Hello

Hello everyone,

I have stopped blogging on this blog since quite some time. I now blog at http://cuckooscosmos.com/Musings

But I can see many of you have not yet changed to new URL address and waiting to read my creations here.

My request to you all who have blogrolled or linked me, is that kindly update your blogrolls, feeds on your readers, change the favourites on your browsers and so on.

This blog's new address is http://cuckooscosmos.com/Musings

Hope to see you all there. Bring in your family and friends along.

I Have Moved !

I have moved .. .. moved to a new place.

New address, new surroundings, new responsibilities.. everything new. It is a new feeling altogether.
The new place has brought along some excitements, nervousness, surprises and some sad feelings as well. Many of the things I used to do earlier are being missed and I keep running to my old familiar nest.. .. just to be there for some more time but then I had to move. Time had come to go to my own place, a place which is mine in true sense. Needless to say it comes with a price one has to pay.

Ok, long story cut short.. those who have blogrolled or linked me, kindly change the address (URL) of my new place. Change the RSS feeds on your readers, change the favourites on your browsers and so on.

My new address is http://cuckooscosmos.com

Hope to see you all there. Bring in your family and friends along.
So, over to my new place.
Current song- Sawar Gayi Main To Saawariya – Shreya Ghoshal
Technorati Tags: General

JustFemme

JustFemme, a women's e-magazine, perhaps the only one of its kind, was launched last month. The second issue has come out now.

The only one of its kind ?? Are MEN allowed ?? Yes, why not, but only in the comments section. ;)

Do check it out! And while you are there, look for my write-ups too :)

First one is about a woman Sunaina. As always, based on real facts, I think the story is 98% true. It would have become more detailed and insightful had there not been any restriction for no. of words. Come back after reading and I'll tell more about her or do you want the story here on this blog ?
My second article is .. hmmm.. go and read it. :)

Feedbacks are welcome.

Current song- Aaj Main Upar, Aasman Neeche – Kavitha Krishnamurthy
Technorati Tags: Blogosphere General Books

Copyright Violation - Part II

Update on my yesterday’s post.

Folks, when I was told about this theft, I had gone to Nishant Paul’s (oh, he has become so famous now) site and had checked. The poems were shown as his own creations. Now, after so much of nice words being told about him and all his friends being informed (they are as much shocked as we are); Mr Smarty is trying to act innocent naïve.
It seems he has deleted those posts now. I haven’t checked but I believe Ashes has done so.

Before deleting he sat on my blog yesterday for two hours, checked some 20-30 posts, checked Sam’s post also and then wrote a mail to one of my blogger friends. Have a look.

Dear XXXX,
Even though u could c there in those poems that I hvnt mentioned my name there. This is purely creative work of Cuckoo, and I hv nothing to do by this. I'm my self a lawyer and I do know the violation of Copyright Act. The two hindi Poems I hv posted is absolutely Coockoo's and and I did posted as it is. Believe me somebody edited these and changed little bit. Plz. if u have time then read my other posts and my name is there. Much to say I do not know hindi typing then how could I amend these. Now and here I'm going to delete these from my blog. I do tender my unconditional apology as I do not wish walk with all this shit.

With regards,
Nishant

Now, some of his friends have also commented on my previous post. One of them a certain Khan says “But I don’t know whether he writes his own poem or copy any other's poem. He claims to have creating his own poems.”. Read his full comment in comment section.

Please note the above sentences in bold.. Nishant says Someone else has edited those words after he posted the poems. Ha Ha Ha...

Mr Paul, what do you think of all of us here, eh ?? Absolute idiots ??

And please if you don’t know Hindi typing then what about so many other Hindi poems on your blog ? Have they been lifted too ??

Current Song:- Shehron ki Galiyon Mein Jab Andhera Hota Hai – Asha
Technorati Tags: Poetry Blogosphere Hindi Copyright Violation

Copyright ? Plagiarism ? What is that ?

Note:- As suggested by some of you, the links to his blog are removed from this post.

Guess what ? My deary lovely poems are being hijacked ! Last week, one of my readers gave me a big jolt. No, he is not the culprit. :-)

Giving me some links he informed about one Nishant Paul who has been publishing my poems on his blog and accepting, accumulating appreciations as well !!

Whoaaaa !! What an idea sir ji !!

He has lifted my poems, sometimes along with the pictures, changed the gender/ tense and published it.

Please see yourself the original and the copied version here. The picture used in his poem has been lifted from my other poem. Though I don’t own a copyright on that photo but then who doesn’t like readymade stuff ?

Again, the original poem and the hijacked version here.

Even the photo of this post has been copied here.

Mr Paul, whoever you are, I am stunned to see your audacity. Have you ever heard of copyright violation ?? Please check my right sidebar. Don’t you feel ashamed of accepting those nice words of appreciation when people praise you for the lines which are NOT written by you ??

I don’t have any idea how many of my creations have been kidnapped, mangled and molested before being presented to this world as someone else’s bride. I implore you to visit his blog and drop him a line.

I doubt if the other poems on his blog are his own or copied from some other blogs.

All my poems are very close to my heart and my heart aches to see them in this state. Only consolation .. they are good enough to be worth copying. :-)

Current Song:- Lift Kara De – Adnan Sami

Technorati Tags: Poetry Blogosphere Hindi Copyright Violation

I would ask for more !!

How would you cope if you had no way to use the Internet for a week? This was the question posed by David.

A week away from internet or my computer. A full week ?? It got me thinking.

Well, if I know in advance, I would plan a holiday to one of my favourite places. As simple as that. ;)
On the other hand, I would thank my stars were it to happen so.
In today’s busy world where even to speak to our colleague sitting in next cubicle/cabin, we take help of an e-mail or a phone; it would be a blessing in disguise.
Living in India, has its pros and cons. Electricity and water supply hitting us in an erratic way is a part of our routine life and so is ‘no internet’ for a few hours.

But for a week ?? It made me dream of what all I can do or wish to do.

I think I’d pamper myself to the core. I would do things, which I have not been able to do since ages.

First, I would FEEL the warmth of my dear & near ones. Living in India is always bliss when one talks about the family and the strong support system it has. One doesn’t have to take appointments to meet one’s parents/grandparents/siblings/friends etc.
So, I would try to give them a surprise and would hog onto oodles of a factor called ‘love’ from everyone. :)

I would write letters. Yes, you got me right.. real letters (also called snail mails)... the one thing I have missed a lot since the advent of internet age. Seriously, there is nothing like writing on pieces of paper by a real pen !! There is always a personal touch to that. The touch, feel and smell of the paper, the scribbles, the ink.. emails just can’t go to that level, no matter how sentimental they are. I have some cherished ones written by my grandparents, uncle/aunts and a few from my friends. Best part is, internet or no internet, you always have access to these treasures.

Reading is one thing I enjoy when I am on my own and away from computers. Will do (read as read) away with some of the books that are gathering dust and screaming for my attention.

Would watch hordes of movies. Have a long list to catch up.

I would also visit some people for whom I always have a soft corner and I know they would be extremely happy to see me as well.

I’d be with kids and become that little girl again… catching butterflies, jumping in the puddles, making paper boats, clapping, yelling and lots of other such things.

Not being a net junkie will help me with “No blogs, no surfing” etc. Although I will miss my blogger friends, my real close friends won’t be missed. They know how to reach me.

I think one week would be less for all these activities so I’ll ask for some more at regular intervals !!

Current Song:- Shama Jalaye Rakhna Jab Tak Ki Main Na AauN – Bhupinder & Mitali
Technorati Tags: Digital Questions Blogosphere

Award Time

Ok, time for some award now. I have been awarded the 'Schmooze Award". This one came as a surprise from NM, a new reader on my blog. NM mostly writes sweet little things about her day to day life which includes her son. :)

This is what she says about Cuckoo’s blog “A recent discovery but I find her posts amusing and interesting at the same time.”.
Thank you NM, I never expected getting this award from a newcomer to my blog. Thanks for believing in me & believing that my posts are worth this award. *Cuckoo bows down*

About the award :- "This award is “for blogger who “effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”

Oh well, if this is the criteria then I think the award has come to the right blog. ;) (This is called brag mouthing) *wink* *wink*
What do you say ? (Mischievous smile)

As is the tradition with this award "Give it as you get it", I have to pass it on to some other bloggers. And this is where I always feel the pain of selecting only a few. There are so many who could get this award. However, I’ve tried to select the blogs on the basis of their diversity & restrict myself to only 6, strictly keeping the criteria in mind. Here is my list of awardees.
Note- All these bloggers (except David) found me first & then I started going to their blogs. In David's case I found him & then chain of all the Indian bloggers started to flock to his blog.

1. Unmukt – A Hindi blog owner who is always recognizing new Hindi blogs & promoting Hindi through his own blogs. A blog worth visiting if you can read Hindi.
2. David – You and the award criteria are synonyms. Nothing more to say. Have a good day !
3. RK – Again, a perfect fit as per the criteria. If you don’t remember I had written my first guest post on his blog for Independence Day.
4. Prashanth – He is one of the bloggers always on the search of new good ones and he himself is owner of a fabulous travel blog.
5. Manasi – I was quite surprised when first time she came to my blog. And gosh! Since last 3 months I have been following hers. Even though I am quite a good cook myself (brag mouthing again), hers is the only food blog I visit & enjoy. After all, I want to win someone’s stomach... err heart. ;) Hey Manasi, I tried your gujju dish Sukhdi.. came out quite well.
6. Lalitha – Last but not the least. She always comments on my blog when I don’t expect her and I don’t remember since when it is happening. A selfless blogger, full of life. Her blog reflects the same. Do I need to say more ?

So, enjoy folks ! Have a nice weekend and as per the tradition, pass it on to some deserving ones.
Current song- Soniye, Soniye, Tu He Tu He Meri Manzil – KK, Sunidhi Chauhan
Technorati Tags: Awards Blogosphere

A, B and C

Who was he to me ? Nobody. I had never seen him, never heard him or never really had chatted with him in true sense.
He doesn’t know how I look like or how I sound or for that matter any personal detail of me. He knew my birthday was round the corner, kept asking for it. It came & went but I never told him. I knew he could get all the info from somebody else but he did not.

First time when he came to my blog, he wrote a lengthy comment on one of my posts. To be honest, I could not fully understand the link between his comment and the post; wondered what he was trying to convey, never paid any heed to him.
Then our first meeting happened on a common friend A’s blog which apparently turned out to be the battle ground of our digital war.

The blog owner A was away from blogosphere & was not responding to comments made by us and this guy B had started getting impatient. I won’t describe the incident but I found B’s comments about A very rubbish. After some days A came back from hiatus and apologized to me [C] on B’s behalf. At that time, I had even lectured A for having friends like B. And then A told me [C] the other side of B. Apparently, I came to know that those two guys (A & B) are very close friends and hence, understood the reason behind that type of arguments. Oh well, it is permitted between two friends. ;)

Nevertheless, I didn’t have a good first impression of B. To me, he was a person who could pickup a fight with anyone without any reasons.
Anyhow, B started frequenting my blog, I gave a couple of courtesy visits to his & then we two became regular at each other’s blog. In next three months I gradually realized that B was not as bad as I had thought initially... in fact, he was better than many of us. My views about him had changed significantly.

In the recent times when I was going through a low, I can proudly say that B was the only person who stood by me in real sense, stood like a rock fighting with others for me and always cheering me up. He stood for the moral values his parents had instilled in him.

Why did he do so ? I had never asked him for anything. He could have also, like many others, kept mum and just been a watcher from a distance. But no. He took all the brunt & abuses upon himself. And I, very well know what he would have done had he really got a chance to act further.

B, I very well remember what you narrated about your father once; but B, I also know now that it is difficult for you not to jump off the train following those miscreants. :)

Today, no words can describe how much regards and respect I have for B or what I think of him.

Just one word, I can not say anymore.

Thanks.

For people who are still struggling to get the A, B, C of this post.

A = A dear common friend
B = The protagonist of this post
C = Cuckoo

Current song- Another Brick in The Wall – Pink Floyd
Technorati Tags: Friendship Human Behaviour

Blog Action Day

Today is Blog Action Day and long time back I had promised Ozlady that I’ll make a post on this very day on the subject. So, while why I was absent from blogging world can wait, this post can not.

Today the bloggers around the web would unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the ENVIRONMENT. Over fourteen thousand blogs, with over twelve million readers, publishing and promoting a better future for our environment - a better future for everyone.

As I am typing this post, I don’t have any idea as what topic I should choose to write about, for, I believe in doing things than to broach about. But as promised, I also wanted to spread the word. There are so many things that we can do in our daily life to save our environment. Should I write about the usage of plastic bags or should I write about the spoiling of the mountains by leaving all the non biodegradable things there. Should I opine about switching off all unused electrical appliances; encouraging paperless work, usage of solar energy, cleaning of rivers or deforestation? I think each one of them needs a post.. definitely not now but some other day.

First, a plain direct question. Are we doing our part to help out the environment ?
Well, as an internet user, blogger, or even as a common man, there are a lot of things we can do to help the environment without going out of our way, spending more time & money or changing our lifestyles.

Since one of the stated goals of Blog Action Day is to ‘get people thinking, discussing, questioning and talking about the environment’, I thought it might be a good idea to make a list of a few things and leave it open for readers to add on instead of me writing a big post. Of course, on a later date I’ll take each one of the topics I mentioned above and try to write about them.

So the million dollar question is:

‘How can we, as bloggers be involved in saving the environment ?’

Well, first thought that came to my mind was “Is a blogger different from a common man ?’ Not really.. Surely there are a few things specific to bloggers but I would rather say that a blogger can do a lot more than a common man.
Without getting into all the nitty-gritties, here’s my small list of small things which can become big if applied. You all can add to it.

1. Get energy efficient monitor and other gadgets that can help the environment, save energy, save money. Get rid of your 20 year old appliance that emits carbon dioxide and consumes more on your energy bill.
2. Turn off your computer, other peripherals/appliances and lights when not in use. I always do it and also I was away from blogging world for quite sometime, hence saved a lot of energy for all. :-)
3. Try as much as possible to let the natural light come in. It comes free !! If possible, keep your computer near a window.
4. Last but not the least. If you are short on the topics to blog on, don’t browse the net. Go out of the house (after turning off the comp, lights etc.). You’ll find plenty of topics, feel rejuvenated & hence blog more efficiently. ;)

I am not only sure but know there’s a lot more we can do. You all can add to this list. I’ll update the post after compiling the whole list.

Now don't tell me that you're lazy to do even the things mentioned above. I can only say “Get started RIGHT NOW”.

Current Song:- Breaking the Habit – Linkin Park
Technorati Tags: Blogosphere Digital Environment Issues

Expectations Unfulfilled

Off late there have been some strong arguments on my blog on some of my recent posts. Some of you have gladly adorned me with adjectives gifts like being dumb, partial and what not.
Some of you have even accused me of not visiting your blogs in last 1 week or of not making my visits more than a weekly affair. There is much more to it, will write some other time. Come on, grow up & give me a break !! I have already told you the no. of blogs I visit. I try my best to be there on your blogs when there is a new post.
Even if I am not commenting, I read your posts through reader. How can you expect me to mark my daily attendance on your blogs even when there is no new post ? I am a human not a machine and please remember, it is NOT an obligation that I HAVE to comply with. I am working, studying, juggling with so many other things and once again I reiterate - blogging is NOT my first priority.

I am pained when people take some of my posts personally. I fail to understand why only a few, very few of you have problems in comprehending my posts or comments ? Why do you misinterpret me ?
To me, all of us are human beings first and then anything else. I’ll be the last person to distinguish people on the basis of religion, caste, race, colour etc. then why do you bestow your frustrations and angers, whatever be the reason, on me ? If you can’t understand what a witty smiley is for, then probably the problem is at your end, not mine.
A request again.. if you don’t understand my posts or don’t like my crap writings, please refrain yourself from coming here & commenting. And I don’t think I can be more blunt than this.

On one hand my blog is the only Indian blog to have continuously featured in first 50 of World Aussiejourno's Weekly Blog Awards since its inception and on the other hand I am being misinterpreted by my own people readers. It hurts, it really hurts.

I am ashamed of myself for having such readers on my blog.

P.S.- I’ll try to finish off replying to ALL the comments by the end of this weekend.
Thank you and have fun.

Current song- Gata Rahe Mera Dil – Instrumental
Technorati Tags: General Blogosphere

How Do You Ensure to Reply Them Back ?

You create a blog. You start writing posts.
People come, read and sometimes leave comments.
You reply to those comments. Slowly your posts increase in number and so do your readers and their comments. Some readers go through your archived posts and comment on them as well.

You add one or two more blogs under your belt; also start writing for some community blogs.
Now the question is, how do you keep track of all the comments or how do you ensure that you reply to all those comments coming from different sources to your different posts ?

Well for me, on an average I get approximately (ok, minimum) 12-15 comments per day including comments on my archived posts. At times, it is very difficult to reply to all of them (Oh, I wish I could say just a ‘thank you’). Do I loose track of unreplied comments ? No.

My five point procedure is as follows:-

. I have comments linked to my mail-id, so I get an intimation about a new comment’s arrival on my ‘xyz’ post.
. I have also used filters to segregate them blog-wise and from other normal mails coming to my inbox.
. I normally pick up one post (starting from the latest one) and if possible, reply to all the comments in sequence.
. If time permits, proceed to another post/blog.
. I don’t delete those comment-mails till I reply them.

I would like to know how do you handle this ? Do you cater to comments on daily basis or get them accumulated and reply over the weekend ? Do you leave some comments unreplied ?

I know of a blogger friend who uses comment moderation for this purpose. What’s your take ?

I am trying to know the best method to use.
Thanks.
Current Song:- Piya Tose Naina Lage Re, Jane Kya Ho Ab Aage Re – Lata Mangeshkar
Technorati Tags: Blogosphere General Comments

Interviewing Peter

It is interview time again but with a little difference. The interviewer is Cuckoo and Interviewee is Peter, a recently retired Swedish living in Paris whose blog is an amazing place to see the real beauty of Paris. Even if you can not go there, you can see Paris through his lens and expressive detailed description of the place. I always end up comparing his descriptions with what I saw in Paris.
Since it would have been a bit off topic for him to publish this interview on his blog, we decided to publish it here on my blog. A few things before I start interviewing him.

This is the ninth interview being published in the series of interviews. Harpreet and Pravin are taking time to publish theirs. That will make it eleven.

Rest all are anxiously, curiously, nervously and happily waiting for their questions to be delivered. Keep waiting patiently, these days I am not able to take out much time to dig into your blogs. Some of the interviews are half-done. Thank you so much for putting up with me. :-)

Now the interview..

Cuckoo - Bonjour Peter, comment allez-vous ? Oh, Je vais très bien, merci beaucoup. Aujourd'hui je suis heureux de vous voir ici. Thank you for joining us here, please have a seat. Can I fix you a drink whilst I introduce you to my pet Tiger ? Why Tiger ? Oh well, he always accompanies me and is always hungry. No, he doesn't understand you but it would be nice if you be just a little careful.
Also, you have to remain seated calmly without questioning my questions or no. of questions. C'est d'accord avec vous ?
OK, so Peter, there are going to be five main questions with some sub-questions. Being a gentleman that you are, you are expected to be as detailed as possible. Shall we start now, bonny lad ? Deep breaths now –

Peter- Hello Cuckoo, hello Tiger. Thank you Cuckoo for taking my interview, what a lovely chance I got to sit near you. Hmm.. You have a beautiful bo...

Tiger growls..

Oh sorry sorry, but Cuckoo you said this wild cat doesn’t understand anything ? Then ?

Cuckoo- Gosh ! You are so much excited !! Well, he doesn’t understand spoken language but he can very well judge your body language. Let me start the interview before it gets into something else. OK, Q1 for you. You have started blogging very recently, only six months have passed. What was your main purpose of coming into the field of blogging ? Were you scared of boredom in your retired life ? Has blogging brought any positive changes in you ? How do you manage so many posts on daily basis? Are you always out on the road?

Peter- Actually I got a contact with an old friend after many years of any news. She (yes it’s a “she”), a blogger incited me to give it a try, especially as she thought I would have the time. This happened just around my retirement, early this year. I was actually not at all worried about boredom, had so many ideas of how to spend my days, including doing “nothing”, but I thought why not give it a try. What was the next question? ... OK.…

Blogging has made me more curious, has taught me to look at things with different eyes. I’m also learning a lot from other blogs and take great pleasure in the comments part. My still alive curiosity makes me interested in not only seeing a nice picture; I wish also to understand something behind the picture, so sometimes I have some more or less intelligent questions. Often, not always, there are answers given. …and your next question was about how I manage to find the time for an almost daily blogging?

Actually, I try to make a break during weekends now, as many others. It’s true that certain days are more or less 90% blogging days (sometimes you also have to eat something). These are the days, when I go out “hunting”, to take pictures, to find something interesting, for myself and hopefully for some others.
Other days, I just use what I may have in reserve. You know, to have Paris as a major subject makes things rather easy when it comes to finding something to say or show! On the other hand, so much has already been said about Paris by so many ….When I’m “on the road”, I use my feet – and sometimes a bike, the metro, the bus or the tram. For me it’s a pure pleasure to stroll around in Paris. When I was still working, had family obligations etc. there was not so much time to explore. Now and then I stop at a bar terrace for a glass of red wine or a coffee. Those are nice moments!…

I’m talking too much! Your next question?

Cuckoo- Thank you, that was quite an elaborate answer. I hope it has nothing to do with my Tiger. Are you scared of him? No, that’s good. Yeah, try to smile a little more. I am pretty sure you have made many blogger friends because of your this activity and have met some of them. I saw their pictures in one of the posts. How are they different from your real friends or are they the same ? Do you think meeting in person is necessary to give it more meaning ? For example do you think meeting me in real would bring some more changes to your views about me ?

Peter- I have actually met only a few, some French colleagues. We had a very nice day together and will hopefully meet again! Somehow, I believe you can already guess the personality from what you read and see from people’s blogs, but you can of course also get some good – or bad – surprises, which is part of the charm and is a risk worth taking!

I would be happy to meet a lot of bloggers and I always repeat that whoever visits Paris must not forget to contact me – champagne will be offered! I have also established direct email contact with a few bloggers and have done some chatting. …About meeting you? Now we met, didn’t we, too briefly of course and with this cat around! As an understatement I can tell you that I’m not disappointed! BTW, What are you doing after this interview? (Sorry, don’t record this!)

Cuckoo- Shhhh… the interview is still on !! And don’t forget that Tiger is my bodyguard as well. He has just had a bucketful of Rum and now waiting for some nice food if you know what I mean. My dear Tiger, you be here near me and keep an eye on this gentleman. Anyway, that was a wonderful answer. Coming onto the third question, tell us something about your pre-retirement life in Sweden.
Peter- It’s so far away…You know, I moved to France some 33 years ago. Actually, I spent most of my adult life in France. I was in southern France for a year already in 1968-69 and met my future wife. The poor girl was brave enough to move from Provence to a much colder Sweden. When I found a job opportunity some five years later, we were both happy to move southwards! Of course I like my native country, but I believe I now prefer the continental life style.

Cuckoo- You are doing very well Peter. Oh, is it because of the Tiger ? No no, he won't do any harm to you if you keep answering my questions. Peter, I understand that you have children and grand children (Oh that beautiful Paloma and all...), but we never hear anything about a partner in your life? Are you hiding somebody from us ? About your grand daughter Paloma.. how often do you meet her ? Doesn't she ask questions when you keep clicking photos all the time ? Does your family know about your habit ? How do they take it ?

Peter- You said the tiger is ALWAYS hungry?...OK, I will try to answer.
Well, I can understand that you may ask this question about the absence of a partner. Actually, there is no partner as I lost my wife some six years ago. Unfortunately I’m not ”hiding” anybody – at least for the moment! In the meantime, I’m happy to have my two now adult children and their partners living quite close. You referred to Paloma – a “bird” like you. Yes she is clearly a charming little lady and I have somehow made her a “star” on my blog. She is now close to five and has got a little brother, Mattias, who just had his first birthday. So far, she is not too aware about her “stardom”, but now and then she has seen herself on my blog – together with her parents. She may not yet quite have understood everything about blogging, but she has at least understood that some other people know about her and her activities. I wonder when she will start her own blog and maybe tell some odd stories about this “old man”?

Cuckoo- Oh Peter, I am sorry to hear about your wife. And I appreciate how wonderfully you have adapted to life after her loss. Let me pep you up a little bit. First tell me about your first love-kiss. How & when it happened ? How old were you ? What exactly you felt at that time ? Don't be shy. Come on ! Tell us all about it. Also can you please tell us one of the most memorable time spent with your beautiful wife ?
Peter- My first love-kiss, I remember it very well! I was so much in love with a neighbour and class-mate when I was seven! Once I managed to kiss her, but there were some witnesses and soon “everybody” knew that “Peter has kissed X”. I think she was embarrassed, so that was the first and only kiss with that young lady. :-( But I will never forget that kiss; it was strongly felt – at least by me!

With my wife, maybe I can here also refer to a “first kiss”, which took place at a very romantic place, on the famous “Pont d’Avignon”. I met her in France during a traineeship. For sure, I will never forget that one! It led somehow to more than 30 years of more kisses etc.

Cuckoo- Wow ! That was THE answer ! Pont d’Avignon is quite a romantic place; I too wish to go there at least once. Thank you Peter for patiently answering the questions. I am pleased to say, as expected, you have passed with flying colours, now for goodness sake, stop shivering.. Interview is over ! I am going to take the Tiger away.

Peter- Thanks for this! The questions were not too nasty and the cat behaved well! Quite nice cat by the way!

Current song- Je t'attends - Axel Red

What Does Blogging Mean to Me!

Why do you think I spoke about tag etiquettes in my last post ? ;)
I have a few pending tags that I tried to put aside for quite sometime but not anymore. They are clinging onto me like parasites. I think I’ll finish them off now.
This one was given to me around 8 months back but required a bit of maturity, in terms of blogging to answer the questions honestly. Now that my blog is one year old, I have taken up this tag.

Without going into reasoning of who, why & when I come to the point. As always I put the rules first.

Rules of this tag:

1. Name the person with link who tagged you.
2. Complete the questionnaire without changing the questions.
3. Tag 6 or more people.

Rule 1: Well, I am tagged by a person who loves to tag me since my days of naissance in this blogworld. If you go through my tags, you’d come to know the culprit’s name. I am one of his permanent victims and so, I have renamed him as Tagger of the Century. Now, are you really interested in knowing the name after so many hints ? Well, the name of the culprit is Fleiger.

Rule 2:
This time it is a questionnaire to be answered on the topic “What Does Blogging Mean to Me”. Here I go with the questions and my takes.

Q1. Are you happy/ satisfied with your blog, with its content and look?
Yes, I am happy but not satisfied. I derive happiness from many small things but it takes a lot for me to get satisfied with anything, it has more to do with my hunger for excellence.

Q2. Does your family know about your blog?
Yes, they do. But none of them are remotely interested in it except for one cousin who once in 3-4 months reads it, gets charged to have his own blog and then his enthusiasm ends as quickly as it starts.
I try hard to pull my family members to the monitor to read my blog but of no avail. However, they appreciate my efforts and achievements when they see your appreciative & encouraging comments, but invariably their last sentence would be “There are better ways to utilize your time”. Duh !

Q3. Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or you just consider it as a private thing?
It is a private thing for me as far as my professional life is concerned but whoever is my friend, knows about my blog.

Q4. Did blogs cause positive changes in your thoughts?
Yes, of course ! My blog is the main source for venting out my sane/insane thoughts and it has come quite a long way. It has brought me many good things… more focus, more pleasure, more satisfaction and yes, more friends. My blog has become a medium to have conversed with some wonderful people around who have enriched my life as friends.
Moreover, I think my reason for satisfaction from blogging is changing slowly. Earlier I was quite content with being alone in this big world, now I have also started liking company of people around me and perhaps that is the reason I have made my blog a little interactive.
In short, it has surprised me for discovering a new me from within.

Q5. Do you only open the blogs of those who comment on your blog or you love to go and discover more by yourself?
Since the professional life does not leave me with much time and my readership is much more than I ever expected it to be, I barely manage to keep in touch with those who have been kind enough to leave comments on my blog. So, no discovery of new blogs for me UNLESS someone has recommended it in any way.

Q6. What does visitors counter mean to you? Do you care about putting it in your blog?
I love feedbacks and comments more than visitor counters, but visitors counter too gives me an important feedback. I have put it only for my reference.

Q7. Did you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures?
Yes, many times. I have seen photographs of many bloggers who have put them on their blogs. For others, I have tried to imagine.

Q8. Do you think there is a real benefit for blogging?
Do you think all those Fortune 500 companies would be blogging if there was none? Furthermore, I think the blogs have given a voice to an ordinary person like me and to me this aspect is very important.

Q9. Do you think that bloggers’ society is isolated from real world or interacts with events?
No, I don’t think so. I have seen bloggers helping others in whatever way they can. I’ll cite some examples that I have experienced or I know of.

- First one was seen on Mridula’s blog when someone wanted to contact a particular person in a hilly area and she became the link. Till date, none of them have met in person and I don’t think meeting is necessary for this purpose.
- Through their blogs I have come to know of many bloggers (not naming anyone here but hey guys, are you listening?) planning & going together on weekend leisure trips.
- My own blog has become a link between many bloggers who have started interacting with each other on one-to-one basis and I am sure they’ll meet in person when opportunity strikes.
- I, myself have become friends with some bloggers who are now more than just bloggers to me. I know I can count on them. Hey thanks.
- I think I am also going to be a link again between two regulars here. Both are studying in NMIMS, Mumbai and I would be the happiest person if they meet in real life.
- And more recently, when I wrote about a play that I watched, one of the actresses herself had commented here and is been since regular.
Similarly on a larger scale, at the time of bomb blasts in Mumbai trains, a separate blog was opened to help the victims and their families. My blog had not even taken birth at that time.

Q10. Does criticism annoy you or do you feel it’s a normal thing?
It is a normal thing and I try to learn from criticisms. I appreciate the valuable comments made by each of my readers. Many of them love to debate here on certain issues that I post. If you have noticed, I still have kept open my comments section for all, including anonymous commenters and no moderation of comments here. :)

Q11. Do you fear some political blogs and avoid them?
Fear ?? No. Avoid ?? I’ve never been to any political blog for the reasons stated in answer no. 5 above. Also, it is not an area of my interest.

Q12. Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?
Who ? When ? Where ? I have no idea of such arrests.

Q13. Did you think about what will happen to your blog after you die?
Being an optimist I don’t think I’ll die so early. Later, I hope someone from my family or my reason to blog would put a post here announcing to the world that I would no more be blogging. :)

Q14. What do you like to hear? What’s the song you might like to put a link to, in your blog?
Well, I always display my “current song” at the end of each post. So, it has to be my current song Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye, Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaye.

Rule 3:

And this is the top most reason why I like tags. Grinning *wicked me* .
Let me think whom should I tag (read victimize) now. Ok, here is my list.

1. Craver – This is my first tag to you, you are my first victim and we all very much want to know your thoughts on blogging. :)
2. Catmoves - Yeah, I remember I have to do a tag given by you (I am still roaming around for that one) and a post as well but I would appreciate if you to do this one. I am sure you’d enjoy doing this.
3. Carol – Oh Oh, I know you don’t like tags but this one is real thought provoking. Hope you would take it and do justice to it.
4. David - I would appreciate if you take up this tag and I know you’d do justice to it.
5. Maverick – Hey I know you have not done this one. Be a good boy now.
6. Jarvram – This is my first tag to you and I am sure you’ll enjoy doing it.
7. Scanman – Gentleman, you got to show the world your reasons for blogging.

So guys, I pass on the baton to you. Now it is your turn to do the rest.

Current Song: Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye, Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaye - Zurm
Technorati Tags: Tags Blogosphere

Tag Etiquettes

Today I am going to speak about tags and tag etiquettes. Tags.. they are fun to do, fun to read and they let you know more about the person who is doing the tag and thus help in building a foundation of friendship. I am quite often tagged by fellow blogger friends and try to attempt them very religiously.

Tags have two parties – tagger, the person who tags and the tagged person.

Etiquettes for Taggers :

1. If you first mention about the rules in the beginning of the tag, it’ll be easier to understand and will also help the tagged person to attempt it.
2. Generally the last rule of tag is to tag a specified no. of people of your choice. Do not worry on this aspect; you can always tag fewer people than mentioned or leave it open.
3. When you tag a person, make sure that s/he gets the message. Either link them in your post or knock at their doors. Simply by writing in your post would not help as they might miss reading it.
4. Try to make sure that the person you are tagging, enjoys doing it, don’t just randomly pick up any name. E.g. if your tag is about books and you tag a person who is miles away from books then the very purpose of tag will have failed. Don’t worry, it’ll come with experience. :)

Etiquettes for Tagged :

1. If you get a tag to do, first etiquette is to acknowledge it. Have some courtesy, some manners. Either accept it or refuse it but please don’t keep mum. Remember, silence means affirmation and the tagger will get a wrong indication.
2. There is no time limit as such but if you have agreed to do the tag, keep your promise. Nothing will happen if you don’t do it but you’ll come in bad books of the tagger.
3. Follow the rules of the game and paste them in your post as well, so that the next person doesn’t have any difficulty in attempting it.
4. When you are done with it, inform the tagger.
5. Sometimes tagger keeps the tag open to all. In that case if you feel to do the tag, please follow the rules of the game. Also, give due credit to the tagger (linking him/her is the best option) since you’ve picked it up from his/her blog.

Current Song: In Dino Dil Mera, Mujhse Hai Keh Raha - Soham
Technorati Tags: Tags Blogosphere

Cuckoo Being Questioned !!

Recently I had the honour to be interviewed through e-mail by Carol Hooper, the writer. It is not often I receive the opportunity to converse with someone possessing such a shroud of allure. Below is the interview produced. My answers are in green.

Carol- Hi Cuckoo, thank you for joining us here, come on in and pull up a chair. Can I fix you a drink whilst I'm hooking you up to the lie-detector machine? No? Oh well, just try to relax then. This? Oh, it's nothing really, just a tiny little gizmo, the tiny electrical jolt simply encourages you in your quest to be open and frank with us. Sorry, I know the spotlight is a tad bright, but we do need to see your expressions clearly.. body language, that sort of thing. There, well now, I believe we're about ready to begin. Deep breaths now –

Cuckoo- Well Carol, I am distinctly pleased to be interviewed by you in this extremely friendly environment. Carol, you are a terrible… errr.. terrific person. Excuse me for this slip of tongue. It is rainy season, you know. And thank you so much for this warm and spotlight bright welcome, turning me blind. Also, I thank you for recognizing my greatness.
OK, done. Now you can shoot the questions.

1. First, tell me Cuckoo, we know you are young and beautiful, but (indelicate as it is to ask) just exactly how old are you, are you still a student, if so, what are you studying, and why; if you are not a student, are you working, is this the reason why you travel so much, and what led you to choose this profession?

Well, it is all written over there in my profile and some of my posts.. some very clear and some between the lines. For ready reference, you can check the labels Tags and Self etc.
Ok, reiterating again. I work in IT sector and sometimes when I feel so, I study as well. Is it confusing ? No, I don’t think so.
My job requires me to travel. I chose this profession for two reasons – first, I didn’t want to be a butcher (my family is full of doctors from both sides) and second, my love for 0 & 1.
And you are asking my age ? Mademoiselle Carol, that’s not good manners at all to ask a girl about her age. Anyway, since I can’t say I am sweet sixteen and in no mood to postpone this silly question .. It is "between 20 to 30 years". No, I am NOT going to reduce the bandwidth. Come on, you’ll have to read between the lines. Like Mr. Holmes, I have dropped enough hints. OK, one more. Concentrate on "between".

2. Thank you, Cuckoo, you are bearing up well - sorry about throwing the bucket of water over you, but that bit about your age seems to have made you pass out on us for a bit there. Anyway, continuing on.. I note you have often written some soulful poetry, which we all enjoy reading. Are your words those of experience, have you ever been in love, if so, how did you meet, how old were you, why did you part, are you still in touch, and are you currently in love?

Well sweet lady, I am a very sensitive person. I call myself an emotional fool & hence I guess the soulful poetry. But still I think I am not able to express the true emotions behind those lines.
As I have always been saying, none of my post is a total fiction. Many, many of them are 100% true. They all have been derived from real life ingredients. I write my thoughts about what happens around me, not necessarily with me and the people, whom I write about, always relate to these posts.

No, I have never fallen in love, actually waiting to rise in love. :))

3. No, sweetie, you cannot unhook the electrodes, I'm sorry we forgot to dry you off properly before they were reactivated, but you have my word I won't drench you again so long as you promise to stop fainting, all right? Okay, so moving on to my third question then, you appear to be quite a spiritual person, and I have also noted some posts you have written speak out against what you perceive as the oppression of women. Can you elaborate what both your spiritual and your political beliefs are, have they always been the same, if not, what happened to make you change them?

First, let me point out.. you are a very smart woman. Your each question consists of many sub questions and I know you’ve participated in the game “Passing the Sentence” on my blog. You got the hint ? Ouch, don’t hit me so hard.
Yes true, I have written some posts on oppression of women, not only because I am a woman myself but I feel they are the most oppressed ones in this whole world.. more than the children, old people and even animals. Nonetheless, I want to be born as a female in each of my lives.
Spiritual ? Except for believing in God, I am not spiritual. I believe there is only one God having many faces and none of Them ask us to torture ourselves or other living beings to please Them.
I am NOT a political person at all; want to stay aloof from this dirty game.

4. Cuckoo, that was NOT an invitation for you to pray to your God to release you from this interview, kindly try to stop shaking, and to focus, dear! You've not long to go, question number four is here - describe two memories to us - one is of the most happiest one you can recall, the second is of the most embarrassing one.

First I’ll describe the embarrassing one. I was probably around five years old and we had gone to see some circus in the outskirts of the city. As usual, the circus was in oversized tents with little facilities for washrooms. Unfortunately my mother was ill and was not accompanying us. Even more unfortunate was my day because I suddenly felt the pressure. I tried to control but realized I had stomach upset. Then in the middle of all that noisy fun filled atmosphere I told my father about the emergency.
There were only makeshift toilets and I had to go to a ladies toilet with my little sister giving me company. By the time I was mentally prepared to sit on the hole, I had badly spoilt my panty. I washed myself with the help of my kid sister (there were no tissues or a tap, just a small washbasin inside that structure) and came out without the panty. For the remaining part of the circus I wasn’t wearing any undergarment and was terribly tensed. Obviously I couldn’t enjoy the circus. This is THE most embarrassing moment of my life till date.

Well, happy memories are many, can’t pickup one. I get happiness from the smallest simplest things. Hmmm.. let me think. Ok, this one is when I was very happy with the nature.
When I reached the pinnacle of Jungfraujoch mountains, I felt on top of the world. I had read Heidi, the classic story of the curly-haired Swiss girl and her simple life in the Alps. It's not too often you get the chance to turn childhood dreams into reality. The happiness I got can not be explained in words.
I have been to many snow capped mountains but this experience was totally unmatched. It was all blinding white everywhere with iced chilled wind. I could see far away mountains, all covered in snow. There was no other colour except white in any direction as far as one could see. It was an unforgettable scene. I have no intentions to reach Mt Everest but this was MY Mt Everest. I also picked up some postcards and posted from the highest post office in Europe.

5. There, that wasn't so bad now, was it? The dogs? You want me to remove them? They are still chained up, you know. Oh, all right, I'll shut Caesar and Brutus away then. Happy now? You really have some trust issues, you know, you should work on that. Ah, it appears we are down to the final question. You have been given unlimited wealth, you have already saved the world and given generously to every charity. How are you choosing to spend the rest of your life?

Oh thank you for moving away the dogs, not that I am scared of them.

Well, if I possessed unlimited wealth, I would probably divide my time between working for underprivileged children/women and traveling, exploring the vast beauty of nature.

Thank you Cuckoo, you may remain seated until we unhook you. I am pleased to say, as expected, you have passed with flying colours, sweet lady (now for goodness sake stop crying)..

Carol, thank you for taking time out of your life. You are just wonderful !

Now, now, now, an interview by Cuckoo – How does it sound ?

Don’t miss this lifetime opportunity to be interviewed by Cuckoo. Don’t be chicken else I’ll pick your name up and that would be quite cruel. Hope you get the point.

Interview rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.” with your mail-id if I don’t already have one. If you don't want to publicize your mail-id, let me know. I'll enable the comment moderation and will delete your comment after noting your mail-id.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions and no, you can not change them.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Current song- Maine Tere Liye Hee Saat Rang ke Sapne Chune – Mukesh
Technorati Tags: Self Conversations Blogosphere

Happy Birthday to Me !!!

Hi all… Today is my 1st birthday…I am one year old. I was born on this day last year. What ?? Don’t you know me ? Don’t you know Cuckoo ? She is my mom, err.. correction. She is my supermom.

Ohh thank you.. thank you.. for all your good wishes.

Well, my mother had panicked the day I was born. No, no. I wasn’t a creepy creature from some alien world. In fact, she was not able to see my face !! She ran helter-skelter asking everybody what had happened to her eyes, why she was not able to see me.
Apparently she came to know that I was hale & hearty in some other room called blogspot where she didn’t have access to see me. She went to enquiry; there some people could see me and they conveyed her that I am beautiful ! *Ishhh I am blushing now*

Yes, since I was born a few days after the Mumbai bomb blasts, the Indian govt. had banned all her network to see me. That strike was called Internet censorship.

Anyway, she kept feeding me & after four feeds she could see me. Oh my food ? You all humans know it by the name of posts and today my weight is 83 posts. In my world the weight is measured in posts instead of Kgs. Hmmm.. quite a fatso I have become.

My mom cooks a variety of nutritious wholesome food for me and that leaves you all often drooling, laughing and pondering. Sometimes you guys become emotional by seeing me eat a seriously yummy food. She calls it food for thought.
Recently she has started nurturing some poems to me, both in Hindi and English, which though I do not understand much, you people enjoy a lot.

Whenever she feeds me a new dish, you all come running to see what the food is all about and then you give me beautiful gifts. Oh, I love it when you give me gifts. In your world they are called Comments… SiD uncle’s son told me this. He is elder to me and taught me many things. We are good friends and visit each other regularly.

In this one year I have made many friends and my friend circle is increasing everyday. I am happy. Some of you come, pull my chubby cheeks, see me growing but don’t give me any gift :( and some of you don’t write your names while giving gifts. Tell me, how do you expect me to give you a return gift ?

On New Year day, my mom Cuckoo gave birth to my sibling. She is also very cute. Whenever my mom goes traveling, she brings a variety of food for both of us. My little sister likes picturesque colourful food more than the stories. That reminds me that mom is traveling again next weekend. What should I do? :( or :)

These are my top three most tasted (read in your language) dishes.

Mulgi Shikli Pragati Zhali – This meal has three courses namely Part I, II & III. Please go course by course if you want to taste it.
Cry Man, Cry
Tears of Joy

Cuckoo recently prepared a very fine delicacy named That was Indu which has become quite popular among you but still has not been tasted as many times as to come in top three. It has 84 gifts... maximum no. so far.

Fabio Cannavaro was the best side dish and
Kaash was the first dessert prepared by Cuckoo, my lovely mom.

Heyy wish me good luck and a very happy & healthy life ahead and I do hope to have your company along…

Thank you for coming here, adoring me, appreciating me, and giving me lovely gifts (oh, comments). Aah my mom Cuckoo gets excited by all these gifts and starts feeding me more delicacies. ;)

Current song- Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai, Pata Chala Hai - Jungle book

Technorati Tags: Blogosphere Celebrations Humour