TiDbits

Birds at home www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/birds-at-home/article66054835.ece 

LOVERS OF ENGLISH

I met a Surgeon who named his son Naïf 

(pronounced Knife).

I said what an apt name!   

Then I came to know the following:

1.  Lawyer’s daughter - Sue.

2.  Radiologist’s son - Ray.

3.  Ophthalmologist’s 

      daughter -  Iris.

4.  Florist’s daughter - Rose.

5.  Mechanic’s son - Jack. 

6.  Archaeologist’s Son - Doug                        

7.  Thief’s son - Rob.

8.  Gymnast’s son - Jim.

9.  Jeweler’s twin daughters -  Ruby and Pearl.

10. Ornithologist’s Son -  Robin. 

11. Orthopedician’s Son - Boney. 

12. Barber’s son - Harry.

13. Solicitor’s son - Will. 

14. Accountant’s son - Bill.

15. Horticulturist’s - Daughter Ivy.

16. Gardener’s son - Pete.

17. Monarch’s son  - Prince.

18. Dramatist’s Daughter -  Oprah. 

19. Sanitation Engineer’s Son - John. 

20.  Highway Engineer’s Son -  Miles.

21.  Dietician’s daughter Olive. 

22. Actor’s son - Oscar.

23. Photographer's - Son: Click.

24. Gastro-physician's Daughter: - Enema

25. Homeopath's Daughter -  Arnica.

26. Teacher's son -  Mark

Anger Management

short temper: a tendency to become angry easily

Considering these 10 anger management tips.

1. Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything. Also allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

2. Once you're calm, express your concerns

As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.

3. Get some exercise

Physical activity can help reduce stress that can cause you to become angry. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run. Or spend some time doing other enjoyable physical activities.

4. Take a timeout

Timeouts aren't just for kids. Give yourself short breaks during times of the day that tend to be stressful. A few moments of quiet time might help you feel better prepared to handle what's ahead without getting irritated or angry.

5. Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room make you upset? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening. Or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Also, understand that some things are simply out of your control. Try to be realistic about what you can and cannot change. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything and might only make it worse.

6. Stick with 'I' statements

Criticizing or placing blame might only increase tension. Instead, use "I" statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, "I'm upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes" instead of "You never do any housework."

7. Don't hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. Forgiving someone who angered you might help you both learn from the situation and strengthen your relationship.

8. Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Use humor to help you face what's making you angry and, possibly, any unrealistic expectations you have for how things should go. Avoid sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.

9. Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.

10. Know when to seek help

Learning to control anger can be a challenge at times. Seek help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you. 

Credit - Suneeth P, Academic Coordinator, Mount Institute of Business Development

I counted my years

and realized that

I have less time to live by,

than I have lived so far.

I have more past than future.

I feel like that boy who got a bowl of cherries.

At first, he gobbled them,

but when he realized there were only few left,

he began to taste them intensely.

I no longer have time to deal with mediocrity.

I do not want to be in meetings where flamed egos parade.

I am bothered by the envious,

who seek to discredit the most able,

to usurp their places, coveting their seats,

talent, achievements and luck.

I do not have time for endless conversations,

useless to discuss about the lives of others

who are not part of mine.

I no longer have the time to manage

sensitivities of people who despite their chronological age, are immature.

I hate to confront those that struggle for power,

those that ‘do not debate content, just the labels’.

My time has become scarce to debate labels,

I want the essence.

My soul is in a hurry …

Not many cherries in my bowl,

I want to live close to human people, very human,

who laugh of their own stumbles,

and away from those turned smug

and overconfident with their triumphs,

away from those filled with self-importance.

The essential is what makes life worthwhile.

And for me, the essentials are enough!

Yes, I’m in a hurry.

I’m in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.

I do not intend to waste any of the remaining cherries.

I am sure they will be exquisite, much more than those eaten so far.

My goal is to reach the end satisfied

and at peace with my loved ones and my conscience.

And per Confucius “We have two lives

and the second begins when you realize you only have one.”

Poem: Mário de Andrade - The Valuable Time of Maturity

Dr Seuss' The Zax

In one of Dr. Seuss' whimsical stories, he tells of a "North-Going Zax and a South-Going Zax" crossing the Prairie of Prax. Upon meeting nose to nose, neither Zax will step aside. The first Zax angrily vows to stay put-even if it makes "the whole world stand still. Unfazed, the world moves on and builds a highway around them.  Isn't this a fairly accurate picture of human beings? Watch the YouTube link

Research Route Map 

During the Pandemic, it was important to keep readers up to date about the latest developments of Covid-19. In research too, one needs to give an update to others as to what is being done. This also gives a sense of direction to the researcher.

www.khaleejtimes.com/shashi-tharoors-world-of-words/shashi-tharoors-world-of-words-english-and-american 

Let's laugh away our stress with ants 🐜

Oh my my I never knew ants can be such Fun too 

     🍡🥘🪔🎷🧊👑                     1. 5 ants + 5 ants = Tenants.

2. To bring ant from another country into your country = Important.

3. Ant that goes to school = Brilliant.

4. Ant that's looking for a job = Applicant.

5. A spy ant = Informant.

6. A very little ant = Infant.

7. Ant that has a gun = Militant. 

8. Ant that is plenty = Abundant.                                                8. Ant that is a specialist  = Consultant 😂

9. A proud ant = Arrogant 🤔

10. Ant that is cruel and oppressive = Tyrant. 

11. Ant that is friendly and lovely = Coolant. 

12. Ant that changed from evil to good deeds = Repentant. 

13. Ant that accumulated so much food in winter for summer = Abundant. 

14. Ant that doesn't agree = Reluctant. 

15. An ant that keeps financial accounts = Accountant. 

16. Ant that occupies a flat = Occupant.

17. Very big ant = Giant. 

18. The best ant = Excellant 😉

19. Big ant = Elephant. 

20. Ant that is important = Significant. 

21. A sarcastic Ant = Mordant. 

22. An extremely fast ant = Instant. 

23. Shouting Ant = Rant. 

24. An ant that is same = Constant.

25. A dirty Ant = Pollutant. 

26. An ant that irritates = Irritant.                            27. An ant who is overjoyed: jubilant.        28. An ant who migrates to another country= migrant.                     29.An ant who attracts others attention by being fashionable and confident : Flamboyant. 30.

English is full of contradictions

Here are some funny ones:

1)  Found Missing

2)  Open Secret

3)  Small Crowd

4)  Act Naturally

5)  Clearly Misunderstood

6)  Fully Empty

7)  Pretty Ugly

8)  Seriously Funny

9)  Only Choice

10) Original Copies

11) Exact Estimate

12) Tragic Comedy

13) Foolish Wisdom

14) Liquid Gas

15) Working Holiday

And the newest of all...

16) "Social Distancing"

Forgot to  mention...

Happily Married!!  

Acrostic poem about the status of ChatGPT.

C: ChatGPT is currently down

H: Huge demand has caused the site to crash

A: All users will have to wait

T: Time is needed for the servers to catch up

G: Go grab a coffee and check back soon

P: Patience is key in this situation

T: Trust that the team is working hard to fix it up

Boat Holes - Remember to fix the leaks

A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought his paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice check, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said “You've already paid me for painting the boat Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It's for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service... certainly it's not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened:

“When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole.

“When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip.

“They did not know that there was a hole. I was not at home at that time.

“When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole.

“Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.

“Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!

“You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your 'small' good deed.”

So no matter who, when or how, continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively, and carefully repair all the 'leaks' you find. You never know when one is in need of us, or when God holds a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important to someone.

Along the way, you may have repaired numerous 'boat holes' for several people without realizing how many lives you've save

A - Z Poem

Another day

Breaking into a

Cold

Dull

Empty ache

Frightened

Goodbye, good night

Hello whenever

Immortal photographs in my head

Jagged conversations

Kaleidoscopic visions

Lingering smell of stale coffee in my

Melancholic cup

Nudging sleep, teasing the darkness

Onslaught of bad dreams

Perfect fantasies

Quiet releases

Resounding whispers of that

Summer solstice

Thankfully

Uninvited

Vindicated

Walking towards the

Xylophone sounds

Yellow butterflies and

Zigzag dreams

Confusions that are still unresolved 😄😂

1. At a movie theatre, which arm rest is yours? 

2. In the word scent, is "S"  silent or "C"? 

3. If people evolve from monkeys, why are monkeys still around? 

4. Why is there a 'D' in fridge, but not in refrigerator? 

Vagaries of English Language! Enjoy!!!😀😀😀

- Wonder why the word funeral starts with FUN?

-Why isn't a Fireman called a Water-man?

- How come Lipstick doesn't do what it says?

- If money doesn't grow on trees, how come Banks have Branches? 

- If a Vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a Humanitarian eat?

- How do you get off a non-stop Flight?

- Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO and those sent by truck SHIPMENT?

- Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and the dishes in the Cupboard?

- Why do doctors 'practice' medicine? Are they having practice at the cost of the patients? 

- Why is it called 'Rush Hour' when traffic moves at its slowest then?

- How come Noses run and Feet smell? 

- Why do they call it a TV 'set' when there is only one?

- What are you  vacating when you go on a vacation?