This is taken verbatim from the back label of a package of oats we recently took trekking with us:
'Avee's White Oats
"The must everyday cereal"
Avee's Hi Fibre White oats soluble fibre has qualitatively low fats and reduces excess of pressure on blood, intestines resulting into a smooth health to withstand odds of life. Hence keeps a person mentally, physically, sexually, young and fit with longevity, helps in containing weight and reduces excess calories.
Regular use of Avee's Hi Fibre White Oats will be miraculous to keep the physique in splendid atmosphere in good moods and thoughtful calibre.'
Reading through the Hindustan Times today (the illustrious The Times of India's competition and, FYI, started by one of Gandhi's sons), I came across two bits of information that grabbed my attention. One because it was rather shocking, the other because it was gibberish.
First, the shocking. This was part of an editorial titled "A classroom struggle", discussing the state of India's schools:
"If last week it was the severe step of having to file FIRs [charges] against teachers in the face of a staggering number of cases of abuse of children, a Unesco report has found that 25 percent of teachers do not bother with attending school. Absent teachers result in a whopping 22,5 percent of education funds being wasted. Add to this a previous report compiled by the Ministry of Human Resource Department that shows 23,000 schools across India have no teacher, and the picture is frightening."
Um, yeah. Frightening would be a good place to begin.
Second, the baffling. Can anyone decipher this for me? I suppose that any sport has some jargon involved, but this one has me completely stumped:
"India has managed to prise out the first wicket in the 32nd over - the second was quicker in coming when, 15 balls later, Alistair Cook exited. It was, yet again, a ball down the leg-side from Anil Kumble, Cook tried to flick it and again, it was Laxman who took the catch, at leg gully."
I think they're talking about cricket but I can't be completely sure. Anyone? Anyone at all have any concept of what the dilly that's supposed to mean? Help would be appreciated.
4 comments:
hi Steve and Abby, I am in Delhi now. was watching cricket last night on television and this did not help with understanding the excerpt from Hindustan Times. it must be about some other sport than cricket. why don't they play a real sport, like baseball? maybe we should ask Gandhi's son. anyhow it was great meeting you in Rumbak, wish you well as you continue your journey (really, you should trek Rumtse-Korzok) - contact me if you wish via www.nomadiclight.com ---- now back to US to start the school year. happy trails, -Chris
p.s.is your last name really Rideout?- when I saw it at the top of your blog, I thought at first it was some crafty traveling handle. seems extremely fitting.
Yes, it is cricket jargon, totally understandable (compare baseball...would anyone knowing the bare rules know what happens when a pitcher "K-s" somebody?), if trying to be a little upbeat (ever since I heard someone on SportsNet say "no need to put mustard on that bagel" to mean a shutout I've figured sports reporting is mostly style and flow anyway...) So, here goes my translation (no need to worry, my Dad's English):
India succeeded in getting their first WICKET (roughly comparable to an out in baseball, except getting 10 of them gets the whole side out for the game, named after the three sticks-Wickets-that the batter is protecting)in the 32nd OVER (roughly equivalent to an inning...1 day matches usually have 50 OVERS per side for the game)- the second (WICKET/OUT) was quicker in coming when, 15 balls (BALL is roughly equivalent to a pitch) later, Alistair Cook exited (ie. was got out, for another WICKET). It was, yet again, a ball (PITCH) down the leg-side (roughly, an "inside pitch") from Anil Kumble (the pitcher, in cricket call the "BOWLER"), Cook tried to flick it (that is, he tried to hit it quickly past people, including the "catcher" who stands behind him) and again, it was Laxman (a player) who took the catch (that is, caught the ball in the air, resulting in an out the same way as in baseball), at leg gully (a fielding position...if it sounds weird, just think how weird "short stop" sounds objectively)."
Hope you're having a great time!
Jordan (Palmer)
Thought I'd look up your blog since I lost the address when my computer took a small hiatus from my service...you guys sound like you are having an excellent time! Where is next?
Looking forward to hearing about it! Miss you.
Beth Barz
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