Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Lord Shiva and achhe din through Gangajal (satire)


Lord Shiva was not happy. He had just got the news that people are drawing up plans to make money out of something that is nature’s gift.
Durga saw him pacing up and down in front of his cave in the Himalayas with his disciples Nandi and Bhringi crouching behind a clump of bushes and could guess that Lord Shiva worried.
‘What is the problem now?’ she asked. ‘Did you not sleep well?’
Shiva stopped his pacing and stood in front of Durga.
‘This is not good,’ he said.
‘What is not good?’
‘Those people down there want to make money by selling that which comes for free.’
‘What is it they want to sell?’
‘Water from the River Ganges – they want to package it and sell it to the people. They have taken up the task of cleaning the River and, I think their funds have run dry. So they want to sell its waters to generate funds.’
Durga laughed.
‘I think you forgot that some other country is already selling fresh air. It’s a seller’s world and the demands of people keep changing.’
It was at this time that Ganesh joined them.
‘If you ask me, it’s a good business proposition,’ he said. ‘The demand for the holy water is tremendous. There is a ready market not only here but abroad also. And – I hear that they will market it online. And, the project will also help boost the morale of postmen.’
‘Postmen?’ both Shiva and Durga said together.
‘Yes. Right now all post offices are dying. No one sends letters or telegrams or money orders and the morale of the staff have reached rock bottom. Hence they need a morale booster.’
‘You mean to say that the morale booster will come from Gangajal?’
‘Yes because it will be sold and distributed through post offices. Moreover, it will spawn a new range of products for packaging. The delivery process could be subcontracted to drone operators. The possibilities are unlimited.’
‘You mean acche din through Gangajal?’’ Lord Shiva asked.
‘Yes,’ Ganesh said. ‘And – there could be foreign experts involved in the process. That is today’s tradition.’
‘By the way – where are they setting up the water purification plant?’
‘In Varanasi,’ Ganesh said with a smile.
‘I knew,’ Lord Shiva threw up his hands in despair. ‘They can’t see beyond their noses.’
‘And – they will be going solar,’ Ganesh added. ‘The distilling plants will run on solar and gobar – the pair of alternate energy.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

World's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction

Coca-Cola to stop production of its beverage in Venezuela because of sugar shortage

Melting of Totten Glacier due to global warming could raise sea levels by three meters


Moody’s mind flits from Black Money to White House (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)


Daniel Craig is through with James Bond - turns down £68 million offer from MGM

Snoop Dogg and Lucy Liu will be seen together in thriller 'Future World'

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”


Was the EgyptAir crash an act of terrorism by the ISIS?

Suicide bombings in Baghdad kill 43 - brings total death in 7 days to more than 145

One more Chibok girl rescued - she was kidnapped along with 275 others in April 2014

Monday, May 30, 2016

Didi’s Delhi dreams – from telebhaja to aloo chat (satire)


Didi woke up fresh. She had a really good and sound sleep. That was because she had played the cards correctly and had come up with all the aces. She had grown up from the ranks and knew just how to present her case so that her audience will be spellbound and believe whatever she says – no matter how outlandish they may sound.
Suddenly her phone rang – it was her faithful Man Friday who was better known as Moo Cool. She smiled when she remembered the beautiful drama that the two of them had played. It was for a good cause and was a diversionary tactics. It was one of her strategies.
‘Did you have a good sleep?’ Moo Cool asked.
‘Of course,’ Didi replied. ‘I think we now need to plan for the future.’
‘You mean capture Delhi?’
‘Yes,’ Didi said. ‘I am fed up with this place. I want a change of scenario.’
‘I know how you feel. Our leaders in Delhi talk big but their works are all small time.’
‘I want to change all that.’
‘Here you had to tackle 34 years of misrule,’ Moo Cool sighed. ‘In the center it is more than 60 years misrule.’
‘If I can dislodge the men in Delhi, I can show them how to run the country,’ Didi said. ‘You make a start from our oath taking ceremonies. As a first step, invite some leaders who will support my cause.’
‘No problem,’ Moo Cool said. ‘I’ll include Kaloo Prasad, Akki Lays, Cage Reeball, Ab Dulha – all of them fit the bill.’ ‘Yes. All of them love our sweets. And - they do have a soft corner for me,’ Didi said. ‘Ensure that rasogolla and sandesh are sent along with the invitation. They will have a positive effect.’
Moo Cool rang off and Didi sat with the bunch of newspapers. She loved to read what the media had to say about her victory. At one time she had doubts whether she would be able to retain power. There were fingers of accusations against a section of her people. But – Moo Cool, with his contacts in Delhi, ensured that she remain unscathed.
And, she had her team of Arrah Bull, Money Rule, Abhi Shake and Dee Wreck at the ground level to see her through.
Didi yawned. Life was becoming boring. She was tired of local issues and wanted to divert her attention to international issues. She wanted to taste the charm of the unexpected in Delhi. If she dealt the cards rightly now, she could win the gamble. Then she could hand over charge to someone like Moo Cool and shift base to Delhi.
No doubt she will miss her telebhaja and jhal moori but will get used to chana batura and aloo tikia. (to be continued…)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

World's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction

Coca-Cola to stop production of its beverage in Venezuela because of sugar shortage

Melting of Totten Glacier due to global warming could raise sea levels by three meters


Moody’s mind flits from Black Money to White House (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)


Daniel Craig is through with James Bond - turns down £68 million offer from MGM

Snoop Dogg and Lucy Liu will be seen together in thriller 'Future World'

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”


Was the EgyptAir crash an act of terrorism by the ISIS?

Suicide bombings in Baghdad kill 43 - brings total death in 7 days to more than 145

One more Chibok girl rescued - she was kidnapped along with 275 others in April 2014

Thursday, May 26, 2016

All about chest size and happy days (satire)


It was exactly two years ago that Moody came into the limelight – at the time he was proud of his 56 inches size chest. And, he has had to shoulder a lot of burden during the past two years. The question on everybody’s lips is – is the chest size still 56 inches? Have the happy days come?
Moody was alone in his chamber. All his colleagues had wished him on his achievements and his ministers had been burning the proverbial midnight oil to be ready with statistics to prove that they were the best.
Suddenly his hot line rang. It was Vladdy Putty.
‘Happy days are here again for me,’ he said. ‘I am going to play ice hockey. How are things going for you? What about your happy days?’
‘It is stocktaking time for me,’ Moody replied.
‘You have your fingers in too many pies,’ Putty said. ‘You should take them one by one.’
Moody knew that Putty was not too happy with him because of several reasons – most important being the deals related to arms and ammunition.
‘I have my methods,’ he said.
‘Anyway - first let me congratulate you on your achievements. I hear that you have accelerated activities connected to space travel?’
Moody laughed.
‘All of us are doing it. We want to settle on other planets.’
‘I know. Our planet is overcrowded. That is why we should engage in more wars. Instead of harping on peace we should talk war. War is the only method to reduce the population’
Moody gulped. He felt the talks were veering towards dangerous territories.
‘Excuse me,’ he said. ‘There is another caller on the line.’
‘Must be O’Vama – poor fellow. He’ll soon be out of a job. Why don’t you help him out? You have vacancies, don’t you?’’ The phone did ring but it was not O’Vama – it was Na Buzz, one of Moody’s neighbors.
‘Have the happy days finally come?’ he asked. ‘Have you measured?’
‘Measured what?’ Moody asked.
‘The size of your chest. It used to be 56 inches. Is it still the same?’
Moody sighed.
‘My dear friend’ he said. ‘Running a country is no joke. Especially when there is unrest everywhere.’
‘You mean terrorism?’
‘You know what I mean – there is no need to spell it out.’
‘Is that why you never put up in hotels when you go abroad?’
‘Actually I like to take care of myself – that is how my chest size is 56 inches.’
‘And – how are your plans shaping up? Especially the ones about cleaning the Ganges and the bullet rains and the Japanese city in India and the golden quadrangle?’
‘They’ll all come through,’ Moody said. ‘Rome was not built in one day.’
‘I know. I also know that Japan was destroyed in one day.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

World's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction

Coca-Cola to stop production of its beverage in Venezuela because of sugar shortage

Melting of Totten Glacier due to global warming could raise sea levels by three meters


Moody’s mind flits from Black Money to White House (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)


Daniel Craig is through with James Bond - turns down £68 million offer from MGM

Snoop Dogg and Lucy Liu will be seen together in thriller 'Future World'

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”


Was the EgyptAir crash an act of terrorism by the ISIS?

Suicide bombings in Baghdad kill 43 - brings total death in 7 days to more than 145

One more Chibok girl rescued - she was kidnapped along with 275 others in April 2014

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Didi wants Red Road to be renamed (satire)


Didi wanted the oath-taking ceremony to be a very grand affair attended by dignitaries of every hue and color. She had proved to the world at large that she can deliver the goods even when faced with all sort of odds. She was also satisfied that the Reds had been put in their place.
Suddenly Moo Cool rang her up. She had entrusted him with the task of inviting the glitterati of Delhi and, therefore, he had flown down to the capital.
‘Yes Moo Cool, how is it going?’ she asked.
‘Fine. I have met all those who matter and they have assured that they’ll make it a point to be present. But – Jet Lee has some doubts. He wants to talk with you.’
‘OK – I’ll ring him up.’
‘Don’t worry. He is right here with me.’
‘Fine. Put him on.’
‘Congrats Madam,’ Jet Lee wished her. ‘I knew you will come through.’
‘I also knew. I kept it a secret.’
‘Your toils have paid off. Watching you going from one place to another and convincing the masses was done beautifully. You have plenty of admirers here.’
‘Thanks. I had to fight with a handicap of 34 years of misrule and empty coffers. The Reds had left me a legacy of a huge burden debts.’
Jet Lee laughed.
‘You have put the Reds in their place now. You deserve full credit. We’ll come to the program. By the way – where are you holding it? ’
‘I want to invite the whole city,’ Didi said. ‘Therefore I’ve decided to have it in the open, on the road.’
‘You mean in the Maidan or outside Nabanna?’
‘No. It will be on a still bigger road.’
‘It is monsoon season. Don’t you think it would be risky to do this program outdoors when rains can spoil the show at any moment?’
It was now Didi’s turn to laugh.
‘We have the best super soppers with us. We have used it during cricket matches.’
‘Good. Then we need not worry,’ Jet Lee said. ‘Hope you will arrange for choppers to take us to the venue from the airport.’
‘Leave all that to my team of Moo Cool and Dee Wreck,’ Didi said. ‘They are experts.’
‘Fine. And – where is this venue?’
‘It is the Red Road,’ Didi said.
‘Red Road? But – you have driven out all the Reds from your territory, haven’t you?’
‘Don’t worry. This Red will also go one day. We love to rename roads.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

World's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction

Coca-Cola to stop production of its beverage in Venezuela because of sugar shortage

Melting of Totten Glacier due to global warming could raise sea levels by three meters


Moody’s mind flits from Black Money to White House (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)


Daniel Craig is through with James Bond - turns down £68 million offer from MGM

Snoop Dogg and Lucy Liu will be seen together in thriller 'Future World'

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”


Was the EgyptAir crash an act of terrorism by the ISIS?

Suicide bombings in Baghdad kill 43 - brings total death in 7 days to more than 145

One more Chibok girl rescued - she was kidnapped along with 275 others in April 2014

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Lord Shiva unable to fathom IPL T20 cricket (satire)


Lord Shiva was sitting in front of his TV set trying to fathom the mysteries of the so-very popular game called cricket and its pure desi version called IPL. Durga was also with him – she had picked up plenty of cricket jargon and would spice up the conversation.
‘Who are Duckworth and Lewis?’ Lord Shiva suddenly asked.
‘They are cricket experts,’ Durga replied. ‘They have evolved a system to play cricket even though it rains.’
‘You mean the two of them make raincoats like the Duckback raincoats?’
‘No. They calculate how many runs the side batting second would require to win a rain curtailed match. In T20 cricket one team must win – there is no such thing as draw.’
‘Don’t you think this T20 is a funny game?’ Shiva asked.
‘Certainly not,’ Durga replied. ‘It is a game tailored for the modern day.’
‘How do you say that?’ Shiva was not convinced.
‘People do not have time to watch a game for the whole day. So they have designed this shorter version. It is short and sweet.’
‘You mean sweet like the girls in short dresses who cheer the players and blow kisses in the wind?’
‘They are a part of the package deal,’ Durga replied.
‘They look to be imported stuff,’ Shiva said. ‘Why don’t they give this job to the locals? There are plenty of local girls who also dance to the galleries and are experts at item numbers.’
‘T20 cricket has spawned innumerable avenues of business and employment,’ Durga explained. ‘Cheer girls are one – if Delhi wants, they can clamp down on foreigners and insist that only desi girls must dance.’
‘But then – there could be problems.’
‘Why?’
‘They could insist on dress codes and ban skin-shows.’
‘You are right,’ Durga agreed. ‘That possibility does exist.’
‘The whole world has gone gaga over IPL T20 cricket and the TV channels are minting millions of rupees just to feed the needs of the masses,’ Shiva said.
‘It has its positive side,’ Durga said. ‘New venues are being created to hold the matches. That means constructing new stadiums complete with floodlights and a whole horde of people to look after them. New employment opportunities are being created. Don’t you think that is good?’
‘I think you are right,’ Lord Shiva said. ‘I can see old time cricket players on the TV screen – either giving the live commentary or giving expert advice. And – umpires of old who don new dresses to check irregularities on the field. There is an addition ‘third’ umpire who has to check and decide on contentious issues.’
‘And – girls get an equal opportunity,’ Durga added. ‘Not only as cheer leaders but also in the studio as commentators or as experts. And in the field to entertain he cricket lovers.’
‘Tell me – who coined the word cricket for this game? Why did they select cricket instead of spider or cockroach?’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

World's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction

Coca-Cola to stop production of its beverage in Venezuela because of sugar shortage

Melting of Totten Glacier due to global warming could raise sea levels by three meters


Moody’s mind flits from Black Money to White House (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)


Daniel Craig is through with James Bond - turns down £68 million offer from MGM

Snoop Dogg and Lucy Liu will be seen together in thriller 'Future World'

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”


Was the EgyptAir crash an act of terrorism by the ISIS?

Suicide bombings in Baghdad kill 43 - brings total death in 7 days to more than 145

One more Chibok girl rescued - she was kidnapped along with 275 others in April 2014

Friday, May 20, 2016

Moody’s mind flits from Black Money to White House (satire)


Moody had a tight schedule ahead of him. He wanted to rejig his ministers because many of them we not pulling their weight. Rather they were putting on weight and that soils the image of an efficiently run organization – the organization in this case was India.
He had a sheet of paper on his table with a list of ministers – both senior and junior. His laptop was also open and he was going through details of each and every one to weed out the unwanted.
Suddenly his intercom rang. It was Sue Sharma – she had been released from hospital and was gradually getting back into the groove.
‘I wanted to meet you urgently,’ Sue said.
‘What is it about?’
‘Your visit to America.’
‘There is time,’ Moody said.
‘We have to work out some strategy,’ Sue said. ‘The situation there is changing.’
‘I know. Our friend Bee Rack O’Vama will be leaving and a new man will take over.’
‘Could be a woman also,’ Sue reminded. ‘No one really knows but we have to be prepared for any eventuality.’
‘I don’t understand,’ Moody said.
‘Last time you had taken a gift that impressed our friend.’
‘Yes. It was a copy of the Bhagavat Gita.’
‘What’ll you take this time?’
‘His successors may not appreciate such gifts,’ Sue Sharma cautioned.
‘But – why should I worry about them now?’ Moody asked. ‘My friend still holds office and I’ll interact with him. He and I are good friends. When the guard changes, I’ll also change my strategy. Don’t worry about these issues – take rest.’
Moody went back to his research but there was another disturbance. It was Baba Someday and, from the way he entered, it was clear that he had something on his mind.
‘Yes Baba-ji – have you come to know the latest on Black Money?’
Baba gave a wry smile.
‘No, I have sent it to the back seat,’ he said as he occupied the chair. ‘It is about your visit to the White House.’
‘Please continue. I’m all attention.’
‘I want you to be my brand ambassador.’
‘For what?’
‘Yoga and Ayurveda,’ Baba said. ‘Both are great for maintaining health and America is a huge potential market. I want to enter that market in a big way and bring in the dollars. I want you to put in a few words in places that matter that will help the cause.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Cruise ship Harmony of the Seas can accommodate more than 8,000 passengers and crew

Leopards in search of food on the prowl in streets of Gujarat

Bust the obesity timebomb with grapes and oranges


Monsoons and Didi’s flipflops aka Hawaii chappals (satire)

Chopper scam and Moody’s questions (satire)

Baba Someday, his yoga and Pat & Jolie face cream (satire)


High alert in Cannes for the film festival where 45000 people would attend

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”

Lady Gaga to portray legendary singer Dionne Warwick in 'Dionne'


Bombs rock Baghdad - ISIS car bombs kill at least 89

No buyers for Zimmerman's gun that killed Trayvon Martin in 2012

Australian police arrest five men who planned to go to Syria by boat to join ISIS

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)


It was a new day and, while the world was abuzz with speculations, our Didi was calm as always. She knew the answers because she had drawn up strategies that can never fail. She did all the planning and left to her subordinates to give proper shape to the plans.
Moo Cool was with her as were members of the top notch team of Abhi Shake, Dee Wreck, Patro Chatto, Omit Misra, Fear Had, and Bruto Bose. Their eyes were glued on the huge TV set and, as the day progressed, there were sighs of relief - the results had been on expected lines.
‘Get ready for the second innings,’ Didi said as she reached for her phone. It was a congratulatory message from Delhi. ‘Where are the sweets?’ Abhi Shake asked no one in particular.
‘They will come on time,’ Moo Cool said and smiled.
‘Hope they will be suitable for me,’ Omit Misra mumbled. He was suffering from diabetes.
‘Don’t worry,’ Moo Cool assured him. ‘My boys know that. They’ll be here any minute. They are delayed because I have placed the orders only a few hours ago.’
‘But – the orders should have been sent last night,’ Abhi Shake said. ‘That is our tradition.’
‘This time the situation was different,’ Moo Cool said.
‘You mean you had doubts about our performance? You thought we’ll bite dust?’
Moo Cool did not bother to reply. The door opened and Arrah Bull entered with Money Rule - they had with them boxes of sweets. It was a day meant for celebrations and sweets were an integral part of that event. Of course, the sweets were specially prepare with the diabetics in mind.
Suddenly Didi spoke.
‘Dee Wreck, what message have you put up on our site?’
‘I have prepared a draft,’ he said. ‘Once you approve it, I’ll post it.’
‘Remember – our sights must now be on going national,’ Didi said. ‘Let us take our very own Bengali culture to very home in the country.'
‘You mean our variety of unique foods?’
‘Foods and songs.’
‘Songs?’
‘Yes – Rabindrasangeet. Since Hindi is the language of the masses, I want to spread Rabindrasangeet to the villages of Bihar, UP, MP. We want penetration and songs will be the medium. Once they get addicted to those songs, we’ll have them eating from our hands. I want to rope in singers who will deliver the goods.’
‘But we do not have such singers,’ Patro Chatto said.
‘Search and you will find them,’ Didi said. ‘TV reality shows throw up fantastic talents. That could be the starting point. I want Rabindrasangeet to be played at every street crossing. It was a hit in Kolkata, I want it to be a hit in Patna, Lucknow and other cities as well.’
‘I’ll put Arrah Bull and Money Rule on the job,’ Moo Cool said. ‘They have mastered the art of convincing people.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Cruise ship Harmony of the Seas can accommodate more than 8,000 passengers and crew

Leopards in search of food on the prowl in streets of Gujarat

Bust the obesity timebomb with grapes and oranges


Monsoons and Didi’s flipflops aka Hawaii chappals (satire)

Chopper scam and Moody’s questions (satire)

Baba Someday, his yoga and Pat & Jolie face cream (satire)


High alert in Cannes for the film festival where 45000 people would attend

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”

Lady Gaga to portray legendary singer Dionne Warwick in 'Dionne'


Bombs rock Baghdad - ISIS car bombs kill at least 89

No buyers for Zimmerman's gun that killed Trayvon Martin in 2012

Australian police arrest five men who planned to go to Syria by boat to join ISIS

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Lord Shiva, Bengali politicians and the results (satire)


Lord Shiva was glued to the TV screen – judgment day had come and all the TV channels were trying to outwit the others to claim ‘I am the best.’ The anchors and participants were having a field day and the audience were becoming more and more confused.
Durga came a sat beside the Lord – she had brought with her a plate of pakoras. There were two varieties – one was of brinjal and the other of potatoes. The sky was overcast and the occasion deserved a celebration of sorts.
She offered the plate to Shiva and looked at the TV screen. Two of the participants were engaged in a verbal duel and appeared to be coming to blows. But – she knew that it was all a sort of reality show. She had, at times, seen the men smiling as they sipped tea behind the scenes.
‘Why are they so agitated?’ she asked.
‘They are all tense – I doubt if they will have a good night’s sleep.’
‘Are they not well?’
‘They are caught up in the result fever,’ Shiva explained.
‘But the results of all exams have already been declared,’ Durga said.
‘This is an exam they have to undertake once every five years,’ Shiva said. ‘And – those who emerge winners can mint money for the next five years.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘They are the politicians,’ Shiva said. ‘If they are happy, they’ll keep you happy. They’ll celebrate your festival in a more gorgeous way.’
‘I see,’ Durga said and picked up the binoculars. She focused down below abs saw several dhakis – sitting forlorn on the roadside. ‘Why are the dhakis sad? If the men win, they’ll need the dhakis to dance in the celebrations.’
‘They have been told to stay off,’ Shiva said. ‘I just heard it in the news.’
‘Why?’
‘Didi’s orders,’ Shiva said. ‘She does not know what fate awaits her once the ballot boxes are opened. So – she is playing it safe.’
‘I see,’ Durga said. ‘The sweet shops are also empty. How will they celebrate without sweets?’
‘They have procured boxes of chocolates,’ Shiva said. ‘They come cheap and have greater shelf life. They will not go waste if the leaders fail to make the mark.’
‘You mean the situation is so bad?’
‘Yes – no one has any idea of what the EVMs hold.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Cruise ship Harmony of the Seas can accommodate more than 8,000 passengers and crew

Leopards in search of food on the prowl in streets of Gujarat

Bust the obesity timebomb with grapes and oranges


Monsoons and Didi’s flipflops aka Hawaii chappals (satire)

Chopper scam and Moody’s questions (satire)

Baba Someday, his yoga and Pat & Jolie face cream (satire)


High alert in Cannes for the film festival where 45000 people would attend

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”

Lady Gaga to portray legendary singer Dionne Warwick in 'Dionne'


Bombs rock Baghdad - ISIS car bombs kill at least 89

No buyers for Zimmerman's gun that killed Trayvon Martin in 2012

Australian police arrest five men who planned to go to Syria by boat to join ISIS

Monday, May 16, 2016

Mama comes calling on Moody (satire)


It was a special day for all mothers and Moody’s mama was no exception. She came calling on him and took him by surprise. He had to reschedule his activities to show her around his sprawling garden and he did it in style. He donned a totally different dress and looked great in his T-shirt and tight trousers.
Actually, her sudden visit would have taken him by surprise but for the phone call from his long forgotten neighbor. Moody was packing up for the day when the phone call came.
‘How are you my friend?’ Na Buzz asked.
‘I’m fine, how about you?’ Moody replied.
‘I wanted our friendship to grow but that is not happening,’ Na Buzz sighed. ‘I still remember when you invited me over for your coronation. We exchanged gifts for our mothers.’
‘It was good while it lasted,’ Moody said. ‘But, good things do not last forever.’
‘I know,’ Na Buzz said. ‘Uncle Sam is angry with me. He does not want to sell me his fighters.’
‘Most unfortunate. Tell me – why did you ring up?’
‘I was remembering Mother’s Day,’ Na Buzz said. ‘I just thought how nice it would be if we had our mothers with us. By the way – how is your mother?’
‘She is just fine.’
‘She stays in your village, right?’
‘Yes. She is happy there.’
‘I think you will soon get a surprise,’ Na Buzz gave a light laugh.
‘Surprises are not new to me,’ Moody replied.
‘Why don’t you invite your mother over to your place? I know you have a wonderful garden – she would love to see the flowers.’
‘Na Buzz-ji, what is it that you are trying to tell me?’
‘You will know soon enough,’ Na Buzz laughed. ‘My information network is better than yours. Obviously, your intelligence network has failed.’
Na Buzz disconnected and Moody had his dinner and retired to his bed. And, next morning, his mother was there at his gate. She had arrived unannounced. The guard stopped her and when she revealed her identity, they rang up Moody and he came running.
Later in the day, Na Buzz rang up again.
‘Have you wished your mother Happy Mother’s Day?’ he asked.
‘I have,’ Moody said. ‘But – how did you know?’
‘I told you, I have my methods,’ Na Buzz replied. ‘I was just wondering – why don’t we go in for another round of spreading goodwill?’
‘How?’
‘My mother loves Alphonso mangoes. And – I know your people love onions. That could be a starting point.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Cruise ship Harmony of the Seas can accommodate more than 8,000 passengers and crew

Leopards in search of food on the prowl in streets of Gujarat

Bust the obesity timebomb with grapes and oranges


Monsoons and Didi’s flipflops aka Hawaii chappals (satire)

Chopper scam and Moody’s questions (satire)

Baba Someday, his yoga and Pat & Jolie face cream (satire)


High alert in Cannes for the film festival where 45000 people would attend

Kavita Kaushik to play the role of an Army doctor in TV show “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty”

Lady Gaga to portray legendary singer Dionne Warwick in 'Dionne'


Bombs rock Baghdad - ISIS car bombs kill at least 89

No buyers for Zimmerman's gun that killed Trayvon Martin in 2012

Australian police arrest five men who planned to go to Syria by boat to join ISIS

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Monsoons and Didi’s flipflops aka Hawaii chappals (satire)


It was raining cats and dogs and Didi had to be escorted from her car to her house by Abhi Shake who protected her with the umbrella. Of course, only her head was protected because when the rains are accompanied by gusts of wind, the clothes will get wet – as well as her trademark Hawaii chappals. Abhi had a standby pair of chappals and, once she entered her house, he dutifully placed the dry chappals at her feet.
Didi was pleased and rewarded him with a smile and it did not escape Moo Cool’s eyes. Neither dirt it escape the gazes of Dee Wreck, Omit Misra, Show Van and Patro Chatto.
They had been waiting to meet her and seeing Abhi Shake with herm they knew that Abhi had stolen a march over them. ‘I don’t see some of our people,’ Didi murmured as she occupied her throne.
‘These sudden rains must have delayed them,’ Moo Cool said.
‘It is monsoon time and it will rain. Does it mean we will not do our regular work? Do we not have our lunch and dinner?’
Moo Cool did not have a ready answer. He wanted to say that rains meant khichdi – piping hot khichdi with a dollop of ghee and begun bhaja plus omelet but he checked himself. Unless he knew her mood, he just could not open his mouth.
Suddenly the kettle of tea arrived with a basket of onion fries or piyaji – there were two boys who worked in the nearby restaurant. It supplied the tea and snacks.
Didi took a sip of tea and glanced at the bunch of papers on her desk. There were the daily newspapers and some mail of importance that she needed to go through.
It was Omit Misra who finally dared to speak.
‘How do we celebrate this time?’ he asked. His question was not addressed to anyone – he just wanted to start a discussion.
‘As usual,’ Moo Cool volunteered a reply.
‘There are reports that others may take over some areas,’ Dee Wreck said. ‘I have been studying the social networking sites and get a feeling that things are not as rosy as we would like them to be.’
‘Rubbish,’ Patro Chatto shifted his bulk in the chair. He had put on a lot of weight and, this time, he must get a home gym to ensure that his weight was in check.
The ringing of the mobile phone drew all eyes on Show Van. He listened and his face lit up with a huge smile.
‘It is the man from the Embassy,’ he said.
‘Which Embassy?’ Didi asked.
‘The Chinese Embassy,’ Show Van said. ‘They want to know about the Durga Puja and their travel plans during the festival.’
‘Tell them that Nabanna will keep them informed,’ Abhi Shake said.
‘And – one of them has developed Hawaii chappals for the monsoons. It is covered and the feet won’t get wet. They want Didi to try it out.’ ((to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Baya weaver birds return to Ganjam district in Odisha

28 thrillseekers stuck in Alton Towers Galactica rollercoaster ride for 40 minutes

Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities


Moody wonders why American space research firms are jittery (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


Michael Fassbender to portray the role of a serial killer in 'Entering Hades'

Disney plans live action fairytales for 2017, 2018 and 2019 - specific films not disclosed

Matt Damon to return in new Jason Bourne film

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Chopper scam and Moody’s questions (satire)


Immediately he received the message, Pyari Kar ran on the double to Moody’s office. He did not even have time to finish his breakfast because Moody was a hard taskmaster and hated to be kept waiting. So Pyari had to hurry. He found Moody hunched up in his chair, deep in thought.
‘May I come in?’ he asked.
‘What is the chopper problem?’ Moody shot at him.
‘Chopper?’
‘Yes. I have seem hundreds of types of choppers. I don’t recollect any woman saying that they are problematic.’
Pyari Kar gulped. Chopper and woman meant the chopper scam and he would now have to explain the whole story to Moody. He himself was still not clear about who were involved in the scam and who paid what to whom. Now he would have to cut a sorry figure before his boss.
Suddenly the door opened and Jet Lee entered with Sue Sharma at his heels.
‘You wanted me?’ Jet Lee asked.
‘I want to know all about the choppers,’ Moody said. ‘How can there be any scam on choppers?’
‘As far as my knowledge goes, it’s all a bad legacy we have carried forward,’ Jet Lee said.
‘And – big names are involved,’ Sue Sharma added.
‘I still do not understand why anyone can scam on choppers,’ Moody sighed. ‘How many were involved?’
‘I think it was less than a hundred,’ Pyari Kar replied.
‘And – who wanted them?’
‘The Air Force.’
‘But – there are thousands of canteens in the Air Force,’ Moody mumbled. ‘Why then scam for hardly a hundred?’
‘Air Force canteen?’ Jet Lee exchanged glances with Sue Sharma and Pyari Kar.
‘That is what you said,’ Moody said. ‘Choppers are used in kitchens to chop onions and vegetables. And – you only said that it was a requirement of the Air Force. Why should anyone go in for scams on choppers? It should be covered in the Make in India bracket. It should be a cottage industry.’
‘Actually I meant helicopters,’ Pyari Kar said. ‘In Air Force language, they call helicopters as choppers. It was the Augusta chopper scam.’
‘You mean Agastya, the great sage? How can he be associated in scams?’
‘It was not Agastya but Augusta,’ Pyari Kar clarified. ‘An Italian firm. No connection with Agastya, the sage.’
‘I see,’ Moody looked at him. ‘And – what is the scam about?’
‘Money changed hands to close the deal,’ Pyari went on. ‘We have a few names but it is difficult to pinpoint the blame.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Baya weaver birds return to Ganjam district in Odisha

28 thrillseekers stuck in Alton Towers Galactica rollercoaster ride for 40 minutes

Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities


Moody wonders why American space research firms are jittery (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


Michael Fassbender to portray the role of a serial killer in 'Entering Hades'

Disney plans live action fairytales for 2017, 2018 and 2019 - specific films not disclosed

Matt Damon to return in new Jason Bourne film

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Will the Sun shine in Bengal on Sujjo Kanta? (satire)


The elections were finally over and, while all of them had heaved a sigh of relief, suspense hang heavily in the air because no one could hazard a guess on which way the wind was blowing. Will Didi score 294? Will the Sun shine on Sujjo Kanta? Didi and her band of followers had, suddenly, vanished from the scene and there were fears in certain quarters that many tall claims had fizzled out – after all, one cannot fool others indefinitely, the truth was bound to come out in the open.
‘I think we should draw up some action plan,’ Sujjo Kanta said. ‘I can feel power creeping back it into my bones.’
‘You are right,’ Audy Choudy agreed. ‘I am in contact with my bosses in Delhi and, once I get the go ahead, I can breathe easy. Our gang can give a new meaning to the people who have got fed up within five years.’
‘Yes, we must abandon the experiment that has fallen flat on its face,’ Sujjo Kanta said. ‘And – embark on a new experiment.’
Momad Sulley and Ritu Bruto had been listening till now. Sulley opened his mouth.
‘Agriculture is our power and we must weave industry into the fabric to get noticed,’ he said. ‘We must move with the times.’
‘Instead of one motor company manufacturing one type of cars we must have several of them – and, they must make use of common facilities,’ Ritu Bruto added.
‘You mean to say we must have dedicated groups of men to ensure that everything goes as per our plans? And – there will be no coercion or use of force?’
‘Yes – farmers must be willing participants,’ Ritu Bruto went on. ‘We do not want to burn our fingers again. Our strategy must be to marry agriculture with industry. That way, all parties will be happy. Our motto should be to spread happiness and goodwill.’
Audy Choudy looked from Sujjo Kanta to Ritu Bruto and Momad Sulley.
‘And – how do we do that?’ he asked.
Wee Man Bose, the wizened old man had been a silent spectator till now. It was now his turn to make his presence felt. ‘There is a time and place for everything,’ he said slowly. ‘Let us not put the cart before the horse. Once the time is ripe, all the jigsaw pieces will fall in place.’
‘And create a wonderful canvas,’ Sujjo Kanta said.
‘A canvas that will not be for sale,’ Ritu Bruto added. (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Baya weaver birds return to Ganjam district in Odisha

28 thrillseekers stuck in Alton Towers Galactica rollercoaster ride for 40 minutes

Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities


Moody wonders why American space research firms are jittery (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


Michael Fassbender to portray the role of a serial killer in 'Entering Hades'

Disney plans live action fairytales for 2017, 2018 and 2019 - specific films not disclosed

Matt Damon to return in new Jason Bourne film

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Didi in a relaxed mood, plans for Book Fair (satire)


Didi had all of a sudden gone into hiding which was a bit strange because she likes to, always, be in the limelight. But, she had a hectic time for the last couple of weeks and was famished. Her doctors had ensured that the energy she had lost was recouped but, her voice had cheated her and she was forced to remain in the sidelines till her fiery voice regained its original level.
Abhi Shake had come to meet her and found Dee Wreck already at her side with his laptop. He was explaining to Didi his latest strategy. And, Didi was listening to his soft voice.
‘Yes Abhi,’ she looked at him and took a sip of her favorite ginger tea. It was a sure shot energy booster in winter but, even in humid summer, it was a welcome drink.
‘My boys want to meet you,’ Abhi said. ‘They have some useful tips that could help our cause.’
‘What sort of tips?’ Didi asked.
‘They want a clean-up contract,’ Abhi said.
‘Clean up? Why is everyone so intent on clean-up operations? What is there to clean up?’
‘The walls,’ Abhi muttered. ‘They want to clean up the defaced walls. Irrespective of which party has made the mess, my boys will remove every bit of wall writings and posters.’
‘Fine,’ Didi looked pleased. ‘Ask them to take photographs and preserve the writings. Some of them are real works of arts and, only Bengalis can create such masterpieces. We will compile them and sell them in the next Book Fair.’
‘Fantastic idea,’ Dee Wreck was all smiles. ‘We will append the translations and, I am sure the compilation would find a huge market.’
‘Let it be priced in dollars,’ Didi sad. ‘That way, we’ll get more money. A price tag of $50 would be chicken feed to foreigners but it would mean nearly Rs 3000 per book. And, that is quite an amount.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Baya weaver birds return to Ganjam district in Odisha

28 thrillseekers stuck in Alton Towers Galactica rollercoaster ride for 40 minutes

Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities


Moody wonders why American space research firms are jittery (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


Michael Fassbender to portray the role of a serial killer in 'Entering Hades'

Disney plans live action fairytales for 2017, 2018 and 2019 - specific films not disclosed

Matt Damon to return in new Jason Bourne film

Moody and University degrees (satire)


Moody was in discussion with people who mattered to him – he had Ranee-ji, Jet Lee, Sue Sharma, Banka Nadoo and Nitty Gadcurry. The problem at hand revolved around a University degree and the media had gone to town on the sensitive subject.
‘What does it matter if a leader has a degree or not?’ Moody looked at Ranee-ji who had proved her worth in handling several issues in universities and the student community.
‘If you ask me, what matters is whether the leader knows important facts like the location of New York and London and Paris and Moscow,’ she answered. ‘And, once there, he should be able to impress the foreigners with the great heritage that we have.’
‘It is knowledge that matters,’ Sue Sharma had her say.
‘Then why such a fuss?’ Moody appeared annoyed. ‘There are thousands of instances where kids worked in chai shops and later became important personalities.’
‘You are absolutely right,’ Jet Lee said. ‘And not just here in India but abroad also. I had seen a report of a school boy studying under the light reflected from a pizza joint.’
‘I think we must introduce some sort of legislation about degrees and leaders,’ Moody murmured. ‘They must be delinked. Those who have degrees can go in for teaching in schools and colleges and leave non-degree holders to look after the well-being of the country and its people.’
‘You do have a point,’ Ranee-ji agreed. ‘Just imagine – did the bright men and women of IITs ever think about ideas like Skill India, Digital India, Make in India, Smart Cities and Clean Ganga Mission? No – those were brainwaves of a common man like you.’
‘I agree with Ranee-ji,’ Nitty Gadcurry said. ‘No one needs any fancy degree to think big. It comes from experience.’
‘Like the free LPG to women,’ Banka Nadoo joined in. ‘It was a master stroke. First ask people to surrender their subsidies and then look after the welfare of the poor souls who live below poverty level. My heart bleeds for them when I see them huddled up in roadside shacks trying to escape from the rains. I think we should initiate some projects to house these poor souls – otherwise where will they keep their LPG cylinders?’
‘You have raised a very valid point,’ Moody appreciated the idea. ‘We could do it in the PPP model. Do you know of anyone who could agree to undertake this?’
‘It will depend on whether you want to go to China or Japan.’
‘I think we can identify parties nearer home – they have expertise in low cost housing. China and Japan will prefer to go for nothing lesser than skyscrapers.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Baya weaver birds return to Ganjam district in Odisha

28 thrillseekers stuck in Alton Towers Galactica rollercoaster ride for 40 minutes

Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities


Moody wonders why American space research firms are jittery (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


Michael Fassbender to portray the role of a serial killer in 'Entering Hades'

Disney plans live action fairytales for 2017, 2018 and 2019 - specific films not disclosed

Matt Damon to return in new Jason Bourne film

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Baba Someday, his yoga and Pat & Jolie face cream (satire)


Baba Someday is always into something or the other that would benefit the masses. His heart bleeds for the misguided folks who gorge on foreign stuff and, he is determined to change their eating habits.
Hence, he was excited to have with him Bhaloo-ji who could be influenced to become Baba’s brand ambassador. As it is, Baba was himself his brand ambassador and he was confident of handling it on his own. But, two heads are better than one, hence his idea to rope in Bhaloo-ji.
‘Bhaloo-ji, I want you to try out mu products,’ he had suggested to Bhaloo-ji when they had met at a gathering.
‘What sort of products?’ Bhaloo-ji had asked. He had recently been out of hospital after some heart problems.
‘My Pat & Jolie setup has developed a face cream,’ Baba said. ‘It is purely ayurvedic and it is made up of readily available herbs from the Himalayas.’
‘What is its advantage?’ Bhaloo-ji asked. ‘My daughters are always trying out the latest products that appear in the TV ads. If it is not available in the local market, they get it online.’
‘My cream will make your skin glow like never before,’ Baba said. ‘It is much more effective compared to the face cream promoted by that King character of Bollywood movies.’
‘Well, I don’t mind trying it out,’ Bhaloo-ji said.
‘Then I will for you in my office,’ Baba said. He knew that an endorsement from a renowned person like Bhaloo-ji could give his product that extra cutting edge.
Bhaloo-ji was famous in his own special way – he loved cows and, it is rumored that all his cows enjoy air conditioned comfort in their cowsheds. His philosophy – look after the cows and they’ll look after you. Of course, he was involved in a fodder scam – but, which leader isn’t?
Baba also had a fondness for cows. His cows gave not only milk but, ghee and butter as well and it was a market that was growing day by day.
Yoga was another weakness of Baba. He has toiled real hard to bring yoga into the limelight and, impressed by his involvement in this ancient method of exercising all your faculties, he succeeded in earning global recognition and acceptance. Yoga was now on everybody’s lips and it has displaced aerobics from many countries.
Suddenly there was a commotion in the crowd. The media persons moved aside to make way for Bhaloo-ji who made his grand entry – the hair on his ears were carefully combed back to give him that extra appeal. (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Baya weaver birds return to Ganjam district in Odisha

28 thrillseekers stuck in Alton Towers Galactica rollercoaster ride for 40 minutes

Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities


Moody wonders why American space research firms are jittery (satire)

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


Michael Fassbender to portray the role of a serial killer in 'Entering Hades'

Disney plans live action fairytales for 2017, 2018 and 2019 - specific films not disclosed

Matt Damon to return in new Jason Bourne film

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Moody and his American connections (satire)


Moody grinned to himself as he remembered the first time he had set foot on American soil. There had been apprehensions about how his visit would turn out but, he need not have worried because Lord Hanuman was a constant companion of the President of the United States. He always carried an idol of Lord Hanuman in his pocket.
Suddenly Sue Sharma entered his cabin.
There was a huge smile on her face and a bunch of newspapers in her hand. It was obvious that she was in good spirits and her health was OK.
‘Have you got the news?’ she asked as she occupied the chair opposite Moody’s.
‘News are always happening,’ Moody said. ‘Including breaking news. Tell me – what is your news about?’
‘Fighter planes,’ Sue Sharma replied.
‘You mean our fighter plane Tejas has found a market?’
‘Not Tejas, I’m talking about the Americans.’
‘Americans? I don’t understand. I’m supposed to go there next month to address their leaders. They want to know our secret of leadership. To them, ours is a one man show. I want to correct that perception.’
‘I’m talking about the fighter planes America was supposed to sell to our neighbor.’
‘Oh that?’ Moody was at ease with himself. ‘You’ll tell me that they have backed out, right?’
‘How did you guess?’ Sue was surprised.
‘I have my methods,’ Moody said. ‘You say they have backed out?’
‘Not exactly backed out but they have put some conditions.’
‘That was my masterstroke,’ Moody said. ‘I had agreed to attend their June event provided they cancelled the deal with our neighbor. I had told them – if you want my advice you must agree to my terms.’
‘And they want your advice badly, right?’
‘Yes, the tea shop is a wonderful platform for learning the nitty gritty of politics. I should know.’
‘That is why the Bengalis are so politically conscious,’ Sue added. ‘They have tea shops at every street corner. And – the kids graduate from those tea shops to coffee house’
Suddenly the door opened and Emma Melaney entered with Ranee-ji and Uma-ji in tow.
‘Have you heard the latest?’ Emma asked.
‘You mean about our Bollywood actress who got invited by the President to his dinner?’
‘Who told you?’
‘I have my methods,’ Moody said. ‘It is linked to fighters.’
‘Fighter planes,’ Sue added. ‘Fighter planes and neighbors. Our Boss knows just how to keep them in their places. It’s all about the right connections.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Didi wants to move around fast and wants a solution (satire)

Lord Shiva intrigued by the writing on the walls (satire)

Moody hates hotels and feels more at home in his aircraft (satire)


Taj Mumbai welcomes Prince William and Kate, the fourth generation of British monarchy

Huge 26ft python found in Penang - could become a new a Guinness Record holder

Lok Sabha ethics committee probing Narada sting feels the videos are genuine


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


James Cameron, writer director of Avatar, promises his fans four sequels

'Deadpool' sequel planned and in the pipeline with Ryan Reynolds

Indonesian pop star dies after being bitten by a cobra on stage

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Lord Shiva and Durga on home delivery and drones (satire)


Lord Shiva was going through the daily newspaper. Like anyone else, he also wanted to keep abreast of happenings around the world. Suddenly, from between the pages of the paper came out a number of colorful leaflets advertising new products and services.
Durga immediately pounced on them.
‘Last time they had sent leaflets offering posh flats and luxurious bungalows,’ Lord Siva said. ‘What have they sent across now?’ Lord Shiva asked.
‘One is for a pack of cosmetics,’ Durga replied. ‘And, another of clinics for slimming, apart from gyms and, fast foods through home delivery.’
‘This home delivery is a new fad,’ Shiva said.
‘Yes,’ Durga agreed. ‘It is on the rise because people are so engrossed in their regular activities like chatting and watching TV serials that they do not have the time to go shopping and, would rather, just order the food online.’
‘I don’t get the logic behind the illogical TV serials,’ Shiva muttered. ‘All the TV serials showcase a lifestyle meant for the rich and famous. The heroines are decked up in all their finery from head to toe and go to bed wearing their ornaments. The heroes are all well-to-do and own of business empires – but, there is usually only one servant for the whole household. Isn’t it silly?’
Durga smiled.
‘The serial makers know just what sells and there are some who have minted millions by encashing on the sentiments of women, especially the ma-in-law daughter-in-law relationship.’
‘I see,’ Shiva grunted. ‘And – what about the home delivery?'
‘Home delivery means employment for a whole lot of youngsters,’ Durga explained. ‘Have you not seen how efficiently they operate? The smart boys and girls take the orders and the delivery boys take them to the addressees.’
It was now Shiva’s turn to smile.
‘You always have a ready reply,’ he appreciated.
‘But – I am worried. Soon the delivery boys will vanish,’ Durga muttered.
‘You mean home delivery would stop?'
‘No – that work will be taken over by machines.’
‘Oh – robots will enter the scene?’
‘Sort of. The drones will take over.’
‘But drones are insects that make an awful buzzing noose when they fly.’
‘Why are you so ignorant? Drones are pilotless flying machines. Once they are preprogrammed, they can go to any destination.’
‘You mean those machines that are used by the army to destroy selected targets?’
‘Yes. Only – these will not destroy but deliver. Obviously, the delivery boys will make way for these new method of delivery.’
‘And – add another problem.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Unemployment will increase, unless the drone manufacturers give them alternate jobs.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Didi wants to move around fast and wants a solution (satire)

Lord Shiva intrigued by the writing on the walls (satire)

Moody hates hotels and feels more at home in his aircraft (satire)


Taj Mumbai welcomes Prince William and Kate, the fourth generation of British monarchy

Huge 26ft python found in Penang - could become a new a Guinness Record holder

Lok Sabha ethics committee probing Narada sting feels the videos are genuine


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


James Cameron, writer director of Avatar, promises his fans four sequels

'Deadpool' sequel planned and in the pipeline with Ryan Reynolds

Indonesian pop star dies after being bitten by a cobra on stage

Monday, May 2, 2016

Sujjo Kanto and Ritu Bruto on free LPG connections (satire)


It was a closed door meeting of the new kids on the block. They were excited because they could feel the wind blowing in their favor. It was getting clear from the way Didi was ranting and pacing the dais of her meeting with the masses. There was anger in her pose and voice.
The venue was jam-packed with women and children but, from the expression on their faces, it looked as if they were not much interested in the figures that Didi was belting out.
‘I think we need to draw up some strategies that will pay rich dividends,’ Sujjo Kanto said.
‘Yes,’ Audi Choudy agreed. ‘Our ideas must be to generate employment for the masses. And, invite industries to return.’
‘We could consider going solar,’ Ritu Bruto said. ‘That is the latest craze. The e-boats launched in Varanasi is the best example. They are pollution free, safe and clean. And – the new generation of boatmen can remain connected to their smart phones and tabs.’
Momad Sulley smiled.
‘That Moody character is real smart,’ he said. ‘He is winning over the people who matter. His free LPG to the poor women is another beauty. He has handed out cardboard replicas and the real stuff will follow.’
‘I agree with you,’ Sujjo Kanto said. ‘But – many of these poor women do not have any roof over their heads. They do not have any permanent address. How will the gas company maintain records?’
‘They will develop the skills via Skill India programs,’ Ritu Bruto said.
‘These women usually toil throughout the day and engage in menial jobs to earn money and augment the family income,’ Sujjo Kanto went on. ‘They are used to fuels like dry sticks, wood and cow dung cakes. Now, they will cook their meals on LPG stoves.’
‘Yes, these are the forerunners of Achhe Din,’ Momad Sulley added. ‘Where there is a will, there is a way. We must not under estimate the women who would get the free LPG connection. They will have to cultivate the habit of protecting the gas stove from rains. They will have to ensure that rats do not gnaw way the rubber tube.’
‘I heard that Moody’s boys are organizing special classes to train the new entrants into the world of cooking on gas,’ Audi Choudy sad. ‘His minister Ranee-ji has taken the task on her shoulders. And – she plans to reach out to all new users through weekly radio programs.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Didi wants to move around fast and wants a solution (satire)

Lord Shiva intrigued by the writing on the walls (satire)

Moody hates hotels and feels more at home in his aircraft (satire)


Taj Mumbai welcomes Prince William and Kate, the fourth generation of British monarchy

Huge 26ft python found in Penang - could become a new a Guinness Record holder

Lok Sabha ethics committee probing Narada sting feels the videos are genuine


ISIS still holding 30 workers out of 300 kidnapped from cement factory in Dumeir

Another Bangladeshi blogger killed in Dhaka because of his views on religion

Florida hunters bag a 15-foot 800-pound massive alligator


James Cameron, writer director of Avatar, promises his fans four sequels

'Deadpool' sequel planned and in the pipeline with Ryan Reynolds

Indonesian pop star dies after being bitten by a cobra on stage