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Officials in Oakland are providing a new timeline of the steps they will take to replace recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. While the results of the November election have yet to be certified, Thao conceded in the recall a few days after the election . While the Oakland city council president would usually take over as acting mayor in this type of scenario, current City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas has been elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. On Wednesday, Bas announced that the Alameda County Registrar of Voters was expected to certify the election results Thursday. If that happens, Bas plans to submit a letter of resignation of her council seat on December 17. That is the same day the Oakland City Council is expected to declare the results of the election and the office of the mayor will become vacant. Bas would still serve as interim mayor until she takes office as a new Alameda County supervisor in January. Bas said she believes Oakland should consolidate the elections for the council seat and the mayor's office in April to save money. Thao was elected mayor in November 2022 and became the first Hmong American to lead a major city. She faced criticism almost immediately after taking office for firing popular Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong. Frustrated voters blamed Thao for a long list of city woes related to public safety , homelessness and the city's budget . She also faced criticism following a June FBI raid of her home along with properties owned by a politically influential family that controls the city's recycling contract. Thao has maintained her innocence and authorities have not said what they are investigating.Share Tweet Share Share Email In the complex world of cloud computing , infrastructure-as-code (IaC) has revolutionized how organizations build and manage their environments. Yet, for many teams, the barriers to leveraging IaC remain significant. Writing and maintaining Terraform scripts or other IaC templates requires specialized knowledge and time—commodities often in short supply. Firefly , a pioneer in infrastructure management, has introduced Compose, a self-service solution that could shift the paradigm. Firefly’s Compose is a self-service platform designed to streamline cloud infrastructure deployment. It enables teams—regardless of expertise in IaC—to generate, configure, and deploy cloud environments with remarkable ease. This feature is a leap forward in modifying infrastructure management. Bridging Complexity and Usability The cloud infrastructure landscape is rapidly changing and becoming more complex. Organizations often struggle with delays as technical teams navigate queues, resolve dependencies, and ensure compliance . Compose addresses these bottlenecks by offering an intuitive interface where users can select modules from a public or private catalog and deploy them without writing a single line of Terraform. For instance, a product manager can log into Firefly’s UI, select a database module, fill out a form, and deploy the resource within minutes—all without bothering the DevOps team or waiting for a long time for approval and deployment. With Compose, organizations can save time and move at the speed of innovation. Whether a developer, product owner, or non-technical stakeholder, users can provision the infrastructure while staying within guardrails. Seamless Integration with CI/CD Firefly’s self-service infrastructure deployment integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, including established CI/CD pipelines. Automated deployment pimples can be configured to ensure infrastructure changes remain consistent, compliant, and aligned with company policies. This remarkable integration eliminates manual errors, streamlines provisioning processes, and allows the team to focus on delivering value rather than troubleshooting deployment hurdles. Compose integrates effortlessly into existing workflows for organizations with established CI/CD pipelines. Automated deployment pipelines can be configured to ensure infrastructure changes remain consistent, compliant, and aligned with company policies. This integration eliminates manual errors, streamlines provisioning processes, and allows teams to focus on delivering value rather than wrestling with deployment hurdles. Addressing Common Pain Points in Cloud Infrastructure Firefly’s solution addresses several persistent pain points faced by organizations in managing their cloud environments: Faster Deployment: Compose lets users skip traditional ticketing systems, reducing the time needed to provision infrastructure. With easy-to-use templates, users can launch the cloud environment in minutes. No Coding Required: Compose empowers teams to provision infrastructure without the need for deep technical expertise, making it accessible to members who traditionally relied on DevOps experts. Cost Efficiency: Firefly’s self-service features built-in forecasting and predefined environments. Organizations can curb cloud sprawl, ensure every resource aligns with business goals, and stay within budget. Compliance Assurance: Standardized templates enforce compliance, ensuring security and governance across all deployments. A Step Toward the Future As cloud environments become more complex and diverse, the demand for tools that simplify provisioning while maintaining control will only increase. Self-service solutions like Firefly’s Compose may become the standard for organizations aiming to balance speed, flexibility, and compliance, signaling the future of infrastructure management . As teams can create and deploy infrastructure without coding, Firefly opens doors to innovation and collaboration across organizations. Compose lets businesses focus less on the intricacies of deployment and more on what truly matters: building the products and services that drive success. While Firefly’s Compose doesn’t eliminate all the challenges of cloud computing, it marks a significant step toward making cloud management more accessible, efficient, and future-ready. After all, this kind of shift can make all the difference for companies navigating the evolving demands of the digital age. Related Items: cloud computing , Cloud Infrastructure Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Cloud Computing and Microservices Mastery The Intersection of IT Services and Cybersecurity with Expert Advice from Subrat Patnaik Innovations Driving the Future of Cloud Infrastructure and Data Analytics in Travel Comments
UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York
Athletic Club ends drought against Real Madrid in dramatic 2-1 winUnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York
Key phones are traditional desk phones with a central unit and handset. Able to support up to 50 users, they’re often used by small to medium-sized offices. They have a dial pad and special buttons that let users route calls to other extensions or access features like hold or transfer. A key phone system has been ideal for companies with employees who need to be reachable at their desk and behind the counter. These systems are easy to manage compared to a traditional PBX — and excel at the core competencies of a basic phone system. But as equipment ages and more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions hit the market, many businesses are upgrading their landline to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) . Why it’s hard to let go of your existing system For many businesses, this trusty technology has been the silent backbone of communication since before the internet became a regular part of our daily lives. Key phones made offices more efficient and productive with features like call transfer, hold, conference calling, direct inward dialing , and paging. Key phone systems are generally easy to use, and more than anything, they’re familiar. Since most adults have used a key phone system at some point in their careers, there’s not a huge learning curve when you need to onboard new employees. With a quick explanation of how to access voicemail and what extension belongs to who, you can get most new hires up to speed by the end of their first day. This makes it hard for a lot of businesses to let go of their old school key phone systems — even if they know that modern business phone services offer a ton more functionality. In short, key phone systems once had all the advanced functions you’d expect from a business phone, and they were easy to use, with predictable costs and straightforward maintenance. These strengths made them a mainstay in business communications. But now, after over 50 years of usage, this technology is slowly sunsetting. And businesses today should look at modernizing their phone systems sooner than later. Using a VoIP gateway with a key phone system A VoIP gateway or Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) allows traditional phones to make calls over the internet. The ATA acts as a bridge between your old phone system and the internet. Plug your regular phones into the ATA, connect the ATA to your internet router, and you are ready to start answering calls as before. ATAs support fax machines and multifunction printers, as well. This is a budget-friendly way to modernize without replacing your phone system, minimizing disruption to employees. Typically, you can access basic VoIP features like voicemail-to-email and call forwarding while staying with familiar hardware. This approach is ideal for businesses that want to gradually transition to cloud, phase out old equipment, or simply want to ride out their old phone system contract for a few more years. Are all key phone systems compatible with an ATA? Most key phones will work with an ATA, but not all. If your phone says “analog” or connects with a standard phone line, it’s probably compatible. If it’s labeled “IP” or “digital,” you may require special adapters or need to take another approach entirely. Always check your system’s compatibility before investing in an ATA. Challenges with moving to the cloud Migrating to a cloud phone system comes with a lot more versatility for businesses and their employees — but it’s not without challenges. Here are some of the important issues you will have to address over the course of transitioning from a key phone system to the cloud: Compatibility: Can your existing handsets work with a cloud system, or do you need to invest in new equipment? You may need to buy new handsets or softphones to use modern VoIP services. Replicating functionality: Can you replicate features like DID and intercom in the cloud? Chances are you can, but be sure to choose a provider that supports the features your business relies on. Soft key programming: Cloud systems often rely on “soft keys,” which are on-screen buttons that can change dynamically. You may need IT support to configure changes manually. Training: This is a big one, as you may have employees who are resistant to change. Do you have the time and resources to teach your employees how to use these new cloud-based systems? You’ll need to train employees how to use new features like call parking in order to put callers on hold. Any upgrade naturally presents challenges, but the key is to ask yourself whether the benefits outweigh the costs and whether now’s the right time to upgrade. Benefits of replacing a key phone system before it fails If your key phone system is still working, you may be hesitant to replace it. But there are risks to keeping an old system that doesn’t have an infinite lifespan — what if your phone system fails or your hardware becomes unsupported before you have a backup in place? Today, most businesses use a hosted PBX , where the vendor manages all of the infrastructure and software — employees simply log into their account and make calls. It works perfectly whether they are in the office or working from an airport bar — the vendor secures the network, allows remote employees anytime access, and you never have to worry about the main office network being up 24/7 ever again. VoIP phone systems are relatively inexpensive — most businesses save money switching by eliminating most hardware maintenance costs associated with traditional phone setups. It’s not an incredible savings, but it’s nice. The real draw is the functionality you gain from connecting your phones to other business software. This enables advanced call administration, simple call recording, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), in-depth analytics, and potentially much more. Premium systems support CRM integration , which allows reps to pull up customer files, view previous conversations, order history, and more on a single dashboard. Migrating to the cloud is a great way to future-proof your business phone system , as the software is continuously updated, patched, and improved. If you’re thinking about switching to a remote or hybrid setup, cloud-based phone systems can make the switch easy. Even if some employees are working from home and others are onsite, they’ll all have the same communication capabilities. Yes, there are challenges with updating your systems to new technology — this is inevitable — the downsides of staying with you an old key phone system will probably get worse over time. But by choosing to upgrade your key phone system to a cloud-based system, you get to navigate those challenges at your own pace rather than being forced into them later on.NoneBridgingApps® and Sentara Health Plans Creating Transition Tool for Children and Youth with ...
LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!