios need to be orchestrated using a set of components from the NFVO and VNFM layer.
The idea here is therefore to specify for a MANO scenario:
- The MANO components to deploy
- A list of supported NFVI/VIM level scenarios that can be orchestrated using this MANO scenario.
The MANO test cases will define the VNFs to use.
MANO scenarios will have more work to do if they require new nodes to be deployed on. They should include this aspect in their resource planning/requests and contact Infra/Pharos in case that a change of the Pharos spec is needed and new PODs need to be made available based on the amended spec.
More details need to be investigated as we gain experience with the MANO scenarios
8. Current Status¶
This chapter summarizes the scenario analysis to provide some background. It also defines the way to introduce the scenario processes.
8.1. Arno¶
In Arno release, the scenario concept was not created yet. Looking back, we can say we had one scenario with OpenStack, ODL and KVM, that could be deployed in two ways, by the two installers available in Arno.
8.2. Brahmaputra¶
In Brahmaputra, we added options for SDN (ONOS, OCL) and some optional features (sfc, sdnvpn, kvm, l3 enabled ODL). Thus we had 9 scenarios, some of them to be deployed with 2 installers, that planned to participate in the release. Not all of them succeeded.
8.3. Colorado¶
In Colorado more components and features were added to a total of 17 combinations of components and features. Some were supported by one of the four installers, others by multiple installers. In addition HA and NOHA options were defined. This lead to 28 combinations that planned to participate.
8.4. Danube¶
In Danube the number of combinations of components and features increased to 24, but since installer support increased and more scenarios planned to provide HA and NOHA options, the number of combinations was 54.
In addition to that some scenarios were defined later in during development and some scenarios worked on ARM support.
This created the need to better understand relationships and incompatibilities of the scenarios to drive for a manageable process for scenarios.
As a result the relationship between the scenarios can be visualized by a scenario tree.
The process for generic and specific scenarios is not in place for the Danube release yet. But the different branches of the scenario tree provide the candidates to define generic scenario during the timeframe of the next release.
8.5. Euphrates¶
tbd: statistics on Euphrates Scenarios
During Euphrates timeframe, dynamic POD allocation is introduced in CI. This is a prerequisite to make use of the SDF in the CI pipeline. Therefore in this timeframe, scenario processes are introduced only in a documentation way and as support for release management.
Also the definition of generic scenarios can be done.
9. Scenario Descriptor Files¶
9.1. What are Scenario Descriptor Files?¶
Every scenario is described in its own descriptor file. The scenario descriptor file will be used by several parties:
Installer tools will read from it the list of components to be installed and the configuration (e.g. deployment options and necessary details) to use.
The dynamic CI process will read from it the prerequisites of the scenario to select the resource that has the needed capabilities for the deployment. It will also select the installer from the list of supported installers and the other deployment options as supported in their combination.
The dynamic CI process will provide the installers with the deployment option to use for a particular deployment.
The scenario owner needs to provide the descriptor file.
When compiling it the scenario owner typically needs to work together with the installers, so the installers will support the required components and options.
The testing framework can read from the scenario descriptor file necessary information to know which features can be tested on the scenario.
The scenario descriptor file will also contain some maintenance information
9.2. Structure of the file¶
The scenario descriptor file is a yaml file. The syntax will allow to specify additional descriptor files, to make it better readable or structure common configurations across multiple scenarios.
The file has following main sections:
- metadata (owner, history, description)
- list of components (names, versions, submodules)
- deployment options (HA/NOHA, hardware&virtualization, installers, including possible combinations and necessary details)
- other prerequisites (e.g. memory requirement more than pharos spec)
- list of features to be tested
More information to be provided in next version of this document. The file will be defined based on the installer-specific files for scenario specification used by the 4 installers in Danube release. Thus it will be made sure that the information needed by the installers will be covered.
All scenario files will be stored in a central repo, e.g. Octopus. There will also be a commented template to help create scenario descriptor files.
9.3. Metadata¶
In Danube timeframe only Fuel installer has some metadata in the descriptor file. The new template contains:
Unique name
This is a free name, there is a recommendation to take fish for names, matching OPNFV release naming with rivers.
A free text title
This should be a short descriptive text telling the main purpose
A version number for the descriptor file
Three digits, separated with dots, as used by Fuel in Danube
Creation date
The file should contain a clear description of the purpose of the scenario, including the main benefits and major features. If applicable, the parent scenario should be mentioned.
First OPNFV version to use the scenario
A list of additional contact persons, e.g. from installers or major components
9.4. Components¶
In this section all components are listed together with their version. For some components in addtion submodules can be listed.
More details will be added.
9.5. Deployment options¶
This section will list the supported deployment options. In each category at least one option must be supported.
hardware (cpu) types (intel or ARM)
Virtualization (bare-metal or vPOD)
availability (HA or NOHA)
This subsection needs to specify also what does an HA deployment need, e.g.:
- type: HA
- name: host1
- openstack-controller
- odl
- ceph-adm
- ceph-mon
- name: host2
- openstack-controller
- odl
- ceph-adm
- ceph-mon
- name: host3
- openstack-controller
- odl
- ceph-adm
- ceph-mon
- name: host4
- openstack-compute
- ceph-osd
- name: host5
- openstack-compute
- ceph-osd
- type: NOHA
- name: host1
- openstack-controller
- odl
- ceph-adm
- ceph-mon
- name: host2
- openstack-compute
- ceph-osd
- name: host3
- openstack-compute
- ceph-osd
deployment tool (apex, compass, fuel, daisy, joid)
In the section for each deployment tool, the combinations of the first three options have to be listed, e.g.:
- type: fuel
cpu: intel
pod: baremetal
availability: HA
- type: fuel
cpu: intel
pod: virtual
availability: HA
- type: fuel
cpu: intel
pod: virtual
availability: NOHA
Please note that this allows easy definition of other availability options including scaling and redundant configuration of SDN controllers.
9.6. Prerequisites¶
This section will list additional prerequisites. Currently there is only one case where a scenario has additional prerequisites to the Pharos spec. E.g. a component could requires more RAM on the nodes than defined in Pharos spec. In general it should be preferred to issue such requirements to pharos using the pharos change request process, but in some cases in might be better to specify additional prerequisites.
Another use case for these prerequisites will be usage of specilized hardware, e.g. for acceleration. This needs further study.
The section can be empty or omitted.
9.7. Testcases¶
This section will provide information for functest and yardstick to decide on the proper test cases for the scenario.
More details will be added.
10. Workflows¶
10.1. Summary¶
The general principle can be summarized by the following diagram:
10.2. Workflows for Scenario Owners¶
The scenario owner creates the descriptor file based on the template.
10.2.1. Create new scenario from scratch¶
This workflow will be exceptional. Most scenarios can easier start as children of an existing scenario; thus the author (scenario owner) can derive the SDF from the parent. But scenarios introducing new technologies affecting the whole architecture, e.g.containers, or higher level scenarios (e.g.MANO and Multisite which reference existing scenarios) can start without a parent.
The following steps need to be done:
- (Project team) Define set of components that need to be deployed
- (Project) Find installers that can deploy the components
- (Project&installer&CI) Agree on new keywords in SDF (e.g. component, feature name)
- (Project) Assign owner
- (Owner) Edit SDF, submit to octopus repo
- (Owner) register scenario to participate in release as appropriate
- (Owner&CI-team) Adapt jenkins triggers, so new scenario can be scheduled in valid installer/POD/Options combination(s).
- (Installer-team) test deployment of components
- (Project-team) Define test cases; register in test db


text:
Friday, June 17, 2011
U13s win Missouri State Cup
Congratulations to the Sporting Kansas City Juniors U13s who won the Missouri State Cup tournament with a 5-1 win over Scott Gallagher earlier today. The first goal of the game took place in the first half from a right-footed strike from 18 yards out into the lower left corner by Logan Lucas in the 23rd minute. The first half ended with a tied score of 1-1, but the U13s would go on to score four more times in the second half. Second half goals were scored by Trevor Cissell 19 minutes into the half on right-footed blast from 8 yards out, Absalom Solorio two minutes later, John Liesman scored 28 minutes into the second half with an assist from Solorio, and Cole McClagan scored the fifth and final goal. With this win, the U13s move on to the Region II Championships in Fox Cities, Wisconsin, that will take place June 24-29. More information on the Region II Championships can be found here.
Posted by Sporting Jrs at 11:01 AM
Labels: Missouri State Cup, Region II Championships, U13s
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Practical Applied Mathematics
Drawing from a wide variety of mathematical subjects, this book aims to show how mathematics is realised in practice in the everyday world. Dozens of applications are used to show that applied mathematics is much more than a series of academic calculations. Mathematical topics covered include distributions, ordinary and partial differential equations, and asymptotic methods as well as basics of modelling. The range of applications is similarly varied, from the modelling of hair to piano tuning, egg incubation and traffic flow. The style is informal but not superficial. In addition, the text is supplemented by a large number of exercises and sideline discussions, assisting the reader's grasp of the material. Used either in the classroom by upper-undergraduate students, or as extra reading for any applied mathematician, this book illustrates how the reader's knowledge can be used to describe the world around them.
Weiterlesen weniger lesen


text:
Advanced SystemCare includes a free version and a paid (PRO) version. Functions on both versions include clning up computer registries, do a defragmentation, scan for malware, and cln up shortcuts.
The latest version of this program is called Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus 2013 and is a combination of the existing Advanced SystemCare with an antivirus engine provided by BitDefender.
Quick care options includes two functions: Diagnose System and Maintain . Diagnose System includes optimizing and repairing the system configuration, preventing spyware, defragmenting the and a security analyzer, which scans the computer to find hijacked settings.
The Maintain includes clning up spyware, clning up the registry, privacy sweep and clning up junk files.
Advanced SystemCare includes utilities such as tuneup, security and admin tools. The tuneup utilities are clning and fixing up s, boosting the system, removing duplie shortcuts and Smart RAM. The security utilities are backing up files in the drivers and system, helping with Internet Explorer security and checking system files. The admin utilities are startup and manager, Restore Center and Explorer.
Download Here


text:
Cranberry Orange Relish Sauce
Nutrition factsPer 221g serving (serves 4)
calories: 170
total fat: 9.4g
saturated fat: 0.5g
trans fat: 0g
cholesterol: 0mg
sodium: 11mg
potassium: 270mg
total carbohydrates: 17.5g
fiber: 5.8g
sugars: 7.9g
protein: 7.5g
Photograph by Ward Alper. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Disclaimer: Type2Diabetes.net cannot guarantee a recipe that has been scaled to make a different number of servings from the original. Scaling only applies to the ingredient measurements: no adjustment is made to the recipe instructions, so pan sizes and cooking times and ingredient amounts referred to in the text of the recipe only apply to the original number of servings.
Join the conversation! Log in or create an account.


text:
IAB PwC Online Advertising Expenditure Report FY1314 Presentation
On Thu 28 Aug in Sydney and Fri 29 Aug in Melbourne we revealed the latest figures of the IAB PwC Online Advertising Expenditure Report, the digital advertising industry's most important revenue report. You can find the event presentations below (IAB members only). To view the presentations, please login.


text:
Yamato Green Technical Specifications
Fertilizer & the Planted Aquarium
Mysterious Fish Deaths Explained!
Tips for Beginning Fishkeepers
Yamato No-Chlor Dechlorinator
Safely removes harmful Chlorine and Chloramine from your aquarium. Works on contact in seconds. Unlike many other dechlorinators, this product contains nothing harmful to invertebrates such as shrimp. It dechlorinates the water, and that's all it does.
It doesn't remove heavy metals (such as iron, manganese, and other expensive components that you pay good money to add to your planted tank in the form of fertilizers).
It doesn't enhance anybody's "slime coat," which may use chemicals that threaten respiration in your fish by blocking the gills and interfering with oxygen exchange. Some "slime coat enhancers" can be very irritating to a fish's skin. This is of particular concern for sensitive fish such as Clown Loaches or smooth-skinned Catfish. No-Chlor is ideal for these fish.
It neutralizes chlorine. If your city uses Chloramine for sanitation, it breaks the chloramine bond and instantly renders the chlorine in there safe as well.
Safe for saltwater tanks. Contains nothing that might harm delicate corals, invertebrates, anemones, shrimp, etc.
Perfect for outdoor ponds, since a single 8 ounce bottle can treat 2,500 gallons of water. Very economical to use.
If you're looking for a simple, safe, efficient dechlorinator, this is the product for you. One 8-ounce bottle safely treats 2,500 gallons of water.
Oh, yes, it's completely non-toxic if you want to add extra (such as during the summer, when your municipal water department adds extra chlorine to your drinking water). In fact, No-Chlor is completely safe for fish at up to 100x overdosage!! This means your 2-year old could dump the entire bottle in the aquarium, and your fish are not going to die. Try THAT with some of the other dechlorinators on the market today.
To make it short and sweet, this is good stuff.
Available in 8-ounce bottles, treats 2,500 gallons. .................
Yamato No-Chlor
8 oz (236 ml) .................................................. $ 7.95
16 oz (473 ml) ................................................ $12.95
To order, email us here
All Yamato Green chemical products are proudly made in the U.S.A.
Copyright 2006 YamatoGreen.com


text:
If you aren't familiar with ramps, it's probably because they are—depending on where you live—only available for a few weeks each spring. If you can't find them in your region, you might find them online at Earthy Delights or your local Whole Foods as early as late March and as late as April or early June.
Ramps, considered a spring delicacy to many, are wild onions or wild leeks native to North America. They have long and rather wide, flat green leaves and slender bulbs. The bulbs resemble the bulb of green onions, though the leaves are different. They grow from South Carolina and as far north as Canada, though they are more scarce in Canada.
The word "ramps," or wild garlic, was first mentioned in print (English) in the 1500s, and in American print in 1828. Ramps are stronger than green onions and are often eaten raw. They can be used in any dish calling for green onions, leeks, onions, or shallots.
This combination of potatoes, eggs, and ramps is a popular preparation. Feel free to omit the eggs or cook them separately and serve them alongside the potatoes.
- 1 pound ramps (about 3 cups, cleaned and sliced thinly)
- 4 to 6 strips bacon
- 3 to 4 medium potatoes (red-skinned or Yukon Gold)
- 3 large eggs
Steps to Make It
Rinse the ramps thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any large, tough outer leaves. Cut off the root ends and peel off the outer translucent skin. Keeping the white parts separate from the green, slice the ramps thinly.
Arrange the bacon strips in a large heavy skillet and place it over medium-low heat. Cook until crisp, frequently turning with tongs.
Remove the bacon pieces to paper towels or a brown paper bag to drain. Remove all but 3 tablespoons of drippings from the skillet.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into small dice.
Increase the heat to medium and add the white part of the ramps and potatoes to the skillet. Fry until the potatoes are tender, stirring frequently.
Add the sliced green ramps tops and cook for 2 minutes longer.
Break the eggs over the ramps and potatoes and stir to mix well.
Fry for about 2 minutes, or until the eggs have cooked on the bottom.
Turn and fry on the other side for 2 to 4 minutes longer, or until eggs are cooked through.
Serve the ramps and potatoes hot with toast or freshly baked biscuits and butter.
- To speed preparation, cook the diced potatoes in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well and fry with the ramps until they are browned and tender.
- If you don't have ramps, make this recipe with sliced green onions or thinly sliced leeks.


text:
It's true that if you work until you are 65 years old and beyond, you're more likely to have a lot more financial stability than if you retire at age 50. However, you won't have much freedom left. Typically, people start slowing down at age 75 so if you wait to retire at age 65, you might only have ten years to cram in all of the traveling, exploring, and other physical activities you want to do. Granted, there are individuals and couples that stay very physically active well into their 80's but the norm is to start slowing down around age 75.
It's a trade-off. If you retire at age 50, then you'll have plenty of freedom, but you may not be as financially stable. If you retire at 65, you're more financially stable but have less freedom. Neither path is wrong. I run across people all of the time who love their job, have a great work/life balance and have created a life that they can't imagine changing. For these folks, working until age 65 is really not an issue. Matter of fact, often times they will continue to work into their 70's.
I figured out a few years ago that I don't like feeling trapped. Trapped is what I felt in my career and was one of main reasons I walked away from it last year forever. When you really think about it, nobody likes to feel trapped in anything they do. So when you go back to the people who absolutely love their jobs and life, they are not trapped at all rather they are free and happy even as they continue to work.
My guess is that most people who want to retire early are seeking their freedom and they have a sense of being trapped as well. Doing the same routine over and over again for years just got old to me. It's what I call the "rinse and repeat lifestyle" which is get up, do your morning routine, go to work, do the same blah blah blah work every day, come home, do your same evening routine, go to bed and do it all over again the next day. That was my life for years. When you fall into this routine, weeks, months and years seem to fly by. I was trapped by my routine and I was trapped by a job and career that I had fallen out of love with.
Fifty-two weekends a year was just not enough freedom or time for me to do what I want to do.
So, what pulls you? Some people are pulled and motivated to make more money and keep their head down until they are 65 years old. Others are pulled towards freedom and having a "free range" lifestyle that allows them to do what they want, when they want. Money is great but as I've always said, "There is no benefit to being the richest person in the graveyard."
Is it worth it to work ourselves silly to a ripe old age to gain financial stability with little freedom? Or do you take the leap, gain your freedom at a younger age and start a new chapter in your life's story?
Only you can answer what pulls you…