***
English Class
It is cheerful to read the ideas of others and pen them saying they are my own ideas! Have you ever tried this? A touch of philosophy of that false seriousness. This is my own idea!
At this age when nobody has time to give a damn to each other, often people feel lonesome. But, if you started talking with your writing, you will never feel lonesome. You will get a medium of poring out your emotions, which is one of the most fundamental needs of humans.
Writing will accompany you whenever you wish without any excuses. Since this outlet will be the language of your heart, your writing will become pure. This is the place from where creativity begins to gush forth.
Words of the day
Traipse: v. To tramp about; to walk for fun. When we were holidaying in Nainital, everyday we used to traipse around the forests.
Boorish: adj. Rude and clumsy in behaviour. Well reflecting his nature, the body language of George Bush is boorish.
Unflinching: adj. Showing neither fear nor indecision; firm. The success of Virrappan was due to the unflinching support he was getting from the villagers.
Idioms of the day
Half-baked (informal): Not thought about or planned carefully. I feel you must calmly think before you begin your work, as this appears a half-baked plan.
In the heat of the moment: If you do anything in the heat of the moment, you do it without thinking because of your anger or excitement. George says several times he has overlooked Sara’s curses thinking she utters them in the heat of the moment - but now he cannot bear more.
A stone’s throw: Very near. Since the airport is only a stone’s throw from your house, it is very noisy.
Combinations of words
Frequent visitor: Karan was a frequent visitor of the Marriott Hotel as he liked the service of its employees.
Poor dissembler (dissembler = disguiser): Tim is a poor dissembler, his parents always catch his wrongdoings.
Abbreviated visit (abbreviated = short): After every mishap the abbreviated visits of the politicians to the hospital has become a fashion.
Yap, yap! The class is over!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
English Learning
***
English Learning
You have to be original at your writing. Don’t think that your sentences are appearing common. The purpose of writing is to clearly express yourself so that others can easily understand your thoughts.
You might think it strange, but I have noticed that if you simply write a sentence which is being written millions of times, it looks fresh and original. “I like you very much.” This sentence is very common, yet it sounds sincere, sweet and original.
I feel that, in order to be creative, one must not care for creativity. Simplicity is the essence.
Words of the day
Verve: n. Energy or enthusiasm in the expression of ideas. It was unclear whether it was John McCain’s frustration or positive attitude which added verve in his speech. The verve of a writer is exposed when he undergoes any hardship - take the example of Milton’s blindness.
Squawk v. 1. To scream. The moment Sara heard her son is unwell, she squawked in tension. 2. To complain noisily or irritably. Most of the people keep on squawking against the system, but rarely they are bothered to change it.
Transmogrify: v. To change into a different shape or form, especially which is fantastic or unusual. Unfortunately many women think that by transmogrifying their appearances they look pretty.
Idioms of the day
The heat is on: If the heat is on, you are very busy or troubled. The heat is on because my exams are beginning from the next week, and I have to earn money in order to pay my landlord.
Alarm bells start to ring: If anything starts to set alarm bells ringing, it makes you worried as you see an incoming danger. Your continuous backache is enough to start alarm bells ringing, better, you must stop spending so much time on computers.
The promised land: A place which offers a lot of opportunities. for energetic people, the whole earth is the promised land.
Combinations of words
Ambitious project: Writing a book would be a very ambitious project as already you are focusing at other fronts - reconsider it, John.
Amiable and pleasant: As the teachers of small children are often amiable and pleasant, so the schools become homelike.
Hatefully perverse (perverse = wicked, stubborn): Charles, when you beat your servant, you appear hatefully perverse. Few children become hatefully perverse because of their parents’ mismanagement.
The class is over. Off you go!
English Learning
You have to be original at your writing. Don’t think that your sentences are appearing common. The purpose of writing is to clearly express yourself so that others can easily understand your thoughts.
You might think it strange, but I have noticed that if you simply write a sentence which is being written millions of times, it looks fresh and original. “I like you very much.” This sentence is very common, yet it sounds sincere, sweet and original.
I feel that, in order to be creative, one must not care for creativity. Simplicity is the essence.
Words of the day
Verve: n. Energy or enthusiasm in the expression of ideas. It was unclear whether it was John McCain’s frustration or positive attitude which added verve in his speech. The verve of a writer is exposed when he undergoes any hardship - take the example of Milton’s blindness.
Squawk v. 1. To scream. The moment Sara heard her son is unwell, she squawked in tension. 2. To complain noisily or irritably. Most of the people keep on squawking against the system, but rarely they are bothered to change it.
Transmogrify: v. To change into a different shape or form, especially which is fantastic or unusual. Unfortunately many women think that by transmogrifying their appearances they look pretty.
Idioms of the day
The heat is on: If the heat is on, you are very busy or troubled. The heat is on because my exams are beginning from the next week, and I have to earn money in order to pay my landlord.
Alarm bells start to ring: If anything starts to set alarm bells ringing, it makes you worried as you see an incoming danger. Your continuous backache is enough to start alarm bells ringing, better, you must stop spending so much time on computers.
The promised land: A place which offers a lot of opportunities. for energetic people, the whole earth is the promised land.
Combinations of words
Ambitious project: Writing a book would be a very ambitious project as already you are focusing at other fronts - reconsider it, John.
Amiable and pleasant: As the teachers of small children are often amiable and pleasant, so the schools become homelike.
Hatefully perverse (perverse = wicked, stubborn): Charles, when you beat your servant, you appear hatefully perverse. Few children become hatefully perverse because of their parents’ mismanagement.
The class is over. Off you go!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
English Learning
***
English Learning
Still if you have not found anything to write on, listen to the tone of your life it is demanding you to plunge yourself in any adventure.
Come on - buck up, folks! Before beginning with writing learn to live as this writing demands the best from you and snatches it out from you. Enjoy the life - see the beauty of it and pen it without any artificiality. Write what you really feel; don’t waste your brain in making it up.
Go on writing even if it is very difficult to keep going. People will mock at you, editors will reject your works. But Keep your pen darting, go ahead. Styling yourself progressive contrast the initial failures with the weapon of optimism and show you have a manly heart.
Words of the day
Outgun: v. To defeat (whether militarily or otherwise). Nazis, due to their excellent weapons were outgunning their opponents. Obama is outgunning McCain in several states.
Perilous: adj. Involving danger or full of danger. Reporting from a war zone is a perilous, yet an enjoyable task.
Ostrich: n. 1. A swift bird which cannot fly, the largest bird etc.. 2. A person who avoids difficult situation by not facing them. Prince Charles appeared an ostrich when he suggested the Brits to have organic food at the time when people are struggling to have Pot Noodle.
Idioms of the day
Verbal diarrhea: Someone who talks a lot. Children often have verbal diarrhea and thus make a sweet company.
Be in a spin: To be very confused an worried. It was joyful to see the girls of my college being in a spin as we were preparing for the picnic.
Be back on the rails (this is British): Restart to make progress. Life is all about bringing yourself back on the rails after every misfortunate stroke.
Combinations of words
Complexities of life: As we grow up, the complexities of life keep on unfolding which make us wiser and life becomes sweeter.
Fiery of temper: John, fiery of temper, went on shattering the blocks of his way into bits till he reached his goal.
Roundabout approach (roundabout = adj. Indirect): Teachers often tell that we shouldn’t have a roundabout approach for studies.
The class is over. Run!
English Learning
Still if you have not found anything to write on, listen to the tone of your life it is demanding you to plunge yourself in any adventure.
Come on - buck up, folks! Before beginning with writing learn to live as this writing demands the best from you and snatches it out from you. Enjoy the life - see the beauty of it and pen it without any artificiality. Write what you really feel; don’t waste your brain in making it up.
Go on writing even if it is very difficult to keep going. People will mock at you, editors will reject your works. But Keep your pen darting, go ahead. Styling yourself progressive contrast the initial failures with the weapon of optimism and show you have a manly heart.
Words of the day
Outgun: v. To defeat (whether militarily or otherwise). Nazis, due to their excellent weapons were outgunning their opponents. Obama is outgunning McCain in several states.
Perilous: adj. Involving danger or full of danger. Reporting from a war zone is a perilous, yet an enjoyable task.
Ostrich: n. 1. A swift bird which cannot fly, the largest bird etc.. 2. A person who avoids difficult situation by not facing them. Prince Charles appeared an ostrich when he suggested the Brits to have organic food at the time when people are struggling to have Pot Noodle.
Idioms of the day
Verbal diarrhea: Someone who talks a lot. Children often have verbal diarrhea and thus make a sweet company.
Be in a spin: To be very confused an worried. It was joyful to see the girls of my college being in a spin as we were preparing for the picnic.
Be back on the rails (this is British): Restart to make progress. Life is all about bringing yourself back on the rails after every misfortunate stroke.
Combinations of words
Complexities of life: As we grow up, the complexities of life keep on unfolding which make us wiser and life becomes sweeter.
Fiery of temper: John, fiery of temper, went on shattering the blocks of his way into bits till he reached his goal.
Roundabout approach (roundabout = adj. Indirect): Teachers often tell that we shouldn’t have a roundabout approach for studies.
The class is over. Run!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
English Class Attached - From the Dark Zone
***
English Class Attached - From the Dark Zone
Few months back I came over a news report for which I had been direly craving for long. That news brought to my knowledge that Retinitis Pigmentosa, an eye disease in which the vision loses till you become blind could be curable in the near future. Suffering from the same disease, earlier I kept a close eye on all the science and technology news because I was eager to see if they have discovered the method to cure it. And they did.
It is AMAZING to think that you will be able to see again after several years. The joy to think that you can see your parents again is unspeakable. How much the old age has changed them? How you yourself look like after entering your twenties? Will you take a bike and whoosh off to see the same school building where you spent your infancy?
You will fool around on those old roads like the typical idiots! You will see the same trees, same sky, same birds etc. all those common things which due to your blindness have become more beautiful than you can ever tell yourself.
Your imprisonment vanishes. You feel free as a bird to fly where ever you wish to. Such thoughts flood your mind when you learn that you will regain your sight.
But the next moment you realise that your blindness which has molded your nature will die away. Again you feel as if you will lose a part of your body. You have to restyle your soul. How can you leave your blindness which has provided a totally different outlook to you?
Regaining sight becomes as an attack on your character. There, again, you find your life on the cusp of another twist. When the news which you were so passionately yearning for heralds you are messed. And unbelievably, suddenly it strikes you that in the past time you have actually learnt to appreciate and love your disease.
Admittedly, leading a blind life isn’t easy. Darkness terrifies you and you have to pass depressive nights. You have to learn to survive despite the failures of your career. You get short shrift from the people and you are often humiliated.
Yes, you are blind, but you have a human heart which has its emotional and physical needs. as the needs of your heart and body become intolerably urgent, you feel that running from nature is impossible. But anyhow you have to overcome your challenge, because that is your helplessness – you have to live.
This is a robust experience, because you feel as if you have limited your problems which you would have never done were it not for your blindness. You admire your adventurous life. You live the moment. You are in reality. Then how can you leave it?
Agreed, blindness mercilessly thrashes and crashes, and agreed, no one will dare to experience it because it casts insurmountable terror in the hearts; but it isn’t hateful for blinds. It is something like a religion for few.
I am sure that the boom of this discovery will attract but a summary attention by those who have found their darkness lovable. And especially those who have not seen this world (I mean blind by birth) will find it quite irrelevant. Besides their emotional attachment with blindness, even psychologically it would be difficult for them to accept a totally alienated world of sight.
I am shocked to see my strange response over such an amazing discovery. I got darkness when I was running from it; and just see the irony of fate that I can get sight when I do not need much of it. However, partly for the sake of my parents and partly to return to my natural form, let welcome it.
But I will heartily miss my humble, and yet fiery beloved in that sighted world. My blindness will keep on influencing me for my entire life. It is deeply imprinted on my heart. How would I shed my simple and awkward ways? I am bemused that where will I fit myself after returning to the sighted life.
That is unpredictable. I might suffer from nostalgia. But whatever, that too would be an uncommonly joyous experience – full of life.
***
Hi Folks,
I hope you enjoyed this essay . Here are the things I found difficult in it:
Words of the day
Whoosh: n/v. 1. A sibilant sound. A speedy movement, a rush. Will you take a bike and whoosh off to see the same school building where you spent your infancy?
Insurmountable: adj. Impossible to overcome. Agreed, blindness mercilessly thrashes and crashes, and agreed, no one will dare to experience it because it casts insurmountable terror in the hearts; but it isn’t hateful for blinds.
Nostalgia: n. A bittersweet longing for the past situation. 2. Homesickness. I might suffer from nostalgia.
Idioms of the day
As free as a bird: Totally free to do whatever you want to without any worries. You feel free as a bird to fly where ever you wish to.
Give short shrift: anybody or anything you ignore because either you don’t like him or because you feel annoyed with him. You get short shrift from the people and you are often humiliated.
Combinations of words
Direly craving: Few months back I came over a news report for which I had been direly craving for long.
Intolerably urgent: as the needs of your heart and body become intolerably urgent, you feel that running from nature is impossible.
Irony of fate: I got darkness when I was running from it; and just see the irony of fate that I can get sight when I do not need much of it.
Today’s tip is to write in a flow, and flow comes when you are passionate about anything. What concerns you? Go ahead and give an outlet to it.
The success of all the writers rests on this, and this is called catharsis. We all are bound to channelise our emotions; the wisest is he who finds the correct channel. It doesn’t matter which art you want to excel at, you will need this outlet.
Some of you would be waiting for me to post the essay on oratorical skills I promised to. I will post it, please give me some time. As I want to refrain from making bromide tips and as I want to bring something new and creative, I am taking time. Excuse me, I can write a common essay in one hour, but I truly hate such a work.
English Class Attached - From the Dark Zone
Few months back I came over a news report for which I had been direly craving for long. That news brought to my knowledge that Retinitis Pigmentosa, an eye disease in which the vision loses till you become blind could be curable in the near future. Suffering from the same disease, earlier I kept a close eye on all the science and technology news because I was eager to see if they have discovered the method to cure it. And they did.
It is AMAZING to think that you will be able to see again after several years. The joy to think that you can see your parents again is unspeakable. How much the old age has changed them? How you yourself look like after entering your twenties? Will you take a bike and whoosh off to see the same school building where you spent your infancy?
You will fool around on those old roads like the typical idiots! You will see the same trees, same sky, same birds etc. all those common things which due to your blindness have become more beautiful than you can ever tell yourself.
Your imprisonment vanishes. You feel free as a bird to fly where ever you wish to. Such thoughts flood your mind when you learn that you will regain your sight.
But the next moment you realise that your blindness which has molded your nature will die away. Again you feel as if you will lose a part of your body. You have to restyle your soul. How can you leave your blindness which has provided a totally different outlook to you?
Regaining sight becomes as an attack on your character. There, again, you find your life on the cusp of another twist. When the news which you were so passionately yearning for heralds you are messed. And unbelievably, suddenly it strikes you that in the past time you have actually learnt to appreciate and love your disease.
Admittedly, leading a blind life isn’t easy. Darkness terrifies you and you have to pass depressive nights. You have to learn to survive despite the failures of your career. You get short shrift from the people and you are often humiliated.
Yes, you are blind, but you have a human heart which has its emotional and physical needs. as the needs of your heart and body become intolerably urgent, you feel that running from nature is impossible. But anyhow you have to overcome your challenge, because that is your helplessness – you have to live.
This is a robust experience, because you feel as if you have limited your problems which you would have never done were it not for your blindness. You admire your adventurous life. You live the moment. You are in reality. Then how can you leave it?
Agreed, blindness mercilessly thrashes and crashes, and agreed, no one will dare to experience it because it casts insurmountable terror in the hearts; but it isn’t hateful for blinds. It is something like a religion for few.
I am sure that the boom of this discovery will attract but a summary attention by those who have found their darkness lovable. And especially those who have not seen this world (I mean blind by birth) will find it quite irrelevant. Besides their emotional attachment with blindness, even psychologically it would be difficult for them to accept a totally alienated world of sight.
I am shocked to see my strange response over such an amazing discovery. I got darkness when I was running from it; and just see the irony of fate that I can get sight when I do not need much of it. However, partly for the sake of my parents and partly to return to my natural form, let welcome it.
But I will heartily miss my humble, and yet fiery beloved in that sighted world. My blindness will keep on influencing me for my entire life. It is deeply imprinted on my heart. How would I shed my simple and awkward ways? I am bemused that where will I fit myself after returning to the sighted life.
That is unpredictable. I might suffer from nostalgia. But whatever, that too would be an uncommonly joyous experience – full of life.
***
Hi Folks,
I hope you enjoyed this essay . Here are the things I found difficult in it:
Words of the day
Whoosh: n/v. 1. A sibilant sound. A speedy movement, a rush. Will you take a bike and whoosh off to see the same school building where you spent your infancy?
Insurmountable: adj. Impossible to overcome. Agreed, blindness mercilessly thrashes and crashes, and agreed, no one will dare to experience it because it casts insurmountable terror in the hearts; but it isn’t hateful for blinds.
Nostalgia: n. A bittersweet longing for the past situation. 2. Homesickness. I might suffer from nostalgia.
Idioms of the day
As free as a bird: Totally free to do whatever you want to without any worries. You feel free as a bird to fly where ever you wish to.
Give short shrift: anybody or anything you ignore because either you don’t like him or because you feel annoyed with him. You get short shrift from the people and you are often humiliated.
Combinations of words
Direly craving: Few months back I came over a news report for which I had been direly craving for long.
Intolerably urgent: as the needs of your heart and body become intolerably urgent, you feel that running from nature is impossible.
Irony of fate: I got darkness when I was running from it; and just see the irony of fate that I can get sight when I do not need much of it.
Today’s tip is to write in a flow, and flow comes when you are passionate about anything. What concerns you? Go ahead and give an outlet to it.
The success of all the writers rests on this, and this is called catharsis. We all are bound to channelise our emotions; the wisest is he who finds the correct channel. It doesn’t matter which art you want to excel at, you will need this outlet.
Some of you would be waiting for me to post the essay on oratorical skills I promised to. I will post it, please give me some time. As I want to refrain from making bromide tips and as I want to bring something new and creative, I am taking time. Excuse me, I can write a common essay in one hour, but I truly hate such a work.
English Class
***
English Class
I presume that you all would be practicing the words I furnish here. Be good at practice because I want you to catch up a very good progressing speed .
Words of the day
Murky: adj. Unclear with mist, fog, smoke etc.. As a kid seeing the trains going on flashing, bustling and clearing the murky winds of the path was very encouraging for me.
Schadenfreude: n. Pleasure taken from the difficulties of others. Schadenfreude is that disease of heart which is unforgivable.
Kilter: n. Good condition. Mark misused his bike a lot and now it is going out of kilter.
Idioms of the day
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth: Having opportunities due to the influence of your family and not because of your efforts. It is better to have a passion to succeed than to born with a silver spoon in mouth.
Hem and haw: To delay giving an answer by clearing throat and talking in an unclear manner. I want a direct answer - stop hemming and hawing - or I will make an example out of you. We cannot be sure that a person is guilty if he hems or haws while replying.
Get down to brass tacks: To begin talking about the most chief or important part of a subject. I am afraid we won’t be able to chatter as we are running out of time so let’s directly get down to brass tacks.
Combinations of words
Adverse experience (adverse = adj. Unpleasant, unfavourable): Every adverse experience fills you up with a special courage to face the world.
Aimless confusion: When the parliament came under attack it appeared as if the whole nation has been thrown into an aimless confusion.
Warmth of passion: My husband has the warmth of passion I was in dire need of.
So I am over with today’s class. Do you want to learn English? Then be passionate to practice it. I hope you aren’t like the person who loves swimming but doesn’t go near the water.
English Class
I presume that you all would be practicing the words I furnish here. Be good at practice because I want you to catch up a very good progressing speed .
Words of the day
Murky: adj. Unclear with mist, fog, smoke etc.. As a kid seeing the trains going on flashing, bustling and clearing the murky winds of the path was very encouraging for me.
Schadenfreude: n. Pleasure taken from the difficulties of others. Schadenfreude is that disease of heart which is unforgivable.
Kilter: n. Good condition. Mark misused his bike a lot and now it is going out of kilter.
Idioms of the day
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth: Having opportunities due to the influence of your family and not because of your efforts. It is better to have a passion to succeed than to born with a silver spoon in mouth.
Hem and haw: To delay giving an answer by clearing throat and talking in an unclear manner. I want a direct answer - stop hemming and hawing - or I will make an example out of you. We cannot be sure that a person is guilty if he hems or haws while replying.
Get down to brass tacks: To begin talking about the most chief or important part of a subject. I am afraid we won’t be able to chatter as we are running out of time so let’s directly get down to brass tacks.
Combinations of words
Adverse experience (adverse = adj. Unpleasant, unfavourable): Every adverse experience fills you up with a special courage to face the world.
Aimless confusion: When the parliament came under attack it appeared as if the whole nation has been thrown into an aimless confusion.
Warmth of passion: My husband has the warmth of passion I was in dire need of.
So I am over with today’s class. Do you want to learn English? Then be passionate to practice it. I hope you aren’t like the person who loves swimming but doesn’t go near the water.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Free English Class
***
Free English Class
Have you started writing for yourself? Try it, I bet you will enjoy. I write for myself and feel very good. It appears as if I am communicating to someone who understands, encourages and cheers me.
Now I cannot see, but I keep a pen and a copy on my bed, and before going to sleep I write whatever moves me. I don’t even care whether my pen is working - I just write my thoughts.
Love writing, it will be your silent friend, a humble companion which will accompany you whenever you wish. It is faithful, and I feel that you, too, will find it faithful.
Words of the day
Eavesdrop: V. Listening to the private conversation of others. People who do eavesdropping are hateful cowards.
Rankle: v. To irritate. Rankled by the loud noise I made my room soundproof. There are a few sick-minded fellows who take pleasure in rankling the elderly people.
Nascent: adj. Emerging, growing, a beginning of anything. In Sept. 2007, the nascent Arctic melt opened the famed Northwest Passage - the shipping route between Asia and Europe. The nascent climate change has begun to trigger hurricanes and floods all over the world.
Idioms of the day
Leave no stone unturned: To do everything to achieve a goal or find someone or something. Ambitious people leave no stone unturned to translate their dreams to reality. George left no stone unturned to find his friend from the forest. Maria’s jewel was so expensive that she left no stone unturned in searching it.
On tap: available and ready for use. The bonus to study at a good college is that you get the modern technology on tap.
A bone of contention: Any topic which is argued about for long. The real bone of contention among the educationists was whether to include Astrology as a subject in the UGC curriculum or not.
Combinations of words
Ingrained love (ingrained = adj. firmly established): When I embraced my girlfriend, she cried like a silly child - because she has ingrained love for me.
Political and sociological: The political and sociological conditions of the world are undergoing a change.
Careless joy: We were in a careless joy eating peanuts and ragging each other at the picnic.
Ok, now practice these words and idioms. I will be very happy if anyone learnt a new thing from this blog.
Free English Class
Have you started writing for yourself? Try it, I bet you will enjoy. I write for myself and feel very good. It appears as if I am communicating to someone who understands, encourages and cheers me.
Now I cannot see, but I keep a pen and a copy on my bed, and before going to sleep I write whatever moves me. I don’t even care whether my pen is working - I just write my thoughts.
Love writing, it will be your silent friend, a humble companion which will accompany you whenever you wish. It is faithful, and I feel that you, too, will find it faithful.
Words of the day
Eavesdrop: V. Listening to the private conversation of others. People who do eavesdropping are hateful cowards.
Rankle: v. To irritate. Rankled by the loud noise I made my room soundproof. There are a few sick-minded fellows who take pleasure in rankling the elderly people.
Nascent: adj. Emerging, growing, a beginning of anything. In Sept. 2007, the nascent Arctic melt opened the famed Northwest Passage - the shipping route between Asia and Europe. The nascent climate change has begun to trigger hurricanes and floods all over the world.
Idioms of the day
Leave no stone unturned: To do everything to achieve a goal or find someone or something. Ambitious people leave no stone unturned to translate their dreams to reality. George left no stone unturned to find his friend from the forest. Maria’s jewel was so expensive that she left no stone unturned in searching it.
On tap: available and ready for use. The bonus to study at a good college is that you get the modern technology on tap.
A bone of contention: Any topic which is argued about for long. The real bone of contention among the educationists was whether to include Astrology as a subject in the UGC curriculum or not.
Combinations of words
Ingrained love (ingrained = adj. firmly established): When I embraced my girlfriend, she cried like a silly child - because she has ingrained love for me.
Political and sociological: The political and sociological conditions of the world are undergoing a change.
Careless joy: We were in a careless joy eating peanuts and ragging each other at the picnic.
Ok, now practice these words and idioms. I will be very happy if anyone learnt a new thing from this blog.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Free English Class
***
Free English Class
In writing, neat effectiveness is very important. After writing a piece, carefully proofread it and see which word or phrase will impress your point deeper on your reader, and fit it.
Mind, proofreading shouldn’t be done in any hurry. Many miscue it to be an easy task, but, this is a rock from where even people having the best eyes fell.
Probably, proofreading immediately after you are over with your assignment might make you skip the errors. So, take a coffee break to change your mind, and then calmly go through your write-up. A responsible person who could spot errors in your piece would be better than anybody.
Proofreading isn’t difficult if you have an easy and alert mind.
Words of the day
Glitzy: adj. To invest with showy quality, artificial. Most of the Hindi news channels are glitzy, not newsy. Children tend to run after glitzy things.
Rapprochement: n. Reestablishment of friendly relationship. Until and unless the leaders of Israeli and Palestine sincerely negotiate, thinking of a rapprochement between the two countries is impractical.
Slick: adj. Slippery, smooth. Slick as the footpath was, I was afraid of slipping.
Idioms of the day
Be spoon-fed: Providing too much information and help to someone. Girls who aren’t spoon-fed by their parents make good wives.
Trot out someone/something : To draw the attention of others to someone or something, so that they can praise or see it. My child was looking very sweet in his fur coat, so I happily trotted him out before my husband’s friends. Friends, just see Tim is trotting out his goggles not knowing how bad they are!
Go into overdrive: To start working very hard and effectively. The media go into overdrive during the elections trying to capture each and every news.
Combination of words
Fantastic display: The show was a fantastic display of glamour. Many people fantastically display their foolishness by speaking on the topics they are unaware of. Are you one of them?
Cutting directness: In this increasingly ambitious atmosphere politeness is rarely seen and cutting directness is everywhere. By your cutting directness you might well earn a lot of name and money but not peace of heart.
Overflowing emotions: At the airport, as an old mother and her son were reunited, their emotions overflowed.
Frances Bacon said: “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.” So, write to become an exact man.
Free English Class
In writing, neat effectiveness is very important. After writing a piece, carefully proofread it and see which word or phrase will impress your point deeper on your reader, and fit it.
Mind, proofreading shouldn’t be done in any hurry. Many miscue it to be an easy task, but, this is a rock from where even people having the best eyes fell.
Probably, proofreading immediately after you are over with your assignment might make you skip the errors. So, take a coffee break to change your mind, and then calmly go through your write-up. A responsible person who could spot errors in your piece would be better than anybody.
Proofreading isn’t difficult if you have an easy and alert mind.
Words of the day
Glitzy: adj. To invest with showy quality, artificial. Most of the Hindi news channels are glitzy, not newsy. Children tend to run after glitzy things.
Rapprochement: n. Reestablishment of friendly relationship. Until and unless the leaders of Israeli and Palestine sincerely negotiate, thinking of a rapprochement between the two countries is impractical.
Slick: adj. Slippery, smooth. Slick as the footpath was, I was afraid of slipping.
Idioms of the day
Be spoon-fed: Providing too much information and help to someone. Girls who aren’t spoon-fed by their parents make good wives.
Trot out someone/something : To draw the attention of others to someone or something, so that they can praise or see it. My child was looking very sweet in his fur coat, so I happily trotted him out before my husband’s friends. Friends, just see Tim is trotting out his goggles not knowing how bad they are!
Go into overdrive: To start working very hard and effectively. The media go into overdrive during the elections trying to capture each and every news.
Combination of words
Fantastic display: The show was a fantastic display of glamour. Many people fantastically display their foolishness by speaking on the topics they are unaware of. Are you one of them?
Cutting directness: In this increasingly ambitious atmosphere politeness is rarely seen and cutting directness is everywhere. By your cutting directness you might well earn a lot of name and money but not peace of heart.
Overflowing emotions: At the airport, as an old mother and her son were reunited, their emotions overflowed.
Frances Bacon said: “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.” So, write to become an exact man.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Free English Learning
Free English Learning
Today’s tip is to write. They say, “I don’t have anything to write.” Tell them, “Write that you don’t have anything to write.”
It is impossible that you cannot find anything to write. I go on writing several pages and my fingers give up yet the ideas keep on gushing.
Have you ever tried writing your daily happenings? You might enjoy it. Don’t care a toss about style or grammatical errors just develop the habit of penning your thoughts and write for yourself. You will find your writing is your companion. How lovely would it be, I really cannot tell.
I am craving to write a lot more here, but I have to kill my desire - as your time is important.
Words of the day
Lynch v. illegally killing anyone, especially by a group. In America, the blacks were being often lynched if they crossed the limits set by the whites.
Circumvent: v. To surround, enclose or entrap. The police properly circumvented the thieves which was the chief cause behind that successful operation.
Twaddle: verb and noun. Useless, foolish talk, chatter. Twaddling is an obstacle for success. George’s speech was a twaddle.
Idioms of the day
A pipe dream: A plan or an idea which would never happen as it is impossible. Curbing carbon emission without resorting to simplicity and recycling is a pipe dream.
Cross swords with someone: To argue with someone. If people of two ideologies come together it is more likely that the swords will be crossed.
A bolt from the blue: Any event which surprises you because it was unexpected. The polls were showing that the Conservatives will win the elections, so victory of the Liberals was a clear bolt from the blue for me.
Combinations of words
World of fantasy: You are not going to become a feature writer overnight, come out from your world of fantasy and live in reality.
Unrequited love (unrequited = adj. unreturned, one-sided): Patiently bearing unrequited love makes us more human.
Distinctness of vision (distinctness = adj. clearness): As most of the political parties have their own media, the person who has distinctness of vision will only get to the truth.
Well, I hope that you will write everyday - let it be only for 15 minutes.
Today’s tip is to write. They say, “I don’t have anything to write.” Tell them, “Write that you don’t have anything to write.”
It is impossible that you cannot find anything to write. I go on writing several pages and my fingers give up yet the ideas keep on gushing.
Have you ever tried writing your daily happenings? You might enjoy it. Don’t care a toss about style or grammatical errors just develop the habit of penning your thoughts and write for yourself. You will find your writing is your companion. How lovely would it be, I really cannot tell.
I am craving to write a lot more here, but I have to kill my desire - as your time is important.
Words of the day
Lynch v. illegally killing anyone, especially by a group. In America, the blacks were being often lynched if they crossed the limits set by the whites.
Circumvent: v. To surround, enclose or entrap. The police properly circumvented the thieves which was the chief cause behind that successful operation.
Twaddle: verb and noun. Useless, foolish talk, chatter. Twaddling is an obstacle for success. George’s speech was a twaddle.
Idioms of the day
A pipe dream: A plan or an idea which would never happen as it is impossible. Curbing carbon emission without resorting to simplicity and recycling is a pipe dream.
Cross swords with someone: To argue with someone. If people of two ideologies come together it is more likely that the swords will be crossed.
A bolt from the blue: Any event which surprises you because it was unexpected. The polls were showing that the Conservatives will win the elections, so victory of the Liberals was a clear bolt from the blue for me.
Combinations of words
World of fantasy: You are not going to become a feature writer overnight, come out from your world of fantasy and live in reality.
Unrequited love (unrequited = adj. unreturned, one-sided): Patiently bearing unrequited love makes us more human.
Distinctness of vision (distinctness = adj. clearness): As most of the political parties have their own media, the person who has distinctness of vision will only get to the truth.
Well, I hope that you will write everyday - let it be only for 15 minutes.
Friday, October 17, 2008
English Class
***
English Class
I provide big words here, however, it must ever be remembered that these words must be used when you feel the real need of using them. Imprint these words of C. S. Lewis in your mind: “Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.”
Words of the day
Proponent: n. An advocate or a person who argues in favour of something or someone. It is shameful that In England the proponents of child abusers are arguing that the new laws are needlessly tough.
Tip-off n. An information which is secret, advance and tells the hidden plans. Getting a tip-off, the police raided the old house and found illegal weapons.
Comeuppance n. A well-deserved punishment. Hitler’s suicide was the comeuppance of his cruelty.
Idioms of the day
Wrap someone up in cotton wool (this is British and Australian): To protect someone a lot without letting him to be independent. Parents shouldn’t wrap up their children in cotton wool otherwise they will never grow up.
A wet blanket (informal): A person who does or says something which stops the enjoyment of others. We all were enjoying the movie but our cable operator appeared a wet blanket when he suddenly interrupted the broadcast. I will call Mr Lawrence a wet blanket because he accused Mr Joseph of cheating which spoilt the party.
Spell out something: To explain something in detail. My sir spells out each and every aspect of the subject.
Combination of words
Hubbub of chatter (hubbub = n. Noise, confusion): Oh, assemble a couple of women, and you will go mad by the hubbub of chatter.
Animated by victory: The whole nation was animated by victory when India won the cricket world cup.
Broil of politics: It is cheerful to catch up with the broil of politics after working for the whole day.
I must simply add that the best way to remember words is to use them while speaking and writing. Remember only a few hundred words and know well where and how to use them; and your writing and speaking will get a smart fluency.
English Class
I provide big words here, however, it must ever be remembered that these words must be used when you feel the real need of using them. Imprint these words of C. S. Lewis in your mind: “Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.”
Words of the day
Proponent: n. An advocate or a person who argues in favour of something or someone. It is shameful that In England the proponents of child abusers are arguing that the new laws are needlessly tough.
Tip-off n. An information which is secret, advance and tells the hidden plans. Getting a tip-off, the police raided the old house and found illegal weapons.
Comeuppance n. A well-deserved punishment. Hitler’s suicide was the comeuppance of his cruelty.
Idioms of the day
Wrap someone up in cotton wool (this is British and Australian): To protect someone a lot without letting him to be independent. Parents shouldn’t wrap up their children in cotton wool otherwise they will never grow up.
A wet blanket (informal): A person who does or says something which stops the enjoyment of others. We all were enjoying the movie but our cable operator appeared a wet blanket when he suddenly interrupted the broadcast. I will call Mr Lawrence a wet blanket because he accused Mr Joseph of cheating which spoilt the party.
Spell out something: To explain something in detail. My sir spells out each and every aspect of the subject.
Combination of words
Hubbub of chatter (hubbub = n. Noise, confusion): Oh, assemble a couple of women, and you will go mad by the hubbub of chatter.
Animated by victory: The whole nation was animated by victory when India won the cricket world cup.
Broil of politics: It is cheerful to catch up with the broil of politics after working for the whole day.
I must simply add that the best way to remember words is to use them while speaking and writing. Remember only a few hundred words and know well where and how to use them; and your writing and speaking will get a smart fluency.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
English Lessons
***
English Lessons
I hope yesterday’s English lesson was easy. I have heard that clever planning, positive thinking and a desire to progress makes everything easy. With this cheerful note in mind, let’s begin today’s English class!
Words of the day
Putsch: n. A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow any government. Musharraf emerged as a brave person after the putsch in which he dethroned Navaz Sharif’s government.
Cagey: adj. 1. Careful. As the tea was tasteless so it was cagey to avoid saying anything on it. 2. Clever. It won’t be correct to say that all the cagey students belong to great schools.
Telegenic: adj. A physical appearance and body language regarded to be very impressive for television viewers. In the U.S. as political debates are televised, so the telegenic politicians get advantage.
Idioms of the day
Rule the roost: A person who makes all the decisions as he/she is the strongest of all. Being eldest of all my cousins, I rule the roost.
When it comes to the crunch: When things become serious or any crucial step has to be taken. Whatever the western media say about the Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, he makes clever decisions when it comes to the crunch.
A powder keg: A situation which could soon become very dangerous. The unforgivable negligence of politicians and people for global warming has placed our planet on a powder keg.
Combination of words
Acutely conscious (conscious = adj. aware, mindful, alert, attentive): Journalism isn’t an easy task, you have to be acutely conscious. In order to qualify for the IAS, you need to be acutely conscious.
Captivating speech: George, by his captivating speech at the function, got a celebrity treatment. Choice of common words is crucial for a captivating speech.
Flickering hopes: However sad John may feel, his hopes always keep on flickering. The sweetness of life is present in flickering hopes.
So this was today’s English lesson. Devote half an hour to practice, and don’t think it difficult because there is nothing difficult but thinking makes it so.
English Lessons
I hope yesterday’s English lesson was easy. I have heard that clever planning, positive thinking and a desire to progress makes everything easy. With this cheerful note in mind, let’s begin today’s English class!
Words of the day
Putsch: n. A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow any government. Musharraf emerged as a brave person after the putsch in which he dethroned Navaz Sharif’s government.
Cagey: adj. 1. Careful. As the tea was tasteless so it was cagey to avoid saying anything on it. 2. Clever. It won’t be correct to say that all the cagey students belong to great schools.
Telegenic: adj. A physical appearance and body language regarded to be very impressive for television viewers. In the U.S. as political debates are televised, so the telegenic politicians get advantage.
Idioms of the day
Rule the roost: A person who makes all the decisions as he/she is the strongest of all. Being eldest of all my cousins, I rule the roost.
When it comes to the crunch: When things become serious or any crucial step has to be taken. Whatever the western media say about the Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, he makes clever decisions when it comes to the crunch.
A powder keg: A situation which could soon become very dangerous. The unforgivable negligence of politicians and people for global warming has placed our planet on a powder keg.
Combination of words
Acutely conscious (conscious = adj. aware, mindful, alert, attentive): Journalism isn’t an easy task, you have to be acutely conscious. In order to qualify for the IAS, you need to be acutely conscious.
Captivating speech: George, by his captivating speech at the function, got a celebrity treatment. Choice of common words is crucial for a captivating speech.
Flickering hopes: However sad John may feel, his hopes always keep on flickering. The sweetness of life is present in flickering hopes.
So this was today’s English lesson. Devote half an hour to practice, and don’t think it difficult because there is nothing difficult but thinking makes it so.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
English Lesson
***
English Lesson
As I mentioned in the introductory post yesterday that now we are going to do the study of words, idioms and combination of words, so today will be our first lesson.
But, before we could begin, I must tell that these English lessons would be divided in three parts: the first one will deal with words, the second with idioms and the third with combination of words. So are you ready?
Words of the day
1. Crosshairs: n. A centre of attention. Abhinav Bindra’s gold meddle in Olympics put him in the crosshairs. As there is an urgent need of fine speakers and writers, learning English is on the crosshairs of everybody.
2. Spoilsport: n. One who spoils the enjoyment of others. For smokers, our health minister Mr A Ramadoss is a real spoilsport - he has banned smoking in public places.
3. Tantalise: v. To excite someone by showing anything desirable while keeping it away from his reach. The key of taking work from a selfishly greedy person lies in tantalising him.
Idioms of the day
1. Bury the hatchet: To forget the memories of enmity and reestablish friendship. It is always wise for parents to bury the hatchet for the sake of their children’s wellbeing.
2. Spell trouble: to be the cause of a possible problem in the future. They say that excessive work can spell trouble for me, but my positive attitude will prove them wrong.
3. A low ebb: A poor condition. When my boyfriend deserted me, I found myself at a very low ebb - but you don’t get time to mourn - as the life goes by!
Combination of words
Before beginning with this relatively new portion, I must make it clear that if you learnt these combinations by heart, and acquired the art of perfectly fitting them, your sentences will leave a totally different impression on your listeners and readers. To tell a secret, when I read anything, I keenly look for these combinations and pick them up from there. I use them when I feel it necessary because it adds a new flavour and maturity in the sentences.
1. Dubious success (dubious = adj. Doubtful, uncertain, questionable): John’s success seems to be dubious, because he started his business only before a year, and now, besides having a wonderful house, he owns three cars.
2. Causelessly frightened: Allis, it is only a lizard, you are causelessly frightened.
3. Angelic softness: George says that he isn’t marrying because not even a single woman has the angelic softness he craves for.
This was today’s English class. Now, I will take the liberty of advising you to make a separate file of the words used above, and, at any occasion, use them. Practicing them by making your own sentences would be very good for writing.
Your speaking will improve very fast if you would take the trouble of recapitulating the aforementioned words aloud. I will explore the topic of speaking well in a separate note in the near future.
I hope that you all are practicing well. Remember, one can just show the way, success only comes when the seer walks on it.
English Lesson
As I mentioned in the introductory post yesterday that now we are going to do the study of words, idioms and combination of words, so today will be our first lesson.
But, before we could begin, I must tell that these English lessons would be divided in three parts: the first one will deal with words, the second with idioms and the third with combination of words. So are you ready?
Words of the day
1. Crosshairs: n. A centre of attention. Abhinav Bindra’s gold meddle in Olympics put him in the crosshairs. As there is an urgent need of fine speakers and writers, learning English is on the crosshairs of everybody.
2. Spoilsport: n. One who spoils the enjoyment of others. For smokers, our health minister Mr A Ramadoss is a real spoilsport - he has banned smoking in public places.
3. Tantalise: v. To excite someone by showing anything desirable while keeping it away from his reach. The key of taking work from a selfishly greedy person lies in tantalising him.
Idioms of the day
1. Bury the hatchet: To forget the memories of enmity and reestablish friendship. It is always wise for parents to bury the hatchet for the sake of their children’s wellbeing.
2. Spell trouble: to be the cause of a possible problem in the future. They say that excessive work can spell trouble for me, but my positive attitude will prove them wrong.
3. A low ebb: A poor condition. When my boyfriend deserted me, I found myself at a very low ebb - but you don’t get time to mourn - as the life goes by!
Combination of words
Before beginning with this relatively new portion, I must make it clear that if you learnt these combinations by heart, and acquired the art of perfectly fitting them, your sentences will leave a totally different impression on your listeners and readers. To tell a secret, when I read anything, I keenly look for these combinations and pick them up from there. I use them when I feel it necessary because it adds a new flavour and maturity in the sentences.
1. Dubious success (dubious = adj. Doubtful, uncertain, questionable): John’s success seems to be dubious, because he started his business only before a year, and now, besides having a wonderful house, he owns three cars.
2. Causelessly frightened: Allis, it is only a lizard, you are causelessly frightened.
3. Angelic softness: George says that he isn’t marrying because not even a single woman has the angelic softness he craves for.
This was today’s English class. Now, I will take the liberty of advising you to make a separate file of the words used above, and, at any occasion, use them. Practicing them by making your own sentences would be very good for writing.
Your speaking will improve very fast if you would take the trouble of recapitulating the aforementioned words aloud. I will explore the topic of speaking well in a separate note in the near future.
I hope that you all are practicing well. Remember, one can just show the way, success only comes when the seer walks on it.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Plan for Improving English
***
Plan for Improving English
On this blog I have provided several idioms and intentionally used some words so that it could add to your vocabulary. In addition, I wrote an essay outlining how can you begin writing and how to get mastery over this art, which, I dare to hope, you would have found useful.
From today, I will try to make learning more intelligible and interesting. I will change the pattern of learning English by employing myself at a bit deeper study - which is of words, idioms and combination of words. It requires no effort of thinking that this study will quickly implant confidence in you, and remember, it is this confidence which lies at the heart of a crisp and impressive communication.
The aim of all the writers and speakers is to attract the audience and be understood. Correct phrasing and the ability of best suiting the words to the thought implies perfection and beauty. A fine, clear diction touches the heart and enlivens the soul and offers you the satisfaction which you regard above all the joys.
It must not be supposed that learning English is going to become difficult or dull. On the contrary, the real taste, beauty, delicacy and charm of this language would delight you more than you can ever think.
Let me disclose that I started learning English a little before three years. Now, whatever I write and speak, it is due to the easiness and joy which was offered by this language to me. Workshy as I am, I never walked on the old difficult path, instead, I made an easy path of my own.
My humble effort goes - a signpost showing you the right path of clearly and fluently expressing yourself. I am confident that my effort will yield fruitful results.
Meaning of some words used above:
Crisp: adj. Marked by clarity, exactness and liveliness.
Diction: n. 1. Choice and use of words in speech or writing. 2. Degree of clarity and distinctness of pronunciation in speech.
Enliven: v. To make lively.
Delicacy: n. 1. Something pleasing and appealing. 2. Fineness of appearance, construction, or execution.
Workshy or work-shy: adjective not inclined to work; lazy.
Signpost: n. An indication, sign or guide.
Plan for Improving English
On this blog I have provided several idioms and intentionally used some words so that it could add to your vocabulary. In addition, I wrote an essay outlining how can you begin writing and how to get mastery over this art, which, I dare to hope, you would have found useful.
From today, I will try to make learning more intelligible and interesting. I will change the pattern of learning English by employing myself at a bit deeper study - which is of words, idioms and combination of words. It requires no effort of thinking that this study will quickly implant confidence in you, and remember, it is this confidence which lies at the heart of a crisp and impressive communication.
The aim of all the writers and speakers is to attract the audience and be understood. Correct phrasing and the ability of best suiting the words to the thought implies perfection and beauty. A fine, clear diction touches the heart and enlivens the soul and offers you the satisfaction which you regard above all the joys.
It must not be supposed that learning English is going to become difficult or dull. On the contrary, the real taste, beauty, delicacy and charm of this language would delight you more than you can ever think.
Let me disclose that I started learning English a little before three years. Now, whatever I write and speak, it is due to the easiness and joy which was offered by this language to me. Workshy as I am, I never walked on the old difficult path, instead, I made an easy path of my own.
My humble effort goes - a signpost showing you the right path of clearly and fluently expressing yourself. I am confident that my effort will yield fruitful results.
Meaning of some words used above:
Crisp: adj. Marked by clarity, exactness and liveliness.
Diction: n. 1. Choice and use of words in speech or writing. 2. Degree of clarity and distinctness of pronunciation in speech.
Enliven: v. To make lively.
Delicacy: n. 1. Something pleasing and appealing. 2. Fineness of appearance, construction, or execution.
Workshy or work-shy: adjective not inclined to work; lazy.
Signpost: n. An indication, sign or guide.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Damn The Terrorists
***
My letter in today's Hindustan Times:
Use words responsibly
In her article Opening the Book, (October 10), Renuka Narayanan has well-captured the misuse of Islamic references. The media must refrain from using words
like jihad casually, because such injudicious usage only plays into the hands of the terrorists. It would perhaps be more accurate if the media start using
fitna instead of jihad for terrorism. Jihad means struggle, so let it be known to these ostensible ‘jihadis’ that the real jihad is waged against the self
and does not mean murdering innocents.
Shadab Husain, Lucknow
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=9535be97-12d3-4337-9a8b-e082ca19130f&MatchID1=4813&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=1&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1212&PrimaryID=4813&Headline=Pak+chickens+come+home+to+roost
My letter in today's Hindustan Times:
Use words responsibly
In her article Opening the Book, (October 10), Renuka Narayanan has well-captured the misuse of Islamic references. The media must refrain from using words
like jihad casually, because such injudicious usage only plays into the hands of the terrorists. It would perhaps be more accurate if the media start using
fitna instead of jihad for terrorism. Jihad means struggle, so let it be known to these ostensible ‘jihadis’ that the real jihad is waged against the self
and does not mean murdering innocents.
Shadab Husain, Lucknow
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=9535be97-12d3-4337-9a8b-e082ca19130f&MatchID1=4813&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=1&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1212&PrimaryID=4813&Headline=Pak+chickens+come+home+to+roost
Free Audio Bhagwat Gita
***
Download free audio version of Bhagvat Gita - Sanskrit-to-English translation here!
This is the link of the first chapter
http://rs466l3.rapidshare.com/cgi-bin/upload.cgi?rsuploadid=99604896836302318
If the link doesn’t work, please copy and paste it in your browser. [1. Press the (Windows) key. 2. Press the letter (I). 3. Press (Control + O). 4. Paste the copied link and hit Enter and you will be good to go!]
I will be uploading all the chapters within a couple of days - so keep on visiting!
I thank Mr Rakesh Jain of RSVI who provided such a wonderful CD to me!
Remember spirituality is most needed today and it is the key to success!
I am planning to bring some great English Classes and tips on speaking effectively in the very near future. Mind, those tips would be novel unlike the bromide tips which are coming from the age of Methuselah! Meanwhile, the daily idiomatic updates would continue.
Postscript: Those who visit this blog also visit
http:// freestuff4indians.blogspot.com/
Excellent blog! Give it a click you will find an audio file of chirping of birds etc.! It is refreshing and cheering!
Download free audio version of Bhagvat Gita - Sanskrit-to-English translation here!
This is the link of the first chapter
http://rs466l3.rapidshare.com/cgi-bin/upload.cgi?rsuploadid=99604896836302318
If the link doesn’t work, please copy and paste it in your browser. [1. Press the (Windows) key. 2. Press the letter (I). 3. Press (Control + O). 4. Paste the copied link and hit Enter and you will be good to go!]
I will be uploading all the chapters within a couple of days - so keep on visiting!
I thank Mr Rakesh Jain of RSVI who provided such a wonderful CD to me!
Remember spirituality is most needed today and it is the key to success!
I am planning to bring some great English Classes and tips on speaking effectively in the very near future. Mind, those tips would be novel unlike the bromide tips which are coming from the age of Methuselah! Meanwhile, the daily idiomatic updates would continue.
Postscript: Those who visit this blog also visit
http:// freestuff4indians.blogspot.com/
Excellent blog! Give it a click you will find an audio file of chirping of birds etc.! It is refreshing and cheering!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Today's Idioms
***
Good morning. Because my teacher Mrs Robinson told me that we should never begin a sentence with “because”, because, “because” is a conjunction, so I left beginning the sentences with “because” and then I stopped obeying her. Because you see, some junior school rules should not be carried on for ever.
Because today after a long time we are here to learn the idioms, so I am happy and eager to learn them.
Today’s idioms
1. Muddy the waters: to make the problem more confusing and difficult to understand. Arushi murder case brought disgrace to the police because instead of solving it, they muddied the waters.
2. A strong stomach: the capability to watch very brutal and horrific scenes without being disturbed or upset. With lawlessness rampant all over the world, you need to have a strong stomach to watch the news channels.
3. Blot out something: To do something in order to change your attention from anything which disturbs you. I drank a fresh cup of tea so as to blot out the unpleasantness of the fight.
Please learn these idioms by heart by using them.
Good morning. Because my teacher Mrs Robinson told me that we should never begin a sentence with “because”, because, “because” is a conjunction, so I left beginning the sentences with “because” and then I stopped obeying her. Because you see, some junior school rules should not be carried on for ever.
Because today after a long time we are here to learn the idioms, so I am happy and eager to learn them.
Today’s idioms
1. Muddy the waters: to make the problem more confusing and difficult to understand. Arushi murder case brought disgrace to the police because instead of solving it, they muddied the waters.
2. A strong stomach: the capability to watch very brutal and horrific scenes without being disturbed or upset. With lawlessness rampant all over the world, you need to have a strong stomach to watch the news channels.
3. Blot out something: To do something in order to change your attention from anything which disturbs you. I drank a fresh cup of tea so as to blot out the unpleasantness of the fight.
Please learn these idioms by heart by using them.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
How to Improve Writing Skills
***
How to Improve Writing
If you really are in love with any art, then congratulations - it won’t take you long before you find yourself progressing with the speed of light at it. This is because love rules, and it compels you to rule as well. This neatly clarifies that, in order to excel at any art, the condition is love - writing skill is no exception.
Some tips
In order to improve your writing, reading the best books and keenly observing the style is a must. Take a proper care to choose the topic which pleases, gladdens, and cheers you up. Beware, This is a very delicate stage where lot of us slip. The material you choose shouldn't be misleading or indecent. Never seek guidance of anybody in asking which books will be the best for you because nobody would be able to answer this question better than you.
Simply read what you like. For example, if you are interested in science fiction, pick it up. Sit easily, take a cup of coffee and just go on reading for pleasure. You will enjoy reading more than anything else. This is really that place from where love for language enters your life.
To my amazement, many educated people give a lot of importance to grammar and spellings. Agreed, mastering the rules of grammar and spellings is good. However, deeply stamp it in your mind that these things aren’t of foremost importance - since they might well make you correct writer and speaker; but your skills might lack taste and your readers will be happy to take flight from you.
Reading great books like Hamlet, Paradise Lost, Origin of Species etc. sounds great. But if they don’t interest you, don’t force yourself to read them. Your writing will be your reflection and if you learn from dullness and disinterestedness it will be mirrored. I must remind the condition is love, not bookishness.
Well, now the question comes up that what and how to write.
Beginning with writing is very easy: start with the topics you are well aware of and which interest you. If your favourite topic, for example, is empowering the poor farmers of India - write on it. At first, you might find it difficult to clearly express yourself - but no Problem. Even if you aren’t able to write clearly, leave it.
The secret is breaking the block into little pieces, so begin with small steps. Think small, write small. Write how you feel when it rains. A fresh cup of tea. How you felt when your exams were over? Death of a friendly neighbour. The rudeness of the shopkeeper. Did you enjoy the picnic? Meeting a curious person. The topic list is huge, you don’t have to go hunting.
Be original, expressive and creative at your writing. Never try to go beyond the limit of simplicity. Your writing should be direct, simple, precise and you must write what you really feel and want to say.
For simple, clear and refine style you may refer to the Coverley Papers of Joseph Addison. I feel, he is the master of writing on small topics, and after reading his essays you will get a better understanding of what is being said in the two aforementioned paragraphs.
To be informed of the present English I will suggest news analyses of Vir Sangvhi and Rajdeep Sardesai as their communication is excellently easy. You can find them on the edit pages of the Hindustan Times.
English is a language which, is exploding all over the world with a whooshing pace, and it is, as well as being a sedate language, is also very useful in the present modern era of technology, and can be used almost all over the world at the present time; but for many it is just a language to show off their superiority over other people. The aforementioned sentence is wordy, tasteless and leads you nowhere - so never attempt to write such sentences. But a beginner often tries to adopt such a style and uses big words and resultantly sounds pedantic. Remember, big words are only used when the small ones cannot convey the meaning like the usage of “pedantic” in the previous sentence.
Importantly, English is a very humble language. Never miscue it to be fashionable or glamourous, because whoever does it, he miserably fails.
Lastly, the beginning of your piece must appear curious to your readers; middle should be in a clever order and tasteful so as to seize the complete attention of the readers throughout your piece; and end, solid.
How to Improve Writing
If you really are in love with any art, then congratulations - it won’t take you long before you find yourself progressing with the speed of light at it. This is because love rules, and it compels you to rule as well. This neatly clarifies that, in order to excel at any art, the condition is love - writing skill is no exception.
Some tips
In order to improve your writing, reading the best books and keenly observing the style is a must. Take a proper care to choose the topic which pleases, gladdens, and cheers you up. Beware, This is a very delicate stage where lot of us slip. The material you choose shouldn't be misleading or indecent. Never seek guidance of anybody in asking which books will be the best for you because nobody would be able to answer this question better than you.
Simply read what you like. For example, if you are interested in science fiction, pick it up. Sit easily, take a cup of coffee and just go on reading for pleasure. You will enjoy reading more than anything else. This is really that place from where love for language enters your life.
To my amazement, many educated people give a lot of importance to grammar and spellings. Agreed, mastering the rules of grammar and spellings is good. However, deeply stamp it in your mind that these things aren’t of foremost importance - since they might well make you correct writer and speaker; but your skills might lack taste and your readers will be happy to take flight from you.
Reading great books like Hamlet, Paradise Lost, Origin of Species etc. sounds great. But if they don’t interest you, don’t force yourself to read them. Your writing will be your reflection and if you learn from dullness and disinterestedness it will be mirrored. I must remind the condition is love, not bookishness.
Well, now the question comes up that what and how to write.
Beginning with writing is very easy: start with the topics you are well aware of and which interest you. If your favourite topic, for example, is empowering the poor farmers of India - write on it. At first, you might find it difficult to clearly express yourself - but no Problem. Even if you aren’t able to write clearly, leave it.
The secret is breaking the block into little pieces, so begin with small steps. Think small, write small. Write how you feel when it rains. A fresh cup of tea. How you felt when your exams were over? Death of a friendly neighbour. The rudeness of the shopkeeper. Did you enjoy the picnic? Meeting a curious person. The topic list is huge, you don’t have to go hunting.
Be original, expressive and creative at your writing. Never try to go beyond the limit of simplicity. Your writing should be direct, simple, precise and you must write what you really feel and want to say.
For simple, clear and refine style you may refer to the Coverley Papers of Joseph Addison. I feel, he is the master of writing on small topics, and after reading his essays you will get a better understanding of what is being said in the two aforementioned paragraphs.
To be informed of the present English I will suggest news analyses of Vir Sangvhi and Rajdeep Sardesai as their communication is excellently easy. You can find them on the edit pages of the Hindustan Times.
English is a language which, is exploding all over the world with a whooshing pace, and it is, as well as being a sedate language, is also very useful in the present modern era of technology, and can be used almost all over the world at the present time; but for many it is just a language to show off their superiority over other people. The aforementioned sentence is wordy, tasteless and leads you nowhere - so never attempt to write such sentences. But a beginner often tries to adopt such a style and uses big words and resultantly sounds pedantic. Remember, big words are only used when the small ones cannot convey the meaning like the usage of “pedantic” in the previous sentence.
Importantly, English is a very humble language. Never miscue it to be fashionable or glamourous, because whoever does it, he miserably fails.
Lastly, the beginning of your piece must appear curious to your readers; middle should be in a clever order and tasteful so as to seize the complete attention of the readers throughout your piece; and end, solid.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Today's Idioms (October 6, 2008)
***
Hi Friends!
Yesterday my aunt called me so I went to her house after two years. As I was on a bunk, she scolded me a lot and said she will fix me with one of the girls as if it were a punishment. I said “please do it pronto!”
I have jumped back to vomit out some new idioms. Here they run!
1. A sea change (this is literary): A total change. The explosion of internet has brought a sea change in all the enterprises over the world.
2. Pep up anything or anybody: to add more activity or cheerfulness. John is confident that keeping a positive outlook he will pep up his website’s popularity in the near future. We were having a pretty good time at the picnic, but the arrival of our sir really pepped us up.
3. On automatic pilot (this is informal): When you do anything on automatic pilot, it means you are very efficient at it, and can do it effortlessly, because you have been doing it for long and have gained mastery over it. John started hacking email accounts of others several years back and now he can do it on automatic pilot.
Here slips
Shadab
Hi Friends!
Yesterday my aunt called me so I went to her house after two years. As I was on a bunk, she scolded me a lot and said she will fix me with one of the girls as if it were a punishment. I said “please do it pronto!”
I have jumped back to vomit out some new idioms. Here they run!
1. A sea change (this is literary): A total change. The explosion of internet has brought a sea change in all the enterprises over the world.
2. Pep up anything or anybody: to add more activity or cheerfulness. John is confident that keeping a positive outlook he will pep up his website’s popularity in the near future. We were having a pretty good time at the picnic, but the arrival of our sir really pepped us up.
3. On automatic pilot (this is informal): When you do anything on automatic pilot, it means you are very efficient at it, and can do it effortlessly, because you have been doing it for long and have gained mastery over it. John started hacking email accounts of others several years back and now he can do it on automatic pilot.
Here slips
Shadab
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Today's Idioms (October 5, 2008)
***
Hi Friends
A very cheerful morning.
Today I am very happy because you are writing to tell me that this blog is useful and you enjoy reading it. Mr Bhavesh Dhanack from Dubai, Ms Vejia Lakshmi from Bangalore, Dr Saima Faridi and Mr Anand Sharma from Delhi are a few who have encouraged me a lot by being regular visitors of this blog. Keep on dashing off your comments whether on this blog or privately!
My special thanks also to Mr Akhil - a blogger
http:// freestuff4indians.blogspot.com who told me several points about blogging.
Oh, let me begin otherwise you will say I talk a lot, boy!
Today’s idioms
1. A prima donna: Someone who desires to be treated with a lot of attention and isn’t easily happy with anything. Come on guys let’s push off because these girls are real prima donnas.
2. Meet your Waterloo: A person meets his Waterloo when, after being victorious in the past, is defeated by a more powerful man or is overpowered by a problem which is very difficult for him to tackle. Triple H was fighting good but as The Great Khali arrived he met his Waterloo. I don’t think that being a breadwinner and continuing my education at the same time will make me meet my Waterloo.
3. On the dot: Punctually. I had to reach my school at 6:55 am on the dot because delay even of a minute meant a proper thrashing from the prefects.
Off with the idioms.
Let me again tell you that I am deeply honoured to read your comments - they are the loveliest words I read for long, so thank you very much, with best wishes, Shadab Husain
Hi Friends
A very cheerful morning.
Today I am very happy because you are writing to tell me that this blog is useful and you enjoy reading it. Mr Bhavesh Dhanack from Dubai, Ms Vejia Lakshmi from Bangalore, Dr Saima Faridi and Mr Anand Sharma from Delhi are a few who have encouraged me a lot by being regular visitors of this blog. Keep on dashing off your comments whether on this blog or privately!
My special thanks also to Mr Akhil - a blogger
http:// freestuff4indians.blogspot.com who told me several points about blogging.
Oh, let me begin otherwise you will say I talk a lot, boy!
Today’s idioms
1. A prima donna: Someone who desires to be treated with a lot of attention and isn’t easily happy with anything. Come on guys let’s push off because these girls are real prima donnas.
2. Meet your Waterloo: A person meets his Waterloo when, after being victorious in the past, is defeated by a more powerful man or is overpowered by a problem which is very difficult for him to tackle. Triple H was fighting good but as The Great Khali arrived he met his Waterloo. I don’t think that being a breadwinner and continuing my education at the same time will make me meet my Waterloo.
3. On the dot: Punctually. I had to reach my school at 6:55 am on the dot because delay even of a minute meant a proper thrashing from the prefects.
Off with the idioms.
Let me again tell you that I am deeply honoured to read your comments - they are the loveliest words I read for long, so thank you very much, with best wishes, Shadab Husain
Today's Idioms.
***
Howdy,
I presume that some of you would be waiting for me to post the writing and speaking tips I promised to. Please bear with me, I will post them in the very near future. Importantly, those tips would be fresh - unlike the bromide tips which are coming from the age of Methuselah. You might enjoy reading them.
In the meantime, please go through these idioms and stamp them in your minds.
Let me confess to you that the words I use here is an attempt to boost your vocabulary. I hope you make the best use of it by jotting them down anywhere.
Today’s idioms
1. Last-ditch attempt: An attempt which would be the final since many attempts have already failed to solve the problem. I tried convincing him several times, but he isn’t believing me - today will be my last-ditch attempt.
2. The cut and thrust of something: An energetic debate, discussion or activity. When journalists like Rajdeep Sardesai host a show, everyone enjoys the cut and thrust of argument.
3. A pep talk: An encouraging speech delivered to cheer up people to do hard work or to defeat the opponents. Hitler was a matchless orator - his pep talks enthused the Germans.
Well, these were the idioms I brought for you. Were they interesting? No? Do respond.
Cheers
Howdy,
I presume that some of you would be waiting for me to post the writing and speaking tips I promised to. Please bear with me, I will post them in the very near future. Importantly, those tips would be fresh - unlike the bromide tips which are coming from the age of Methuselah. You might enjoy reading them.
In the meantime, please go through these idioms and stamp them in your minds.
Let me confess to you that the words I use here is an attempt to boost your vocabulary. I hope you make the best use of it by jotting them down anywhere.
Today’s idioms
1. Last-ditch attempt: An attempt which would be the final since many attempts have already failed to solve the problem. I tried convincing him several times, but he isn’t believing me - today will be my last-ditch attempt.
2. The cut and thrust of something: An energetic debate, discussion or activity. When journalists like Rajdeep Sardesai host a show, everyone enjoys the cut and thrust of argument.
3. A pep talk: An encouraging speech delivered to cheer up people to do hard work or to defeat the opponents. Hitler was a matchless orator - his pep talks enthused the Germans.
Well, these were the idioms I brought for you. Were they interesting? No? Do respond.
Cheers
Friday, October 3, 2008
Today's idioms
Hi Friends,
As it was Eid, my friends and I traipsed around the city the whole night, and ate a lot - so am feeling very lazy and dull. So let’s quickly learn today’s idioms.
1. Not give/care a toss (this is British and informal): To not be bothered about something or someone. I clarified the misconceptions he had for me, now I don’t give a toss to what he assumes. I don’t care a toss about what others think about me: I do what I feel is true - and I do it in my own fashioning.
2. That Monday morning feeling ( this is informal): If you get that Monday morning feeling, you feel sad that the weekend is over and you have to work. Today I’m pretty dull, but it isn’t an issue for it’s just that Monday morning feeling.
3. From/since the year dot: Since a very long period of time. Somalia is notorious for pirates since the year dot.
These were today’s idioms. Am going. Catching on with sleep!
Regards
As it was Eid, my friends and I traipsed around the city the whole night, and ate a lot - so am feeling very lazy and dull. So let’s quickly learn today’s idioms.
1. Not give/care a toss (this is British and informal): To not be bothered about something or someone. I clarified the misconceptions he had for me, now I don’t give a toss to what he assumes. I don’t care a toss about what others think about me: I do what I feel is true - and I do it in my own fashioning.
2. That Monday morning feeling ( this is informal): If you get that Monday morning feeling, you feel sad that the weekend is over and you have to work. Today I’m pretty dull, but it isn’t an issue for it’s just that Monday morning feeling.
3. From/since the year dot: Since a very long period of time. Somalia is notorious for pirates since the year dot.
These were today’s idioms. Am going. Catching on with sleep!
Regards
Thursday, October 2, 2008
My Contributions to the press
Hi Folks
Greetings for the festivals!
As promised, I’m furnishing some of the contributions I made to the press. I couldn't get all of them. Please skim over them, and if you have any comments, leave them in the space at the bottom.
Happy reading!
The Indian media must regulate itself, now
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=80bb0407-6d82-452e-97ef-cab9105d2492
It is shameful that the TV channels have never dwelt on the discriminatory system of education imposed upon us. Has any news channel highlighted the precarious condition of blind students? Has the media ever brought to public attention that they have no access to libraries? It is ironical that the likes of Shilpa Shetty get so much coverage while the real issues are overlooked. What a shame.
Voter turnout
http://www.hindu.com:80/2009/05/05/stories/2009050555310803.htm
As a young Indian, I was excited about the election but I did not go to the polling booth, first because I am visually impaired and I have heard from my peers that there is no privacy for people like us. Braille EVMs exist only in name. Secondly, a host of families from my neighbourhood came back frustrated as their names were missing from the voter lists.
Is the Election Commission aware that names go missing from the voter lists; houses are wiped off the map; people who are alive are declared dead; and the religion and even the gender of many people have been changed?
Needed, action
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155620801.htm
Though Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sounded sincere (“The terrorists want to destroy Pakistan, too” — Op-Ed article, Dec. 10), it is clear that the sabre-rattling by the Pakistani military impedes his actions. Otherwise, why would he have taken a ‘u’-turn on sending the ISI chief to India? There are a host of accused and confirmed terrorists living freely in Pakistan. If he really wants to wipe off terrorism, he should be strong enough to defy all the forces that come in the way of peace. Indians and Pakistanis are acutely suffering from terrorism. It would be better for us if Mr. Zardari, instead of his emotive articulations, takes the required actions against the terrorists. We want business.
Use words responsibly
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=9535be97-12d3-4337-9a8b-e082ca19130f&MatchID1=4813&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=1&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1212&PrimaryID=4813&Headline=Pak+chickens+come+home+to+roost
In her article Opening the Book, (October 10), Renuka Narayanan has well-captured the misuse of Islamic references. The media must refrain from using words
like jihad casually, because such injudicious usage only plays into the hands of the terrorists. It would perhaps be more accurate if the media start using
fitna instead of jihad for terrorism. Jihad means struggle, so let it be known to these ostensible ‘jihadis’ that the real jihad is waged against the self
and does not mean murdering innocents.
Sex education
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/11/01/stories/2007110155771204.htm
I do not think the introduction of sex education in schools is wrong. Children become aware of the subject by the time they are 10 years old. They become curious about the changes that occur in them. Because of the conservative culture that exists in our society, they find it difficult to discuss sex with their parents or teachers. Due to lack of information and the cultural barrier, many of them become easy prey of paedophiles. We should always remember that the media power is such that we cannot stop the youngsters from seeking information on issues related to sex. It is, therefore, better for the elders to talk to them frankly and educate them on the subject. The hesitation to discuss sex in open classrooms can be overcome if women teachers teach girls and male teachers educate boys. But let us shed the narrow-minded outlook which has ruined many young lives.
Sex education II
http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/29/stories/2008012954600802.htm
Besides sexual harassment and forced sex, children also suffer from a sense of fear when they reach adolescence. They cannot communicate their fears and many become depressed. Suicide by a 14-year-old girl who began to menstruate and feared that she had a sexually transmitted disease, prompting Edward Chad Varah to start the Samaritans — a hotline to help those contemplating suicide — is a case in point. It is the government's duty to make sex education part of the curriculum to avoid such misinformation and restrict child abuse.
Child abuse
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/30/stories/2007033002061002.htm
Parents must stop fighting shy of discussing sex with children. They should also refrain from frightening their children by invoking images of ghosts, superstitions, etc. Paedophiles prey upon such fears of children and prevent them from talking about the abuse heaped on them. Parents should remember that sexual abuse leaves an indelible mark on the minds of children.
Father, dear father
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/letters/article2132467.ece
After reading the articles and letters on fathers, I am in a better position to notice the sacrifices my father makes. I am pretty overwhelmed with emotions and guilt because sometimes I don't listen to what he says but now I see a change in my attitude.
The bitter irony of life is that when a stranger helps us, we express our gratitude and remember him, but we take for granted the person who is ready to sacrifice his everything for our sake.
Irrational protests
http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/04/stories/2010030453930801.htm
Ms Nasreen has clarified that she did not write the article, of which a ‘translation' was carried in the Kannada daily. Immediate action should be taken against the newspaper for publishing an article that was both provocative and unauthentic. Freedom of expression, undoubtedly, is a crucial aspect of journalism. But credibility is equally crucial. Regrettably, the Kannada daily ignored all principles of journalism.
It is perhaps the first instance when Ms Nasreen has not intentionally come to the limelight. The newspaper seems to have used her name.
Memorials & statues
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070455871001.htm
This refers to the editorial “Symbols over substance?” (July 3) on the Supreme Court’s notice to the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh for its spending on memorials and statues. Ms Mayawati has put up many memorials and statues for Dalit leaders and work on many more is on. But who stands to gain from them?
For most Dalit children, proper education is a farfetched dream even today. There are a host of memorials and statues in Uttar Pradesh but the living condition of Dalits is pitiable.
Dealing with ragging
http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/18/stories/2009031855760802.htm
The Supreme Court’s act of issuing a show-cause to the principal and the registrar of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, and asking them why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for the death of Aman Kachroo, allegedly due to ragging, is welcome.
From media reports, it is obvious that the college administration did not take Aman’s complaints seriously. We, the people, repose our faith in the judiciary and hope it will take stringent action against the guilty.
Punjab violence
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/29/stories/2009052954810802.htm
The violence in Punjab following an attack on the chief of the Dera Sach Khand and the killing of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna shows the low level of tolerance among the people. I feel sorry for those who were stranded in airports and railway stations due to the violence although they were not even remotely connected with the Vienna incident.
The top Sikh leaders should condemn the violence and instruct their followers to desist forthwith.
Live and let live
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=102c1e7c-5847-4d4c-adf5-3da9905a0e2f&Headline=A+matter+of+pride+for+Kher
The apparent havoc unleashed by the Dera Sach Khand in Punjab shows a high level of intolerance. I feel deeply sorry for helpless commuters, particularly children, who have been stranded in such cruel weather — despite being far-removed from the skirmish in faraway Vienna. Ironically, a host of Muslim clerics are killed in Iraq and Pakistan in similar clashes but we have not heard about any such instance in India, involving Muslims who are often blamed for their so-called intolerance.
Get the media picture right
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=c0668a2d-3898-49d7-8446-630b6b29501a&&Headline=One+man%e2%80%99s+defence+is+another+man%e2%80%99s+survival
Apropos Vir Sanghvi’s Return of the Censor (Counterpoint, January 11), some television anchors might overdo things to push up their TRP ratings. But criticism of officials who didn’t intervene to prevent telecasts during the Mumbai siege is unfair. It is the public’s right to know how politicians and bureaucrats are carrying out their duties. Of course, restraint and decency is required on the part of channels. But before passing any restrictions, care should be taken to protect the fundamental rights of the people.
Make India safe
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112955720904.htm
The gruesome terror attacks have shown how vulnerable we are. Blaming the police for these attacks is not correct. It must be accepted that it is physically
impossible for the police to check every vehicle and person across the country. The police did remarkably well by plunging into action and neutralizing
the terrorists. The nation fervently salutes them. The job of the intelligence agencies, however, leaves much to be desired.
Draconian
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/20/stories/2008122052511003.htm
The editorial, “Two steps backward” (Dec. 19), rightly points out that combating terrorism needs the beefing up of the intelligence and investigative system, and the police force. Draconian measures have only proved counterproductive. When POTA and TADA were in place, innumerable people were detained. But how many among them were terrorists?
By amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and not doing much to improve policing, the UPA government has chosen an easy way out. Will draconian laws prevent terrorists who don’t care about their lives and remain eager to take as many lives as they can?
Anti-terror laws
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/23/stories/2008092352450803.htm
Proponents of strict anti-terror laws argue that since the U.S. has strict anti-terror laws, there has not been any bomb blasts after the 9/11. Cui bono (who stands to gain)? May I say that in the U.S. the intelligence and police are accoutred with the best technology and weapons to combat terrorism? That the U.S. does not face insurgency as we do from Pakistan ? That the police in the U.S. don’t work as clumsily while solving a case like the Arushi Talvar murder? May I remind that in the U.S. politicians don’t play blame game when it comes to combating terrorism?
Needless to mention that the attack on Parliament and the Mumbai incidents happened when such laws were in place.
On Duckworth-Lewis
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112655821006.htm
This refers to the letters arguing that the Duckworth-Lewis method should be changed as England lost the Bangalore ODI because of it (Nov. 25). The Indian team had no way of knowing that the match would be shortened to 22 overs, which is why it did not score quick runs. On the other hand, the England team was aware that it would get only 22 overs to bat. Thus it had an advantage over India. It was imperative to level this imbalance. Therefore, England was asked to score a few more runs. Where is the defect in the D/L method and where is the misfortune for England?
A systemic failure
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=100038b3-c685-4f1d-83a5-16c10ab65cba&MatchID1=4664&TeamID1=5&TeamID2=2&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1173&PrimaryID=4664&Headline=Not+rich%2c+nor+famous
Often sadness over a small failure prevents us from gaining real success. So is the case with those parents, teachers and children who are obsessed with examinations. Many great scientists and thinkers met with failures initially and even had irregular education. Had they became discouraged, we would never have known them. So, a possible approach is the key to success.
Quiet is healthy
(Sound pollution)
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/18/stories/2007091850061004.htm
That the government is not paying attention to the menace is well known. But even the people do not seem to be worried. We can make a beginning by following the old lifestyle. We can stop using vehicles to cover a small distance; refrain from the use of loud horns; and stop bursting crackers and playing loud music during marriages and festivals. Among us are children and animals who cannot even express their trauma.
Clean up your act first
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e069cc59-6940-4afd-a1b0-d6044ee3476c&MatchID1=4628&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1165&PrimaryID=4628&Headline=Young+and+younger
Apropos of Sitaram Yechury's article Mercury rising (January 24), it sounds ironic when he says the main reason for global warming is the pattern of capitalist industrialisation in pursuit of ever higher profits. Wasn't it the Left Front government in West Bengal that gave hundreds of acres of land to the Tatas virtually free for their car plant? If the author wants to eliminate global warming, then he should force the UPA government to look for other energy options like ethanol or solar energy.
All in the mind
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6dd5cb12-135b-49e5-b2fd-461439c2a157
The tone of Vir Sanghvi's article Team India (November 21) is truly humanistic. But it is the duty of common masses to spread harmony among people who are vulnerable. We should not depend on hypocrites to make us understand what is in our religion, rather we should try to stick to the scriptures and then examine the words. Those who believe in the Almighty and do good shall have their reward from their Lord and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.
Jaipur blasts
http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/17/stories/2008051754671001.htm
It is necessary to enact laws like TADA and POTA to curb terrorism. But the misuse of such laws should be checked. The government, therefore, while enacting an anti-terrorism law, should provide adequate safeguards, including a monitoring body, to guard against its misuse.
Just a smokescreen
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=decdd196-4908-4d2c-bda1-824f851826cd&MatchID1=4643&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1170&PrimaryID=4643&Headline=You+can%e2%80%99t+ignore+Karanjia
Karan Thapar deserves praise for exposing the foul play. That the Health Minister is shelving the implementation of the pictorial warnings on tobacco products fearing he will lose votes in his constituency is regrettable. The presumption that skull and cross-bones will be offensive to Muslims is hypocritical.
Crime against women
http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031953021002.htm
With foreigners as victims, assaulters are assured of getting away easily. To minimise assaults on foreigners, particularly women, the administration should distribute literature to them warning them of the nature of risks they could encounter. They should also be cautioned against going to lonely spots on their own. The administration should hold frequent meetings with the people related to the tourism industry (hotel managers, taxi drivers, etc.) and educate them on the need to ensure safe tourism.
Media role
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/07/30/stories/2007073053881003.htm
The media role in keeping Dr. Haneef's case in the limelight is heartening. Admittedly, they forced the Australian government to review the case. But the Indian government is not free from accusations of discrimination either. The media should highlight illegal detentions in India too to make the country a safer place for the minorities.
The media's methods
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=5173b4f2-16cb-43a9-acd4-9d37740b22a7
Restrictions on the media will impact on the freedom of the minds of people. We should support the media for highlighting the truth. With corruption at all levels in society, the media remains our only hope to convey our concerns to politicians.
Voter turnout
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/13/stories/2009051353461003.htm
A lot of people have condemned the low voter turnout in the election. But I fail to understand how a huge turnout will improve matters. What is the point in voting in large numbers for the same breed of politicians who are responsible for the existing state of affairs?
Campus violence
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111755190802.htm
I do not agree that media persons were wrong in continuing to shoot the brutal incident. The job of the media is to report, not assume the role of the police. Had it not been for the media's efforts, many of us might not have even come to know of the gory incident.
Greetings for the festivals!
As promised, I’m furnishing some of the contributions I made to the press. I couldn't get all of them. Please skim over them, and if you have any comments, leave them in the space at the bottom.
Happy reading!
The Indian media must regulate itself, now
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=80bb0407-6d82-452e-97ef-cab9105d2492
It is shameful that the TV channels have never dwelt on the discriminatory system of education imposed upon us. Has any news channel highlighted the precarious condition of blind students? Has the media ever brought to public attention that they have no access to libraries? It is ironical that the likes of Shilpa Shetty get so much coverage while the real issues are overlooked. What a shame.
Voter turnout
http://www.hindu.com:80/2009/05/05/stories/2009050555310803.htm
As a young Indian, I was excited about the election but I did not go to the polling booth, first because I am visually impaired and I have heard from my peers that there is no privacy for people like us. Braille EVMs exist only in name. Secondly, a host of families from my neighbourhood came back frustrated as their names were missing from the voter lists.
Is the Election Commission aware that names go missing from the voter lists; houses are wiped off the map; people who are alive are declared dead; and the religion and even the gender of many people have been changed?
Needed, action
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155620801.htm
Though Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sounded sincere (“The terrorists want to destroy Pakistan, too” — Op-Ed article, Dec. 10), it is clear that the sabre-rattling by the Pakistani military impedes his actions. Otherwise, why would he have taken a ‘u’-turn on sending the ISI chief to India? There are a host of accused and confirmed terrorists living freely in Pakistan. If he really wants to wipe off terrorism, he should be strong enough to defy all the forces that come in the way of peace. Indians and Pakistanis are acutely suffering from terrorism. It would be better for us if Mr. Zardari, instead of his emotive articulations, takes the required actions against the terrorists. We want business.
Use words responsibly
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=9535be97-12d3-4337-9a8b-e082ca19130f&MatchID1=4813&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=1&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1212&PrimaryID=4813&Headline=Pak+chickens+come+home+to+roost
In her article Opening the Book, (October 10), Renuka Narayanan has well-captured the misuse of Islamic references. The media must refrain from using words
like jihad casually, because such injudicious usage only plays into the hands of the terrorists. It would perhaps be more accurate if the media start using
fitna instead of jihad for terrorism. Jihad means struggle, so let it be known to these ostensible ‘jihadis’ that the real jihad is waged against the self
and does not mean murdering innocents.
Sex education
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/11/01/stories/2007110155771204.htm
I do not think the introduction of sex education in schools is wrong. Children become aware of the subject by the time they are 10 years old. They become curious about the changes that occur in them. Because of the conservative culture that exists in our society, they find it difficult to discuss sex with their parents or teachers. Due to lack of information and the cultural barrier, many of them become easy prey of paedophiles. We should always remember that the media power is such that we cannot stop the youngsters from seeking information on issues related to sex. It is, therefore, better for the elders to talk to them frankly and educate them on the subject. The hesitation to discuss sex in open classrooms can be overcome if women teachers teach girls and male teachers educate boys. But let us shed the narrow-minded outlook which has ruined many young lives.
Sex education II
http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/29/stories/2008012954600802.htm
Besides sexual harassment and forced sex, children also suffer from a sense of fear when they reach adolescence. They cannot communicate their fears and many become depressed. Suicide by a 14-year-old girl who began to menstruate and feared that she had a sexually transmitted disease, prompting Edward Chad Varah to start the Samaritans — a hotline to help those contemplating suicide — is a case in point. It is the government's duty to make sex education part of the curriculum to avoid such misinformation and restrict child abuse.
Child abuse
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/30/stories/2007033002061002.htm
Parents must stop fighting shy of discussing sex with children. They should also refrain from frightening their children by invoking images of ghosts, superstitions, etc. Paedophiles prey upon such fears of children and prevent them from talking about the abuse heaped on them. Parents should remember that sexual abuse leaves an indelible mark on the minds of children.
Father, dear father
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/letters/article2132467.ece
After reading the articles and letters on fathers, I am in a better position to notice the sacrifices my father makes. I am pretty overwhelmed with emotions and guilt because sometimes I don't listen to what he says but now I see a change in my attitude.
The bitter irony of life is that when a stranger helps us, we express our gratitude and remember him, but we take for granted the person who is ready to sacrifice his everything for our sake.
Irrational protests
http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/04/stories/2010030453930801.htm
Ms Nasreen has clarified that she did not write the article, of which a ‘translation' was carried in the Kannada daily. Immediate action should be taken against the newspaper for publishing an article that was both provocative and unauthentic. Freedom of expression, undoubtedly, is a crucial aspect of journalism. But credibility is equally crucial. Regrettably, the Kannada daily ignored all principles of journalism.
It is perhaps the first instance when Ms Nasreen has not intentionally come to the limelight. The newspaper seems to have used her name.
Memorials & statues
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070455871001.htm
This refers to the editorial “Symbols over substance?” (July 3) on the Supreme Court’s notice to the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh for its spending on memorials and statues. Ms Mayawati has put up many memorials and statues for Dalit leaders and work on many more is on. But who stands to gain from them?
For most Dalit children, proper education is a farfetched dream even today. There are a host of memorials and statues in Uttar Pradesh but the living condition of Dalits is pitiable.
Dealing with ragging
http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/18/stories/2009031855760802.htm
The Supreme Court’s act of issuing a show-cause to the principal and the registrar of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, and asking them why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for the death of Aman Kachroo, allegedly due to ragging, is welcome.
From media reports, it is obvious that the college administration did not take Aman’s complaints seriously. We, the people, repose our faith in the judiciary and hope it will take stringent action against the guilty.
Punjab violence
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/29/stories/2009052954810802.htm
The violence in Punjab following an attack on the chief of the Dera Sach Khand and the killing of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna shows the low level of tolerance among the people. I feel sorry for those who were stranded in airports and railway stations due to the violence although they were not even remotely connected with the Vienna incident.
The top Sikh leaders should condemn the violence and instruct their followers to desist forthwith.
Live and let live
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=102c1e7c-5847-4d4c-adf5-3da9905a0e2f&Headline=A+matter+of+pride+for+Kher
The apparent havoc unleashed by the Dera Sach Khand in Punjab shows a high level of intolerance. I feel deeply sorry for helpless commuters, particularly children, who have been stranded in such cruel weather — despite being far-removed from the skirmish in faraway Vienna. Ironically, a host of Muslim clerics are killed in Iraq and Pakistan in similar clashes but we have not heard about any such instance in India, involving Muslims who are often blamed for their so-called intolerance.
Get the media picture right
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=c0668a2d-3898-49d7-8446-630b6b29501a&&Headline=One+man%e2%80%99s+defence+is+another+man%e2%80%99s+survival
Apropos Vir Sanghvi’s Return of the Censor (Counterpoint, January 11), some television anchors might overdo things to push up their TRP ratings. But criticism of officials who didn’t intervene to prevent telecasts during the Mumbai siege is unfair. It is the public’s right to know how politicians and bureaucrats are carrying out their duties. Of course, restraint and decency is required on the part of channels. But before passing any restrictions, care should be taken to protect the fundamental rights of the people.
Make India safe
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112955720904.htm
The gruesome terror attacks have shown how vulnerable we are. Blaming the police for these attacks is not correct. It must be accepted that it is physically
impossible for the police to check every vehicle and person across the country. The police did remarkably well by plunging into action and neutralizing
the terrorists. The nation fervently salutes them. The job of the intelligence agencies, however, leaves much to be desired.
Draconian
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/20/stories/2008122052511003.htm
The editorial, “Two steps backward” (Dec. 19), rightly points out that combating terrorism needs the beefing up of the intelligence and investigative system, and the police force. Draconian measures have only proved counterproductive. When POTA and TADA were in place, innumerable people were detained. But how many among them were terrorists?
By amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and not doing much to improve policing, the UPA government has chosen an easy way out. Will draconian laws prevent terrorists who don’t care about their lives and remain eager to take as many lives as they can?
Anti-terror laws
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/23/stories/2008092352450803.htm
Proponents of strict anti-terror laws argue that since the U.S. has strict anti-terror laws, there has not been any bomb blasts after the 9/11. Cui bono (who stands to gain)? May I say that in the U.S. the intelligence and police are accoutred with the best technology and weapons to combat terrorism? That the U.S. does not face insurgency as we do from Pakistan ? That the police in the U.S. don’t work as clumsily while solving a case like the Arushi Talvar murder? May I remind that in the U.S. politicians don’t play blame game when it comes to combating terrorism?
Needless to mention that the attack on Parliament and the Mumbai incidents happened when such laws were in place.
On Duckworth-Lewis
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112655821006.htm
This refers to the letters arguing that the Duckworth-Lewis method should be changed as England lost the Bangalore ODI because of it (Nov. 25). The Indian team had no way of knowing that the match would be shortened to 22 overs, which is why it did not score quick runs. On the other hand, the England team was aware that it would get only 22 overs to bat. Thus it had an advantage over India. It was imperative to level this imbalance. Therefore, England was asked to score a few more runs. Where is the defect in the D/L method and where is the misfortune for England?
A systemic failure
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=100038b3-c685-4f1d-83a5-16c10ab65cba&MatchID1=4664&TeamID1=5&TeamID2=2&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1173&PrimaryID=4664&Headline=Not+rich%2c+nor+famous
Often sadness over a small failure prevents us from gaining real success. So is the case with those parents, teachers and children who are obsessed with examinations. Many great scientists and thinkers met with failures initially and even had irregular education. Had they became discouraged, we would never have known them. So, a possible approach is the key to success.
Quiet is healthy
(Sound pollution)
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/18/stories/2007091850061004.htm
That the government is not paying attention to the menace is well known. But even the people do not seem to be worried. We can make a beginning by following the old lifestyle. We can stop using vehicles to cover a small distance; refrain from the use of loud horns; and stop bursting crackers and playing loud music during marriages and festivals. Among us are children and animals who cannot even express their trauma.
Clean up your act first
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e069cc59-6940-4afd-a1b0-d6044ee3476c&MatchID1=4628&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1165&PrimaryID=4628&Headline=Young+and+younger
Apropos of Sitaram Yechury's article Mercury rising (January 24), it sounds ironic when he says the main reason for global warming is the pattern of capitalist industrialisation in pursuit of ever higher profits. Wasn't it the Left Front government in West Bengal that gave hundreds of acres of land to the Tatas virtually free for their car plant? If the author wants to eliminate global warming, then he should force the UPA government to look for other energy options like ethanol or solar energy.
All in the mind
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6dd5cb12-135b-49e5-b2fd-461439c2a157
The tone of Vir Sanghvi's article Team India (November 21) is truly humanistic. But it is the duty of common masses to spread harmony among people who are vulnerable. We should not depend on hypocrites to make us understand what is in our religion, rather we should try to stick to the scriptures and then examine the words. Those who believe in the Almighty and do good shall have their reward from their Lord and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.
Jaipur blasts
http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/17/stories/2008051754671001.htm
It is necessary to enact laws like TADA and POTA to curb terrorism. But the misuse of such laws should be checked. The government, therefore, while enacting an anti-terrorism law, should provide adequate safeguards, including a monitoring body, to guard against its misuse.
Just a smokescreen
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=decdd196-4908-4d2c-bda1-824f851826cd&MatchID1=4643&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1170&PrimaryID=4643&Headline=You+can%e2%80%99t+ignore+Karanjia
Karan Thapar deserves praise for exposing the foul play. That the Health Minister is shelving the implementation of the pictorial warnings on tobacco products fearing he will lose votes in his constituency is regrettable. The presumption that skull and cross-bones will be offensive to Muslims is hypocritical.
Crime against women
http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031953021002.htm
With foreigners as victims, assaulters are assured of getting away easily. To minimise assaults on foreigners, particularly women, the administration should distribute literature to them warning them of the nature of risks they could encounter. They should also be cautioned against going to lonely spots on their own. The administration should hold frequent meetings with the people related to the tourism industry (hotel managers, taxi drivers, etc.) and educate them on the need to ensure safe tourism.
Media role
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/07/30/stories/2007073053881003.htm
The media role in keeping Dr. Haneef's case in the limelight is heartening. Admittedly, they forced the Australian government to review the case. But the Indian government is not free from accusations of discrimination either. The media should highlight illegal detentions in India too to make the country a safer place for the minorities.
The media's methods
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=5173b4f2-16cb-43a9-acd4-9d37740b22a7
Restrictions on the media will impact on the freedom of the minds of people. We should support the media for highlighting the truth. With corruption at all levels in society, the media remains our only hope to convey our concerns to politicians.
Voter turnout
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/13/stories/2009051353461003.htm
A lot of people have condemned the low voter turnout in the election. But I fail to understand how a huge turnout will improve matters. What is the point in voting in large numbers for the same breed of politicians who are responsible for the existing state of affairs?
Campus violence
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111755190802.htm
I do not agree that media persons were wrong in continuing to shoot the brutal incident. The job of the media is to report, not assume the role of the police. Had it not been for the media's efforts, many of us might not have even come to know of the gory incident.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Today's Idioms
***
Hi friends, today I’m feeling especially cheerful because it’s raining here! How is it in your cities? If it is as romantic as here it is, then are you going for a date? I’m afraid - your parents will say that I’m a bad influence! Better, I must shut up.
Today’s idioms
1. Be in the air: (a) - If a sensation especially happiness, is in the air, everyone feels it at the same time. At the church the excitement was in the air when after undergoing so many hardships Dorothy and John got married. (b) - Anything about to happen. It’s the beginning of October - so the season of cozying up - winters is in the air.
2. Sweep someone off their feet: If someone sweeps you off your feet, you suddenly go passionately in love with him. I was swept off my feet when Thomas, innocently and misty-eyed, came to propose me.
3. A breath of fresh air: Anyone or anything which is apart from others and new and makes everything lovelier. Humble and unexposed to the corrupt world as she was, she really appeared a breath of fresh air to me.
So these were today’s idioms. I jelled them with the weather. Will return tomorrow … and yes I don’t see your comments. What’s going on?
Regards
Hi friends, today I’m feeling especially cheerful because it’s raining here! How is it in your cities? If it is as romantic as here it is, then are you going for a date? I’m afraid - your parents will say that I’m a bad influence! Better, I must shut up.
Today’s idioms
1. Be in the air: (a) - If a sensation especially happiness, is in the air, everyone feels it at the same time. At the church the excitement was in the air when after undergoing so many hardships Dorothy and John got married. (b) - Anything about to happen. It’s the beginning of October - so the season of cozying up - winters is in the air.
2. Sweep someone off their feet: If someone sweeps you off your feet, you suddenly go passionately in love with him. I was swept off my feet when Thomas, innocently and misty-eyed, came to propose me.
3. A breath of fresh air: Anyone or anything which is apart from others and new and makes everything lovelier. Humble and unexposed to the corrupt world as she was, she really appeared a breath of fresh air to me.
So these were today’s idioms. I jelled them with the weather. Will return tomorrow … and yes I don’t see your comments. What’s going on?
Regards
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