NARA'S NOTEPAD
VOLUME 23
JULY 2026
NUMBER 7
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
WAVES IN THE OCEAN
Waves in the ocean are a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the imagination of humans for centuries. They are formed by the movement of wind over the surface of the water and can range in size from tiny ripples to enormous swells that can travel for thousands of miles across the open ocean.
Many factors can influence the size and shape of waves,
including wind speed, wind duration, water depth, and the distance over which
the wind has blown. Waves can also be affected by the shape of the coastline, as
well as by the presence of underwater obstructions such as rocks and reefs.
The physical characteristics of waves can vary widely, depending on
their size and the conditions under which they are formed. Small waves or
ripples may appear almost flat or glassy, while larger waves can be towering
walls of water that crash down with tremendous force. The shape of waves can
also vary, ranging from smooth, rounded swells to jagged, irregular peaks.
Waves can have a profound impact on the environment and the creatures
that live within it. They can help to regulate the temperature of the water.
Waves can also shape the coastline, eroding some areas while depositing
sediments in others. Waves also play a crucial role in many human activities,
from surfing and swimming to shipping and navigation. In fact, waves are such
an important part of maritime culture that they have given rise to countless
stories, myths, and legends throughout history. Despite their ubiquity, waves
can still be a mystery to scientists in many respects. While researchers have
made great strides in understanding the physical properties of waves, there is
still much to learn about their complex interactions with the ocean and the
atmosphere.
Waves are an incredible and ever-changing aspect of the ocean that has
captured the attention of scientists, artists, and adventurers alike. From the
tiniest ripples to the mightiest swells, waves are a reminder of the
power and beauty of the natural world.
Waves can be both beautiful and dangerous at the same time. While waves
can provide stunning views and recreational activities like surfing and
swimming, they can also pose a significant threat to human life and property.
Large and powerful waves, such as storm surges and tsunamis, can cause
devastating damage to coastal communities, structures, and ecosystems. Waves
can also create hazardous conditions for ships and boats, making navigation
more difficult and increasing the risk of accidents.
Therefore, it is essential to respect the power of waves and take
appropriate precautions when engaging in activities in and around the ocean.
This can include monitoring weather and wave conditions, following safety
guidelines, and seeking shelter when necessary.
We can make
use of waves in various ways. One of the notable uses of waves is in generating
electricity through wave energy
conversion. This technology involves using the motion of waves to
drive turbines to generate electricity, which can then be used to power homes,
businesses, and other infrastructure.
Wave energy conversion has the potential to provide a reliable and renewable
source of energy, while also reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. However, the technology is still in its early stages
of development, and more research is needed to optimise wave energy conversion
systems and make them more efficient and cost-effective.
Apart from energy generation, waves also play a vital role in many
oceanographic and atmospheric studies. Scientists use wave measurements to
study ocean currents, sea level changes, and climate patterns, among other
things. Waves can also be used for recreational purposes, such as surfing,
boating and fishing.
IN THE ABSENCE OF LIGHT
Firstly, we
would not be able to see anything. Light is essential for vision, and without
it, we would be immersed in total darkness. This lack of vision would make
movement and work challenging, especially in unfamiliar places.
Secondly,
many living organisms, such as plants, would be severely affected. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants generate food and oxygen, requires light as the
energy source. Without light, plants would not be able to perform
photosynthesis, ultimately leading to death.
Thirdly, the
temperature of our environment would be severely affected. Light is responsible
for keeping our planet warm – the Earth reflects and absorbs its energy to
regulate its temperature. Without light, the planet’s temperature would become
very low, leading to many adverse outcomes.
Fourthly, our
circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that helps regulate our
sleep-wake cycle, would be disrupted. Light is a crucial factor in regulating
our body’s natural cycles, and without light, this cycle would lose its natural
balance.
In addition, the absence of light could have a detrimental effect on mental health by increasing
the production of melatonin, making people feel drowsy and lethargic.
THE WORLD OF LIGHT
The world of light encompasses everything from the glowing stars in the sky to the lamps (now LED bulbs) that brighten our homes. Light is a form of energy that uniquely propagates through space, allowing us to see the world around us.
The scientific study of light is called Optics, and it has been of great
interest to scientists for centuries. One of the earliest theories of light held that it was
emitted by the eyes and reflected off objects to create what we see. Other ancient
philosophers, such as Aristotle, Plato, and Euclid, also contributed to the
study of optics, but it was not until the 17th century that a
comprehensive theory of light was developed.
One of the most famous scientists in the field of optics was Isaac
Newton. In his experiments, he showed that white light was actually made up of
different colours, which could be separated using a prism. This discovery led
to the development of the modern understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum,
which includes not only visible light but also radio waves, microwaves, X-rays,
and more.
Light has many practical applications, from the light bulbs that
illuminate our homes to the lasers used in surgery and manufacturing. One of
the most important uses of light is in the field of communication. The
invention of fibre optics has revolutionised our ability to transmit
information over long distances, allowing us to send data at incredible speeds.
Despite all our advances in understanding and controlling light, there
is still much we do not understand. Researchers in the field of quantum optics
are exploring the behaviour of light at the smallest possible scales, trying to
understand the mysterious behaviour of particles on the quantum level.
The world of light is full of wonder and discovery, and it will continue
to be a subject of fascination for scientists and lay people alike. From its
role in communication and technology to its beauty as seen in the natural
world, light remains one of the most important and mysterious phenomena in the
universe. So it can be concluded that the world of light is indeed a
captivating subject that deserves exploration and study.
The world of
light is vast and captivating, with many facets yet to be fully understood.
From the way it enables us to see the world around us to its roles in shaping
the universe, light will continue to captivate us and inspire scientific discoveries for many years to come. Its
beauty and symbolism will continue to have a profound impact on both our
intellectual and spiritual lives, reminding us of the extraordinary gifts that
we possess as human beings.
DREAMS
Dreams have fascinated human beings for as long as we have existed. From ancient times when dreams were believed to be messages from Gods to modern-day interpretations of dreams as symbolic interpretations of our subconscious minds, people have always been intrigued by the strange and mysterious world of our dreams.
At first glance,
dreams seem to be an unpredictable and chaotic mix of random memories and
imaginations. Many people wake up each morning and remember only vaguely what
they have dreamt. Yet, many others recall their dreams vividly and with great
detail, experiencing great delight or terror in the process.
Despite the apparent
fragmentation and randomness of our dreams, many psychologists and scholars
have tried to study them as a reflection of our mental state. For instance,
Sigmund Freud viewed dreams as the product of our unconscious desires and
memories; Jung, on the other hand, reflection of both our conscious and
unconscious states.
In recent years,
neuroscientists have made significant progress in understanding the physical
processes that take place when we sleep and dream. State-of-the-art
technologies like MRI and EEG are helping scientists study the brain towards
developing a more in-depth understanding of dream consciousness and decoding
its contents.
Dreams remain a
captivating and mysterious aspect of the human experience, and as technology
advances, perhaps one day we will comprehend the depths of our experiences. For
the time being, dreaming remains an enigma that provides us with insight into
our minds and incessant musings as we traverse life.
The content of our
dreams can vary widely from night to night and person to person. While some
dreams can be pleasant and enjoyable, others can be absurd and even terrifying.
These are some of the reasons why some dreams are absurd and some are pleasant.
Firstly, our dreams
are often influenced by our experiences and the events of the day. For example,
we may dream about a pleasant vacation we recently went on or about an
unpleasant encounter we had with someone. Our emotions and thoughts from waking
life can also find their way into our dreams, shaping the plot and emotional
tone of the dream.
Secondly, sour dreams
can be influenced by our internal state, such as our stress levels, anxieties,
and fears. These emotions and thoughts may manifest themselves in our dreams as
fearful or worrisome scenarios.
Finally, some
scientists believe that dreams may
serve a more practical purpose such as memory consolidation and processing of
daily experiences. When going through the day’s memories, the brain selects and
consolidates those that are deemed important
for long-term storage. Dreams may be a way for our subconscious minds to help
sort and process complex information from our waking lives.
There
is no scientific evidence to suggest that dreams can predict the future or foretell events with any
accuracy. While some people may have a “gut feeling” that something will happen
after having a vivid dream, these feelings are likely a
result of other cognitive processes, such as wishful thinking or overactive
imagination. However, dreams can sometimes bring to the surface unacknowledged feelings, emotions, and
conflicts that can help us make sense of our inner world.
JUST TO LAUGH
The vicar announced that next
Sunday he would preach a special sermon, and in the meantime he wanted everyone
to read the seventeenth chapter of Mark.
A week later he asked all
those in the congregation who had read the seventeenth chapter of Mark to raise
their hands. Almost everyone did so.
“Just as I thought,” the vicar
said. “My sermon will be on Honesty. There are only sixteen chapters in the
Book of Mark.
LINES I LIKED
Ø Everything begins with the initiative of an individual.
Ø Everything
can be improved if you look at it closely and critically enough – every person,
every idea, every work of art, and every experience.
Ø Everything
in life has a purpose.
Ø Everything
in our life reflects our relationship with love.
Everything is continuously changing.
A small idea can lead to a big breakthrough!
Meet you next month –2026
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph: 0422 4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Sunday, May 31, 2026
AGEING
As we age, our cells
become less functional, and bodily tissues lose the ability to replenish and
regenerate. The spine is not excluded from this process and undergoes
predictable degeneration as we age. For some, spinal degeneration turns into
serious pain and disability that can end in the need for surgery. For others,
this is not the case, and they continue to have active lifestyles despite
degeneration in the back and neck. What separates these groups? What can we do
to make sure our backs work for us as opposed to having to work for our backs
(going to the doctors, getting treatments and surgery)? While the answers to
these questions remain somewhat unknown, there are many non-surgical
interventions to not only extend the life span of our spines, but also of our
lives. These include practices such as following a healthy, low-calorie diet,
not smoking, treating osteoporosis, and practising a balanced exercise regimen.
Getting older is
inevitable. The turn of the century Italian philosopher Giacomo Leopardi had
this to say about ageing: “Old age is the supreme evil because it deprives us of
all pleasures, leaving us only the appetite for them, and it brings with it all
sufferings. Nevertheless, we fear death, and we desire old age.” We all want to
continue living, but the price for continued life is getting older, including
an ageing skeleton. Unfortunately, aches and pains are going to be in everyone’s
future, but as a physician, I have noticed that there seems to be a trick to
ageing gracefully. Looking at colleagues and patients, I have seen those who
“cruise” into old age and those who “bruise” into old age. In other words, some
have no issues in old age, and others have endless problems. While genetics
likely plays a crucial role in ageing, we cannot control our genes (yet).
However, we do have the power to change environmental factors and lifestyle
choices that accelerate ageing. In medicine, we talk about a patient’s genotype
and phenotype. The genotype simply refers to the type of genes a person has
(for example, a person has a gene for brown hair), while the phenotype refers
to the actual expression of those genes (that is, a person has brown hair). Our
environment plays a role in determining the phenotype as expressed with this
equation:
Phenotype = Genotype + (diet and lifestyle).
The phenotype we all want
is one that allows us to live a long, healthy life. We must assume we are stuck
with our genotype, but this equation begs the question: what are the things we
can do to age gracefully?
LAYOFF
The current economic
climate has forced many businesses to make significant changes to remain
profitable, including layoffs. A layoff, also known as redundancy, is when an employer terminates an employee's employment due to financial constraints
or a reduction in workforce needs. This article will explore the impacts of
layoffs on both employees and employers, and offer suggestions for navigating the
difficult process.
For employees, a layoff
can have a devastating impact on their financial stability, mental health, and
sense of self-worth. The loss of a job can result in a significant loss of
income, which can have ripple effects on one's ability to pay bills, afford
basic necessities, and maintain a certain quality of life. Additionally,
layoffs can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, as individuals worry
about finding new employment and supporting themselves and their families.
For employers, layoffs
can be a difficult and costly process. On the one hand, layoffs can be a
necessary step to remain financially viable and competitive in the market. On
the other hand, employers must consider the impact of layoffs on
company culture, morale, and productivity.
Employers that help
support the impacted employees with outplacement services, building community
or assistance in job placement can help individuals find new employment
quickly, which can alleviate some of the stress from layoffs.
Employers need to approach layoffs compassionately and responsibly, taking
into account the needs of their employees, the impact on the company, and the
broader societal context. Some companies provide severance pay and resources
for workers to brush up on job hunt skills, training or volunteering, which
could help people find meaningful and fulfilling work quickly.
In conclusion, layoffs
are a difficult reality for many businesses in uncertain economic times. Both
employees and employers face significant challenges as a result of the process.
By treating impacted employees with empathy, respect, and offering outplacement
support or resources such as training and volunteering, employers can help
mitigate the negative impacts of layoffs and foster a more supportive work
culture.
ROUGH DAY?
• You are valid
• No, your body looks just fine
• Tomorrow will be better
• Eat a snack
• Drink water
• Brush your teeth
• Get up and stretch
• Take a break
• Text a friend
• Make some tea
• Listen to some music
• Focus on your breathing
• You are allowed to eat
• Go for a walk
• Draw/doodle
• Watch your favourite show
• Play with your pet
• Make a blanket fort
• Take a shower
• Organise your bookshelf
• Dust your room
• You are not stupid
• You are important
• Don’t pressure yourself
• You will finish your homework
• Everything will get better
• It’s ok to be sad sometimes
• Crying doesn’t make you weak
• Go to bed early and get some rest
GEOPSYCHOLOGY
SAVE MONEY
- v Use cash instead of credit cards to limit your spending, especially if it's not in the budget.
- v Give yourself an allowance for
entertainment expenses each week or month to not overspend.
- v Make a goal to save a certain amount
of money each month or year.
- v Sell things you don't use or need any
more to make some extra cash.
- v Invest your money in a way that will
help it grow over time.
- v Compare prices before you buy
anything to ensure you're getting a fair deal
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