
Monday, August 24, 2009
#26. Identify 'X'
‘X’ consists of a rectangular wooden card about 2 by 1 inches (5.1 cm × 2.5 cm), to which a string with several equally spaced knots is attached through a hole in the middle of the card. The ‘X’ is used by placing one end of the string in the teeth while the other end is held away from the body roughly parallel to the ground. The card is then moved along the string, positioned so the lower edge is even with the horizon, and the upper edge is occluding a target star, typically Polaris because its angle to the horizon does not change with longitude or time. The angle can then be measured by counting the number of knots from the teeth to the card, or a particular knot can be tied into the string if traveling to a known latitude. ’x’ is an Arabic navigation tool while ‘x’ in Tamilnadu is a sensation. Identify ‘x’
Sunday, June 14, 2009
#25.
In Maldives, it is the all purpose boat built by master carpenters using very few tools. Apart from its use in fishing , inter-island transport and the movement of cargo, they are used as diving boats, live-aboard cruise vessels, passenger ferry boats and deep-sea fishing craft complete with outriggers and fighting chairs. In India, the "name" is a phenomenon. What is the boat called ?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
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