Arc de Triomphe in Paris France

Eiffel tower

 

Eiffel Tower Illuminated

Cop writing tickets

The other day, myself and my friend went shopping. When we came out, we saw a Policeman writing out a parking ticket.

We went up to him and I said, 'Come on, how about giving a senior citizen a break?'

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket.

I told him this is unfair. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn-out tires.

So my friend told him "officer, if this was your wife's car, would you dare write a ticket" ?

The police officer finished writing second ticket, put it on the windscreen along with the first.

Then he started writing a 3rd ticket. This went on for some time.

The more we protested, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then our bus arrived, and we boarded the bus and went home.

We weren't too concerned about the vehicle's owner because the bumper sticker on the car read :

"I support Donald Trump".

A to Z calligraphy

Cats can make a world of difference

Alphabet "H" with Silver pens

"H" created with Silver pens

Swimming pool overlooking the Pacific ocean

Swimming pool overlooking the Pacific ocean

Swimming pool in Montage, Laguna beach in California which overlooks the Pacific ocean.

Elephants in Africa

Elephants in Africa

Coffee maker: Cuisinart Model DGB-1

Coffee maker: Cuisinart Model DGB-1

Single cup grind and brew coffeemaker

On father's day, my daughter gifted me a cuisinart coffee maker. She told me "I have bought it from Costco, so if you don't like it, you know where to return ". I said "Understood, dear".
I am used to making pour over coffee. I grind the coffee beans, boil the water in a kettle and pour boiling water over the ground beans. 

So I tried my new father's day gift and I observed the following: 
1) Water temperature 140° degrees Fahrenheit, that's a good temperature to extract coffee from the beans. 
(However, I would have preferred water temperature to be around 190° degrees Fahrenheit).

2) The coffee beans are ground and via centrifugal force they are sprayed into the coffee filter through a small rectangular chamber.

3) Hot water enters through a hole and wet most of the beans, unlike some espresso machines which wet only part of the beans. Whereby the wet part is over extracted and the other part of coffee beans are not extracted at all. This way  cuisinart coffee maker requires less coffee beans. 

But here's the problem:
• Whenever you make coffee, some coffee gets clogged in the rectangular chamber. 

Bean chamber clean

So this is what happens: 
• 1st cup of coffee, "aah, highway to heaven "
• 2nd cup of coffee "this is great coffee, thanks to my daughter "
• 3rd cup, suddenly the coffee becomes milder. 
• By the 5th cup, its like I am drinking  only hot water . Where did all the coffee disappear ? it made all the sound of grinding coffee!

• To solve the mystery, I began operation beanstar and I opened the chambers and discovered that the rectangular chamber was completely clogged and so no coffee powder was passing through. 

Bean chamber clogged

• So I cleaned the rectangular chamber, the grinder etc. Now I do this after every 5 cups of coffee. If i forget, then I end up drinking hot water.

Patek Philippe Historical watches

Hand painted pocket watches

Lady painting a watch on site with a paintbrush

Statue of lioness and lion cubs in the garden of Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey'

Statue of lioness and lion cubs in the garden of Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey'

Formal shoes

Formal Brown leather shoes

Why do Indians resist paying taxes ?

Why do Indians resist paying taxes ?

Interesting thoughts on why Indian resist paying taxes, in an open letter to the Prime Minister.

Forwarded as received:

Dear Modiji,

This is what we honest citizens feel about our Governments - Central and State...

On behalf of professionals & businessmen, I am sending you some facts ..

Please try to unnderstand.

We are not doing Tax '"Chori"'... this is tax saving (a bit of evading too).

This is to ensure security of our family, kids and their future for any adversity.

1. We bought Generators/Inverter in our houses, because Govt. failed to provide constant electricity.

2. We installed submersible pumps, because Govt. failed to provide water.

3. We hired own security guards, because Govt. failed to provide security.

4. We send our kids to private schools, because Govt failed to provide good education in public schools.

5. We headed for private hospitals to avail proper care and treatment, because Govt. failed to provide good public hospitals.

6. We bought cars because Govt. failed to provide good transportation.

Finally.., what the tax payer gets in return at the retirement, when he needs most to survive ?

Nothing, no social security.

But instead all his hard earned income resource is used by Government to distribute subsidies and freebies in the name of welfare schemes among masses to buy "free votes" to those who don't pay any taxes.

Above all what Govt do with our (tax) money?

Open courts-which do not give judgement.

Open police station which works for politicians only and not protect citizens.

Open hospital which do not treat us well.

Build roads wherein 40-100% of money spent goes in vain due to corruption.

Endless list....

Like western democracies, if Indian Government could provide all the above, why would anyone save taxes ?

We all know that the major tax revenues collected from us are consumed by Government officials and politicians (billions of dollars are lying in foreign banks).

A manufacturer works at a margin of between 2% to 10% , whereas government needs 30% of his income to cover it's expenditure. How fair it is all ?

That's the reason no one wants to pay taxes.

We save taxes for our necessities, family, for our old age, for our safety, security and this phenomenon is the sign of failure of Government in discharging it's own functions fairly and efficiently. Government alone is responsible for this.😡

But on the other hand...

We challenge that if Govt announces that Rs.1000 crore is required for Indian Army or floods or earthquake victims !!!

The same amount will be deposited within couple of days by these "Tax Savers" only.

We will come forward with open hearts

Solmar resort in Cabo San Lucas

Solmar experience:

Nice suite room

One bedroom with king size bed.

Bathroom had jacuzzi inside.

Another sitting  room with sofa that turns into bed at night. But not very comfortable in sleeping.

Sitting room has a kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator etc (see picture)

All inclusive package:

Green bracelet: At the time of check in they tie a plastic bracelet around your wrist. This is an identification to the staff that you are an all inclusive guest.

3 restaurants viz sushi bar, Tejaban and El Trebol.

• Very limited vegetarian choices
• Evening buffet with a variety of different food including chicken, fish, beef, pork etc.
• Unlimited drinks including local beer, cocktails.

Pool side sitting overlooks the Pacific Ocean

• You are restricted to the restaurants of Solmar only, meaning: You cannot eat food in palaya grande, nor grand solmar.  If you wish to eat over there, then you have to pay the regular price, but being a solmar resident, you are entitled to 25% discount.
• 
  
• Since Solmar overlooks the Pacific Ocean, in the evening while sitting by the pool, you can see the sun setting.  (No need to take the special sunset tour).