Angel Miracle talks to Moody about the spaceship (satire)

Moody was on cloud nine with the launch of 104 satellites at one go – it was a feat worth celebrating and, as he watched the live event, he dreamt of the spaceship. How nice it would be if he launched a spaceship that would be manned by his own people and, still have room to take in outsiders. Even if they were his enemies.
It would all be for a common cause, namely to spread the message of his brand of goodwill through lathi wielding men.
The phone call disturbed his conversation, the caller was that German woman.
‘Is that Herr Moody?’ her voices came over the line.
‘Ji haah,’ Moody replied. ‘Aap kaun?’
‘Guten Morgen Moody,’ she said. ‘I am Angel Miracle. I rang up to congratulate you on the launch. But, why did you launch 104, why not 100 or 125 or even 150. What is so special about 104? Was it to commemorate any major event that was 104 years old? Was it the 104th birth anniversary of any forgotten leader?’

Moody was embarrassed. He had never thought on those lines.
‘Actually, 104 is divisible by 4 and there are four directions North, South, East and West. Then there is the cow, it has four legs. And, a car has four wheels. We cannot ignore four.’
‘Whatever it be, do you know why I rang you up?’ she asked.
‘No,’ Moody admitted.
‘I want to talk about your spaceship,’ she said. ‘I heard you plan to launch a spaceship. What is its name? Does it rhyme with Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan?’
‘The naming part is with a special committee,’ Moody explained. ‘I cannot rush such matters.’
‘Who is the brain behind this project?’
‘Pushpak Rath was the original flying machine and it was built here. Ravana used it to kidnap Sita and the western people stole the idea.’
‘But that doesn’t answer my question.’
Suddenly the door opened and Baba Someday entered – he was all smiles. He was carrying a bunch of drawings and, Moody knew that it was about the spaceship – it would soon see the light of day. (to be continued ..)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Barack Obama enters the league of top US Presidents with ranking of 12

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Didi caught in the whirlpool of industries (satire)

Moody’s love hate relationship with the raincoat (satire)

The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed


Mumbai will get to see Justin Bieber in action on May 10

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Shakti Kapoor holds his audience spellbound in the Khandagiri Yatra


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Lord Shiva and his tandav dance (satire)

Lord Shiva is, as we all know, a bohemian character – and he was unhappy. No, it was not a marital tiff – he worshipped the ground that Durga walked on and, Durga also knew that her husband was in a special league because he was a bohemian. She also guessed that he was worried.
‘Want to share your thoughts?’ she asked him.
‘My life is miserable,’ he lamented.
‘Why?’ Durga asked.
‘Killing of tigers is banned and my stock of tiger skins is running out,’ Shiva said.
‘Artificial tiger skins are available online. I have shown you how to order online.’
‘What about ash? Burning ghats are vanishing, where do I get the ash to smear on my body?’
Durga laughed.

‘There are thousands of body powder in the market,’ she said. ‘Take your pick.’
‘And the bel pata, leaves of the bel tree? They also are not seen – the trees have been cut down to make space for multi storied buildings. Ganja is banned, no one dares to cultivate poppy anymore. My devotees have changed their outlook,’ Shiva sighed.
‘It is but natural,’ Durga said. ‘They now live in a world of make believe and want to grab more than they can digest. That results in indigestion.’
‘What about me? No one celebrates Shivaratri any more. Staying up all night watching movies is a thing of the past.’ ‘You are mistaken. They do watch movies throughout the night. They watch it on their smartphones.’
‘You mean movies depicting me and my lifestyle?’
‘Well – they live in a world of their own and have their own idea of Shiva.’
‘Yes, they only love my tandav dance,’ he said. ‘Both the boys and the girls shake their bodies in a way that I could never have imagined.’
‘Always look at the bright side,’ Durga smiled.
The Lord sighed.
He does live in a world of his own. He loves to smear his body with ash instead of sprinkling talcum powder. He loves to smoke ganja even though people look down upon drugs which have ruined many lives. He loves to stay in the burning ghat which is more attractive to him than the banks of the Ganges. And, he loves the company of bulls that follow him as does Bhringi, his man-of-all-seasons. (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Barack Obama enters the league of top US Presidents with ranking of 12

Public tours of the White House will begin again from March 7

Explosion in French nuclear power plant in a non-nuclear zone


Didi caught in the whirlpool of industries (satire)

Moody’s love hate relationship with the raincoat (satire)

The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed


Mumbai will get to see Justin Bieber in action on May 10

Kangana Ranaut is 'fearless Julia' in Rangoon

Shakti Kapoor holds his audience spellbound in the Khandagiri Yatra


ISIS carries out car bombing in Baghdad - kills at least 55

Suicide bomb attack kills at least 72 in a Sufi shrine in Pakistan

Mayor of London worried about ISIS attacks on the city

Didi invited to Poland and Russia (satire)

There was once a time when Didi had never ventured out of her familiar surroundings but, then, she visited Singapore followed by London and even Italy and Germany – in her search for the elusive industries. Now she has been invited by Poland and Russia.

‘You will need new dresses for your visit,’ Omit Misra said. He was happy that the future could see real investment from these countries. Installing a duplicate of the Big Ben was fine but unless real industries arrived, it was difficult to convince the people.
‘Shall I ask some dress designers to drop in?’ Moo Cool asked. ‘They can show you samples and you can have your choice.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Didi chided him. ‘I am not attending any fashion show. It is going to be a business trip. They came to our program, now I will go to their program. I want to build bridges.’
‘That is a good idea,’ Patro Chatto joined in. ‘There are hundreds of bridges that have outlived their lifespan and must be replaced. We must replace them.’
‘I know just the right person,’ Show Van spoke. ‘I handle all those contractors and know them like the back of my hand.’
Didi listened and it was clear that there was something on her mind. Normally, she would be pacing up and down the chamber. Probably, she is allergic to remain standing at one place. Or it could be linked to her health – she has to keep pacing up and down to maintain the circulation of blood in her limbs. Or - a stationary Didi might not be an effective orator or a leader who can command respect.
Suddenly the door opened and Dee Wreck entered. He looked after the publicity aspects.
‘Is your homework over?’ Didi asked.
‘Yes,’ Dee Wreck said and took his seat opposite her. ‘You can carry samples of chanachur – it is a product that they would love. I’ll ensure that they are packed in attractive packaging and, to promote it, there’ll be a music video. I’ve talked it with singers on that TV reality show and they’ll do it for a pittance’
‘Good,’ Didi said. ‘It will be a change from the pickles, amsatta and nalen gur that I keep carrying. Upload the video on the net and let people know that I mean business.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Barack Obama enters the league of top US Presidents with ranking of 12

Public tours of the White House will begin again from March 7

Explosion in French nuclear power plant in a non-nuclear zone


Didi caught in the whirlpool of industries (satire)

Moody’s love hate relationship with the raincoat (satire)

The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed


Mumbai will get to see Justin Bieber in action on May 10

Kangana Ranaut is 'fearless Julia' in Rangoon

Shakti Kapoor holds his audience spellbound in the Khandagiri Yatra


ISIS carries out car bombing in Baghdad - kills at least 55

Suicide bomb attack kills at least 72 in a Sufi shrine in Pakistan

Mayor of London worried about ISIS attacks on the city

Didi caught in the whirlpool of industries (satire)

Anyone who has seen our beloved Didi in action knows that she has tremendous stamina and can speak for hours on end on any topic under the Sun. She loves to dream and that gets reflected in her speeches – like the ones on industrialization. Among her main hobbies are painting and writing poems because she is an artist at heart.

‘What are you painting now?’ Moo Cool asked as he saw her standing in front of the easel. He had come to brief her on his latest jaunts to the northern states.
Didi did not reply but returned to her chair, she was deep in thought.
‘The delegates were happy at our arrangements,’ Omit Misra said. He had cone to apprise her on the feedback of the business summit. ‘They admitted in one voice that the pure Bengali dishes were unparalleled and that this year was the best till now.’
‘Tell me – who is investing how much and in which venture?’ Didi cut him short.
Omit Misra wiped his glasses and blinked.
‘We have inked several MoUs,’ he explained. ‘Many of those will translate into superb business opportunities. But, we must have patience because this is a new country for them and they have to master the intricacies.’
Didi sighed. She had been inviting heads of industries for business meets. They never refused the invitation because that would be unethical. They came, enjoyed a few days of the best of hospitality and got floored by the cuisine that the city offers. They went back with promises and more promises. Some of them went to the extent of signing MOUs to join the club known as Members of Ulloodom.
But – the magic key to unlock the doors of industry keeps eluding her.
She invariably vents her frustration on those in red (not in the red!!) and she loves to dwell on the 34-years misrule that has left the coffers empty. But, she sidesteps the question of how she is able to gift money to so many people and organizations under so many heads apart from gifting cycles, books, and shoes to thousands of children.
It could very well be a mystery that only a detective like Byomkesh Bakshi can solve. (to be continued…)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

New luxury cruise liner Seabourn Encore is labeled as 'sexiest ship at sea'

Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi at Rajghat gets a new look

200-year-old banyan tree uprooted by cyclone Vardah replanted in Chennai


The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed

Saraswati Puja means entering a new phase of life

Moody on UFO, Mangalyaan and Moon Mission for monkey baat (satire)


Naomie Harris gets Oscar nomination in the best-supporting actress category for Moonlight

Nicole Kidman could earn $8 million if she writes her autobiography

Sets of the film Padmavati in Jaipur vandalised, Bhansali cancels shooting


Mayor of London worried about ISIS attacks on the city

Militants in Indonesia looking for women terrorists

Six people shot dead by gunmen in a mosque in Quebec City during evening prayers

Moody’s love hate relationship with the raincoat (satire)

Moody was allergic to raincoats – when the movie was released, he just could not get an opportunity to see it because he was busy selling tea and then climbing the ladder of success. Building an empire of his liking was more important than even caring for his better half. He allowed her complete freedom to go on pilgrimage.
The telephone rang and distracted his attention. He picked up the receiver and heard a feminine voice. The caller was Tressa May.
‘I heard you peeped into a bathroom and have got involved in a raincoat affair?’ she asked.

Moody gulped.
‘You have been misinformed,’ he said. ‘Why should I go peeping into bathrooms?’
‘Well – the news has gone viral that there is a Peeping Tom on the prowl. Anyway, tell me – why should you pick on an aged man to be the butt of your joke? Why did you not pick someone your size? Of course 56-inch chest is not a common sight.’
Moody gulped again. He had never realized that raincoats could create such a sticky situation. By the time he thought up a suitable reply, Tressa May had gone off the line and Baba Someday entered the cabin.
Moody’s eyes lit up. He could discuss raincoats with him. The Baba had never felt the need of a raincoat till now – his glistening black beard and topless figure was the envy of every Bollywood star.
‘Tell me Baba,’ Moody asked him. ‘How can you survive without a raincoat when it is pouring cats and dogs?’
‘I just enjoy the raindrops giving me a natural full body wash,’ Baba grinned. ‘It is something that no beauty salon can give. You can also give it a try.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

New luxury cruise liner Seabourn Encore is labeled as 'sexiest ship at sea'

Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi at Rajghat gets a new look

200-year-old banyan tree uprooted by cyclone Vardah replanted in Chennai


The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed

Saraswati Puja means entering a new phase of life

Moody on UFO, Mangalyaan and Moon Mission for monkey baat (satire)


Naomie Harris gets Oscar nomination in the best-supporting actress category for Moonlight

Nicole Kidman could earn $8 million if she writes her autobiography

Sets of the film Padmavati in Jaipur vandalised, Bhansali cancels shooting


Mayor of London worried about ISIS attacks on the city

Militants in Indonesia looking for women terrorists

Six people shot dead by gunmen in a mosque in Quebec City during evening prayers

Valentine’s Day is round the corner

Valentine’s Day is today an occasion where boys meet girls and, at times, form bonds that may last a lifetime – or, vanish before one can say Jack Robinson. Bonding relationships need some adhesive like Fevicol.
Already TV serials have announced special shows to celebrate the day and trinket shops have stocked up on gifts which will make the day a special one for some. Greeting cards are out of fashion – its all e-greetings.

V-Day is a festival that has its roots in the West and we have twisted it to suit Indian conditions. The alternate festival which is similar to V-Day is Holi – the festival of colors. It also throws up opportunities for the boys and girls to get close enough to share a few moments of togetherness. Days of flows bending down to imitate a kiss belonged to the black-and-white era. The present era is all about colors.
Of course, the breath should also be fresh like the body covered with the fragrance of deosprays that will ensure that the fairer sex would swoon.
There is another side to this V-Day celebrations and that is the moral police brigade who keep their eyes open and wait to lay hands on those who get carried away in the euphoria. Members of the moral police brigade are opportunists and seize the chance to make a fast buck - threat and earn is their motto.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

New luxury cruise liner Seabourn Encore is labeled as 'sexiest ship at sea'

Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi at Rajghat gets a new look

200-year-old banyan tree uprooted by cyclone Vardah replanted in Chennai


The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed

Saraswati Puja means entering a new phase of life

Moody on UFO, Mangalyaan and Moon Mission for monkey baat (satire)


Naomie Harris gets Oscar nomination in the best-supporting actress category for Moonlight

Nicole Kidman could earn $8 million if she writes her autobiography

Sets of the film Padmavati in Jaipur vandalised, Bhansali cancels shooting


Mayor of London worried about ISIS attacks on the city

Militants in Indonesia looking for women terrorists

Six people shot dead by gunmen in a mosque in Quebec City during evening prayers

The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed

The gruesome murder of a couple of girls has raised questions of how safe is interaction with people on the social media, especially on sites like Facebook.
Social media on the internet is a medium where one can suppress his true identity and create an impression about oneself that is far from the truth. After all no one will verify the truth about whether a smart looking young man’s real name is Ram or Shyam and whether he really is an engineering graduate from a well-known institution like IIT or whether he is an NRI.
The fact is that whatever he posts on his profile is taken at face value – literally.

The truth is revealed only when a crime is committed and the crime can be a case of financial duping or, coldblooded murder.
That is what two recent cases are about – cold blooded murder. Both are girls who had made friends with boys via Facebook.
One of these girls was killed in July and her body was concealed in a concrete packing covered with a marble slab. The boy who has reportedly committed the crime has admitted to the police that he had also murdered both his parents – even before he murdered this girl!
The other was of another girl who was lured away from her home and her nude body was discovered in another remote location – the suspect here is also a boy who was her friend on Facebook.
In this text it is relevant to note that interaction on the social media has led to happily married couples who appear on the many game shows and reality shows. The question that is normally asked is – was your marriage an arranged one? And the girl gives a broad smile and replies ‘no, we eloped and married in a temple’ or ‘we met on a social networking site’ etc.
Such girls are undoubtedly the lucky ones.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

New luxury cruise liner Seabourn Encore is labeled as 'sexiest ship at sea'

Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi at Rajghat gets a new look

200-year-old banyan tree uprooted by cyclone Vardah replanted in Chennai


The curse of social media – cold blooded murders committed

Saraswati Puja means entering a new phase of life

Moody on UFO, Mangalyaan and Moon Mission for monkey baat (satire)


Naomie Harris gets Oscar nomination in the best-supporting actress category for Moonlight

Nicole Kidman could earn $8 million if she writes her autobiography

Sets of the film Padmavati in Jaipur vandalised, Bhansali cancels shooting


Mayor of London worried about ISIS attacks on the city

Militants in Indonesia looking for women terrorists

Six people shot dead by gunmen in a mosque in Quebec City during evening prayers

Saraswati Puja means entering a new phase of life

Saraswati Puja is the ritual of worshipping the Goddess of Learning and it opens up the doors to a new world for the Bengalis. There are many positive aspects of this festival. Yes, it is nothing short of a festival for not only the tiny tots but also for boys and girls in schools and colleges as well as elders in any firm of entertainment.

Saraswati Puja is performed when the parents bring the tiny tots before the Goddess to earn her blessings as they step into the world of education. The kid sit on the lap of the priest who makes it hold a chalk and initiate the moves necessary to form an alphabet. The kid enters the world of writing the alphabets on a slate. Of course, kids today know the alphabets and numerals in advance, thanks to TV channels meant for the tiny tots. The worship of Goddess Saraswati is just a ritual.
The next phase of life is adolescence – the step is when the girls are old enough to wear the saree. And, the boys blush when they meet the girls. Saraswati Puja to them is an opportunity to shed inhibitions and enjoy each other’s company. If one goes by what participants of TV game shows admit – many of these feel-good bonds have become permanent in future. They admit that they had first met during Saraswati Puja!
And, as the devotees age, they worship the Goddess to help them assimilate knowledge – in any form. There are the singers, the musicians, the glittering stars of the silver screen as well as the small screen. And, writers.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Mars mission very much on the cards - six scientists are getting ready in Hawaii

Remembering Princess Diana on her 20th death anniversary

Restaurant offering only organic food opens in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad


Didi to UP on a selling mission (satire)

Ronald Grump invites Moody to Las Vegas (satire)

In the wonderland of deo sprays, fairness creams, and condoms


Sets of the film Padmavati in Jaipur vandalised, Bhansali cancels shooting

Indian born actress Priyanka Bose talks about the movie 'Lion'

Pakistan government lifts the ban on Indian films with 'Raees' and 'Kaabil'


Fire in a mosque in Texas - the Islamic Center of Victoria badly damaged

ISIS had plans to launch chemical warfare - evidence unearthed in Mosul

26-year-old man mows down four people and injures another 25 in Melbourne CBD