keyboards, babes and sex-life of duckbill platypus
Rajan P. Parrikar
The following post is addressed only to Vinata Gangolli and no one
else. It should not be construed as an attack on any of the
other women posters on either RMIC or RMIM. There is no music in
this piece, only dischord. I urge nettors to skip the article; I
would rather that this happened over email but I cannot let her pap
go unanswered. Particularly since all of it was directed at me.
I request that the rest of you hit "n" now. Thanks muchos for
not reading what follows.
Rajan
=====
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinata Gangolli of the University of Colorado at Denver wrote:
> Just read that treatise of yours on keyboards and (psychology of)babes.
> Rajan Parrikar.Having also read your colorful expressions about female anatomy
> recently on RMIM, may I point out that this material will be more
> appropriate and appreciated on other net groups such as for singles only or
> males only. May I also point out to you and other like minded males that
> such writing surely cannot win attention and respect from females (read babes
> if you like)? I see that you have advanced dramatically in your field of
> specialization. Congratulations on your research.
> So you would return and amplify flames ?
> Please do. I have no doubts about your capabilities and research in this area.
> Also past data shows that the rate of increase of amplification of flames
> on the net is exponential.
>
>
> Vinata Gangolli
> A fellow Coloradan.
>
Vinata-ji, let me be succint with this -
1) This net is a forum for exchange of information and bandying of
opinions related to music. It has been an experience that has,
for me, resulted in much fun and profit. The few things about
Indian music I'm familiar with, I've freely shared on the net;
but I have learnt much more from the other learned nettors here.
Over the past few years that I have been around, I have made a
number of "net-friends", all of whom share a passionate interest
in Indian music, many of whom are fairly regular posters on RMIC
and RMIM, and most of whom do not particularly care about (or are
affected by) the kind of language I use. You might have noticed
that an overwhelming volume of exchange on these two groups is
characterized by bonhomie and takes place in an air of informality.
I am well aware that my own conduct on the net hasn't always been
above board. I plead guilty to my lapses. But, as one nettor
has rightly reminded us in the past, this group is primarily about
music, not about us individuals and our egos. What that means is,
you and I are eminently dispensible.
With this background dhun, here is what I have to say to you:
If certain words I use offend your pavitra constitution, hit
"n" the moment you see my name. It's that simple. Really. Better
still, put me in your killfile. Just because you, Vinata Gangolli,
find me distasteful I ain't gonna move my fanny someplace else.
Digest that first, twit. Listen, you jelly-assed trampola, you
chose to throw your bit of self-righteous crapola towards me, then
went personal and inferred things about my character. Pissing in the
wind seems to be your forte. So let me now pay you a richer
tribute. You are one helluva humour-impaired, anal-retentive,
constipated, snotty, PC-pussied fucksole. Go take your stinking
yeast-infected chemistry elsewhere. Don't bug me man.
Now that I have uttered such disgraceful verbiage against an
innocent Bharatiya nari, may Sri Ram curse me to rot for eternity
in the interstices of your killfile!
2) Below lies the urn containing the ashes of your feeble attempt at
a flame-that-was-not. Should you decide to gimme a chance to have
yetunadder go, I shall throw in a packet of agarbattis for free.
That's a promise.....and a deal too.
Saprem Namashkaar.
_____
|_____|
| |
/ \
/ \
/ \
(___________)
Rajan Parrikar
==============
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Colorado at Boulder
email: parr...@mimicad.colorado.edu
parr...@spot.colorado.edu
Shantha Benegal
Although you instructed netters to hit the N key, we all know that that
was not your intention. Otherwise you would have sent Vinata Gangolli
e-mail directly. In good conscience, I could not hit the N key,
especially since Vinata had written that post in my defense. I am
grateful to her for her loyalty and support.
What was the purpose of your "joke" if that was what it was? To make us
laugh? It couldn't because it is a tired old joke anyway. Was it to
embarrass me? Here, you succeeded: I was embarrassed for "you," not
myself.
More a propos, I think it was an attention-getting device- the province of
class bullies and six-year-olds, not responsible netters. My response was
going to be no-response - the only way btw of putting a stop to
mis-behavior of the attention-getting kind. Poor Vinata believed in a
more direct protest, and for this she was unfairly attacked.
It is too late for no response: your awful letter to Vinata hurts me as
it will all women on rmic. Congratulations: you succeeded in writing the
ultimate attention-getting flame. Now, I suggest you write an equally
attention-getting public apology to Vinata and all women.
The worst of it is: you don't need to write attention-getters. I for one
have respected your knowledge of music and enjoyed several of your posts.
You also have a sense of humor when you forget to be nasty. One of your
best repartees was when you signed yourself "Rajan, ab to aa ajare
Rajan." Don't make rmic netters say "Rajan, ab to jaa, jaa jaa re, Rajan."
Why can't you throw off that chip on your shoulder and be the creative
contributor you can be?
Since direct e-mail doesn't seem to reach you, this letter has to become
public like yours was. If I sound like I'm talking down to you: I am.
I'm speaking from a platform of superior age, and hopefully, wisdom.
Hoping for "Shanti"
Shantha
Vinata Gangolli
>Kyaa baata hai!
>>Now that this thread is slowly moving towards exploring the sex-life
>>of the duckbilled platypus, let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Just read that treatise of yours on keyboards and (psychology of)babes.
Rajan Parrikar.Having also read your colorful expressions about female anatomy
recently on RMIM, may I point out that this material will be more
appropriate and appreciated on other net groups such as for singles only or
males only. May I also point out to you and other like minded males that
such writing surely cannot win attention and respect from females (read babes
if you like)? I see that you have advanced dramatically in your field of
specialization. Congratulations on your research.
So you would return and amplify flames ?
Please do. I have no doubts about your capabilities and research in this area.
Also past data shows that the rate of increase of amplification of flames
on the net is exponential.
>>Rajan Parrikar
Rajan P. Parrikar
Shantha Benegal <sha...@u.washington.edu> writes:
<deleted>
>It is too late for no response: your awful letter to Vinata hurts me as
>it will all women on rmic. Congratulations: you succeeded in writing the
>ultimate attention-getting flame. Now, I suggest you write an equally
>attention-getting public apology to Vinata and all women.
Shantha: Namashkaar!
1) I sincerely apologize to you for that poor "duckbilled platypus
joke" of mine. Please understand that I meant no offense to you.
2) No apologies to Vinata Gangolli whatsoever; her malicious post
was deserving of what it got. However, I should have expressed
myself in a manner fit for family reading.
******
To Murali Sharma:
From your recent threat to quit RMIC, one might possibly conclude
that:
(a) My posts wield an unusually large influence on some of your
thought and decision-making processes.
(b) Bad language in my posts has been the norm rather than the
exception and that I have had nothing useful to say on this
newsgroup.
I know for a fact that (b) is false. If (a) is true, I am
flattered. But it is then your problem pal, not mine. Also, be
informed that your "friendship" - or lack thereof - has never
been the wellspring of my own self-worth and esteem. Khuda
Hafiz.
******
>Hoping for "Shanti"
Shanti indeed. In that spirit, here is a praathanaa that I have
always found uplifting. There are a few versions of this hymn and
the following one is taken from a Lata Mangeshkar recording.
Om Jagadeesh Hare Swami Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Bhakt: Jano Ke Sankat Daas Jano Ke Sankat
Schhan Mein Dur Kare
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Jo Dhyaave Phal Paave Dukh Vinashey Man Ka
Sukh-Sampati Ghar Aave Kasht Meete Tan Ka
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Maat-Pitaa Tum Mere Sharan Gahu Kiski
Tumbin Aur Na Dujaa Aash Karoon Jiski
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Tum Puran-Paramatma Tum Antaryaami
Paar-Brahma Parameshwar Tum Sabke Swami
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Tum Karuna Ke Saagar Tum Paalan Kartaa
Mai Moorakh Phalkaami Kripa Karo Bharataa
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Tum Ho Ek Agochar Sabke Pran-Pati
Kisvidh Milu Gosaayi Tumko Mai Kumati
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Deen-Bandhu Dukh Hartaa Thakur Tum Mere
Apne Haath Badha'o Dwaar Paro Tere
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Vishaya-Vikaar Mita'o Paap Haro Devaa
Shraddha-Bhakti Badha'o Santan Ki Sevaa
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare
Glossary:
Vinashey = disappear
Gahu = to enter deeply
PaarBrahma = totality
Phalkaami = one desirous of fruits
Karuna = compassion
Agochar = that which is imperceptible to the senses
Kumati = ignorant
Gosaayi = daybreak
Deen-Bandhu = friend of the distressed
Vishaya = doubt
Vikaar = impropriety
Shradhaa = trust, confidence
Corrections welcome. Dhanyavaad.
P J Narayanan
the giants like Rajanji/Shantaji/Vinataji. Please desist! Return to
regularly scheduled programming! I offer the following prayer for
"business as usual", along with the unmatcheable bard Ravindranath
Thakur
PJN
----------
antara mama vikasita karO | Expand my heart/mind
antaratara, hE | O, the innermost dweller!
nirmala karO, ujjwala karO | Make it stainless, make it glorious
sundara karO, hE | Make it beautiful!
jAgrta karO, uddrta karO, | Make it awakened, make it upright,
nirbhaya karO, hE | Make it fearless
mangala karO, niralasa | Make it auspicious, make it
nissamshaya karO | non-lazy and doubt-free
antara mama vikasita karO | Broaden my inner horizon
antaratara, hE | O, the innermost dweller!
y(j)ukta karO, hE, sabAr sangE | Merge me into the universe
mukta karO, hE, bandha | Free me of shackles
sanchAr karO sakal karmE | Impart your peace-rhythm
shAnta tomAr chhanda | To all actions mine
charaNa padmE mama chitta | Make my mind calm and agitation-free
niShpandita karO | At your feet-lotus
nandita karO, nandita karO, | Make me joyous, make me joyous
nandita karO, hE | Make me joyous!
antara mama vikasita karO | Broaden my inner horizon
antaratara, hE | O, the innermost dweller!
(Spelt using standard transliteration scheme and not how it is pronounced
in bAngla, with due apologies to the bengAlis!)
--
---
Robotics Institute, CMU p...@cs.cmu.edu
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
---
Shantha Benegal
AN OPEN LETTER TO RAJAN PARRIKAR
AND ALL MEN AND WOMEN ON rmic
THIS IS A SCREAM FOR HELP
On Friday, I understated the siutation (to the point of dishonesty) when I
called Rajan's post merely an "unfair" attack on Vinata -- Rajan has
committed an act of violence and abuse - ON ALL WOMEN. On Friday, I still
wanted to give Rajan's better side a chance to express itself. From his
lukewarm apology it is obvious his better side got lost somewhere along
the way.
HOW DARE ANY OF YOU SAY THAT THIS KIND OF ABUSE AND THIS KIND OF REBUTTAL
FROM VICTIMS OF ABUSE CONCERNS ONLY THE PEOPLE INVOLVED! ANY MORE THAN
YOU CAN SAY THAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONCERNS ONLY THE FAMILY AND NOT
SOCIETY.
Think about it: Even musically speaking, posts like this from Rajan and
others have driven at least six worthwhile contributors from rmic - and
more like Murali Sharma leaving every day. So what does that do to your
musical enrichment?
I refuse to be driven out by bullies. If any of those refugees from rmic
are still reading this sick newsgroup, I invite them to break their
silence and support us.
Rajan is clever. No doubt about it. He used human psychology, borrowed
from some smut magazine that proclaims: "Don't read this if you don't want
to be titillated -- see the graphic details on the inside double-spread."
He wrote the perfect cliffhanger, knowing people will not hit the "n" key
and will in fact tune in for further luridity. But he also banked on
people's guilt feelings to prevent reprisals: he knew people would not
want to admit they read his filth.
I ask you to stop pretending you didn't read it and have the courage to
indict a wrongdoer. I believe we have grounds here for a class action
suit on behalf of all women on rmic vs. RP. It could be a test case that
will help rid all newsgroups of public nuisances on this still-new medium.
I have neither the skill to reply to Rajan in like language, nor do I
have the inclination to stoop to his level. I was able to get Vinata to
hit the 'n' key in time. So now Rajan's insults are returned to him
marked "Undelivered - return to sender." I suggest he stands in front of
a mirror and reads them to himself.
Shantha
___________________________________________________
On Sun, 19 Dec 1993, Rajan P. Parrikar
wrote:
> Shantha: Namashkaar!
>
> 1) I sincerely apologize to you for that poor "duckbilled platypus
> joke" of mine. Please understand that I meant no offense to you.
>
> 2) No apologies to Vinata Gangolli whatsoever; her malicious post
> was deserving of what it got. However, I should have expressed
> myself in a manner fit for family reading.
>
__________________________________________
Vidyasankar Sundaresan
sha...@u.washington.edu (Shantha Benegal) writes:
-
-
- Rajan is clever. No doubt about it. He used human psychology, borrowed
- from some smut magazine that proclaims: "Don't read this if you don't
- want to be titillated see the graphic details on the inside
- double-spread." He wrote the perfect cliffhanger, knowing people will
- not hit the "n" key and will in fact tune in for further luridity. But
- he also banked on people's guilt feelings to prevent reprisals: he knew
- people would not want to admit they read his filth.
-
There is nothing for a person who read Rajan's post, to feel guilty about.
If there is anyone who should feel really guilty, it is Rajan. If Rajan
chooses to use obscene language in a private war, that he airs in public,
it is his affair. Sure, it is regrettable; but once the deed is done,
there is no use pretending it didn't happen. Nor is quitting the newsgroup
the solution.
Let us hope rmic does not see such trash again.
S. Vidyasankar
Sadhana Jain
>
>AN OPEN LETTER TO RAJAN PARRIKAR
>AND ALL MEN AND WOMEN ON rmic
>
>THIS IS A SCREAM FOR HELP
>
>On Friday, I understated the siutation (to the point of dishonesty) when I
>called Rajan's post merely an "unfair" attack on Vinata -- Rajan has
>committed an act of violence and abuse - ON ALL WOMEN. On Friday, I still
>wanted to give Rajan's better side a chance to express itself. From his
>lukewarm apology it is obvious his better side got lost somewhere along
>the way.
> <stuff deleted >
>.
>.
>I ask you to stop pretending you didn't read it and have the courage to
>indict a wrongdoer. I believe we have grounds here for a class action
>suit on behalf of all women on rmic vs. RP. It could be a test case that
>will help rid all newsgroups of public nuisances on this still-new medium.
This letter of Shantha has stirred me deeply to speak up my mind on this
particular issue. I too was shocked to read the abusive language used by
RP. I totally agree with Shantha that such insults towards women in a
public forum can't be tolerated. Unless some action is taken against it,
there is a danger of recurrence. I urge everybody who feels strongly
against such behavior on the net to express their opinion and suggest a
possible action/remedy (other than ignore it!). Is their a net authority
who one can complain to? How about the university system administrator?
Thanks Shantha for speaking up on behalf of ALL WOMEN on rmic.
Sadhana
V. Chandramouli
|> In article <Pine.3.89.9312200...@stein1.u.washington.edu> Shantha Benegal <sha...@u.washington.edu> writes:
|> >
|> >AN OPEN LETTER TO RAJAN PARRIKAR
|> >AND ALL MEN AND WOMEN ON rmic
|> >
|> >THIS IS A SCREAM FOR HELP
|> >
|> >On Friday, I understated the siutation (to the point of dishonesty) when I
|> >called Rajan's post merely an "unfair" attack on Vinata -- Rajan has
|> >committed an act of violence and abuse - ON ALL WOMEN. On Friday, I still
|> >wanted to give Rajan's better side a chance to express itself. From his
|> >lukewarm apology it is obvious his better side got lost somewhere along
|> >the way.
|> >.
|> > <stuff deleted >
|> >.
|> >.
|> >I ask you to stop pretending you didn't read it and have the courage to
|> >indict a wrongdoer. I believe we have grounds here for a class action
|> >suit on behalf of all women on rmic vs. RP. It could be a test case that
|> >will help rid all newsgroups of public nuisances on this still-new medium.
|> particular issue. I too was shocked to read the abusive language used by
|> RP. I totally agree with Shantha that such insults towards women in a
|> public forum can't be tolerated.
|>
|> Sadhana
Pleeeeeease!! Though what Rajan said is truly disgusting (to *men* and women) but the continous followups are even more so. Let us NOT make this a gender war. If you truly feel that way please take this whole affair elsewhere. It is sickening to first see Rajan's post and then all this "behalf of ALL WOMEN" thing every morning. We have given this matter perhaps more importance than it deserves by not stopping after a few angry followups.
Anyhow, I too have spoken too much on this subject and henceforth shall keep mum.
Anyway, I am going on a 2 week vaccation which should give me a refreshing break from rmic. If this Rajan episode still persists when I return, I guess, Murali's
suggestion of an email forum for those truly interested in music would be a more
useful investment of one's time.
--Chandramouli
ps: To all women readers of rmic, all I am trying to say is that let us NOT let
this degenerate into a gender war (as there might be a few more followups in
similar vein) because of a deplorable act of one irresponsible individual (I am
sad that it had to be Rajan) and I am not siding with him. If you still feel I am being an MCP or whatever, please flame me using email and NOT this forum. I shall of course not waste my time replying to such stupid mails.
John A Absood
While I in no wise intend to immerse myself in this self-styled match of
"wit," some of the recent contributions have been quite alarming.
Please, let us not propose an all out war and let us allow this episode
to pass into the past. While Mr. Rajan's behavior is not to be condoned,
the recent tactic of threat will do little to remedy the situation. It
is wiser, I am convinced, to ignore such inflamatory nonsense rather
than impute any credibility to it. Response in the reactionary implictly
grants credence, credibility, and legitimacy to the views expressed. I
believe a stronger message would be one of no regard whatsoever.
Sincerely,
John Absood
" Ya gaarat al aykie, ayam ul hawa dhahabat "
-- Ahmad Shawqi for Umm Kulthum
rx...@cas.org
>
>AN OPEN LETTER TO RAJAN PARRIKAR
>AND ALL MEN AND WOMEN ON rmic
>
>THIS IS A SCREAM FOR HELP
>
>On Friday, I understated the siutation (to the point of dishonesty) when I
>called Rajan's post merely an "unfair" attack on Vinata -- Rajan has
>committed an act of violence and abuse - ON ALL WOMEN. On Friday, I still
>wanted to give Rajan's better side a chance to express itself. From his
>lukewarm apology it is obvious his better side got lost somewhere along
>the way.
>
>HOW DARE ANY OF YOU SAY THAT THIS KIND OF ABUSE AND THIS KIND OF REBUTTAL
>FROM VICTIMS OF ABUSE CONCERNS ONLY THE PEOPLE INVOLVED! ANY MORE THAN
>YOU CAN SAY THAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONCERNS ONLY THE FAMILY AND NOT
>SOCIETY.
>
>Think about it: Even musically speaking, posts like this from Rajan and
>others have driven at least six worthwhile contributors from rmic - and
>more like Murali Sharma leaving every day. So what does that do to your
>musical enrichment?
I don't read this group regularly. I heard from a friend about what was
going on and went back and read everything.
I agree with Shantha. A woman got mugged on this newsgroup and everybody passed
by without lending a hand to the victim. Some are actually blaming the victim!
Remember, It could be your wife, sister, or mother next time. Everybody who keeps
silent is an aider and abettor in the abuse of women.
Unfortunately, wherever Indians infest a newsgroup it degenerates into this...
Ram
Shantha Benegal
Some 15 years ago, Pandit Jitendra Abhishekhi was in Seattle and sang a
very lovely Tilak Kamod composition that goes:
Path raakho, raakho Murari, [mero]
Bhisham, Drona baithe
Kaayar (panwar?) bhaye
Path rakho.
Shoor sabhaa sab
Kroora huii baithee
Ram ranga kho baithe
Pati Paarath
Paathar bhaye
Path raakho Murari [mero]
If Draupadi's own husbands sat helpless, how can we expect our rmic
brothers to understand that the hurt of an insult is generic. I want to
thank you, Sadhana, and the many Murari's who understood and sent sympathy
mail. I also withdraw my request for public support. I agree Enough is
Enough. Let Raagas and Ragas rule rmic again. The point has been made:
this medium is not exempt from all the legal implications of Defamation,
Copyright, Pornography, Plagiarism, etc. I don't seriously consider
leading a class action suit. But, this is not to prevent others from
doing so.
My anger (it was outrage, really) is spent. Jagadamba has
descended, and Shantha-Durga is once again in control. (I didn't realize
I could be so prophetic when I said "Raag" smacks of anger!) By the way,
I was named after our family Devta in Goa - hometown of Rajan. Come to
think of it, all three of us "protagonists" in this flare-up are Konks.
We're a feisty bunch aren't we?
Rajan, I don't feel animosity any more. I do believe, in spite of
everything, that you have a better side. Perhaps, I made it difficult for
you to show it. Now that I've ended this tiresome war, I hope you'll have
plenty of opportunities to redeem yourself as a truly creative contributor
to rmic.
Before I leave - I'm going on vacation too - there is one technical point
on music that I'd like to resurrect. Remember, Devgandhar and my question
about other gharanas maybe combining Durga with Jaunpuri?
I was experimenting with two possible Durga-Devgandhar gatis:
The first I'll call Dwiga-Durga -
S R m P D S' (Durga)
S' D P m R S (still Durga)
R n S R G --- m, P g R S (Dev Gandhar phrase)
The second I'll call Dev-Durga -
S R m P D S' (Durga)
R n d P, m P g R S (Jaunpuri)
R n S R G--- m, P g R S (Dev Gandhar phrase).
I have no illusions about "inventing" these ragas. In fact an e-mail
friend tells me that the Vilayat Khan gharana plays a raga called
Durga-gandhar, and another Gandhari, which may resemble the above two
chalans. But it was fun trying to combine the two ragas in various ways-
and it all happened because of Rajan commenting on Shantha commenting on
Siddhartha commenting on a review by Murali Sharma on rmic.
That's the beauty of rmic. I shared it for awhile. Who knows, when I'm
less emotionally spent, I'll be back. Just couldn't leave without
beginning the healing process.
Shantha