Adam and Eve are the center of the creation story we all know well. God creates a stage with everything we see naturally occurring. It isn't until a man walks across the stage, however, that the plot starts. And the first act is to create a woman. And unlike other stories that woman is not someone to save from a dragon or someone to clean a house as neither are yet introduced in the story.
Whether the man likes video games, or the woman likes sewing, or vice versa, is completely extraneous to the plot. It isn't worth even bringing in to fill out the characters on the stage. The story only progresses on one point, they continue creation together -- equally needed.
But the story is not unique to the branches of early Judaism (Christianity and Islam being two major branches). Norse mythology recognizes Ask and Embla as the first two humans. Hindu mythology points to Adam and Hevas. A Chinese mural may even show that a similar legend was told there, it shows a man and a woman in the setting of earth creation, and a mischievous monkey with a peach.
A great number of creation myths mark a different apex of creation that isn't human centered, yet still honoring the same duality where the father is the sky and the mother is the earth, and all living things are their children.
Humans are usually still created as man and woman, and sometimes work together in some form of rebellion to remake the world from the originally conceived environment to what we have today. For instance in Maori and Hindu tradition, they actively battle the sky and the earth apart. To what degree their rebellion, or how they work together differs. For instance in Greek mythology, Pandora acts alone with no real male figure around, to bring sorrow and pain into the world.
Today, we piece together a vision of the past, inductively. Many of the same elements still exist. Creation of everything living could have started in the spark of lightning in a methane filled sky creating a primordial soup on the earth that eventually roots into direct sustenance from the earth. Some theories even have a more direct seeding from living bacteria which evolved and formed in space on comets, that later roots into the earth.
Then at some point, man appears with the unique (to that point) ability to greatly affect the environment around him. Then this species moves from a state of being a hunter-gatherer, living directly off the life offered by the original creation to one that is actively involved in maintaining his own environment through toil and labor. Sort of like being kicked out of the house and having to live on your own, in a cultural progression from natural to civilized. In the act of changing the environment, mankind becomes responsible to upkeep -- live or die-- on their change.
The two key elements I glean from this elevation. One is how creation happens between the interaction of a complementary duality which story tellers can identify as a father and mother -- both equally necessary. The other is the responsibility -- or rather the transition of responsibility involved from the creator to the created for the environment they create for themselves.
Now, of course there are theories and myths that fit this model to
various degrees, some even providing notable exceptions. I admit to
taking some license with the altitude of the fly-over of the landscape
of all of these different stories. For instance, the anthropological
model of the paradise before civilization is not very paradisaical.
Being dependent on untended mother nature to provide food can be quite
hazardous to your health. And having to hunt and gather is no life of
ease. And all of us are ultimately still dependent on the whims of mother nature, however emancipated by our own creation of houses and such.
But I maintain that in general, this is an fair way to characterize the path of civilization.
Another notable exception is the very centerpiece I mentioned first (merely because it is the one I personally grew up with). The original creation figure is uniquely singular, "God" who needs no other interaction to create anything. Even if you take the plural connotation of the original Hebrew, you could argue that they stand united without need of anything around them, to create. However, their creation emphasize a creation duality in the culmination of creating mankind as man and woman.
And perhaps that is the point. This congruence between many stories could simply be an artificial anthropomorphism, something we relate to and understand like how we relate to each other as human beings. It is something universal that we found and then understand intuitively using the circuitry of our brains created for socialization. It could also be the opposite, an emulation that we picked through millions of evolutionarily adjustments to the natural environment around us.
At this elevation, whether contrived by mankind to understand nature or imbued in mankind by emulating nature, it looks like the same thing to me. It looks like a principle that is both elemental and natural, as well as personal and human. They both mirror the other with no real way to establish which came first, it is a uniquely human version of the chicken or the egg conundrum.
So its no wonder to me you can come to the same climax of the story whether or not you start with a lone intelligence of omniscience, or a duality that combines together to create life at the get-go. For what creates a whole universe and then culminates in the duality of man and woman? Or what is the duality or a mother earth and father sky which then humans emulate naturally?
By a duality of creation, I mean to denote those cases where we have separation and distinction in the participants of creation. The ability to procreate is not given to one alone, the ability is broken into complement parts and separated between two: sky and earth, man and woman.
Another separation happens in the transfer of responsibility. In moving from direct dependency on nature to one's on ability to create your own environment within nature, there is a degree of separation between nature and the creation. In becoming responsible for one's own environment where you must plant now to have food later, you have become somewhat separated from the dependency for nature to take care of you.
And now I walked us through the whole stage, the universe that Adam and Eve find themselves in, we come to the next act. Creation isn't over with the distinction of the man and the woman. The final act of creation is their marriage, bringing them back together. It is their assuming responsibility for what they create until they pass it on again to those they create. Its a recursive pattern, repeating itself and renewing itself with each generation.
Even in the stories of father sky and mother earth, often the culminating act for the two trouble makers who just changed the whole earth is to be united in marriage. I read this a few ways, one is "you two caused this together, now you two have to deal with it together". But there is also a romantic aspect of it, they worked together to conquer something they both didn't like and now their reward is each other and a heritage they created that is given as legend to each generation thereafter.
Their act, their creation, their choice, their ability to create, lives happily ever after even after they die. Hence the birth of legend and heritage itself. Adam might not walk on the stage carrying a book, but Eve (or rather the nature of their union and creation) becomes the mother of necessity for books.
At this point, one might see this as an attempt to say marriage is what it is, "yeah, yeah it is man and woman we get it already". It might be seen as an appeal to whatever natural circumstance created tradition in the first place to justify tradition. I think if I went down that road, I'd have to once again tackle that chicken and egg problem.
But I'd rather point out, that the healing of the separation or uniting of what is lost, is all happening through marriage. And that makes marriage the perfect story of egalitarianism, the naturally perfected model of enlightenment and equality.
What I described might be how marriage came to be as a natural product of the universe, but it is definitely the very model of equality that we hope to understand further by participating in it.
As I mentioned before, at that pristine point in the story (and here we have to look primarily at the myth rather than the inductive reasoning of anthropology) there is not character backdrop that gives us any reason to believe that one owned the other, or that there was any inequality between them. They might have been hunting buddies, they might have gathered together, they might not have. We have no insight in the division of labor until after they changed their own environment.
Sure, the primordial soup that really created life may have been made with just one stroke of lightning, but back then it is likely that Father Sky produced an order of magnitude more lightning then it does today and sustained that over millions of years. The energy used by either the sky or earth before life caught on is impossible to measure, but the value of their contribution (given that that model is accurate in how life was created) is not. Both were necessary, both were needed.
Here's an experiment in equality for you. Go to some room in the house where a light is rigged to two switches. You'll notice that either of them can turn it on, or off. Operators at both switches have to agree to some position relative to the other for the light to remain on. At each switch put two people, but reward them for the opposite result. For one person, offer five dollars to keep the light on. For the other person, offer five dollars to keep the light off. After as much blinking of the lights as you can stand, stop the process. Likely neither participant will feel sure enough in their victory to stop switching. The light was on and off the whole time, at different times so who wins? So in that uncertainty they likely will continue to try. You might have to assure them that they both lose, just to stop the blinking.
Now look at the other possibility. It is much easier to achieve one or the other if both are rewarded for the same outcome. It is settled almost immediately and both receive a reward.
In each scenario the energy both put in by each operator was roughly the same. The reward in each scenario was likewise the same for both participants, but not the same for both scenarios. That makes it equality along a very narrow interpretation for the operators. But in the marriage interpretation of equality, the importance of each person to a unified outcome is valued the same in only one scenario. The responsibility for each person is likewise unified for the same goal in only one model of marriage equality. And that also happens to be the only model where both participants receive the reward, both in the scenario and in the marriage.
That is a very binary example of the same dilemma that marriage hopes to unite people behind.
When ever my wife and I might contemplate divorce, (I'm not afraid to say that has happened) a few things come into much sharper focus. The first is that if either wanted the marriage off, it was off. We both had to be united to make it work to keep things together. We both had to be united for the same goal, and for the same purpose.
The other was that if we were divorced two things would not change. The first, we would both still be related through our children. We couldn't really escape from each other and be justified by the court in doing so. The second is that while separated we would not have any chance of equality. The third is that the separation, both in what was irreparably destroyed as childlike ideals, and in the confusion of what parenting is in the separation, would damage and hurt the children. There may be a way to forget the pain, but fixing the pain would be even harder.
Another fourth item came into focus, primarily for my wife. Life and career would be much harder for her than myself. She, having a father who still delinquent on child support in her parent's divorce, realized that like her mother she more stuck with the children then I would be. I might be a gallant sort who does everything I can, or I might not be, and she is at that whim. And even if I am gallant, her investment already in childbearing put her at a disadvantage in the career marketplace. I've already written a lot on this subject, that the gender gap in salary is really just a manifestation of the marriage gap. Women's tie to children makes them less able to take on the extra-demands that very high paying jobs give. Flexibility to handle children comes at a cost in salary that men seem to be able to dodge better then women (and I credit women for it because I feel it is because they are ready to take on that responsibility).
But just look at the statistics
, Google them if needed. Single women vs Single men, the difference in their careers isn't a pretty picture. At some point something's gotta give, someone's got to take responsibility for the kids and that requires flexibility from work. If women further seek emancipation from that responsibility, then it only comes at abandoning the children even more. Men seem to have their hands firmly on the switch of freedom from the kids.
On the other head of that same coin, however, are a movement of men who feel the women have completely cut them out of their children's lives. Men who still break down in tears about the last memory they have seeing their kids, men who would gladly mean more to their children then being a paycheck. These are men who claim they were falsely accused of things they never did, and guilty by vague suspicion only. Women seem well in control of the switch when it comes to custody.
What does this tell me? Well, it tells me that single women need more of our support. It tells me that we need more wisdom in how we handle custody. But it also shows, and what all four of those items showed me and my wife if we ever thought about separating, is that it is impossible to equally value each others responsibilities and rights if we were separated. Only when we were united for the same goal would we really achieve that reward.
So, we make it work. We do whatever it takes to make it work. We both are united for the same goal of equality, to equally value the rights and responsibilities of our spouse and the children we have together.
Only then does the marriage bring us the happiness we always expected it to. A happiness that only marriage can bring.
We are two people who need each other, we have that duality of creation. We are two people who have taken responsibility for our children, instead of letting nature have their way directly with them. Our choices are leaving a legacy with our children, just as my parents stuck it through some hard times we are continuing that example for my children. Just as my wife's mother took responsibility for her children, so is she continuing in that example. We are both taking the best of our parents, and passing that on. And the best always seems to be that heritage of changing nature to facilitate taking responsibility for each other and our children. Just like Adam and Eve, really.
The egalitarian model of marriage is -- to equally recognize the rights and responsibilities of the man, woman, and child they potentially have together. The unit is unique, it is the unit of procreation in humanity -- man, woman and child. It is unique in its completion of complementary duality of humankind. It is unique in its position to pass through example and emulation the principles of egalitarianism -- the integration of complementary duality and responsibility -- to the very products of that union.
Marriage is directly linked to creation, and my argument here has been that it is is the epitome of the model of egalitarianism because it is directly linked to creation in a way that has created civilization as well, and all that creation has meant throughout history.
To much? Too flowery? Too mystically universal? No. It is just as simple as a man and a woman ready create a child together, knowing full well that to fully stand without accusation they need to equally respect each others responsibilities and rights in how the child is created. So often we are told that history will judge us in how we come down in the debate about marriage. Should we be ashamed that we want to bolster our adherence to the egalitarian model of marriage? Well, perhaps more important to ask yourself is will you be accused of neglecting your responsibilities to your spouse or your children. Did you equally recognize their rights and responsibilities with yours?
But perhaps no better put then the place I first learned it, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed."
As Tevia and his family sings about this very repetition of life, the bride and groom stand with quickly beating hearts. Sunrise, and sunset, quickly flow the years, one season following another. The passing of responsibility through the generations is like the beating heart of civilization itself.


Robot Operating System (ROS): How did it revolutionize robotics software development?Speaker: Anis Koubaa – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Topic(s): Architecture, Embedded Systems and Electronics, Robotics
Robot Operating System (ROS) becomes nowadays the de-facto standard for developing robotics applications. The pre-birth initiatives were emerging from STanford AI Robot (STAIR) project and Personal Robots (PR) program, which aimed at creating dynamic software systems for robotics applications, until 2007 when Willow Garage, a major robotics investor, boosted the development of this initiative and contributed to the release of the first ROS software packages in 2009. The first version of ROS was released in 2010 and nowadays ROS becomes the largest ecosystem and platform for robotics software development. In just a few years of its release, ROS has witnessed a huge community with increasing number of users and developers from academia and industry, as well as hobbyists. How did ROS revolutionize robotics software development in just a few years?
In this presentation, I will give an overview of ROS and its evolution in the past years after its release. I will unveil the secrets of ROS that makes it a revolutionary solution for developing robotics applications. I will share my experience, as a computer scientists working on robotics, with developing robotics applications in the pre-ROS and post-ROS times, and how ROS made a complete shift in the software engineering and development approaches for mobile robots. The presentation will also give a small overview of the main concepts of ROS and the most important libraries and packages that comes with it. Video demonstrations and real illustrations will be presented.
About this LectureNumber of Slides: 70
Duration: 90 minutes
Languages Available: English
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Emotions Vocabulary; Mrs. Wordsmith
Mrs Wordsmith week 3
Mrs Wordsmith Week 2
Mrs Wordsmith week 1
Welcome to 2ZP's class page!
Read this page for regular updates about our learning in Year Two.
Look at our amazing writing about our summer holiday!
I have been so impressed with 2ZP this half term, they have all made a brilliant start to Year Two and have settled in well.
Here are some of our displays in our classroom.
We noticed that the weather was changing so we went to explore. We then decided to create artwork based on the trees that we saw!
During Literacy we created our own non fiction books about Bluebirds! We were inspired after reading the Robot and the Bluebird by David Lucas.
Our current topic is 'Terrific transport' and the children thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the transport museum where we got to go on a variety of vehicles from the past. Our class favourite was the tram!
As well as visiting the transport museum we have been learning about Alec Issigonis, the inventor of the Mini, and Amelia Earhart.
We are also busy designing our very own vehicle and will be making them next week!
Look at our amazing wheeled vehicles!
Wow, they are incredible! All of the children thoroughly enjoyed making their vehicle and even evaluated their work to say what worked well and what they would change next time. Great designing and making work 2ZP!
This is our topic wall showing all of our learning for 'Terrific Transport'.
Our new topic is Heroes and Villains, and we began this topic by sharing our ideas about what we thought a hero and a villain was. We then decided who our own heroes were.
We had a class debate about whether we thought that Goldilocks was a hero or a villain, watch the video below to hear our opinions!
As part of our topic we are also learning about Pirates. In groups we came up with vocabulary relating to pirates and then wrote fact sentences using the words.
We received a letter from Blackbeard and he needed our help!
We carried out a science experiment to test which liquid would clean the coins. We discovered that lemonade made the coins the shiniest! Look at the photos below to see how we carried out the experiment.


Treatment of Depression
Treatment Of Male Sexual Problems
Treatment Of Anxiety Attacks
Treatment Of Female Sexual Problems
Memory Improvement Techniques
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment
Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Treatment of Abnormal Behaviour
Psychological Diagnosis (Adult And Child)
Manual Therapy Treatment
Psychoanalysis for Suicide
Therapy Oral Language
Submit a review for BLK Super Speciality HospitalYour feedback matters!
ADHD is one of the commonest behavioral disorders that are found in mostly school going kids. In fact, this kind of trouble might affect kid's ability quite adversely. There are a few signs with the help of which ADHD in kids can be easily detected and some of the commonest ones are emotional turmoil, unfinished tasks, squirm and fidget, low focus careless mistakes and other related ones.
Both interpersonal relationship and schooling success can be hampered to a great extent with this kind of mental disorder. This is why the kids facing the mentioned signs need to be thoroughly diagnosed medically so that the doctors can recommend best treatments that can provide fastest recovery and that too safely and easily.
Best tips for tackling ADHD in kids:
- Setting behavior limits: If you make your kids learn how to lead a disciplined life, then appropriate behavioral limits are established. Arrogant child is mostly exposed towards ADHD.
- Staying calm: Child anger should be efficiently controlled otherwise. ADHD cannot be cured. If the kids remain calm and quiet, then only their concentration level will increase, and they can show productive outcomes.
- Setting pressure free structure: Sensible routines and scheduled charts are to be prepared so that unwanted risks can be easily avoided. If the kids are under tremendous pressure, then they might face different kinds of behavioral troubles.
- Allow kids to make wise choices: If you let your kids free, then only they will be able to take right decisions. Kids with a cool mind can take wise decisions that are very much appropriate for upgrading their performances.
- Advocating child: Child advocating is highly needed for maintaining a good and healthy balance. But too much strictness should be avoided so that your kids' behavior can be controlled with ease. This should be done either by parents or tutors so that they can choose the best direction in life.
- Avoid muting any headstrong child: Communicate with your child so that a proper interaction can be maintained. If your child remains silent for too long, then they might face different behavioral troubles.
- Acquiring knowledge about ADHD: Both parents and kids should have equal knowledge about ADHD and then only the probable signs can be easily avoided, and the necessary treatments can be known.
- Being persistent: Persistent behavior is to be maintained, and if you find any deviation in your kids, then you should take them to a doctor. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a psychiatrist.
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder in recent days, is a major mood disorder characterized by hypomanic or manic episodes (deviation from one's usual mood along with abnormally high energy levels). Mania involves sleeplessness, along with psychosis, hallucinations, rage, grandiose delusions or paranoia. Mania or hypomania isn’t usually harmful to the patient and they might exhibit increased capacity for work and creativity. Depressive episodes however, can be debilitating and often life threatening as the person becomes self-destructive and suicidal in many instances.
The extent of mood swings can vary from extreme to very mild. They can occur progressively or suddenly and might last for few days to weeks. Patients affected by bipolar disorder may experience disturbances in thinking apart from depressive or manic episodes. Distortions of perception and impaired social functioning are also not uncommon. The cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood like most mental health conditions and is often thought to be hereditary.
The extent of the seriousness of the bipolar symptoms varies from person to person. In some people, the disorder is not full blown and they don’t exhibit all the symptoms. Others who aren’t that lucky might have to be hospitalized multiple times in their lives as the symptoms creep into their work and personal life and make living a normal life a tough challenge.
Psychotic symptoms such as disorganized thinking, hallucinations and delusions might make a person do things that demand the urgency of hospitalization to keep them safe from their suicidal impulses. These symptoms might need to be urgently addressed by a psychiatrist and with the help of medications, the person might be able to regain control of their lives.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are many and can be mainly categorized into two (sometimes overlapping) categories of mania or hypomania and depression:
Manic symptoms include:
- Grandiose delusions (delusion of grandeur)
- Racing thoughts which are often disconnected
- Sense of euphoria or false elation
- Irritability without cause
- Hampered social functioning
- Increased sexual inclination and risky sexual behavior
- Increase in talking volume or speed
- Impaired judgment
- Reduced sleep requirements owing to extra energy levels
- Increased productivity and creativity
Depressive symptoms include:
- Abnormal eating patterns like over or under-eating to the extent of severe medical complications accompanied by drastic changes in weight
- Difficulty in concentration, making decisions and remembering
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Contemplating about death for prolonged periods of time and suicidal behavior
- Oversleeping, insomnia or early awakening
- Persistent pessimism
- Irritability and restlessness
- Feeling of hopeless and negative attitude
Mood stabilizers, such as lithium are commonly employed to treat bipolar disorder. Anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines and anti psychotics can also be used in the treatment. Along with medications, support from family and friends is of the utmost importance as they need to help provide all the support required in making the person functional and healthy. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a psychiatrist.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. A person’s mood and emotions can be altered drastically due to bipolar disorder, but they do not have more than one personality. Split personalities problem is more commonly seen in those with personality/dissociative disorders.
There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.
- Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia): Defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
- Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: Defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories listed above.
The disorder has two strong phases: 1) Bipolar Mania and 2) Depression.
Mania is a state of heightened energy and euphoria - an elevation of mood. It is in direct contrast to depression. Mania can vary in severity from hypomania, where, in addition to mood and energy elevation, the person shows mild impairment of judgement and insight, to severe mania with delusions and a level of manic excitement that can be so exhausting that hospitalisation is required to control the episode.
The mood, energy and other related symptoms define both mania and hypomania, with psychotic features being an 'add on' component experienced by a sub-set of individuals.
You have an intense sense of well-being, energy and optimism. It can be so strong that it affects your thinking and judgement. You may believe strange things about yourself, make bad decisions, and behave in embarrassing, harmful and - occasionally - dangerous ways.
Like depression, it can make it difficult or impossible to deal with day-to-day life. Mania can badly affect both, your relationships and work. When it isn't so extreme, it is called 'hypomania'. In case a person has become maniac, you may notice the following things:
- Very happy and excited
- Irritated with other people who don't share your optimistic outlook
- Feeling more important than usual.
- Full of new and exciting ideas
- Moving quickly from one idea to another
- Hearing voices that other people can't hear.
- Making plans that are grandiose and unrealistic
- Very active, moving around very quickly
- Behaving unusually
- Talking very quickly - other people may find it hard to understand what you are talking about
- Making odd decisions on the spur of the moment, sometimes with disastrous consequences
- Recklessly spending your money
- Over-familiar or recklessly critical with other people
- Less inhibited in general.
If you are in the middle of a manic episode for the first time, you may not realise that there is anything wrong, although your friends, family or colleagues will. You may even feel annoyed if someone tries to point this out to you. You increasingly lose touch with day-to-day issues and with other people's feelings.
The feeling of depression is something we all experience from time to time. It can even help us to recognise and deal with problems in our lives. In clinical depression or bipolar disorder, the feeling of depression is much worse. It goes on for longer and makes it difficult or impossible to deal with the normal things of life. If you become depressed, you will notice some of these changes:
- Feelings of unhappiness that don't go away
- Feeling that you want to burst into tears for no reason
- Losing interest in things
- Being unable to enjoy things
- Feeling restless and agitated
- Loss of self-confidence
- Feeling useless, inadequate and hopeless
- Feeling more irritable than usual
- Thinking of suicide.
- Can’t think positively or hopefully
- Finding it hard to make even simple decisions
- Difficulty in concentrating.
- Losing appetite and weight
- Difficulty in getting to sleep
- Waking earlier than usual
- Feeling utterly tired
- Going off sex
- Difficulty in starting or completing things, even everyday chores
- Crying a lot or feeling like you want to cry, but not being able to
- Avoiding contact with other people.
- Biological Causes: Experts say that patients with bipolar disorder often show physical changes in their brains. Nobody is sure why the changes lead to the disorder.
- Genetic Traits: Researchers are involved in finding out whether or not the causes of bipolar disorder arise out of genes and other hereditary factors. If you have a first-degree relative or a sibling who is/was affected by this condition, you would probably have it too.
- Neurotransmitters: Mood swing disorder is caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals known as ‘neurotransmitters’.
Initial Treatment: The initial treatment method is to take medications to balance and control the mood swings. After the symptoms are in control, one has to start working with his/her trusted doctor for chalking out an effective and practical long-term treatment procedure.
Recovery from substance abuse: Problems related to excessive alcohol and drug abuse are solved by this therapy. Failing this step, this disorder can be unmanageable.
Day care treatment: Day care treatment programs can be recommended by your doctor. This treatment method includes counseling and support which keep the bipolar traits under control.
Hospitalization: Hospitalization or immediate medical support is recommended in case of suicidal thoughts or when a person starts exhibiting erratic behavior (being psychotic).
Medications: Medications include the administration of antipsychotics (such as ziprasidone, olanzapine), antidepressants (usually in combination with a mood stabilizer or an anti-psychotic), mood stabilizers (such as valproic acid, lithium, divalproex sodium) and anti-anxiety medications. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a psychiatrist and ask a free question.
Panic disorder is a serious condition that can strike without any reason or warning and the symptoms last for about 10 minutes, such as; a fear for imminent death or losing control, chills, numbness of toes or fingers, stomach ache problem or nausea, trembling, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.
Over time, a person with panic disorder develops a constant fear of having another panic attack, which can affect daily functioning and general quality of life.
Is it a heart attack or a panic attack?
Most of the symptoms of a panic attack are physical, and many times these symptoms are so severe that people think they are having a heart attack. In fact, many people suffering from panic attacks make repeated trips to the doctor or the emergency room in an attempt to get treatment for what they believe is a life-threatening medical problem. While it’s important to rule out possible medical causes of symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, or difficulty breathing, it’s often panic that is overlooked as a potential cause—not the other way around.
What are the causes behind Panic Disorder?
Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorder are unclear, the tendency to have panic attacks runs in families. There also appears to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college and entering the workplace, getting married, and having a baby. Severe stress, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack.
Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes. Panic Disorder usually begins during late adolescence and early adulthood and is twice as common with women as compared to men.
How can Panic Disorder be treated?
Psychotherapy- It is a type of counseling wherein trained professionals assist people by discussing strategies for comprehending and stabilizing this disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory- Cognitive behavioral theory aims at identifying possible triggers of panic attacks and helps one recognize and change their thought patterns and behaviors that stimulate such behavior.
Medication- Anti-depressant medicines are used to cure panic disorders, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), medications for reducing anxiety and certain cardiovascular medications such as beta-blockers to cope with situational anxiety.
When it comes to panic attacks, professional treatment and therapy can make a big difference. But there are many things you can do to help yourself, too:
Learn about panic, read up on anxiety, panic disorder, and the fight-or-flight response experienced during a panic attack.
Avoid smoking and caffeine.
Learn how to control your breathing.
Practice relaxation techniques regularly like Yoga and meditation.
OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental condition, which traps people in a cycle of repetitive thoughts that push them to do repetitive behaviors. As the name states, the obsession over certain things compels them to do it over and over again. These actions will only help you feel relieved for a short time and soon the cycle starts back again.
Symptoms of OCD:
The symptoms of OCD are classified into two groups, one for the obsessive behavior and the other for compulsive behavior. Some of the common symptoms for these are mentioned below:
As the name states this means obsessing over certain things, which varies from person to person. Some of the things could be:
- Being scared about making mistakes
- The fear of being embarrassed in public situations
- Constantly being scared about contamination by germs, microbes or dirt
- Doubts about sure and simple situations and the need to be constantly reassured about them
The obsessions usually results in compulsive behaviors, which you may need to perform to reassure and relieve yourself of the anxiety temporarily. Some of these may include:
- Trying to constantly arrange things in a certain way and still not being satisfied
- Thoughts, words and images being stuck in your head throughout the day that may keep you disturbed and cause to lose sleep
- You may even repeat specific words or actions multiple times as a measure of self reassurance.
- Hoarding of items, which have no value
Causes of OCD:
Biological factors: Certain chemical imbalances in the brain may lead to OCD, which may happen due to hormonal or biological changes. In fact certain infections are also known to trigger OCD in people.
Environmental factors: Certain types of mental trauma have been known to trigger OCD as well, such as
- Office, school, college or other work related stresses over a long period of time
- The passing away of a near and dear one
- Relationship problems
- Repressed abuses from earlier in life
Most treatments of OCD are categorized into two types:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a counseling based therapy where you may be slowly asked to face your fears and overcome them over a period of time.
- Medications: Antidepressants, inhibitors, or antipsychotic drugs or relaxants in various combinations may be used to treat OCD.
- Electroconvulsive therapy: Only in the rarest of cases would doctors consider electroconvulsive therapy, if the patient is a danger to themselves or others around them.


China’s first space walk signals new rivalry in outer space
13 October 2008
China's third manned space flight, launched on September 25 and returning to earth on September 28, was its most ambitious. Some 40 years after the Soviet Union and the US, China has become only the third country to conduct a space walk. While in the short-term Beijing used the space mission to stir up fervent nationalism, its longer-term aim is to end the present dominance in space of the major powers, particularly the US.
Three astronauts led by Zhai Zhigang manned the Shenzhou VII space capsule, which is larger and heavier than those used in two previous manned flights in 2003 (one man) and 2005 (two men). With five tracking vessels deployed around the world, the activities of the astronauts were beamed live back to China and then broadcast amid great fanfare on state television.
The climax of the mission was Zhai's 15-minute space walk on September 27 to test a Chinese-made, $4.4 million spacesuit and related equipment. With the assistance of fellow astronaut Liu Boming, Zhai waved the Chinese national flag as he floated outside the capsule. His task was to retrieve a test sample of solid lubricant that had been placed on the outside of the spacecraft prior to launch.
The successful flight has been the subject of endless comment in the state media and by government officials who have hailed the three astronauts as "national heroes". For the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime, the flight was a useful device for promoting patriotic fervour and distracting attention from the explosive issues of global financial turmoil, social inequality, official corruption and the crisis over unsafe milk products.
After the three astronauts landed, Zhai told a television crew: "The mission was glorious and full of challenges but the result was perfect. I feel proud of my country." State media also broadcast the reaction of their families, who made suitably patriotic comments about how great the motherland was. The Beijing Youth Daily enthused: "Following the Soviets and Americans, the black-haired and yellow-skinned Chinese have now left a footprint in space."
The first astronaut of Chinese descent was physicist Taylor Wang, born in Shanghai in 1940, who was aboard a US Challenger space shuttle in 1985. As for all the nationalist drum beating, China is still well behind the major space powers and heavily reliant on Russian know-how. While reengineered to make it larger, the Shengzhou spacecraft is largely based on the Soviet Soyuz capsule. China's own spacesuit, the Feitian, is also based on the Russian-made Orlan-M. Russian space experts have reportedly assisted in all of China's manned missions.
However, China is beginning to challenge the decades-long dominance of the US and Russia in space. According to the US National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), the number of Chinese spaceflights between 2003 and 2007 was 10. While still behind Russia's 22 and America's 16 over the same period, the figure is equal to the combined total for the EU, Japan and India.
The ability to conduct space walks is essential for the building of a space station, which requires astronauts to be able to join components, make external checks and conduct repairs. After Zhai's space walk, the Shengzhou VII released a small satellite, as part of another experiment in preparation for building a space laboratory in 2011 and eventually a space station by 2020. According to the South China Morning Post, the core of China's space station, named Tiangong or Sky Mansion, will lift off in two years and will be joined later with two other laboratories to create a living and working environment for five astronauts.
China plans two unmanned and five manned space flights to acquire the expertise for docking in space. To put the space station module into orbit, China is developing a new Long March V rocket capable of carrying a payload of 25 tonnes into the orbit. It is due to be tested in 2009. If these plans succeed, by 2015 China will become the only country with its own space outpost, even as Russia and the US expand the huge International Space Station (ISS).
A space industry official told the South China Morning Post that China was not "set on fancy performances" like the US and the former USSR during the Cold War. "The accelerating pace of the Chinese space program we see is largely driven by real needs. The nation thirsts for some of the world's most advanced technology not because it wants to fight the third world war but for the booming manufacturing industry, for jumbo jets, satellite TV and new pharmaceuticals," he said.
While seeking to advance commercial interests, the Chinese space program, like those of the US, Russia and other powers, is intimately bound up with military considerations. Just as China's first satellite launch in 1970 was related to its development of an intercontinental ballistic missile, more powerful rockets for launching a space station will enhance China's military capacity. Greater technical sophistication also enabled China to test an anti-satellite missile in January 2007, by destroying an aging weather satellite.
A major motivation behind China's space program has been to counter the US military's plans to enhance its capability for space warfare. According to the US-based Union of Concerned Scientists, China's manned space program was abandoned by Deng Xiaoping in 1978 in favour of more practical projects involving unmanned satellites. However, the Reagan administration's "Star Wars" program in the 1980s, aimed at neutralising the Soviet nuclear arsenal, also rattled Beijing and provoked an intense debate about the need to develop hi-tech space technology.
In 1986, four veteran scientists involved in China's nuclear weapons program drafted a proposal to Deng calling for the development of space capacities that would allow China to "claim a seat at the table of the international club". Deng subsequently ordered the implementation of Plan 863 to build a space station. Following the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, the US imposed an arms embargo on Beijing, which also ended previous space cooperation. As its economic growth accelerated in the 1990s, sections of the US ruling elite increasingly saw China as a potentially dangerous rival and collaboration in space has not resumed.
Up to 1992, Plan 863 was delayed by continuing internal debate in Beijing, with opponents arguing the large sums of money involved would be better spent on alleviating rising social tensions. Once again, Deng intervened to support manned space flights, now known as the 921 Project. The emerging "strategic partnership" between China and Russia-in response to growing US militarism--gave Beijing access to former Soviet military and aerospace technologies. By contrast, Beijing's requests for a place in the International Space Station project were repeatedly rejected by the US.
The US already has advanced space warfare programs. In 2006, the US National Space Policy declared that the US will "deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to US national interests." The US responded to China's anti-satellite test by shooting down one of its own spy satellites earlier this year. Last November the Bush administration signed a space plane program to build a hypersonic bomber capable of operating between the upper atmosphere and low space orbit and striking anywhere in the world in two hours. The program was cancelled by Congress in 2001, but was revived following China's anti-satellite test.
However, the US may yet be compelled to turn to China for assistance. The US space shuttles are due to retire in 2010, but their replacement, the Ares-Orion spacecraft, will not enter service until 2015. In the interim, the US will be dependent on Russia for deploying its astronauts to the International Space Station. But growing tensions between the US and Russia, especially over Georgia, have placed a question mark over this cooperation.
According to the International Herald Tribune, NASA chief Michael Griffin told his colleagues that "five minutes" after Russia intervened in Georgia he decided to explore the extended use of the space shuttle. Griffin, who has repeatedly warned of China's space challenge to the US, markedly changed his tone after China's first space walk. "I certainly do not see China as a threat," he said, even hinting that China could be a partner in US plans to return to the moon. Undoubtedly, the possibility of using China's spacecraft assistance to put US astronauts on the International Space Station is also under consideration. Whether China would agree remains to be seen.
The problems surrounding the International Space Station highlight a more fundamental issue. International cooperation in space is a logical necessity given the huge costs involved and the absurdity of trying to stake out national territories in space. However, such research, which would greatly enhance mankind's scientific knowledge, is threatened by rising international tensions as the major powers each seek to build their military capacity in space at the expense of their rivals with potentially disastrous consequences.


Players work on dribbling the ball with speed while keeping it close to their body.
Create four goals using a set of two cones for each. Set the opposite goals about 20 yards from each other. Give each player a soccer ball.
1. Coach blows his whistle and players begin dribbling their soccer ball toward a goal.
2. Players continue dribbling, going through each goal and then repeating.
3. Run drill for 10 minutes. You can have players dribble for 90 seconds and rest for 30 seconds until they reach the allotted time.
Players should dribble using the following technique – outside right foot, inside right foot, outside left foot, inside left foot.
As players get more familiar with the drill they should look less at the ball and more at where they are going.
When going from the outside of a foot to the inside, players should be using a soft, “baby” touch.


COMP37111: Advanced Computer Graphics (2010-2011)
This Course Unit covers the principles of modern techniques for Computer Graphics modelling and image synthesis, on the assumption that students have already completed the introductory Computer Graphics course (COMP20072). Its principal aim is to introduce students to the ever-expanding repertoire of techniques for defining and rendering images of 3D model data. Particular attention is focussed on the increasing requirements for complex rendering and interaction to occur in real-time.
|Programme outcome||Unit learning outcomes||Assessment|
|A1 A2 A5||Have a knowledge and understanding of the principles of image synthesis, from the construction of application models, to the rendering of images.|
|A1 A2 A5||Have a knowledge and understanding of current models for the interaction of light and materials, and rendering techniques based on these models.|
|A1 A2 A5||Have a knowledge and understanding of applications of interactive computer graphics for scientific visualization, and other areas such as engineering, design, simulation and entertainment.|
|B1||Understand the need for, and the specifics of, techniques for obtaining real-time performance of computer graphics algorithms.|
|A1 A2 A5||Have a knowledge and understanding of some areas of current computer graphics research.|
Introduction and overview (1)
Applications of advanced image synthesis: visualization, animation, games, CAD systems, simulation. The classical graphics pipeline rendering: geometry, tessellation, modelling and viewing transformations, clipping, screen mapping, rasterizing. Global illumination: starting with the image plane, ray tracing. Local versus global illumination.
Model acquisition (2)
Laser scanning; surface fitting; occlusions and hole-filling; acquisition of geometry from photographs and video.
Non-polygonal modelling techniques (2)
Procedural modelling: fractal geometry, modelling with fractals, particle systems, L-systems.
Non-photorealistic rendering (1)
Approaches to rendering that, instead of striving for traditional photorealism, emphasise information content, visualization and understanding. Early work by Gooch & Gooch, and an overview of more recent techniques.
Introduction to global illumination: Ray Tracing (1)
What is GI, why is it important, when and how is it used? Basic ray tracing, primary and secondary rays, shadow feeler rays, reflection and transparency. Recursive algorithm. RT signature. Real-time ray tracing. Monte Carlo ray tracing. Importance sampling, variance reduction methods. Path tracing, bidirectional ray tracing.
Global illumination: Radiosity (1)
Principles: energy exchange between surfaces, implementation approaches, rendering techniques.
Volume rendering (2)
Programmable rendering (1)
The GPU and its architecture. Vertex and pixel shaders.
Real-time rendering (1)
Examples of model complexity, the need for interaction. Culling techniques: back-face, view frustum, portals, occlusion culling. Spatial enumeration, grids, AABBs, HBBs. Level of detail.
The basic material for the course is covered by the recommended reading and although it is not essential to buy these, students will be expected to read additional material on the subjects presented.
So it is recommended that if the books are not purchased then they are studied in the University Library or CS Resource Centre. Other materials, such as copies of published papers, will be made available, on paper and on-line, to supplement the lectures and books.
Title: OpenGL programming guide: the official guide to learning OpenGL, version 1.2 (3rd edition)
Author: Shreiner, Dave
Publisher: Addison Wesley
Title: Interactive computer graphics: a top-down approach with WebGL (7th edition)
Author: Angel, Edward and Dave Shreiner
Supplementary TextTitle: Real-time rendering (4th edition)
Author: Akenine-Moller, Tomas et al
Publisher: A K Peters/CRC Press
Very good book, but not essential to buy. You can read some of it online at Google Books (http://books.google.com/books?id=V1k1V9Ra1FoC).


A new study in Environment International by Chong-Jing Gao and Kurunthachalam Kannan at Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, finds phthalates, bisphenols, parabens and triclocarban in feminine hygiene products from the US market. The authors tested 77 different products including pads, tampons, wipes and panty liners, but also bacterial creams, deodorant sprays and powders. The tests found 24 endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstruation products. Especially phthalates were frequently found in pads, panty liners and tampons. 90% of the products analyzed contained measureable concentrations of phthalates.
The authors of the study state that feminine hygiene products are an important source of the chemicals exposure in women.


National Historical Site
Newspaper Rock is a petroglyph panel etched in sandstone that records perhaps 2,000 years of human activity in the area. Etched into the desert varnish are symbols' representing the Fremont, Anasazi, Navajo and Anglo cultures. The exact nature of these symbols meaning is still not clearly understood. But they are typical of many sites throughout the U.S. in their use of universal symbols, be it graffiti or a true "newspaper," recording events of the times and earlier.
The area is right next to Utah Route 211, 24 miles northwest of Monticello on the main road into the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park. It is usually bypassed by travelers hurrying elsewhere. They are missing one of the finest displays of Indian rock art to be found anywhere in the U.S. This is also one of the few petroglyph sites that is so easily accessible and can be viewed and that photographed at close range.
Rates & Fees
Seasons / Hours
Open year round, 24 hours a day.
BLM Monticello Utah Field Office
There are hotels and motels in Moniticello, Blanding and Moab, Utah with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. Click on city for Rates, availability and reservation online
There is no camping in this area, the old campground across from the Newspaper Rock is closed. Camping there is now illegal.
Cities & Towns
- Moab, Utah: 50 miles north.
- Blanding , Utah: 48 miles south.
- Monticello , Utah: 24 miles southeast.
- Cortez, Colorado: 84 miles east.
Parks & Monuments
- Canyonlands National Park (Needles District): 23 miles northwest.
- Arches National Park: 61 miles north.
- Hovenweep National Monument: 115 miles east.
- Natural Bridges National Monument: 88 miles southwest.
- Mesa Verde National Park: 94 miles east.
- Goosenecks State Park: 85 miles south.
- Edge of the Cedars State Park: 48 miles south.
Recreation & Wilderness Areas
- Glen Canyon NRA (Bullfrog Marina): 153 miles southwest.
- Glen Canyon NRA (Hite Marina): 123 miles southwest.
- Manti-La Sal National Forest: Adjoins the park.
Historic & Points of Interest
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DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. (It's Free.)
Desert Food Chain
A food chain constitutes a complex network of organisms, from plants to animals, through which energy, derived from the sun, flows in the form of organic matter and dissipates in the form of waste heat.
The ubiquitous coyote originally ranged primarily in the southwest corner of the US, but it has adapted readily to the changes caused by human occupation and, in the past 200 years, has been steadily extending its range.
Rattlesnakes come in 16 distinct varieties. There are numerous subspecies and color variations, but they are all positively identified by the jointed rattles on the tail. Take a look at a few of them, and listen to their rattle!


This tiny island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean may appear to be a lonely place, but don’t let that mislead you! There are tremendous rivers, rich valleys, glaciers, mountains, old lava fields, and bleak heights on this hyperactive island. The only thing that makes it tiny is its population of roughly 350 000 people.
Iceland is located on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is the boundary between Europe and North America.
Many volcanoes exist in the country, but not all of them are currently active. Despite her beauty, Hekla was formerly supposed to be the gateway to hell. In addition to Mrdalsjökull, there is also Eyjafjallajökull, which is notorious for its disruption of aviation traffic. As well as Krafla in the north, all of these volcanoes are located in the south and have erupted during the previous century.
As much as 11% of Iceland is covered in glaciers. Vatnajökull, the largest, has an ice crown up to 1km thick in certain spots, making it the thickest. An ice cave has been excavated on Langjökull, which is conveniently accessible from Reykjavik. Snfellsjökull, one of the lesser glaciers on the Snfellsnes Peninsula, was the setting for Jules Verne’s renowned novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Rivers and waterfalls are fed by glacial meltwater, which is seen across the nation. Aquatic life can be found in abundance in many of the spring fed rivers and lakes. The gorgeous lava fields that cover 11 percent of Iceland’s landscape are also apparent indicators of volcanic activity.
Energy from geothermal sources is used to heat buildings and generate electricity. In Iceland, this method of heating accounts for about 90 percent of all dwellings. To be precise, hydroelectric electricity is used by just 31 so-called cold zones in the country; the rest rely on fossil fuels. It is estimated that roughly 15 percent of the world’s energy consumption is derived from fossil fuels. Iceland experiences less environmental contamination as a result of its use of geothermal energy.
Why is Iceland known as the land of fire and ice, you may ask? At high latitudes in the north, glaciers and volcanoes have a special bond that no one else has. Both of these natural wonders have shaped and sculpted our unique land into the magnificent spectacle you’ll get to see as you travel through it on your journey. With its extended daylight hours and Northern Lights, or its midnight sun in summer, you’ll see why Iceland is known as “the land of the midnight sun.”


Simply put, thriving is feeling good and functioning well.
We often use the terms “flourishing” and “thriving” interchangeably, and many people use “wellbeing” to mean the same thing – a sustained sense that life is good, meaningful and worthwhile.
Thriving also means to live and work “within an optimal range of human functioning, one that connotes goodness, generativity, growth, and resilience,” according to positive psychology researchers, Fredrickson and Losada.
Learning strategies to thrive has been shown to improve health, achievement and resilience, and can buffer people from experiencing difficulties during times of stress or hardship. Let’s be clear though – thriving is not about always having to be happy, over-optimistic, or “keeping positive”. We can thrive and still find life tough sometimes. Acknowledging difficulties and asking for help are important components of thriving.
Our knowledge of how to improve thriving has been informed by scientific research from diverse fields including child development, neuroscience and positive psychology. Researchers have sought to understand:
- The factors that help people thrive despite facing difficult experiences.
- How is it that some people don’t just survive tough times, but grow and thrive because of them?
- What helps us to thrive over our lifetime?
Another way to think of thriving is asking when is it that you are your “best self”? What helps you to be your best self?
A thriving framework aligns well with an organisational culture of high performance.
The Umbrella Thrive training is designed to acknowledge and support a high-performance culture, whilst supporting people to maintain their wellbeing alongside that high performance. Let’s achieve both, not one without the other.
Contact Jacqui to discuss setting up a Thriving programme in your organisation.


A community garden is a not-for-profit, community based enterprise producing food primarily for the consumption of the gardeners. Community gardens play a role in improving access to fresh locally grown food, as well as providing valuable recreational activity, social interaction and educational benefits for the local community. Community gardens make a valuable contribution in responding to the challenges of climate change as one means by which to reintegrate edible food plants into the urban landscape.
Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network
Australian Community Foods
Community Gardens Start Up Kit
COS-CommunityGardens.pdf [Download, 4.9MB]
For more inspiration see:


The koala, like the kangaroo, has a pouch that is in the front. However, unlike the kangaroo, its opening is oriented to the rear. This is usually found in burrow and aquatic dwelling animals, such as the wombat, as opposed to arboreal (lives in trees) animals, such as the koala.
So how does this type of [...]
Posted: September 29th, 2008 under Interesting Fact, evolution, koala, pouch.
Tags: coprophagy, eating feces, eucalyptus trees, evolution, joeys, koala, pap, pouch, pouch 6, rear-oriented pouch opening


Corn is hard to digest in the body as it contains the carbohydrate in it that the body is unable to break down and thus leading to complications. This will eventually cause the fermentation of the gastrointestinal bacteria and trapping of gas in the stomach which ultimately leads towards blotting and pain. Also, the corn also contains a protective outer coating and our bodies lack the enzyme that causes the breakdown of that coating thus making the corn indigestible.
3) Cruciferous vegetables
The cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, kale, cabbage and cauliflower. They are a rich source of vitamin C and fiber. The fiber is indigestible by the body thus staying in the stomach for very long and producing gas. Also, these vegetables are a rich source of raffinose that is a complex sugar and human body lacks such enzymes that cause the breaking down of such sugars. When these vegetables move down the body in the intestine, the bacteria ferment these vegetables and produce hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide thus leading towards gas.


Grass Intake of Dairy Cows
Maximum grass intake is a critical component to efficient dairy cow output in terms of milk production and reproductive performance. Of recent concern is the very poor reproductive performance of high genetic merit dairy cows. Due to very conflicting reports and a general confusion, a topical question is “what is the average daily grass intake capacity of cows in the dairy herd?”
Quality Beef from Autumn Grass
Grazed grass is currently the cheapest feed source available for beef cattle in Ireland, with an estimated cost of £38/tonne digestible dry matter. Corresponding digestible dry matter (DM) costs for silage and purchased concentrates are £98 and £155/t respectively. The intake of grass, or its contribution to total intake, needs to be increased if the cost of animal carcass gain is to be reduced. This can be achieved by producing a high yield of grass and utilising it efficiently throughout a long grazing season, while maintaining high levels of animal performance.


Core 2 Duo notebook processor (CPU)
The Intel Core 2 Duo (also known as Core2 Duo) notebook processor is a 64 bit dual core processor. This means two processor cores work inside a Core 2 Duo in parallel.
The Core 2 Duo, which was introduced on July 27 2006, is the direct successor of the Core Duo. Each core is based on the Pentium M micro architecture. Compared with the old Netburst architecture of the Pentium 4, the cores in the Core 2 Duo have shorter pipelines. As a result, the maximum clock rate is lower but the performance per clock is significantly higher. Thus a Pentium 4M with the same clock rate is up to 40% slower.
Both, the notebook Core 2 Duo and the desktop Core 2 Duo are based on the same processor. However, the notebook version runs with a lower voltage (0.95 to 1.188 volt) and a lower front side bus (1066 vs. 667 MHz). As a result (and because of slower laptop hard discs) the performance of notebooks is about 20% lower than their desktop counterparts with the same clock rate.
- 64 bit support
- Dual core processor with shared level 2 cache
- Execute Disable Bit
- Partially Intel Virtualization Technology (VT)
- Socket M (starting from Santa Rosa socket P)
- 291 million transistors
The performance of the Core 2 Duo processor in comparison with its direct competitor, the AMD Turion 64 X2, is very good. The Core 2 Duo beats the AMD Turion 64 X2 with the same clock rate in virtually all applications (on average by 15%). The energy consumption is similar in both processors. In comparison with the predecessor Core Duo, the Core 2 Duo is about 10% faster and consumes a bit more energy (More details further below).
The Core 2 Duo processors are produced in 65 nm (and later in 45nm), contain 14 stages pipelines and 2-4 MB level 2 cache (depending on the model). The features of the Core 2 Duo are:
The Intel Core 2 Duo uses the x86 instruction set, which was introduced in 1978 with the 8086/8088 processor. Furthermore it supports the multimedia extension MMX, SSE2, SSE3 and SSE4.
Dual core technology
Two processor cores run with the same frequency in the same processor building block and share the level 2 cache as well as the front side bus (FSB).
Execute Disable Bit
Prevents security problems through buffer overflows, if the operation system supports it and if it is activated.
Wide Dynamic Execution *
Every core can execute four complete commands simultaneously.
Shorter idle times, improved data transfer and faster out-of-order command execution lead to better usage of the pipeline and as a result to higher performance.
Like the Core Duo, the Core 2 Duo has shared level 2 cache and each core receives the same amount of cache. Intel doubled the bandwidth to the level 1 cache though.
One 128-Bit SSE command is now output per clock cycle.
Virtualisation technology (VT)
The Intel VT offers hardware support for virtual systems on one computer (use of several isolated operation systems at the same time e.g. through Xen or VMWare).
Beware, not all models support VT (especially the cheaper ones dont).
64 bit support *
Support of 64 bit wide words in the CPU. This means the processor can handle 64 bit data packets. The Intel Core 2 Duo supports the AMD64 extension (licensed), through which 32 and 64 bit programs can run on the CPU (if a 64 bit operation system is used).
Theoretically, a 64 bit processor can access more than 4 GB of memory, but this is usually limited by the chip set used.
* This feature was newly introduced with the Core 2 Duo.
Energy saving functions
Like with the previous version, the clock rate and voltage can be set dynamically and individually for each core (Speedstep). Under light load the processor can save energy by lowering the clock speed (to 1200 MHz respectively 800 MHz with the Santa Rosa) and the core voltage (from 1.3 Volt to 1.0375 Volt). This happens with virtually no performance losses, thanks to the automatic adjustment of the clock speed. Additionally, the processor can turn off parts of the CPU which are not used, to save energy.
Intel Dynamic Power Coordination
Coordinates the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology and the Idle Power-Management State (C-state) transitions independent of the core.
Enhanced Intel Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing
Writes data from the cache to the main memory during inactivity. As a result, the CPU voltage can be lowered which saves energy.
Intel Dynamic Bus Parking
Allows the chip set to shut down during inactivity to save energy.
Advanced Power Gating
Parts of the CPU core can be shut down through "Advanced Power Gating". This can even happen if performance is required, to improve the performance per watt ratio.
Enhanced Deep C4 Sleep State
The core voltage can be further reduced, if the level 2 cache is turned off.
Split Bus Array
Buses and arrays are separated in order to set them individually into energy saving mode during certain operation states.
Top 10 Smartphones
Smartphones, Phablets, ≤5-inch, Camera SmartphonesNotebookcheck's Top 10 Smartphones under 160 Euros
Santa Rosa update
On Mai 9th 2007 the Core 2 Duo processor was upgraded for the 4th Centrino generation called Santa Rosa. The processor is still based on the Merom core, but some energy saving functions and optimisations were added. Furthermore, it now needs the socket P with 478 pins, which isn't compatible with the socket M of the older Core 2 Duo.
In contrast with its predecessor, the new Core 2 Duo processors now run with a 800 MHz FSB (200 MHz quad-pumped) instead of 667 MHz (133 MHz quad-pumped).
The FSB now supports "Dynamic front side bus switching", whereas the FSB can be lowered from 200 MHz to 100 MHz under light processor load, to save energy. This drop only affects the chipset and CPU and is thus called "virtual". With speedstep, the Core 2 Duo can slow down to a minimum of 1.2 GHz. Thanks to the lower (virtual) FSB, the "Santa Rosa" Core 2 Duo can drop even more, to 800 MHz, to save even more energy.
Another new feature is the dynamically overclocking of the core, called "Dynamic Acceleration". If only one core is used, it can be dynamically overclocked, while the second core stays in the energy saving C3-modus. Therefore the overclocked core can work with the clock speed of the next higher model (e.g. 2.2 instead of 2.0 GHz with the T7300), without any change in the TDP (thermal design power) and without the need for more cooling.
If idle, the processor will start one of the various saving modes (C1 to C4/DC4). The chipset of the Santa Rosa keeps the processor as long as possible in energy saving mode (e.g. by preventing memory acces).
In Jannuary 2008 Intel introduced the new T9xxx and T8xxx Core 2 Duo processors of the new "Penryn" core. These CPUs are produced in 45nm (instead of the 65nm before) and offer a bigger Level 2 Cache (3 and 6 MB versus 2 and 4 before). Furthermore, the Penryn core has a faster division engine and 47 new SSE instructions (SSE4). Due to the 45 nm process, Intel was able to increase the core speed without increasing the current consumption.
Compared to a similar clocked Merom Core 2 Duo, the Penryn is on average between 5-10% faster. The speed increase is mostly because of the bigger L2 Cache. Detailled benchmarks of the new Penryn CPUs can be found in our Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn review.
The Core 2 Duo prior to the introduction of Santa Rosa is, like its predecessor, still based on the PGA socket-M interface. It is thus possible, to upgrade some notebooks from Core Duo to Core 2 Duo. However, a Bios which supports the Core 2 Duo is necessary and the processor must not be soldered to the Mainboard (which is the case with the BGA - ball grid array - case).
Following chipsets theoretically support a Core 2 Duo:
Intel 945GM: Core 2 Duo, LV, ULV
Intel 945GMS: Core 2 Duo LV und ULV
Intel 945PM: Core 2 Duo, LV, ULV
Intel 940GML: Doesen't support the Core 2 Duo
Core Duo versus Core 2 Duo
The Core 2 Duo (Merom) architecture shows several advantages compared with the Core Duo (Yonah). Especially the 64 bit extension allows now the use of 64 bit operation systems and thus 4 GB memory (limited by the chipset). Furthermore, the Merom got a bigger level 2 cache and the architecture was widened:
- An additional "Simple Decoder"
- Maximum Decode Rate 4+1 compared with 3 of the Yonah core
- 96 to 80 entries in the reorder buffer
- +1 issue ports (6 versus 5)
- 32 scheduler entries (versus 24)
- Seperated FP Units
- 3 SSE Units (Yonah 1)
- An additional integer ALU
Furthermore, the pipeline was extended from 12 to 14. This allows a higher clock rate but means the speed per clock is lower (this is compensated by the afore mentioned widening of the architecture). [Source]
The benchmarks in our performance comparison between Core Duo T2400 and Core 2 Duo T5600 showed results ranging from -0.3% to 34% (on average about 10%). The energy consumption rose significantly however, which might be caused by the early Bios. > read the report
The energy consumption of the processors is shown in the letter in front of the type number:
X ... Extreme (fastest) version with the highest energy consumption, see next paragraph
E ... >=55 watt (desktop)
T ... 30-39 watt (standard version in notebooks)
P ... max 25 watt
L ... 12-19 watt (low voltage)
U ... <11.9 watt (ultra low voltage)
The following 4-digit number shows built (first number) and performance (the other three numbers). The Core 2 mobile processors are supposed to get 5XXX and 7XXX (currently T2XXX for Core Duo and T1XXX for Core Solo).
The Core 2 Duo was introduced on July 31st 2006 (the FSB 800 version with DAT - Dynamic Acceleration Technology on May 9th 2007). Apart from that, starting from the middle of 2007 the topversion is called Core 2 Extreme X.
A detailed list of all current models is here: Mobile processor overview.
A list of all mobile processors according to performance is here: Benchmarklist of mobile prozessors.


Athletes as Role Models Essay
Athletes as Role Models
Principally, the observance of good quality sportsmanship widens outside the in performance playing field and occupy not only the conduct of the players, but the trainer, umpire and parents as well. In order to comprehend sportsmanship, it is a fine thought to inquire yourself, why are you here? In further words, why you and your kid have determined to contribute in any game? These queries may resonate evident, but inspiration and enthusiasm facilitate to conclude results. Partaking in sports construct a pleasure for strength, produce imperative shared abilities as the youngster crafts new acquaintances, and educates broods how to effort as constituent of the same squad. As a full-time player, the child can build up valuable game skills in spite of this that either his side manage to triumph or is defeated.
In actuality, the goal of succeeding insipid in contrast to the better, more precious teachings of determination and supervision of achievement and impedance. This details the necessity of sportsman-like shells. To make certain that the child achieves all of the advantages of sports involvement, it is fundamental that first-class sportsman-like ethics be recognized, illustrated and commended.
Sportsmanship initiate with the elementary theory of reverence. In order to make possible just play and gratification on and off the ground the courteous behavior of instructors, comates, challengers, umpires and parents is necessary. There is a lot of case in points of reverential, sportsmanlike demeanor in every sport. The coach is a stature of influence and is supposed to have the players’ top welfare in mind. The participant’s consideration for coach’s recommendation, guidance and trend on the playing field constructs collaboration, leading to victory.
According to Weinberg & Gould, Optimistic communiqué with co-players is also very important on the field, and oral support is an important phase of excellent sportsmanship. Censure does not advance solidarity. A performer should by no means get annoyed or noticeably distressed at a teammate for producing a blunder. Forthrightness is on the subject of propping up others and operating mutually to revolve faults into helpful erudition practices. Fair-play submits to each player holding an unbiased probability to trail conquest (Weinberg & Gould, 1999).
If a person is a sport aficionado and a loving parent, one possibly responded in a positive way to these difficulties. If or either you shriek out or lucratively restrain your confrontation in these state of affairs, you epitomize apposite conduct for every child in attendance. A person’s deeds and how you transact with the aggravation will sway the prospective activities and disposition of parents’ own child. According to Crookes, efficient statement for players by coach encloses six fundamentals; comprehensible, to the point, accurate, absolute, well-mannered and productive (Crooks, 1991).
Be a fine functioning representation, and make obvious how to be an excellent sport. Youthful competitors are very easily influenced, and their performance is chiefly fashioned throughout education procedures of mock-up and corroboration. Consequently, coaching and encouragement of good sportsmanship commences with one’s own manners and sportsmanlike conduct. Not anything is wrong with flattering discouraged when circumstances on the sports ground don’t go smoothly for your team.
However, if either of the parents desires to demonstrate antagonism, proceed incongruously or quarrel in front of an immature team member, the dreadful performance is liable to rematerialize when the player is dealt with comparable sites. Eventually, person’s dealings, expressions and approaches en route for sport will assist to contour child’s personality and manners like an Athlete.
In a study regarding coaches and assessing their influences on athletes, Smith and Smoll experimented further than 70 instructors, did oblique more than 80,000 behaviors, and reviewed almost 1,000 athletes. They set up that athletes countered optimistically to coaches who endowed with upbeat opinion subsequent to a good recital attempt, counteractive coaching and back-up after a performance blunder, and technological order and a judicious quantity of universal support dissimilar to performance quality (Smith 2001, Smoll & Smith, 2006).
* Weinberg, R.S. & Gould, D. (1999), Foundations of sport and exercise psychology (2nd Edition). Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
* Crookes (1991), Complan Column Athletics Coach, 25 (3), p. 13
* Smith, R. & Smoll, F. (2006). Enhancing coach-athlete relationships: Cognitive-behavioral Principles and Procedures; En J. Dosil (Ed.), the Sport Psychologist’s Handbook (19-37). Reino Unido: John Wiley & Sons.
University/College: University of Arkansas System
Type of paper: Thesis/Dissertation Chapter
Date: 13 November 2016
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HEPA Air Filters
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration material was invented by the US government during WWII to prevent radioactive particles from escaping from military and scientific labs. HEPA filters are made of boron silicate (a glass-like substance) microfibres that are formed into flat sheets in a process similar to paper making. The flat sheets of microfibers are typically pleated to increase surface area, and the pleats are separated by baffles to direct airflow into the filter. Airflow is usually provided by a fan that forces air through the HEPA filter. The microfibers create a substrate with tiny, microscopic pores that trap extremely fine particles, thus making HEPA filters very effective at removing particulate-type contaminants. In fact, HEPA is widely recognized by independent authorities as being the single most effective type of particulate filter available today. Many air purifiers that feature HEPA filters also feature other air purification technologies that enhance removal of other common non-particulate airborne contaminants.
It is important to realize that not all HEPA filters are created equally. Only filters designated "true HEPA" or "medical grade HEPA" can promise to deliver the results cited above. Consumers must be vigilant to purchase only products with this designation, as un-certified filters can have significantly poorer results.
HEPA filtration is used in a variety of critical filtration applications, including those in nuclear, electronic, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and medical fields. They are the only type of filters recommended by authorities such as the EPA and American Lung Association for use as in-home air purifiers.
What contaminants do HEPA filters remove?
HEPA filters are simple, mechanical filters that remove particles including dust, pollen, mold spores, and dust mites from the air. While HEPA filters do not remove chemical gases or vapors, they remove particles VERY effectively - medical grade or "true" HEPA will remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air.
Benefits of HEPA Filter Technology
- extremely effective particulate reduction (best in class)
- excellent allergen reduction (mold spores, pollen, dust mites, etc.)
- well regarded in scientific and medical communities for its effectiveness
- unquestioned reliability
- cost effective to purchase, maintain, and operate
Negatives of HEPA Filter Technology
- requires fan to provide airflow - fan creates background noise
- filters require periodic replacement
- not effective at removing non-particulate contaminants
What to Look for in a HEPA Filter
First and foremost, you should ensure that the HEPA filter that you select is a "true" or "medical grade" HEPA. Not all air purifiers that are advertised as HEPA filters are equally effective. Also, look at the surface area of the HEPA media in the filter. The greater the surface area, the longer the filter will last. This is a major shortfall of many of the basic, inexpensive HEPA filters sold in big box stores. At first glance the system may look inexpensive and to be good value, but the cost of replacement filters that need to be changed every 6-12 months will quickly eat up those savings. Chances are that the unit will also have a louder fan with less fan speed control options as well.
While HEPA is extremely effective at removing particulate contaminants, it is not the best choice for removing smoke, odors, and chemical contaminants. This is why the manufacturers of higher-end HEPA filters add secondary filtration with activated carbon. We highly recommend a combination air purifier that uses both HEPA and activated carbon for almost all general home air purification tasks. As with HEPA filters, look for a system that contains a large volume of carbon. Many air purifiers sold in big box stores simply do not contain enough activated carbon to be effective.
Fan noise problems are limited through the use of multi-speed settings that are available on most models. We recommend that you select a HEPA filter that has several fan speed options so you can turn the unit down to a very quiet setting at night when you sleep and can turn it up during the day to increase the air processing rate.


Veena the traditional instrument of India is also known as Saraswati Veena which is a musical instrument of South India. Veena is a classical instrument basically plucked stringed instrument that is used to accompany Carnatic music. Veena is essentially a member of the lute family. The traditional Veena has been modified and refined over centuries and has been used since ancient times. During 17th century the Saraswati Veena was created in the south of India.
Veena instruments developed more like a tree which is branching out into instruments as diverse as the exotic harp-like Akasa (a veena that was tied up in the tops of trees for the strings to vibrate from the currents of wind) and the Audumbari veena (played as an accompaniment by the wives of Vedic priests as they chanted during ceremonial Yajnas). Veenas ranged from one string to one hundred, and were composed of many different materials like eagle bone, bamboo, and wood and coconut shells.
The Saraswati Veena is nearly about four feet in length and consists of a big round resonator that is carved out of hollow log and Jack wood. It has a hollow neck (fret board) that is lined with 24 brass frets, set in black wax on wooden tracks. At the tapering end of the neck is a tuning box that concludes in a downward curve and a beautifully carved dragon's head. There are four main playing strings that are attached to the end of the resonator. Three secondary strings cross the curving side bridge and are wound like the lower strings of a modern day guitar.
"The current form of the Saraswati veena with 24 fixed frets evolved in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, during the reign of Raghunath Nayak and it is for this reason sometimes called the Tanjore veena, or the Raghunatha veena. Prior to his time, the number of frets on the veena were less and also movable. The Saraswati veena developed from Kinnari Veena. Made in several regions in South India, those made by makers from Thanjavur in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu are to date considered the most sophisticated. Sangeeta Ratnakara calls it Ekatantri Veena.
Each physical portion of the veena is said to be the seat in which subtle aspects of various gods and goddesses reside in Hinduism. It is believed that instrumentís neck is Shiva; the strings constitute his consort, Parvati. The bridge is Lakshmi, the secondary gourd is Brahma, the dragon head Vishnu. Upon the resonating body is Saraswati, the bridge Lakshmi. Thus, the veena is the abode of divinity and the source of all happiness according to Musicologists.
The Veena is an instrument which is shown being played by Goddess Saraswati. That is how the traditional Indian Instrument derives the name "Saraswati Veena". Popular variations of the Veena in India are Rudra Veena, Mahanataka Veena, Vichitra Veena and Gottuvadhyam Veena. The Veena has been a very popular instrument with most singers and there are many famous Veena players who have played some great compositions. The Veena is a traditional stringed Indian musical Instrument having number of variants. It is considered the instrument played by the goddess Saraswati. The Veena has a double base and is rested on the ground while it is played. It produces sound similar in character to the sitar but is favored by many because of its ease of playing style and its impressive designing.
How to play a Veena
TThe Veena is held tilted slightly away from the performer. One has to sit cross legged and place the Veena on the lap. A small gourd is placed on the left thigh of the player. The left arm of the Veena player comes curving from below the fret board and rests on the frets. The right hand is placed on the edge of the top plank in order to pluck the strings. The frets are played with the fingers of the left hand while the right is for plucking the strings. The lower strings are played using the little finger. The Veena produces a beautiful and enigmatic sound that is often used to relax the mind and help in meditation.
- Doraiswamy Iyengar
- Jayanthi Kumaresh
- Kalpakam Swaminathan
- N. Muralikrishnan
- N. Ravikiran
- S. Balachander
- S.V. Venkateshiah
- Veena Dhanammal
- Veena Venkatagiriappa
- Veene Sheshann
Where to learn to play the Veena
TARANG School for Classical Indian Dance and Music
Manager: Marie-Luise Siebenkaes
Johannisstrasse 14D-90763 Fuerth
Germany Telephone: +49-(0)911-6708040
Fax: +49 (0)1212-512616701 USt-IdNr.: DE228189973
Dr. Suma Sudhindra,
#42, Sirur Park Road, 4th cross,
Malleshwaram, Bangalore 03
Phone : Mobile: 9845044446
Land Line 1: 080 23466789
Land Line 2: 080 23561918
Where to buy a Veena
Contact: Mr Ashish Shrivastava
Sathyadeep Musical Palace
Beside Vysya Bank
Andhra Pradesh Pin- 515134
Shyam, smriti apartment 6/79
Tel- 0091 9440016942


Apr. 15, 2013 — OLEDs can be made more efficiently and at lower cost by a better understanding of the electronic processed.
OLEDs -- thin, light-emitting surfaces -- are regarded as the light sources of the future. White OLEDs consist of stacked, ultra-thin layers, each emitting its own light color, all together resulting in white light. Up to now it has been impossible to predict the exact light color produced by a white OLED; manufacturers had to rely on trial and error. Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology, Philips Research, Dresden University of Technology and other institutes have now developed a method that allows the color of light produced by a specific OLED design to be calculated with high precision. They did this by modeling the complex processes in OLEDs on a molecular scale. This technique will allow manufacturers to greatly improve their OLED design processes and reduce the cost. At the same time the energy efficiency and lifetime of OLEDs can be increased.
The results were published online on Sunday 14 April 2013 in the journal Nature Materials.
It looks as though OLEDs -- organic light emitting diodes -- will cause a revolution in the world of lighting. OLEDs are light-emitting surfaces, which means they are visually more attractive than point light sources such as conventional or LED lamps. They can also be flexible and transparent, which opens up all kinds of new opportunities. Plus -- and unlike normal LEDs -- OLEDs are made of very low-cost materials, of which only very thin layers are needed. As a result, the prices of OLEDs are expected to be low once mass production starts. This clip gives an impression of what's possible with OLEDs.
To predict what kind of light an OLED design will produce, the researchers made computer models of the electronic processes in the OLED at the deepest level. These showed for example the injection of electrical charge, the creation and distribution of the 'excitons' -- pairs of positively charged electrons and holes in a bound state -- and the creation from these of individual photons, the light that is emitted. "At first we thought it would never be possible," says researcher Peter Bobbert of Eindhoven University of Technology. The main difficulty was that each change in the electrical charge also influences all the other charges, which makes the simulation extremely complex. But they succeeded by using Monte Carlo simulations with nanosecond steps. The results proved to correspond very well to measurements carried out at Philips on real OLEDs made at Dresden University of Technology.
Factor of three
One of the results is that the researchers can now predict where light is produced and lost in the ultra-thin layers. That makes it possible to optimize OLEDs so they produce the same amount of light using much less electric power. The researchers expect that the efficiency can still be increased by a factor of three. Manufacturers can also use this new knowledge to design OLEDs with specific colors. They can calculate in advance exactly how thick the different layers need to be, and how much pigment has to be added to the layers. The much shorter and less costly design process will allow the overall development costs to be reduced, leading to lower prices of the final products. "This has already been possible for a long time in the field of micro-electronics, with the ability to precisely predict the behavior of integrated circuits," says Bobbert. "Now we can do the same thing with OLEDs."
The research was made possible by financial support from the European Union (FP7 project AEVIOM), the Dutch Polymer Institute, NanoNextNL and NanoNed.
Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.


Where is Miriam on the Seder plate?
Yael Levine reintroduces the practice of commemorating Miriam by placing fish on the seder plate, and several other traditional Passover rituals that honor women
Yael Levine, Edah
In recent decades, feminists have looked at the Passover seder and said: Wait a minute! Where are all the women?
The result has been several new rituals, which continue to gain acceptance and popularity. It turns out, however, that our contemporaries were not the first generation to look for a way to bring to the Seder table the role of women in Israel's redemption.
After looking at some of the texts used centuries ago, it is clear that what we call the "traditional" Seder indeed has something fishy about it. What's fishy is a missing person, a missing ritual, and actually, some missing fish.
For many years, the Seder was a time when Miriam, and the achievements of women, were memorialized. The most basic practice was a piece of fish placed on the Seder plate to commemorate Miriam.
We have two cooked foods on the seder table – an egg and a shank bone. The Talmud explains this as reflecting the holiday's two sacrifices, the special Paschal lamb and the general holiday offering.
It turns out, however, that the number of dishes at the seder wasn't fixed.
Medieval seder plate
Rabbi Sherira Gaon of 10th-century Babylon noted a custom of putting three foods on the plate.
"Those three cooked foods are fish, meat, and an egg corresponding to the foods that Israel will eat in the Time to Come; fish corresponding to Leviathan, egg to Ziz (an enormous mythic and fabulous bird), meat corresponding to wild bull."
The foods symbolize the mythic creatures from the realms of sea, air and land that will be eaten at the Meal of the Righteous in the Messianic times.
A second reason offered by R. Sherira , however, is one that resonates more strongly with our generation: "There are those who put an additional cooked food in memory ofMiriam, as it says, "And I sent before you Moses, and Aaron, and Miriam" (Micah 6, 4).
According to this, Miriam and the role she fulfilled in the redemption from Egypt is represented by the third cooked food on the seder table.
This tradition is worthy of renewal in our time, in recognition of the crucial role Miriam and the righteous women in Egypt played in the Exodus. Writing a millennium ago, R. Sherira was noting a then-living custom. Now, with only his text to guide us, how should we reinstitute it?
Rabbi Hayyim Palache (1788-1869) recommended we say a prayer when eating the fish at the meal, to express the hope that one will merit eating from the banquet of the Leviathan. This prayer would seem appropriate for recitation to connect to the memory of Miriam as well.
Since the shank-bone and egg retain their natural form, it would seem that a fish added to the seder plate should be baked, cooked, or smoked fish, rather than our chopped gefilte fish. It would also appear that a whole fish with head and tail intact should be used, much as many customs call for use of an entire neck and a whole egg.
In order to explain the reason for the additional foods at the seder. It would seem that since, according to R. Sherira, the Leviathan corresponds to the fish and the fish represents Miriam, verses about both the Leviathan and Miriam are suitable to be recited.
Another rabbi cognizant of the importance of women to the Passover story was Rabbi Abraham Grate of Prague. His 1708 Haggadah commentary explained several seder rituals, including the initial hand washing, as referring to Pharaoh's daughter Bitya and her rescue of Moses from the Nile.
Several traditional sources have drawn a connection between the four cups of wine that punctuate the Seder and the four matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
Women and haroset
And if these proto-feminist commentaries are from relatively forgotten sources, how to explain the fact that a basic interpretation of haroset revolves around women – and almost nobody knows it?
According to the Talmud, haroset is in memory of the apple tree, and Rashi in his commentary makes reference to a midrash in which, the women would go to their working husbands and would conceive children between the fields. When the women were ready to give birth, they would leave their homes out of fear of the Egyptians. They would lie underneath the apple trees and give birth. Apple haroset, then, is about the fact that the Jewish women did not lose hope in those difficult times.
Rituals, even time-honored rituals like the Seder -- can make room for change rooted in traditional sources -- in fact, these "changes" are in fact historical corrections bringing the women's voice back in after it was somehow dropped.
As the haggadah itself reminds us, the more one expounds on the Exodus the more one is to be praised. In reviving these authentic and authoritative Seder rituals commemorating the role of our Jewish foremothers, we can more fully tell of the going out from Egypt.
Yael Levine holds a Ph.D. from the Talmud department of Bar-Ilan University
Edah is the advocacy movement for a modern and relevant Orthodox Judaism