Saturday, 3 August 2013
Guess what these are ?
Can You Guess What These Are ?
Ready ????
These are pencil artworks !
Ready ????
These are pencil artworks !
California artist Ester Roi (website currently down) works colored pencils to create drawings of imagined riverbeds that exhibit a superb understanding of the interaction between light, color and water. Roi uses a special drawing device called the Icarus Drawing Board that allows her to effectively create warm and cool “zones” underneath a wax-based medium. According to her website “the warm zone is used for mixing pigments, blending, burnishing and reworking. The cool zone is used for line drawing, layering, detailing and finishing touches.” The careful layering of pencil and wax apparently allows for some pretty brilliant color work. Although her website is currently down you can see more of her drawing and painting over on Facebook.
Amazing Stop Motion you HAVE to see !
Brock Davis Turns His Clever Visual Jokes into Stop Motion Shorts on VineAugust 1, 2013
I was excited to discover that mixed media artist Brock Davis (previously) recently joined Vine and started making some fantastic little animated shorts in his clever minimalist style. Definitely worth a follow.
Planetary Structural Layer Cakes !!
Planetary Structural Layer Cakes Designed by CakecrumbsAugust 1, 2013
Self-taught chef Rhiannon over at Cakecrumbs has been working on a fun series of planetary cakes that are designed to be scientifically accurate with different types of cake representing various layers within Earth and Jupiter. For her Jupiter Cake the center is the theoretical rock/ice core (mudcake), followed by a layer of liquid metallic hydrogen (almond butter), and finally the liquid molecular hydrogen (colored vanilla). She layered her Earth Cake similarly and finished it off with some absurdly detailed continent design made with marshmallow fondant.
Due to high demand she just posted an extremely detailed tutorial including a video that explains how to make spherical concentric layer cakes. Which is now a thing. That I will have at my birthdays now and forever. (via I F’ing Love Science)
Impeccable appearance of a Military Officer is half the battle!
Impeccable appearance of a Military Officer is half the battle!
IssueNet Edition| Date : 30 Jul , 2013
Mrs. Indira Gandhi with Manekshaw
Declining standardof officers’ conduct has been a cause for concern for the past few years. Occurrence of numerous incidents of un-officer like behaviour has caused considerable disquiet.
Unless officers are made to dress like gentlemen, they cannot be expected to behave like gentlemen.
A number of papers have been published by experts to identify reasons for this ominous trend. India’s premier think tank, the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis devoted its issue of April 2013 of the Journal of Defence Studies to this subject. The Army Training Command has chosen ‘Back to Basics – Need of the Hour’ to be the main theme of the next issue of its journal. It wants to generate discussion on the measures that can be taken to arrest the decline.
Whereas most observers blame the influence of changing socio-economic environment on officers’ psyche, others are of the view that increasing aspirations of the officers have impacted the old concept of ‘gentleman-officer’.
Unfortunately, in this pursuit to discover underlying reasons through complex scientific studies, a very obvious causal factor is being completely overlooked, i.e. increasing dilution of the importance of turnout in the services. The term turnout describes the manner in which a person dresses and presents himself. ‘Shabby turnout produces shabby behaviour’ is an old military dictum.
Behaviour is defined as the way in which an individual behaves or acts or conducts himself. It is influenced, inter alia, by psychological dynamics, and, clothing/dress is considered to be an important psychological trigger. That is the reason why dress code has always been an essential part of the services culture.
It will be in order to recall an incident that happened at a major training academy a few years ago. Conduct of the officers at a social function was found to be highly unacceptable. A group of inebriated officers threw beer bottles in the swimming pool and monopolised the dance floor with whiskey glasses in hands. Fearing misbehaviour, all ladies walked off the dance floor.
…clothing has a huge influence on others’ perceptions. People judge and respond to others by the way they look and dress. That, in turn, impacts wearers’ psychology as well.
Expectedly, the Commandant was distraught. Although not all his staff officers agreed with him, he felt that casual dress allowed for the function was one of the main contributory factors. He prescribed shirt and tie for the next social get-together. A distinct improvement in the general behaviour was discernible.
Convinced of his inference that dress influenced the behaviour of the officers, the Commandant mandated lounge suit/mess dress for all social events. He never had to face any embarrassing spectacle thereafter. Even the New Year party, which used to degenerate into an ugly mayhem earlier, remained a dignified affair.
The above episode has been recounted to highlight the fact that dress exerts profound psychological and behavioural influences on the wearers. Researchers call the process as ‘enclothed cognition’.
Behaviour which is not in line with the expectations of how one should behave when wearing a particular dress creates a psychological conflict called cognitive dissonance. Without being aware of it, people attempt to relieve the conflict by modifying their behaviour to match their dress. Resultantly, their behaviour remains in consonance with the expected norms.
Clothes Make the Man
Mark Twain’s often quoted statement that ‘clothes make the man’ applies in two ways. One, an appropriately dressed individual takes pride in his appearance. It makes him feel good and boosts his self-confidence; which reflects in his attitude, demeanour and job performance.
Many civilian professionals work from home on certain days. Although they know that that they are not being seen by the other participants, they dress up appropriately before attending an important conference call.
Two, clothing has a huge influence on others’ perceptions. People judge and respond to others by the way they look and dress. That, in turn, impacts wearers’ psychology as well. It makes them strive to come up to the people’s expectations through appropriate behaviour.
Studies carried out by Adam D. Galinsky of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University showed that clothes invade the body and brain, putting the wearer into a different psychological state. Further, it proved that clothing not only sends a certain message to humans, but can also affect how they feel about themselves and how they perform certain tasks.
As per a study reported in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, students who thought they were wearing a doctor’s coat showed a heightened sense of attention than students who thought they were wearing a painter’s coat. It reality, both were wearing the same coat. The influence came from the symbolic interpretation of the article of clothing, i.e. ‘physicians tend to be careful, rigorous and good at paying attention’. Resultantly, wearing a laboratory coat increased selective attention.
Many civilian professionals work from home on certain days. Although they know that that they are not being seen by the other participants, they dress up appropriately before attending an important conference call. They admit that their dress impacts their response and makes them get into the correct frame of mind to discuss serious professional issues.
The Services and the Turnout
Realising the importance of impact of turnout on human psychology, the services have always laid a great deal of stress on prescribing dresses to suit different occasions and requirements. Different dresses evoke diverse feelings, have associated nuances of the norms of conduct and are suggestive of the manner in which a wearer is expected to act. Whereas uniform makes an officer feel like a disciplined leader, combat dress prepares him mentally for physical activity. In other words, dress makes an officer get into the necessary frame of mind and prepares him to perform the required role.
Neglect of the dress code has impacted the psyche of the officers adversely. They have stopped taking pride in their appearance.
Earlier, turnout was considered an critical necessity for earning the respect of the troops. All officers were expected to be appropriately turned out at all times as it was felt that outward appearance, both in formal and informal interactions, impacted the environment considerably. Therefore, formal dresses were specified for social functions as well. Entering an officers’ mess without lounge suit was considered a sacrilege. Even the services institutes followed the dress codes strictly – officers were not allowed to enter without full sleeves shirt and tie.
Over a period of time, formal attire has given way to ‘relaxed casuals’. Today, open collar shirt has become the normal dress for the messes. Service institutes even allow tee-shirts. Dress code has lost the importance that it enjoyed earlier.
Neglect of the dress code has impacted the psyche of the officers adversely. They have stopped taking pride in their appearance. Under the garb of wearing casual clothes, they dress shabbily. It is distressing to see officers visiting canteens and other facilities unshaven and wearing sloppy footwear. Resultantly, such officers tend to behave in an unbecoming manner.
Finally
It is understandable that norms and views undergo change with time. However, it should not be done at the cost of the services culture. It is hard to digest the logic that officers cannot relax and enjoy if dressed in lounge suits. Whereas adjustments must be made to cater for climatic conditions, a certain degree of moderation must be exercised. Swinging from one extremity to another is not judicious.
Lesser importance assigned to the dress code is certainly one of the contributory factors for the deteriorating standard of behaviour of some members of the officer cadre. Unless officers are made to dress like gentlemen, they cannot be expected to behave like gentlemen. ‘You are what you wear’ is an old saying.
Military: Arrogance of Seniority
Military: Arrogance of Seniority
IssueNet Edition| Date : 30 Jul , 2013
Starred Golf - Caddie on the Left is Displaying Three Stars while the Middle One Shows Two Stars
Search for recognition is one of the pursuits which all human beings indulge in and continuously strive for. For professionals, promotions and advancement in career are important aspects of their aspirations. In the services, rank achieved is a conspicuous and well-recognised measure of a soldier’s professional competence and an indicator of his progression. As rank fixes one’s place in the services hierarchy, senior officers have every reason to be proud of their achievement. They are justified in deriving a sense of justification from the heavy brass they carry on their shoulders. In a steep pyramid-like organisation, promotions do not come easily.
Senior commanders and their wives remain surrounded by their staff officers and cronies. They make no effort to walk up to the juniors to exchange pleasantries. At times one gets an impression that the senior brass considers it below their dignity to mix with subordinate officers.
However, it is equally important that they carry their rank with due dignity and composure. They should neither carry them to ridiculous limits nor flaunt them in an unbecoming manner. Increasing arrogance of seniority is clearly discernible in stratification of social events and indiscriminate flaunting of flags and stars, as discussed below.
Social Discrimination
There was a time when senior officers and their wives made use of social occasions to interact with junior officers and their wives to get a feel of their morale and establish informal rapport with them. On the other hand, junior officers and their wives learnt a great deal by watching the way the senior officers and their wives conducted themselves. Thus, social functions were considered to be excellent occasions to build cohesion in an informal manner. Additionally, military norms, ethics and values were passed on to the new-inductees.
Unfortunately, social functions have become highly stratified events. There is no interaction between the seniors and the juniors. Separate areas are earmarked for them. Exclusive seating for VIPs has become a standard practice. Senior commanders and their wives remain surrounded by their staff officers and cronies. They make no effort to walk up to the juniors to exchange pleasantries. At times one gets an impression that the senior brass considers it below their dignity to mix with subordinate officers.
There are three reasons for this obsession for exclusivity. One, senior officers get special treatment in terms of quality of liquor and food. Two, they get hospitality free whereas they should be paying for their drinks and food like the other officers. Finally, the current top brass is so self-seeking that it has no concern for others’ sensitivities and social niceties.
Earlier, all guests were treated at par and served the same food and drinks, irrespective of their rank. The only privilege that a senior officer enjoyed was that he was served his drink by the waiter and did not have to walk up to the bar like others. Today, not only the type of whisky but also the goblet – crystal for seniors and Borosil for others – are rank based.
Today, not only the type of whisky but also the goblet – crystal for seniors and Borosil for others – are rank based.
A few months ago, an Air Force Station had organised a social evening after an event and invited a large number of officers from the services. Prior to the serving of dinner, an announcement was made requesting all officers of one-star rank and their wives to have dinner in the hall while the others were asked to move to the tents on the side. It was such an insulting move that many officers and their wives walked out without dinner. One fails to understand how such petty mindedness has crept in the services’ culture. If a Brigadier or a General has dinner along with others, will it lower his dignity?
At a post-tournament dinner at an officers’ institute, the Army Commander, after showing his face for a few minutes, withdrew to an exclusive chamber along with his ‘Nav Ratnas’ (Major Generals) to enjoy the evening and exclusive hospitality. Others were left outside to interact with each other – a reminder of the grand old Mughal tradition of ‘Diwane Khaas’ and ‘Diwane Aam’.
Golf Cap with Stars Indicating Rank of the Player
Protocol golf is another innovative measure that displays haughtiness of seniority. In case senior commanders want to play golf after a conference, the golf course is declared off limits for others. It is a disgraceful sight to see 4 to 5 commanders playing golf on an 18-hole golf course with staff officers who are detailed to accompany them. It shows arrogance of the poorest order. Do the senior commanders find it demeaning if Colonels and Majors are also playing at the same time? Arrogance of rank cannot be carried to such limits.
Flaunting of Ranks
It must never be forgotten that badges of ranks worn by the soldiers represent national symbols – the Ashoka Lion and the five-pointed Indian Star. The nation has bestowed its greatest honour on its soldiers. Every officer understandably takes pride in his rank by displaying the stars and flying the flag that he is entitled to. However, it must be done with due decorum and as per the laid down norms. Their sanctity should never be demeaned. Of late, a tendency has been discernible amongst the senior officers to flaunt their stars and flags in most unbecoming manner.
…a garden umbrella at a divisional tennis court had two stars prominently displayed on it to indicate that it was exclusively reserved for the Divisional Commander and his wife.
Although display of star plates and flags on private cars is forbidden, many officers feel insecure without their use and openly flout the orders. There are many commanders who insist that the mules that they ride in mountainous terrain must be duly embellished with stars and flags – a ridiculous sight indeed. Similarly, it was a shocking sight to see a Chief flying his flag and displaying four stars on his golf cart in New Delhi.
Recently, a photograph was circulated on the internet that showed golf caddies wearing jackets with stars prominently displayed on their backs to indicate ranks of the players they were assisting. Can there be a more ludicrous demonstration of disgraceful obsession with ranks?
Another absurd practice that has gained currency in the recent past is to present golf caps and tee-shirts to all participants with their ranks duly indicated through embossed/embroidered stars. It is a comical sight to see officers playing golf with their ranks duly advertised. It appears that senior officers are unable to swing their clubs unless adequately supported by the trappings of their ranks.
In another case, a garden umbrella at a divisional tennis court had two stars prominently displayed on it to indicate that it was exclusively reserved for the Divisional Commander and his wife. As human ingenuity has no limits, there are numerous such examples wherein display of rank has been carried to preposterous extent.
Senior commanders would do well to remember that humility is the hall mark of a good leader and a meta-virtue. A self-effacing demeanour indicates maturity and not meekness or timidity.
Many senior officers complain that they never demand such displays and that some over-enthusiastic juniors take initiative of their own accord. This explanation holds no water at all. Unless the junior officers are convinced that their initiative would fetch them a pat, they would never take the risk. Additionally, senior commanders can always order stoppage of such practices if they so desire. The fact is that they relish such treatment as it boosts their ego, gives them a ‘kick’ and makes them feel special.
Finally
Informal interaction between officers of different ranks should always be governed by the dictum that ‘a good senior does not flaunt his seniority all the time while a good junior does not forget his juniority at any time’. That should be the basis of healthy social equilibrium.
It must never be forgotten that the officers who fail to make to higher ranks are not incompetent. It is just that the steep pyramid-like structure provides limited promotional avenues. Many brilliant officers suffer due to the shortage of vacancies and retire as Colonels. Supersession impacts their psyche and they show signs of social withdrawal. Instead of reassuring them, social discrimination adds to their discomfort through shameless display of inequities. Worse, ‘social apartheid’ is widening the gulf between the top brass and the others.
Senior commanders would do well to remember that humility is the hall mark of a good leader and a meta-virtue. A self-effacing demeanour indicates maturity and not meekness or timidity. Humility is all about maintaining one’s pride about one’s worth and achievements, but without arrogance. It is an old saying that ‘those who achieve the most flaunt the least’.
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