tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37009035761672691022024-02-19T19:25:34.782+05:30The Doodle ChroniclesAs those of you interested in Graphology may know, Doodles are drawings which many of us make unknowingly when talking or thinking. These posts are my doodles, my feelings, and reflect my state of mind....Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-87069939373952264862011-08-06T00:00:00.007+05:302011-08-06T00:09:33.499+05:30Islamic Terrorism - The double face of the Media<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We all talk about the growing face of "Islamic Terrorism". Though most muslims the world over do not adhere to or support the doctrine of these terrorist groups, yet it is labeled as Islamic terrorism on the pretex that it is born out of an orthodox school of thought from within the muslims and from their flawed understanding of our holy book. I may agree with that, though it does not make sense to me that how because of the actions of minority, all practicioners of Islam are held responsible. But, as I said, I may agree with this.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">However, what amazes and astonishes me is when the same yardstick is not used for other - similar - cases. We all read about the Malegaon blasts, the Ajmer Sharif blasts, the Bhopal blasts and the Mecca Masjid blasts. The administration and the police were quick to proclaim the hand of Islamic terrorist groups, SIMI, and Indian Mujahideen. A lot of people from the minority community were rounded up. The media made a huge hue and cry about the cruel face of the Islamic terrorism.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And yet, when it has been discovered that these blasts were the handiwork of a group of people from the majority community who call themself the "Akhand Bharat" group, the same media is quiet. The same administration that was quick to find an Islamic hand is now not giving any statements, not accepting its wrong, not asking for forgiveness from those who were incorrectly improsened and accused of such hineous crime.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Why so? If what Al Qaida and its minnions does is religious terrorism, is this not the same? Just because the perperators belong to the majority community does not entail different yardsticks. But no, this is not the same. Maybe because nothing sells like a Muslim terrorist, real or otherwise. Is this what it has come down to - TRPs and what sells? I always thought that news is all about reporting what is happening at ground zero - an unbiased and unopeniated account. But it seems that is not the case here.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Similarly, after the recent attacks in Norway, the Western media was quick to jump its guns and report an Al Qaida link to the attacks. And yet, when it came out that the attacker was a Christian, it suddenly was the deed of an "aggressor" and a "gunman", never mind his anti-muslim manifesto.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color:#000000;width:480px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:393042" width="450" height="288" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="." flashvars=""></embed></span><p style="text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 0px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/393042/july-25-2011/norwegian-muslish-gunman-s-islam-esque-atrocity"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Colbert Report</span></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Get More: <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/">Colbert Report Full Episodes</a>,<a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/">Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>,<a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/video">Video Archive</a></span></div><p></p></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Maybe muslim whipping is the latest fashionable thing to do, and as soon as we find that another person is accused of a similar wrong we conveniently turn our backs and ignore it. May be this is the official position, and may be that of the media as well, but beware of what you do - for your actions will have consequences you yourself do not fanthom.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The need of the hour is to fight terrorism - in all forms - together. But if you alienate a section of the society by such behaviour, you are yourself giving new ears and hands to those you want to fight. The best way to remove a problem is by preventing it, but sadly the policy makers seem hell bent on turning a blind eye and even fan the fire. And later, the same people will rise up and say that this was expected. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Understand that whatever monsters and demons we have to fight are our own creations. You may kill the monster in the end - but does it not make sense to not create it in the first place? Am not sure about you guys, but it does make sense to me. Think about it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This is Hashir, signing off</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Over and out</span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-33828128549801542722011-07-15T21:19:00.005+05:302011-07-16T16:12:22.239+05:30Under the radar<div style="text-align: justify;">We all make decisions. Some at the spur of the moment, while others after pondering over them. And this one has been made after a lot of pondering.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the past many days I have felt a strange kind of suffocation.... a suffocation of not being able to write my heart out. The only reason I can not do it here is because I am too afraid of being judged.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am not afraid of being judged as a person, but what I am truly afraid of is that some of my opinions - while being logical (at least according to me), will be judged on the basis of my religion. And while I am ready to have a logical debate, I am not prepared to hear that I feel that way because I am a muslim, and hence a pakistani supporter and not a patriot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I have made a decision to go under the radar and try my hand at anonymous blogging for a while. And this space will gradually shift to a travelogue of my bike journeys.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Till then, this is Hashir, signing off</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over and out.</div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-2012210844484120262011-06-24T04:24:00.003+05:302011-06-24T04:27:01.507+05:30Think about this<span class="Apple-style-span" >What is the standard of reporting and journalism in a country where an ex-miss world, no-expression whatsoever actress and bahu of the so called superstar of yesteryears being pregnant is front page news.</span>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-46623416456156395842011-04-02T04:40:00.001+05:302011-04-02T04:40:00.152+05:30Gulbarga - My first long road trip - Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">** A very long post **</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever felt the urge - to take the open road, the uncharted ways, to travel for the sake of travelling, to ride into the sunset, and to test your limits? I had been feeling the same ever since I got my bike (earlier named the Hawk - now has been renamed as the Phoenix). Although I had done a couple of small rides on my new bike, and a few more on Shariq's Electra, I always felt that something was missing. I needed a long ride to call myself a biker, and was waiting for an opportunity (read leaves/free days to arrive).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The opportunity revealed itself to me thanks to a weird policy of my last organization, due to which I was suddenly left jobless for a week. And, instead of sitting at home, I decided to ride out to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulbarga">Gulbarga</a> as I wanted to visit the place since ages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Completing all the formalities in my old organization took most of Wednesday, and so I planned to ride out early on Thursday. I went to an Enfield spares shop to pickup a spare set of lights, and packed my bag for the next day. Also, decided to swap the stock back view mirrors for those of Classic 500 as they gave better visibility of the traffic behind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, as happens with all my "Wake up early" plans, got up royally late and moved out at around 12:30 pm after a cup of ginger tea. Had already decided to take the Bangalore ORR till Hebbal, and take NH 7 from there till Kurnool before diverting to Gulbarga. Met my roommate, Vikas, near his office at Marathalli before proceeding to NH7.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The plan was simple - to take NH7 till after Kurnool, and from there take the state highway to Raichur and then ride to Gulbarga. I did not plan to take any overnight breaks as I only had three days to reach Gulbarga, roam around, and return back to Bangalore. I wanted to return by Saturday so I had Sunday to rest and get the formalities for the new job done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It took me around 2 hours to cross Bangalore, thanks to the daytime city traffic and the diversions in place because of the Bangalore Air show. Finally, crossed Yelehanka and had only minimal traffic till the BIA. Once crossed the airport, the traffic gradually reduced to a trickle and I had the whole highway to myself. I was cruising at speeds in excess of 85 Kmph, and thanks to the new helmet visor I had gotten, was not feeling the speed at all. The bike was begging to be released, and I did speeds in excess of 100 Kmph in some stretches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ow2-lvT7lLyUaeyIvrQLHJAelElIylhOKBj9ZaOug5Qum0Bphw7jbusVjv23wvAD9rzlHKd_JXC92QMHpSlCgBqms0jFkatHi1K5JKeTKkBlyiGRK7GBCual-CI7rpcWGUDEUYo2lel8/s320/DSC07645.JPG" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590754955051870882" /><div style="text-align: justify;">I had taken my clothes and some spare parts (an extra headlight lamp, tools, break wires etc) in a laptop bag which I had hung on my shoulders. As I reached Bagepalli, I realised that this arrangement was causing some discomfort, and so I stopped at a roadside shop to get a drink and to tie the bag to the rear seat. Thankfully I had forseen this and had brought along a rope. The shop next to which I stopped did not have "cold" drinks, so I bought a water bottle to quench my thirst.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Form Bagepalli I proceeded till Penukonda, where I had lunch at a road side hotel. I had asked for a chicken biryani, but got a mutton biryani - so people who do not eat mutton beware. By the time I moved out it was around 4:30 in the evening, and I was around 150 Kms from Bangalore. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFs7FvoeEv0wjZBP_zBcZB_sWCYcANztfi8gSxYZcw31CST32y-8k8J3EqoavQq1qx4raDsqpngPVJTlXRkErgZ8TW_iS4jBbKpbrWVWHWR_hP-7oeR4I-njkyetiYFql4wSPIPZGxwrk/s320/DSC07651.JPG" style="text-align: justify;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589664831719236274" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Afterwards I realized why it is never advisable to ride on a full stomach. I started feeling sleepy and even dozed off on the saddle. Thankfully the road was empty and so no harm was done. I stopped my bike near a lake and washed my face. Also, clicked some pretty awesome pics of the lake and the bike before moving on. The next stop was Anantpur - where I searched for an ATM and tanked up, before riding on. By this time the sun had started to set, which meant that the insects had started to commit suicide by whamming into my helmet's visor. Since I did not have much time to loose and nothing could be done about the insects, I decided to ride on = hoping and praying to God that the insect attack would stop. Thankfully, it subsided after a while. By this time, I had passed Gooty, and so I decided to take a tea break, clean my helmet's visor, and wash my face before riding on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stopped at a Dhaba run by a sardarji and ordered for a soecial kadak chai. Got talking to the attendant of the dhaba, a man named Tony. He asked me where I was coming from, and on being told that I was coming from Bangalore he was surprised. He then started telling me about his trips and about his friends. By this time I had finished two glasses of extremely good tea, and I decided to move on. The owner of the dhaba advised me to stop for the night near Kurnool, where his cousin had another dhaba, as the road from Kurnool to Raichur was a single lane, pothole filled road with lots of trucks coming by. I told him that I will think about it, knowing fully well that I would do no such thing ;). Talked to my friends in Bangalore and Hyderabad, who all told me to stop at Kurnool or Raichur, but I had other plans.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By this time it was getting quite chilly, so I wore a sweat shirt and rode on. It was 8:30 by the time I entered Kurnool, and I decided against having dinner as I still had a long way to go, and could not afford to feel drowsy. Plus, I was still full from the heavy meal I had earlier. Stopped at Kurnool for directions and tea, and was advised to go slow on the track. He also told of where to take the turn from, which I promptly went ahead and missed ;). Realized my mistake after driving ahead for about 1 Km and drove back, and finally took the correct turn. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">About a kilometer into the side lane to Raichur, the potholes started. And not just any potholes - one of the biggest I had ever seen (up to that time anyway). It was more like I was riding on potholes, with some road thrown in for fun. The next 90 odd kilometers were straight from bikers hell, with buses and trucks coming from the opposite direction on the single lane road with headlights on high beam - blinding and forcing me to go off road and let them pass. Took a break every 30 odd kilometers to sooth my paining bum and to wash my face and the helmet visor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally crossed the stretch at around midnight, and stopped at the next shop for a welcome cup of hot, steaming tea. Got talking to the owner, who gave me some pointers of the road ahead. Most importantly, he told me to not go through Raichur, but to ride to Devarsugur as the road there was in a better condition and had less traffic. Thanked him and drove on towards Raichur, and stopped near the fort to give a call to my friends and brother to give them updates about my position. Asked for directions to Devsugur and drove towards it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus2Fxzqj4HJfbWBIJBHingkgZvfYaBBM1JZY3wuvqgaH-WSXiX5X89Z4g9Tapsg_Jdwz_G-PrsiQhQBn-PlzE9QQ97aVIM_sDhkr1yiPQJ26SfL7gujcf8QCFSEiwiTzNAx67q85lcl6j/s320/DSC07657.JPG" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589872400956082418" /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, what the guy had not told me was that I would be driving near the Raichur Thermal Power Plant, which meant that the security would obviously be high. As soon as I crossed the thermal plant, I met a police checkpost manned by 2 khaki wardi walas. I was stopped and questioned about the trip and all - but no problems. After signing the register and showing them my ID proof, I was allowed to go. The junior officer then came to me and advised me about the route to take - turned out he was a resident of Gulbarga, and was more than happy to help a visitor to his home town. I was again stopped before Yadgir, where the lone constable talked to me about my ride and the plan ahead. He basically was bored to death, sitting alone at the checkpost, monitoring the almost non-existing traffic. The next time I was stopped at a police checkpost just after Yadgir, where the Inspector in duty even took my bike for a spin. He then complemented me on daring to ride so far alone, and that too at night. That, however, was not a big deal to me. All I wanted to know was the directions to Gulbarga which he duly provided, and I was off again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ride from Yadgir checkpost to Gulbarga was uneventful, save for the extra chill in the air and a lot of dead rabbits and rats I saw on the road. The traffic was minimal, and I zipped across like there was no tomorrow. Finally, reached Gulbarga at around 7 in the morning, checked in to a hotel and hit the sack.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trip Meter Reading - 713.7 Kms</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Total Journey duration (including breaks ) - 18.5 hours</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Will be writing about Gulbarga and the return journey in the next post. Till then,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is Hashir, signing off,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over and out</div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-64014061531140160452011-02-13T23:24:00.006+05:302011-02-13T23:29:31.431+05:30Some updates<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Hi Folks,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have decided to update my blog and move towards writing my trips. So, have changed the template of the blog to reflect the touring part. Also, I have decided to remove a few old posts that I think are stupid (like online quiz results and all) from the blog.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Will be writing about my trip to Gulbarga soon. Stay tuned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is Hashir, signing off.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over and out</div></span>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-87910622014733671052010-11-29T04:21:00.003+05:302010-11-29T04:24:11.150+05:30Lets forget about 26/11<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >I know that on reading the topic of this post a lot of people will brand me unpatriotic, heartless, and what not. For these people, the post ends here. I do not give a hoot about what they think and feel, and so if you are one of them, you are not welcome here. But if you are not among those who judge the book by its cover or the post by its title, read on.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >We recently "celebrated" the second anniversary of the 26/11 attack on Mumbai. The people held candle light vigils which was covered by the media, which spent the whole day deciding where did the responsibility of the attacks lie. The politicians held innumerable shok sabhas, where they gave speeches about how India will never forget about the day and how sad they were for the terrible losses and the lives lost. For a better measure, they even went ahead and abused the neighbouring country for harbouring terrorists and threatened it with dire consequences lest anything like this happens again.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >While all this happened, the families of Major Unnikrishnan, Hawaldar Gajendra Singh, SI Tukaram Omble, ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, ACP Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar, and Shashank Shinde and nameless other victims (for a complete list of victims, please visit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_2008_Mumbai_attacks#Names_of_deceased">here</a>) tried to come to terms with their loss. Ajmal Kasab enjoyed another three meals while his appeal lies in the court, people went about their business as usual, and the zealots across the border kept planning on how to break our country down.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >And once the date changed, all this was packed - the programs, the speeches, the candles - all went into packing, to be brought out again the next year. 26/11 has now become a "national holiday" in our country, almost like 30th January, 14th November, 5th September etc., where we have forgotten the meaning of why we do it, but we still do the same thing every year.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >It is a shame that this red day in the history of our country has come down to this. I mean, haven't we been able to analyse what went srong in the last two years? Do we actually need the politicians, the media, and the candles to remind us of what had happened? If so, then well, there is no point in remembering this day at all. Seems we all have moved on.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >And if not, then why do we need all this? In my opinion, one should not try to show the world that s/he is grieveing. It is supposed to be a private emotion. And, if you want to give a warning to somebody, please be ready to back your words with action. Otherwise they are Geedad Bhabhki as they say in Hindi - plain words that have no value what so ever.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >But it seems to me that we all are hell bent on creating another holiday out of this date, so it is my humble request to all of you out there to please - forget about 26/11.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Over and out</span></span></span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-84444589845261506192010-06-13T17:33:00.003+05:302010-06-13T17:36:04.396+05:30The Power of A Smile Day - 15th June - Blog Hop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREVEu97qh53dBYo_LzwQ13yWYda0ScaCFMfjwQAg8q3xiIrlwOPt2kpMqsee9b7KPkJJSRHRBCuTRu8_feGdRuRmsqi-Q1FNPATuOSj3AWZh8-_E6blKWPcMSCpwqyAA-INOptJHdxKEk/s1600/smile_quotes_graphics_01.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREVEu97qh53dBYo_LzwQ13yWYda0ScaCFMfjwQAg8q3xiIrlwOPt2kpMqsee9b7KPkJJSRHRBCuTRu8_feGdRuRmsqi-Q1FNPATuOSj3AWZh8-_E6blKWPcMSCpwqyAA-INOptJHdxKEk/s320/smile_quotes_graphics_01.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482228184926748370" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">15th June is The Power of A Smile Day. So from today to the 15th June, do use this Blog Hop to post on the Power of a Smile. Tell us your stories, show us your pictures, write us your poems, share your songs........just about anything that will tell us about a smile and bring a smile as well.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Click on the link to enter your blog's URL or the URL of that particular post.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Looking forward to a feast of smiles......</span></span></div><br /><div><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=31114" type="text/javascript"><br /></script><br /></div></span></span>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-20039863209372891642010-06-12T21:11:00.012+05:302010-06-12T22:02:18.575+05:30As I stood there.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlhHAWWf-Q27qplxFiDTpVGU3JCmgAq91bUbDaQAAnqaOXUfbFNqrjvtO0IfKlS7ZVHBJFUG-sT8Gyg-utp3qZGNm58BWIzAYXPhGr6jbH7-AwS4ZkGC9YPBzV9MCcy4mInlA-p29Uhkq/s1600/DSC01378.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlhHAWWf-Q27qplxFiDTpVGU3JCmgAq91bUbDaQAAnqaOXUfbFNqrjvtO0IfKlS7ZVHBJFUG-sT8Gyg-utp3qZGNm58BWIzAYXPhGr6jbH7-AwS4ZkGC9YPBzV9MCcy4mInlA-p29Uhkq/s200/DSC01378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481925343999708386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As I stood there in the compound of the Mecca Masjid, I reminisced the last 4 years I have been in Hyderabad.</span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEQ8QDJwLrKRrjkqbLz09jtoAGrDkhdiXQaVEfy2BQUUBU-OMJ40LEVsZjwRVt9eZQDO1WyUQ141FnR2xsAuy7SHsNZYuKcYhs7B4P_terUMCUDDXrFqza9VSEuc0hxF2pC3JlSP9mUh-/s1600/DSC01378.JPG"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I still remember clearly stepping out of the Begumpet Airport, filled with dreams and visions of the blaze of glory I will leave behind me in every thing I will do in my professional career.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Once out of the airport, the first words that came out of my mouth were, "This is so like Lucknow, so like Home". I come from a small city called </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unnao"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Unnao</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, and Lucknow being the place where I did my engineering from and where my relatives stay has always been home to me.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Being from a small city I can never get used to the hustle bustle that big cities like Delhi and Mumbai have to offer. But, I never felt out of place in Hyderabad. The markets, the roads, and above all the people always made me feel at home. And nothing comes closer to my heart than the old city.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSesG9yZmCL-I0B-cHF3W0L7m2RveMDa1HEY5D9eWy3SaijpJNc1hCLH2zaQ9-MLW8UUxqaGQqF7zFoZCY6UoCHMl0Rx_gjY9891GknFadDXum4ArgoRC3Uj4LYB3JbuAwNcdTD7dDbybK/s200/DSC01341.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481925593707413186" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This part of the metropolis with its old world charm, narrow lanes and narrower bylanes, old time ambiance and with its people always made me feel as if I had stepped back in time to an era long gone and forgotten. Some people say that this part of the city is not safe, and some may never set their feet here or venture out alone, but to me this place denotes what we have forgotten in our race to become a modern, growing economy.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I have visited the old city many times, mostly just on a whim to be here, and have always returned at peace with myself and my surroundings. But today, as I stood there, I was not filled with peace, but with the sadness. I never thought I would feel what I felt then -- the feeling of going away, of leaving home, and of not knowing when (if ever) I will come back.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I know that when I decided to move to Bangalore it was a conscious choice, and I had the option of staying back here. And yet I decided to move out of here for personal and professional reasons. But I also know that when I leave this city, I will leave a part of me behind -- roaming aimlessly in the bylanes of the old city like I do now. I just hope that someday I get a chance to come back and meet him -- and maybe listen to his experiences and tales over a cup of hot, steaming Irani chai and a serving of Hyderabadi Biryani.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3m0sfY4HWJQXcQkPmOJdo6HEJK5EIcE3f5qhevUFwV9sQpx3yZfjEeT8O6IimOHOIXXzgNow67Mu9K4lJmSrPVMuafysO5321B_ehtegU2qPRKGfiLPU6Jq24gbs2nzo6c7IYAKSPqxl/s400/DSC01426.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481923489075990754" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Hasta la vista -- my beloved city, my home.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">P.S. - There is a legend about the stone benches in the compound of the Mecca Masjid which states that anyone who sits on them will always come back to Hyderabad. I never believed in this legend until today, and so I sat there for some time. Lets see if it is true........</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-53955931353991853602010-04-21T03:32:00.001+05:302010-06-13T17:45:05.533+05:30Earth Hour brings Dramatic Changes to the Environment<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The earth hour celebrated on the 27th of this month has been successful in cleansing the atmosphere of all toxins, dust, and pollution. This correspondent has seen for himself the great good done by switching off the lights for an hour. The rivers are clean again, the forests have grown back, and a number of endangered species have a dramatic increase in number, all thanks to the switching off of lights for one hour. There are reports coming from all big cities of clean starlit skies - which the citizens have seen for the first time in ages.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile a political battle erupted in the capital city with various political parties clamoring to take credit of this positive development. While Bahen Mayawati, the CM of UP, claimed that she should get the credit as UP has been celebrating "Earth half day" for the past many years of her rule, Lalu Prasad Yadav, the ex-CM of Bihar, poo poohed her claim by saying that his contribution was bigger as he did that in his state for close to two decades. He also expressed hope that the people of India would realize how great his contributions are and hoped to form the next government at the center with his allies of the fifth front. He also promised to increase powercuts so that India soon goes back to the time of the Indus Valley civilization.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mamta Bannerjee was quick to point out that all this happened because she did not allow the Tata Nano plant to come up at Singur. She promised more such protests in future across India, and has vowed to convert India into West Bengal.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are reports that experts from US and Europe are very excited with the dramatic change that has happened in India and are planning to send a joint committee to analyse the causes that brought about this turnaround. This correspondent wishes them all the luck and hopes that they too can achieve the spectacular results that India has achieved through the Earth Hour.</span></span></div><br /><div><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=31114" type="text/javascript"><br /></script></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-31166752747608972922010-01-01T12:17:00.002+05:302011-02-01T23:28:09.086+05:30Why I re-read books and other quirks of mine<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am a very eccentric person, and have quite a few quirks. Following are a few of them -</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. I re-read all novels that I have. My reading speed is kind of fast, and I tend to skip through lines at times. So, everytime I read a book again, I find something new. Also, did not have a lot of options when I was a kid as I grew up in a small city with no proper library, and the school library did not have a huge collection as well. So, I had to always repeat books. I also usually read the last chapter of a novel first.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. I hate very clean places. I find them kind of unnatural. Does not mean that I like garbage piles n stuff, but if everything is sparkling clean then I feel as if I do not belong there.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. I hate wearing sandals. This arises from the fact that my Dad prefers them, and was always telling me to wear them as well. And I have always been a rebel when it comes to obeying him on how to dress, behave, and the likes.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. I do not like to sleep unless my eyes are drooling and closing with exhaustation.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. I am a night owl, again because my father wanted me to do the reverse. College only solidified this behaviour pattern.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. I am very openionated about certain things.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. I dislike the fact that my face shows what is going through my mind.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. I do not know what I want from life, but am pretty sure that this is not it. This uncertainity and undeciveness is what is killing me.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9. I believe in first impressions, though I do not judge a person by his/her clothes, manners, or any other “expected” criteria. My judgement of a person is on very vague terms, and I usually try to sense whether the person infront of me is likeable or not. The perspective is always mine, and I can never define what I look for.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10. Usually I prefer to keep to myself, specially when in the company of new people. But once I get to know a person, I am the exact opposite.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">11. I used to beat my younger sister and brother a lot when a kid. Then one day, I stopped. I don’t think I can ever hit them again. I love them too much to do so.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">12. I always missed the presense of an elder brother in my life, and still do. I just hope my siblings never say the same.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">13. I have this habit of fast viewing a movie. I keep forwarding the movie and finish it in 10-15 minutes. Then I sit back and watch it in full.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">14. I love history and historical places, specially ruins. Where other people see broken walls, I see the past granduer of the place infront of me. I once the whole day in Lucknow Residency building (which was destroyed during the 1857 war of independence) just reading the tomb stones and imagining the war there.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">15. There was a time when I had an immovalbe belief in numerology. But gradually I realized that I was becoming a slave of that knowledge, and so I chose to ignore it.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">16. I am an amatuer graphologist, and like to go through handwriting samples and doodles. I miss that in the HiTech world that I live in, though.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">17. Off late I have come to realize that though all my life I tried to be as different from my father as I could, we are more alike deep down. There are a lot of his characteristics that I have inherited. Surprisingly enough, it makes me swell with pride. Though I have a difference of openion with him on a lot of things, he is one of the most admirable and genuine person I have ever met</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Think this is enough for now.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is Hashir, signing off,</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over and Out.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">P.S. – Did you hear that youtube will be allowing download of 3 Idiots 12 weeks after its release. This will ofcourse be for a small price. Think the producers are trying to curb Piracy by this means, though am not sure if it will work. It also marks the entry of Google into the “Pay per View” Video business.</span></span></p></span>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-63275662774190753742009-12-01T01:13:00.001+05:302009-12-01T01:16:08.419+05:30The Vande Matram Controversy and an appeal<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">A few weeks ago the papers were filled (again) with the Vande Matram controversy, with the various madarsas claiming that it is against Islam, and the Sangh pariwar (again) questioning the "Indianness" and patriotism of Indian muslims.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I find this to be stupid and irrelevant on both parts. On one side, I can't think how can singing or not singing a song determine your patriotism? And, on the other hand, I find the reaction of the Maulvi's to be a bit too orthodox and bookish. I am no expert in Bengali or Sanskrit, but from what I know and have read, the literal translation of Vande Matram is "I bow to thee, mother!!". Now, bowing in itself can refer to a lot of actions. For example, it can refer to anything from the action one does in front of the audience when he "takes a bow", to the "rukuh" or "sajdah" of Muslims, to the bowing and touching of the feet of elders in Hinduism. I believe it is this diversity of actions and meanings that is the base of the controversy.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For the Muslims, Sajdah is something that is reserved only for God Almighty. We do not perform the sajdah to anyone else, not even to Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon him). So, to ask us to so Sajdah to the motherland amounts to shirk. (Mind you, in the words of Moulana Mufti Syed Shah Badruddin Qadri Aljeelani, the then president of All India Sunni Ulema Board, "<i>If you bow at the feet of your mother with respect, it is not shirk but only respect.</i>"). Thus, the main bone of contention is the actual meaning of the word "Vande" and how a person takes it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Another reason for the hooplah is the actual poem written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which depicts the country as Maa DUrga, which obviously does not go well with religions like Islam, Christianity, Sikhs, and others who do not believe in idol worship. However, this is not of much importance as the text taken for the National Song is from the first two stanzas of the whole song - which is an unexceptional evocation of the beauty of motherland.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For most people, Vande Matram just means "Praise to thee, O' Motherland". If you ask me, I have no problem in bowing before my country, but my bow will be similar to how I bow before my Parents, my elders, and those I respect. For me, it is similar to how I refer to Allah when I say Bhagwan or Ishwar, and I know that God Almighty does not go looking into the words or the language in which he was referred to or called. It is for this reason that I do not find myself agreeing to the fatwa against Vande Matram, as long as one refers to the National Song and not the whole text.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Another angle to this nonsense bawaal was added by those who want us Muslims to pay reverence to the idols of the motherland. This is against what I believe. If one wants to depict the motherland in some way, I am fine by it. If someone wants to pray to her - go ahead. But, please, for the sake of God! do not force others to do what you are doing, do not question the patriotism of others who fail to toe the line. Do not throw us out. Do not shun us. And, above all, do not try to tell us how to love our country.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This land belongs as much to us as to you. We both have lived here for centuries, have shared the same sorrow, the same happiness, the same turbulent times, the same low and highs. Please do not forget this. Do not Nazify this country in the name of religion, appearence, states, status, languages, or cultures. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We have enough trouble with our neighbours, one of whom is hellbent on destroying itself in the fire it started to burn us down, and the other who speaks one thing and does the other, to have time to fight within.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b>Please give it a thought.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-42317121665384451812009-11-09T04:20:00.000+05:302009-11-09T04:22:13.723+05:30Senseless banter<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I am sorry for the senseless banter that is about to follow, but I have to put this down. I know that by the time this is actually posted it will be more than a week since my sister's marriage, but I promise to myself that there will be no changes in the original version. This will be posted as it is being written now.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">It feels kind of wierd after your sister's marriage. On one hand, you are happy that she is beginning a new life together with some one she loves, someone who cares about her and will love her for the rest of his life, and on the other hand you are sad to see a part of you leave for ever. I know it is not that she will stop being your sister, but you will obviously never have the kind of time to spend together that you had before, nor will you come first in her life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The strange thing is, while we all talk about the feeling of the girl's parents, there is little or no thought given to those of her siblings, specially her brothers. It seems that we brothers are assumed to be detatched from our sisters, but believe me, it is not the case.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We may not get a chance to express our anguish or to mourne our loss, but the feeling is still there - may be not for all to see. I know, because I have felt that way twice.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And still, I am happy because my sister is, and because she is stepping into a new dimension with the man she loves. I just hope and pray that their ride is a happy one :).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-54113287991204852172009-08-11T04:19:00.003+05:302009-08-11T04:22:46.146+05:30My shifting story<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">So, I am back. Have shifted my place, sorted and kept everything properly (That means that each item is in a different jumbled stack), bought or arranged for the necessary items I had to - like a mirror, an iron, water, some stuff for the daily midnight snaks, and so on and so forth. And, most important of all, finally got the internet connection up and running (though I am sure the guy who delivered the modem is still cursing me for making him come all the way to my office to deliver it to me).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The shifting was actually fun, as my friends dropped by and lent a hand in moving all the stuff that i had (which by the way, was neatly packed). And, since it was my friend's birthday that day, we all went out for dinner. The landlord had given me a set of keys for the lock to my place and that of the main gate, but since I replaced his lock with mine, I forgot to take the key of the main gate when I went out. And since we got real late in coming back, I did not come back that day.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The next day I woke up at 2, partly because I had not slept well for the past 3 days. After having a quick cup of tea, my friend dropped me home and I started to unpack my stuff. Now here's the thing - I am a very disorganized person. So, instead of opening one bag at a time and keeping things properly, I emptied all bags and cartons at one place, set up my laptop and newly acquired speakers, loaded my favourite playlist, and went to work. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">By the time I was done, it was nearing 7, and I still had a lot of stuff to get. So, i had a bath and picked up my cycle and went for a trip to the near by market. The first time I went, I bought almost all necessary items except for an iron. So, I decided to go out again, get some dinner, and see if I can get an electrician's shop which has a decent steam iron that I wanted. So, I again rode out and found this great joint that serves really great Shawarma (if you are a vegetarian - don't ask about it. If you are a non vegetarian and live in NCR, I'd suggest you go to the community centre in New friend's colony and find out for your self, else you are welcome to drop by here and i will treat you to this great Lebanise dish). I then rode further in search for an electrician's shop (it being Sunday, most of the shops were closed). I rode uptill Tirumalgiri but to no avail, and finally decided to turn back.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">While coming back, I spotted a Super store that I had somehow missed, and decided to check it out. And since the space in front of the store was all filled with cars and bikes, i parked my cycle in front of another shop that was still open and locked it woth the padlock. And when I came back after 15 minutes, i found to my utter bewilderement that the shop was closed and someone had stolen my beloved cycle :(.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I hadd no other option but to walk back home, ruing for my loss and angry with myself for loosing my trusted companion. But my bad luck had not left me alone. After reaching home, I hung the quarter length mirror on the wall with the help of one of those stick on wall hooks that you get. Sadly, the weight of the mirror was too much for the poor hook, and it fell down with a crash after 5 minutes. Cursing myself under my breath, i picked up the broken shreds of glass and called it a night.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The rest of the week was spent in mundane office work, and got the guys from the ISP to come on Saturday and draw the cable for internet. However, they did not bring the modem, and since Sunday was closed, got the internet working only tonight. Also, had a whole lot of clothes to wash, so I was kept busy and did not miss the internet that much.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">So, this is my shifting story. Hope I did not bore you much. BTW, this is a pic of my place that I took from the webcam of my laptop - </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzurzwQAoHyp5AtpekHoGO1CJlmybcQPgjcRnsBw5kv0c61D9ZLVy8CH935oWwjws3WfuxQLI8rFGQgBTS3rJmU4i4LaAfK-jcoNHOB6IitJ35YZU-msRzJTqKHdF4zutfWE-7oXf-yln/s320/032424%5B5%5D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368471577465320722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off (and planning to buy a new cycle soon)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out.</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-45608001259037500772009-07-29T03:44:00.002+05:302009-07-29T04:33:21.990+05:30A new place to call home<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Because of the fact that me and my roommates finally decided to shift out of the place we currently stay at and the approaching month end looming over my head, I have been forced (for the first time in Hyderabad) to look for a place to stay. And since our offices are in different areas and also because I wanted to stay alone, I decided to look for a single room accomodation for myself.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Since the rents at Sindhi colony (where I stay right now) are sky high and because it is difficult to find a livable single room here, I decided to shift to Karkhana. It is a good locality, about 2 kilometers from my office, kind of laid back (the way I prefer), and has all shops in the near vicinity.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">So, spent Saturday looking for a room to stay. The first place I went had a single room on the third floor (pent house they call it) with a big enough roof to satisfy a small city boy like me who misses that and more in the apartments. The only problem was the rent - he quoted 3K while I wanted a place in the range of 2.5K. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The second place had 3 rooms on the top floor with common washroom and toilet. That guy also had like 8-10 dogs who were all locked on the top floor itslef. On top of that, the ceiling was asbestous. Now, anyone who has stayed in Hyderabad knows that the summers are too hot to risk living in such a room. The only saving grace was that the rent he quoted was 2K.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The third and fourth places with a "To Let" board were locked, and the fifth room I checked was too damp and stuffy for my liking. Here too the rent was 2K.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I decided to call up the first guy and ask if he was ready to give the room for 2.5K. Sadly, he refused. I then discussed with a few friends and with my parents and sisters. Their advise was the same - take a room which you like, even if it is a bit expensive. After all - that is why you are earning, right?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">So, finally decided to take the first room on rent. Will be shifting on the first of August - which means I will be offline for some time till I get the internet connection transferred. Right now, all I am worried about is how to pack all my stuff in the bags I have. Seems to me that it has grown exponentially - what with all the CDs, DVDs, and books I have bought by the dozen.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Any how, have started packing and all. Will be giving an update on how that went as soon as I get the internet connection transferred. Also, will be writing about my experiences staying alone - as this is going to be the first time. But somehow I feel that this is what I really need - some time alone. Till then,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off (to continue packing)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-59402977945041040802009-07-23T04:12:00.004+05:302009-07-23T04:32:39.161+05:30Quarter life crisis : A Guest Post<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;font-size:18px;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><blockquote></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As a part of 5th 20SB Blog Swap, me and </span></span><a href="http://texashearts.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Daniela</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> have guest written a post on each other's blog. Following is her post.</span></span></div></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have days where I believe that at 22 (going on 23, augh), I am well on my way into a full-blown quarterlife crisis. Other days, I don’t care. And other days I just completely hate the phrase. What does it even mean? Who came up with it? Why is it discussed like it’s some kind of incurable disease? Who decided that by the time that most of us are in our mid-20s, we’ll be having an existential crisis?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If there’s one thing I’ve learned that I hate, it’s my lack of direction. It’s frustrating and annoying and sometimes even depressing. I thought that I had at least a general idea of what I want to do with my life, but one year after graduating college, I’m still as lost as I was the minute they handed me my diploma.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There’s a reason people say the first year after college is the hardest. The majority of us are still settling into this thing everyone calls the real world. June 21st marked the one year anniversary of my college graduation. It’s been a little hard to take that in, because it doesn’t feel like a year. If anything, I still feel as overwhelmed as I did back in August, when I first attempted to become an adult by moving to Austin, Texas.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But what good does it do me to complain yet sit around and do nothing about it? Nothing. I can whine all I want; it isn’t going to change the situation. I have to make the change happen. I guess sometimes I’m at a loss for how to actually make that happen. That’s not to say I’m not trying though.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Life is what you make of it. I can read all the books and articles in the world that go into an in-depth analysis of what a quarterlife crisis may or may not be, but at the end of the day, we are victims of our own apathy and lack of motivation. If I have a quarterlife crisis, it will be because I did nothing to prevent it. I like to think everyone wants to have a purpose, a sense of direction, a general goal in life. So maybe it’s time to pick something and stick with it. Sounds easy enough, right? Probably not, but it’s nice to think it might be.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We don’t have to discover who we are right away, but we should attempt to find out who we can be and what we’re capable of.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's up to you to make it happen.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></p></span><p></p>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-78780811562210027282009-07-20T00:19:00.003+05:302009-07-20T00:26:00.315+05:30Random ramblings<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Before </span></span><a href="http://reveda.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Alok </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">comes all the way to Hyderabad and flogs me for not fulfilling my promise of writing a post, let me just do it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As for the post, it is going to be very random, so please do not try to find any connection in the writeups.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As they say, it is not possible for anybody to find friendship over the internet. But, I beg to disagree with all the sceptics. The reasson I say this is because I for one have found really great friends and people, specially in the blogging world. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Take Alok for example - we only know each other through </span></span><a href="http://myheartfeltmusings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">his</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> and </span></span><a href="http://reveda.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">his daughter's</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> blogs and through some chats on gtalk, but he has become the missing elder brother to me - someone I always missed in my life. He has been there to guide me when I get stuck, and his suggestions - both personal and professional - have been invaluable. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Or take </span></span><a href="http://www.everydaygyaan.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Corinne</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - she has helped me rediscover myself in a way. We had a real long chat today - and by the end of it I felt as if all my troubles are too small to be worried about. I am really looking forward to meet them soon :).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Or take my </span></span><a href="http://mota-blogs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">friends </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">from the Satyam blogging world - and now from the Manor. We all have been interacting with each other through our Intranet blogs, and later started on our individual blogs as well. And when the Satyam blog went down for a couple of weeks, we found that we were missing our interactions and friendly banter. To not miss out on all that, we all put our heads together and started our own collaborative blog on the Internet. Though we did meet in person later (although not all of us have met each other yet:(), but we will never forget where our friendship started.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Enough of this yapping. As usual, I failed to fulfill my promise of going to the early morning ride of Hussain Sagar. I dutifully shutdown my laptop at 12 AM yesterday night, but sleep evaded me. After all, it is not easy to change old habits in one night. Finally slept at 6 only to wake up at 8:30, as I had to appear for the SAIL Management Trainee (Tech) exam at 9:30 at Hindu Public School, Sanath Nagar and I did not know where it was or how long it would take to reach there. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">My plan was to leave early and cycle to the centre, but because of my laziness and lack of sleep I had to ditch it in favour of reaching the centre on time :D. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As far as the exam itself, I am pretty sure that I am going to make the cutoff (in my mind that is). The sections on verbal, quant, reasoning, and general awareness all wet fine - but the Section on Computer Science went kaput. Out of the 100 questions, the majority were on either probability or Automata. Now, Automata was my favourite subject in engineering, but it has been like 4 years since I actually read the book - let alone design a machine. So, all i had was a deja Vu sensation of knowing the answer and yet not knowing it for sure. And for the sake of negative marking I left those questions alone. Probability is a different story all together. I never understood its concepts - so there was no use of even looking at the questions. So simply put, no scorer for me :P.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Things at the home front are also looking up finally (Thank God for that), so am a bit relieved.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We had a team meeting with our PM on Friday and we asked him why is it that technical guys are not being pushed for onsite roles and what are his expectations from us. And his answer is as follows - </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Any person who is 6 months old in the project should</span></span></div><div><ol><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Know all technologies we work on (That includes Oracle SQL, PL/SQL, Forms 6i, Reports 6i, Discoverer reports, Optio reports, Java, Unix, and also server administrations of Zylab and Planet Press);</span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Know the functionality of each and every module (both standard and customized); and</span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Know all customizations we have in our project.</span></span></li></ol></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 18px; ">Politely speaking, the answer is a big NO ;).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">He also issued a veiled threat saying that in the current scenario we should be happy with what we have got. As if....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">After the meeting, we were (as usual) making fun of the management approach, and we have figured a way of answering any question by contineously speaking for atleast 15-20 minutes. For example - if someone asks you, "How are you", here is how you should answer if you want to rise - "This is a relative question. It depends upon the individual perspective of the person. For example - the person in front of me may think that I am feeling sleepy, while the truth is that I am perfectly well slept and alert as a bull. So, the correct way to put this across is to include the perspective also......(Keep blabbering on so that next time the person does not dare ask you anything)"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But then, as they always say, "Chalta hai".... n apne bhi din ainge chote, so tension nai lene ka.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Hope I did not bore you so much that you do not visit this space the next time.....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-31744186210083679602009-07-15T01:09:00.002+05:302009-07-15T01:20:42.449+05:30Am going mad<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Am going mad guys. No work to do, no improvement in the kind of work I have been getting for the last couple of years, no challenges to look forward to, in short - life right now S**KS man.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For the past couple of days have nothing to do. Also, slowly the realization is sinking in that I am kind of loosing my technical skills. My aptitude is still good, and so is QA - but I am somehow getting the feeling that I am forgetting a lot of things I used to know. Seems to me that I am gradually turning into my own worst nightmare.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Things at the home front have been kind of bad for the last couple of weeks or so - and there is not even a silver lining in sight.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Have been quite far from my cheery self - which is troubling my friends here. The worst part is - I can not tell them the real reason behind my disposition. So, all thoughts are going around in my mind and there is no outlet in sight. God! I want to just leave everything behind and run away from all this maddening stuff. But then another part of me tells me to stand up and fight like a man, but am tired of doing so day in and day out. All I need is that silver lining, that hint of sunlight in the fog I am ingulfed in - and I will find my will to fight back - and fight back with a vengance. Am still searching.....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signning off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-19294297121738430892009-07-14T02:13:00.003+05:302009-07-14T02:20:21.267+05:30The more I sweat, the more I shine<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I'm not a star.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">There is no halo over my head.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Fate doesn't like the colour of my eyes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Struggle and srtife are old friends of mine.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Who am I?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I'm survival, I'm guts, I'm pride.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I like odds.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Specially when they are stacked against me.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Because there will come a time when I'll stare them in the eye</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And smile the smile of one who's pulled it off.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I'm the guy who'll have deep lines on his face some day</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And it'll make me look good when I laugh</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Because that is the day I'll have no fear</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And taste the sweat that is sweet</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And look back for the very first time and say,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I did it my way</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The long hard way.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Disclaimer - The above poem was a part of the print campaign for Kawasaki Bajaj Caliber (You can read the first one </span></span><a href="http://the-kings-doodles.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-like-odds-they-help-me-get-even.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">). I took permission from them to reproduce this on my blog, and all copyrights belong to them or the poet as the case may be.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-9720014103692500432009-07-08T04:22:00.001+05:302009-07-08T04:24:07.728+05:30Fragmented mind<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">A lot of things going through this idiot mind of mine... need some to sort them out. Will be back soon.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Keep visiting in the mean time :)</span></span></div></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-65225310518069130742009-07-06T04:27:00.000+05:302009-07-06T04:28:01.847+05:30Congratulations FedrerHashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-69949767721190524962009-07-03T03:13:00.000+05:302009-07-03T03:15:25.609+05:30Why?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Right now, after the long hiatus, I have a lot of posts going in my mind and screaming at me to let them out and share them here. I planned to start from yesterday itself but unfortunately for me (and fortunately for you) internet was not connecting. So, I start today</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This post is a question - a question to all those who are married or committed. Those who have found their soul mates, thier life partners. May be it is great having someone to share everything with, and you want us single people to enjoy the same.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But who gives you the right to interfere in our private affairs, to judge us, to consider us liars when we say that we are happy being single at the moment. May be we have not found the right person yet, maybe we are commitment phobic, or may be we are just plain happy being single. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Who asks you to discuss us with a hint of sympathy in your voice - as if we are faking our happiness and are internally dying to get into a commitment with anybody and everybody? Who allows you to perser us with advise on how to get a girl (or a boy, as the case may be)? Who asks you to count the days for us and tell us that we are getting old and that we need to get into a commitment soon.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And since when this all this start to matter. Since when did having a boyfriend or a girlfriend become a necessity and a social obligation. Call me an idiot and a romantic, but I believe that one should enter a relationship when one feels like, and not because of social or peer pressure.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Am sorry for boring you people, but I have been brimming with anger since a friend of mine called me up and told me that he has been discussing my "SITUATION" with a mutual aquaintence. Mind it - not with a friend, but with an aquaintence.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I have nothing against relationships. I just am plain happy being single at the moment. So all you "pseudo" friends and advisors pay heed, the next time you come to me with unsolicited advise - you are going to get a mouthful and then some more. So, beware.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is Hashir, signing off,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-20592287103964595302009-07-01T04:56:00.004+05:302009-07-01T05:08:21.676+05:30I got an award<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDhYffN2n-eXc3c50VgFvtGaqNWNmKWJLqbGVrcoUT1UlUfP_DdMgOP4mGtzlWa3x0sY9d5VtnwTQZEs8WRdDQE_IYtOYSaS2ivvi3aGjEaVqx54lyLrJd4YfouH0th5acvSHGZIMoxja/s1600-h/award.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDhYffN2n-eXc3c50VgFvtGaqNWNmKWJLqbGVrcoUT1UlUfP_DdMgOP4mGtzlWa3x0sY9d5VtnwTQZEs8WRdDQE_IYtOYSaS2ivvi3aGjEaVqx54lyLrJd4YfouH0th5acvSHGZIMoxja/s320/award.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353266621130880146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">ay be this is Zeba's attempt to wake me from my slumber and update something here.... but now that she has awarded me, I have to write. So, here it goes. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">RULES FIRST : </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">1. Link the person who tagged you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">2. Copy the image above, the rules and the questionnaire in this post.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">3. Post this in one or all of your blogs.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">4. Answer the four questions following these Rules.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">5. Recruit at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll by sharing this with them.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">6. Come back to </span></span><a href="http://bloggistame.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">BLoGGiSTa iNFo CoRNeR</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> (PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK) at http://bloggistame.blogspot.com and leave the URL of your Post in order for you/your Blog to be added to the Master List.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">7. Have Fun!</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Questions & Your Answers:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">1. The person who tagged you: </span></span><a href="http://zebra-talk.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Zebra Talk</span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">2. His/her site's title and url: </span></span><a href="http://zebra-talk.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">http://zebra-talk.blogspot.com/</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">3. Date when you were tagged: 30th June 2009</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">4. Persons you tagged: </span></span><a href="http://reveda.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Reveda</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, </span></span><a href="http://anne-verena.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Anne</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, </span></span><a href="http://eksparsh.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Adarsh</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, </span></span><a href="http://www.khushi-ki-duniya.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Khushi</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, </span></span><a href="http://whimsicalacumen.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Deepak</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, </span></span><a href="http://swapnap.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Swapna</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, and </span></span><a href="http://beingthewifeofawoundedmarine.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Karie</span></span></a></div></span></span>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-27957689845991178502009-06-29T04:42:00.004+05:302009-06-29T04:52:50.618+05:30A bike.... finally<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 18px; ">I am very happy to announce that my best buddy Shariq has booked a RE Electra for himself. Within the next 15 days he will be the proud owner of a new bike, inshallah :).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We both planned to buy a bike this year - but I have shelved mine because, frankly speaking, with office being only one and a half kilometers from where I stay there was no point in going for it. Also, because of the fact that I am looking for a change in location right now - it does not make sense to book a bike in Hyderabad and then pay for registration again in some other state. (Sounds stupid - well, this is India my friend).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is what his bike will look like (am sure the colour will be black n not red though) -</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWXnLnGoGzt3DyvKGFKSh-f9SulUc8EOgtBFiK9Qi9sRL9I17aq6viwZ5G7lsURNQgWztZcEDQY6U0-w-bHrzJdJo7ZuykP1x_adgDFMROVE-iY6DnlU9CQLN_rHPTICVIxnStgD8b40L/s1600-h/zoomelectra5s.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWXnLnGoGzt3DyvKGFKSh-f9SulUc8EOgtBFiK9Qi9sRL9I17aq6viwZ5G7lsURNQgWztZcEDQY6U0-w-bHrzJdJo7ZuykP1x_adgDFMROVE-iY6DnlU9CQLN_rHPTICVIxnStgD8b40L/s320/zoomelectra5s.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352522287362516946" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please join me in congratulating him for his latest posession. Hope it lasts a lifetime :D, and we have a lot of rides together in future - Inshallah.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-34093895442475042782009-06-26T03:10:00.003+05:302009-06-26T03:18:48.155+05:30I like odds. They help me get even<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Success has no address,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No landmark,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No calling card,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But the path is steep.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And some will take the elevator,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I will take the stairs,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some will get there faster,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I will get there stronger.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And adversity will be my travelling companion</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because when I reach there I can turn to adversity and say, So long,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And heave the bag of taunts and insults I have gathered along the way, and scatter them to the birds.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will miss them,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But feel lighter,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That will be the day,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When I stand by a large bay window and unclench my fist</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For there will be no more odds to conquer,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not even in the mind.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer - The above poem was a part of the print campaign for Kawasaki Bajaj Caliber. I took permission from them to reproduce this on my blog, and all copyrights belong to them or the poet as the case may be. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700903576167269102.post-41726664362762761102009-06-25T03:40:00.000+05:302009-06-25T03:43:10.097+05:30A new collaboration - Manor of the Ardent<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 18px; ">The last week has been an eventful week for Satyam and it's associates. First came the declaration of VPP and the knowledge that many of our friends were part of those who were going on sabbatical. By the end of the week Satyam got a new logo and management changes (with many more in the pipeline) and the news that around 400 associates have been called back from VPP within a week. Talk about a committed management.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In between all this, the Satyam blog site somehow went down. Now, as you all know, we have a group of dedicated bloggers in Satyam, and as happens - many of us have become great friends. The first day was spent discussing about why the blog site is down and how much we all are missing it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By the end of day two, the discussions shifted to what we can do to find a work around - since blogger is blocked in Satyam network :(. Deepak did some quick RnD and found that wordpress is accessible from the Satyam intranet and we unanimously decided to start a collaborative blog. And so, the </span></span><a href="http://satyambloggers.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Manor of the Ardent</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> was born.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Imagine a space with 14 different writers, each with his or her unique style of writing, with a different persepective of live and happenings around us, and different point of views - and you get the Manor - OUR Manor. It is the perfect melting pot of people who have only one thing in common - that they work for or worked for Satyam and know each other by their blogs. All we share is a mutual respect for each other as a person and as a blogger - and our different view points ensure that the space is never monotonous and always has a discussion going on. Welcome dear friends to the Manor.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The page has proven to be a hit - with 1280 page visits, 37 posts, and 396 comments - all in a weeks span :D.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I, being a proud Ardent, invite you all to visit the space, go through the different posts, and leave your comments. Hope to see you there.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is Hashir, signing off</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over and out</span></span></div>Hashirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704486559521488076noreply@blogger.com4