Category: Career

#cloud, Career, Employment, kubernetes, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

From Zero to Kubernetes Hero: How to Get Started with Container Orchestration Today

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.

Kubernetes allows developers to define how their application should be orchestrated and managed in a declarative way using YAML files. It can manage a large number of containers across multiple hosts, making it easier to deploy and scale applications.

Kubernetes provides features like load balancing, automated rollouts and rollbacks, self-healing capabilities, and application scaling. It also ensures high availability by providing features such as container health monitoring, automatic failover, and replication.

Overall, Kubernetes helps simplify the process of deploying and managing containerized applications and makes it easier to scale them to meet changing demands. It has become a popular tool for managing distributed systems and is widely used in cloud-native application development.

Recently, three new miniaturized Kubernetes (K8s) distributions have been launched to manage compact containers:

1. K3s: Lightweight Kubernetes by Rancher Labs, weighing only 40MB, providing a feasible option for resource-constrained environments.

2. MicroK8s: Ubuntu’s K8s distribution designed for IoT, Edge, and DevOps. It offers a small footprint, rapid install, and a simple operator experience.

3. K0s: A modern, production-grade Kubernetes distribution developed by Mirantis, built to work across many hardware and software environments, including ARM and x86 platforms. It claims to be the best fit for developers needing ‘all-in-a-single-binary’ Kubernetes distribution. 

These miniaturized distributions have been created to cater to businesses that face challenges while dealing with complex infrastructure systems. They are compact, efficient, and easy to install, offering the benefits of K8s while overcoming its challenges.

MicroK8s is a version of Kubernetes specifically designed for IoT, Edge, and DevOps use cases. It provides a lightweight container orchestration solution ideal for resource-constrained environments by allowing users to run Kubernetes locally, on a laptop or Edge device.

IoT stands for “Internet of Things,” which refers to the interconnectivity and communication between various physical devices that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies. The data generated by connected devices is collected, analyzed, and used to automate processes and improve decision-making.

Edge computing is a distributed computing model that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, which could be on sensors, gateways, or even local servers. This technology helps to reduce network latency and improve performance by processing data closer to the source.

DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations to automate and streamline the software delivery process. It helps teams to collaborate more effectively, deliver software more frequently, and with a higher degree of reliability.

Together, IoT, Edge, and DevOps complement one another, as IoT and Edge computing generate large amounts of data that need to be processed in real-time, while DevOps provides the tools and processes needed to handle the software development, testing, deployment, and management required for these complex systems.

MicroK8s is now available as a Snap package (Snaps also a higher level of security by isolating the application from the rest of the system. This makes it easier to maintain and update Kubernetes and ensures a consistent user experience across multiple platforms).

Snap packages can be installed with a single command on supported platforms like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and ArchLinux. To install MicroK8s on Ubuntu, use the following command:

sudo snap install microk8s –classic –channel=1.21/stable

After installation, you can check the status of MicroK8s with the following command:

sudo microk8s status –wait-ready

You can then begin to run Kubernetes commands as with any other Kubernetes distribution. MicroK8s can be managed through a web console or command-line interface and can deploy a wide variety of applications including web servers, databases, and microservices. MicroK8s also includes support for popular add-ons such as Istio, Knative, and Prometheus for advanced monitoring and management capabilities. 

MicroK8s is a simple, fast, and lightweight Kubernetes distribution designed specifically to run on IoT, Edge, and DevOps environments, with easy installation through a single command for quick set up and use.

MicroK8s is a lightweight, easy-to-install version of Kubernetes that’s specifically designed to run on resource-constrained environments such as IoT and Edge devices. As a Snap package, MicroK8s is a self-contained, modular application that includes all the necessary components for running Kubernetes, including the Kubernetes control plane, the kubelet, and other essential Kubernetes features.

A Snap package is a self-contained application package that includes all the dependencies and runtime libraries needed to run the application on any Linux distribution that supports the Snap package system. This means that MicroK8s does not require any external dependencies or system changes to be installed, making it a quick and easy way to get Kubernetes up and running on any supported Linux platform.

Snap packages are also easy to manage and upgrade, as updates to the package and individual software components can be performed automatically with the built-in Snap package management system. This allows users to stay up-to-date with the latest versions of the software without the need for is a lightweight, easy-to-install version of Kubernetes that’s specifically designed to run on resource-constrained environments such as IoT and Edge devices. As a Snap package, MicroK8s is a self-contained, modular application that includes all the necessary components for running Kubernetes, including the Kubernetes control plane, the kubelet, and other essential Kubernetes features.

Feel free to leave a comment or update.

Career, Employment, Financial, Mentoring, Technology

Check out why PTP is significant for financial trading, control systems and telecommunications

There are several PTP (Precision Time Protocol) protocols, also known as IEEE 1588. The most commonly used are:

  1. PTPv1: The original version of the Precision Time Protocol specified in IEEE 1588-2002.
  2. PTPv2: The updated version of PTP that is widely used today, specified in IEEE 1588-2008. It introduced several new features and improvements over the original version.
  3. PTPv2.1: An extension to PTPv2 that provides more reliable and secure time synchronization, specified in IEEE 1588-2019.
  4. PTPv3: A revision of PTP that is currently under development by the IEEE. It aims to further improve the protocol’s accuracy, reliability, and security.

The main differences between these protocols lie in their features and capabilities, such as the accuracy and precision of the time synchronization they provide, the types of hardware they can support, and the security mechanisms they include.

PTP can be used to distribute precise time from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite receiver that has a PTP-enabled network interface. This allows for accurate time synchronization across distributed systems.

GPS satellites provide accurate time information through atomic clocks that are synchronized to GPS time, which is based on International Atomic Time (TAI). The GPS receiver on the ground uses this information to determine its location, velocity, and precise timing information.

PTP-compatible GPS receivers can output PTP timestamps by converting the GPS time information into PTP format through a specialized PTP adapter or GPS receiver module that has been designed to support this function. The GPS receiver provides the PTP grandmaster clock with its original GPS time and this clock can then synchronize other PTP-compatible devices on a network.

Since GPS signals travel at the speed of light, the propagation delay between the satellites and the GPS receiver can be accurately measured and accounted for by the GPS receiver. This allows PTP-compatible GPS receivers to provide accurate timestamps that can be used for time synchronization across a network.

PTP can be used in conjunction with GPS receivers to provide accurate time synchronization, enabling organizations such as telecommunications providers and financial traders to synchronize their operations and services across distributed systems.

The Leader clock is a clock that is responsible for generating and distributing time to follower and boundary clocks in the network, while a Follower clock is a clock that is synchronized to the Leader clock.

The Leader clock sends periodic synchronization messages called Sync messages to the Follower clocks in the network, which allows the Follower clocks to establish their own clocks and set their own internal time to match that of the Leader clock. The Follower clocks periodically send messages to the Leader to estimate network delay and adjust their own clocks’ rate accordingly.

The goal of PTP is to achieve sub-microsecond accuracy in network clock synchronization, which is critical for time-sensitive applications such as financial trading, industrial control systems, and telecommunications. Leader and Follower clocks are an essential part of PTP implementation, enabling precise time synchronization across multiple edge devices in a network.

The hardware supported by each version of PTP can vary depending on the implementation, but in general:

  1. PTPv1: This version of PTP supports Ethernet networks and devices with hardware timestamps, which were implemented in some network interface cards (NICs) and switches.
  2. PTPv2: This version of PTP is widely used and supports Ethernet networks and devices with hardware timestamps, which are now more commonly available in NICs and switches. It also extends support to Wi-Fi networks and wireless devices.
  3. PTPv2.1: This version of PTP builds on PTPv2 and adds new features to improve security, resiliency, and scalability. It supports the same hardware as PTPv2.
  4. PTPv3: This version of PTP is still under development, but it aims to extend the protocol’s support to new hardware, such as low-power devices and embedded systems. It also aims to add support for more advanced timing functions, including time-sensitive networking (TSN) and coexistence with existing synchronization protocols.

I hope this helps you under PTP on a basic level. Reach out if you have any questions.

You can leave comments too!

Career, Employment, RFID, Technology

RFID Basics: How it Works and How it’s Used in Everyday Life.

There are many different types of RFID tags, but here are some of the most common categories:

1. Passive RFID tags: These tags do not have their own power source and rely on the energy transmitted by the RFID reader to function.

2. Active RFID tags: These tags have their own power source and can transmit signals over longer ranges than passive tags.

3. Semi-passive RFID tags: These tags have a battery that powers onboard sensors, but they still rely on the energy transmitted by the RFID reader to communicate.

4. Low-frequency (LF) RFID tags: These tags operate at a frequency range of 30 kHz to 300 kHz, are low cost, have a short reading range, and are commonly used for access control and animal identification.

5. High-frequency (HF) RFID tags: These tags operate at a frequency range of 3 MHz to 30 MHz, can be read from a distance of up to 1 meter, and are commonly used for payment systems and smart cards.

6. Ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID tags: These tags operate at a frequency range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz, can be read from a distance of hundreds of feet, and are commonly used for inventory management and supply chain management.

7. Near-field communication (NFC) tags: These are a type of HF RFID tag that can be read by smartphones and other mobile devices and are commonly used for contactless payments and authentication. 

There are many other types of RFID tags as well, including passive and active tags that operate at super high-frequency (SHF) and extremely high-frequency (EHF) and specialized tags for specific applications.

There are different methods to encode an RFID tag depending on the type of tag and the reader used, but generally, you will need an RFID reader and encoding software to write data to the tag.

Here are the general steps to encode an RFID tag:

1. Choose the type of RFID tag and the data format you want to encode on the tag.

2. Connect the RFID reader to your computer and ensure it is properly configured.

3. Install and open an encoding software that supports your type of tag and reader.

4. Place the RFID tag onto the reader and ensure it is detected.

5. Enter the data you want to encode into the software.

6. Click the “Write” or “Encode” button to write the data to the tag.

7. Verify that the data has been successfully encoded on the tag by reading it with the RFID reader.

Note that some tags may have specific requirements or limitations for encoding, so it’s always best to refer to the tag and reader specifications or the manufacturer’s guidelines.

The type of encoder used to encode data onto an RFID tag depends on the specific tag and the requirements of the application. Here are some examples of encoders and the types of RFID tags they are commonly used with:

1. Low-frequency (LF) RFID tags are typically encoded using LF RFID encoders, which can write data to the tag at a frequency range of 125 kHz to 134 kHz.

2. High-frequency (HF) RFID tags are commonly encoded using HF RFID encoders, which can write data to the tag at a frequency range of 13.56 MHz.

3. Ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID tags are often encoded using UHF RFID encoders, which can write data to the tag at a frequency range of 860 MHz to 960 MHz.

4. Near-field communication (NFC) tags are typically encoded using NFC encoders or specialized mobile devices with NFC capabilities.

These are just general examples, and specific encoders may be able to encode different types of tags depending on their capabilities. It’s always best to refer to the tag and encoder specifications or the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best encoder to use with a specific tag.

The specific software used for encoding RFID tags varies depending on the type of tag, the application, and the encoding equipment being used. Here are some examples of software commonly used for encoding RFID tags:

1. For low-frequency (LF) RFID tags, software such as “RFID Encoder” or “ZebraDesigner” can be used with compatible encoding equipment.

2. For high-frequency (HF) RFID tags, software such as “TagXplorer” or “AWID ProxEncoder” can be used with compatible encoding equipment.

3. For ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID tags, software such as “Impinj Speedway Connect” or “Alien Technologies ALR-H450” can be used with compatible encoding equipment.

4. For Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, software such as “NFC TagWriter” or “NFC Tools” can be used with compatible encoding equipment or with smartphones and other mobile devices that have NFC capabilities.

It’s important to note that the specific software used for encoding RFID tags will depend on the equipment being used and the requirements of the application. It’s always best to refer to the equipment and software specifications or the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best software to use with a specific tag and equipment.

Any Questions? Please feel free to ask!

Career, Employment, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Pathways to Innovation: Innovative Video Technology with FFMpeg & Frameworks

FFmpeg is a command-line based open-source multimedia framework that includes a set of tools to process, convert, combine and stream audio and video files. FFmpeg works by taking input from a file or a capture device (such as a webcam), then applying filters and encoding the data to a new format as output.

Here are some key components of how FFmpeg works:

1. Input: FFmpeg can take input from a variety of sources: video files, audio files, image sequences, capture devices, etc.

2. Decoding: Once the input source is defined, FFmpeg decodes the data from its original format (e.g., H.264 video codec) into an uncompressed, linear format, which is easier to process and manipulate.

3. Filters: FFmpeg has a vast set of filters that can be applied to the data, including scaling, cropping, color correction, noise removal, and more.

4. Encoding: After filtering, FFmpeg compresses the data back into a new format (e.g., MPEG4 video codec), using one of many built-in or external codecs. FFmpeg has support for dozens of codecs, containers, and formats.

5. Output: Finally, FFmpeg saves the newly encoded data to a file, streaming server, or other output device, typically in a format such as MP4, AVI, or FLV.

FFmpeg provides a flexible and powerful way to manipulate multimedia content on a wide range of platforms and operating systems. Its command-line interface allows for fine-grained control over every aspect of the processing pipeline, making it a popular choice for integrating into larger workflows and pipelines.

Buckle up, we’re about to dive into the world of frameworks.

In computer programming, a framework is a pre-existing software infrastructure that provides a set of guidelines, pre-made code libraries, and tools to help developers build and deploy applications more efficiently. 

A framework generally consists of a collection of libraries, modules, functions, and other pre-written code that serves as a foundation upon which developers can build their applications. A framework often includes a set of conventions and best practices for developing applications in a specific programming language or domain.

The goal of a framework is to provide a standardized approach to building applications that reduces development time and minimizes the possibility of errors. Frameworks can help developers implement common features like authentication, routing, and database access more easily, allowing them to focus on the unique aspects of their application.

Different types of frameworks are available for different purposes, such as web application frameworks, mobile application frameworks, software testing frameworks, and more. Some popular examples of frameworks include Ruby on Rails, Django, Laravel, React, and Angular.

Please feel free and add to this article.

Career, Employment, HLS Streaming, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

HLS STREAM Tips: Formats, Encoding, Creation, Software, & Syntax Mastery for Broadcasting

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is an adaptive streaming protocol developed by Apple for delivering media content over the internet. To create an HLS stream, certain audio and video formats are required for compatibility with the protocol. Here are the audio and video formats required for HLS:

1. Audio Formats: HLS requires audio to be encoded in either AAC-LC (Advanced Audio Coding Low Complexity) or MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) format. However, AAC-LC is recommended because it provides better audio quality at lower bitrates.

2. Video Formats: HLS requires video to be encoded in either H.264 (also known as AVC, Advanced Video Coding) or HEVC (also known as H.265, High-Efficiency Video Coding) format. H.264 is the most widely used video codec for HLS, but HEVC provides better video quality at lower bitrates and is recommended for higher resolution and frame rate streams.

In addition to these audio and video formats, HLS also requires that the media files be segmented into small chunks of equal duration, typically between 2 and 10 seconds. These segments are then delivered to the client using a manifest file (usually an m3u8 file) that contains information about the segments and their URLs.

Overall, HLS is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including iOS and Android devices, web browsers, and streaming media players. By following the recommended audio and video formats, it ensures that the media streams can be played seamlessly across all these platforms.

ENCODING HLS STREAMS

To encode an HLS stream, you need to follow these general steps:

1. Prepare your source media: Before encoding, you need to have your source media in a compatible format (see previous answer for required formats), and you need to segment it into small chunks of equal duration.

2. Choose an encoding software: There are several encoding software tools available such as FFmpeg, Elemental Live, Wowza Streaming Engine, and more. Choose one that fits your needs and supports HLS output.

3. Configure the encoding software: Configure the encoding software by specifying the input format, segment duration, output format (HLS), and other settings.

4. Set up a web server: Set up a web server for hosting your HLS manifest file and media segments. You can use a dedicated web server or a cloud-based one.

5. Encode the media: Use the encoding software to transcode the media into the required HLS format and segment it into small chunks. The software will create an HLS manifest file (.m3u8) that includes information about the segments and their URLs.

6. Upload the output files to the web server: After encoding, upload the manifest file and media segments to the web server.

7. Test the HLS stream: Test the HLS stream on different devices and streaming players to ensure it’s playable and doesn’t have any issues.

Overall, encoding an HLS stream requires specialized software and knowledge of encoding settings and web servers. It’s recommended to follow best practices and reference the documentation provided by your encoding software and web server provider.

How To Create an HLS Stream

To create an HLS stream, you need specialized software called an encoder, which can take your source media and transcode it into the required HLS format. There are several encoding software options available, offering various features and pricing models. Some of the popular encoding software tools for creating HLS streams include:

HLS SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

1. FFmpeg: FFmpeg is a free open-source software that can convert audio and video files into different formats, including HLS output.

2. Elemental Live: Elemental Live is a hardware and software solution that supports real-time video transcoding and streaming with features like ad insertion, scalable live streaming, and more.

3. Wowza Streaming Engine: Wowza is a software-based media server that provides live and on-demand streaming with features like transcoding, live stream recording, and more.

4. Adobe Media Encoder: Adobe Media Encoder is a media processing software that can ingest and output audio and video files in different formats, including HLS.

5. Telestream Vantage: Telestream Vantage is a transcoding software that provides multiplatform content creation and delivery, including support for HLS output.

These tools can help you transcode and segment your media files into the required HLS format and generate the necessary HLS manifest file (.m3u8) that contains information about the segments and their URLs. However, the specific software you choose may depend on your budget, workflow, and other requirements, so it’s important to research and evaluate your options carefully.

HLS SYNTAX

Here are ten examples of the correct syntax for an HLS stream using M3U8 playlist format:

1. #EXTM3U – declares the file as an M3U8 playlist file.

2. #EXT-X-VERSION:3 – specifies the version of the HLS protocol used.

3. #EXT-X-TARGETDURATION:10 – sets the maximum duration of each segment to 10 seconds.

4. #EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE:0 – indicates the starting number of media segments.

5. #EXT-X-PLAYLIST-TYPE:VOD – specifies that the playlist represents a video-on-demand stream.

6. #EXT-X-ALLOW-CACHE:YES – allows the client to cache the media segments.

7. #EXT-X-DISCONTINUITY – indicates a discontinuity in the media stream, such as a change from one bitrate to another.

8. #EXT-X-STREAM-INF:BANDWIDTH=2000000 – specifies the bitrate and resolution of the video stream.

9. #EXT-X-ENDLIST – indicates that no more segments will be added to the playlist (for live streams, this should be omitted)

10. #EXT-X-MAP:URI=”init.mp4″ – specifies a separate initialization segment for the media stream.

Note that some of these tags are optional, and the syntax may vary depending on the media server and player used. It’s always a good idea to test your playlist with different players and devices to make sure it works well.

Career, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Broadcasting Standards Info Track – SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, & Dev Ops

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud computing model where software is provided as a service over the internet, without the need for the user to install or manage the software themselves. With SaaS, users can access software applications through a web browser or mobile app, and the provider takes care of the infrastructure, maintenance, and security of the software.

When using a SaaS application, the user typically pays a subscription fee on a monthly or annual basis. The provider hosts the software on their servers and manages the infrastructure, storage, and security. The user can access the application from anywhere with an internet connection, and can use the application on a pay-as-you-go basis.

VMware is a company that provides virtualization software and cloud computing services. VMware’s flagship product is vSphere, a virtualization platform that allows businesses to manage their data center infrastructure more efficiently by virtualizing their physical servers and creating virtual machines (VMs). VMware also provides cloud computing services through its VMware Cloud platform, which allows businesses to run their applications in the cloud, either on their own infrastructure or in public clouds like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. VMware’s offerings include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model where a provider offers virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, over the internet. With IaaS, a user can rent these resources on a pay-per-use basis and can scale up or down as needed without having to manage the underlying infrastructure. Examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model where a provider offers a platform for developing, deploying, and managing applications over the internet. With PaaS, a user can develop and deploy applications without having to manage the underlying infrastructure, which includes servers, storage, and networking. The PaaS provider takes care of these tasks, allowing the user to focus on developing and deploying their application. Examples of PaaS providers include Heroku, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where an application is provided as a service over the internet. With SaaS, a user can access the application through a web browser or mobile app, without having to install or manage the software themselves. The application is hosted on the provider’s servers, and the provider takes care of maintenance, updates, and security. The user typically pays a subscription fee on a monthly or annual basis. Examples of SaaS applications include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.

DevOps is a software development approach that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and integration between software developers and operations teams to deliver high-quality software applications. The following is a step-by-step breakdown of the DevOps process:

1. Planning: The first stage of the DevOps process is planning. This involves defining the project requirements, establishing goals, and creating a timeline for the project.

2. Development: In the second stage, the application is developed by a team of software developers using an agile development approach. The code is stored in a version control system and automated builds are triggered when changes are made.

3. Testing: Once the application is developed, it is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets the requirements and is free of bugs. Testing is automated as much as possible, and any issues found are immediately reported to the developers for fixing.

4. Deployment: In the deployment stage, the application is packaged into a container or executable and deployed to the testing and production environments. Deployment is automated to minimize the risk of errors and improve the speed of the release cycle.

5. Monitoring: Once the application is deployed, it is constantly monitored to ensure it is performing optimally and any issues are promptly identified and resolved. This includes monitoring the infrastructure, the application, and customer feedback.

6. Feedback: Finally, feedback is gathered from users and stakeholders, and the results are used to inform future development projects. The feedback is collected continuously throughout the DevOps process, allowing the team to make informed decisions and continuously improve the application.

Career, Charity and Giving, Giving Back, Golf, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

Lessons Learned: My First Golf Experience

I’ve learned to Face Everything And Recover (facing one’s fears)

When I was young we had a couple of golf irons (I just called them clubs back then) among a garage bin-full of other sporting equipment. One day my brother and sisters decided to try “golfing” in our front yard for the first time.

I couldn’t tell you the brand of the 2-3 irons, or the golf balls we had acquired from a garage sale, but since it was something we were “trying out” for fun, they did the job for a group of kids ages 7-19 years old just trying something out.

Our corner property was long and large enough to play many sports on. We didn’t have an actual hole or pin, just a target we competed to get within range of. We did this with many activities and sports, it was a lot of fun.

At 7 years old (I was the youngest), I didn’t know anything about golf, but I had watched Wide World of Sports on TV, so I tried to emulate what I saw. Big swing, aim for the ball, and off it went – in at least the smallest of coincidences – it did so in the right direction. But, not for everyone in the group of course.

Here’s where a massive problem arose. It was my third turn up to swing (we started each “round” in order of oldest to youngest at the same place in the yard from the target at the end of the property). I blithely set-up the ball and positioned the shared club (fearless, and unaware at that time). Started on my BIG back-swing. Aaaaaand Whammm – my sister was sneaking up behind me to break my concentration. She succeeded. Aaaaaaand, I accidentally hit her hard with the club just above her left eyebrow. It was a gash, (lucky it wasn’t her eye), but with that back swing, I had given her not just a welt, but a bloody gash, aaaand turns out – a concussion.

She was rushed to the hospital. It took decades for the guilt to go away, and seeing the scar to this day, brings the whole episode to the forefront of my memory. Yes, I do realize that it wasn’t my fault, but I was involved, I was holding the club, I still hold myself responsible even though ultimately my sister was and is ok.

But, I was so traumatized, I didn’t pick up a golf club again until last year. I still to this day look around me before ever thinking of striking a ball (whether a softball, or golf ball, a good idea no matter what).

Later in life, I worked at ABC’s Wide World of Sports – in fact I told my mom earlier that same summer when I was 7, yes 7 that I was going to “work there someday”, and I did. Out of the mouths of children comes truth. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, luckily I do now.

I never was told that was a big dream back then, I wasn’t told it wouldn’t be attainable, I just received the gift reply of “ok honey”. My parents had no idea what it meant either, so there was no reason to not believe it was true.

I worked on many different sporting events including golf – I studied the players for each event I worked so I could recognize them if and when needed. From Golf, College & Monday Night Football, Horse Racing, Auto Racing, Bowling, Ice Skating, and Gymnastics. It was a great time. Thing is, I worked out all the, but stopped playing sports. I didn’t really even realize that until right this moment when I wrote that.

I played sports, did running events, did gymnastics, and dance class in grade & middle school, then went to performing arts high school for dance, but with that stopped “competitive sports”.

After college, I took to physical volunteering for different causes: cycling events, running events, swimming events, then began triathlons, just last year I participated in tough mudders too (and I love doing all of them).

Last year I started playing softball again. I’m relearning everything, I also have set aside my predisposition regarding golf, have taken lessons, and love the entire process. I regret not getting out of my own way mentally about the game. I’m still cognizant of my surroundings, where people, animals, and things are in relation to what I’m doing, not just in golf, but in life as well.

My Personal Take Away:

It’s wise to always know my surroundings, the fear has left, but the good practice of ensuring my and others safety prior to taking any swing (in sports, personally, and business opportunity), is just good sense. Don’t let fear stop you, let it inform you to be careful, but not hinder you action.

Keep Moving Forward, and Enjoy the Journey.

Career, Charity and Giving, Giving Back, Golf, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

Your Big Break

It’s not a puzzle to be solved

You’ve worked and worked. Shown up, gone above and beyond at work, with friends and family too. You’ve volunteered for the food bank, and local toy drive, helped neighbors with packages, and driven them to appointments they forgot about, and they didn’t want to take a car service.

You’ve gone to holiday gatherings for over a month for work and with friends. You’ve networked with your business contacts, sent notes, emails, well wishes done everything possible to bring good will to others.

Work is great, your friends and family are great, you’ve taken care of your significant other. Now what ?

It’s YOU time, that’s what!

Don’t forget about Yourself. I learned 12 years ago (on my yoga mat) that taking time for yourself is Not selfish, it’s actually one of many self-less things you can do for yourself and others. Ummm hmhmmm – it’s true.

Say what now?

Take one hour for yourself Today in anyway you’d like. A walk, meditate, if you want movement involved – work out (today I worked out, then did yoga, later I’ll play a little golf), listen to music, take a bath, swim, read, write, play an instrument, play /practice a sport, but do it. Yes Today!

You should set aside time everyday for yourself. It doesn’t always need to be an hour, just set aside some “boundary time” (time you will not be disturbed). No kids, no family, no friends, no texting, no social media – just where you’re doing You, unplugged to reset. No bills, no cooking, no cleaning, no kids (even for 5 minutes), breathe…..

This brings you back to you, the best version of you gets to emerge from this practice because not only your wants are met, an intrinsic Need of Re-connecting with yourself occurs.

You don’t know what to pick? It doesn’t HAVE to be any one thing. Pick one thing a day to try. Try something new. I chose yoga, it was the single greatest thing I did, because I didn’t even know at that moment how much I needed it yet. I just wanted to get out of the house, be with people – and try a class at my new gym. This year, learning golf and its process has me in the same zone. It’s amazing.

After the new year I’m taking a 4 day completely unplugged break. No phone, no email, no phone calls (except for emergencies only). I haven’t had a break since COVID began. Working and living at home has crossed some serious time boundaries, every day seemed to run into the next until I set some boundaries.

Exception: In an emergency, “me” time can be interrupted – but the house better be on fire! Ok, maybe not literally on fire, but I think I’ve made my point.

And, if I haven’t made my point. My point is take a break before you do!

Everyone needs even a quick reset, make it a 5 minute a day practice to start (and build from there), I guarantee others will see a positive change in you before you do. You’ll be healthier and much happier.

You’re worth it, believe it, own it, be it. You have permission to just think of yourself for at least 5 minutes a day – for the rest of your life. Then, you can return to your job, following up on tasks, the carpool, doing the dishes, grocery shopping, cleaning up after your pets and loved ones.

This is not a New Year’s resolution. Leave all your worries and things to do outside a virtual or physical door. When I step onto my yoga mat or write, nothing else exists at that moment in time. I can compartmentalize with such focus that nothing else exists, it’s almost like being in a trance. There are hours I’ve easily written through, and stepped onto my yoga mat hundreds of times, hearing just the voice of the instructor, going through the entire class, moving through each Asana, and found myself at the end not even realizing that someone else was in the room with me. It’s transcendent. It’s transformative.

It’s what I didn’t even know that I needed. Permission. Permission to think of just that for that moment in time.

You have permission to break from the task filled universe and be selfish for yourself, then you can be of service and more of yourself with the world.

Do it, you have Permission.

Career, Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

The One Single Word Everyone Wants to Hear

There are many articles on many subjects about creating connections, friendships, collaborations, instilling trust with colleagues. Are you connecting? If not as much as you’d like, or if you don’t know what missing it could be this one essential thing.

People love many many varied things in their relationships whether in business or personal. Having things in common is a great conversation starter, but halfway in after meeting someone for this first, second, or third time, they and YOU may not even know what’s missing. Have you guessed it yet?

You’ve had a great conversation with your new doorman, store clerk, waiter/waitress, business contact, interviewer, interviewee, video or in-person conference meeting, or a friend of a friend you met at a gathering, now what are they and you subconsciously waiting on?

I can’t believe I don’t remember, they “just said it” you think to yourself. Uhh, thank you……. “Thank you, nice to meet you”, with a node or handshake depending on the situation. That’s nice but that’s not it. Plus, that’s more than one word – just sayin!

What is The Single word everyone wants to hear?

Their Name! It’s the ultimate recognition.

Tips to remember:

1. If on the phone speaking with a customer service person, pharmacist, sales person, anyone who is helping, or trying to help, write down their name right away. Say their name back to them a few times in the conversation if you can.

2. If on a video call or meeting, jot down the person’s name discreetly if it’s not displayed on the screen. If there are many people in the same meeting take a quick screen shot so you can revisit the name with the face. The participant drop-down menu is also usually a good resource to get full names depending on each participant’s input.

3. In-person meetings, if you have a meeting invite, writing down the name of whom you’re meeting with before the meeting can solidify their name. Make sure when you’re first introduced to make eye contact and say their name back. “Nice to meet you, X”. Use their name as much as is comfortable in your conversation.

Pro Tip: If in an interview remember to follow-up with a Thank you email. Get their physical or digital card. Or, their email address should be on the invite. Don’t be shy in asking for their email address in the interview, it shows interest and initiative.

4. Ok. So you met someone you like at a gathering – big or small, but just about everyone is a new face and name (this can also apply to a new work situation). When you first meet people via remote video, or in-person again, say their name back to them as soon as comfortably possible. Again, use it in sentences as much as you can without being creepy.

5. Stop saying you’re “bad with names and faces”. I know this sounds odd, but if you keep saying it, it “becomes” your truth statement. Say to yourself, out loud in the mirror, “I’m great at remembering names and faces, I Rock at remembering names, I own remembering names”, repeat it, believe it. Write it on a post-it notes still. You’ve got this too! You can do this.

It’s not a trick, it’s not creepy, it solidifies to another human that you’re paying attention to them. It shows them you believe they are worth knowing. With a little practice, you’d be amazed at how fast and easy remembering becomes.

I worked at a very large company for 26 years. I knew just about everyone’s name. I made sure I called everyone, yes everyone from the security personnel, cleaning crew to the President of the company by their first names, or the nick name they enjoyed.

I loved making those connections, and it showed them that I respected them, which I do to this day.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone else out there – from strangers who have helped me when I needed it, to acquaintances who brightened my day with a smile. Thank you all for being part of my life and helping me become the person I am today

#Offering help: If you need assistance in getting started, I’m open to free consultations. Just contact me via this site, or LinkedIn. You’re not alone in this – I’m here to help every step of the way.

If you would like to converse about my services please reach out as well. I am passionate about helping people reach their goals and turning them into a reality. I know I can help you make the impact you are hoping for, as well as reach your target audience either by writing product information, learn more “call to actions”, newsletter and email writing.

Career, Employment, Life Choices, Moving Forward

It’s About Progress Not Perfection

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to move forward and improve our lives. Sometimes, we take those opportunities and sometimes we don’t. But as long as we keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit each day, we are making progress.

As we evolve we hopefully become more self aware. We know what we want, and possibly more importantly we know want we don’t want for ourselves. We can still make “bad” decisions, but I have to believe that each decision one makes is based on a belief system or defense mechanism we each have built for ourselves. A belief platform that tells us over and over again of “how it’s supposed to be”. But is it right? Is there a ”right” way? Only one, or just the one you’ve come to believe in?

Take the holidays. Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. When you were a child it was one thing, as an adult is it another ? Does it mean as much? How have your beliefs changed in what it was or is? Have they changed? The same can be asked about Christmas as well. Goto church, pray, get gifts, gather and eat with family.

How do you deal with the holidays, family, family “friends”, new “friends”? Are you excited, stressed out, evasive, apathetic?

If you’re going to be uncomfortable being with family, you have permission to not go (or host).

In tech, we build software applications and systems, test them, then give them to others to test and “break”. We WANT them to find flaws so they can be fixed before a bigger problem is found. It’s an iterative process. Yes, sometimes frustrating, but usually satisfying especially if it’s an easy fix. No one expects it to be perfect.

Now imagine crafting your life that way. There is no right, there is no wrong, there just is. The good, the bad, the frustration, the elation all will pass, nothing is permanent. A moment from now you won’t be exactly the same person you were a moment ago, so quite possibly the NOW person doesn’t want or need what the person they were a moment ago needed.

My whole life changed again during COVID. One day I was living alone in a condo in northern NJ working 2 jobs commuting to NYC 6 days a week, and on March 9th, 2020 I shut down my section of MLB Advanced Media, a brand new multi-million dollar office, and have barely traveled to NYC again, even for fun. If you told me that – on that day at that moment, it didn’t seem like that something so extreme would even be possible. But it was.

The next day the entire team pivoted to be home based, and we got to work, and we made it work. In no small part of that equation we’re my bosses, who were and are stellar in every sense of the word. Was it seamless and perfect? Not even close. The whole team was clamoring for more work hours, but we all made due with what was given. It worked somehow.

In my off hours, which were now many, I began long walks outside, worked out more, went to the grocery store as little as possible, but when I did I wore my mask, came home took off my shoes at the door, washed the food, all the clothes I was wearing, and took a full shower. It was exhausting, but I didn’t get COVID.

I helped neighbors, and met with friends outside 6 feet apart, took care of my pets, and just kept moving forward. Was it perfect? Again, not by a long shot. I applied to any job I thought I could do remotely for months, I was about to lose my condo when I sold it and moved in with my boyfriend. I then also started a fully remote mainstream job for the first time in years. I was a fish out of water, but I learned about the people, the culture, the job, the technology, and the competition. It was all new like I was a beginner again, because in a certain way, I was. Tech in broadcasting was rapidly changing, evolve or die, I choose to live, and so I did.

Is it perfect now? Nope. It’s progress not perfection. I’m in a New home, with a great guy, great friends and family, a great job, still working out everyday. It got better and still gets better everyday. It’s been a long road but setting expectations and accepting where you’re at in that exact moment leads to a certain peace in life that perfection can’t deliver.

#keepmovingforward

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