Space Force. Intergalactic Fashion and Earthly Mishaps

In a recent snippet that tickled my fancy in the Economic Times, it seems the Pentagon has decided to boldly go where no military has gone before. Virginia has become the unlikely docking station for our newest celestial protectors, the U.S. 'Space Force Guardians.' Decked out in uniforms that seem to be the lovechild of 'Star Trek' chic and 'Spaceballs' parody, these men in blue with oversized buttoned up flaps are Earth's newest line of defense against extraterrestrial ne'er-do-wells and the latest orbital shenanigans courtesy of our neighbors in the Chinese space program.

One has to wonder, do these Guardians carry a 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' in their utility belts? Because, let's face it, if you're going to navigate the cosmos and fend off alien marauders, you'll want to do it with a bit of Douglas Adams' wisdom in your pocket—or at least know where your towel is.

The American spirit of 'go big or go home' is alive and well, it seems, even if sometimes the 'big' is more about style than substance. Take, for instance, the SEALs' legendary takedown in Abbottabad. They came loaded with all the sci-fi trimmings you'd expect—if Q from James Bond had a garage sale, it would look like their equipment room. But in a plot twist worthy of a space opera, one of their stealthy Apaches caught a case of the hiccups and ended up a lawn ornament in bin Laden's backyard.

And then, in a moment that would make MacGyver proud, they realized they'd forgotten something between the laser sights and night-vision goggles—a humble measuring tape. So, in a scene that surely baffled the meticulous planners, a SEAL had to play human ruler next to the body to estimate bin Laden's height. Because nothing says "precision military operation" quite like using a 'nap-time next to the bad guy' technique for biometrics.

So, as we look to the stars and dream of space cowboys, let's not forget the down-to-earth humor in our very human, sometimes comical, endeavors. Whether it's space sentinels in snazzy uniforms or SEALs improvising without a tape measure, one thing's for certain: the final frontier might just be the most entertaining saga of them all.

US Elections 2020. Trumped by the Vote: A Comedic Recap

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between, gather 'round as we recount the grand spectacle that was the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election—a saga so steeped in drama that Shakespeare himself might have said, "Bit much, innit?"

At the center of this whirlwind of democracy was none other than the incumbent President, Donald J. Trump, the man who turned the Oval Office into a Twitter pulpit and diplomatic relations into episodes of reality TV. Trump, a maverick in a red tie, approached the election with the confidence of a man who's just found a coupon for a free haircut and knows exactly what he wants: "Just a little off the sides, please, but leave the top. It's perfect."

Finally Trump'ed up campaign comes to an end after giving some anxious moment to the republican camp. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, Trump's rallies were less about social distancing and more about social gathering. The term 'super-spreader' became synonymous with both the virus and misinformation, and masks were often treated like the dress code at an informal beach wedding—optional and largely ignored.

Then came the debates, a series of verbal jousts where Trump, armed with barbs and quips, faced off against Joe Biden, who often looked like he was wondering whether he'd left the stove on at home. The debates were less about policies and more about endurance, as viewers played a drinking game with the phrase "Will you shut up, man?" Spoiler alert: everyone lost that game.

The antics of Trump have etched themselves indelibly into my memory, living there rent-free. Consider the moment during his visit to Gujarat, India, at Modi's invitation, when he attempted to pronounce 'Vivekananda' - the revered Indian reformer and activist. His tongue tripped and tumbled over the name, transforming it into something that sounded suspiciously like "Weee Vik aa nan mundaaa."

Cutting to the chase, election night arrived with all the certainty of a groundhog's shadow. As the votes were tallied, Trump's lead began to wane, and the President did what any reasonable adult would do: he took to Twitter to declare victory prematurely and accuse the other side of stealing the election. It was like calling "shotgun" before your friend has even bought a car.

The days that followed were a blur of lawsuits, recounts, and tweets—so many tweets. Trump's legal team, led by the ever-composed Rudy Giuliani, held a press conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping—because nothing says "I'm taking this seriously" like standing next to a sex shop and a crematorium.

As the legal battles waned and the Electoral College cast its votes, Trump's tenure as President was given an expiration date, but not before he pardoned a cornucopia of cronies and possibly contemplated pardoning himself—a move as unprecedented as it was on-brand.

In the end, the 2020 U.S. Election was a masterclass in political theater, with Trump playing the lead role in a performance that was part King Lear, part reality TV, but all-American. It was a time when satire became redundant because reality had beaten it to the punchline.

So, let's raise a glass to the 2020 election: the year politics became so bizarre, comedians had to check if they were accidentally reporting the news. And to Donald Trump, the man who left the White House with the same subtlety he governed—kicking, screaming, and tweeting into the wind.

From Russia with Love: Kindred Spirits United by India's Charm

As the world huddled in the quiet isolation brought on by COVID-19, a ray of camaraderie shone through the stillness, bridging the distance with a message from Ekaterina, a soul from the snow-laced expanses of Russia. Her words, infused with care, reached across the digital divide - a poignant testament to a shared affection for a land that, even amid global solitude, remained vivid in the hearts of those who adore it from afar.With nostalgia woven into every word, her message unfolded - a poignant tapestry of concern for the beloved nation she holds dear in the wake of the pandemic's surge.

Her sentiments are a reminder of the timeless allure India holds, reminiscent of a bygone era when Raj Kapoor, the eternal showman, twirled his way into the hearts of the Russian people with the cinematic treasure "Mera Naam Joker." How intriguingly fate intertwines our stories, blending the past with the present, art with affection.

Ekaterina's concern, as touching as the black and white memories of cinematic yesteryears, reflects the depth of affection that Indophiles across the world harbor for this land of vibrant diversity. Consider Iliya Padukova, the Ayurvedic doctor from the historic streets of St. Petersburg, whose devotion has led her and her fellow pilgrims to the serene hillock in Kerala, year after year for a dozen years - each visit a homage to the spiritual call of Swami Ayyappa.

And it's not just the pilgrimages that signify this bond but also the profound resonance of India's spiritual heritage in the hearts of many Russians. Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, an ambassador of the Russian Iskcon movement, spoke of a thriving community - fifty thousand Hare Krishna devotees - each a vibrant thread in the colorful mosaic of global unity

Such is the power of India's cultural embrace - it knows no bounds, transcending the physical, dancing over oceans, whispering through mountains, to touch lives far and wide. A myriad of Katias and Iliyas stand testament to this timeless bond, a dance of souls intertwined by love, respect, and shared humanity. As the world watches and waits for the tempest to pass, these heartwarming tales of cross-border camaraderie stand as beacons of hope, reminding us that even in times of trial, the human spirit prevails, boundless and eternal.

Indian auto rickshaw. Epic rides and catchy messages

If you've ever set foot in the bustling streets of India, you've likely encountered the chariot of the common man: the mighty auto rickshaw. These three-wheeled wonders are the unsung heroes of Indian transportation, navigating the urban jungle with the grace of a ballet dancer and the stability of a toddler on a sugar rush.

An auto rickshaw ride is less a commute and more a roller coaster without the safety regulations. The rickety journey is a symphony of bumps, rattles, and honks, where every pothole is a drumbeat and every sudden brake a cymbal crash. It's a full-body workout, an impromptu game of Twister as you contort to avoid the loving embrace of fellow passengers or the occasional curious cow or goat peeking in.

 

Saw this fella hitching a ride yesterday. Funny way to say back off.

Now, let's talk about the captains of these vibrant vessels - the auto rickshaw drivers. They are the sultans of swerve, the wizards of the three-wheeled steed. Haggling over the fare is their favorite sport, and they play it with the zeal of an Olympic athlete. The quoted price is often a 'suggestion', subject to a mysterious algorithm that factors in your accent, the weather, time of the day and possibly the alignment of the planets.

But it's not just about the ride; it's about the razzle-dazzle. Auto rickshaws are decked out with more bling than a pop star's Christmas tree. From psychedelic seat covers to flashy tassels that swing with the rhythm of the road, these autos are a mobile discotheque. The rearview covers don't just reflect the world - they challenge it, adorned with stickers like one above

The dashboard is a shrine to every deity, celebrity, and talisman known to man, creating a protective bubble against the evil eye and traffic tickets. Fairy lights twinkle like stars around the driver, who sits enthroned amidst this splendor, a king in his court of chrome and vinyl.

And let's not forget the music. Each auto rickshaw is a rolling jukebox, blasting the latest Bollywood hits or sometimes a forgotten '90s local pop song, adding a soundtrack to the already sensory-overloading experience.

In the end, the Indian auto rickshaw is more than just a mode of transport; it's a carnival on wheels, a microcosm of India's chaos and color, a testament to the spirit of 'jugaad' - the uniquely Indian art of winging it with flair. So the next time you hop into one of these tri-wheeled rockets, remember: you're not just going places, you're part of a grand tradition of adventure, negotiation, and unexpected disco parties. Buckle up (figuratively, because seat belts are still a fantasy in this realm), and enjoy the ride!

#IncredibleIndia

I agreed to spend the afternoon if only to understand the mystery of how a place could feel so strange , and yet so familiar - Tim Burton, dir Big Fish, 2001

Super Hero Comics: Sal-Man and the Black Buck episode

Dive into the whimsical world of our beloved caped crusader in the latest escapade that's making waves across the superhero aficionado spectrum! Picture this: Sal-Man, the paragon of virtue and the beacon of hope, clad in his iconic cloak that boldly proclaims 'Being Human'—a fashion statement and a mantra rolled into one. He finds himself in a rather sticky wicket, amidst the eerie Bishnoi badlands of Flmistaan, where not even Google Maps dares to tread.

Here, in this land of whispering sands and ancient legends, lurks a nemesis thought to be long vanquished – the nefarious Black Buck. Yes, that's right! The Black Buck, with its hideous aura and a penchant for trouble, has made a grand, unsettling comeback. Twenty years have flown by since Sal-Man, in his glorious 'Being Human' cloak, sent this fiend packing, but history, in its most uncanny manner, repeats itself.

The Black Buck, not one to fade quietly into the annals of history, has cast a diabolical spell on our unsuspecting hero. The audacity! As our hero finds himself ensnared in this wicked enchantment, doubts creep in—could this be the end of Sal-Man as we know him? Will the virtuous champion, with his 'Being Human' cloak fluttering defiantly in the wind, break free from this malevolent sorcery, or will he succumb to the dark forces that have ensnared him?

The stakes are sky-high, and the tension? Palpable. But fear not, dear readers, for hope springs eternal in the world of superheroes. This roller coaster of emotions, filled with twists, turns, and a hefty dose of suspense, promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's an adventure that begs you to clutch your popcorn in one hand and your superhero cape (preferably one that also says 'Being Human') in the other.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on this journey with Sal-Man as he battles to overcome the dark forces, his 'Being Human' cloak billowing heroically behind him. Your rendezvous with destiny awaits at the nearest NEWS stand. Grab your copy today and witness the saga as it unfolds. Trust me, this is one adventure you wouldn't want to miss for the world!

Baggy Green, Sandpaper and Reverse Swing

It has been one hell of a fall through the rabbit hole for the australian cricket team this week. The guys who sport the baggy green cap with pride and reverence are now the poster boy cheats of the game. The kangaroos who strutted the cricket field like tough cookies just crumbled and 'bawled' in front of the cameras after getting caught & punished.

For the spectator it was a heady mix of bewilderment, humor and a tinge of sadness to see the rapid fall from grace for the Australian cricket team. For a team that inspired 'Awe' to a spectacle of 'Baww'  the fall has been swift and spectacular

From Retired to Rewired: Living Without an Expiry Date

What Does It Mean to Be Retired?

Retirement is a word that carries different meanings for different people. For some, it’s a much-anticipated vacation - a permanent break from the daily grind. For others, it’s a nagging question: What now?

You see, the traditional notion of retirement comes with a set expiry date - your 60th birthday, perhaps. It’s a grand event where you’re handed a bouquet of flowers, a clock (ironically reminding you of the time you now have but don’t know what to do with), and a polite farewell speech from HR. And then… silence. For the next 20-25 years, you’re left to figure out what to do with yourself.

But what if retirement isn’t a date circled on a calendar? What if it’s not about stopping but about starting something new?

Take Vasant Prabhu, for example. The bloke in the image turned down a government job, ventured into the private sector, and after 18 years, decided to call it quits - not to retire, but to start his own business. Retirement, for him, wasn’t about settling down; it was about gearing up for a new chapter, on his own terms.

Being retired doesn’t have to mean being idle. It doesn’t have to mean falling into the trap of “waiting out” your golden years. It can mean choosing how to spend your time, finding purpose, and staying curious. Whether that’s starting a new career, mentoring others, or diving headfirst into a passion project, retirement is less about rest and more about rediscovery.

Because the truth is, the best thing about not having an expiry date is that you’re free to rewrite the rules. To stop working for others and start working for yourself - on your dreams, your ideas, your legacy.

So, what does it mean to be retired? Maybe it’s about never truly retiring from life itself.

World happiness index rank India

Terrorist by Nature

The GST Saga: A Crash Course in Chaos

VAT to GST: Adapting to the New Normal

So, the government finally jumped into the GST business after 17 years of dithering. But, unsurprisingly, that amount of time wasn't enough to plan the implementation properly. For most of us in business, it felt like falling into an abyss with a glimmer of hope that the crash landing would be smooth and things would eventually get better.

Well, guess what? They didn't. Nothing else explains the situation we're in today.

In my small town of Belgaum, there was practically no government machinery to help businesses navigate this new terrain. Not even a help desk in a government office! It was like they dropped the GST bomb and then went on vacation.

People in the supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers, were living in 'la-la land' when it came to preparedness. On the bright morning of GST implementation, manufacturers were clueless about the HSN codes mapped to their products.

And then there was my software guy. He threw up his hands and asked me to fend for myself until he could wrap his head around the GST requirements for his software. So, I found myself going ten steps backward to the good old days of writing out bills by hand.

Mr. Jaitley, our super erudite finance minister, here's a toast to your bold venture. It's been a wild ride, and here's my take on it.

A Journey of Hope and Hiccups

The idea behind GST was revolutionary. A single tax to replace the tangled web of multiple taxes seemed like a dream come true. But as with any dream, waking up was the hard part.

The Belgaum Blues

In Belgaum, a town known for its entrepreneurial spirit, the GST rollout was nothing short of chaotic. Businesses were left in the lurch with no guidance. The local government offices, which should have been bustling with activity, were silent. No workshops, no informational pamphlets, not even a token help desk. It was like the government had handed us a puzzle without any pieces.

The Supply Chain Shuffle

Suppliers and manufacturers were equally lost. The concept of HSN codes was as alien as interstellar travel. They had no clue what codes to use for their products, leading to confusion and delays. The once smooth supply chain turned into a tangled mess.

Tech Troubles

My tech guy, usually the savior in times of digital distress, was stumped. His usual confidence was replaced by uncertainty as he struggled to update the billing software to comply with GST norms. His advice? "Go old school." And so, I found myself scribbling bills by hand, a throwback to a time I thought was long gone.

Raising a Toast to Resilience

Despite the chaos, there's something to be said about the resilience of the Indian business community. We grumbled, we stumbled, but we didn't crumble. GST may have thrown us into the deep end, but we're learning to swim, one stroke at a time.

So, here's to you, Mr. Jaitley. Your bold venture has been a rollercoaster of a ride. We're still holding on, hoping for smoother tracks ahead. Cheers!

Eye Candy - Testing fail

Paryushan 2015

The champions of the hindutva brigade have made a political flip-flop again

Nine Pins

Poli' ticks'

Yawwwwn......the Sushma Swaraj - Lalit Modi controversy in my kaleidoscope

Democracy with Strings

Shiv Sena & Maha'mantra

 

Lets Foot Bawl

admitation

 

IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY -  a phrase usually said ( ironically though)  when someone tries to gain attention by copying someone else's original ideas. I am not sure whether this highway restaurant guy (whom I encountered recently) got the right attention or not but his copying of the ‘ No Admission ’ with a twist was certainly flattering .

Saik it up

Captured this Sheikh pushing his cart near Corporation circle recently, reminded me of the Joke
Q: What do you call a Badam that likes to dance?
A: A Badam shake (saik)!
Notice you can also have ‘Choklate’ variety here...