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Somewhere

2013-01-14T13:00:00.001+05:30

Somewhere

Kites fly upward

radiating joy.

She cries

as modesty dips

somewhere.

For some, somewhere

it’s early morning sacred dips.

in the morning,

some nibbled, dipped

and Lacerated her secrecy,

somewhere.

Somewhere

spring spreads fragrance

flower loses essence.

somewhere.

Life clamours, crawls and cries

somewhere.

My debut Novel: Love Across the Borders

2013-01-11T23:09:00.001+05:30

My debut Novel: Love Across the Borders: After all the dream set in the nineties, is a reality. Yea, my debut novel, Love Across the Borders has been published last month. Jia a...

http://www.uread.com/book/love-across-borders-sudam-chandra/9788192569000

Shuffling Words: A calendar Too crowded: A book to feel proud of

2012-04-14T23:22:00.001+05:30

Shuffling Words: A calendar Too crowded: A book to feel proud of: Women have been waging a battle against the society since the time immemorial. She gains ground but the success sadly does not spill o...

Shuffling Words: From His hospice

2012-04-11T17:51:00.001+05:30

Friends and followers of this blog....sorry not easy to update this blog as I'm busy with some other things. Possibly, it'll be closed soon. http://sudampanigrahi.blogspot.com my literary blog.....you can have a look, or can follow my journey through words. Thanks.

Shuffling Words: From His hospice: We are but His creations, Simple human beings, Pushed out to the world, Soft and crying. Surrounding nurtures, As we twaddle ...

Shuffling Words: Love in verses

2012-02-16T23:37:00.000+05:30

Shuffling Words: Love in verses: My poems are published in this Anthology along with other poet friends. http://www.cyberwit.net/publications/364 Thanks.

www.writersmelon.com: Bargaining for a Rickshaw - Sudama

2012-02-16T07:24:00.000+05:30

www.writersmelon.com: Bargaining for a Rickshaw - Sudama: Alighting at the bus stop with wife and son, A gentleman looked for a rickshaw puller anon, Saw one sleeping on his rickshaw w...

If I had two extra hours in a day, how would I spend it?

2011-11-11T13:43:00.001+05:30

Oh, I’ve got two more hours to spare in a day. That’s brilliant. Aw fabulous it is. Thank god. Mwaah. Then the question arises, what I would do with the 120 minutes? Mmmmm….let me think. Oh got it. I’ve got so many fantastic things to do, yes sooooo many.

I’d open Yahoo Messenger, G Talk and Facebook straightway. In the Facebook, I’d write a salacious and lovely wall post and join my friends on a lively and steamy discussion. And in the chatting clients I’d pick my best chat buddies to have some delicious and lovely chat sessions. Oh, I love chatting and would enjoy it to the fullest extent. Virtual life so…beautiful and dainty you’re. I just love you. Ah, delicious it is.

And if internet fails, I’d try my cell phone and continue my virtual presence and dreams.

And If, god forbid….everything fails, I’d grab a steamy novel and read it with rapt attention. I love reading and would certainly enjoy my time in the pages of book.

Internet and reading books, I love and I’d always care to pass the extra time in the virtual world. Because the time we pass with blatant lies happens to be the best time of our lives.

Then who cares…in the physical world there is mad rush, competition, jealousy…conspiracy, traffic snarl…I’ll be there in the virtual worlds where my friends…always praise me (Lie) they appreciate me (Lie) they support me (Though not really) when I feel low. They exhort me though not out of heart…when I feel like quitting or resigning. They miss me…though they don’t really miss me. They love me, though there is no chance of it. They smile with me share their spare time with me. And I need all those things that I never get in the physical world. They have got so many adjectives to describe my beauty and qualities though I know what I am and how far away from their descriptions. They would congratulate me; wish me with roses, best words that I never get in the physical world. They give virtual huggage, kiss and care.

I love this world….that has unfolded many things and bestowed many things to me. This world is so beautiful….so full of lies but who knows that the physical world gives you, are not lies.

Thanks.

Make a Mountain out of a mole hole

2010-10-22T12:38:00.001+05:30

Some idioms.

· Make a Mountain out of a mole hole: exaggerating or giving undue importance to a problem.

· Make a song and Dance: making an unnecessary fuss about something that is not worth it.

· Make hay while the sun shines: take advantage of an opportunity without wasting time.

· Make no bones about it: to be honest or truthful. Straightforward.

· Memory like a sieve: oblivious nature. Forget soon.

· Milestone round your neck: a problem that prevents one from doing what one wants to do.

· Mince words: unable to articulate the real intention.

· Moral fibre: inner strength and conviction to do what one believes to be right in difficult situations.

· Up for grabs: available to the first person who avails an opportunity.

· Pain in the neck: very annoying and irritating.

· Paint the town red: enjoy with friends, having lots of fun.

· Pipe dream: unrealistic and impractical idea that is difficult to implement.

· Pull the wool over someone’s eyes: deceive or cheat.

· Quiet as a mouse: no noise, silent.

· Tough nut to crack: difficult situation or question.

Thanks

Effective Public Speaking

2010-04-29T14:47:00.001+05:30

You have a treasure of vocabulary terms related to various fields. You know the rules, their uses and limitations. You read a novel or newspaper and refer to a dictionary not frequently. In other words, you have got a very good base.

You can write small articles on general themes. But what happens you falter while speaking to a group of people or addressing an unknown audience. All of a sudden you begin stammering and choose to use individual words amidst your vernacular language.

Don’t worry or feel disheartened, as this is normal with non native speakers. Obviously, mastering a foreign language is not that easy but not difficult as well and this should be kept in mind. Everyone experiences this kind of problem while speaking in English.

Very often, I hear this kind of problem from my friends. I also read this kind of problems by users in various English language forums. People learning English language face the syndrome of ‘I can’t speak, you speak first.’

Those who have got their education in vernacular languages face this problem and it is but normal. No doubt, those students who have got their education in English medium schools also face this problem but the percentage is meager as far as speaking in English is concerned.

There are so many causes of this stammering or inhibition while speaking in English or presenting something to a group of people or attending a group discussion.

The fear to commit mistake always help choking while speaking.
The phobia of being exposed and offended by others in case of mistakes.
Mistakes makes a man perfect if one learns from them. Don’t fear to commit mistakes but don’t repeat a mistake too.
The audience phobia.
Inferiority complexion.
To think others as superior.
Editing while speaking.
Attempt to be flawless.

In a globalize world everyone wants to excel in his or her field and wants to stand out in crowd. Those who have got good communication and presentation skill always stand out and receive encomiums from others. They always taste success in their respective careers and skills.

There are positive ways to improve and tackle this problem.

Be confident and believe in yourself or your skill.
Be a good listener first. A good speaker always happens to be good listener. Those who don’t pay attention while other speakers tend to falter very often while speaking.
Know your skill or theme first then try to speak. For this read newspaper, books, periodicals and listen to news. A good reader converse well.
Be a keen observer. Observe others closely.
Develop a sense of humor and take everything lightly. Always sport a smile and shed any fear or phobia or inhibition.
Be positive in your attitude and try to accommodate opposite views even if you don’t subscribe to those view points.
Be polite and praise others but don’t flatter.
Right body language like eye contact is important.

If you are attending a group discussion with known theme then do a research on the theme and gather as much information as possible. This would allow you to present your view points in a persuasive and effective manner.

If you are asked to speak impromptu then your reading habit would help you in a great way. Good speakers are good readers and as they read varied things they tend to present themselves effectively without any prior research.

First know then present something. Public speaking is a very important aspect of today’s requirement if you are pursuing a career out side your country. If you are pursuing a career inside state or country then also you require skill in English language as today’s world is globalize and client base is not only intra national but international.

Speak clearly and effectively. Try to neutralize your accents and weed out local tinge as far as possible.

Thanks

Dog In the Manger Policy

2010-04-23T00:05:00.003+05:30

Dog (Noun): a four legged Carnivorous mammal, kept as pet or used for work or hunting.

Dog (Verb): Follow closely and persistently.

Younger one: Puppy.

Feminine: Bitch.

Common Gender: Dog.

Sound: Bark, Yelp, Howl.

Varieties of dogs: German Shepherd, (Alsatian)pug, Labrador.

Dog is a common household animal. Dog is said to be one of the faithful pets known for its strong smelling sense. The life of stray dog is miserable but pet dog’s life is really comfortable. Our finance minister takes good care of dogs as he always chooses to lower the tax on dog’s biscuits. Lol. The usefulness of a dog is known to all. Dog can show way to old people. Blind people always depend on their dogs to cross road.

Dog is used by the police organization for its sniffing ability to catch culprits. It is also used by hunters for easy hunting. In Greenland Eskimos use dogs to draw sledge or sled. Its vital presence in our social life has got a significant contribution to the vocabulary of English language. It seems all the expression or idioms related to this animal are based on its life.

This is a small English vocabulary lesson on Dog. Let’s have a look. This lesson is based on various sources like Compact Oxford Reference Dictionary.

Dog in the manger policy: To disallow others to enjoy something that one does not like too. {From the fable of the dog that lay in a manger to prevent ox and horse from eating the hay.}

Dog Collar: A white upright collar worn by the Christian clergy.

Dog Days: The hottest period of the year.

Dog eared: adj. having worn or battered corners.

Dog end: a cigarette end.

Dogfight: a close combat between military aircraft.

Dog fish: A small shark with a long tail living close to the seabed.

Dogged: (Adj.) Very persistent.

Doggerel: Badly written verse.

Doggy bag: A bag used to take home left over food from a restaurant.

Doggy paddle: a simple swimming stroke like that of a dog.

Dog house: a dog’s kennel.

In the dog house: in disgrace.

Dog leg: sharp bend.

Dog tired: extremely tired.

Dog tooth: a small check pattern with notched corners.

To be dog cheap: Extremely cheap.

To die like a dog: die miserably without care.

Go to the dogs:

Let sleeping dogs lie: don’t poke the sleeping problems.

Rain cats and dogs: Heavy downpour.

Not a dog’s chance: no chance.

Love me, love my dog: to love one’s relative or friends.

Sachin the ton machine

2010-02-25T23:58:00.003+05:30

“I’ve been privileged to witness one of cricket’s great moments… Frankly, I cannot think of how best to describe Sachin’s innings…It was awesome…His hunger for runs is quite unbelievable,” Darryl Cullinan, one of the finest South African cricketers said while paying tribute to the Little Master, when the Later scored the first double ton in the limited over format of Cricket.

Sachin's first 200

Yes, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, has scored the first ever Double Hundred in One Day International Cricket. On the 24^th February, 2010, Wednesday, Sachin showed his appetite for hundred and rewrote history. Gwalior is generally known for her impregnable forts, citadels and fighting royalty. But history was slated to be written on an oval chunk of her heart. The greenery and galleries of the Captain Roop Singh Stadium witnessed a great battle of willow and ball. Bowlers of opposite South African team were helpless and clueless, as Sachin hammered them freely, as if balls were his servile servants. He dictated the innings in his own fashion and created a Manhattan of eye-catching beauty. Sachin Tendulkar eclipsed the earlier best of 194 jointly shared by Sayeed Anwar of Pakistan and Charles Coventry of

Zimbabwe

The ease of flow that Sachin showed while batting was full of youthfulness and ebullience. His running between the wicket with younger players like Kartik, Yusuf and Dhoni was unbelievable. At 37, this much agility is really praiseworthy. Modern Cricket demands 100 per cent fitness as more and more cricket matches are being played presently. The demand of commitment is high and not easy to maintain. But Sachin, despite age has come to rule both format of cricket for more than 20 years. Right from 1989, he stands rock solid without looking back.

Perhaps, it was reserved for this cricket Legend to achieve the jealous feat. Stadium rose to instant frenzy when Sachin played football with the cricket ball. There was no trace of lassitude in his face and body language though he batted for the entire innings carrying the bat.

In his 442 match, he smashed as many as 25 boundaries and 3 sixes. He took only 147 balls to reach the milestone. He also made another record of hitting the highest number of ‘Four’ in an ODI innings that is 25.

He came, he saw and he conquered, yes this adage fits well to this master batsman. It was his 46^th One day Ton as he has got 46 tons to his credit in the longer version of the game. And the appetite is still on. Here is a complete list of his One day Tons.

My earlier Post on this legend. http://thatlovedflower.blogspot.com/2008/10/sachin-tendulakr-living-cricketing.html

In two months time he will be celebrating his 37^th Birthday. Wish him good luck and energy so that India can win the 2011 World Cup. Amen!

Thanks

Save Tiger: Only 1411 Left

2010-02-22T15:09:00.001+05:30

Tiger (Panthera Tigris) is a ferocious animal of Felidae family. Etymologically, speaking the word Tiger is derived from the Greek word Tigris after the name of the river Tigris. It means an arrow in Arabic language. The name is a reference to its speed and precision of attack on its prey. It is largely found in Eastern and Southern Asian dense forests. Tiger reminds dark vertical stripes on near white to reddish orange fur. It is a carnivorous animal who hunts herbivorous animal like deer.

In India the Royal Bengal Tiger found in the Sundarban Mangrove Forest on West Bengal is one of the largest. Tiger grows up to 3.3 meters and weighs as much as 3 tons. It loves dense vegetation and water. Tiger needs dense and large forest coverage to help it camouflage its stripy body while hunting its prey. It can swim and among animals is known as a very good swimmer.

Regrettably, tiger population in India is dwindling gradually and tiger is declared an animal on the verge of extinction. There are many causes of its depletion in number. Among the principal causes we can count, loss of habitat due to large scale deforestation and poaching. Poaching is a significant threat to tiger’s life. It is believed that tiger claw, teeth, skin, hair and other parts of its body have got aphrodisiacal property. But there is no scientific evidence or research to corroborate the fact. In many countries like India an China trade in Tigre related objects is illegal.

Way back in 1973 the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi thought to help raise the number of tiger and started the Project Tiger. As a result of that decision today there are many tiger reserves like Sundarban and Similipal to breed and save the animal. But still instead of rising the number is rising and today only 1411 tiger left in

India

Tiger is the national animal of India as it symbolizes India’s wildlife wealth. Respect and revere our national animal and take resolve to rescue the animal from the verge of extinction. Share and spread the message to as many people as possible to help generate a buzz and awareness about Tiger.

Thanks.

Boat and Ship

2010-02-17T00:13:00.003+05:30

Here is a small English vocabulary lesson about boat and ship.

A mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving: Anchor.

Boat race In Kerala

A vertical spar for supporting sails: Mast.

An implement used to propel or steer a boat: Oar.

A small open boat: Dinghy

The place in a harbor where boats come in to load and unload: Quayside.

The back of a boat: Stern.

The front of a boat: Bow.
Cruise: an ocean trip taken for pleasure.

People who work on or operate a boat: Crew.

Sailing round the world: Circumnavigation.
Jetty, Breakwater: a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away.

A boat race: Regatta.

A passenger boat: Ferry.

Fifty Oars Boat

The main part or body of a boat or a ship: Hull.

A long narrow boat which is used to carry people or goods along a canal: barge.

1852 meters: a nautical mile.

Sailor: any member of a ship's crew

Navigator: sailing master: the ship's officer in charge of navigation.

Quay: wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline.

Here is a link to know more about boat and its types.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat

Pronunciation matters

2010-02-11T12:58:00.000+05:30

Pronunciation is an important aspect that must not be ignored by non native-speakers. While speaking, heavy tinges of local language should be avoided though it is but natural. Teachers should try to neutralize Accent as far as possible and not thrust their pronunciation as happened in country like India. When I was in school little attention was paid to this vital aspect of English language as I came to know when I was introduced to the internet.

It happens in India that English teachers are not required to have extra qualification. To teach physics, chemistry, mathematics or any other branch of science streams special qualification is required but to teach English no extra qualification is required. I have seen my teachers who were jack of all trades as they were required to teach two or three subjects. In colleges however one is required to have special qualification like Post graduation in the same subject.

This is quite absurd. Any Tom, Dick and Harry cannot teach English as that is a foreign language and teachers should have special qualification. Sadly, there is no special degree or course in country like

India

Hence as a result, there is less stress on accent neutralization. In India one can find many of ways of pronouncing a single word. All speak according to their whim. It results in misunderstanding or one cannot drive home one’s point clearly. As far as possible, we should strive our best to pronounce as the words are pronounced.

Television and radio are useful media to help in neutralizing the accent of non native speakers. Television channels or radio stations broadcasting various kinds of programs, like news help in neutralizing accents in a great way. They choose special people and train them to speak the language as it spoken by the native speakers. British Broadcasting Corporation radio programs are very useful in achieving that coveted goal. I was a regular listener of News Hour in BBC radio and it helped me in a great way to learn individual pronunciations of various words.

In India there are various private institutions having special courses on Speaking English. The presence of these institutions only for speaking English shows that, English teaching is not being done properly in schools. The opening of market has led to the growth of BPO sector and this required professionals having expertise in speaking English.

But technologies are there to help you learn this aspect of the language. My last post emphasized on dissemination of technologies uniformly. If you have got a computer and internet connection then you are well placed to learn. Internet has revolutionized learning and interaction. It has changed the outlook and behavior of people. People have benefited in a large way from internet. It is for this far reaching effect of the internet, it is nominated as a contender of Nobel Peace Prize. It has got immense possibilities and if channelized in a proper way, it can usher in a revolution. No doubt its impact is far reaching in the life of its users.

I have been using a program distributed by the Oxford Advance Learners’ Dictionary to mend my pronunciation apart from online dictionaries. For the first time I learned about a site especially devoted to pronunciation that is http://howjsay.com thanks to my first blogging friend Aniya. You can also find her in twitter @theEnglishteacherl. The original post can be accessed here.

The site distributes a program for computer users called Cleverkey. It is a small program that takes you direct to the dictionary.com of course you can access the website directly from your browser but the program is useful as it integrates with the Microsoft word and also works right from the word window.

Select a word and hit CTRL + L. Bingo it will take you to the dictionary.com for synonym, definition, use and of course pronunciation. Don’t you want all these? Of course you do. I have downloaded the program and it is working fantastically in my computer. It does not work properly in Window Vista. An Iphone application is also available.

Give it a try.

Thanks

Technology and education

2010-02-03T12:50:00.000+05:30

Today’s world is really complicated; thanks to the advent of technologies, human being has broadened his outlook and limit of thinking. Technology has made possible the concept of globalization. Globalization has posed new challenges to both policy makers and educators to devise new ways to meet the challenges thrown by globalization. Shut your door, you would rue for the wind passing but not penetrating. Be open and broad to take utmost benefit from globalization.

Today in the era of globalization, no country is independent, having an independent set of foreign policies. All countries are dependent or inter-dependent on each other or one another, on various matters like commerce, education, culture, science and technology or information technology and others of mutual or multilateral concern. No country can live in complete seclusion from other parts of the world.

And thanks to globalization time has come to rethink the education system of all countries. Needless to say, education of all countries should be that broad like globalization. Teachers or educators are well placed to initiate reforms in education sector. As they are cogs of the education system, obviously, if reform of education sector comes, they should be involved in the process in a large way.

We cannot ignore the administration and the administration should be there to facilitate things but not to regulate things. Let ideas flow freely from the learned brains of educators. The administration should keep a tab on such free deliberation or flow of ideas. It should provide suitable platforms to facilitate easy flow of new ideas, so that a synthesis of various streams of ideas can be made. Rigidity in any form should not be there, as rigidity closes the door of reform. There should be commendable flexibility in sharing opinions. All educators should be encouraged to participate in the process of reform. On comprehensive deliberations, we can reach to an agreed set of reforms in the education sector.

It is good that all have come to accept, that the need for change or reform is there. This is but a beginning rather a welcome beginning. We need to change our system and manner of teaching to equip our students with all possible knowledge. Unless we give the benefit of technologies to our students, we cannot produce quality Human resources. Quality human resources are but assets of a country and a country should direct a sizable part of its resources to produce quality professionals to serve the country in various forms. A country is said to be advanced according to the quality of its human resources.

Internet has changed the way of thinking of many people and those who have got access to current technologies are well placed or have an edge. Technologically forward areas and students are far better than those students without any access to technologies or internet. Internet has certainly changed the outlook of people, as it has broadened the scope of thinking.

Investment on education is a social spending and instant profit is not there like other commercial activities. But we cannot live without education or infrastructural development. It is the infrastructure that sustains all other structures. Education is but a vital infrastructure that no country can afford to neglect.

Hence administration should be there to fund freely. Educational projects should not be stalled for lack of fund. Money should be directed to nurture a dedicated band of educators in Teachers training institute. Then well equipped school should be there to spread the benefit of education to all. Administration should collaborate with parents for full participation of their wards.

Education is a training process that equips one with all possible ways to face the music and solve every kind of problems. Education is a dress material that everyone wears in one form or other but the beauty from that dress, lies in the wearer and the manner of dressing. It is available for direction in whatever way one can and there lies the success or failure.

Computer and internet has revolutionalised teaching and administration should provide technologies to all institutions to give the benefit of technologies to all students. Days are coming when a classroom would be equipped with technologies. Cell phone a small device that fosters easy communication at rock bottom rate has got immense potential and if used to its fullest extent it can help in easy learning. Notes can be taken in class and those notes can be backed up using GPRS connection. And the same can be accessed from any computer. This is nothing but a rough copy. Through internet the same cell phone can be used to learn or read many things while moving.

Internet has helped in disseminating learning and of late blogs maintained by teachers or enthusiasts are but added benefit to the students. All school should have computer and internet connection so as to foster reading and learning.

So are you ready for a new era of education? I know you are. Easy access to technologies means development. Open for changes and be there to direct technologies in right direction. Right technologies mean right development. Let the education change for the better and let resource constraints do not come in the way for change. Administration be there to fund projects.

Administration, educators and parents should collaborate freely for the betterment of an educational institution. Each one should play its role in right way and should be flexible or open to new ideas. The administration should give incentive like tax waiver to Donators who come forward to donate to educational sector. Administration should also levy educational cess on various specialized services to develop education.

Good luck to education and its development.

The Younger Ones

2010-02-02T21:24:00.002+05:30

In English language, there are special vocabulary items for younger animals. It is nothing but to differentiate the younger ones from the older ones. Here is a short lesson on the vocabulary terms to denote the younger ones of various animals.

Bunny: A young rabbit. Also Kitten.

Calf: A young cow or bull. Also, the young of some other large mammals like elephant

Colt: The young of a horse

Cub: The young of a fox, bear, lion, wolf or other carnivorous mammal.

Cygnet: A young swan.

Duckling: A young duck.

Eaglet: A young eagle.

Fawn: A young deer in its first year.

Foal: A young horse or related animal.

Gosling: A young goose.

Joey: A young Kangaroo.

Kid: A child or young person, a young goat.

Kit: A young Fox.

Kitten: A young cat, rabbit and beaver.

Lamb: A young sheep.

Larvae: Bee

Leveret: A young hare in its first year.

Puppy: A young dog

Whelp: A Young Lion.

Kids you can

2010-01-30T22:28:00.002+05:30

You Can is a miracle sentence that has got something inspiring in it as kernel. If similar feeling makes home in your brain then rest assured that will result in generation of immense energy. If channelized in proper way, one can do miracle. This video is a Ted Talk delivered by Kiran Bir Sethi of Riverside School. First I saw this video in Shell Terrail's blog who shares everything in a twitter. series 'What did they tweet.' It was shared by one of her follower and I got a chance to watch this video. Thanks to Terrail a reservoir of ideas led by an 'I can' feeling. Thanks to her for re-sharing the video. So here is the video.

So and Neither and I am afraid So

2010-01-22T01:07:00.000+05:30

Well, English speakers use So and ~~Neither~~ to make their speaking abridged, effective and pleasant to the listeners. When one thing or action or place is liked by two persons or two different groups of people, we generally use both the words according to the situation to omit the main verb. Well, by using these words we sound to be effective and (repetitive) avoid using the same main verb twice.

In positive sentences or agreement we use So. So is used in the sense of Also and Too.

For Example:

Nisha: I like coffee.

Asha: I also like coffee.

In the above conversation it is obvious that both like coffee. In the second sentence Asha has used Also to show that she also likes coffee. Well, we can use So in this sentence.

For Example:

Nisha:I like coffee.

Asha: So do I. (I also like coffee, I too like coffee, I also coffee as well))

Here there is agreement of both speakers about their likings. Hence, we have used ~~So.~~

In case there is negative concurrence or agreement we use ~~Neither.~~

For example:

Nisha: I don’t like tea.

Asha: I also don’t like tea.

We can use neither to rewrite the speech of Asha.

Like: Neither do I. (I also don’t like either)

Remember: Not either means neither.

Auxiliary verbs or Main verbs following So and Neither.

In the above examples we have used, Neither do I. (Auxiliary verb)

So do I. (Auxiliary verb)

There have got a good future.

So has Ram. (Proper form of Have, Auxiliary)

He can’t chew.

Neither Tom can. (Main Verb, can)

I am from India.

So am I. (Auxiliary) (Funny isn’t it? Ms word suggests, ‘So is I.’)

I must obey the traffic rules.

So must you. (Must, modal/auxiliary)

In the above examples, please mark that the first speaker or doer uses the main verb and the second speaker or doer uses the auxiliary Do and its derivative verbs, according to the situations.

Suppose so/ Hope so/ Afraid so

Study the examples below.

Amber: Are you ready to pull?

Sanjay: I suppose so.

Amber: Will you finish editing your novel this year?

Sanjay: I hope so.

Amber: Is the main road closed?

Sanjay: I am afraid so. (No I don’t think so)

As you enjoy reading EFL lessons, so do I. So, here I come to the end of the short…boring lesson, isn’t it? Lol.

Thanks

What A Shame

2010-01-03T20:06:00.002+05:30

This is really a misleading expression often used by English speakers both in writing and speaking.

What a Shame is different from Shame on You. But very often it leads to misunderstanding.

Primarily, we mean by shame as an emotion resulting from awareness of having done something disrespectful or some unworthy, degrading acts. Interestingly, the word has got as many as 15 meanings, yes fifteen, you heard it right. It is used in various ways in various contexts.

Let’s discuss those meanings:

1) A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt or impropriety or of having done something which injures reputation or of the exposure of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal.

2) Reproach incurred or suffered; dishonor; ignominy; derision; contempt.

3) The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach and degrades a person in the estimation of others; disagree.

4) The parts which modesty requires to be covered; the private parts.

5) To make ashamed; to excite in (a Person) a consciousness of guilt or impropriety or of conduct derogatory to reputation; to put to shame.

6) To cover with reproach or ignominy; to dishonor; to disagree.

7) To mock at; deride.

8) To feel shame.

9) An unfortunate development.

10)A painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt.

11)A state of dishonor.

12)Surpass or beat by a wide margin.

13)Cause to be ashamed.

14)Compel through a sense of shame.

15)Bring shame or dishonor upon.

Shashi Tharoor: Why nations should pursue "soft" power | Video on TED.com

2009-12-04T13:44:00.002+05:30

India's Foreing Affairs Minister (State) at TED talk. He talks about India's development over the year. Very useful talk. His english is superb. Listen and learn. Here i go. Over to Shashi.

Shashi Tharoor: Why nations should pursue "soft" power | Video on TED.com

English For International use

2009-11-28T13:21:00.000+05:30

Here is a useful TED India video. It is about English language and its different uses in the international sphere. As the world is but a comity of nations dependent on each other for various needs and requirements like financial, political, economic, social, bilateral or multi-lateral nature the language of English is but a useful bridge to help foster international friendship, mutual understanding or multi-lateral talks. The speaker is Jay Walker and the video is a part of the series of talks by TEDtalks. Well, no more. Here i go.

Thanks

Son Arguing with Father

2009-11-23T17:17:00.000+05:30

Right from the second week of October I could not update this blog and this is going to be the first post of November. Thank you for bearing this recess. As told i was writing a novel as a part Of Nanowrimo challenge. Here is my profile url. Let me share with you the very first chapter of my novel for you people to read. This is but a crude version, without any editing or grammar checking as generally those things are done at a later stage after completing the manuscript. Now i have completed the novel. So here i go.

“What do you think me, a stringed puppet or a programmed robot,” Akash fulminated at his father Vidya.

When Akash showed his anger, her mother Nirmala with whom Akash had no talking terms was listening from inside a room. Her mind was seething in anger and many answers and questions were popping up in her wicked mind.

“What do you mean by that?” his father asked.

“Look, you’ve done enough to devastate my life thoroughly. Please for God’s sake, stop here before I burst and do something unexpected and awkward.”

“I just could not know, what exactly you meant?”

“Look, father, it is Akash. Had it been some other person, you might not be in a position to ask these silly questions. My wretched present is for you people only. Shit!”

Akash was not able to sit on a chair but his father was so composed that he was sitting in complacency and had no idea of the story weather that is going to sweep the earth below his feet.

“Akash, you’ve become so tough in the meanwhile,” his father said.

“What tough? You people have transformed me into a mound of stone; a stone without any feelings, a stone without any voice, a stone without any tears or sensation. The ossification of this Akash is solely for you two people.” Akash for the first time clubbed his mother directly with his father.

“But why don’t you want to marry now?”

“Oh, stop this nonsense. Can’t you allow this stone to remain attached to a particular piece of the earth? At least spare me to my fate. Don’t play football with me.”

“But we have given words to the bride side,” his mother said entering the whirlpool of the stormy weather.

“What!! This was the last nail in my coffin. I was mistaken that though you are my enemy no one, you were not supposed to do this to me. But I rue now. Without my knowledge, how come you have gone to that extent? Amazing indeed. You are so arbitrary that you didn’t think it suitable to ask me before advancing to that distance. I was completely routed and bruised, that’s okay. But now you are playing with the life of an innocent girl, who is no way related to you. You have been dribbling me like a football as I am your son but that naïve girl… Oh you even didn’t spare her too. You’re parents or licensed butcher, I could not make out,” Akash thundered and showed his loath towards his parents.

His father had no idea that his son Akash can be so tough and brusque. “How come you can utter such derisive and brusque words with your parents?” asked his father.

“Derisive? Dictionaries of the world lack a befitting terms to describe parents like you,” Akash replied.

“Speak up your mind and unload yourself,” his father said.

“What will happen then, my lost time would not return. Can you return my time? No, you cannot. The greatest irony of my life is that I am not even allowed to speak frankly and guard my interest because I am a plaything in your hands,” Akash argued back.

“Hmm….”

“Take deep breath… the only friend of mine in loneliness. You people just ensured my devastation thoroughly,” said he.

“Goodness me… I had no idea that in the meanwhile there happened a great transformation in you. You are not the same son for whom I was proud of. Now I think I had done some mistakes in your upbringing,” his father said.

“Upbringing… I can say that you had done no mistakes as it was for your appropriate upbringing I was silent till this time and witnessing my drowning. When much water was flown from the Ganges, I had opened my mouth. You have failed as a father.”

“Failed and me?” His father showed his amazement.

“Yes, a complete failure. Look, the forty-fourth springs of my life is approaching. You have spoiled my life. Despite knowing my sapping from within, as a part of my duty towards you, I didn’t even utter a single word about my marriage, did I? Now, when marriage means straight suicide for me, all of a sudden you people remembered your son. Bah! You’ve reduced me to a mocking object and have made my life miserable. Still for what I have been living, don’t know. Now, at least do me a favor and forget your parental responsibility. Please, allow me to die a peaceful death,” Akash requested.

“You’ll not understand, Akash.”

“Oh shit! Look, don’t pressurize me to forget you. At 43 you just cannot say like this to me. I know everything. My friend just want see a portrait of you people in the State Museum as you are great parents. You doused my fire and when it is in tranquility, you are firing that again thereby ensuring another round of ravage on my life.”

Someone knocked at the door of Akash. “Yike. Who is there?” His dream was disrupted before coming to the logical conclusion. He woke up rubbing his eyes. When five minutes passed in the meanwhile, the door knocked again though gently.

“Akash…Akash, you there, man?” a familiar voice reverberated.

“Ye…yes, coming,” Akash replied.

He opened the door. “Oh, you…Raj… Come in, come in,” he said trying to maintain his usual smile. Both entered inside. He provided a chair to Raj.

“What happened…your cell phone is switched off?”

“Switched off…no way.” He picked up his phone which was beside his pillow. “Look, it is switched on. Signal is vibrant.”

“Oh, I see. Might be a network glitch.”

Akash went inside and washed up his eyes and face. “Raj, what do you want, tea or coffee?” he asked from the kitchen.

“Oh, come on Akash. Thanks for asking.”

“No formality. Just asking. By the way, I need a coffee. Coffee will do, I am sure?” Akash asked.

After sometimes, Akash returned with tray, with two cups of coffee. Both shared coffee.

“Akash, yesterday was your rest day. Your eyes tell your dating with…” he smiled.

“Yes, for quite sometime, a McDowell No 1 bottle was lying unused. Whenever I would go near or open my cupboard, it would ask me to embrace. I just wanted to avoid for what reason, don’t know. But finally last night’s weather just egged me to embrace.

“Look, Akash I don’t want to advise you but don’t know why, my inner self wants to ask you some questions to you,” Raj said.

“Like…” paused Akash.

“For how long, will you lead this lackluster and wretched life?”

“Interestingly, I too ask the same question to my self but sadly I cannot get any answer. Raj, it has become a poser that lacks an answer, I think.”

“Coffee was tasty and strong. Thanks. Your wife would feel happy finding a husband like you. Or, a cook to say precisely. Lol”

“Ha…ha.”

Both smiled and Akash said, “Come on, I’ll be relaxing, if such a day would come. This is too much. I have been cooking for the last eight years,” he said and became gloomy. “My parents have just reduced me to this position. What shall I say?”

“I see.”

By that time he had become so saddened that he would pick up any subject matter and would repeat the same thing that his parents have made his life miserable. Raj realized his feeling.

“At this age what’s the use of marrying and destroying a life of an innocent girl.”

“What your parents are doing man… really inscrutable. Aren’t they doing anything to fix marriages of your rest two sisters?”

“My father is neutral but my mother has got different design in her wicked mind.”

“Means…?

“Look, my father goes to various places searching for proposals for my sisters. But my mothers as usual would show her objections on each and every proposal. She is the real mover and shaker. My innocent father just follows her meekly.”

“What is brewing in your mother’s mind?”

“She wants a proposal who would take fewer amounts as dowry. She wants a proposal within Prayag Nagar. This she does to ensure that her daughters would be available on call, as she knows very well that I would not like to stay with her as we have no talking terms and I don’t like her. She knows very well that I am not going to be beside her after marriage nor my wife would stay with her to help.”

“This is ridiculous. Everything to one’s interest just is not possible friend. Marriages happen in India solely for compromises between the bride and groom’s party. Unless there are such compromises, I don’t think one can fix one’s marriage. When one belongs to the bride’s side then one will have to play second fiddle to the groom’s side. Means one will have to compromise more,” Raj said.

“My father is such an uxorious that he would not do anything that my mother does not want. She would not like to part with his hard earned saving, nor would like to take money from me. What’s the use of my money when it is not used? Nothing.”

“Your story is really interesting and tearful.”

“When everything would be unfolded what would happen to you God knows.”

“Okay, I will share that with you but on some other day.” Cell phone of Raj ranged. “Lo, your wife is calling you,” Akash said smiling.

“Okay, I am coming,” Raj said to his wife over phone. “Okay, Akash good night.”

“Good night man.”

Akash accompanied Raj till the end of the stair. He returned and began preparing for his supper.

Thank you friends.

Thought Remained in Brain

2009-10-30T13:02:00.001+05:30

Sitting on a train, stressed was my brain,

Saw a beauty bedecked, gave glee to brain.

Holding a hand fan, cuing again and again,

Gosh! Hijacked my peace, bubbled my brain.

A ray of smile, gathered my lips twosome,

Smiled she back, that struck my brain.

Fanning and stealing glances, my activities, the same.

Body like an alien crane, color colored my brain.

Eyes captivating and black, became I an instant insane,

Cerise chubby cheeks; went into coma my brain.

Lying on my berth, completely out of sense,

Came she near, sense gained my brain.

How are you, asked she smiling, I had an incarnation,

Wish could have told, love you! Alas! Thought remain in brain.

Vocabulary from Animals 3

2009-10-25T08:24:00.003+05:30

Here is the final part of the series Vocabulary from Animals. The links for the other two posts are given below.

Vocabulary from Animal

Vocabulary from Animals 2

Monkey (Adj. Simian)

Monkey (n): A mischievous person

Monkey about: Behave in a stupid or careless way

Monkey wrench: An adjustable spanner

Monkey’s wedding: A simultaneous occurrence of sunshine and drizzle

Have a monkey on your back: To have an addiction to drugs

Wolf (Adj. Lupine)

Wolf: A man given to seducing women

Wolf down: Devour something greedily

Wolf whistle: A whistle indicating sexual admiration

Cry Wolf: Raise repeated false alarms

Have a wolf in the stomach: To be ravenously hungry

Tiger (Adj. Tigrine)

Tiger: A cruel or formidable person

Tigerish: Fierce tempered

Tiger footed: Fiercely swift

Paper Tiger: An opponent who seems strong but is actually weak

Snake (Adj. Ophidian)

Snake (n): Someone who cannot be trusted

Snaky: Cold and cunning; ungrateful

Snake-hipped: slim-hipped

Snake along: Move in long twisting curves

Snake in the grass: A lurking danger, a person who injures furtively

Rat (Adj. Murine)

Rat (n): A traitor, a mean, untrustworthy person

Ratty: Irritable, bad-tempered

Rat on: betray somebody’s trust.

Rat pack: A group of aggressively journalists and photographers.

: Rowdy gang of youngsters

Rat race: a fiercely competitive struggle for power, position, wealth etc.

Smell a rat: Guess that something wrong is happening

Like rats deserting a sinking ship: people leaving an organization when it is in trouble.

Donkey (Adj. Asinine)

Donkey vote: A system of voting in which preferences are marked in the order in the ballot paper

Donkey: A stupid or foolish person

Donkey engine: A small auxiliary engine

Donkey jacket: A thick weather proof jacket

Donkey work: drudgery, laborious part of a job

Donkey’s years: a very long time

Talk the hind leg off a donkey: Talk continuously

Fox (Adj. Vulpine)

Fox: A sly, cunning person

Foxy: clever in a deceitful way

Fox hole: A hole in the ground used as a shelter

Fox trot: A type of ballroom dance

Squirrel (Adj. Sciurine)

Squirrel: A hoarder

Squirrelly: Very eccentric or odd

Squirrel away: Keep valuables in a safe place to use later

Squirrel cage: A dull, purposeless task.

Ape (Adj. Simian)

Ape: An imitator

Ape: To mimic

Go ape: To become crazy

Mule (Adj. Mulish)

Mule: A stupid or obstinate person, a drug courier

Mulish: stubborn, obstinate and unwilling to cooperate

Buffalo (Adj. bubaline)

Buffalo: To intimidate

Buffalo grass: grown as a lawn grass

Buffalo wings: Crispy spicy chicken wings

Elephant (Adj. Elephantine)

Elephantine: Clumsy and unwieldy (Size)

: Reliable and extensive (Memory)

White elephant: A possession that is useless or troublesome

Miscellaneous:

Crocodile tears: False tears or sorrow without heart-felt feelings

Stag party: A bachelor party on the eve of a man’s wedding.

So here comes the end of the third part of the series Vocabulary from Animals. Here are the links to other two posts for your quick access.

Vocabulary from Animal

Vocabulary from Animals 2

Bye for now.

Thanks

Vocabulary from Animals 2

2009-10-22T12:28:00.000+05:30

Here is the second part of Vocabulary from Animals. The first can be accessed here.

Pig: Adj. Porcine

Pig (N): A greedy, dirty, obstinate person.

Pigheaded: Stupidly stubborn, obstinate.

Pigsty: A dirty or untidy place.

Piggy Back: Ride on someone’s back and shoulders.

Cow: Adj. Bovine

Cow (v): To Intimidate, to frighten somebody into submission.

Cowish: Cowardly.

Cow College: A college in a remote rural area.

Cow boy: A dishonest, reckless or unqualified businessman.

Till the cows come home: For an indefinitely long time.

Rabbit: Adj. Leporine

Rabbit (n): A novice, a beginner or unskillful player of a game.

Rabbit on: to chatter, talk excessively in an annoying way.

Rabbit punch: hit on the nape of the neck with the side of the hand.

Rabbit food: A vegetarian diet providing insufficient nutrition.

Sheep: Adj. Ovine

Sheep (n): A shy, easily led person.

Sheepish: Embarrassed, uncomfortable.

Black sheep: A disrespectful member of family.

Separate the sheep from the goats: Identify the people who are intelligent and successful.

Bear: Adj. Ursine

Bear (n): A rough, unmannerly person. Who anticipates fall in the price of shares.

Bear hug: a rough, tight embrace.

Bear garden: A turbulent assembly.

Bugbear: An object of baseless fear.

Like a bear with a sore head: Very bed tempered.

Lion: Adj. Leonine.

Lion (n): a brave or celebrated person.

Lionize: treat someone as being important or famous.

Lion-hearted: Very brave.

The lion’s share: The largest or the best part.

In the lion’s: The lion’s share.

Will be back with the third part. Till then it’s bye for now.

Follow me in twitter for more such short lessons.