John McCain.

#329
Very sad to wake up to the news of passing away of Senator John McCain aged 81(4 days short of his 82nd Birthday). 
He was a true patriot indeed. Despite being grandson and son of 4Star Admirals of US Navy, McCain refused to be given preferential release when captured in Vietnam war and tortured. 

I always wondered, if his selection of Sarah Palin derailed his efforts for the presidency in 2008!!

I was also positive that he would lose in Senate seat which he held since 1986 in Arizona during 2016 election, the campaign against him was bitter, but he managed to sneak a win. 

Coincidentally, his death comes exactly 9 years on the day his close friend Edward Kennedy with whom he championed the immigration Amnesty reform bill!!

May his soul rest in peace. Interesting, he has expressed his wish that President Trump should not participate in his funeral!! That is some bitterness!! I would think goes to show how much this President like our Stupid Idiot Modi has polarised the nation!!!

Karthik
26/8/18
830am. 

IKNiazi,FlopShow,Ozil,Marchionne.

#328
1) I am back from short trip to Gujarat. Boy, this year rains are like, mad, I have never seen such a spell in my 33 years of visits to Gujarat. Few days there was practically non stop rains and Sun was never seen. No wonder, the potholes were plenty in the Bombay-Amdavad NH!
2) I got in touch after 10 years with my German Colleague! I had travelled in his car from Frankfurt to Hamburg for a safety audit. This picture was taken then! I don't think I ever experienced that speed any other time! BOY!!

3) Near Gate 52, Terminal 2, Mumbai airport, there is an awesome Marati restaurant. Enjoyed the food out there during Lunch pit stop before boarding the flight back home. 

4) I was passing by TheoBroma Pastry shop on way to gate, I quickly called and asked my daughter, if I should pick some pastry for my son. I was sceptical that he would want it as he is on crash diet etc. My daughter said, never mind Bring it on!! When he saw that,boy!!! oh Boy just delight as kid! Girls judge things perfectly!! hehehehhehe!!!

Today elections in Pakistan, a rare event in a sense transition to democracy would happen through a democratic process. Rarely, this happens as Military always intervenes in a coup and never allows the Prime Minister to complete his term. I expect Imran Khan to be the leading party and possibly the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. I see relations between India and Pakistan not improving in his tenure. Let's see!!!

A movie taken by spending 110Mn$ in China, became super flop grossing 7 Mn $ in 3 days and is taken off screen for remake. China products are questionable quality!! Didn't realise movies too!!! hahahahah!!! 

As they say Success is Bastard, Failure is an Orphan. The case of Mesut Ozil,who is made a scapegoat for the disgraced German exit from world cup is a classic example. As he and Lukaku says, When we score /win, we are Belgian or German, when we lose we are Congolese or Turkish! Sad aspect of racism prevailing in many countries!! I agree that comes to fore when failure hits!! Human nature I guess! 

Sad to hear the passing away of Sergio Marchionne, the boss of Fiat /Chrysler!! End was swift today!! May his soul rest in peace. What a turn around! But he was a workaholic.


As usual, few memes and Modi Bashing!! hahahahhahahh!!! 

An Aeronautical Engineer inspecting a Rafale fighter jet in order to increase it's price from 520 cr to 1600 cr to utilize taxpayers money. (2018)

A Globetrotter Searching Croatia on Map for his next Visit. (2018)

Until next week, take it easy, take care.
Karthik
25/7/18
1800 Hrs. 

Deluge,Eritraia,AbiyAhmed,Croatia.

#327
Housekeeping:-
1) Today, I complete 5 years of staying away from Idiot Box for watching stupid, ugly, lousy, fucking, Indian News channels and Entertainment! Even saying III class is a disgrace! Boy!! I can't comprehend how people are putting up with all the shit that is dished out!!

2) Friday, I was invited as panel member for Safety event, at 5pm, and I posted a Selfie, Radhu says, I looked "DOPED" Do I???? hahaahhah!!

3) Mom is back in India after her 2 month stay in #OMAN! The clean air around there has helped her respiratory issues to the minimum! Of course 45C heat is another matter for to be there!! 

Credit to Donald Trump, once again when it comes to national interest, he puts aside his personal like'/dislike. In choosing Judge Brett Kavanugh as his second nominee for US Supreme Court, #SCOTUS, Trump has looked for a person who abides to constitution as it says rather than looking for personal interpretation. It is no secret that Trump loathes the Bush(es) and Judge K was Bush nominee to Circuit court in DC as well as his wife was personal secretary to "Dubiya!!! The confirmation hearing would be interesting given that the razor thin Majority republicans hold with John McCain wont be able to vote. I personally sense, over a period of time Roe Vs Wade, the landmark judgement would be eroded away one statute at a time and come 2023, the 50th anniversaty there would be nothing left. Also to note that Trump with 2 year of Presidency left has potential for 2 more nominations (Senate Majority Key) of conservative leaning with Ginsburg and Breyer in to their 80s can fade from the scene!! Already with 5-4 that can turn to 7-2 with ramifications for good 2-3 generations to come. (#SCOTUS is for life or option to retire as Justice Anthony Kennedy did) 

The Roberts Court, 2017 Back row (left to right): Elena Kagan, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, and Neil Gorsuch. Front row (left to right): Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy, Chief Justice John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, and Stephen Breyer

The Rains have caused havoc across nations, with Hiroshima prefecture having seen it's worst rainfall of 50cm and loss of lives of around 200. People say in their living memory they have never witnessed anything like this. The mad rainfall of 15 Cm in 3 hours in Nagpur, and 55% Monsoon within 3 weeks of commencement at Bombay are tell tale signs of Climate change warnings that have been ignored by leaders. Adding insult to injury is the lack of preparation as well as poor III class infrastructure that exist. I am told in Bombay nothing has been done since British time in drainage system as city can take only 1 inch of rain/hr. All the natural creek that let rain water to the sea has been encroached by land sharks. This is case in most urban area in India. The warning is out there!!! No one cares and people suffer!!!

During my global travel, I have met Indians who have settled in Eritrea, a tiny nation which has been on war with its neighbour, Ehiopia for decades. People said the war would never end and there would never be peace. It appeared so, until the new President of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, who out of nowhere worked all political reforms that could only be a dream. He even reached out to the neighbour and now peace accord is worked out! Showing all it takes is a leader to swing things around. Also Ethiopian economy a fastest growing one goes to show peace is a must! 

Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed is welcomed by Eritrea's Isaias Afwerki as he disembarks the plane in Asmara, Eritrea on July 8, 2018

World cup is coming to an end, what a sporting event it has been! All top teams sent packing! France a young team under Tidier DesChamps (3rd person possibly to win world cup as player/coach) and Croatia an rank outsider are clashing. An Interesting article in WSJ on how Croatia win would settle scores as western Europe sees East with lot of contempt and insult! 

As usual I leave with few memes:-
1) JIO UNIVERSITY 

Take it easy, take care
Karthik
14/7/18
9am.

Miracle,Amlo,Netflix,SocialMedia_tax

#326
Housekeeping:-
1) I have been posting updates on Facebook,this was a hectic week of celebrations and events. Those who dont have FB access. This week was 1) Lalitha's birthday 2) Shravan's too and Father in law's 81st Birthday celebrations at Trichy.

Few pictures:-

2) Son and I took late evening time at Trichy to climb Rock fort temple. It was 450 steps (few steep) to reach the top of this 1600 Year old hillock which has Ganesh and Shiva deity placed on top. The rocks according to information displayed there are 35 Million years old. Astonishing. The construction at that time makes you wonder how they did what they did. 

3) With World cup fever on, my Semi Final predictions are Belgium, France, England and Croatia. Let's compare notes!!

What a news to wake up this morning on the finding of 12 Kids of football team and their coach trapped for 9 days in Thailand cave in which they got trapped due to flooding. The efforts to find them captured the world's imagination. Best in class technology and equipment were put in to use for this international effort. Goes to show prayers, miracle do happen to keep faith on human support. I am reminded of the Chile Miner's rescue back in 2010 October. 

Met the Man who swept the Mexican Elections. Amlo ( Andrés Manuel López Obrador) winning the election was foregone conclusion in the most violent election in modern day memory with more than 130 candidates and political workers and associated people killed in election releated violence. (Reminds me of 1989 election here, most violent in Indian History) He is Grandfather of Corbyn way of extreme left thinking. He has promised a lot! Let's see how he fulfils them. Last week, Colombia has elected a  Right of centre President, the elections cant be too contrasting. Shows the world drifting from center.  

This week Economist cover is on NETFLIX! Who would have even imagined 5 years back that this is going to take world by storm. I recollect couple of years back my kids switching to Netflix services and sitcom dished out! This is now bigger than Disney, Universal etc! Like Amazon so far no Profits! But I guess they would get there given the content it is delivering tailoring the regional requirements.

It was pathetic to read that Uganda has introduced 5c a day tax to use Social Media after due registration. The government says this has come in to effect after rumours and mud slinging in the name of freedom of expression. What a nonsense logic? I hope our Stupid Buggers here in India don't copy paste such stupid thinking! But then Mo(sa)di hai Bhai!! hahahh!!

As usual few meme to leave on laughing note!

Take it easy, take care, God Bless
Karthik
3/7/18
9am.

Demon,Erdogan,Melania,WomenDrivers!

#325
Housekeeping:- 
1) Dell has put its kiosk at Orion Mall for the New Laptop (XPS 13). I showed Pamphlet to my son. He says he has ordered even a later generation of the model from #USA which has reached India this week. I wonder, looks like, other than Cinema,nothing that gets released in USA comes to India same week.

2) World cup 2018 is an awesome event, 28 matches still no 0-0 Result. Lot of surprises!! I am yet to watch a 1130pm match!! Too much effort to be awake, especially when I get up at 515am. I feel that there will be a new winner who has not won before. Here is a joke on football!!! hahhahahhah!!!!

It's in our Indian culture to not touch anything with our feet!!!!

Otherwise we would have been no 1 in football⚽!!
😜😄
But we love to pull others legs ... So that's why we are  No. 1 in kabaddi..😂😂😄


I keep saying, Demonisation of the Stupid MODI and his goons government is most fraudulent act by any government anywhere. Everyday stories of people affected are coming out! One more heart wrenching story is in Bangalore. Real estate guy kills wife and seriously injures family!! Thuglaq Modi is a right name!!! Also stories coming out on Amitshah's act of Old 500 Rupee notes deposited in Bank in which he is a Director. Clean BJP ----> MY ASS!!!

What is common to Putin, Modi, Trump and Erdogan!!! They are all asshole showmen with all gas and no actions to show their success. They are very good at managing the TV without giving a Flying FUCK to the Fridge.Yes, Trump does better on that to deliver some of the election promises! Erdogan is facing stiffest challenge to his 15+ years of autocracy. Would Turks see sense Today and vote in such a way so that he doesn't get sweeping powers to make Turkey an Islamic Republic! I hope so! Kurds hold the key, I guess!!! 

Hahhahah!! Melania is back, ( so she is alive and kicking after all the rumors) her Jacket is the controversy! I would say not a very wise move to wear that one, when you go to visit Children separated from their parents in a detention centre! I wonder who advises her??? hmmm!

Today Saudi Arabia joins as last the civilised nations that allows its women to sit behind the wheel and drive! This goes to show change is slowly happening there. MBS might face resistance, but he must be cautious that power corrupts! I hope is a sane man to see it! But at the same time, it gives a perspective of what is assumed as mundane activity in many parts of the world is a big challenge in few pockets. We must be thankful to our founding fathers to see our nation with a quite a lot of vision ahead to work the rules/laws/constitution which gives women their right. I always feel Men and women are never equal, can never be, each is set to work few set of tasks which the other can never even dream doing!! hmmmm!!!

First World Problem:- 
hahahah

Until next week, take it easy, take care...
Karthik
24/6/18. 
9am. 

KimJongWON,CEOShitheads,Fuckingdaring,PutinGoon!

#324
Housekeeping:-
1) I underwent CATARACT Surgery this week. Procedure done and dusted 30 min at Karthik Nethralaya. Dr Ravindra, a 35 year veteran in the field did an awesome & painless job.While walking in terrace yesterday,as it was raining, Lalitha covered my head with my Handkerchief!! When I posted the picture in Whatsapp group, the EID Mubarak greetings as response,were astounding!! Many times,I joke to strangers that I am a Muslim (in Urdu, Of course) and Lalitha is an Iyer Maami and we eloped!People believe it and are in shock until Lalitha pricks my lie bubble!!! ehehhehhe!!!

2) Speaking of rains, it has been pouring non stop everyday evening from 5 to 8pm thus hindering my walk in the evening / listening to podcasts! The Rainbow was awesome! Nature has its own way of manifesting its beauty! Only now a days we don't have time for it!

The Trump-Kim meeting produced its own share of news, views, Meme!! hahah!!! Kim Jong Won was classic cover of Economist!! Needless to say, Kim got the legitimacy that has been missing to his Grandfather and Father. I am not sure how much of bargain he would keep up! Trump has risked his presidency! But knowing Trump Flip Flops! He would shrug and move on should the deal fail!  Singapore played a perfect role as host to bridge the two leaders! They did a fabulous job, no doubt!

Singapore Cabinet meeting Trump!! 4 of key ministers were of Tamil Origin! Modi Mudevi wont take any one from South, (English  வராதே) except Gujjus!! So much complaint / dissent brewing on his Gujaratisation at Delhi (Whether they capable altogether another matter!!)  hehehehehhehehehheh!!!!

Balakrishnan, Kim, Kung ( education minister) 

It was heartening to read that CEOs are now taken to task for employee Suicides! France always sets the bar in employee assistance program. This week ex CEO of Orange is sued for the depression and other harassment related suicides in 2008 during economic meltdown! Overall, CEOs now a days are sucking up to board members, and cant show any hint of dissent! (When they cant show dissent to their fucking wife how the fuck they wd do in public?- political correctness is now the order of the day) I cant remember one CEO of note in the last 10 years!! Horror word is very kind to these filthy bastards! India!! oh don't tell me! Spineless fellows!! One Cyrus Mistry had a bit of dissent; he was booted out! Candour wont carry you far in 2018! 

Watch this Video! If this is not  Daring" Super catch in mid air", nothing is!! 

With Football on, We have long nights and interesting matches! Here is a great Video on VAR, the newly introduced Technology! This got France the Penalty which Referee otherwise missed.

Some Football Memes
It's hard to win against Russia when you know your Family Members are being held hostage somewhere.

Miss Messi Hhehehhe!!

Take it easy, take care, stay safe.

Karthik

17/6/18 11am.

12Rules,Ahlam Al-Thanyan,Soccer,Krauthammer

#323
Housekeeping:-
1) I am back from a trip to VAPI! Gujarat. hahhah! 3 days, met 30 people,hardly any speaks Gujarati. Far cry from 80s when I had to master it to survive? Is it a good Sign? I wonder??? If I had gone and settled now in Gujarat, I wouldn't have picked up any Gujarati........

2) I stayed for a change at Hotel Ginger. (I usually never change Hotels in cities) this time Hotel Fortune which I usually court is full due to marriage season. The rooms were good, and food service met my expectations. Yes,the service was a bit slow!!

I have started reading Jordan Peterson's latest book, 12 Rules of life! An awesome book. I am able to relate many aspects that have been worked in our way of life. (In fact he quotes few Hindu Scriptures!). A must read for any one who looks at course corrections in life! Jordan's interview with Cathy Newman is a must watch! Sometimes, woman can nagging and I am amazed he kept his cool during interview!

Awesome, to see Saudis joining the civilised society by granting license to women to drive! Better late than never!! Ahlam becomes first woman to receive the licence! Well done! It was interesting to see few women driving without license in outskirts of Jeddah /Riyadh for years without accidents or getting caught!! MBS is accelerating the change!! U bet!!!  Interesting that Foregin female residents too now get a chance to Drive!! 

This week World Cup Football begins at Thug Russians Land! Thankfully Russia wont go beyond first round! Fraud Fellows!!! My 11th!! (I started watching /hearing from 1978 when Undeservingly Argentina beat Holland)! For me,1994 final was heart stopping when Roberto Baggio kicked over the bar! No other final has lived up to the expectations. ( May be 2014 but dull) 1994 World cup also special memory as Son was born, so every 4 years, his birthday comes during world cup! This year it is England vs Belgium! My prediction is Germany may retain with Egypt and Belgium as dark horses.

Waking up to the news of Charles Krauthammer has only weeks to live! For a conservative like me, he is the right kind of mix to offer opinion based on issues without preconceived notions and getting stuck to it come what may! That is symptom of fanaticism. He was against Trump presidency despite conservative and republican leaning! I am reminded more of Last Lecture by Randy Pausch!! Wishing him a peaceful departure as and when the maker calls him!

Randy Pausch July 25th, 2008.....

Enough of gloom doom! Let me leave with some funny Memes of our Dumb ass, idiotic MODI!! hehehehehhe! What a lousy bugger we have chosen as PM!!! hmmm!!

This video just awesome! Some one Loathes Modi bugger more than me!! ehheh!!

Take it easy, take care!
Karthik
9/6/18.