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Slow Suicide of Sundri

2016-01-11T19:15:00.001+05:30

After a hiatus of 3 years, it’s gonna happen once again. A decade old dream ‘Slow suicide of Sundri’ comes out from LIFI Publication In New Delhi world Book Fair in Pragati Maidan, on 15^th January 2016.

Please visit stall no 74-77 in Hall No 10

Thank you

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

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.

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

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.

Vocabulary from Animals

2009-10-21T08:37:00.001+05:30

English vocabulary is rich, as it derives words from various sources. Like colors, numbers even animal world has also influenced its vocabulary in a great way. Here is a list of vocabulary related to animals.

Bull: Adj. Taurine

Bull: (N) a strong and heavy set of man, a man who anticipates a rise in the price of shares.

Bull Dance: A dance of men only.

Bull-headed: Obstinate and uncooperative.

Bull’s eye: The centre of target.

Bulldoze: Use force to persuade some one, intimidate.

Like a bull in a China Shop: Behaving clumsily in a delicate situation.

Cat: Adj. Feline

Cat (n): A malicious or spite woman.

Catnap: A short sleep during the day without lying down.

Cat’s eye: A reflector, Reflective studs marking lanes/ streets.

Cat walk: A narrow platform for the models in a fashion show. Walk in ramp.

Rain cats and dogs: heavy rain.

Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret unintentionally.

See which way the cat jumps: Wait and see how things are going to turn out.

Dog: Adj. Canine

Dog (V) Pursue, follow closely and persistently.

Dogged: Stubbornly determined.

Dog end: Something left over.

Go to the dogs: Deteriorate, get much worse.

Dog’s chance: No chance.

Dog-eat-dog: Ruthless pursuit of one’s own interest.

Underdog: A person who is weak and is treated badly.

Dog in the manger: Someone who prevents others from using something even though he has no use of it.

Goat: Adj. Caprine

Goat (n): A lecherous man who annoys women.

Goatee: A small pointed beard on the end of a man’s chin.

Scapegoat: person blamed or punished for the fault of others.

Play the giddy goat: Behave in a silly way.

Hare: Adj. Leporine

Hare (V): Run very fast, usually in an uncontrolled way.

Start a hare: Raise a topic of conversation.

Hare-brained: Not practical, foolish.

Hare lip: Cleft lip.

Run with the hare and hunt with hounds: Try to support both sides in an argument.

Horse: Adj. Equine

Horse (sl) A heroine.

Dark horse: Little known person who wins unexpectedly.

White horse: A willing and obliging worker.

Horse sense: Shrewd bargaining.

Straight from the horse’s mouth: Information from a person having direct knowledge.

Friends and followers, this much for today. I am very sorry for not updating my blog that frequently for quite sometime. At present I am busy writing my second novel. At the same time I am also busy preparing for the Nanowrimo 2009. So, till the end of November, I may not be able to update this blog that frequently. Sorry for the inconvenience but please bear with the temporary phase.

The blogger.

Irregular Verbs and Their Different forms Part 2

2009-09-25T02:26:00.001+05:30

Here is the second part of the series.

Present	Past	Past Participle
Arise	Arose	Arisen
Be	Was/Were	Been
Beat	Beat	Beaten
Befall	Befell	Befallen
Behold	Beheld	Beheld
Bereave	Bereaved	Bereft/Bereaved
Bet	Bet/Betted	Betted/Bet
Bid (Offer)	Bid	Bid
Bite	Bit	Bitten
Blow	Blew	Blown
Breed	Bred	Bred
Broadcast	Broadcast	Broadcast
Burn	Burned/Burnt	Burned/Burnt
Buy	Bought	Bought
Catch	Caught	Caught
Choose	Chose(pron)	Chosen
Cling	Clung	Clung
Come	Came	Come
Creep	Crept	Crept
Cut	Cut	Cut
Deal	Dealt	Dealt
Do	Did	Done
Dream	Dreamed/Dreamt	Dreamed/Dreamt
Drive	Drove	Driven
Eat	Ate	Eaten
Feed	Fed	Fed
Fight	Fought	Fought
Flee	Fled	Fled
Fly	Flew	Flown
Forbid	Forbade	Forbidden
Forgive	Forgave	Forgiven
Freeze	Froze	Frozen
Gild	Gilded/Gilt	Gilded/Gilt
Give	Gave	Given
Grind	Ground	Ground
Hang	Hung/Hanged	Hung/Hanged
Hear	Heard	Heard
Hide	Hid	Hidden
Hold	Held	Held
Keep	Kept	Kept
Knit	Knit/Knitted	Knit/Knitted
Lay	Laid	laid
Lean	Leaned/Leant	Leaned/Leant
Learn	Learned/Learnt	Learned/Learnt
Lend	Lent	lent
Lie	Lay	Lain
Lose	Lost	Lost
Mean	Meant	Meant
Mow	Mowed	Mowed/Mown
Put	Put	Put
Rend	Rent	Rent
Ride	Rode	Ridden
Rise	Rose	Risen
Saw	Sawed	Sawed/Sawn
Sell	Sold	Sold
Set	Set	Set
Shake	Shook	Shaken
Shed	Shed	Shed
Shoe	Shoed/Shod	Shoed/Shod
Show	Showed	Showed/Shown
Shut	Shut	Shut
Sink	Sank	Sunk
Slay	Slew	Slain
Slide	Slid	Slid
Slink	Slunk	Slunk
Smell	Smelled/Smelt	Smelled/Smelt
Sow	Sowed	Sowed/Sown
Speed	Speeded/Sped	Speeded/Sped
Spend	Spent	Spent
Spin	Spun	Spun
Split	Split	Split
Spread	Spread	Spread
Stand	Stood	Stood
Stick	Stuck	Stuck
Stink	Stank/Stunk	Stank/Stunk
Stride	Strode	Stridden
String	Strung	Strung
Swear	Swore	Sworn
Swell	Swelled	Swelled/Swollen
Swing	Swung	Swung
Teach	Taught	Taught
Tell	Told	Told
Thrive	Thrived/Throve	Thrived/Thriven
Thrust	Thrust	Thrust
Wake	Waked/Woke	Woken/Waked
Weave	Wove	Woven
Wet	Wet/Wetted	Wet/Wetted
Wind	Wound	Wound
Write	Wrote	Written

Thanks

Irregular Verbs and Their Different Forms

2009-09-25T02:12:00.004+05:30

Knowing different verbs and their different form is not a tough task. Daily reading of various magazines, newspapers, listening to friends or teachers speaking, one comes to know about them. But here is a list of irregular verb forms that one need to learn or rote or uses them consistently in writing and speaking to master them. Those who learn English as a second language need to master them to avoid committing silly mistakes. So here I go.

Present	Past	Past Participle
Abide	Abode	Abode
Awake	Awoke/Awaked	Awoken/Awaked
Bear	Bore	Borne/Born
Become	Became	Become
Beget	Began	Begun
Bend	Bent	Bent
Beseech	Besought	Besought
Bid (Command)	Bade	Bidden
Bind	Bound	Bound
Bleed	Bled	Bled
Break	Broke	Broken
Bring	Brought	Brought
Build	Built	Built
Burst	Burst	Burst
Cast	Cast	Cast
Chide	Chid/Chided	Chidden/Chided
Cleave	Clove/Cleft	Cloven/Cleft
Clothe	Clothed/Clad	Clothed/Clad
Cost	Cost	Cost
Crow	Crowed/Crew	Crowed
Dare	Dared/Durst	Dared/Durst
Dig	Dug	Dug
Draw	Drew	Drawn
Drink	Drank	Drunk
Dwell	Dwelled/Dwelt	Dwelled/Dwelt
Fall	Fell	Fallen
Feel	Felt	Felt
Find	Found	Found
Fling	Flung	Flung
Forbear	Forbore	Forborne
Forget	Forgot	Forgotten
Forsake	Forsook	Forsaken
Get	Got	Gotten/Got
Gird	Girded/Girt	Girded/Girt
Go	Went	Gone/been
Grow	Grew	Grown
Have	Had	Had
Hew	Hewed	Hewed/Hewn
Hit	Hit	Hit
Hurt	Hurt	Hurt
Kneel	Knelt	Knelt
Know	Knew	Known
Lead	Led	Led
Leap	Leaped/Leapt	Leaped/Leapt
Leave	Left	Left
Let	Let	Let
Light	Lighted/lit	Lighted/lit
Make	Made	Made
Meet	Met	Met
Pay	Paid	Paid
Read(Rid)	Read (Red)	Read (Red)
Ride	Rid	Rid
Ring	Rang	Rung
Run	Ran	Ran
Seek	Sought	Sought
Send	Sent	Sent
Sew	Sewed/Sewn	Sewed/Sewn
Shear	Sheared/Shore	Sheared/Shorn
Shine	Shone	Shone
Shoot	Shot	Shot
Shrink	Shrank	Shrunk
Sing	Sang	Sung
Sit	Sat	Sat
Sleep	Slept	Slept
Sling	Slung	Slung
Slit	Slit	Slit
Smite	Smote	Smitten
Speak	Spoke	Spoken
Spell	Spelled/spelt	Spelled/Spelt
Spill	Spilled/Spilt	Spilled/Spilt
Spit	Spat	Spat
Spoil	Spoiled/Spoilt	Spoiled/Spoilt
Spring	Sprang	Sprung
Steal	Stole	Stolen
Sting	Stung	Stung
Strew	Strewed	Strewed/Strewn
Strike	Struck	Struck
Strive	Strove	Striven
Sweep	Swept	Swept
Swim	Swam	Swum
Take	Took	Taken
Tear	Tore	Torn
Think	Thought	Thought
Throw	Threw	Thrown
Tread	Trod	Trod/Trodden
Wear	Wore	Worn
Weep	Wept	Wept
Win	Won	Won
Wring	Wrung	Wrung

Thanks

Fish Musing

2009-09-23T08:54:00.001+05:30

It was a bright morning. The sun was shinning brightly. Daniel and John were sitting in the reading room of John. They ended up the tea served by John's mother. They were busy chatting on some expression about English vocabulary.

"Hey, you have just back from theater, how was the film?” asked Daniel.

“Oh, yes it was full of FISH FIGHTS, nothing special or fantastic, a boring one indeed,” replied John.

“Fish Fights? What does that expression mean?”

“Oh, this is only a fight between two. It is slang,” John answered and continued, “You can say even a man fish.”

“Means? Fish can be used in other sense too?” Daniel looked confused.

“Yes. When you refer to a person as a “Fish” what you mean is he/she is stupid or very clumsy,” John elaborated.

“Oh, there is another expression I have heard that is “Big Fish in a small pond.” I understand the expression but don’t know how to use it exactly. Can you please elaborate?”

“Well, when you say that someone is a big fish in a small pond, it means that the person is an important person in a very small place or office.”

“I see.”

“You know about another expression Cold Fish?” John Asked.

“Cold fish, what does that mean? Oh, I am confused even fish can be cold.” Daniel was in a fix.

“Yes, there is one. Here is an example. His boss is a cold fish and it is very difficult to work with him. Did you get the meaning?” John asked.

“I see it is used as a negative word, but exactly cannot understand it. Could you please elaborate further?”

“That means his boss is unfriendly.” John smiled.

“Hmm..”

“Even you can refer to a person who happens to be reserve and does not show his emotions to others. Rest assured you are not a cold fish.”

Both laughed.

“Have you ever used the expression ‘Fish or cut bait’ in your speaking or writing?”

“What, there is another one! Oh fish, without water how come you live so easily.” Daniel smiled.

“Yes, you will have to ask the fish proper how it is living without water. Lol. But as far as the meaning of the expression is concerned it is said to a person to finish a job or leave or quit,” John said.

“You might have heard Fishy?” John asked Daniel.

“Fishy, is that a word?”

“Why not. Just open your dictionary and see for yourself.”

“Oh, fish you are giving me trouble. I will certainly fish you one day.”

“Okay. Here is a google link that you can click and know for your self.” http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=define%3Afishy&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_enIN338IN338&ie=UTF-8

“Okay, let’s wind up today’s session. The air smells of fish and the fishiness of the air is just unbearable. I think there is something fishy in today’s lesson as a fish might have fixed today’s discussion. Lol. My mother has prepared fish and I will have to rush home as it is high time.” Daniel said

“So, good day to you friend. But don’t forget to send me a sample,” John said and smiled.

Both wound up their session.

Thanks