The alliterative trinity suggests the grand cosmic joke of existence.Let me continue this sardonic mix of memories, spirits, souls, and our beastly behaviour. In the sacred corners of my childhood memory, mother’s “baboes” (servants) would place little food offerings to appease household spirits—a superstition (to us Europeans) that could seem relevant while pondering Myanmar’s paradox.How…
Author: phaedrasfables
“BROKERS, BANDITS, BASEMENTS & BURKINA”
When Reality Outshines the Movie Scene: A Diamond Hustle Too Real to Scam I’ve always had a knack for stumbling into the extraordinary. Take that early 2000s encounter with Andrea – a Harvard-educated Genovese with model looks who preferred his parents’ basement to the high life his credentials might have offered. We clicked instantly –…
“LOTTERY LOITERING”
A FATHER’S DAY FREEDOM Gambling lingers at the edges of our lives, A strange ritual we pretend to understand.In Spain, it’s tradition, celebration, faith— Millions wagering on possibility. I never felt its pull. Until the day I met her— Ninety-four years old, eyes bright with hope, Lottery tickets clutched in weathered hands. How could I…
“Staring Down the Business End of a Glock and a Gramophone”
“The Gramophone Spins, the Glock Speaks: Lessons in Adaptable Wisdom” There’s something deliciously ironic about how we’ve managed to arm ourselves to the teeth with both rules and the means to ignore them. On the one hand, my country churns out regulations like a factory on steroids—an endless stream of shalt and thou-shalt-nots that would…
“Oil on Crumpets and Butter on Naan”
As a land that welcomes refugees, we face one moral masterful merit: figuring out how to provide these people with proper education.The question of language arises immediately.Which alphabet should we teach? They need ours to navigate their new home, certainly. But if they eventually leave, shouldn’t they be prepared to make a better land of…
“Chic & Covered Colonialism”
Someone asked me the other day, “What do you miss about your city (Amsterdam)?” I had to think deeply for a while until it popped: Sjaakie Swart. People who know about him would not immediately connect why, but of course, I will explain. For those who don’t know, Sjaakie Swart was a legendary Ajax football…
“Podunk Tragic Theater”
A Wanderer’s Chronicle: Of Ecological Shops and Cultural Dissonance This morning, I found myself in a quaint ecological shop, where I occasionally indulge in “genuine” eggs and “authentic” wine—as if food requires existential validation. As a conscientious shopper, I’m quite particular about what I put in my Harrods bag (wink, wink)—only whole foods will do….
“Masters, Myths, and the Manipulation of Masses”
In a world obsessed with superhero movies and reality TV, the greatest show on Earth plays out in plain sight, unnoticed by its audience. The plot isn’t particularly original—powerful figures manipulating a narcissistic businessman with financial troubles and presidential ambitions. Yet its execution has been masterful. Our protagonist wasn’t chosen for his brilliance but for…
“A Tale of Tyrants & Tantrums”
The Melting Bullies: From Village Tyrants to Oval Office Tantrums There’s something deliciously predictable about bullies. Whether terrorizing village newcomers or occupying the Oval Office, their tactics remain as transparent as their fragile egos. Last night, like many worldwide, I watched the grotesque, toe-curling one-man show that was Trump and his Vain trumpet bullying Zelenskyy….
“Catherina & Kompromat
A Letter to Russian Women “Hey, Russian Ladies – It’s Time to Shape Your Country’s Future! After knowing Russian women since 1992—working with escaped ballerinas during my modelling days, employing them in my wine bar and shoe shops, hosting them in my home (even assisting in labour!), and building genuine friendships—, I’ve noticed something remarkable:…
The C.O.M.C. Files 