I would like to be an animal-lover…when I say animal-lover I mean one who likes and finds fascinating and beautiful ALL animals. I don’t.
I adore dogs – well established fact, considering I have always had a pet-dog. Let's not forget that I’ve been known to talk to street dogs, pick up fights with people whom I’ve observed mistreating a street dog, go over to strangers’ homes to meet their dogs and walk away without finding out the owner’s name or giving them mine…:-)
I’m OK with cats – I have argued incessantly over the virtues of dogs v/s cats with Amit, but frankly, I find them quite cute…I must admit, though, I’m not too high on the idea of having a cat as a pet…but wild cats are a completely different matter with their feline grace. If it wasn’t dangerous to keep one, I would have loved having a tiger as a pet. With every step that animal takes it inspires in me a feeling of awe at the sheer grace of movement and the power in that muscular body. And to see them hunt – oh yes, definitely awe-inspiring! Still haven’t figured out why the Lion is the king of the jungle – dirty scraggy creature that it is!
Anyways…I find most other domestic and wild animals beautiful. Reptiles are an exception – lizards, snakes, crocodiles – I am really not sure why we must have creatures like them to maintain the ecological balance. Creeps – yes that’s what they give me…absolutely creeps.
Yet another animal I’m not too fond of seeing is the Indian buffalo. Ironic considering I drink buffalo’s milk and prefer it over cow’s milk- even though the latter is healthier, having lower cholesterol quantities. But drinking the milk is one thing, and seeing the animal is another. The sight of a horde of big bulky black buffaloes disgusts me no end – with their fondness of wallowing in dirty waters, and keeping themselves caked in dung…I am most tempted to give up milk when I see where it comes from…and I’m not even talking about the condition of the sheds…
Anyways fate has been perverse, for there are, like, thousands of buffaloes in Pune…over a hundred very close to where I stay – the sight of a huge ugly buffalo sauntering along a busy main road, swaying its dung infested back-side at your windscreen is way too common for my liking. Not to mention the often enough incidences of having to sit in your vehicle for 15-20 minutes in the middle of a street, waiting for the herd to pass…
Nopes…sorry boss but I don’t think I’m that much of an animal lover to find beauty there…buffaloes are good animals. Gentle too (I think much more than the famed “gau-mata” who is known to chase people – I know, I’ve been chased once, but that’s another story!)…and useful as well. But I’d rather they stayed where they should be – in fields and meadows grazing peacefully, or in their sheds, not really gracing the streets of a busy city that is also supposed to be the next IT destination of the nation!
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Monday, August 23, 2004
Saatchya Aat Gharat
Now, this is one movie I would like to see! Alas my comprehension of the language and lack of company shall prevent me from doing so...
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Final Judgements
I used to be quite a television addict at one time – puberty definitely wasn’t easy for me, and television was my refuge…anyways right from the age of 11, it’s been the crime-based shows and legal dramas that held my attention and appealed to my intelligence, atleast what little there is of it! ;-) So apart from my share of Beverly Hills-90210, Doogie Howser, Wonder Years (I can still watch this with the same fascination as I first did) and Remington Steele (this too, just for that hottie Brosnan!) – I devoured a load of legal dramas, to the point that I’d contemplated a career in law at one time. I dropped the idea because of 2 reasons – I knew I’d never be able to memorise the laws and I had serious doubts about my capacity to argue my case with Tom, Dick and Harry and come out the winner.
Anyways as usual I’ve digressed from the main point that I wanted to make (Yep I’d definitely not make a good lawyer!)…over the years I’ve followed L.A.Law, Street Legal, and some others…off late I’ve been following only 2 shows religiously –Law and Order and The Practice . This week’s episode of The Practice was one of their most thought-provoking episodes.
Ellen, one of the leading lawyers in the firm, is fighting the case of a murderer on death-row. The perpetrator was suffering from schizophrenia at the time she murdered 2 young boys. She was diagnosed as mentally sane at the time of trial but later it was discovered that she was schizophrenic, and when given adequate medication she not only reformed, she turned into a role model. The point, thus being, that she was not mentally fit at the time of crime, thus can not be held responsible for her actions and shouldn’t be punished so severely for it. In U.S.A you can not execute an insane person, so Ellen makes her temporarily go off her medication – the judge rules that the State can not “force-medicate” her and that she won’t be executed as long as she is “insane.” Ellen returns with an argument that execution is reserved for the “most” heinous and evil of crimes, and this crime was not one of those. So why the death penalty? She goes on to argue that violence should not be paid back with violence. And that mercy was one of the greatest virtues of mankind – and that is what should be promoted. Everybody, deserves mercy, even murderers.
Do they? Is it really possible to forgive someone who has raped and/or murdered someone you love? Do they deserve to be pardoned for their crimes? Don’t the family members of victims deserve closure of some kind? Or is the desire to see the perpetrator punished/executed an aspect of the blood-thirstiness of mankind? Frankly I couldn’t come up with any satisfactory answers.
The episode ended with the defendant’s death penalty being stayed, on the grounds of mental instability at the time of crime…
On a different note, I saw Yuva last night. An excellent movie, with great acting by each of the leading actors. You note, I say "actors" – the absolute marginalization of actresses and their use as mere decorative objects disappointed me. The movie would have been much more satisfying had even one of the 3 actresses been given centre-stage. It was like saying that the responsibility of turning things around in Indian Politics lies in the hands of the male youth of the country, and all that the women can do, is support their man, provide good food for him when he returns at the end of the day, tired and disgusted with the system, not to mention good sex! Behind every successful man is a woman – and that’s where she is to stay – behind the scenes?
Anyways as usual I’ve digressed from the main point that I wanted to make (Yep I’d definitely not make a good lawyer!)…over the years I’ve followed L.A.Law, Street Legal, and some others…off late I’ve been following only 2 shows religiously –Law and Order and The Practice . This week’s episode of The Practice was one of their most thought-provoking episodes.
Ellen, one of the leading lawyers in the firm, is fighting the case of a murderer on death-row. The perpetrator was suffering from schizophrenia at the time she murdered 2 young boys. She was diagnosed as mentally sane at the time of trial but later it was discovered that she was schizophrenic, and when given adequate medication she not only reformed, she turned into a role model. The point, thus being, that she was not mentally fit at the time of crime, thus can not be held responsible for her actions and shouldn’t be punished so severely for it. In U.S.A you can not execute an insane person, so Ellen makes her temporarily go off her medication – the judge rules that the State can not “force-medicate” her and that she won’t be executed as long as she is “insane.” Ellen returns with an argument that execution is reserved for the “most” heinous and evil of crimes, and this crime was not one of those. So why the death penalty? She goes on to argue that violence should not be paid back with violence. And that mercy was one of the greatest virtues of mankind – and that is what should be promoted. Everybody, deserves mercy, even murderers.
Do they? Is it really possible to forgive someone who has raped and/or murdered someone you love? Do they deserve to be pardoned for their crimes? Don’t the family members of victims deserve closure of some kind? Or is the desire to see the perpetrator punished/executed an aspect of the blood-thirstiness of mankind? Frankly I couldn’t come up with any satisfactory answers.
The episode ended with the defendant’s death penalty being stayed, on the grounds of mental instability at the time of crime…
On a different note, I saw Yuva last night. An excellent movie, with great acting by each of the leading actors. You note, I say "actors" – the absolute marginalization of actresses and their use as mere decorative objects disappointed me. The movie would have been much more satisfying had even one of the 3 actresses been given centre-stage. It was like saying that the responsibility of turning things around in Indian Politics lies in the hands of the male youth of the country, and all that the women can do, is support their man, provide good food for him when he returns at the end of the day, tired and disgusted with the system, not to mention good sex! Behind every successful man is a woman – and that’s where she is to stay – behind the scenes?
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Justifying Murder
On Monday I blogged about the murder of Akku Yadav.
Last night, I saw on NDTV, that apart from the 5 women who have been arrested for murdering him, 400 women of the Kastuba Basti are ready to surrender if the women are convicted for their action.
I couldn't find an article reporting this new development in the TOI - not sensational enough for them, I guess. Anyways I hope the court does have the sense not to convict the women - on one hand it would be like saying it's Ok to murder someone who's oppressing you. Murder shouldn't be justified in anyway - in my opinion doing that would just abet crimes even more. But the women definitely should not be punished for taking the step that the Courts of Law should have - he was, after all, wanted for several cases of rape, dacoit and murder. Hardly reprehensible that the women lost hope in a system, that took over a decade to hang another rapist, and took things into their own hands.
Last night, I saw on NDTV, that apart from the 5 women who have been arrested for murdering him, 400 women of the Kastuba Basti are ready to surrender if the women are convicted for their action.
I couldn't find an article reporting this new development in the TOI - not sensational enough for them, I guess. Anyways I hope the court does have the sense not to convict the women - on one hand it would be like saying it's Ok to murder someone who's oppressing you. Murder shouldn't be justified in anyway - in my opinion doing that would just abet crimes even more. But the women definitely should not be punished for taking the step that the Courts of Law should have - he was, after all, wanted for several cases of rape, dacoit and murder. Hardly reprehensible that the women lost hope in a system, that took over a decade to hang another rapist, and took things into their own hands.
Monday, August 16, 2004
God Help The Students of University of Mumbai...
A friend just gave me this shocker of a news - so I hit the archives of Asian Age and came up with this :
"Kaun banega VC? The game begins - By Shweta Shertukde
Mumbai, Aug. 14: The University of Mumbai is likely to have a new vice-chancellor before August 20. Sources in the university disclosed that it will be a hurried appointment as the university will have to follow the code of conduct implemented by the state for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
The race for the post of a new VC, with nearly 30 contenders, has already begun. According to sources, several city-based college principals and vice-chancellors from the neighbouring universities have already started lobbying for the coveted post.
Some of the major players in the race are from the Mumbai university — acting VC Dr Vijay Khole, dean of the arts faculty Dr Abhay Pethe, head of the English department R.G. Bongle, former head of the civics and politics department Nawaz Modi and former registrar Dr A.M. Murudkar. Others in the race are chairman of Principals’ Association Naresh Chandra, principal of Ruia College R.T. Sane, principal of Ruparel College P.M. Sule, VC of SNDT Women’s University Ms Rupa Shah and H.R. College principal, Indu Sahani.Some of these contenders have recently met the Congress party president Mrs Sonia Gandhi in Delhi to lobby for the post, said a source. To meet the August 20 deadline, a five-member team on the selection panel is almost ready.
..."
There's a reason why I've highlighted the name of our ex-HOD, Dr.Bhongle - if he is the next to step into the chair - it won't be unfair to say that the University of Mumbai is going to the dogs! God Save the Students!!!
"Kaun banega VC? The game begins - By Shweta Shertukde
Mumbai, Aug. 14: The University of Mumbai is likely to have a new vice-chancellor before August 20. Sources in the university disclosed that it will be a hurried appointment as the university will have to follow the code of conduct implemented by the state for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
The race for the post of a new VC, with nearly 30 contenders, has already begun. According to sources, several city-based college principals and vice-chancellors from the neighbouring universities have already started lobbying for the coveted post.
Some of the major players in the race are from the Mumbai university — acting VC Dr Vijay Khole, dean of the arts faculty Dr Abhay Pethe, head of the English department R.G. Bongle, former head of the civics and politics department Nawaz Modi and former registrar Dr A.M. Murudkar. Others in the race are chairman of Principals’ Association Naresh Chandra, principal of Ruia College R.T. Sane, principal of Ruparel College P.M. Sule, VC of SNDT Women’s University Ms Rupa Shah and H.R. College principal, Indu Sahani.Some of these contenders have recently met the Congress party president Mrs Sonia Gandhi in Delhi to lobby for the post, said a source. To meet the August 20 deadline, a five-member team on the selection panel is almost ready.
..."
There's a reason why I've highlighted the name of our ex-HOD, Dr.Bhongle - if he is the next to step into the chair - it won't be unfair to say that the University of Mumbai is going to the dogs! God Save the Students!!!
"Trust Me, I Know Where This Road Goes.." Ahem...
They say men NEVER accept it when they are lost and almost never ask for directions. They also say that women are TERRIBLE at giving directions and can lead you around in circles. Stereotypes. Balderdash. Bullshit. I can narrate several instances to prove such statements wrong. But I can also narrate these 2 incidents:
Last Saturday we had gone for pizza dinner. On our way back my brother missed the turn that would lead us to our “village” – I was a bit surprised and made some noise from my back-seat, only to be firmly silenced by the men of the house. They knew what they were doing and where they were going. I figured that since they do go out daily with their respective cars, Papa and Bhaiyya might have found a shorter route…
10 minutes later we crossed the Race course and I knew they were DEFINITELY lost! Bhaiyya admitted that – but Papa still felt he knew where we were headed. "Ah well – men are always right," I told myself. "Sit quietly – there is another way we could get home, only it’s definitely not shorter, but almost twice as long as the usual route." So we drove on…and on…and on…I made some more noise and asked some more questions. “Will you please stop acting smart, young lady?” “Ok sir…you are in the driving seat!”
I waited patiently for 20 minutes for a landmark, which falls just outside Pune limits – and then calmly announced that we’d just crossed Manjari Meadows and were on our way to Solapur! “Oh is that so? Well then I guess we missed the turn somewhere!”
Ah - the pleasure it gave me to direct us back home! Muhahaha – I quite relished the experience of hearing them admit they were very lost and that they should have listened to me the first time I made noise!
I guess sometimes, it is true then – that men never accept it when they are lost and almost never ask for directions.
Now that I’ve related that -
I must admit that 75% of the time, my directions could lead you in the completely opposite direction. If I’m sitting next to you, I’ll immediately rectify my mistake, but if the directions were given to you on the phone…hehe God help you, coz I often mix up between right and left. If I’m not looking down at my hands then I’m almost certain to ask you to turn right, when I mean left!
I did this yesterday, telling Papa that he has to turn right at Café Canada to get to Kasba Peth, and getting very annoyed with him when he said there is no right there! So he drew a map for me – much to my embarrassment I’d meant left! Needless to say, that ended up being a source of amusement for my brother and father for the rest of the day!
Touché!
So sometimes it’s also true that women are terrible at giving directions and can lead you around in circles.
;-)
Last Saturday we had gone for pizza dinner. On our way back my brother missed the turn that would lead us to our “village” – I was a bit surprised and made some noise from my back-seat, only to be firmly silenced by the men of the house. They knew what they were doing and where they were going. I figured that since they do go out daily with their respective cars, Papa and Bhaiyya might have found a shorter route…
10 minutes later we crossed the Race course and I knew they were DEFINITELY lost! Bhaiyya admitted that – but Papa still felt he knew where we were headed. "Ah well – men are always right," I told myself. "Sit quietly – there is another way we could get home, only it’s definitely not shorter, but almost twice as long as the usual route." So we drove on…and on…and on…I made some more noise and asked some more questions. “Will you please stop acting smart, young lady?” “Ok sir…you are in the driving seat!”
I waited patiently for 20 minutes for a landmark, which falls just outside Pune limits – and then calmly announced that we’d just crossed Manjari Meadows and were on our way to Solapur! “Oh is that so? Well then I guess we missed the turn somewhere!”
Ah - the pleasure it gave me to direct us back home! Muhahaha – I quite relished the experience of hearing them admit they were very lost and that they should have listened to me the first time I made noise!
I guess sometimes, it is true then – that men never accept it when they are lost and almost never ask for directions.
Now that I’ve related that -
I must admit that 75% of the time, my directions could lead you in the completely opposite direction. If I’m sitting next to you, I’ll immediately rectify my mistake, but if the directions were given to you on the phone…hehe God help you, coz I often mix up between right and left. If I’m not looking down at my hands then I’m almost certain to ask you to turn right, when I mean left!
I did this yesterday, telling Papa that he has to turn right at Café Canada to get to Kasba Peth, and getting very annoyed with him when he said there is no right there! So he drew a map for me – much to my embarrassment I’d meant left! Needless to say, that ended up being a source of amusement for my brother and father for the rest of the day!
Touché!
So sometimes it’s also true that women are terrible at giving directions and can lead you around in circles.
;-)
Eh?
Yesterday was Independance Day - I hate to admit that it was just another day. Just another Sunday when we went house-hunting yet again... and returned home exhausted, having had both meals out ....no flag-hoisting ceremony at all this year, for perhaps the first time in my life. Last time I reached late, but atleast I paid my respects to the tricolour. This year - Na Da :-(
One thing that hit me yesterday was this headline : Women proud of lynching goon in court. Its hardly shocking, keeping in mind all the things we read in the paper these days. Dunno - it just wasn't what I wanted to read about on Independance Day. Call me naive, but I'm horrified each time I read about such demons...to think that millions still live in the fear of such tyranny and we are more bothered about whether India is ready for legal Pornography or not - gimme a break, could we focus on some real issues for a change?
One thing that hit me yesterday was this headline : Women proud of lynching goon in court. Its hardly shocking, keeping in mind all the things we read in the paper these days. Dunno - it just wasn't what I wanted to read about on Independance Day. Call me naive, but I'm horrified each time I read about such demons...to think that millions still live in the fear of such tyranny and we are more bothered about whether India is ready for legal Pornography or not - gimme a break, could we focus on some real issues for a change?
Friday, August 13, 2004
The Infidelity Track
Been meaning to blog on this every since my last blog – actually I had to restrain myself from publishing this last time, because I didn’t want it to seem like a deluge. Ironically I’ve not blogged for days since then – was very phased out and couldn’t get my thoughts organized. Why? Partly the same old bug of loneliness that makes me downright miserable and yearn to turn to clock back to nicer days. Add to that, what seems like viral fever – nursed mind-numbing headaches, weakness and throat-ache, battled against fever, and had sinus and this awful taste in my mouth through-out. With my whole “anti-medicines” attitude I took longer to get back on track – any other person would have popped a few antibiotics and been hopping around in 2 days. Me? Heheh – I prolong the torture by resisting medication! Stubborn mule? Yeps I know I’m one :-)
Anyways as usual I’ve digressed – damn I could give Thomas Hardy a run for his money in the art of digressing – muhahaha!
Earlier this week when I blogged about the whole issue of women being raped/molested, a related subject was burning in my mind. It came up in a conversation and got me thinking –
We were talking in general about friendships between opposite sexes. I’m fortunate enough to share some great friendships like that; infact one of my closest friends is a guy, and I’ve never ever felt remotely uncomfortable in the presence of any of my male friends. Not everybody has that luck, it seems.
Anyways we drifted into a different aspect of male-female relationships. Here’s a hint – it’s a hot favourite with our Hindi soap-operas! The much discussed, dreaded extra-marital affair! Unacceptable, was my take on it. How could you possibly accept infidelity in your partner? Knowing he’s been with another woman even while he has taken the vows to be yours and your alone, not just in this lifetime, but in the next few lifetimes as well. How is it possible to trust that person ever again and continue to love him? For me, the question of straying just doesn’t arise. I know, I can’t even think of another man – I don’t need to be married to him to feel this way. Love is not something that happens with just anyone. When it does happen, it’s for a lifetime. I know some people say that sometimes love dies – well if it does, you should break it off immediately. Why lie and seek love behind your spouse’s back?
The person I was talking to felt that you have to give him a second chance – marriage is for keeps, and she felt that you have to try and fix things that could go wrong. She did – and she used her experience to show how things that look bad can turn around completely. That you can build a relationship again. That weak foundations can be strengthened. That you can’t just give up so easily. If you love the person, you should want to fight for him – what I don’t get is – why should you have to “fight” for him? Shouldn’t he “be” yours? I mean for chrissake, doesn’t the fact that you’ve chosen each other mean something?
God forbid I ever have to face such a situation – knowing me, I’d be devastated. The thought of it sends chill down my spine – *shudder* Give me any amount of travails otherwise, but not infidelity in the man I love. Amen.
Anyways as usual I’ve digressed – damn I could give Thomas Hardy a run for his money in the art of digressing – muhahaha!
Earlier this week when I blogged about the whole issue of women being raped/molested, a related subject was burning in my mind. It came up in a conversation and got me thinking –
We were talking in general about friendships between opposite sexes. I’m fortunate enough to share some great friendships like that; infact one of my closest friends is a guy, and I’ve never ever felt remotely uncomfortable in the presence of any of my male friends. Not everybody has that luck, it seems.
Anyways we drifted into a different aspect of male-female relationships. Here’s a hint – it’s a hot favourite with our Hindi soap-operas! The much discussed, dreaded extra-marital affair! Unacceptable, was my take on it. How could you possibly accept infidelity in your partner? Knowing he’s been with another woman even while he has taken the vows to be yours and your alone, not just in this lifetime, but in the next few lifetimes as well. How is it possible to trust that person ever again and continue to love him? For me, the question of straying just doesn’t arise. I know, I can’t even think of another man – I don’t need to be married to him to feel this way. Love is not something that happens with just anyone. When it does happen, it’s for a lifetime. I know some people say that sometimes love dies – well if it does, you should break it off immediately. Why lie and seek love behind your spouse’s back?
The person I was talking to felt that you have to give him a second chance – marriage is for keeps, and she felt that you have to try and fix things that could go wrong. She did – and she used her experience to show how things that look bad can turn around completely. That you can build a relationship again. That weak foundations can be strengthened. That you can’t just give up so easily. If you love the person, you should want to fight for him – what I don’t get is – why should you have to “fight” for him? Shouldn’t he “be” yours? I mean for chrissake, doesn’t the fact that you’ve chosen each other mean something?
God forbid I ever have to face such a situation – knowing me, I’d be devastated. The thought of it sends chill down my spine – *shudder* Give me any amount of travails otherwise, but not infidelity in the man I love. Amen.
Monday, August 09, 2004
Murky Waters
One can’t avoid the reports on cases of rapes and other types of assaults against women on News channels these days. I seem to have rather mixed feelings on this whole issue. On one hand, I agree with those who say that it’s a heinous crime that simply can not be pardoned and/or excused. (Thank God our President didn’t agree to the mercy plea made by Dhanandjay Chatterjee) This is one trait in men (not all of them, I accept) that I abhor – the need to subjugate those who are inferior to them, weaker than them or unable to fight back. If they do stand up to any mistreatment, they must be “punished” and “reminded who holds the reins” – despicable and beyond pardon. As for cases of sexual violence – I think a person couldn’t get more be more depraved and screwed up to actually get off that kind of an action. No amount of argument that “the woman asked for it” can ever be sufficient to excuse molestation and/or rape.
But then I think of those incredibly credulous (read DUMB) women who blindly walk into a situation that flashes DANGER in red from a mile off. I totally fail to comprehend why so many women willingly allow themselves to be exploited – who gets to decide what level of exploitation is acceptable – and if the level you perceive in your mind as acceptable doesn’t match with the other person, is it really fair to scream “exploitation” later? Why put yourself on a terrain that is not firm and shows signs of turning into a slimy quicksand? God hasn’t blessed us with grey cells and an intuition for nothing – they are meant to be used, not left to rust. And if you argue that we shouldn’t have to look over our shoulder with every step we take, I agree. We shouldn’t. But let’s face it – this isn’t Utopia. We don’t live in Arcadia. If we are sensible and cautious in a jungle where predatory carnivores reside, then why not otherwise? I mean, in a sense, we do live in a vast jungle of sorts, don’t we? We have to be on red alert at work, for there is always someone waiting to pounce on your smallest mistake, and turn it into their advantage – the same rules apply elsewhere.
I’m not acquitting the men from their blame – I whole-heartedly support capital punishment in 9o% of these cases – no point letting those monsters live and that too on government money, which in a sense is our money. All I’m saying is that sometimes things can’t be classified as Black and White. Things aren’t as simple as that. They never are. Think about it.
But then I think of those incredibly credulous (read DUMB) women who blindly walk into a situation that flashes DANGER in red from a mile off. I totally fail to comprehend why so many women willingly allow themselves to be exploited – who gets to decide what level of exploitation is acceptable – and if the level you perceive in your mind as acceptable doesn’t match with the other person, is it really fair to scream “exploitation” later? Why put yourself on a terrain that is not firm and shows signs of turning into a slimy quicksand? God hasn’t blessed us with grey cells and an intuition for nothing – they are meant to be used, not left to rust. And if you argue that we shouldn’t have to look over our shoulder with every step we take, I agree. We shouldn’t. But let’s face it – this isn’t Utopia. We don’t live in Arcadia. If we are sensible and cautious in a jungle where predatory carnivores reside, then why not otherwise? I mean, in a sense, we do live in a vast jungle of sorts, don’t we? We have to be on red alert at work, for there is always someone waiting to pounce on your smallest mistake, and turn it into their advantage – the same rules apply elsewhere.
I’m not acquitting the men from their blame – I whole-heartedly support capital punishment in 9o% of these cases – no point letting those monsters live and that too on government money, which in a sense is our money. All I’m saying is that sometimes things can’t be classified as Black and White. Things aren’t as simple as that. They never are. Think about it.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Henri Cartier Bresson
Wondering why I’ve not blogged for so long – its not like the opportunity didn’t present itself, or there was lack of topic (there never can be with someone like me, who just loves to talk – if there is no interlocutor, then I can even talk to myself - LOL!)...but somehow I never got around to blogging – about Ma’s problem with vertigo…or how that damned aquarium, my bro has got, broke this Tuesday, and how bhabhi and I spent the entire morning mopping up coz half the water had leaked out, under the cupboards and half-way across the room…or how my damned wisdom tooth gave me so much grief this week...or how miserable I was coz of the wretched cold weather in this bloody hamlet!
Ok – I think I have an inkling as to why I didn’t blog – coz I didn’t want to publish a jeremiad of complaints! LOL! Hit the nail on the spot, didn’t you Sherlock?
Well anyways now that I’ve solved that grand mystery in life, I guess I might as well blog about something more substantial and less introspective and/or floozy!
This morning I read about the death of Henri Cartier Bresson (1908-2004), a photojournalist and co-founder of Magnum Photos. Ok gyan time – Magnum Photos is an international photographic co-operative founded by Robert Cappa, David Seymour, William Vandivert, George Rodger and Bresson in Paris, 1947. Basically Cappa, Seymour and Bresson had been friends before the World War II and when they reunited unexpectedly after the war, they came up with this idea of forming an organisation that would be a kind of forum for photographers and a training ground for new talent. They later opened an office in New York (small surprise – the Big Bully definitely was the place to head even back then, especially when you wanted to sell anything!); today they have offices in London and Tokyo as well and around 50 members. A “miniature United Nations” each member of the organization took on responsibility of covering a geographic area.
So coming back to Bresson – he took on India and the Far-east. Reason I got interested in the fellow was because I’d read somewhere (now don’t ask me where and when – I so totally fail to remember!) that he had taken a photograph of Gandhi, as he lay on his death bed. Apparently another photographer, was unsuccessful and ended up having her reel destroyed because of her insensitivity to the situation, while Bresson succeeded by being discrete and subtle and staying behind the scenes. I thought to myself, creativity coupled with a keen sense of sensitivity and intelligence. Great combination! So I went ahead and read up more about him – it helped that he was a French man! ;-) Anyways some of his work that I saw online fascinated me and managed to snag my attention...
Ok – I think I have an inkling as to why I didn’t blog – coz I didn’t want to publish a jeremiad of complaints! LOL! Hit the nail on the spot, didn’t you Sherlock?
Well anyways now that I’ve solved that grand mystery in life, I guess I might as well blog about something more substantial and less introspective and/or floozy!
This morning I read about the death of Henri Cartier Bresson (1908-2004), a photojournalist and co-founder of Magnum Photos. Ok gyan time – Magnum Photos is an international photographic co-operative founded by Robert Cappa, David Seymour, William Vandivert, George Rodger and Bresson in Paris, 1947. Basically Cappa, Seymour and Bresson had been friends before the World War II and when they reunited unexpectedly after the war, they came up with this idea of forming an organisation that would be a kind of forum for photographers and a training ground for new talent. They later opened an office in New York (small surprise – the Big Bully definitely was the place to head even back then, especially when you wanted to sell anything!); today they have offices in London and Tokyo as well and around 50 members. A “miniature United Nations” each member of the organization took on responsibility of covering a geographic area.
So coming back to Bresson – he took on India and the Far-east. Reason I got interested in the fellow was because I’d read somewhere (now don’t ask me where and when – I so totally fail to remember!) that he had taken a photograph of Gandhi, as he lay on his death bed. Apparently another photographer, was unsuccessful and ended up having her reel destroyed because of her insensitivity to the situation, while Bresson succeeded by being discrete and subtle and staying behind the scenes. I thought to myself, creativity coupled with a keen sense of sensitivity and intelligence. Great combination! So I went ahead and read up more about him – it helped that he was a French man! ;-) Anyways some of his work that I saw online fascinated me and managed to snag my attention...
The one below seems to be a favourite, but I lean towards the one above. Something about the old man, surrounded by flowers, absorbed in his solitary activity touched me.
The name stuck in my memory and this morning when I read about his death – I decided I so totally must blog about this. I think I would like to own one of those books he has published. Probably “Decisive Moments” which is touted as his chef d’oeuvre...
Hehe...just went through this and it struck me that the last line stinks of a hint for a gift. Terribly expensive gift, eh? LOL – worry not, there’s no hint there. Just a thought to myself – more like a note for the future. (Read when I have a decent enough salary to be able to afford all those books I harbour a perennial hunger for!)
Linguistic thought for the day :- Often seen and often used “specially” instead of “especially” – wonder how and why this habit came to be?
Specially, adv. 1. In a special manner; particularly.
2. For a particular purpose; as, a meeting of the legislature is specially summoned.
Especially, adv. In an especial manner; chiefly; particularly; peculiarly; in an uncommon degree.
Eh? Difference?
Ick – so need to improve that vocabulary of mine. Too mediocre for my satisfaction – double ick. Must bookmark the Online Dictionary and must leaf through my pocket Oxford more often. Bit late for a New Year Resolution...anyways I don’t hold much faith in them that were made as you say good-bye to a dying year and are drunk with happiness welcoming one more catastrophic year that brings you closer to the apocalyptic end...but I guess one can always resolve to improve anytime of the year, eh?
Monday, August 02, 2004
Grumpy Bear
QUESTION FOR THE DAY :-
Why is it that NONE of my friends, apart from Kunaal, have made any attempts to visit me in Pune?
I mean, some of them actually act like it's just me who should get to experience the "wonderfully short drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway" - the least they could do is stay in touch, which ain't difficult in this day and age of SMS, emails and 952 facility!
ICK!
Why is it that NONE of my friends, apart from Kunaal, have made any attempts to visit me in Pune?
I mean, some of them actually act like it's just me who should get to experience the "wonderfully short drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway" - the least they could do is stay in touch, which ain't difficult in this day and age of SMS, emails and 952 facility!
ICK!
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