PULP OR GLOSSIES - READERS DIGEST - THE WORLD OF MAGAZINES
Pulp OR Glossies - Readers Digest – The World of Magazines
The real meaning of a bookworm is to digest the print or online publishing and almost get addicted to reading. Being born in the most literate state of India, the “mallu” (Keralite) is introduced to reading from a tender age. The spiritual Ten Commandments to Hail Mary, the bible lessons, and you develop the reading habit side by side. You graduate from Comics, Cartoons, Mills, and Boon to serious reading. If I share my personal experience with you the thousands of books I read during my growing up years in varied subjects such as biographies, autobiographies, articles, poetry, travelogue, drama, and even fiction were instrumental in my character formation.
One of my favorite magazines is National Geographic and I also had a penchant for TIME magazine.
Pulp magazines (often referred to as "the pulps") are inexpensive fiction magazines that were published from 1896 through the 1950s. The term pulp derives from the cheap wood pulp paper on which the magazines were printed; in contrast, magazines printed on higher quality paper were called "glossies" or "slicks".
"Fourth Estate" most commonly refers to the news media, especially print journalism or "the press". Thomas Carlyle attributed the origin of the term to Edmund Burke, who used it in a parliamentary debate in 1787 on the opening up of press reporting of the House of Commons of Great Britain.
The power and significance of media in a democratic society is world-renowned. Though media and press have a persuasive authority its’ real ability is not a secret to the world. The existence of a free, independent, and powerful media is the cornerstone of a democracy, especially in a highly mixed society like India. The pivotal role of the media is its ability to mobilize the thinking process of millions. Technically a democracy stands on the pillars of judiciary, executive, and legislature. But with the rise of the press and its power to reach every nook and corner of the state, it can also be considered the fourth pillar of a democracy.
France under the Ancient Régime (before the French Revolution) divided society into three estates: the First Estate (clergy); the Second Estate (nobility); and the Third Estate (commoners).
The Media barons are the power brokers of a democracy. They can engineer or machinate the downfall of a Government. The masses are generally fed with the daily morning news to start the day. A cup of hot steaming cup of tea in one hand and the newspaper in the other while relaxing on an armchair is the routine of a morning chorus.
National Geographic, Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, Good House Keeping, L’Official, Exhibit, Verve, GQ, Filmfare, Time, Newsweek, Mens and Womens Health, Sportstar, and various men’s (Mans World, MW, Gentleman, etc.) and women’s magazines (Femina, Savvy, New Woman, Women’s Era etc.) are available in the newsstands. Libraries used to be my second temple or church during my hitherto life. If you are not an Anglicized reader, there are many regional flavor magazines available in India being a nation of different language speaking people.
Now online magazines in various Indian languages are available in the Internet. You can read with the Web, iPad, tablets, E-Readers, RSS, Mobile, Android… etc. You choose your subject of interest and enjoy happy reading.
If advertising was my first love, Media was my second interest. I am proud to be called a media-savvy guy.
In the 1970’s there was a magazine published in Mumbai called “Wisecrack”. It was really a brain teaser and evoked abstract humor. The Imprint, Caravan, and Gentleman are some of the magazines we sorely miss today.
National Geographic publishes some stunning photographs of Egyptian mummies, wildlife, oceanography, and articles of historically relevant anecdotes.
While on the subject, a regional magazine of my mother tongue used to publish an analysis of world literature. The columnist used to do a study, research, and analysis of writers from across the world with their contributions in the short story, drama, poetry, fiction, and pastoral elegy. This has to a great extent enabled me to change my outlook to the world and helped me in developing my writing skills.
Even in the genre of magazines, there are suave and sophisticated to the hardcore varieties. Can you imagine “Playboy” magazine without its nude photos? But that is exactly what Playboy announced now as a late realization. Internet is accessible to children and there has to be legislation to prevent young minds from getting exposed to hardcore stuff.
“Debonair” is a popular men’s magazine. I am missing the good old days when this magazine used to publish good interviews, poetry, and articles of higher standards in the 1970s with its couplets of photographs of femme fatale taken from different shades. Maybe its motto was men’s virility is not complete without fairer sex being appreciated. Today, the magazine has lost its old-world charm and now it is with its cheap photographs more vulgar than esthetic, a wolf in sheep’s clothing and I ceased to patronize this magazine.
Being a “The Times of India” loyalist, The Economic Times is my favorite newspaper. Mid-day and Afternoon Dispatch and Courier were my much cherished evening journals. I recall the wait to snatch the tabloids to do the cryptic and expert crossword puzzle. Afternoon’s editor Mr. Behram Contractor aka Busybee with his column used to enthrall me with his scribbling of his own thoughts for the evening. He wrote this satirical column for over three decades.
As an ardent magazine lover, it is quite satiating to write a BLOG about my favorite pastime to flip through the pages of a periodical between the lines and view stunning photos that merit admiration.
One of my favorite magazines is National Geographic and I also had a penchant for TIME magazine.
The Fourth Estate – press and periodicals or magazines come in the form of weekly, fortnightly, and monthly magazines. You cannot forget the annual editions of magazines published during the festival period. The "ONAM" and "DIWALI" specials and anniversary issues flood the newsstands during joyous celebrations of regional festivals. The press is not only the world news bulletins but also lifestyle, health, fashion, business, architecture, photography, sports, automobiles, history, wildlife, geography, technology, entertainment, and current affairs magazines. The pulp fiction occupies most of your free time or leisure time. Reading becomes a hobby when you indulge in light reading. Serious reading opens up the floodgates of knowledge and checks the meaning of one’s existence.
Pulp magazines (often referred to as "the pulps") are inexpensive fiction magazines that were published from 1896 through the 1950s. The term pulp derives from the cheap wood pulp paper on which the magazines were printed; in contrast, magazines printed on higher quality paper were called "glossies" or "slicks".
"Fourth Estate" most commonly refers to the news media, especially print journalism or "the press". Thomas Carlyle attributed the origin of the term to Edmund Burke, who used it in a parliamentary debate in 1787 on the opening up of press reporting of the House of Commons of Great Britain.
The power and significance of media in a democratic society is world-renowned. Though media and press have a persuasive authority its’ real ability is not a secret to the world. The existence of a free, independent, and powerful media is the cornerstone of a democracy, especially in a highly mixed society like India. The pivotal role of the media is its ability to mobilize the thinking process of millions. Technically a democracy stands on the pillars of judiciary, executive, and legislature. But with the rise of the press and its power to reach every nook and corner of the state, it can also be considered the fourth pillar of a democracy.
France under the Ancient Régime (before the French Revolution) divided society into three estates: the First Estate (clergy); the Second Estate (nobility); and the Third Estate (commoners).
The Media barons are the power brokers of a democracy. They can engineer or machinate the downfall of a Government. The masses are generally fed with the daily morning news to start the day. A cup of hot steaming cup of tea in one hand and the newspaper in the other while relaxing on an armchair is the routine of a morning chorus.
National Geographic, Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, Good House Keeping, L’Official, Exhibit, Verve, GQ, Filmfare, Time, Newsweek, Mens and Womens Health, Sportstar, and various men’s (Mans World, MW, Gentleman, etc.) and women’s magazines (Femina, Savvy, New Woman, Women’s Era etc.) are available in the newsstands. Libraries used to be my second temple or church during my hitherto life. If you are not an Anglicized reader, there are many regional flavor magazines available in India being a nation of different language speaking people.
Now online magazines in various Indian languages are available in the Internet. You can read with the Web, iPad, tablets, E-Readers, RSS, Mobile, Android… etc. You choose your subject of interest and enjoy happy reading.
If advertising was my first love, Media was my second interest. I am proud to be called a media-savvy guy.
In the 1970’s there was a magazine published in Mumbai called “Wisecrack”. It was really a brain teaser and evoked abstract humor. The Imprint, Caravan, and Gentleman are some of the magazines we sorely miss today.
National Geographic publishes some stunning photographs of Egyptian mummies, wildlife, oceanography, and articles of historically relevant anecdotes.
While on the subject, a regional magazine of my mother tongue used to publish an analysis of world literature. The columnist used to do a study, research, and analysis of writers from across the world with their contributions in the short story, drama, poetry, fiction, and pastoral elegy. This has to a great extent enabled me to change my outlook to the world and helped me in developing my writing skills.
Even in the genre of magazines, there are suave and sophisticated to the hardcore varieties. Can you imagine “Playboy” magazine without its nude photos? But that is exactly what Playboy announced now as a late realization. Internet is accessible to children and there has to be legislation to prevent young minds from getting exposed to hardcore stuff.
“Debonair” is a popular men’s magazine. I am missing the good old days when this magazine used to publish good interviews, poetry, and articles of higher standards in the 1970s with its couplets of photographs of femme fatale taken from different shades. Maybe its motto was men’s virility is not complete without fairer sex being appreciated. Today, the magazine has lost its old-world charm and now it is with its cheap photographs more vulgar than esthetic, a wolf in sheep’s clothing and I ceased to patronize this magazine.
While on the subject, let's examine the role of Paparazzi in the media and photography.
Paparazzi (Italian term - masculine paparazzo or feminine paparazza) are independent photographers who take pictures of celebrities, prominent public figures, and other high-profile people; namely professional athletes and entertainers - such as actors, musicians, artists, etc. - who typically go about their usual daily life routines. Paparazzi tend to make a living by selling their photographs to media outlets that focus on tabloid journalism and sensationalism (such as gossip magazines).
Paparazzi (Italian term - masculine paparazzo or feminine paparazza) are independent photographers who take pictures of celebrities, prominent public figures, and other high-profile people; namely professional athletes and entertainers - such as actors, musicians, artists, etc. - who typically go about their usual daily life routines. Paparazzi tend to make a living by selling their photographs to media outlets that focus on tabloid journalism and sensationalism (such as gossip magazines).
My magazine rack is adorned with the most trendsetting periodicals ranging from fashion, lifestyle, health, and IQ to new experimental categories.
Being a “The Times of India” loyalist, The Economic Times is my favorite newspaper. Mid-day and Afternoon Dispatch and Courier were my much cherished evening journals. I recall the wait to snatch the tabloids to do the cryptic and expert crossword puzzle. Afternoon’s editor Mr. Behram Contractor aka Busybee with his column used to enthrall me with his scribbling of his own thoughts for the evening. He wrote this satirical column for over three decades.
As an ardent magazine lover, it is quite satiating to write a BLOG about my favorite pastime to flip through the pages of a periodical between the lines and view stunning photos that merit admiration.
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