Errors in Bank Statements

It is fun to read about all the horror stories that people have faced when they have interacted with their bank via a website or letters or mailed statements.

Take a look at this BBC web page for a nice read.

The latest banking error is here.

The worse thing is that this can happen to YOU. Never trust that your bank statements are correct and banks always encourage their customers to balance each statement manually and report back errors.

Winter: Car Battery Care

In cold winters, batteries bear most of the brunt. There will be situations when your car will not start at any cost and will need to be jump-started. You will see signs of decline in the battery after about 2-3 years of life. This is when your "I will be prepared" attitude will come to the rescue.

1) Buy a cheap "Jump Starter". Not the cables. But you can buy a quality Jump Starter (emergency) for your car in the range $35-70. This should be charged and kept in your car at all times. Imagine situations when your car battery is dead (as an example, one of the doors was not shut properly?). These situations can happen in summer also. That is when an emergency jump-starter will come in handy.

2) Buy a speed charger for around $30. You can reasonably charge your battery in 5-8 hours with this charger. You plug the terminals of the charger to the battery. Then connect the charger to a power supply. Most of the prominent speed chargers will not over charge. So you should leave it for at least 5 hours.

Peep Feet: Peep and The Big Wide World

Apple iPhone at Walmart?

Well, you can get $2 discount on the phones. But you still need the 2 year plan from AT&T or an upgrade. Nothing spectacular here. You may probably save some gas driving to the nearest AT&T center as walmart(s) are plenty.

According to,
http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/12/26/apple-iphone-walmart-markets-equity-cx_mlm_1226markets17.html, an 8GB iPhone will sell for $197 whereas the 16GB version will sell for $297. $10 savings can be achieved at Best Buy. So Walmart is actually $8 more expensive than Best Buy.

Given that various small cities/counties have different local taxes, you should take that in to account also. :)

"Bolt" movie not suitable for toddlers

Even though the movie is very good with awesome animation and special effects, it is certainly not suitable for kids under 5 or 6 years of age. The special effects and the noise in the theatres can scare the kid. The movie has an excellent story and is quite humorous.

Life is a journey. Enjoy the music.

Michael Crichton has died of Cancer

Michael Crichton was born in Chicago, IL in 1942. He was the author of "Jurassic Park". I particularly enjoyed reading his novel titled "Airframe".

MC has died on US election day, November 4, 2008 from cancer. When Barrack Obama created history on a day, the world lost a great novelist.

He was also instrumental in the creation of the drama series "ER".

Funny Video on Improving English

SNL:: Final Debate between McCain and Obama

Joe the Plumber.

SNL:: Pres.Bush Endorsement to McCain/Palin

Funny opening with Tina Fey, D Hammond and Will Ferrell.

Visitor Visa: British Consulate, Chicago

When you travel to Europe, almost every country requires a visa if you are not a US Citizen.

The British Consulate in Chicago does not have drop in service. You have to apply on line. Then you will need to take an appointment for a finger print at one of the USCIS Centres (this can be tricky if the centres are busy. Remember no visa without finger prints taken).

Once your finger prints are taken, you have two choices - either mail the application to the consulate or use one of the Visa Expedition travel agents approved by the British Consulate. I did read somewhere in one of the forums that someone had not heard back in 4 weeks after mailing in the application (that can be ouch if you are in a hurry).

I called in Travel Centre Inc(Travel Center Inc (312) 726-0088/ 36 S Wabash Ave , 15th Floor, Chicago, IL). The lady's name is Reshma. I submitted the documents on Tuesday afternoon, 2:40pm. The lady took it to the consulate at around 3 pm (as she had a pick up of another passport). On Wednesday, I got an email from the consulate that the visa was approved. The passport and other documents were ready for pick up from the travel agency on Thursday afternoon. The agency charged $50 per applicant. This additional fee is justified as it gives you a guarantee that your passport and documents are safe, hand delivered and visa may be provided in 2-3 days. I was travelling in 15 days and I did not want to risk delay in the return of my passport. Reshma did say that if there is any issue with your application, then the delay will be 21 days (but you can certainly ask for a return of the passport).

Note: This is not an endorsement of the travel agency and none of my relatives work there. I know how stressful it is to obtain a visa to UK since there is no drop in service at the consulate. Who wants to lose documents in the mail or transit? I do not know how good or bad other approved travel agencies are.

When the going gets tough,

the tough get going? Hell No!!!!


http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd182/lordzpain/dog_w3.jpg

ROTFL!!!

Best US Blender for Dosa/Idli Batter

The following question haunts every Dosa/Idli savoring Indian in the US at one point or the other in time: "Which Blender should I use for Dosa batter in the US?"

Blender: Osterizer, 14 Speed Blender, 450 Watts, Walmart - $25

Better Alternatives:
1) Get a grinder from India. You can also buy grinders at Indian stores (such as those at Devon Avenue in Chicago).
2) Preethi Mixi from India.

NOTE: Using a blender, make the batter in batches.

Additional Info from Indusladies.com

================
Anyway, in the blender, the proportion for idli is 2:1...that is for 2 cups of idli rice, you use 1 cup of urad dhal. You can make it 3:1 if you are using WHOLE URAD GOTA.

By the way, I use WHOLE URAD GOTA and not URAD DHAL for Idlis and dosas. This makes the idlis more fluffy.

In the grinder the proportion for Idli is 4:1. Ofcourse we can also make dosas in this.

But if you want to make exclusive dosa batter you need to use 3cups rice :1 cup urad gota and this proportion is again 2:1 if you use urad dhal (split dhal)

=========================================
Mini jars ( that holds about a cup) are available online in householdappliances.com.

These small blenders fit both oster & osterizer blenders. The cost may range from $3.50 to $5.60. You may want to check about shipping by calling the 1-800 number in their website.

UPDATE: Try Oster Service Centres for small jars.
=========================================


Related Links:
1) Buy Grinder in the US

Interim EAD for no EAD received after 90 days

USCIS EAD FAQ is at http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/2yrEAD_FAQ_061208.pdf

I filed my Form I-765 more than 90 days ago and I have not received a decision. Who should I contact?
If you have not received a decision within 90 days of the USCIS receipt date and you have properly filed your EAD application, you may inquire about an interim EAD at your local USCIS District Office or by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283 or (800) 767-1833 (TTY). You must have proof of identity and any notices that you have received from USCIS in connection with your application for employment authorization when contacting USCIS.

How will USCIS decide whether to issue an EAD valid for one or two years?
USCIS will decide whether to renew an EAD for either a one or two-year validity period based on the most recent Department of State Visa Bulletin available at
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html.
If an applicant’s visa number has retrogressed and is unavailable, USCIS may issue a renewal EAD valid for two years. USCIS will continue to issue the EAD in one-year increments when the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows an employment-based preference category is current as a whole or the applicant’s priority date is current.

Beer is cheaper than gas

Advice from Australia.

Making a difference to the world

Filing EAD Online 101

Ramblings,meanderings etc: Filing EAD online 101

Thanks to Nixstor. We have a reasonable guide to filing EAD on line.

Advantages of filing EAD on line are:
a) Quicker receipt notice.
b) Filing date is the day that you e-file for the 90 day EAD rule to verify status.

So file your EADs on line.

Revival of Indian Hockey (Azlan Shah Cup)

The Indian Field Hockey Team had reached the finals of the Azlan Shah cup. But unfortunately, Argentina defeated India 2-1. Never the less, this is a great showing by the Indian team and congratulations to them.

Congrats to India!

Recall of Indian Passports in Z Series

Around 46,000 Indian passports withdrawn

It seems like around 40K passports issued around the world in the Z Series need to be recalled by consulates and they will issue fresh passports immediately.

Please check if your passport falls in the serial numbers issued.

Is confining a trend in Austria?

Having read the previous news of a girl in captivity for 8 years, it is really sad (cannot get the right word) to read about the horrendous crime over the years performed by Josef Fritzl.

Is this trend a side-effect of World War II (Austrian invasion etc.)? Then the nazis have really left a dangerous legacy.

Three cases of captivity/confinement (each quite similar to the other) has to speak something about some of the minds in Austria.... Wonder if the Government of Austria should do a national search of every room, every basement, every coffin, every box to potentially detect living creatures (thought to be lost over the years). Forget Human Rights - Forget Privacy. Just do a national search.

==> E-Slap Josef. <==

India is 4th in Green Cards issued in 2007

As many as 65,353 Indians received the much sought after ''green card'' or the legal permanent residency (LPR) status in the US in 2007; a jump of nearly 4,000 from the previous year.

Though India along with Haiti is the only two countries among the top 20 nations whose citizens received green card last year, latest figures released by Department of Homeland Security reveal that India has slipped from second spot in 2005 to the fourth place in 2007.

Source: India slips to 4th spot in receiving green card

NOTE: This number contains all types of GCs awared - Family, Employment Based etc.

ATA Airlines stops flying

It is very unfortunate to read about the chapter 11 filing of ATA Airlines and their decision to cease all operations.

ATA was a great airline to fly from Chicago to San Francisco and also to Washington Reagan National Airport. I am sure you have had your favorite routes with them.

Gandhigiri in Vadodara

This should be a wake up call to all government officials.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Man_strips_to_get_PF_money_in_Vadodara/articleshow/2902788.cms

Mile Sur Mera Tumhara

Unity in Diversity at its best.

Unity in Diversity

India is made of many languages, religions, regions but there is unity in diversity.

Hon.Lalu Prasad Yadav presenting Rail Budget

There is no one like Sri Laluji. Lalu Prasad Yadav is the current Union Railway Minister of India.

Sign up to donate your eyes after death

Gary Gygax, 'Father of D&D,' Dies at 69

Gary Gygax was the co-creator of the popular role playing game called "Dungeons and Dragons".

Finger Printing for AOS - Taking your child along

Be assured that you can take your kid/infant/child to the local USCIS centre to do your fingerprinting. Just ensure that both you and your spouse are at the location at the same time, such that you can take care of your kids while the other person is being FPed.

FingerPrinting and Kids

Good Luck!

Soft LUD on old 129

Peruse some threads on forums. Nothing is guaranteed.



http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=269040


http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=268984


http://murthyforum.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=1024039761&f=1474093861&m=5621078751


http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=270902


http://www.trackitt.com/discussion-forums/i140/49074213/

Good Luck!!!

Indian Premier League (IPL)

Excellent write up on doubts associated with the Franchisees getting their investment back in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Does the IPL model make sense?

We still do not know fully about what IPL will do in the future to think about whether this article is going to be true.

MIchigan Drivers License is not for legal skilled applicants

Legal skilled applicants in the US working/studying on temporary legal visas will not be able to obtain drivers license.

This is an unfortunate situation.


http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16787

Press Release from IV

AILA MI Chapter's response is here.

Employer not sending W-2 for taxes

There may be companies that fail to provide former employees with a W-2 statement for filing of personal taxes. What needs to be done here?

Employer Not Sending W-2


http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16748

Visa Revalidation : 221(g)

Click here: 221(g)

Here is a tracker for people who are affected by 221(g) at Consulates.

221(g) at Chennai

221(g) at New Delhi Consulate

Mumbai Case

Good luck!!!

Visa Revalidation at Tijuana, Mexico

Success Story is "Tijuana Consulate"

Success Story

Good Luck!!!!

Visa Revalidation at Chennai, INDIA

Success Story

45 days taken for stamping on passport

GOOD LUCK!!

Visa Revalidation at Ottawa, Canada

Success Story 1


GOOD LUCK!!!

Visa Revalidation at Nassau, Bahamas

Successful stamping at Nassau.


GOOD LUCK!!!

Visa Revalidation at Metamoros, Mexico

For unified view: Success Stories

Here is a successful story of visa revalidation at Metamoros, Mexico.

Metamoros, Mexico success Story 1


Story 2

Story 3


GOOD LUCK!!!

Shashi Taroor: Let's play the game, not politics

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/S_Tharoor_Play_the_game_not_politics/articleshow/2714789.cms


It is dangerous to act as if the undoubted financial weight of India in world cricket entitles us to our own set of rules. Despite the witty private comment to me of a senior BCCI official - "why shouldn't we now behave in the ICC as the US has always behaved in the WTO?" - we should not destroy world cricket over a misplaced sense of national pride. Racism is as abhorrent when a bunch of under-educated young Indians in our stadiums make monkey-like gestures as Symonds comes out to bat, as it was when Mike Procter walked routinely into a dressing-room from which coloured players were barred.

David Allen: Getting Things Done

Cool MIT Sketching Design Tool

Thomas L Friedman and "The World is Flat" saga

If you have not heard about Thomas L. Friedman of the NYT fame, then you really are missing out on what is happening in the global world. You will need to get out more, socialize as well as get acquainted with the happenings in the global media as well as take up reading.

Friedman has written an excellent book called as "The World is Flat". The beauty of this book is not in its status as a best seller but as a clear reflection of the global phenomenon that has happened in the last 20 years. He has clearly depicted how the world has flattened with a change in mindset, technology and just plain evolution.

Here is a video of Friedman talking about his book at MIT.

Personally, I find this book very thought provoking and inspiring. I do have to admit that in many cases, Friedman highlights a rosy picture of many things and does have a tendency to generalize things quoting one or two use cases.

You certainly can get to read the summary of the various chapters here.

Tax pitfalls for an new Internet Newbie

Good article in GoDaddy Connections that is a must for Internet Entrepreneurs.

Tax Pitfalls For An Internet Newbie or printer-friendly.

After emerging wounded and bleeding from a recent IRS Field Audit, I picked up some clues as to how budding Internet Entrepreneurs can survive the ordeal with some semblance of financial health.

PIMS Verification for Visa Revalidation

What are the PIMS Delays?

PIMS Information


PIMS Verification Required for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas

Murthy: PIMS Verification Update

Real life updates on this from applicants can be tracked on this forum thread of ImmigrationVoice.
PIMS CLAIMS verification: Lets track delays in Visa Issuance/ Passport Stamping

Some real life scenarios.

Mumbai Consulate PIMS Delay

Good Luck!!!

By the way, have you taken a look at the new Administrative Fixes Campaign at IV?

Tata Small Car will create history in India

Look at the beauty created by Ratan Tata and gang. Tata "Nano".

I am sure there will be a long long wait times to get your hands on it.

See it to believe it.....
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowpics/2689238.cms

Bargain gas: will it hurt my car?

Great article on choosing bargain gas for your car......

Will bargain gas harm your car?

At a time when motorists are trying to shave even a few dollars off their fuel bill, shopping some of the lesser-known brands may be a good idea.

The entire nation's gasoline comes from various regional refiners who then sell the product to a wide variety of retailers. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, mandates that all gasoline meet certain standards for detergent additives that combat potential deposits on an engine's valves.

In addition, gasoline is periodically tested at the pump to make sure it meets minimum octane ratings for regular, mid-range and premium levels.

India in 1835

The picture says it all.

I do not know how authentic the picture is.... I got this image forwarded from an old friend (who must have got it from somewhere and so on).


http://koenraadelst.bharatvani.org/articles/hinduism/macaulay.html basically says that the quotation is made up.

Employer-Employee agreement for Legal Immigration Application

As per new rule of June 2007, it is illegal.

Check the following pdf.

Cricket's Ravana

Engineering Skills in the US vs China and India

Vivek Wadhwa, Wertheim Fellow, Labor and Worklife Program, Harvard Law School and Adjunct Professor/Executive in Residence, Duke University.

Want to watch a movie on iPhone?

Classic answer from David Lynch of Mulholland Drive fame.

Tata Small Car

Four Wheels for the Masses: The $2,500 Car

Some analysts are predicting that just as the Japanese popularized kanban (just in time) and kaizen (continuous improvement), Indians could export a kind of “Gandhian engineering,” combining irreverence for conventional ways of thinking with a frugality born of scarcity. Or, as Indian auto executive Ashok K. Taneja describes the philosophy, “When I need silver, why am I investing in gold?”

And the car may be less environmentally friendly than it claims. Unlike cars in the United States, Indian vehicles do not have to come in for regular inspections after they are on real roads, which often batter the systems that curb emissions.

Fox News Bill O'Reilly at Senator Obama's Campaign Rally

It is an interesting read to hear about Bill O'Reilly's presence at Senator Obama's campaign in New Hampshire.

Watching reality television at an Obama rally

You know when a celebrity television personality like Bill O'Reilly arrives at a political event because they always have a retinue and because people turn their cameras and camera phones from the candidate to capture the famous face. When the popular Fox News entertainer arrived at the Obama event in Nashua, N.H., people turned to him but not always approvingly.

Senator Obama's response to O'Reilly's presence.

When Obama passed, he looked like he was headed for the door but stopped to talk to the Fox host. The conversation was short. O'Reilly did not seem to be causing the commotion in the national interest—I heard no questions about marginal tax rates—but instead he made a personal appeal to Obama to get him on his show. (I can't be sure; I heard only part of the conversation.) Obama appeared to say that he would come on sometime.

India versus Australia Cricket - 2nd Cricket Test 2007

Not sure if you are aware of all the sour incidents that marred the 2nd Cricket Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in January 2008. This was the first test of the year for both the teams. The rivalry between the teams is very deep, such that any bad decision on part of the players or the umpires can have a negative effect on the game.

This is what has happened. Australia have played HARD cricket but were not close to FAIR as they claim to do every game.

Some of the links that you should read to get the context:
Tour at risk after Harbhajan ban

India fume at Aussies and umpires

India livid, tour in danger

'Kumble and Co. have been cheated'

The waiting game begins for visitors

We are not sorry about anything: Gilchrist

Board backs team, says stay put in Sydney

Mighty Aussies get bad press, few supporters

Open your eyes, Ricky

Board firm: Tour off if demands not met

Sack Ponting, he turned his cricketers into wild dogs, says Roebuck of Oz

Time to go, says Bucknor’s old mate

I stand by my decision, says Procter

Death of cricket!!Umpires win the match for Australia!!

Kumble Interview Day 5 2nd Test Ind v Aus @ Sydney 2008

RICKY "CHEATER" PONTING!!

Clark Interview Day 5 2nd Test Ind v Aus @ Sydney 2008



The image says it all (the left image is Michael Clarke catching Sourav Ganguly's catch and the right is Rahul Dravid's dismissal when clearly the bat was hiding behind the pads).

Andhra condom song spreads awareness

http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/55795/andhra-condom-song-buzzing-on-youtube.html

Really great initiative for a social cause.