Can Synagogues Be More Like Starfish?

Membership is lagging, we haven’t been able to convince the preschool families to join the synagogue and sales in the gift shop are down. What are we to do? Blame the rabbi!

Members are not receiving their donation thank you letters in a timely fashion, the receptionist is not always friendly on the phone and the office forgot to print my great-uncle’s yahrtzeit in the weekly newsletter. What are we to do? Blame the executive director!

People make mistakes and that includes the professionals of synagogues, whether the rabbi, executive director or preschool director. A letter can wait in the outgoing mail box for too long. A receptionist might be having a bad day. It is natural to feel frustrated when bad things happen and to want to locate the person who is at fault. When our synagogues attempt to operate as a command-and-structure type of organization individuals will look up the chain of command and point the finger at the highest link they can reach.

However, most of our synagogues nowadays do not operate with strict hierarchies. The decision making of our congregations has evolved to a more a distributive fashion yet the way we communicate about our synagogues has not evolved with it. There are few synagogues where the current mode of operating is the senior rabbi says “jump” and the only question the rest of the staff and board of directors have is “how high?”. Staff, clergy and lay leadership operate in a collaborative and cooperative mode. We know this from experience and we know this intuitively but when things begin to break down and mistakes are made we revert to viewing our system as a solid command structure and view the source of the problem solely in the lap of one individual. Why?

I believe part of the problem is that we have not fully embraced our new way of operating. Is it made clear in the vision statement of the congregation? Is it communicated in board meetings? Is the membership informed of how the synagogue operates? When something goes wrong do board members point the finger at any one individual or do they look at it through a systemic lens?

There are so many advantages to distributive decision making. The starfish, a vulnerable creature to predators, can lose a limb but still function because it does not rest all of its functioning in one place. As we enter 2015 the landscape for synagogues is still a vulnerable one. The case for synagogue membership is a hard sell for many people. Many synagogue facilities remain both under-utilized and in need of major repair work. The place of the congregation in the fabric of modern society is less and less obvious for vast segments of the American Jewish population. Our synagogues are like starfish: beautiful, complicated organisms that are deeply vulnerable.

The time has arrived to not only transition to a more starfish-like way of operating — a distributed, holistic and balanced power structure, but to assertively and clearly communicate that to our membership. When something goes wrong, and something will always go wrong, the challenge is not to look for which clergy, staff member or board member to blame, but to understand how the system as a whole can operate better in the future. A Starfish Synagogue is a healthier synagogue and a healthier synagogue is a more attractive place for people to pray in, socialize in and ultimately become members of.

* Inspiration for this blog post comes from The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations by Ori Brafman and Rod Beckstrom

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DAGPA is a word in Hiligaynon with its meaning in English.

dágpà - To fall prone, to fall face
downwards. Nakadágpà siá. He fell on his
face. He fell prone on the ground.
Padagpaá siá. Throw him down on his
face. Dagpaí siá. Throw yourself down on
him. (cf. dúsmò).

Words for further learning

English: clad

Cebuano: kugaw

English: skerries

English: dado

English: treatable

English: rib

English: odoriferous

English: reply

Hiligaynon: lanog

English: fremd

English: cyanic

English: orfrays

English: phalli

Cebuano: kutlig

English: eupittonic

Hiligaynon: kanawayan

English: macule

English: indiscipline

Hiligaynon: hanas

English: hit

English: properness

English: thecodontia

English: prostomium

English: evacuation

English: edge

Hiligaynon: kaaslum

English: testing

English: ferryboat

English: pentadecane

Tagalog: nganga

Hiligaynon: sapa-sapa

English: enunciate

English: seta

English: pleyt

Tagalog: sama

English: volatilizable

English: fidgeted

Hiligaynon: tigsara

English: falwe

English: xyst

English: rowel

Cebuano: sibin

English: republicanizing

Hiligaynon: sentimo, sentimo

English: studied

English: warn

English: georgian

English: impavid

Hiligaynon: bangdan

English: adustion

English: hawkey

English: console

English: camporated

English: placentae

Tagalog: trono

English: compact

English: touch

English: elect

Hiligaynon: hagan-hagan

English: varietal

Hiligaynon: rabo

English: gleeman

English: rhombogene

Cebuano: byugul

English: christianite

English: lunary

Cebuano: dyudu

English: disenrolled

English: dump

English: angustifoliate

English: apocryphalist

English: entozoa

English: violation

English: doctoral

Ilokano: sukir

English: intake

English: knit

English: intellection

English: bustled

English: urtication

English: earnest

Waray: bun-i

English: oar

English: embracery

English: bimetallic

English: deoperculate

English: naked

English: waiter

English: convulsionary

Hiligaynon: turukadon

English: lumber

English: estranged

English: gape

Cebuano: putu

English: contemptuous

English: judaist

Tagalog: hapdi

Ilokano: selsel

Cebuano: iswag

English: anaglyptograph

Hiligaynon: patama, patama

English: blind

English: drop

Ilokano: ukom

English: byzantian

English: cut

English: accountable

Cebuano: lituglitug

English: pequots

English: strumousness

English: caveator

English: desulphurated

English: nebular

English: betokened

English: apoplexy

Waray: maluluy-on

English: lazarly

Hiligaynon: bawod

English: sweater

English: do

Cebuano: kurikit

English: obligation

English: benign

Hiligaynon: ungwento

Hiligaynon: dinagaas

English: bluff

English: biliferous

English: dioptrics

Cebuano: awra

English: incurableness

Cebuano: ali

Hiligaynon: pangitum

English: rath

English: demerit

English: lazyback

English: winded

English: daub

English: coadunate

English: praisement

English: interstellary

English: lactific

English: gouland

English: cobwall

English: integrated

English: crinoidea

Tagalog: buo

English: prest

English: houselessness

English: perduration

English: sopranist

English: tercet

English: gunnie

Tagalog: kulugo

English: animating

English: endorsement

Cebuano: malu

English: beard

English: horsepond

English: canary bird

Ilokano: ay

Hiligaynon: kidkid

English: urite

Hiligaynon: pangawo-kawo

English: ameer

English: patella

English: dopplerite

Hiligaynon: kalago

English: fine

Hiligaynon: kanti

English: unreproved

English: back

Cebuano: umil

English: macco

English: scrivener

English: un-

Cebuano: tabay

English: surpassing

English: erythrolein

Cebuano: utingkad

English: insecurely

English: uniform

English: level

Hiligaynon: balading

English: weasel

Cebuano: sipilyu

English: purveyor

English: preference

Cebuano: insayklupidya

Hiligaynon: palakog

Tagalog: hagilap

Hiligaynon: tibi-tibi

English: abbotship

English: corollaries

Hiligaynon: hingubas

Tagalog: asarol

English: obmutescence

English: acclimation

English: pothering

English: substitutional

English: chasm

Ilokano: rebbeng

English: thirty

Hiligaynon: trak

English: uncircumcision

English: dietetist

English: unstriped

English: meridionality

English: weakish

English: lithe

English: enlacement

English: representation

Hiligaynon: kambuwa

English: mordantly

English: mausoleums

English: swatch

Cebuano: dyubus

Ilokano: ngalngal

Cebuano: plirt

English: aculeus

English: feasible

Cebuano: suki

Cebuano: ambulansiya

English: frequented

Cebuano: layat

Cebuano: pilay

English: substrate

Tagalog: trahe

English: orbitary

English: gyroscope

Cebuano: gaguy

English: centrobaric

English: melodramatic

English: oligarchal

English: hypocleida

Cebuano: yawas

English: revendicate

Cebuano: lanta

English: ratlines

English: pinching

English: perquisition

Hiligaynon: tul-an

English: minoration

English: kicksy-wicksy

English: foalfoot

English: motacil

English: osculant

English: aloof

English: buffing apparatus

English: earl marshal

Hiligaynon: lagsik, lagsiklagsik

English: ding

English: honk

English: politic

English: buzz

Tagalog: inggit

English: greet

Hiligaynon: pautay-utay

English: furbishable

English: sea serpent

English: encorporing

English: waller

English: piqueer

Hiligaynon: lood

English: fan

Cebuano: sagib

English: demerit

English: cavalier

English: conjecturing

English: chiseling

English: backsaw

English: forewend

English: esthete

English: marc

English: vestibular

English: noble

English: commemoration

Cebuano: pay

Cebuano: danghili

English: sensualization

English: sound

English: arendator

English: murexide

English: tiptoe

Hiligaynon: patib-ong

English: cacajao

Hiligaynon: pamalabag

English: immerging

Hiligaynon: takpan

English: spider

English: operative

English: earthiness

English: sconcheon

Hiligaynon: kilag

English: drift

English: factual

Hiligaynon: salimpapaw

English: grace

English: clachan

English: racoonda

English: drying

Cebuano: sukud

English: transmarine

English: grubby

English: ring

English: arthrodic

Hiligaynon: talabartero

English: mincer

English: caffeine

Hiligaynon: kalikog

English: obumbration

English: stabler

English: homoeomorphous

English: scout

English: pollution

Hiligaynon: upud

English: remerge

English: femora

English: lighten

English: headstrong

English: frond

English: haematoplast

English: wong

English: improvised

English: disrepute

English: disgrace

English: matriculation

Hiligaynon: alawayon

English: atmologic

English: sooth

English: shearing

English: recipes

English: wall

English: pillowed

Cebuano: bungkul

Cebuano: bibirun

English: improvement

English: condottieri

English: penultimate

English: diversifiable

English: naught

English: gemmipares

English: costa

English: inconstant

English: enhearten

English: phanerite

English: lithotype

Ilokano: ablat

Tagalog: gusto

English: testimonial

English: smut

English: lyceum

English: royalty

English: capivi

English: estate

English: toothing

English: grunter

English: pip

English: mammillated

English: stripping

Hiligaynon: hamokon

English: sipunculoidea

English: notability

Tagalog: katawan

English: bloody

English: crummable

English: sloomy

English: pikeman

Cebuano: kapa

English: intrinsic

English: seat

English: textrine

English: dowset

English: latitudinarian

English: pustular

English: streptobacteria

English: return

English: augment

Ilokano: atipa

English: infamy

English: toluole

Hiligaynon: solsol

English: open

English: ply

English: particular

Tagalog: utal

English: tertial

Hiligaynon: banglad

English: oligospermous

English: cap

Cebuano: ising-ising

Hiligaynon: lahong

English: overhearing

Cebuano: kuraw

English: overpaid

English: palatonares

Cebuano: m

Hiligaynon: hasohas

Hiligaynon: maukad

English: flix

Hiligaynon: exkomunyon

English: subject

English: begrudge

Hiligaynon: hugpay

English: osmometry

English: appoggiatura

English: reattachment

Cebuano: sabud

English: irrubrical

English: ready

Hiligaynon: pakanaw

English: chivying

English: piccadil

English: saucepan

Hiligaynon: taludtud

English: rumpled

English: demoiselle

English: joint

English: pedaneous

English: boldu

English: thanksgive

Tagalog: gobiyerno

Cebuano: guyam-ut

Cebuano: lungkaub

English: bass viol

Cebuano: kabi

English: pipe

English: condense

English: herbal

English: hydroxylamine

Cebuano: pirsunalidad

English: uterogestation

English: tub

English: fencing

English: rotation

Ilokano: nadnad

Tagalog: margarin

English: emblematized

English: shadow

English: liver

English: sycamore

English: bowstring

English: tropist

English: hellgramite

English: muscardin

English: album

Cebuano: kayali

English: warbling

English: lilliputian

English: spread

English: allective

Hiligaynon: kasag

Cebuano: istri

English: colluded

English: trudgeman

English: gan

English: dry

English: pelecan

English: inclined

English: solleret

Cebuano: had

Hiligaynon: pagsogok

Hiligaynon: tapak-tapak

Cebuano: martuniku

English: jetson

English: dubiously

English: unextricable

Hiligaynon: lipas-lipas

English: untemper

English: sterility

Cebuano: bulgar

English: enforest

English: tornaria

English: whisperer

English: commandery

English: rubescence

English: echoer

Tagalog: lantod

English: stickleback

English: plano-orbicular

English: maker

English: chilostoma

English: contrive

English: yarwhip

English: prescribe

English: acontias

English: virtue

Cebuano: pugad

Cebuano: kurdaping

Hiligaynon: tag-

English: consort

English: granate

Cebuano: lampuug

English: squeak

English: edentate

Cebuano: insik

English: remarkable

English: ill-mannered

English: rectiserial

English: twaddle

Cebuano: ikit


Bachelor of Science (Physics) (100%)

Note that our Bachelor course is offered in German only!

Physics is the fundamental natural science that deals with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the universe.

Educational program

Structure of the degree

Experimental  physics 1-2 (PEP1-1)

Fundamentals of physics in lectures and exercises on experimental physics.

(Classical mechanics,  thermodynamics and transport processes; Electrodynamics, waves, optics and special relativity)

Theoretical Physics 1-2
(PTP 1-2)

Fundamentals of physics in lectures and exercises on theoretical physics (parallel to experimental physics lectures).

(PAP 1-2)

The beginner practicals usually take place during the lecture-free period.

Experimental physics 3-5
(PEP 3-5)

Continuation in topics of experimental physics (quantum and atomic physics, nuclear and particle physics, molecular and solid state physics).

Theoretical Physics (3-4)
(PTP 3-4)

Continuation in topics of theoretical physics: electrodynamics and quantum physics

General job-qualifying competencies: These include computer applications, foreign language competency, communication skills, presentation and lecture skills, interpersonal skills, and teamwork skills.

The supplementary subject can be chosen from the entire range of courses offered by the university without any restriction of the subject. They should follow their inclinations and interests. Credit points can be obtained through a combination of different modules, which must be meaningfully related.

(PFP 1-2)

Advanced practicals cover a variety of research topics.

Your lecture on a research topic. The requirements are determined by the lecturer in each case.

Bachelor thesis

In a research group. Experimental work is carried out on modern measuring equipment, duration approx. 12 weeks, the aim is to learn scientific work under supervision. An oral presentation and an examination concludes this module.

    Example of BScTimetableforfirstsemester.pdf


Film Adaptation

The Plum in the Golden Vase I by David Tod Roy

You have been commissioned to create a film based on JPM. You have complete creative license in your adaptation, but you must reflect and interpretation of the original novel. You can set your film in the past, present or future, and adapt the original story accordingly. Your adaptation must be consistent with the original story, but also reflect your own unique interpretation of the material. In order to reflect your interpretation of the material, you will either need to footnote your film adaptation, or add a separate section of explanation in which you make references to the novel. You can write your adaptation as a screen play, in narrative format, or medium of your choice. You can address issues such as sets, costume design, film genre, audience to the degree that each relates to your own creative vision and your interpretation of the material.


How is color theory like mayonnaise? (with Dr. Carolyn Ducey)

SAQA Seminar (Video Conversation)

International Quilt Museum curator of collections Dr. Carolyn Ducey leads us through an introduction to color theory illustrated by quilts from the museum's collection. She will illustrate how color choices have changed over time and will answer the question  "How is color theory like mayonnaise?".

*This video was updated on January 29, 2021 to correct a geographical error.

View list of quilts from this presentation


Al Dente is a very bad dog. He wants your unconditional love, adoration, and attention—and obviously, he deserves it. Why would you even ask that? It’s not like you’re so perfect!

A hilarious and caustic comic about stubbornly refusing to grow and dragging the haters down with you.

40 full-color pages; 5.5 x 8″; SRP: $6.99
ISBN 979-8-88620-004-1; Coming October 2022

Dente is always bound to make a mess of things; some people are just bad dogs. It’s elevated and aggravated but it’s still recognizable and relatable. And while I wouldn’t say Al Dente is a comforting read, I think it sends a message. If how you act is considered bad behavior, you aren’t alone. In your anger. In your insecurity. Not alone. Muddled, conflicting desires are something everyone has. Bear paints them on the canvas large.

Arpad Okay, Comics Beat


vocational training

Government Programs Upskilling Youth in the Philippines

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The Philippines is home to a young, vibrant population. According to the most recent census, approximately 28.9% of the population is below the age of 30. This demographic presents both challenges and opportunities for the country. On the one hand, a large youth population can strain resources. On the other hand, a young population is also a source of innovation and creativity.

To harness the potential of the youth, the government has invested in various programs aimed at upskilling them. These programs range from technical and vocational training to entrepreneurship initiatives. By equipping the youth community with the skills they need to be successful, the hope is that they will be able to contribute to the country’s development positively. Here are some of the government’s programs that support youth in the Philippines:

Technical and Vocational Education

The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program is a highly-recognized alternative to educational degrees. These courses provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in specific vocations. Tech voc courses in the Philippines are available at the secondary and tertiary levels.

At the secondary level, some schools offer TVET programs as part of the regular curriculum. In other schools, they are offered as alternative programs for students who do not wish to pursue a traditional academic path. There are also private institutions offering flexible and online courses.

Meanwhile, many public and private institutions offer TVET courses at the tertiary level. These include technical-vocational institutes, community colleges, and universities with technical-vocational programs.

The government has also established the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. It provides education and training, develops and assesses the skills of Filipino workers, and certifies their competencies.

With this program, the youth community is well-equipped with the technical skills they need to be employable. These courses can lead to good jobs in various industries, such as manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and healthcare. Thus, these programs benefit individuals and the country as a whole.

Entrepreneurship Initiatives

The Philippines has long been known as an entrepreneurial nation. It is evident in the many small businesses dotting the landscape. In recent years, the government has been promoting entrepreneurship through various initiatives.

One such initiative is the Go Negosyo Act. It was enacted in 2015 to help develop the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. The law provides a comprehensive assistance package for MSMEs, including access to financing, mentorship programs, and business incubation facilities.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also offers programs to support entrepreneurship. These include the Negosyo Centers, which provide business counseling and other services; the Shared Services Facilities program, which helps MSMEs access affordable technology; and the DTI-Assisted Projects, which offer financing and other forms of assistance.

These initiatives create a supportive environment for youth entrepreneurs. They are given the resources they need to start and grow their businesses. As a result, the Philippines has seen a rise in young entrepreneurs in recent years.

On-the-job Training Opportunities

The government provides mandatory on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities for Filipino youth. OJT is a type of work experience that allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in school. It helps in the transition from school to work.

Through OJT, students gain first-hand experience in their chosen field. They also get to build their resume and network with industry professionals. Moreover, many companies offer OJT programs to hire trainees as regular employees.

By requiring a set number of OJT hours, the government ensures that Filipino youth are given opportunities to learn and grow in their professional careers. It helps streamline the process of finding a job after graduation. More so, lowering the youth unemployment rate.

a young female student shaking hands to a male professional with assistant

Special Program for Employment of Students

The government has also implemented the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). SPES provides temporary employment for college students during summer and winter breaks. It helps them earn money for their schooling while gaining work experience.

Under this program, students work in various government agencies and private companies. They are paid the minimum wage for their services. SPES is open to all students, regardless of their economic background.

This program has helped many Filipino youths earn for their studies. It has also allowed them to gain work experience and build their resume. With this initiative, many of these youth can find permanent employment after graduation.

The government is investing in programs to support youth in the Philippines. These include technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship initiatives, and access to financing. And with these programs, the Philippines creates a positive environment for youth to excel in their chosen field. So, if you’re a young Filipino looking to make a difference, know that the government is behind you every step of the way.

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Your Health In Your Hands-LifeStyle As Per Ayurveda  – Part 1 – Introduction

I am very much still a student of Ayurveda and am continuing to learn the same. I don’t consider myself to be an expert. So I’m not giving examples of herbal remedies etc. here in this article. Only discussing the basic building blocks and foundational principles of Ayurveda as I understand at this phase of my beautiful journey into the world of Vedic Sciences, of which, Ayurveda is a big part of.

Now, towards busting some myths and assumptions around Ayurveda.

Did Ayurveda practitioners know in the past about diseases like ulcers, diabetes, BP, Cancer etc.? Yes

  1. Reference articles:

  2. (Gulf News): https://gulfnews.com/leisure/health/ayurveda-approach-towards-diabetes-1.1217613

  3. Journal of Traditional Medicine: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/comprehensive-ayurvedic-care-in-type-diabetes-2167-1206.1000e111.php?aid=21839

Did Ayurveda practitioners in the past know about every disease that we’re going to get in the future ( mainly due to our irresponsible lifestyles and ignorant innovations destroying the environment that we’re very much a part of)? No.

But is there a method, a practical and a logical way to handle current and future diseases if we understand the basic principles of Ayurveda? Yes.

Is Ayurveda Hindu? No.

Is Unani Islam? No

Is Allopathy Christian? No

If I practice Ayurveda, will I automatically become a Hindu? No

If I practice Unani, will I become a Muslim? No

If I take Tylenol/Crocin/Paracetamol, am I considered a Christian? No

If I take Chyawanprash, will I become a Hindu? No

If the Tylenol question sounds silly, the chyawanprash question should also sound equally silly. So, let’s not buy into assumptions that Ayurveda is Hindu or Ayurveda is a way to push Hinduism. Ayurveda/Yoga and Hindu religion are different things.

Ayurveda’s relationship to Hinduism is the same as Allopathy relationship to Christianity or Unani relationship to Islam.

Now that, that part is out of our way, let’s get back to Ayurveda and the fundamental basic foundational concept of Ayurveda.

Basic Building Blocks –

Pancha MahaBhutas and Tri Doshas

References for this section.

  1. Tridosha introduction: A video by NLAM (National Library for Ayurveda Medicine) https://youtu.be/LsiIwbTLdGU

  2. Website for NLAM: http://nlam.in/

  3. The course material that I am taking which I cannot share.

In nature, we can observe something. Nature seems to

  1. Have created a good working model to maintain a perfect balance in both inanimate and animate objects. And

  2. Have found a way to utilize this model to create objects from micro to macro level.

Now, what do I mean by the above? Let’s just take the concept of the wheel. The wheel is a good model to transport and is also to quickly transfer energy. So we use that model in both small and big systems. We see that tiny wheels are used inside small wrist watches. And the same concept of the wheel is used in a big aircraft.

In the same way, nature seems to have found that there is a way to combine certain building blocks of the elements known as Pancha Mahabhutas in different ratios and build the whole universe out of it. Note: These elements are different from the elements mentioned in the periodic table in your chemistry textbook. So it’s better to stick to the Sanskrit term ‘Mahabhutas or tattvas” to describe the basic building blocks that nature uses to create stuff.

Pancha Mahabhutas

So what are Pancha Mahabhutas? Pancha means five, ‘maha’ means great and bhutas mean ‘elements”. They are,

  1. Akash (Space, not necessarily sky): Akasha is the most important element of all the five elements. It is subtle, light and omnipresent. It expands without any form. It is the distance that separates everything and helps other matters to exist and survive. Akasha is within us and around us. It is in our respiratory and reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract etc. We need space to grow, expand, move and exist. Akasha is nuclear energy.

  2. Vayu (Air or gaseous state): The primary characteristic of Vayu is movement. It is light, dry, clear and moving. It is formless and it exists as a gaseous state in the matter. Within the body, it exists as oxygen and air and aids in transferring the energy. The movement of air in the body can be the movement of limbs and respiratory system. It aids in vital functions like the pulse, elimination of waste, blood circulation and heart beating. The flow of thought process and desires are due to Vayu. It is the electrical energy.

  3. Agni (Fire or anything that burns or transforms): Agni is hot, dry, sharp and penetrating. It is needed for digestion in the human body. It transforms matter from one state to another. It converts food into fat or muscle and it can convert fat into sweat. Agni in the human body helps with regulating temperature and metabolic activities. It also regulates digestion, absorption, and assimilation. Agni not only helps with digesting food, but it also aids in digesting emotions, thoughts, and anger. It’s the radiant energy.

  4. Jala (liquid): Jala is in the liquid state and it is within us and around us. 78% of a typical human body is made of Jala, i.e. fluids. It is present in the fluid form in the body in many places like in digestive system, reproductive system etc. It is liquid, soft, and viscous and is needed to bind the materials together. Forex: Jala is present in the pericardial (sac-like tissue surrounding the heart) fluid, synovial fluid (lubricants in the joints) and in reproductive system (in seminal fluid form). Jala helps to carry nutrients to the tissues and also helps in eliminating the waste from the body. It helps to regulate the hormone system. Cytoplasm, Serum, Plasma etc. are all example of Jala in the body. Jala also helps us with cultivating love, compassion etc. It’s the chemical energy.

  5. Prithvi (solid): Prithvi is heavy, solid, rocky and bulky. It is needed for strength and stamina. It is present in the humans in the form of solid matter such as organs, nails, cartilage, bones, teeth etc. It’s needed for growth and stability. It helps us to develop patience and stamina and helps us achieve goals in life. It’s the mechanical and the physical energy in the body.

Also notice that the same building blocks are used in inanimate objects like oceans, hills, planets, and life forms like trees, insects, animals etc. So nature uses these building blocks and combines them in different ratios to create different objects.

So what are the common combinations and how is the rhythm and harmony maintained when they’re combined in different proportions? That takes us to the next section, Tri Doshas.

Tri Doshas

Tri means three. Dosha means “That which changes”.

It’s derived from the root word ‘Dus”.

There are 3 doshas. In the context of Ayurveda, dosha is used to mean ‘that is something that disrupts the harmony of the cosmic rhythm’.

The three doshas are: Vata, Pitta and Kapha and they’re formed by combining Pancha Mahabhutas in different proportions.

  1.     When Akasha and Vayu combine, then Vata is formed.

  2.     When Agni and Jala are combined, then Pitta is formed.

  3.     When Jala and Prithvi are combined, then Kapha is formed.

The proportions of the elements in each dosha determine how active each dosha is in a given entity, i.e. a person/object/time of the day/season/geography etc. is. And within that entity, the relative proportion of each dosha can be used to determine the dominant type and a course of action can be taken based on the objective. So the concept to understand is, this Vata, Pitta, Kapha dosha is not limited to humans alone, we see this in different entities as well. For Ex: Winter is governed by Vata dosha, and hence winters are cold, dry and dark.

Tri Doshas as Regulatory Mechanism in Nature

Application of TriDosha Principle From Micro to Macro Level

Let’s see how this TriDosha concept works as a regulatory system in nature from a unicellular organ to a galaxy. Let’s take a cell, the primary unit of life.

Every cell works the following way. It takes input (food), transforms a portion into nutrients/energy based on it’s type, excretes the remaining part into output (excretion), then stores some into storage (fat/muscle) for future use.

Tri Doshas (the regulatory mechanism) in the Human Body

  1. Vata moves and hence helps with input to output. Ex: Vata Prakriti in the body helps to take the food from input to the cell.

  2. Pitta uses Agni (digestive fire), hence transforms. So Agni in the body (digestive fire) helps to transform the food into nutrients and waste.

  3. Kapaha (Jala and solid), is made of Jala and Prithvi and hence helps with storage like bone formation.

Tri Doshas (the regulatory mechanism) in other entities

Ayurveda denotes that all the entities in the universe go through these three phases during different time spans in different phases of their life cycle: Origin, transformation, and destruction using the tri-doshas as regulatory mechanisms.

Forex: Even the solar system goes through these 3 phases, but these happen over such a long period of time that we see each phase as static. Whereas a fly may go through all these phases in a day. And all the entities in the universe are made up of the Pancha Mahabhutas and the tri-doshas are used as the regulatory mechanism to keep this cycle going.

Now, let’s see how these cycles affect our health and how can we design our lifestyle based on this knowledge.

Body Types by Tri-Dosha

The relative proportion of Akasha and Vayu in a given body determines how active Vata is in that person. Along the same lines, the relative proportion of Agni and Jala determines how active pitta is in that person. Or the proportions of Jala and Prithvi determines how much of Kapha is in a person. Similarly, the relative proportion of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha determines whether a given person is Pitta dominant, Vata dominant or Kapha dominant. Every individual has some proportion of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Otherwise, we simply cannot grow or digest food or think or sleep. The question is, which dosha is dominant or which combination of doshas is dominant? Based on this, the individual body types are categorized into 10 different body types; Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata/Pitta, Vata/Kapha, Pitta/Kapha, etc.

Note: In the next few sub-sections, Kapha is used as an example to explain the concepts.

Annual Cycle, i.e. Seasons by Tri Doshas

Reference article: http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-knowledge/seasonal-health/balance-kapha-dosha-during-spring.html

In the Ayurvedic system of health, every season has a dosha or set of qualities, associated with it. Just like body types are determined by Vata, Pitta, Kapha domination or their combination, seasons are also associated with a corresponding dosha or a combination of the same. For Ex: winter, governed by Vata dosha, is cold, dry and dark. When the sun lingers longer, the ground thaws and mud heralds the beginning of Kapha dosha season. Kapha season starts out wet and cold in March and ends up wet and warm, in May and June (In India. This may change based on the geography in other countries).

Daily Cycle by Tri-Doshas

Just as the year is divided into seasons by the doshas, the daily cycle also has its divisions into Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Kapha time of day is 6 to 10 in both the morning and the evening. Digestion is weaker during Kapha time, especially in Kapha season. Kapha covers up Agnis (digestive fires).

Life Cycle by Tri-Doshas

Childhood is the time of life governed by the Kapha dosha — so whatever proportion of Kapha dosha a child is born with will be accentuated during childhood. This is the reason why we see many sinus related infections in childhood or chest congestions because childhood is dominated by Kapha Dosha. Note: As we discussed before, other doshas are also present during childhood, but Kapha dominates. The other doshas, like pitta and vata, are very much needed like the pitta is needed for the child to digest food or Vata is needed for the child to take food. But Kapha dominates so that the child can grow by developing solid stuff (Kapha) like Bones, Muscles etc.

Along the same lines, you can think and guess for yourself which dosha dominates during which phase of a human life.

Location of the Doshas in the Body

The English word “cough” comes from the Sanskrit word Kapha. The main location of Kapha in the body is in the chest. When the Kapha dosha becomes aggravated, mucus increases, leading to colds and problems with sinus congestion, allergies, and asthma.

How does Ayurveda Balance the Doshas?

Now that we’ve seen that the building blocks are there in nature in terms of the tri-doshas, the objective of the good health is sama-dosha, i.e. the balanced state wrt the tri-doshas. How can we achieve this?

For Ex: Winter to Spring seasonal change can be seen as a Vata to Kapha change.

During the Vata season, i.e. winter, which is dry, cold and dark, our bodies tend to take on those qualities that pacify Vata — heavy, sweet, dense, and oily. These qualities are Kapha by nature and exactly balance Vata.

This is the ayurvedic principle of opposites balancing each other.

After that during the spring season, i.e. Kapha season, since our body has been accumulating Kapha during Vata season, it’s a good idea to do some kind of cleanse to have a clean slate. So spring-cleaning is a good idea, inside and out!

Ayurveda’s Influence on Indian Way of Living

If you are familiar with Indian festivals, you’ll notice that the rituals associated with the festivals have got these built-in tasks in them preparing the humans, rivers, plants, farms, animals etc. for the next season. Major festivals happen during this period of seasonal changes and the rituals are very much in line with Ayurveda recommendations to handle the seasonal changes and prepare not the just the human bodies, but the farms, farm animals, houses etc.

For Ex: during pongal/Sankranti, we burn the old wood and clean up our houses. We make rangoli with rice flour in the front of our houses giving that as feed for the insects in the mud.

Similarly during Rama Navami in March/April and during Durga puja during October time period, 9-day partial fasting is observed to helps us go through the cleansing needed for seasonal changes as mentioned before.

This the extent to which Ayurveda has become part of Indian way of living. So it’s a lifestyle literally not just at the individual level, not even at community level, but at Indian subcontinent level. These rituals involve many entities not just humans but other life/non-like forms like plants, animals, farms and even huge bodies like rivers. Even rivers are taken care or taken into consideration during these seasonal changes.

Please note: I do not recommend blindly following the rituals, but encourage the readers to find out the history and Ayurveda based reasons (if any) behind a given tradition/ritual. This will help us re-evaluate the traditions and if needed we can adapt them to the current conditions of the society. At the same time, I urge people to not throw out the traditions and rituals blindly in the name of secularism. Any ism if blindly followed can be very dangerous, be it secularism or atheism. Also, there is no point in throwing away time-tested Ayurveda based traditions only to re-invent them later at a big expense of 100s of billions of dollars over decades of research only to be patented and taken away from the common people’s hands.

It is really unfortunate that such valuable traditions are getting branded as one religion or the other and we are reluctant to learn the logical reasons behind such rituals that have got a solid foundation in Ayurveda. As a result, India is suffering from all kinds of new diseases that can be avoided only if we understand the Ayurveda principles governing our lifestyles.

Coming Up

In my next article, I plan to cover a very important topic:

“Recommended Daily Routine as per Ayurveda by Body Types”

I’ll also discuss how this tri-dosha combination affects not only the physique of a body but also their emotional state.

Forex: Vata dominated persons. (Remember Vata is a combination of Akasha and Vayu and Vata dosha is primarily a regulatory mechanism to transport? The input to output)

o   Body: They have got light, flexible bodies with a small frame and light muscles and little fat. Slim and underweight. Dry skin. Uncomfortable in cold weather as they lack insulation.

o   Food: They are often attracted to astringent food such as salads and vegetables but their bodies actually need sweet, sour and salty tastes. Raw vegetables increase Vata.

o   Routine: Vata people sleep less and tend towards interrupted sleep or insomnia. Nevertheless, when they wake up they are alert and fresh.

o   Mind and Emotions: Clarity is one of the attributes of Vata. They are also quick to forget things. They think and speak quickly. Vata people have less tolerance, boldness, and confidence.

Stay tuned for my next article that builds on these concepts and goes more into the details of recommended daily routine as per Ayurveda based on Body Types.

Other than the reference articles mentioned in this section, there are other sources that I used. Especially watch the first video in this section.

  1. What is Vata/Pitta/Kapha? https://youtu.be/LsiIwbTLdGU

  2. Ayurveda- daily routine- by individual body type. https://youtu.be/pZONHL3Zyi8-


Right in the heart of the North-East Italy is Trentino Alto Adige, a region stretching right across the Dolomite Alps. Here is where you’ll find one of the most unique authentic Italian cuisines in the country, due to its location right next to neighbouring countries of Austria and Germany.

Trentino Alto Adige is mostly covered by snowy mountains, but also is home to many lakes and valleys, making this region an ideal place for growing fruit and producing dairy.

Trentino Alto Adige uses a combination of its Italian heritage and Germanic roots to create a very interesting blend of cuisines…

Natural home-grown ingredients

The main ingredients which make up the vast majority of delectable Trentino Alto Adige cuisine include potatoes, mushrooms, apples, dumplings, rich cheese, sausages and freshwater fish. Interestingly another staple food here is Polenta, using potatoes or buckwheat rather than cornmeal, often served with wild game, mushrooms, butter and cheese.

Due to the long Winters in this region, food preservation is very important. You will often find long-lasting breads, smoked sausages and cheeses and fermented vegetables in order to maintain the delicious and flavoursome dining throughout the year.

Meat, meat and more meat!

Due to the mountainous terrain and forests across the region, another main ingredient is meat. Many different kinds are favoured here – rabbit, venison and mountain goat, to name a few. Poultry and pork are often raised at home. Meat is often used in filling soups, tripe, goulash, beef is sliced and sauteed in butter, and trout is served with lemon and clove flavoured white wine.

A unique accompaniment

Something which makes Trentino Alto Adige differ hugely from its Italian cousins is the chosen drink to accompany their dishes. Rather than wine, the locals here opt for beer, a favoured accompaniment which can be traced back to their Germanic roots.

Have you ever embraced the local cuisine of Trentino Alto Adige? Let us know on Twitter!


Partner Sande Zeig

Queer Places:
University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604

Image result for Monique WittigMonique Wittig (July 13, 1935 – January 3, 2003) was a French author and feminist theorist[1] who wrote about overcoming socially enforced gender roles and who coined the phrase "heterosexual contract". She published her first novel, L'Opoponax, in 1964. Her second novel, Les Guérillères (1969), was a landmark in lesbian feminism.[2]

Monique Wittig was born in 1935 in Dannemarie in Haut-Rhin, France. In 1950 she moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. In 1964 she published her first novel, L'Opoponax which won her immediate attention in France. After the novel was translated into English, Wittig achieved international recognition. She was one of the founders of the Mouvement de libération des femmes (MLF) (Women's Liberation Movement). In 1969 she published what is arguably her most influential work, Les Guérillères, which is today considered a revolutionary and controversial source for feminist and lesbian thinkers around the world. Its publication is also considered to be the founding event of French feminism.[3][4]

Wittig earned her Ph.D. from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales,[1] after completing a thesis titled "Le Chantier littéraire".[5] Wittig was a central figure in lesbian and feminist movements in France. In 1971, she was a founding member of the Gouines rouges ("Red dykes"), the first lesbian group in Paris.[3] She was also involved in the Féministes Révolutionnaires ("Revolutionary feminists"), a radical feminist group.[3] She published various other works, some of which include the 1973 Le Corps lesbien (or The Lesbian Body) and the 1976 Brouillon pour un dictionnaire des amantes (or Lesbian Peoples: Material for a Dictionary), which her partner, Sande Zeig, coauthored.

In 1976 Wittig and Zeig moved to the United States where Wittig focused on producing work of gender theory. Her works, ranging from the philosophical essay The Straight Mind to parables such as Les Tchiches et les Tchouches, explored the interconnectedness and intersection of lesbianism, feminism, and literary form. With various editorial positions both in France and in the United States, Wittig's works became internationally recognized and were commonly published in both French and English. She continued to work as a visiting professor in various universities across the nation, including the University of California, Berkeley, Vassar College and the University of Arizona in Tucson. She taught a course in Materialist Thought through Women's Studies programs, wherein her students were immersed in the process of correcting the American translation of The Lesbian Body. She died of a heart attack on January 3, 2003.[1]

My published books:

See my published books


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Population of Kamau

In 2021 2022, the population of the city of Kamau, Vietnam is - 204 895 people. All-populations.com used data from the number of the population from official sources. Find out what statistics the population of the country, city, district on All-populations.com.

Kamau - Population

204 895 people Flag of Vietnam Flag of Vietnam In December 2021 2022


The Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

The Secret Life of Blue Love Birds
5/5 - (13 votes)

A blue love bird nest is a symbol of marriage and love.

Blue lovebirds are famous for being incredibly loyal, but have you ever wondered why? In this article, you’ll learn what makes them the most popular breed of pet bird in the World and why their personalities are so similar to humans.

What is a blue love bird?

Lovebirds are small, usually around six inches long, with striking blues, oranges, purples, and greens. They are common in temperate climates around the world, and generally nest in holes in trees or shrubs. There are more than 400 species of lovebirds, many of which occur in pairs, but not all. Some are monogamous, some are polygamous.They live together in a flock called a flock, and they have striking colours. Their feathers are mostly white, but they have beautiful orange and blue feathers. The lovebirds mate for life, and they only stay together.  A lovebird’s breeding season is from mid-May to August. Females lay about 4-10 eggs, and both parents incubate the eggs for 28-30 days. There is nothing better than to watch a lovebird couple building a nest. It is so interesting to watch them carefully as they build the nest and add the right amount of sticks and twigs to the nest. As soon as the eggs hatch, the mother bird goes back to the nest to look after her babies. Lovebirds are fun to watch and easy to keep as pets. You just have to provide a proper environment and lots of food and water.Many people keep them as pets and it’s okay to keep them as pets. But remember that they need to be treated well so they can stay healthy.

(For example, the red-winged lovebird lives in North America. Red-winged lovebirds come from Central and South America. The red-headed lovebird is found in Australia and New Zealand. And the yellow-faced lovebird lives in Africa. Many species of lovebirds are monogamous, meaning that they are faithful to their partners. But some lovebirds are polygamous, meaning that they have several mates. A lovebird has a loud call. It is usually a warble, and its song lasts up to two minutes. Lovebirds are very friendly, and they often sit on top of people’s heads.)

Blue Love Bird Species:

The Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

Blue Masked Lovebird

Blue mask lovebirds are among the most beautiful birds on earth. However, they’re also very rare, and only about a dozen blue-masked lovebirds live in the wild in Madagascar. These birds are on the verge of extinction. We need to start caring about something before it’s too late. The Blue Masked Lovebird  is a symbol of affection. Their  plumage varies but it’s most often dark blue with white on the face and chest. While they  are usually thought of as symbols of romance and affection, they are used in other ways. Some are used to symbolize relationships and marriage. Others are used to symbolize other things such as loyalty and fidelity.

Dutch Blue Lovebird

vvThe Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

The Dutch Blue Lovebird (Agapornis ardens) is a very rare species of bird found only in the Netherlands. These birds are a symbol of good luck in the Netherlands. This is because, according to legend, during the Second World War, the bird gave up a lot of blood while saving its owner from a bombing. To show its gratitude, the owner built a statue of Dutch Blue Lovebird  outside their home, and that’s where the lovebird originated.They are very small birds, usually between 6–13 cm in length, and weigh around 45 grams. They are mainly brownish-blue in color. The male has a blue head and neck while the female has a brownish-orange head and neck. The male has two short tail feathers while the female has four long tail feathers.The only way to differentiate a Dutch Blue Lovebird from other birds is by its distinctive  plumage. But, more importantly, they are the first birds  to mate in the spring, which means that they have a very short breeding season. To attract the attention of potential mates, the male displays a bright red throat patch during the mating season. However, once the female has accepted the offer and is in a pair, the male no longer shows his throat. Instead, he develops a bright blue neck and head area. In fact, blue is the only color for which they develop. No other bird has such a distinct coloration.

White Faced Blue Lovebird

vvThe Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

White faced blue lovebirds have a white face and blue belly. They get their name from the light blue color of the underbelly, a contrast to their white head. The white face and blue belly provide a visual pattern that draws attention to themselves. The blue on their belly is what makes them look more like a baby, and the white on their faces is what makes them look older.  White Faced Bluebirds are known for their beautiful colors and for being an excellent bird to keep in captivity.If you keep them in captivity, they can be very happy. It’s great for them. It will make them feel loved. However, they will not enjoy the situation if you keep them alone. They like to be with other birds. They become depressed if they are kept in captivity. Their feathers become ruffled. They become aggressive. You can’t put them together with other birds because they don’t like it.

The white faced bluebird is a very interesting bird because it has very different characteristics. It is more like a baby and it is also much bigger than other birds. It has blue feet and a blue head, but it does not have a brownish black face. When it is young, its eyes are blue and it has a pink nose. The wings are white and the body is long and slender. Its weight is around 6.2 oz. and its height is 12-14 inches. The average lifespan of a white faced bluebird is 10 to 15 years. A good owner will understand their needs and try to take care of them.

 how rare are blue love birds?

The Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

While rare, blue lovebirds can be found throughout Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. The first record of the species in the UK dates back to 1984, while a recent report states that there are an estimated 1,000 pairs in Britain and Ireland. The most recent sighting of the species was reported near the village of Broughton in northern England on January 19. Researchers had been monitoring the birds after a flock was seen in the area in 2013, and the birds had since been spotted on four separate occasions in the region.

Blue lovebirds are rare. There are only two known species of blue lovebirds: Cyanecula siva and Cyanecula celata. The blue coloration on their bodies is derived from carotenoid pigments. The iridescent feathers of the birds also appear blue.

where to watch blue love birds?

The Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

You’ll be happy to know that if you’re still looking for a pair of Blue Love Birds , you can learn about  blue love birds at all these websites. The wild bird fund website has information about different types of lovebirds and shows pictures of them. They also have a list of species and habitats where they live. On the Wild Bird Trust website, you can find information about many different types of birds, including migratory birds. There are also many types of birds listed on the California Academy of Sciences website. Finally, you can learn about all kinds of birds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website. You can learn about their habitats, behavior, and feeding habits. The website has a lot of information that is very interesting.

There are  also a few places that you can see Blue Love Birds if you live in the U.S. If you live in another country, you may find them in other parts of the world as well. You can find out more about where to see them on the Internet.

What is the size of a blue love birds?

The Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

It all started with a very simple question: What is the size of a blue love birds? Well, it turns out there was some confusion. Some people thought they were asking about the size of a blue jay, but really they meant the blue bird—or, as it’s often called, a bluebird. While the first question they asked was indeed simple, they wanted to figure out if the answers they got were correct. So they took the next step in their research: What did the answer matter? What could they do with the data they got? The answer was that the researchers wanted to use the data to see if the size of bluebirds varied across regions in the U.S. and Canada and finally they were many theorys:

-The size of the blue love birds is determined by the number of eggs in the clutch, but it is not possible to determine a specific number without counting them. The same can be said for the size of a blue love bird. Because there is no specific number for the total number of eggs, it is impossible to know exactly how many eggs are in a blue love bird’s nest.

-Blue Love Birds are the size of a human brain! They are very small, and yet, they have a lot of nerve endings, and that makes them very sensitive. Some of the Blue Love Birds are quite rare and valuable.

-The size of a blue love bird is an estimated 4.7 inches from head to tail.

Facts abouts Blue Love Birds

vThe Secret Life of Blue Love Birds

The other point that was a major part of Blue Love Bird’s success was the way in which it told its story. Not only did it talk about how its founder met and fell in love with her partner, but it also talked about the struggles he had, and the obstacles he had to overcome before they were finally together. That created a lot of emotional connection with the audience, which meant that the brand could connect with its consumers on an emotional level. This approach allowed Blue Love Bird to become a natural fit for people who already felt a sense of loss and sadness.

-The second fact is a bit more personal. It says that birds of the same species do not mate with the same gender. According to the researchers, a bird of the same species is less likely to fall in love with a bird of the opposite sex if there are other birds of the same sex within the immediate vicinity. This is why a flock of seagulls will avoid mating with a flock of pigeons, even if there is no other pigeon in sight.

-It’s funny because Blue Love Birds aren’t actually blue. They are the lightest of the five species of lovebirds. The color blue was chosen because it’s the color of peace and tranquility. The birds were named Blue Love Birds because, like many lovebirds, they have a special relationship with one another, even though they live in separate cages.


Ashesi University (Entrepreneurship)

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Executive Summary

Looking back at the progress Awuah had made in developing Asheshi University, he realized that his dream had been turned into a reality within a short period. The brand of the university had pervaded across Ghana with every student wishing to get associated with the university. Despite this progress, there were still numerous challenges that Awuah was faced with. These include cases of academic dishonesty in the university which were threatening to spoil the good name of the university. The high demand for enrolment in the university made Awuah wonder if it was the right time to embark on raising funds to establish a permanent university. In his bid to gather funds, Awuah wondered if the time to solicit funds from larger foundations had ripened. The hardships he went through in developing Ashesi and the uncertainties he had in its stability at the time made him wonder if it was right for him to replicate his idea to other countries in Africa.

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All these challenges called for wise decisions to be made to overcome them. To cater for dishonesty, there were numerous methods that the university could use which included; honor code, a modified honor code, and mixed judicial boards. Where mixed judicial boards proved to be the most viable. To solicit funds, Awuah had the option of appealing to foundations as well as using professional and self-directed programs. Demand for quality universities in Africa coupled with the inadequacy of ethical leaders called for replication of Asheshi model across Africa.

Background information

In December 2007, Patrick Awuah; founder of Ashesi university tried to make an account of his progress. It had been ten years since he came up with the idea of establishing a non-profit university in Ghana. Looking back on the history of the university, he was pleased to see that his vision had proved productive within a very short period. Ashesi had emerged as one of the most famous universities in Ghana with every student wishing to enroll in the university. It was after Awuah had gone through a Swarthmore college in the United States that he realized that there was a big problem with the system of education in Ghana. The system encouraged students only to accept the status quos and never to question any idea. His experience in the United States made him feel that there was a great need for the development of independent thoughts among Ghanaian students. This could only be attained through changing the system of education in the country. Despite the progress made by the university after a short period, numerous challenges still lay ahead. The growth of the university and change in the system of education depended on Awuah’s ability to overcome these challenges (Harrington & Saloner 2008, p. 1).

Challenges facing Ashesi University

Among some of the challenges that Awuah was faced with was the growing rate of academic dishonesty among the students. Over the past two years, cases of cheating among the students had increased rapidly. This was not only detrimental to the quality of professionals that the university was sending to the society but it could also tarnish the good name of the university leading to the public has a negative image of it. The issue of academic dishonesty in the university became more serious when a visiting lecturer came and reported that students had copied from one another in his assignment. It was Awuah’s aim to build a permanent university where they could be able to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds. From a feasibility study conducted by the campus, approximately eighty-five percent of the respondents agreed with the idea of establishing boarding facilities in the university. Meanwhile, the campus was renting boarding facilities for students who seriously needed the service. This was seen to consume most of the time that could be used in focusing on other university issues as the management took a lot of time negotiating with hostel owners. It is with this respect that Awuah wondered if it was the right time to start raising funds to help establish a permanent university (Harrington & Saloner 2008, pp. 12-14).

The desire for the establishment of private universities was not only in Ghana. Almost in every African country, people were wishing to establish private universities. Most of the people failed to take the initiative due to fear of the huge amount of money attributed with establishing and running a university and also numerous regulations required for university establishment. Awuah having gone through various hardships and successes in establishing Ashesi University, wondered if his experience was enough to allow him to pass the same ideas to other people who wished to establish private universities in their countries.

Ways of solving challenges facing Ashesi University

To make sure that Ashesi University retains its good image in the public, there is a great need of ensuring that ways are devised in the university to discourage academic dishonesty among the students. This will not only help in ensuring that the university retains its name and receive a high rate of enrolment but will also ensure that it produces quality professionals. The method of lecturers solving cases of dishonesty in the classroom had not proved productive as still more cases of dishonesty were reported. Dealing with academic dishonesty calls for a concerted effort between the students and university management. Initiating serious supervision during examinations would lead to students complaining of not being treated as gentlemen. This might result in them protesting thus increasing problems in the university. Some of the methods that the University can use in discouraging the vice include the establishment of honor codes in the university, the establishment of mixed judicial boards to deal with cases of academic dishonesty, and the establishment of a modified honor code (Bowers 1964, p. 148).

The rate at which Ashesi University was growing and the increased demand for boarding facilities among the students is enough to alert Awuah that the time for the establishment of a permanent university has come. Being a non-profit university and bearing in mind the number of students it has currently, it became hard for Awuah to collect enough funds to facilitate its expansion. However, there are various methods that he can use to help him gather the required money. These are a direct appeal to the public for grants, use of professional programs, direct-managed programs, and grants. The growth rate that has been attained by the university speaks for itself. As Awuah can be able to present his evidence of the progress he has made, it is the right time that he decides to pass the idea to other people willing to establish private universities in Africa. He can do this by organizing public workshops where he can travel to other countries and sell his idea. He can also organize programs where willing people can come to Ashesi to familiarize themselves with how the university is managed (Bowers 1964, p. 152). The idea can also be sold through the establishment of a university website where interested persons can log in and get the information they require.

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Dealing with Academic dishonesty

Use of honors code

Honors codes are developed in the university through the collaboration between the students and the school management team. Here, all stakeholders abide themselves to keeping to the set regulations governing their conduct in and during any kind of academic assignment. Ashes University needs to come up with such codes where every student is required to go through them, have a clear understanding of their provisions, and then sign them to show that he or she has pledged to abide by the regulations. Developing an honor code that stipulates the penalties suffered by anybody found guilty of academic dishonesty would lead to all students distancing themselves from any sort of activity that would be deemed as academic dishonesty. In the code, the university would outline all obligations bestowed on students in fighting academic dishonesty. Giving the students the responsibility of fighting the problem that significantly emanates from them would help the university greatly in curbing the menace (Bowers 1964, p. 155). This is because every student would strive to ensure that he or she does not abdicate his or her obligation. It can help in eliminating the need for the university having to proctor all examinations. In most cases, students tend to cheat whenever they are supervised. Giving students the responsibility of ensuring that they do not cheat in the examination would make them accountable for any case of dishonesty thus discouraging them from participating in academic dishonesty.

The university can come up with a student-controlled judiciary responsible for dealing with reported cases of academic dishonesty. Through students passing sentences on their colleagues found guilty of academic dishonesty, they would retract from getting involved in such dishonesties.

Modified honor codes

At times, there might be problems with the system of students’ self-governance, a weak university community, or the university may be having a large student body. Administering the honors code in curtailing academic dishonesty in such environments may prove unproductive. This calls for the establishment of a modified honor code as an alternative. Just as in the honors code, students are given the responsibility of hearing cases of dishonesty that arise in the university. However, in this case, all examinations are supervised and students are not authorized to claim to be in good conduct in case they are caught by their supervisors. The rate of growth of Asheshi University signals that a time will come when the university will have a large student body. This will make it hard for the university to use the honor code as a method of deterring academic dishonesty in the university. This underlines the need for the university to come up with a modified honor code. At times, students may fail to report their colleagues who cheat despite them not cheating. This makes it hard to get rid of the problem in universities. To avoid such cases, Ashesi can continue administering proctored examinations while students are left with the responsibility of punishing those found guilty of dishonesty in examinations.

Mixed Judicial boards

At times, lecturers would doubt the capability of students effectively punishing their colleagues found guilty of academic dishonesty. They may be too lenient leading to the problem not being eliminated in the university. To ensure that the university reaches a common ground concerning the method to employ in dealing with examination cheating, management in Asheshi University can establish a mixed judicial board. In this system, both the students and various faculties can be involved in fighting academic dishonesty. Lecturers can be given the responsibility of detecting examination cheating in the university and report the cases r to a body comprising of both the faculty representatives and students. The board can then listen to the case and determine the kind of punishment to be passed to the victim if found guilty. Unlike honor code and modified code where at times students may address a case in the favor of their colleagues despite them having cheated, mixed judicial boards can ensure that every case is treated fairly.

Dealing with the problem of building a permanent university

As Asheshi University continues expanding concerning the number of students being enrolled, it will reach a point when it will be difficult for the university to be managed on leased property. The increased need for boarding facilities and the cost associated with acquiring rental boarding facilities call for the university to establish its facilities. This marks the right time for Awuah to mobilize funds to cater to these problems. Apart from catering for boarding facilities, the establishment of a permanent university would help Awuah in increasing flexibility within the university. It will help the university offer different degree programs which it was unable to offer due to limited facilities (Bray 2010, para. 2). Being a non-profit initiative, it will be hard for the university foundation to raise all the required money. Awuah needs to go to other large foundations to solicit funds.

Use of direct appeals

Through this system, Awuah would be able to ask people from other foundations to fund his project by donating different gifts in terms of money or pledges. To be able to get substantial funds from foundations, Awuah and his team have to come up with a proper mechanism of selling their idea to people. Nobody would be willing to fund a project that appears to be beneficial only to persons running it. They need to come up with a good explanation of their purpose and why the foundations should fund the idea. Once they have convinced the foundations of the need for them to fund the project, Awuah and his team need to ensure that they keep regular contact with the donors. This will ensure that they continue supporting the project. Updating them with the progress made would help in harnessing their loyalty to the project (Bray 2010, para. 3). This can be done online to avoid the overhead of having to print numerous pages of the newsletter.

Professional and self-directed programs

Apart from going back to larger foundations for funding, Awuah can use professional and self-directed programs to collect funds for university expansion. Through a professional program, he can hire professionals to help him in organizing methods of raising the required fund. Bearing in mind the rate at which the university is growing, there is a need for an urgent fund to support its expansion. A professional program can facilitate raising funds within a short period. There is also a great need for the project to be known by many people to get more well-wishers. Through a professional program, the university can be exposed to a wider audience. However, the university will have to part with some money to get these services (McRay 2009, para. 3).

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On the other hand, Awuah would opt to raise funds through a self-directed program. Unlike a professional program, in the self-directed program, Awuah and his team would be responsible for managing all activities involved in fundraising. This would allow them to change their method based on the response they get from the target group. They would be able to get a response from the foundations’ members and make alterations in their campaign to best attract attention from larger foundations. However, for the method to be successful, it would require Asheshi’s management team to be fully devoted to the program. This is because of the need for the team to develop the program from scratch. It would require some time for the program to be functional (McRay 2009, para. 5).

Replicating the idea across Africa

Despite Ashesi University going through ups and downs for some time, Awuah managed to stabilize the situation in the university. Currently, there is a great need for quality universities around Africa. Most of the students are not willing to study in most of the public universities available due to the poor quality of graduates coming from the universities (McCabe &Trevino 1997, p. 380). Cases of academic dishonesty in these universities have led to the public has a negative image of them. It has become hard for most graduates to get jobs despite them going through university courses. There may be numerous entrepreneurs around the continent who may be willing to start private universities but lack knowledge on where to start and how to run them. This is the right time for Awuah to replicate Ashesi’s model around Africa to cater to the need for quality universities in the continent.

In a bid to get rid of academic dishonesty in the university, Awuah ought to introduce a mixed judicial board in the university to cater for cases of students found cheating in examinations. This method will ensure that every incidence is dealt with indiscriminately. Using honor code or modified honor code would lead to incidences of students being lenient in punishing their colleagues found cheating in the examinations. Establishing a body managed by faculty representatives only to deal with academic dishonesty would result in cases of lecturers intimidating students that they do not like. Incorporating all stakeholders in dealing with dishonesty would ensure that every case is well investigated and the right punishment given to the victim (Bushway &Nash 1997, pp. 590-623).

Based on the rate at which the campus is growing, it is high time that Awuah needs to contact larger foundations to raise funds for the construction of the university. Due to the high amount of money required for university construction, it is hard for the university foundation to raise the money by itself. An increase in demand for services offered by Ashesi University and costs associated with running the university under leased property underscores the desire for Awuah to solicit funds as early as possible. This can be achieved through direct appeals to large foundations. Awuah needs to make sure that its appeal looks more attractive to donors by clearly stipulating their purpose for the project. The high demand for quality universities in Africa coupled with the need for ethical lectures calls for the establishment of private universities with services such as those offered by Asheshi University. There is a need for Awuah to take the initiative of replicating the idea to other parts of the continent (Decoo 2002, p. 23).

Bowers, W. J., 1964, Student Dishonesty and its Control in Colleges. New York: Bureau of Applied Social Research, Columbia University.

Bray, L 2010, “ Non-profit Fundraising Methods: An Overview”, Web.

Bushway, A. & Nash, W. R 1997, School Cheating Behavior. Review of Educational Research, Vol. 47, No. 4, pp. 590- 623.

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Decoo, W., 2002, Crisis on Campus: Confronting Academic Misconduct. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.

Harrington, S. & Saloner, G. 2008, “Case study: Ashesi University”, Web.

McCabe, D. L. &Trevino, L. K., 1997. Individual and Contextual Influences on Academic Dishonesty: A Multicampus Investigation. Research in Higher Education, Vol. 38, No. 2, p. 380.

McRay, G. 2009, “ How to Get Funding For Your Non-profit (Part II)”, Web.

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Data from: Temporal genetic differentiation in Glossina pallidipes tsetse fly populations in Kenya

Okeyo, Winnie A. et al. (2018), Data from: Temporal genetic differentiation in Glossina pallidipes tsetse fly populations in Kenya, Dryad, Dataset,

Background: Glossina pallidipes is a major vector of both Human and Animal African Trypanosomiasis (HAT and AAT) in Kenya. The disease imposes economic burden on endemic regions in Kenya, including south-western Kenya, which has undergone intense but unsuccessful tsetse fly control measures. We genotyped 387 G. pallidipes flies at 13 microsatellite markers to evaluate levels of temporal genetic variation in two regions that have been subjected to intensive eradication campaigns from the 1960s to the 1980s. One of the regions, Nguruman Escarpment, has been subject to habitat alteration due to human activities, while the other, Ruma National Park, has not. In addition, Nguruman Escarpment is impacted by the movement of grazing animals into the area from neighboring regions during the drought season. We collected our samples from three geographically close sampling sites for each of the two regions. Samples were collected between the years 2003 and 2015, spanning ~96 tsetse fly generations. Results: We established that allelic richness averaged 3.49 and 3.63, and temporal Ne estimates averaged 594 in Nguruman Escarpment and 1120 in Ruma National Park. This suggests that genetic diversity is similar to what was found in previous studies of G. pallidipes in Uganda and Kenya, implying that we could not detect a reduction in genetic diversity following the extensive control efforts during the 1960s to the 1980s. However, we did find differences in temporal patterns of genetic variation between the two regions, indicated by clustering analysis, pairwise FST, and Fisher’s exact tests for changes in allele and genotype frequencies. In Nguruman Escarpment, findings indicated differentiation among samples collected in different years, and evidence of local genetic bottlenecks in two locations previous to 2003, and between 2009 and 2015. In contrast, there was no consistent evidence of differentiation among samples collected in different years, and no evidence of local genetic bottlenecks in Ruma National Park. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, despite extensive control measures especially between the 1960s and the 1980s, tsetse flies in these regions persist with levels of genetic diversity similar to that found in populations that did not experience extensive control measures. Our findings also indicate temporal genetic differentiation in Nguruman Escarpment detected at a scale of > 80 generations, and no similar temporal differentiation in Ruma National Park. The different level of temporal differentiation between the two regions indicates that genetic drift is stronger in Nugruman Escarpment, for as-yet unknown reasons, which may include differences in land management. This suggests land management may have an impact on G. pallidipes population genetics, and reinforces the importance of long term monitoring of vector populations in estimates of parameters needed to model and plan effective species-specific control measures.

Usage Notes


Understanding Considerations to Move Existing MapReduce Jobs in Hive to Tez

You can move existing MapReduce jobs in Hive to Tez.

Tez can be enabled for the entire cluster at the bootstrap level or for individual queries at runtime by setting hive.execution.engine = tez. If administrators configure Tez for the entire cluster then individual queries can be reverted to MapReduce by setting hive.execution.engine = mr at the start of the job.

For more information on queries, see Running Hive Queries on Tez.

There are certain considerations that you need to understand before moving MapReduce jobs in Hive to Tez, which are described in these sub-topics:

Understanding Log Pane

The number of Tasks for each of the Mapper or Reducer Vertices is displayed in the Logs pane. The information is displayed as A (+B, -C) ÷ D where:

  • A implies the number of completed tasks
  • B implies the number of running tasks
  • C implies the number of failed tasks
  • D implies the total number of tasks

Understanding Application Memory

Out-of-memory errors may occur when there are an exceptionally large number of tasks being executed in parallel or there are too many files involved in the split computation. Managing the Application Master configuration can ensure that these types of issues do not occur. This memory is controlled with tez.am.resource.memory.mb and a good starting point for this value may be yarn.app.mapreduce.am.resource.mb. The memory available for the Containers (JVMs) is controlled with tez.am.launch.cmd-opts that is typically set to 80% of tez.resource.memory.mb.

Understanding Container Memory

Container Limitation issues may occur if the amount of memory required is more than what is available per the allocation policy. If this occurs, Tez throws an error indicating that it is killing the container in response to the demands of the container. The container size is set with hive.tez.container.size and must be set as a multiple of yarn.scheduler.minimum-allocation-mb. The child java operations are controlled through hive.tez.java.opts and must be set to approximately 80% of hive.tez.container.size.

Understanding Split Sizing

Split computation occur in the Application Master and by default the Maximum Split Size is 1 GB and the Minimum Split Size is 50 MB. You can modify the Split Sizing policy by modifying tez.grouping.max-size and tez.grouping.min-size. Tez uses the HiveInputFormat in conjunction with the grouping settings to ensures that the numbers of Mappers does not become a bottleneck. This is different than MapReduce which uses the CombinedHiveInputFormat by default which can result in less Mapper Tasks. As a result it can be misleading to compare the number of Mapper Tasks between MapReduce and Tez to gauge performance improvements.

Enabling Split Pruning

To enable Split Pruning during the split computation, configure the following:

set hive.optimize.index.filter = true;
set hive.input.format=org.apache.hadoop.hive.ql.io.HiveInputFormat;

Understanding Task Parallelism

The parallelism across the reducers is set by affecting the average reducer size in bytes. hive.exec.reducers.bytes.per.reducer is the configuration option and as this value decreases more reducers are introduced for load distribution across tasks. The parallelism across the mappers is set by affecting tez.am.grouping.split-waves, which indicates the ratio between the number of tasks per vertex compared to the number of available containers in the queue. As this value decreases, more parallelism is introduced but there are less resources allocated to a single job.

Understanding Garbage Collection

While often inconsequential the garbage collection process can lead to increased run time if there are increasingly complex data types and queries used. The amount of time taken for garbage collection can be identified through the Tez Application UI or by enabling hive.tez.exec.print.summary. If garbage collection times are higher than acceptable or expected, consider the components of the Hive functionality, which may be increasing runtime.

Understanding Map Join

When taking advantage of Map Joins in Hive, keep in mind that the larger and more complex the Hash Table used for the Map Join, the greater the burden on the Garbage Collection process. If the Map Join is necessary to avoid a Shuffle Join or due to performance considerations, then it may be necessary to increase the container size so that additional resources are available for Garbage Collection. If the Map Join is not needed, then consider disabling or decreasing the value of hive.auto.convert.join.noconditionaltask.size to force the query to use a Shuffle Join.

Understanding ORC Insert

When inserting into a table, which writes to an ORC file, if there are a large number columns present consider reducing hive.exec.orc.default.bagger.size or increasing the container size.

Understanding Partition Insert

During partitioned inserts, the performance may be impacted if there are a large number of tasks inserting into multiple partitions at the same time. If this is observed consider enabling hive.optimize.sort.dynamic.partition. Only do this, if inserting into more than 10 partitions because this can have a negative impact on performance with a very small number of partitions.

Understanding Hive Statistics

You can run the following command to trigger accurate size accounting by the compiler:

After executing the above statement, enable hive.stats.fetch.column.stats, which triggers the Hive physical optimizer to use more accurate per-column statistics instead of the uncompressed file size represented by HDFS. After collecting and calculating statistics, consider enabling the cost-based optimizer (CBO) with hive.cbo.enable.


Global Links

Indo German

Exchange Programme 2018-19

—Kofi Annan

The second leg of XIII rhythm of Indo German Exchange Programme with Gymnasium bei St. Michael, Lise-Meitner-Gymnasium and Erasmus-Widmann-Gymnasiumcommenced from 20thApril-18th May, 2019. A group of 21 students and two teachers embarked on a memorable journey of understanding cultural diversity and learning to co-exist with compassion with different global community.

The first week was filled with festive fervour as the students became an integral part of Easter celebrations with their host families. They participated in the activities like baking cookies and finding easter bunnies along with visting friends and sightseeing. These activities helped Indian students to understand the customs and values of the host families.

On the first day of the school, the group was welcomed by all the three Principals of the partner schools. For the first time a trip to Weimar was planned where the students visited Buchenwald, a concentration camp set up during the Nazi era. Prior to their visit, the students attended a workshop wherein they were sensitised about the period of holocaust through discussions, power point presentation and movie screening. While exploring the concentration camp, the students were introduced to the dark period of history when humanity had once lost its essence. Such experiences are important for young adults as it teaches them to learn from the mistakes of past and work towards global peace and harmony. Participating in the May Day celebration with live music and bonfire added fun to the excursion.

Next two weeks were filled with day trips to interesting places and attending regular schools to understand German pedagogy. The trip to Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart gave an indepth knowledge of the evolution of automobiles whereas while visiting the Audi Neckarsulm factory, they witnessed the process of making morden cars, completely without human aid. During their visit to Kunsthalle Würth, a modern art gallery in Schwäbisch Hall the students explored paintings, graphic art, and sculptures dating from 19th century onwards. An on the spot painting activity added fun and learning to the whole visit.

The most interesting activity was the Radio Show, hosted by the Indian students, which was telecasted live for the local people. The group, on the show, shared how the exchange programmes had given them new experiences and helped them in expanding their horizons.

Mr. Hermann-Josef Pelgrim, the Mayor of Schwäbisch Hall, during his interaction with the Indian students, stated that Schwäbisch Hall was, a family-friendly city with medieval flair where art and culture were given equal importance as education and where tradition and innovation merged in an excellent manner. He was impressed with the profoundness of the questions asked by the students pertaining to global issues.

Forest day, was an unforgetable experience. Walking admist the shades of green and breathing fresh air, rich with the scent of grass and flowers, unfolded the beauty and bounty of nature , an experience to be cherised forever.

Apart from the group exercusions and visits, the host families took the Indian children to many places of tourist interest like Munich, Ulm, Eisenberg, Leipzig, Stalagmites and Stalactites caves, Utting, to name a few.

The Indo German Exchange Programme helps students to foster global friendship, breeds cross culture harmony and bridges differences with international communication. In the process it also teaches young adults to accept diversity with respect, thereby making them citizens of the world community.


How to Sort Data in Reports Automatically Using Excel Formulas

You can sort data with formulas in two ways. One way requires Excel 2019 and above. This article explains the other way, which allows you to sort data in all versions of Excel.

You can sort data with formulas in two ways. One way requires Excel 2019 and above. This article explains how to sort data in all versions of Excel.Many Excel reports include tables that show sorted results. Usually, these tables were sorted manually in Excel, using the Data, Sort command. However, reports would be a lot easier to maintain and update if formulas (not macros) could sort the data automatically.

There’s a simple way to do this. But to make the method work reliably, you’ve got to fix the behavior of the RANK function.

This figure shows a partial solution, and illustrates the problem with RANK. Columns A, B, and G show actual data. Enter the following formulas for the cells shown, and copy the formulas down their columns as needed:

C3: =RANK(A3,$A$3:$A$6,0)
E3: =MATCH(G3,$C$3:$C$6,0)
H3: =INDEX($B$3:$B$6,E3)
I3: =INDEX($A$3:$A$6,E3)

Example of a failed sort in Excel
Sorting Excel data with formulas without fixing the RANK function.

The formulas in column C rank the sales values, where the largest value is ranked 1 and the smallest in the table is ranked 4.

The easiest way to understand column E is with an example. Look at cell G6. This marks the fourth sorted row in the table at the right. Cell E6 tells us that the values for this row can be found in the second row of the table at its left. The other values in column E provide similar information.

Columns H and I use the information in column E to return the appropriate values.

The reason row 4 of the spreadsheet has #N/A values is because the RANK function assigns identical rankings to identical values. This is a problem because Coats and Pants have identical sales this month. So the RANK function assigns the same #1 ranking to both products in column C, and assigns no #2 rank value at all. Therefore, when the formula in cell E4 looks for a #2 ranking, it returns #N/A.

This problem is easy to fix, however. Just insert a new column for an adjusted sales value and then rank those adjusted values. Here are the formulas for the cells shown:

B3: =A3+0.000001*ROW()
D3: =RANK(B3,$B$3:$B$6,0)

Sorting Excel data with formulas after fixing the RANK function.

Column B adds a tiny amount to each Sales value, an amount based on the number of each row in the table. This forces each value in Sales2 to be unique, which forces the Rank values in column D to be unique. And this gives us our automatically sorted values in columns H:J.

When you use this technique, be sure to estimate the maximum number of rows in your table when you choose the decimal fraction shown in the formula for cell B3. That is, if you’re going to have hundreds of thousands of rows of data (which New Excel allows) make sure that you still have a small number when you multiply your decimal fraction by a row number of about one million.