Orkut-ish...!

* "Are u there on Orkut ??"...Yep whoz not ?..."Ok add kar lunga"...Arre bhai contact number to deta ja ??..."Yaar profile se pata kar lunga na"

* "Oye whatz this new Carnival theme?"...Kaunsa Carnival ?...Kahan pe ho raha hai ?..."Yaar em talking about this cool theme in Orkut...Mast hai yaar...Better than the Roadies theme !"

* "Gtalk on Orkut is irritating yaar !...Iski setting change kar sakte hain kya ??"...Honi to chahiye kahin na kahin..."Nahi mil raha hai dost ...Dhond ke bata na plz !"

* "What an awesome party dude...Kya crowd tha...!"...Kahan gaya tha ??..."Yaar there was this special invite only for people of 'Taika' community in Orkut ...Had a rocking time dude !"

* "Tujhe invite kiya tha khelne ke liye...Khela kyun nahi ??"...Kab yaar...Main to subah se yehin hun..."Arre Orkut pe 'Teen-Patti' khelna ka invite bheja tha yaar...U can chat with people as well there...Cool App...I just love Orkut !"

Welcome to the Orkut-age folks ! :)

150 Things To Do Before U Turn 30 ! :)

Came across this list on one of my favorite blogs - Moments Today...Memories Tommorrow

Loved the list and as U would have guessed it ...Here I go !! :)

* The things that I have already done are in green.
* The things which I would love to do are in red.



01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins (Wow !)
03. Climbed a mountain (Twice !)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive (Phew !)
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone (That would be something !)
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped (Want to do this at least before I die if not before I am 30 !)
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise (Nandi Hills !)
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg (That would be super cool !)
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower (Remember Hale-Bopp ?)
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (Yup !)
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can (U bet !)
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse (Wish I could capture the Diamond Ring !)
34. Ridden a roller coaster (Theme parks zindabad ! )
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn’t care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (Tried to impress my Language Trainer in office :P)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment (Yup !)
39. Had two hard drives for your computer (Can't live with just one !)
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk (More than once ! )
42. Had amazing friends (Lots of them !)
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip (Love them !)
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach (Don't ask with whom :P)
50. Gone sky diving (Again at least before I die if not before I turn 30 !)
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day (Yup !)
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain (Awww !)
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo (Goa Rocks !)
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date (Wooo...!)
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
93. Been on a cruise ship (Bombay to Goa ...Though I hardly remember much of it !)
94. Spoken more than one language fluently (Still do !)
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking with the windows open
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived (Bike Trip - Ooty '07...Am lucky to be still alive !)
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show (No millionaire dreams...Just a li'l cash would do ! :P)
113. Broken a bone (More than once !)
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper (Not for the wrong reasons though ! :P )
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Para sailed
132. Touched a cockroach (Played with one ! :P)
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language (Was fun !)
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream (Once !)
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

26% completion rate!! Not bad eh considering the fact that I just turned 25 ! :)

Zodiacs n Booze !

ARIES : Impulsive Aries like to party and sometimes don't know when to call it a night. Their competitive streak makes them prone to closing-time shot contests. They're sloppy, fun drunks, and they get mighty flirty after a couple tipples. Getting Aries people drunk is a good way to get what you want out of them, should other methods fail. Aries can become bellicose when blotto, but they will assume that whatever happened should be forgiven (if not forgotten) by sunrise. They can be counted on to do the same for you - so long as you haven't gone and done anything really horrible to them last night, you sneaky Gemini.

TAURUS : Taurus prefers to drink at a leisurely pace, aiming for a mellow glow rather than a full-on zonk. Since a truly intoxicated Taurus is a one-person stampede, the kind of bull-in-a-china- shop inebriate who spills red wine on white carpets and tells fart jokes to employers, the preference for wining and dining (or Bud and buddies) to body shots and barfing is quite fortunate for the rest of us. This is not to say that the Bull is by any means a teetotaler - god, no. A squiffy Taurus will get, er, gregarious (full of loud mouth soup, some would say) and is extremely amusing to drag to a karaoke bar when intoxicated.

GEMINI : Gemini's can drink without changing their behavior much - they're so naturally chatty and short-attention- spanned that it's just hard to tell sometimes. They can amaze you by conversing with finesse and allusion, then doing something to belie an extremely advanced state of intoxication, like puking in your shoe. Gemini's possess the magic ability to flirt successfully (and un-infuriatingly, which is very tricky) with several people at once. They like to order different cocktails every round - repetition is boring - and may create a theme (like yellow drinks: beer, sauvignon blanc and limoncello) for their own amusement.

CANCER : Cancer is a comfort drinker - and an extra wine with dinner or an after-work beer or six can be extra comforting, can't it, Cancer darling? Like fellow water signs Scorpio and Pisces, Crabs must guard against lushery. Cancers are brilliant at ferreting out secret parties and insinuating themselves on VIP lists - and, in true Hollywood style, Cancers are never really drunk; instead, they get "tired and emotional" (read: weepy when lubricated). But there's nothing better than swapping stories (and spit) over a few bottles of inky red wine with your favorite Cancer. Even your second-favorite Cancer will do. The sign also rules the flavor vanilla, and you'd be adored if you served up a vanilla vodka and soda.

LEO : Leo likes to drink and dance - they're often fabulous dancers, and usually pretty good drinkers as well, losing their commanding dignity and turning kittenish. Of course, they're quite aware they're darling -Leos will be Leos, after all. They generally know their limit, probably because they loathe losing self-control. When they get over-refreshed, expect flirting to ensue - and perhaps not with the one what rung them. But Leo's not the type to break rules even when drunk, so just try to ignore it (try harder, Cancer) and expects a sheepish (and hung over) Lion to make it up to you the next day.

VIRGO : Cerebral Virgos are compelled to impose order onto their bender. Their famously fussy quest for purity could lead to drinking less than other signs, sure - but it could also lead to drinking booze neat, to sucking down organic wine or just to brand loyalty. They rarely get fully shellacked -- but, oh, when they do! Virgo's controlled by the intellect, but there's an unbridled beast lurking within, and they let it loose when walloped. It's dead sexy (and surprisingly un-sloppy). As one Virgo friend used to declare, "I'm going to drink myself into a low-level of intelligence tonight." A toast to the sub genius IQ!

LIBRA : "I'm jusht a social drinker," slurs Libra, "it's jusht that I'm so damn social?" Libra loves nothing more than to party, mingle and relate to everyone. Whether dipped in favor of Good Libra (with Insta-Friend device set to "on") or heavier on the Evil Libra side (they are little instigators when bored), the Scales can really work a room. Charming as they are, Libras are notoriously lacking in self-control, however, which can get them into all sorts of trouble - including wearing their wobbly boots waay too early in the evening, flirting with every man/woman in the room or even blacking out the night's events entirely. Oops!

SCORPIO : Don't ever tell Scorpios they've had enough, for they'll smirk at you and quietly but intentionally keep tippling till they're hog-whimpering drunk, out of 100-proof spite. Scorpios like to drink, and screw you if you have a problem with that. Most of them seethe sauce as something to savor in itself, and not as a personality- altering tool - though if depressed, self-loathing Scorps seek total obliteration. But generally, they're fascinating drinking pals, brilliant conversationalists and dizzying flirts. They also remember everything - especially what you did when you were blitzed. Only drink with a Scorpio who likes you.

SAGITTARIUS : In vino veritas - and, for Sagittarius, in booze blurriness: When buttered, they'll spill all your secrets and many of their own. Tactlessness aside, Sagittarius is just plain fun to drink with. This is a sign of serious partying (what else would you expect from the sign of Sinatra, Keith Richards, the Bush twins and Anna Nicole Smith?). They're the people who chat up everyone in the room, then persuade the entire crowd to travel somewhere else - like a nightclub, or a playground, or Cancun. Good - natured hi jinks are sure to ensue (including a high possibility of loopy groping; spontaneous Sag is a brilliant booty call).

CAPRICORN : Capricorn is usually described as practical, steadfast, money-hungry and status-thirsty - no wonder they get left off the astrological cocktail-party list. But this is the sign of David Bowie and Annie Lennox, not to mention Elvis. Capricorn is the true rock star: independent, powerful and seriously charismatic, not too eager to please. And if they make money being themselves, who're you to quibble? But just like most rock stars, they're either totally on or totally off, and they generally need a little social lubricant to loosen up and enjoy the after party, especially if they can hookup with a cute groupie.

AQUARIUS : Aquarius and drinking don't go together that well (except for water, that is). They have an innate tendency toward know-it-allism, and if they get an idea while sizzled, they're more stubborn than a stain or a stone. If they're throwing a party or organizing an outing, however, they're too preoccupied with their duties to get combative - and they make perfectly charming drunks in that case. Fortunately, they're usually capital drink-nursers. They also make the best designated drivers (if you can get them before they start raising their wrist). Aquarius is fascinated by drunk people and capable of holding interesting conversations with soused strangers while sober.

PISCES : If you're a Pisces, you've probably already heard that you share a sign and an addictive personality - with Liz Taylor, Lisa Minnelli and Kurt Cobain. Not only do Pisces like to lose themselves in the dreamy, out-there feeling that only hooch can give, but they build up a mighty tolerance fast. Who needs an expensive date like that? On the other hand, they're fabulously enchanting partners, whether in conversation or in crime. With the right Pisces, you can start out sharing a pitcher of margaritas and windup in bed together for days. The phrase "addictive personality" can be read two ways, you know.

Source : Forwarded Article ...!

Orchestra or Rebellion ?

This is not a write up on Pakistan bashing but about sinister minds still on the loose in a nation which has never been in control of itself since its inception...True foreign powers played a big role in creating these anti-social elements for their own benefits in the first place (read CIA)...But over the years Pakistan has done nothing to curb or sustain those elements...In fact they have appeased and nurtured them to prosper and now the Tiger is on the loose...As our Home Minister aptly put it ..."Pakistan is riding a Tiger which it doesn't know how to get rid of"...But come to think of it...In a country which has seen umpteen military coups and where the power centers are the Military and Intelligence agencies (read ISI) you would probably expect such a situation..."Pakistan is a failed Democracy"...They may not accept it and keep telling themselves that they will have a proper democratic government in place in time but those are just dreams...Any democratic government will be a puppet in the hands of the so called power centers like the current one is...!

The recent attacks are just a whitewash to divert world media attention from the Mumbai massacre and generate sympathy for Pakistan...The bait - "Its own people are also victims of terror"...With all due respect to the Sri Lankan cricketers I must say this was just a staged attack ...Prove me wrong but every detail about the incident seems to point towards the same conclusion ...

* The route to Gaddaffi was changed minutes before the Lankan team's departure from the Hotel yet the attackers were well prepared for the ambush...Strange unless there is a leak from the inside !

* The Lankans were provided high profile security cover yet there was no decoy vehicle before the Team bus...Beats any sane logic and security protocol !

* The so called terrorists came armed with Kalashnikovs, Rocket Launchers and Grenades yet they were never used...They could have blown up the entire bus into shreds...Any Rocket Launcher fires at least 2 rounds...None were fired directly at the bus...Was this just a show off of weaponry ?

* The 12 armed men drop their weapons after 25 minutes of shoot out in which they mercilessly kill 6 Pakistani policemen and then blend into the crowd as normal civilians...Not even a hint of Fida-yeen attack nor a possible hostage situation...This was just a way of mocking the world community that - We are also the targets of terror - Please show some sympathy for us as well !

* Everything is caught on camera...And the drama continues for 25 long minutes at the heart of Lahore !

Am I still missing something ...?

Flashback...

* "25 bochor hote cholche...Koto kore bolchi MBA ta kore ne...Aar kokhun korbi ekhun na korle ??" (Almost 25 yrs on...If U don't do ur MBA now when will U do it ??)...Can never explain to her that I love my job however demanding it is ...It pays me really well and I have earned it...Wat else do U want in life ??...Doing an MBA has fetched better matrimonial prospects if not better jobs at times...Thatz about it and she drives me nuts every time I call home...Have found a way to keep her at bay though..."Will do my MBA in time Mom...Peace !"

* "Oye ghumakkar...Kitna ghumta rehta hai ??...Tu kaam kab karta hai ??"...The travel bug has bit me bad and I have probably taken every opportunity that has come my way to get away from the hectic life...Not to mention a varied friend circle which has given me company every time there has been a long weekend coming...Photography turned rapidly from hobby to passion and am seriously considering it as a backup job...And if it helps to prove my dedication to work..."Humne raatein bhi guzari hain office mein !"

* "If U are watching this footage then I made it back from Heaven alive"...These were the exact words I could utter before my hands froze...One of the most memorable trips of my life...Walked through crumbling snow with a stick...Climbed heights I have never been to before without proper trek shoes...Braved the gusty winds to take frantic shots of snow capped peaks...Ski-ied with the most heaviest and over sized ski-boots I have ever seen...Camped out on New Year's eve at freezing temperatures on a bottle of 'Desi' whiskey and what not...The bottomline - "I did make it back alive to live another day !"

* "Dev D release huyi hai aaj aur tickets mil rahe hain Fun Cinemas mein abhi bhi yaar...Chalna hai kya 10 pm show tonite ??"...Yaar kaafi kaam bacha hua hai...Monday ko demo hai...Kaisa ho payega..."Kaam aake kar lenge yaar kal subah ya fir Sunday ko...Chalo chalo..." (10 minutes into the movie)..."Oh Shit ...Oh Shit !!"...Yaar reviews to achche the rediff pe...Par never knew the rating was given for attempting such a bold movie in mainstream cinema... Hats off to Anurag Kashyap and kudos to Abhay Deol...This would never have been possible without U guyz coming together...But I do feel for all those Unclez and Auntiez who came to watch the modern Devdas..."Pura Emotional Atyachaar !"

* "Yaar tune itni achchi bike li...Have never seen u with ur gurl ??"...Jiske liye liya tha usi ne saath nahi diya...Aur ismein galti kisiki nahi hai...Itz probably destiny..."Destiny ??...Tu in sab cheezon mein kabse vishwas karne laga ??...And btw wat really happened ??"...I never used to but life has itz own way of unfolding facts which probably I can never understand...'A man makes his own destiny' they say...Sometimes I sit and laugh at it...Kya kya nahi socha tha yaar...Bike to kuch bhi nahi hai un sab cheezon ke samne...Itz probably how we are and what we r made up of...U cn never manufacture a relationship..."Itz all written !"

* "Treat Treat Treat...!!"...Kahan chalein ??..."Kahin bhi...We r damn hungry !!"...A few bumps and congratulations later everyone settles down in their respective cubicles and surprisingly forget about the B'day Treat after munching on the delicious Kaju Katlis...'6 Ballygunge Place'...'Gufa'...'Bayleaf'...Never had a more diverse cuisine over 3 days...And for all the gud reasons a grand one is still pending..."25 Not Out and em staring at Quarter Life Crisis !"

P.S - Live for Today and Dream for Tomorrow...Life hardly gives a second Chance !...Back to blogging after a while...Hope I still make sense ! :)