CARPENTER

 CARPENTER

It is fascinating, if one chooses to carefully follow how carpenters go about their assignments of  fabricating a variety of products like Doors, Door frames, Window frames, Windows , mounting grills into the wooden frame , louvres and every other item known or unknown to us. You may just wonder as to what is fascinating about the whole thing. Before coming to judgment, it is sensible to assess the requirement . Persons reading this blog post from outside Southern India may not concur with my observations, since what obtains in Northern states is far different from that it is done in South especially in Kerala. Those of us who have had the experience of building house , would have engaged a carpenter for wood work except if the whole project was assigned to a contractor. Often, people prefer to utilize the services of well-known carpenters  for the aesthetic presentation of wood components. Contractors have a tendency to exercise stringent cost reduction to stand higher profit for themselves. Cost reduction implies using low quality material and workmanship. If the wood work is segregated from structural works of masonry, contractors feel relieved that carpentry unless executed to perfection, would keep posing problems subsequently too. ,

Consider the totality of work in terms of carpentry.

Knowing the number of items to be made, the items of different dimensions are determined considering all aspects of budget , compromises in selecting wood , nature of iron grills and every other criterion likely to co-ordinate with wood work. The volume of  wood is calculated either in Cubic feet or in the form of  previously fabricated frames / planks of wood , working of some surface designs needed and the feasibility of wood for such  craftsmanship are evaluated. Mind you, the carpenter is not an engineering graduate; but he is adept in assessing the volume of material needed by merely measuring the vacant windows or doorways and fixes up the requirement. Good carpenters do not settle for ‘finished products’,  saying that the material provided is generally inferior though good –looking. After a few months or a year such products reveal blemishes like filled-up crevices/ cracks concealed by filler material etc. Most doors are machine finished by using wood pulp and not wood. The major attraction for such finished products is the instant availability for immediate use.

Our present mission pertains to recognizing the merits of our established carpenters who are unlettered men; yet they execute wood work by and large to precision. We must realize that measurements cannot be violated as addition of pieces cannot happen in wood work unlike in masonry where secondary corrections may be done. All such omissions and commissions in structure can be conveniently hidden by plastering. So, carpenters are cautious enough to use slightly longer dimensions to permit slight trimming down but additions are just ruled out.

Carpenters have a fine approach to work. Once at work, they only converse with the assistant exchanging mono-syllables asking him to drill hole or wedge out step for which the chief marks the limits of the territory. As and when a component is basically carved out, the chief makes a pencil mark of serpentine lines or X marks which he alone can decipher anytime later. There are characteristic practices of ‘frame joints’. The most avid of carpenters choose to design Cross –joints [MORTISE –TENON Joint] as against straight joints [BUTT Joint] since the latter tends to turn loose later. Cross –joints work as mutual opponents preventing any displacement. But, making a cross joint in wood demands precise cutting of joints without any deviation in angles. Carpenters use the ‘set-square’ exactly and draw the precise line for cross, in   mirror-like image angles. The joints are of the ‘dove-tail’ type. One segment has a cavity and the other has an  exactly fitting projection  tucked into the cavity  with glue or synthetic adhesive for binding the two pieces.  Further, to make a lasting bondage between the two pieces, a hole is drilled from one surface to the other.  Classic carpenters do not use metal nails as binders. Instead, they use wooden nails chiseled out in bamboo segments. About 2- 2 1/2 inch long bamboo is trimmed to short cylinders . Such cylinders coated with adhesive are gently hammered into the holes for holding together the whole corner assembly. The wooden nail would finally be trimmed in plane with the surface. 

The nail trimming is another act of ”thus far and no farther”. Yes, placing the chisel at the bottom of the nail, the man just punches the chisel head with his right palm to damage only the nail and not the main wood. By a similar gentle angular slash any nail projections are leveled up with no trace of incongruity in the joint.   Such niceties of work demand right application of tool and least use of force to preclude chances of ‘disfiguring’ the wood. If anyone needs any endorsement  of my observations, I would recommend your visit to some old schools / Colleges where massive tables stand testimony to Indian history and politely keep reminding us  of our carpenters  who have made those ‘firm- standing’ tables  and benches  that have taken upon themselves ages of rubbing by  unending stream of visitors  from 19^th century onwards. All they reveal is the story of infallible joints and meticulous planing of wood by our craftsmen called carpenters.. Hats off to that “vanishing breed”of workers,  eliminated by aggressive industrialization of wood- product making.

Prof. K.Raman

MOSQUITO

 MOSQUITO

Next only to God, mosquitoes are ubiquitous and have slowly adapted to survive in hilly areas, getting associated with human inhabitations. Humans are all-out to destroy mosquitoes and have realized the impending health hazard from ‘helicopter-like’ creatures that need just enough ground to land on and draw blood –the most unobtrusive way by tucking her stylet into human flesh. My using the feminine gender  is justified ,since it is the female mosquito that thrives on human blood, while the males  use plant sap for feeding. Genders apart, mosquitoes are fast breeders and multiply the number in millions by utilizing stagnant water puddles and pools following rainfall.  I shudder to think of our fate if ever mosquitoes can avail of sea water for breeding. It is God’s infinite mercy that has kept a regulation over their potential to multiply in all water bodies.

Aedes, Anopheles and Culex are well known species among Indian mosquitoes. Each of them has typical appearance, common host targets and serve as ‘vectors’ [carrier] of disease-causing parasites.

Aedes serves to distribute CHIKUNGUNIA, DENGUE, YELLOW FEVER and LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS                                 [ Elephantiasis]

Anopheles serves to carry germs of Filariasis and Malaria Of them Filarial disease is caused by round worm [Wuchereria bancrofti] and Malalaria by one-celled Pasmodium. Plasmodium  enters the blood stream while the round worm affects the lymphatic system of the host.

Culex serves to  spread Japanese Encephalitis [ Brain fever] and Lymphatic Filariasis

Culex has a sitting posture of keeping its body parallel to the surface The body is yellowish and hairy

Aedes  keeps an angular body  posture with reference to the surface .The body is black with white patches

Anopheles sits with a  45^o angle with reference to the surface. The body is yellowish

In a broad sense, these mosquitoes resemble different brands of Air craft parked on Tarmac

Generally male mosquitoes are known to live for a week while the females can last from 5 weeks to 4 or 5 months .

Since mosquitoes leave their eggs in water, their larvae survive in water until development before emergence. They normally emerge in dim light of dusk..

The most logical method to control mosquito propagation should discourage small water collection in open vessels , left over shallow containers like coconut shells, unused vehicle Tyres  with shallow pockets holding rain water etc. Any open vessel left inverted is better for avoiding breeding spots of mosquitoes. Tyres are better left flat on the floor instead of leaning them on walls. Fine meshes mounted on to windows and door ways can minimize mosquito entry.  Use of mosquito repellent creams is better than smoky coils or chemical coated repellents.

Neem leaves/ neem oil can give off odour offensive to mosquitoes and are better than organic repellents.  Dark corners , folds of cloth are places where adult mosquitoes hide by day and later have a field-day at night. They are the unknown Shylocks who insist on drawing blood , though not flesh. Incidentally, we do not hear much about bed bugs these days.

Prof. K.Raman

 

THE POLITICIAN

 THE POLITICIAN

What is great about a politician? Nothing--literally nothing. But [s]he is everything. In our country nothing happens without the ubiquitous politician. Is it possible to define the person called politician? The person appears in human form. Beyond that there is nothing human about the ‘politician’. A politician is the most adept ‘chameleon’ swiftly changing colours / code of conduct, inclined to misconduct  and portraying  an artificial smile shielding the draconian desire or design within. The ubiquity of a politician is a major hindrance to prospects of progress in development / infrastructure.

[S]he, seldom  misses an occasion for public appearance, especially at events of media galore. Any civilian with sensibility / sensitivity cannot hope to survive in politics. The foremost requirement for a political career is to disband looks of ‘high profile’ personality and to liberally mingle with the masses, readiness to shed crocodile tears is an instant advantage in projecting an image of ‘concern for common man’. Despite the ‘down to earth‘ projections of self, politician chooses to portray an image to be ‘taken note of’ by the ‘organizers of any event , so that [s]he is the central figure in all key events of the occasion.  Another facet of politician in building the personal ‘image’ of self is to wear ‘spotlessly clean attire’ in pure white [males] or rich fabric [females] so that even in strange locales ,the politician gains recognition. Within about 50 days of getting ‘elected’, the politician reveals resourcefulness by visits in the newly acquired vehicle, with his/her henchmen perching on the lateral surface of the vehicle – as if the person inside is a high profile target for terrorists. It is a kind of signal for rivals and the general public that ‘I am no small person’. Leaving aside such paraphernalia of the politician, if we watch his /her social conduct in all functions in the town or temple, [s]he would field self in prominent locales with folded hands, as if the person abides by decent disposition during celebrations. The folded hands signify the fast-approaching general elections to the local body/ state / National level.  A little after the elections [s]he is a rare person shielding self from public view.

Does it mean that the politician is a despicable entity? We may not be justified in such summary categorization of the political clan outright. There are sporadic good ones across the spectrum of politicians of differing political ideologies. Like the common man filling varied slots of good, bad, desirable and the undesirable, the political personalities too represent every segment. But, the general aversion to the clan of politicians stems from the unscrupulous trends among the majority of them. They reflect feudal tendencies which they stoutly oppose on political platforms. For them observance and advocacy are two different mutually exclusive principles; they advocate liberal outlook but stick to archaic practices of ‘ruler’ and the ‘ruled’.

A feeling that ‘all is not good with the Indian politician’ looks rather unfounded; the political clan across continents seems to suffer from similar syndromes if not from identical ones.

MEDIA and RHETORIC

All politicians share the same mania for popularity. So, they tend to stay in prominence through media. They tell lies for winning elections and revel in rhetoric of a high order.  While addressing the poverty-stricken local masses, they do not hesitate to call the American President for a debate on unemployment in US, as if the same is no longer an issue in a hamlet near Kanyakumari. That, it is all rhetoric can be readily recognized from the high decibel utterance as if from his/ her death bed.

 Somehow, the gullible idiots among the voters fall a quick prey to rhetoric for the sheer articulation thereof than for the truth of the matter.  The politicians of all hues have the knack of wooing the voter through tall promises of accomplishing the impossible and emotionally offering self to get thrashed if the promise is not fulfilled. Subsequently the person would extricate self from the prospect of getting thrashed by politely reminding the voter that the dead line is not over yet. For the next term too , the same person would come out with taller promises like allocation of housing plots of 1000 sq. ft each on Mars or Moon if ‘elected’ from this constituency. For each election ‘neo-idiots’ emerge as voters by virtue of calendar age to repeat the folly of the elder generation.

Very few realize that rhetoric is an intoxicating dose bound to fade off with time. The power of rhetoric empowers the power monger to achieve his/her ambition of boundless wealth across border-less territories.          God is Great.  But the politician looks greater!

Prof. K. Raman

SESQUIPEDALIA

 SESQUIPEDALIA

Sesquipedalian is a reference to the long words. Some persons in the habit of using very long words are also named ‘sesquipedalian’. The term is an adjective and it refers to the routine practice among teachers trying to impart abstract ideas by throwing up long-winding words to draw attention. If the Professor makes it customary for his way of ‘teaching’, he is bound to earn the wrath of his students as more of a nuisance value than of any nuance value. However, an occasional use of sesquipedalian can transform the mood of listeners from a drab impact to one demanding attention. Sesquipedalia are terms studded with letters and may initially de-motivate learners,  as those terms look both bizarre and baffling by the innate difficulty to spell them comfortably. There is a saying in English which suggests “Sesquipedalian is itself a sesquipedalian”. In my personal opinion these are terms laboriously coined by assembling different terms which when viewed [as in that assembly] can present an intended idea.

HIPPOPOTOMONSTROSEQUIPEDALIPHOBIA [36 LETTERS] It relates to ‘phobia’ or fear [for social reasons] while undertaking long treatment. To make it more frightening, terms –Hippopotamus/ monsters have been added making it even more sesquipedalian.

PSEUDOPSEUDOHYPOPARATHYRODISM [30 LETTERS]

It is the name of an inherited disorder causing short growth, rounded face, short limb bones and hardened joints. As suggested earlier, different words are assembled to make it a name for the disorder.

SUPERCALIFRAGILISTCEXPIALIDOCIOUS [34 LETTERS]

After traversing so long, all that it means is ‘Extremely good”/ Great/ Glorious/ Splendid / Superb/ Wonderful, though implies just one meaning at a time.  Honestly it irritates though none of us is obliged to remember or reproduce this without the prospect of inserting an error or two in this 34 letter series.

HONORIFICABILITUDINITATIBUS [27 LETTERS]

It simply means ‘the state of being able to achieve honours / honourable/ Invincible glorious. This term is hailed, as the earliest sesquipedalian handed down by Shakespeare. What is more appealing is -the word is coined with vowels and consonants alternating.

FLOCCINAUCINIHILPILIFIICATION [29 LETTERS]

Though longer than the alphabet series, it pertains to the cramped attitude of ESTIMATING ANYTHING AS WORTHLESS. I have heard of such trends in some industrial establishments.

ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM [28 LETTERS]

It is a reference to ‘opposition to the withdrawal of state support or recognition from an established church of England’.

 

Having had a heavy meal of ‘SESQUIPEDALIA’, any further may mean indigestion/ nausea. So, let us move off a bit into the domain of Pleonasm.

PLEONASM

Pleonasm refers to the habit of using more words than necessary to express an idea. It is easier for us to grasp the idea of ‘Pleonasm’, as we frequently come across people who dwell on redundant repeats. They feel happy to have conveyed the idea, though they do not readily convince the listener. Some typical expressions we notice are:

‘I saw it with my own eyes’ [none can see through another’s eye nor are there any borrowed eyes]

All are well and good is another expression; since ‘well’ and ‘good’ mean the same

At times pleonasm may be effective in conferring emphasis on to the statement. As for example

‘The most unkindest cut of all’ –Shakespeare [Julius Caesar] more superlatives are employed to add emphasis.

Pleonasm is not a healthy way of handling the language; more words of the same meaning suggest the speaker’s poverty in clarity and statements are ‘RHETORIC’ in effect.

Prof. K. Raman 

DICTIONARY

 DICTIONARY

A too-well known term is ‘Dictionary’, though many tend to ignore the etymology of the term. The term seems to have had its origin during early 16^th century from the Latin ‘ Dictionarium’ which means ‘manual’ or ‘book of words’. Incidentally, ‘dictionary’ relates to ‘DICTION’- the manner of use of words that emphasize the sense of a statement and make it eminently effective for the occasion. As students, we used to look with awe some of our Professors and exclaim ‘Look at ‘his diction’. ‘Diction’ is a noun and it also relates to the ‘pronunciation’ of words, besides the cohesive assembly thereof. Generally it is suggested that ‘it is useful for a language teacher to have a good diction’. Personally, I am of the firm conviction that a ‘good diction’ is an asset for anyone who wishes to be an impressive teacher. Any good dictionary is an asset in that it presents the right meaning, the different usage forms like verbs, adverbs, adjectives and the appropriate [recognized] styles of usage of terms as practiced by monolingual natives of that language.

A dictionary is authentic as a source of reference for spelling, meaning and grammar of words in that language. It helps to appropriately use a term for a specific context. Several meanings of significance can be gathered from an authentic dictionary. Some elaboration may help us to recognize the utility of such  dictionaries.

Syllable

Unlike in Indian languages, English language has the custom of emphatic pronunciation of words. Pronunciation of many English words requires that the word be clearly spoken by spacing the different  segments of the word. These ‘segments’ are [syllables] slightly separated from one another by a fraction of time, besides heavy emphasis on different segments of the word. For instance ‘magnificent’ has 4 syllables and is expressed as mag’-nif –i- cent [adjective] and mag - nif-i-cence [noun]; immaculate  as im’-mac-u-late [4 syllables]. When used as per the directives prescribed for pronunciation, words appear grand and ‘Diction’ receives attention of listeners. Those desirous of achieving cognizance among listeners must acquire the skill of using prescribed syllables. Needless to say “Dictionaries are the best educators” –especially of the nuances typical for that language.

Pronunciation

Dictionaries provide information on how to pronounce each word based on the parameters- syllable and stress. Stress of a spot in a word is marked by ‘ and space to signify the separation and emphasis. Certain words are presented for pronunciation by use of spellings which simulate the sound in native utterance. Further the ‘grammar’ of the word for its status-- noun or verb or any other are also specified. By sticking to those norms it is easy for speech or writing, as dictionaries specify typical pronouns, conjunctions, their usage, rules and the due changes needed for apt indication of tenses. Most inconveniences in handling English-the authentic way can be addressed and rectified by a systematic adherence to abiding by the dictionary. Persons who experience problems of usage invariably present ideas in a somewhat clumsy usage, complicated by grammar errors and need to repeat statements , as they themselves feel “my statement is not convincing nor convenient“;  so, they are through discomfort zone whenever they have to deliver speeches through formal presentations.

Despite being aware of the advantages of using a dictionary, many stay contended with what they presume to be correct. When they face ticklish situations of addressing high profile audience, they find the going rather tough and ‘avoid’ undertaking the very assignment. Sheer negligence of healthy approaches of availing of the most elegant words, renders a very perfunctory image for such persons. Once we cultivate the right strategies of acquisition, adoption and application of vocabulary, speech / writing turns a rewarding exercise by the sheer authenticity.

Thesaurus

Thesaurus is a kind of dictionary in which several words with similar meaning are provided in a cluster and helps our effort in looking for words of like meanings[Synonym].  It boils down to the idea that several synonyms can be had from thesaurus.

Technical dictionaries

Practically every field of knowledge has its own Dictionaries and they are Technical dictionaries addressing a variety of requirements for VARIED SUBJECTS and fields like engineering, Medicine, Biology, Chemistry and an array of other subjects. It is more dignified to use all Dictionaries than seek opinion from others and receive un-authentic [in authentic] suggestions.

Prof. K. Raman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTRAST

 CONTRAST

The term ‘contrast’ does not require any explanation and it always sets the tone for comparison. Comparison can be of any 2 things with little or no justification from any related parameter. The present effort of mine relates to two places which share common / contrasting features. They are-- Srirangam and Srirangapatna the two well known places by virtue of their association to the river Cauvery; new ones may prefer to name the river ‘KAVERI’. But the old spelling imposes the right phonetic compulsion on sounding the name more appropriately than the lax freedom which embraces the revised spelling. Leaving aside such trivia, anyone familiar with the two places would instantly recognize that both are islands formed by the same river though at different geographic locales in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.  Both have the same value as pilgrim centres for members of Vaishnavite tradition –presided by the same deity Lord Ranganatha. Besides, Srirangam and Srirangapatna are respectively proximal to major towns [cities?] Tiruchi and Mysuru. Both Tiruchi and Mysuru host a lot of institutions of higher learning and are proudly places of Value to HINDUS, CHRISTIANS and MUSLIMS with places of worship for all faiths. Both TIRUCHI and MYSURU have supported weaving of fabrics of tradition and both places are like spots of grandeur being liberally surrounded by vast acres of land thriving on agriculture[villages] . But by the elegance in ‘lay out’ or town planning Mysuru looks ‘one-up’ with  its ‘auto-regulating’ circles,  fountains and well-lit city junctions and quite imposing buildings in all such circles named after important personalities of Wodayar kingdom of Mysuru; the place is known for the picturesque celebration of Dasara festival that marks the  ‘NAVARATHRI’ season of South India. Such captivating elements are conspicuous by absence in Tiruchy. The palace in Mysuru is indeed a piece of marvel of grandeur by design and expanse. That way Mysuru readily passes for a city in sharp contrast to what obtains of Tiruchy by way of layout or architectural pieces of work.

Coming to the topic of Srirangam and srirangapatna, the former scores over the latter by virtue of its square formation with the massive temple at the centre [much like the planning in Madurai]. Srirangapatna is a humble 3-road town and all the three roads nearly run parallel through the length of the town in East-West orientation ; the railway station and the temple are at the West end of the town while the east end is marked by Tipu’s summer palace [Daria Daulat].  Srirangam temple faces South and has three entry points along East, North and South with none on the West. In Srirangapatna, the river arms are parallel to the length of the town; in Srirangam the river arms are Coleroon[Kollidam] on the North and Kaveri on the South while such a naming of river arms is unknown in Srirangapatna.

Though in both places, the river is ‘Kaveri’, the texture of the river bed is highly rocky in Srirangapatna, while that in Srirangam is rich alluvial sand [gold minefor Sand thieves]; in fact, segments of the river in South face of Srirangam haS ‘QUICK SAND ‘ and has trapped quite a few unwary visitors who had unwittingly entered the river . In contrast, the river along the northern face in Srirangapatna is home for Crocodiles and warning signs are on display in areas around the east end of the town. The places have death traps of Geological / Biological nature respectively in Srirangam and Srirangapatna.

Though the presiding Deity is Lord Ranganatha in either place, the ease of ‘Dharshan’ is far greater in Srirangapatna by a well-lit Sanctum Sanctorum, unlike in Srirangam where just an oil wick is the lone  mode of ‘lighting’ in Sanctum sanctorum. In view of the persistent stream of visitors in Srirangam, the personnel ‘on duty’ at Srirangam temple do not permit visitors' stay for over 40 seconds or so. Such rigid postures by employees, make viewing the Lord an exercise of a very brief opportunity [for ‘Dharshan’].

Amity among persons of different faiths / practices is quite prominent in Srirangapatna unlike, a veiled suspicion among different faiths in Srirangam. A sharp contrast between the two places is that in Srirangapatna members of the sects- Vada kalai’ and ‘Then kalai’ are quite cohesive in observing the celebrations devoted to Shri. Vedanta Desikan [vadakalai] and Shri. Manavala Maamunigal [Thenkalai] who respectively championed the foundation of the two sects. Such cordiality is not vivid in Srirangam. Further, the two temples widely differ in the flow of funds from public donations. In Srirangapatna, the two sects get on amicably well with no semblance of friction in any observance. The East end of Srirangapatna has concentrations of members of Islamic faith and at the western segment, Hindus are concentrated ; the two groups live in harmony though parts of Karnataka are known for brittle / volatile prospects of communal violence. These are the prominent items of contrast between the two places.

Prof. K. Raman  

 

PITY

 PITY

Is pity a feeling or an emotion? I think I have sufficiently confused the reader. It is a feeling borne out of emotion if my perception is right. Obviously emotions are products of perception. Perceptions have their origin in observation. A mere observation may not trigger the perception to evolve or derive an emotion. So, the observation should help our ‘figuring out’ the state of the sufferer. So, the observed fact or facet should be ‘connected’ to an event of misery to develop a sense of pity. The Shakespearean quote “TRUE IT IS PITY, PITY IT IS TRUE” is a power-studded interpretation by ‘true it is pity’- the winding part. It may be inferred that “when pity becomes true in one’s life, the person lives through misery”.  When pity is an integral component of a living state, the life of such members is ‘pitiable’. Now, the term ‘pitiable‘[an adjective]  is the feeling of observers’ more than that of the victims of those circumstances. Such is the elegant play of terms in English.

Pity means ‘the sense of sorrow’ for someone’s difficulties. ‘Pity’ is a noun; Eg. I took pity on your suffering.

‘Pity’ can be used as a verb too. I do not understand if I should ‘pity’ him or hate him.

‘Pitiable’ is an adjective; it means ‘deserving pity’.

PITHY

‘PITHY’ is a derivation from the noun ‘pith’.

If ‘pity’ is a reference to some ‘sorry state’, a slightly ‘modified’ expression ‘PITHY’ connotes a different idea that need not be associated with a sense of sorrow. ‘Pithy’ implies that the statement or observation, rich in idea or facts in support of a contention. For any view point, It is impossible to convince an opponent except through’ pithy argument. Audience gets easily convinced if argument presented is pithy [backed by facts / data]. Incidentally ‘pithy’ is an adjective; it suggests brevity in words and forthright emphasis of a contention.

From Hansard archive

‘The number of pithy phrases contained in this introduction, phrases which set out principles of the highest value, is really remarkable’

The above clearly portrays what precisely pertains to being ‘Pithy’.

Let us try to use ‘pity, pithy’ and ‘pitiable’ in sequence just to recognize the role of these words in the context.  It is a pity that the pithy argument of his presentation failed to convince the jury. It is pitiable that even pithy pronouncements fail to evoke due response from the authority. Pitiable is an adjective of ‘pity’.

At times emotions ruin clear reading of truth.

Prof. K. Raman