BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

HOBBIES - ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS - PART FIVE

reading - the act of looking at and understanding written or printed words

relax - to become less tense, anxious or  to rest or take things easy

reserve - to set aside or keep for a particular purpose or person; a supply of something that is kept for future use

riding - the act of sitting on and controlling the movement of an animal or vehicle, such as a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle

right of way - the legal right to pass over or through someone else's property, often used in the context of traffic or pedestrian flow

roam - to move about freely and aimlessly, without a specific destination or purpose

roller skate - a type of shoe with wheels on the bottom, used for skating on hard surfaces

safari park - a large outdoor area where visitors can drive through or walk around to observe and click photographs of  wild animals

shopping - the act of browsing and buying goods or services from stores or online retailers

skateboarding - a sport or activity in which a person rides on a skateboard and performs tricks or maneuvers on various surfaces

snorkel - a tube used for breathing underwater while swimming or diving, typically with a mask covering the eyes and nose

spare - additional or unused; to set aside for later use or to be used as a replacement

SHOPPING - ONLINE SHOPPING - PART ONE

back order (noun): a request for a product that is out of stock and will be delivered later when it becomes available.

back-order (verb): to place an order for a product that is currently out of stock and will be delivered later.

Bid (noun) an offer to buy or sell a product or service, usually in an auction or competitive bidding environment.

bid (verb)to make an offer to buy or sell a product or service, usually in an auction or competitive bidding environment.

billing: the process of preparing and sending invoices to customers for products or services purchased.

buyer: a person or organization that purchases goods or services from a seller.

click and collect: a shopping method where customers order products online and collect them in-store or at a designated collection point.

comparison-shop (or) comparison shopping:  the act of researching and comparing prices and features of products from different sellers before making a purchase.

comparison site: a website that allows users to compare prices, features, and other information about products or services from different sellers.

condition: the state or quality of a product or commodity, usually referring to its level of wear and tear or functionality.

deliver: to transport and hand over goods or services to a recipient or customer.

delivery: the act of transporting and handing over goods or services to a recipient or customer.

dot-com: a term commonly used to refer to internet-based companies or websites.

download: the process of transferring data or files from one computer system to another.

e-cash: electronic cash or digital currency that can be used to make online purchases.

e-tailing: the practice of selling products or services online through electronic commerce.

ABOUT THE POEM:

This is a translated version of a fascinating poem from Tamil literature "MONSOON'S FURY: A LOVE STRANDED". It is a serious complaint made by a girl to her friend about her husband who left her in the lurch and went to a distant land. The monsoon terrifies her to the core and genuinely wants to know that the monsoon’s tempestuous pour and the loud thunderous roar threaten him too.

"MONSOON'S FURY : A LOVE STRANDED"

Oh friend with teeth that sparkle

Outshining jasmine in its twinkle,

Pray tell, in lands beyond our sight

Where my husband went to fight

Does the monsoon's tempestuous roar

Not stir my husband's soul to the core?

What sights did he behold up high

Upon the canvas of the sky

With weapons meant to terrify

Like thunderbolts that light the night

Did he witness nature's wrath

Unleashed upon his path

(what the wife said to her friend)

SHOPPING - DEPARTMENTS IN STORES - PART TWO

Gadget: a small device or tool that has a specific practical use, often one that is novel or innovative.

Game: an activity that one engages in for amusement or recreation, typically involving a contest or competition.

Gift: something given to someone voluntarily without payment in return, often to mark a special occasion or to show appreciation and serves as a token of affection.

Glassware: objects made of glass, such as drinking glasses, dishes and vases used in the home or in a laboratory.

Grocery: items sold in a grocery store, including food, household supplies and personal care products.

Haberdashery: a shop that sells small items for sewing, such as buttons, zippers, and threads.

Jewellery: decorative objects worn for personal adornment, such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, often made from precious metals and gemstones.

Linen: a type of fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant, typically used for bedding, towels, and tablecloths.

Luggage: bags, cases, and containers used for carrying personal belongings when traveling.

Music: an art form that involves the arrangement of sounds to produce a composition that is meant to be performed or listened to.

Perfume: a fragrant liquid that is applied to the skin or clothing to give a pleasant scent.

Shoe: a covering for the foot, typically made of leather or other materials, that is designed to protect and provide comfort while being worn.

Skincare: products used to improve the appearance and health of the skin, including cleansers, moisturizers and treatments for specific skin conditions.

Stationery: writing and drawing materials, such as paper, pens, and pencils, used for personal or professional purposes.

Technology: the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry — the development and use of machines, devices, and systems.

Toiletries: personal care products, such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo used for maintaining hygiene and grooming.

Toy: an object designed to be played with, often used by children, for entertainment or educational purposes.

White goods: large household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens  that are typically finished in white enamel

ABOUT THE POEM:

This is a translated version of a mesmerizing poem from Tamil literature "THE PRANKSTER PARAMOUR". It is about what a girl complained to her friend about the wayward nature of her lover. He was actually a bully of the past and on one occasion he came asking for a beverage of water so cool and her innocent mother asked her to pour water from the cup of gold. However, at that point, an unexpected grasp from the domineering fellow made her raise a shrill cry. Her mother, frightened by her unexpected cry came running to enquire the reason for her cry. The girl, however, after recognising her lover of the past told that the fellow hiccupped and the virtuous mother comforted him. The girl says that the prankster lover winked and smiled at her in her act of protecting him from getting exposed.

POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - "THE PRANKSTER PARAMOUR" 

Harken my friend:

Home I sat with my mother,

appeared a stranger at the door,

requesting a drink of water

to quench his thirst whatever

My Mother's heart went asunder.

"Fetch water from our jug of gold,"

Mother instructed with a heart of gold,

And so I went to fill his cup,

But now, he held me with an iron grip,

And I cried out in fear, my heart a-flip.

The bully from our past had returned,

The one who made our young hearts yearn,

For peace, love and kindness too,

But instead, he tore our sandcastles in two.

He'd snatch our garlands and toys for fun,

And with a mischievous grin, he'd run.

Mother, alarmed by my sudden cry,

Came running asking why.

But what could I say

To save the brat’s plunderous play

I told a blasphemous lie,

"This fellow just hiccupped,"

And my gullible Mother

began to comfort him rather.

The rascal, slyly looking at me,

winked and smiled with mischievous glee.

(what the girl complained to her friend)

SHOPPING - DEPARTMENTS IN STORES - PART ONE

In today’s Podcat a lexicon belonging to the field of -Shopping - Departments In Stores - Part One will be introduced so as to enable the listeners to enhance their  Vocabulary. In language learning, vocabulary is an essential aspect, as building a robust vocabulary is crucial to being able to communicate effectively and accurately. The size of one's vocabulary can also have an impact on their ability to comprehend and express complex ideas and thoughts.

Accessory: A small item or piece of equipment that is not essential but adds to the appearance or functionality of a larger product.

Appliance: A machine or device that is designed to perform a specific task such as cooking, cleaning, or entertainment.

Bedding: Materials used for making a bed, including sheets, blankets, comforters and pillows.

Book: A printed or written work that is bound together and usually contains a variety of printed pages with illustrations.

Clothing: Garments worn to cover the body, such as shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes.

Cookware: Kitchen utensils used for cooking, such as pots, pans, and baking sheets.

Cosmetic: A substance or product used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face, body, or hair.

Craft: A creative activity or hobby that involves making objects by hand.

Crockery: Dishes and other serving pieces made of ceramic material, such as plates and bowls.

Cutlery: Knives, forks, and spoons used for eating.

Department: A division of a large organization, typically with a specific area of responsibility.

Electrical: Relating to electricity or electrical power.

Fabric: Material made from interlacing natural or synthetic fibers, used for making clothing and other items.

Food hall: A large indoor space that contains several food vendors and/or food-related businesses.

Fragrance: A pleasant odor or scent, often used in perfumes and scented products.

Furnishings: Decorative or functional items used to make a room comfortable and attractive, such as curtains, rugs, and lamps.

Furniture: Objects that are used to make a room functional and comfortable, such as chairs, tables, and cabinets.

ABOUT THE POEM:

This is a translated version of a fascinating poem from Tamil literature"YEARNING FOR LOVE - A WIFE'S LAMENT”. It is about what the wife said to her friend yearning for her husband’s companionship and expressing her displeasure about his intention to seek wealth greedily. The beautiful wife, in the first part of the poem talks about the lovely Spring season in its full grandeur. She further elaborates that it is a suitable season for lovers to consummate their love. She tells her friend not to join the spring revelry and registers a  protest at her husband by explaining to him her sorrowful state in which her bangles do not fit her wrist as she is thinning down in despair and make him understand the futility of seeking wealth and keep company with her forever in a state of bliss.

"YEARNING FOR LOVE - A WIFE'S LAMENT”

Spring in full bloom

with its usual aplomb

mango trees gently sprouting forth,

their young leaves twirling in the breeze

and cuckoos sing their melodies.

The branches shed their old leaves,

bees produce a symphony with ease

as if a maestro playing the strings,

Of nature's concert hall, it brings.

This is the season lovers choose,

To leave their homes and make their vows,

In groves of green where they embrace,

Amid the pollen and the grace.

Oh! friend, come, let us not stay,

And join the revelers, come away!

For it is unbecoming of my husband,

to leave me here, alone till the end,

share with him my sorrowful legend,

and show him how my bangles dangle

as my wrists grow thin and feeble,

I'll beg of him

with heart's penchant plea,

To set aside his search for gold

and stay with me.

until we grow old.

(what  the wife said to her friend yearning for her husband’s companionship and expressing her displeasure about his intention to seek wealth greedily)

SHOPPING - PAYING FOR SHOPPING - PART THREE

price: the amount of money asked for or charged for a product or service

profit margin: the difference between the cost of a product and its selling price, expressed as a percentage

purchase: the act of buying something

rate: the amount of a particular charge or payment expressed as a percentage of a particular sum of money

receipt: a written or printed record of a financial transaction, showing the items purchased, prices, and total amount paid

reduce: make something smaller or lower in amount, degree, or size

reduction: a decrease or decrease in size or amount

refund: a repayment made to a customer who has overpaid or returned an item

retail: the sale of goods or services directly to the consumer in small quantities

safe: a secure lockable container used for storage of valuables

sales slip: a document that records a retail sale transaction

short-change: to give back less change than is due to a customer after a transaction

special: better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual

spend: use the money to pay for something

store card: a credit card issued by a specific store that can only be used to make purchases at that store

takings: the amount of money received from sales of goods or services

tax: a financial charge imposed by a government on income, goods, or services

token: a piece or unit of a currency

total: the whole amount or quantity

transaction: a business deal or exchange, especially the purchase or sale of a product or service

traveller’s cheque: a type of cheque that can be used as a substitute for cash while travelling

value: the worth or usefulness of something

voucher: a certificate or coupon that can be redeemed for a discount or payment

wholesale: the sale of goods in large quantities, directly to retailers or other businesses, rather than to the end-user.

ABOUT THE POEM:

This is a translated version of a bewitching poem from Tamil literature LOVE AND MELANCHOLY-A DUALITY. It is about what the servants told the husband, their master on the successful completion of his mission and his flag flying high after a great combat with enemies. The servants in the first part of the poem talk about the retreat from war and how the elephants are still in their frenzied moods trumpeting heavily which resonates across the war zone. The horses gallop with their manes fluttering wildly and the riders struggle to control the horses. The servants describe when the Chief with triumph in his heart embraces his beloved spouse, with eyes shining bright whose lashes, dark and lush, gleam like blue lily flowers the infatuated paleness on her forehead will still remain. In Tamil literature, a separated woman longing to reunite with her husband returning from war is a common theme. This theme highlights the strong bond between a husband and wife and the extent to which a person will go to be reunited with their loved one.

LOVE AND MELANCHOLY-A DUALITY

The king doth reign supreme,

His flag of victory gleams!

The drums of war with triumph beat,

From battle camp where elephants retreat

their frenzied moods resound afar,

resonate across the combat zone.

And cowherds play their flutes with elan

The cattle herded with their clan,

sent to pastures to roam and feed.

Homebound servants hurry with delight,

While chariot horses, mad with might,

Gallop with manes that wildly flutter,

and the rider of the chariots

struggle to control the stallions

Oh! how the chief shines fair and bright,

With sandal paste that is  fragrant

spread on laurel bosom,

embellished with fight scars,

Eulogised by bards

What's more, when he chooses

to get back

with jubilant happiness

to meet his exuberant spouse

Whose eyes with blackened lashes do douse,

Sparkle like the blue lily buds,

Where will the lovesick pallor go, my Lord?

(what the servants told the husband, their master )

SHOPPING - PAYING FOR SHOPPING - PART TWO

currency: A medium of exchange for goods and services, used universally within a country or a specific economic system.

debit card: A payment card that deducts money directly from a consumer's account to pay for a purchase.

debt: Money owed by one party to another.

denomination: A specific value assigned to a coin, bill or monetary unit of a currency.

digital wallet: An electronic device or online service that allows an individual to make electronic transactions by storing information about their bank accounts and/or credit cards.

duty-free: Refers to goods or products that are exempt from payment of customs duties and taxes, typically in international airports or on board ships and airplanes.

Electronic Payment (or) E-Payment Refers to the transfer of funds from one person or entity to another through electronic means such as a credit card, debit card, or electronic funds transfer., rather than cash or check.

E-Wallet: Refers to an electronic device or online service that used to store and manage digital currency or payment information and allows an individual to make transactions, such as online purchases without using cash or a credit card.

expensive: Refers to having a high price or cost.

free: Refers to something that is given without charge or cost.

gift Card: A pre-paid card that can be used to purchase goods or services from the issuing retailer or service provider.

gift Certificate: A certificate or voucher that can be redeemed for goods or services, often given as a present or reward.

knock-off: A copy of an original product, made to look similar, often with lower quality, and sold at a lower price.

loyalty Card: A card provided by a retailer to its customers, that tracks purchases made by the cardholder, usually with the goal of offering discounts and rewards based on the amount they spend.

markup: The difference between the cost price of a product or service and its selling price, expressed as a percentage or ratio which is usually the profit earned by the seller.

note: A written message, often in the form of a memo or letter, used for communication and provides information or serves as a reminder

offer: A proposal to sell or provide a product or service at a specified price.

pay: To give money in exchange for goods or services.

payment: The act of giving money in exchange for goods or services.