by Maitri
on December 15, 2006
H ran into me at the coffee shop a couple of days ago and said, “The guy who touched you and asked about your skin color is slightly nervous. He walked into my office today and asked if I had offended you.” *blank stare* No, I wasn’t offended; that’s why I read him the riot act. Some people, I tell you. “I told him that I know you,” H continued, “and that you probably realize that he was being dumb and not racist.” Uh, ok.
“Why did you say anything back to that guy?” came my mother’s rebuke last night. “When you utter even one word to these people, you stoop to their level. You should have just given him a look and walked away.”
“But he took my hand, mom,” I protested, “he overstepped a barrier. No one escapes with an uninvited touch.”
“Yes, naanum kanna pinna nu kathirupen, [translates roughly to: I, too, would have screamed bloody murder], but the best response is to give him the icy stare and leave.” Oh, ok, do as I say, not as I do.
—
P.S. Thomas Dolby’s autographed Sole Inhabitant CD showed up in the mail yesterday, with the best performance of Leipzig Is Calling. Merry Christmas to me!
by Maitri
on November 30, 2006
Vince Morelli and Jason Berry have just completed their documentary on the New Orleans Public Schools system. Those close to the project are really thrilled at the job they did and how this project turned out. I expect it to be a great film, and it’s only one hour long. You can learn more at the film’s website.
Left Behind is a 60-minute documentary that tells the story of three African-American high school seniors as they navigate through their final year of high school. Their final year in “the worst public school system in America.” Their final year in one of the poorest cities in the state; in a state ranked as the poorest in America; in the most violent city, state and country in the industrialized world.
The premiere is December 5 at Canal Place at 7 pm. Seating will be limited and I don’t think tickets go on sale until that day at 5 pm. Jason informs me that the movie will be online in the near future, after it is released locally.
by Maitri
on October 24, 2006
Even as I type this, I hesitate to be the one to let some of you know that Loki‘s father passed away quite unexpectedly last night. The news comes as a shock to all of us, and is doubly saddening in light of Loki and Alexis’s upcoming nuptials. In no uncertain terms, this sucks. At this time, it’s important to let George, our fearless entertainer, know he’s loved; better than email, please leave him a message on his blog.
When I heard the news last night, my first instinct was to rush to my parents and hold them tight. We have it in our power to make special and love-filled the people who are still with us. So, here goes:
Dear mom and dad,
I love you. Thanks for giving to me with every breath of the last three decades, expecting nothing in return but my success and good values. If I was an unbearable ass during my teenage years, I am sorry and hope that the daughter you have today is reparation enough. If, in the end, life happens to give me a do-over, I will reselect you, and no other, as parents. Quite simply, you are the best!
Rest in peace, Mr. Williams.
by Maitri
on September 27, 2006
“A man’s dying is more the survivors’ affair than his own.” – Thomas Mann
My father’s mother passed away in India last night and will be cremated early tomorrow morning. It hasn’t been a year since his little brother’s death, so I worry about my dad’s state of mind. Utterly useless to my family right now, I remember my grandmother the only way I can, by writing about her:
Despite never having spent a substantial amount of time with her, I know Bhavani Paati (Grandma Bhavani) because I am her – she is the storyteller, writer, historian, people watcher, and mocha-colored Rubenesque … woman in me. She was the inspiration for VatulNet …
Paati’s children and grandchildren are almost everywhere in the world – India, Europe, Australia, and the United States. Now, more than ever, is when we wish we could all miraculously converge in space and time to commiserate and grieve. But, time zones and logistics do not always militate in our favor.
… you may understand my chagrin at not having had or made the time to spend with the woman who created and raised my father, uncles, and aunts. Yet, during this blink of a geological eye, I was privy to her company and advice whenever possible and grew a hearty appreciation for home and family. For that, I am grateful.
My grandmother went in the best of conditions – at 94, in her home, in minimal pain, surrounded by close family members, and during an auspicious time of the year for observant Hindus.
I love and miss you, Paati.
by Maitri
on September 25, 2006
I lied, for I’ve made the time to watch the Saints on TV … in my black tank top with the gold fleur de lis on it. The sniffles began when The Goo Goo Dolls made a passionate case for New Orleans on WDSU, and they grew into all out tears when Irma Thomas sang the national anthem. Through his incessant supply of “you know,” Johnny Rzeznik managed to inform viewers that a lot remains to be done here, that New Orleans should be preserved with its spirit because it is the “cradle of musical culture,” and that the band will support this city on their website with videos of their visit here.
Holy Mother of Superdome, it hasn’t been a minute and a half and the Saints just scored a touchdown. They want it so badly, I can feel the desire through the little television over my computer.
Daaaaaamn, do I want to stay home and watch on TV while the city erupts? We are going to remember this game for the rest of our lives.
