Yes, I still exist

Hola, Greetings, Salut, Salaam-Namaste...

Remember this fellow? 

Yes, you can assume that I am back. Restricted access or not, I guess I have finally figured out a way to continue blogging. You bet I can't wait to get one of those USB wireless internet products. But the problem is, I have to wait for a while... Ah well, I have to stay content with the fact that I can blog now. At long last. It's been a solid month since I made my last post. 

So, what have I been up to..? 

First up, I ditched the prospective offer I had upon graduating. And now I can proudly say I am NOT with Messrs. HCL Technologies. If at all it matters, I was with them for ten frustrating months. Of course, one can put the blame on the forbidden *R* word, but I chose to look elsewhere, juxtaposing my search for other opportunities with their darned training programme. 

Otherwise, I have been getting to terms with this place. All I can say is - so far, so good. One thing though - it does feel rather odd carrying a small leather case as opposed to a fat study material!

So what have you folks been up to? Trust things have been going smooth at your end. I will catch up with your recent blog posts in the coming days.

Many thanks for all those kind comments/emails/scraps/wall-posts. I cherish them. 

And yes, I did miss ALL of you. (Need I say that?) Nothing short of euphoria, now that I am back.

Peace. Stay blessed. 

Love,

Kartz.

Destiny calls

Away I go, 

To make my life,

As whispers of change are upon me,

The time is nigh,

I brace the strife,

And fly in the face of destiny!

- - -

Please excuse my absence for a few weeks. Destiny (read - employment) beckons. :)

An Award...

Thank you Sandeep ; good to have you back! Up for grabs, my cool readers! Feel free to put it up on your cool blogs, too! :)

And blog updated - 11th April (title - Food for Thought) .

An award...

Gratias, Kajal. All right populi, up for grabs! Display this token on your blog - proudly so! :)

And blog updated - 11th April (title - Food for Thought) .

Sea Fever

I needed this break! Here is a poem that sums up the past week. Read this way back in '94 - '95.

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,

And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

- John Masefield (1878 - 1967)

Did someone say 25..?

UPDATE (04 March 2009)- If your blogroll/dashboard directed you to this post, please go here for the latest post

(Pasted from Facebook)

These tags irritate me. My Blogger friend Gauri needs a life. If anyone has an overdose of it, please lend. Good karma will return to you.

25 random things about moi... Geronimo!

1. I am an unabashed egotist and a hot-head. *You know it? Didn't take Einstein, did it? :P* But I maintain that I am level-headed and patient.

2. I refer to God with an upper-case *G*, and I also refer to myself with an upper-case *I* (I leave it to you folks to draw analogies, dissect or, worst case, leave it. :P )

3. I am my worst critic.

4. I do *not* believe in having ONE *best* friend. For that matter, I do *not* believe in the concept of having *best* friends. 

5. I have friends. I do not discriminate among them. They make my life count. They know it. *tips his hat* Cannot thank you folks enough.

6. I say I am a good singer. Listener's loss. Not mine. Ha! I am pretty good with the keyboard/piano too. Well, I used to be! Long time since I ventured near one...

7. My handwriting is indeed that *damn* good. My notes have had the darned (read: blessed) fortune of spending helluva lotta time in the women's hostel. No, I said "my class notes". Not "me".

8. I am pragmatic and an ambivert.

9. I do not like sweets. Gulab jamun, Kaaju kathli, Mysore Pak and Twix (yes, that chocolate) are exceptions though.

10. I maintain a childhood rivalry - which is prolly 20 yrs old and counting. I *hate* Australia. Restricted to cricket, of course. And I hate it when that friend of mine calls me up every time those YELLOW-OCHRE (yes, I am racist. Sue me.) creeps win a tournament. 

11. There are times when I border on over-confidence. That is probably one of those things I am learning to overcome. 

12. I love to be alone. Or, with a small group of friends.

13. I am told I am good at comforting people. But I needn't be told that I am good at irritating people. Especially the fairer, and more garrulous sex. ;P

14. Back in 3rd Standard, I realized I was Shakespeare-cum-some-looney-Prophet reborn. Reason? I came up with this - 

Eashwar and Allah went to a mall;

Where Christ and Nanak were sitting on a wall.

The four of them became best of friends,

And will stay on till the world ends.

15. I love to philosophise. I love to think and engage people in discussions. Topics like God/Religion/Life/Death are my favourite. 

16. Point 15. owes to the fact that I, a Hindu Brahmin, had an Anglo-Indian, Methodist Christian upbringing (albeit, till seventh standard) in what was a pretty Islamic area in the city. Yes, I can chant/recite the Lord's Prayer, the Psalms (especially 23 and 121), the Vishnu Sahasranam, the Kalima Tayyab and a number of other religious verses with equal fervour. 

17. Science - the concept of Time and Creation, to be more specific - fascinates me. 

18. I love pooches... They are blessed creatures. Very.

19. I am a cleanliness-and-orderliness-freak.

20. The English language has been my *only* passion all these years. That said, I have taken a particular disliking for the American influence on the language. But yes, I do use the word *dude*, quite often. 

21. History (Ancient & Medieval) and Mythology vie for the top-spot in my list of interests. And oh yes, I do have a number of *weird* interests that include researching on Astral Travel, NDEs, OBEs (no, el stupido, not Order of the British Empire!), the Paranormal, SHC... 

22. Going to the cinema, or even watching one at home isn't my thing. And yes, I do not see any sort of blasphemy in not having watched "the Titanic", et cetra. Of course, I am never tired of watching "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly", "The Illusionist" and "The Great Escape". The last one, courtesy my good friend Rituparna. 

23. I have cut down on my reading habit... However, I am concentrating on my writing and I am trying to ensure that my reading doesn't have much (or any) influence on my writing. 

24. To some of you, this will be like opening a can of worms - I am not a particular *fan* of Gandhism. The only thing I liked about the great man is that he was for the *truth*. But, I do not quite understand why he stuck with non-violence. And I may never know, either. That said though, in no way do I imply that I harbour any feeling of disrespect for him.

25. Last, but not the least - I believe in the usage of basic courtesies like "Please." and "Thank you.". 

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Got anything to say about me? Feel free to add.

An Award...

UPDATE (04 March 2009)- If your blogroll/dashboard directed you to this post, please go here for the latest post



Couple more tokens...


Seher Di's gracious - Cuteness (is Pleasing) - Award 

Gail's gracious - Love your Blog, Friend  - Award 

Citation reads - These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Needless to say, these are for everyone on my blogroll... :) 

UPDATE (04 March 2009)- If your blogroll/dashboard directed you to this post, please go here for the latest post

An Oscar!

UPDATE (04 March 2009)- If your blogroll/dashboard directed you to this post, please go here for the latest post



Humbled, Seher Di ...

In her words,


All the glitz and glamor and who won chants has led me into doing a little bit of my own shout and show. This is entirely a merit show. So if you think you can please me with some cash, you are kidding yourself. Obviously you have your ways to impress me and make me known that you exist.


Yes ladies and gentlemen, I for only I have come around to be wise enough to announce 2008's Most Precious Performers, not in their lives individually, but the way they have enchanted me through the Pilgrimage into "Life or Something Life It". They stand distinct and at par with no one. I may write an ode to the people they are and how they keep inspiring, not just me but the world they are as much a part of as you and me.


On the 22nd of February, Sunday, Hollywood's elite gathered to see what film and whose dexterity made the most impact on the globe and won them the famous golden trophy of them all - the Oscar. On Monday Night, I sit in my cozy little room, with my mushy feelings ready to be poured on the skill and wit of those who have an attitude which has left me awestruck. I have been completely swept off and yearning for more in 2009. The show must go on!


This Event like the original is not based on a "dare to be grand". There are no eyes awaiting the end of the red carpet but there is always an aspiration for who walks in and creates magic of more than a few words on the drama already created. The appeal is based on originality. You can either die trying to replicate or you can excel with what you own.

The Most Expert Oscar goes to... ... Kartz

What *can* I say..? Humbled, and overwhelmed. Without the appreciation/critique/encouragement of my esteemed readers (read: patrons), this wouldn't have been quite possible! Gratias...

Kartz gets Kandid - The Pakistani Spectator

Not too long ago, Ms. Khan of The Pakistani Spectator had requested yours truly for an interview. I obliged. 


Please click here for a transcript of the same.


I value your esteemed readership. I hope to get better...


Thank you.


Peace.
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PS: A regular update to follow, soon...

A Celebration...

UPDATE (04 March 2009)- If your blogroll/dashboard directed you to this post, please go here for the latest post


A good friend of yours truly, Ms. Ravindran of the Petals and Pebbles lore celebrated her blog's birth anniversary.


Sincere wishes that her pen never runs dry.


Sweet of her ladyship to bestow these tokens...

 

UPDATE (04 March 2009)- If your blogroll/dashboard directed you to this post, please go here for the latest post

From Russia and Pakistan, with love ;p

A couple of self-proclaimed lovely ladies (Lena and Mehreen) tagged me to this on facebook. *har har har* :P After lame threats of nuclear attacks et al, I decided to give it a go.

Don't blame me if you find it gross! You have been warned. :)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? - Hindu Mythology is not for the faint of heart. Scoot! :P 

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? - Last-est... A baby cries while taking it's first breath. 4th Feb '86 après 9:31 IST. 

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? - I take bloody pride in it. And I'm sure it's better than yours. :P And guess what? I was placed first at a handwriting competition! When? 8th Standard. Ha!

On a more serious note, my class notes had the blessed fortune of spending more time in the ladies' hostel. #RatherThanTheOneWhoTookThemDown! :(  

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? - Am vegan. :P But yeah... Lena, your *ever-confused* head tastes good too. *smirk* 

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? - 2 *ahem* lovely ladies (one single, and the other 'single' at this moment :D ) are asking this single fellow a very thought provoking question.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? - That is a pretty big *if*... 

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? - U tell me. :P 

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? - Know what? I have 'em stored in the deep-freeze. Wanna see? ;) 

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? - Is there a BREAD-EFF jump, tell me that first! :P

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? - No 'favorite'... I hate Americanized English. :P 

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? - I untie the laces. :P 

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? - Physical? Emotional? Art of love making? Hell yeah! ;) 

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? - Butterscotch! I demand one now for doing your tag. Goodie goodie! :) 

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? - Whether they deserve my time. 

15. RED OR PINK? - Black. ha. 

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? - Nothing. I am what I am. :) 

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? - No one... The close ones are always there. 

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? - Free will. :P 

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? - 'pant', to the Queen, is bad English. Food for thought. Am barefoot now. :P 

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? - A mosquito farting... 

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Again... A pretty *big* if. :P 

23. FAVORITE SMELL? - Ummm... Yes! Me, myself! :) And. Smell of rain drenched Earth. 

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO? - It was a ghost. Last night. We played *Boo! Scared u!* Guess what, he should be visiting those *ahem* lovely ladies anytime now. How nice... 

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? - Not one person. Two people. And they know the answer. 

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? - Swatting a mosquito, not killing it though. Pluck out it's leg one at a time. Enfin, magnify the sun's rays at it... Ha! Ok ok... Tennis. F1. Cricket. In that order. 

27. HAIR COLOR? - Black. 

28. EYE COLOR? - Black. 

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? - No. I store them in the address book. :P 

30. FAVORITE FOOD? - Vegan. Spicy Indian. Mommy dearests' any day... :) 

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? - Neither. But how about blood and gore? Hell yeah! 300! *This is SPARTA!* 

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? - I'll rephrase it... Last movie (that I saw) *worth* watching - The Illusionist. 

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? - Black tee. With the words - Hell was full; so, I'm back! *har har har* 

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? - Depends on where I am. :P 

35. HUGS OR KISSES? - Both are level 1. 1 or 1 is 1. So, both. :P Digital Electronics rocks. :) 

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? - Butterscotch milk shake. :) I want one! Now! :) 

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? - I will soon find out. 

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? - refer answer to Q 37 

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? - The Satanic Bible. Anton Szandor Lavey. :D 

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Dust particles. Molecules, atoms, quarks... 

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? - Not into the idiot box... ;) But yeah, did *watch* a mosquito getting fried by the static. It had ventured a bit too close to the screen. *mutters a word of Prayer* 

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? - refer answer to Q 26, first part. ;) 

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? - Rolling stones gather no moss. No beetles either. They get crushed. Duh! :P 

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? - Kolkata, West Bengal. Aamar Shonar Bangla... 

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? - Greek or Roman? Click here 

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? - Planet Earth. 

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? - refer answer to Q 38

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? - I don't have a time machine to go back to the future, ya know... You have one? 

49. IS THE CUP HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? - Optimist : Half full, Pessimist : Half empty, Realist : Drain that bloody cup dry. :P 

50. IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN TO DINNER WITH FIVE PEOPLE WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? - Couldn't you think of anything else to conclude a 50-Q questionnaire? Lame! :P 

Ok ok... You two are invited. :) We can decide on the others later. 

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  Happy now? ;)

Now who else should suffer this tag..? Ummm... Naah, am too kind. If anyone wishes to take it up, you are most welcome to.

Yes, I know. There are a lot other tags (seven, perhaps) in the pipeline. One tag per block. Anyway, I had to paste this here. I figured you folks could have a laugh too. :)

A birthday gift! :)

A much needed make-over and thanks a megaton to Ms. Sameera Ansari  . I must say she was extremely patient with a *ahem* perfectionist such as myself... :)

I cannot thank her enough. Guess what? This was her birthday gift to yours truly. *oh yeah, I completed twenty-three trips around our good ol' sun on the 4^th of this month!*

Am fiddling with the plethora of options that are available in this template. So, please do not fret. The blogroll will be made available soon. :)

So, whaddaya think of this? :)

And oh yeah – this template is best viewed [at 1280 x 800] on Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. There will be a marked difference.

A regular update will soon follow. 
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Update (09 Feb) - Blogrolls have been added and a couple of tweaks have been dealt with. :)

A small dedication... :)

'Tis but a small world that we live in, and one that has been made smaller by the ubiquitous internet! Friendships struck in this virtual world grow into the very reality that supposedly surrounds us.

Silent happiness and a wish of gratitude,

For your appreciations - so generous,

That confidence grows in multitude...

Without further ado, I present all of you - yes, each and everyone of you - with the following pieces of *ahem* memorabilia.

Yes, they do!

And inspiring...

Which is why I read your *pulsating* compositions :)

Make that a Garland *for* your blog! :)

Ain't we? Duh! But of course! :)

So, hurry up! Wear this! :)

And last but not the least, here's something for all those really interesting stuff my compadres never fail to come up with! A medal!

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Thank you populi, once again.

A regular update will follow soon. Till then, take care. Peace.

An award...

I was felicitated with the aforesaid awards by Mehreen and Akshat respectively. Without further ado, I nominate the following for the same;

Usha ma'am

Praveeen, S R

Sameera Ansari

Lena Toporikova

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PS : If you are still wondering why I haven't bothered to pen a few lines for each of them, take a look at the awards, again. :)