biggish data

Dhallywood's (Bangla films) fight for survival

http://www.bbc.co.uk...siness-15178289
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Sixty local films were made last year in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi film industry?s fight for survival
Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC News, Dhaka
2011/10/05 13:37 ET

The Bangladeshi film industry, known as Dhallywood, is about to face serious competition.

Ever since its independence from Pakistan in 1971, local cinema halls have been banned from showing Indian films.

It was an attempt to protect the local film-making industry which is worth $20m (£12.9m).

Actually, the ban dates earlier--from 1965, when Pakistan still misruled--but no Bangla government considered it of any high priority to be dealt with.

But in the coming days, cinema halls here will show three Indian Bengali movies and nine more Hindi movies from Bollywood will be screened later.

Even though the move is not permanent, it has angered film-makers, producers and actors and has caused a fight between them and the theatre owners.

"Bollywood is a big institution. Their production cost is 100 times more than our production cost. How can we compete with them?" asks Masud Parvez Sohel Rana, a well-known Bangladeshi actor and director.

"It seems to me like you are asking a flyweight boxer to fight with a heavyweight boxer," he adds.

He says even the one-off screening of Indian movies will put more pressure on the government to lift the ban permanently, and if it happens, the home-grown movie industry will vanish in no time.

Film industry leaders also warn that more than 100,000 people are dependent on the industry and their jobs could be in danger.
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Bangladeshi cinema owners are keen to show Bollywood movies

Huge losses

However, cinema hall owners argue that they are losing revenue because of the ban.

Lots of other factors, as shown below; the ban is probably the 5^TH among the "top 5".

It is also because of the falling number of films produced locally.

About a decade ago, Bangladesh produced about 100 movies a year.

But last year, the number dropped to about 60 and it is expected to go down further this year.

"We are not getting enough movies to screen in our cinema halls," says Iftekharuddin Naushad, who owns Madhumita cinema hall in the capital Dhaka.

"As a result, many halls have either been shut down or converted into malls."

In recent years, the number of cinema halls in Bangladesh has reduced from about 1,500 to just over 600.

Many say the business is not sustainable under present circumstances and satellite television channels have been drawing away viewers.

"Our cinema halls are running with one fourth of their capacity and we are incurring huge losses," says Ahasanullah Moni, who owns Razmoni cinema hall.

The Bangladesh Motion Pictures Exhibitors Association has been urging the government to allow Bollywood movies to be screened in local cinemas to inject new life into the business.

"We are not asking to open the floodgate by importing hundreds of films. We want to screen a certain number of good Indian movies, Bollywood films, so that we can have some healthy competition," says Mr Naushad.
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Film Meherjaan include cast and crew from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan

Joint production

Some film critics argue that importing Bollywood movies will also have benefits by forcing Dhallywood to improve its standards.

To match those of Bollywood? :lol:

They say the poor scripting, production and technique of Bangladeshi films are driving away viewers from cinema halls.

Bollywood movies are already shown on satellite television channels in Bangladesh.

Pirated DVDs of these films are freely available across the country with Bollywood stars like Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai are more popular than local actors.

"Without bringing Indian films to the local market, there is no way to revitalise the industry. Actually there is no industry here," says young Bangladeshi director Rubaiyat Hossain.

To overcome the present crisis, Ms Hossain proposes more Indo-Bangla joint production.

Her critically acclaimed film Meherjaan, included cast and crew from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

"I don't think I could have brought my film to the present technical level, if I hadn't worked with Indian technicians," says Ms Hossain.

"I have learnt a lot by working with them and we do not have that kind of post-production facilities here in Bangladesh," she adds.

In an age of satellite channels, internet and cell phones, the demand for good and well-made movies is increasing.

So it seems Bangladeshi films cannot avoid competition for very much longer.

Edited by Saddle Bronc, 06 October 2011 - 07:25 AM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-06 07:25:00

can i apply for PIO card for my wife?

PIO CARD IS ONLY FOR INDIAN ORIGIN US CITIZENS.

Not true--any foreign citizen (US, UK, Canada, ...) of Indian origin can apply--albeit for non-USC's, it is out of VJ-scope.

Edited by Saddle Bronc, 15 October 2011 - 07:48 PM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-15 19:48:00

living in india?

Solution: Ask him to wait until he naturalises before considering this move--in the meantime, apply for PIO (yourself) and OCI (children) and let him apply for OCI post-natrualisation.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-17 05:39:00

Delhi University row over essay on Hindu epic

http://www.bbc.co.uk...h-asia-15347430

India's Delhi University in row over Ramayana epic essay
2011/10/18 05:26 ET

A row has broken out in the Indian capital over whether Delhi university should teach a controversial essay about the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

The essay by the well-known scholar AK Ramanujan was dropped from the history syllabus earlier this week after protests from Hindu hardline groups.

The article describes 300 different retellings of the epic story found in India and other Asian countries.

Protesters say the versions recounted in the essay offend Hindu beliefs.

Entitled "Three Hundred Ramayanas: Five Examples and Three Thoughts on Translation", the essay has been part of the university's history course since 2006.

Hindu groups have protested against its inclusion since 2008.

Factoid: there is NO "standardised" version--ergo, protesters' claims have no locus-standi.

Following an order from the Supreme Court, an expert committee was formed to look into the issue.

Last week, three of the four committee members recommended that the essay should remain part of the syllabus.

Nevertheless, the university's academic council [which decides the syllabus] voted to drop the essay from the syllabus earlier this week.

The university's history department has now said it wants the essay to be restored to the syllabus arguing that the university is compromising intellectual freedom because of political pressure

"We find it very unfortunate that a course that was included and passed by the history department... has been dropped," Mail Today newspaper quoted Professor Sunil Kumar as saying.

"The department has prepared a letter informing the council about its position and also asked the council to reconsider its decision," he added.

Critics of the essay argue that it refers to versions of the Ramayana which claim that Lord Ram and Sita were siblings and that the 10-headed demon king Ravana was Sita's father.

In the most popular version of Ramayana, written by the Hindu sage Valmiki, Ram and Sita were married and are held up as an ideal couple. Ravana, it says, desired Sita for himself, kidnapped her and held her hostage until Ram rescued her.

Effigies of Ravana are burned across India during the annual Dussehra festival.

Edited by Saddle Bronc, 18 October 2011 - 02:49 PM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-18 14:48:00

Namma Metro finally inaugurated

http://www.bbc.co.uk...h-asia-15380589
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The Metro service was planned in 2003
Bangalore gets its own metro service
2011/10/20 06:57 ET

A long-awaited metro rail service has been launched in the southern city of Bangalore, India's technology hub.

The 6.7-km (4.1-mile) stretch of elevated track has six stations and connects MG Road in the centre with Baiyappanahalli Terminal in the east.

The journey through the business district takes 14-minutes - it is hoped the metro will ease traffic congestion.

The first section of the metro is part of a proposed 42km (26-mile) network which is due to be completed by 2014.

The Namma (Our) Metro was inaugurated on Thursday by India's Minister for Urban Development Kamal Nath.

An excited Karnataka state Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda described the service as a "Diwali gift" to Bangalore, home to nearly 8.5 million people (reality: more like 10 million) and over four million vehicles.

Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated across India next week.

'Excitement'

People in the city welcomed the new rail system.

"It should do a lot of good for Bangalore," said Thahir, a software engineer for Apple on a holiday to his home city.

He said he and his friends planned to take the metro to meet for a party.

"There is excitement all around but this should have happened a decade ago," said Suresh, a businessman operating near the fashionable MG road station, the venue of the metro inauguration.

But one senior journalist, Karthik Subbaraman, pointed out: "It is a good first step but the Bangalore metro has to establish its credibility by finishing the rest of the project on schedule."

Officials say the new metro line will be able to carry 30,000 passengers a day with fares ranging between 10 rupees (13 pence; 20 cents) and 15 rupees (19 pence; 30 cents).

Bangalore's metro was planned in 2003 and work began on it in 2006.

The city, home to more than 1,500 multinational software companies, is an information technology hub and is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India.

But bad roads and traffic jams have marred the image of Bangalore.

The city's best-known corporate personalities - NR Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji - have in the past complained that Bangalore's infrastructure is failing to keep pace with its rapid pace of growth due to bad planning.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-20 11:53:00

K1 Visa in Hand, selecting flights

Right... We are not concerned with Flights which force us to Switch from Heathrow to Gatwick. It will simply be Heathrow arrival and Heathrow departure.
What is this term MBE? I'm hearing this for the first time. Please elaborate.

The brown envelope with chopped-off corner issued by the Consulate/Embassy aka "Mystery Brown Envelope".

Qatar and Emirates are also good options. However, the reason why I am looking at British Airways is because of a $100+ fare difference. We are well off, but we can certainly use this money towards the AOS process or the Honeymoon.

I'll also look into Continental/UA...

So the take-way is that if its simply a transfer within Heathrow, she should not require a DATV or Transit or Visitor Visa from the UK? Yes?

Chigs

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-21 15:43:00

K1 Visa in Hand, selecting flights

Nope. I'm going with least expensive so far.
But I think many can benefit from a response to my original query.

Chigs

Technically, you will not need a DATV to go through Heathrow (so long as it is STRICTLY transit through Heathrow) as the MBE constitutes a US visa.

Be careful about "cheapest"--as in some cases it may include a Gatwick/Heathrow swap (that is worse, needs a UK visitor visa).

Going through Muddle East (Qatar or Emirates) may help you somewhat, as no transit visa needed (my mum-in-law visited here from April 12 to Oct 6, and flew Chennai-Doha-Dulles).

Pacific route (Singapore) may also work, though it is counter-intuitive (especially given that you are not on West Coast).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-20 15:09:00

K1 Visa in Hand, selecting flights

Hi All,

Though this question pertains to the aftermath of a K1 Visa being acquired, I thought it would be best if I posted in this forum as more will be potentially aware of the issue with my question.
My fiancee (Indian Citizen) just got her visa issued from the Mumbai consulate.

I'm now deciding on flights for her to arrive here in the United States. I'm concerned about potential Transit Visa or an Direct Airside Visa that may be required (or maybe not) incase we travel through the UK (London Heathrow, or any of the other airports on the Atlantic Route).
I came across this thread on(website removed by request)

I don't have an account there and thought I'd strictly ask in this forum since I'm a regular here.
According to the link, it seems any USA bound traveler with a Valid Unexpired US Visa does not need a Transit/Airside Visa.
I'm just looking for a verification of this statement. I was under the impression that if an Indian Citizen travels through London to get to USA, they need a transit visa.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Chigs

Have you thought of taking Jet Airways through Brussels to either JFK or EWR?

Edited by Kathryn41, 06 December 2011 - 05:15 PM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2011-10-20 14:42:00

Separate regional section for India

eom

Saddle Bronc

Male

2012-01-01 14:43:00

India AZ I-140

They open new consulate in Hyderabad to handle NI visas, then move all Imm visas to Mumbai (an atrocious experience generally for those who have to come in from outside--and especially from 1,300+ km away cities such as Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, ...). FTW?

Saddle Bronc

Male

2012-01-15 18:20:00

Which countries can Indian citizens travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival?

Once she has her CR1 means she has her GC it changes.
Lot of countries treat the GC holder same as USC and hence no or visa upon arrival option is available even for Indian citizen.
For example a country A might require Visa for Indian citizen, but same country A might not require visa for Indian citizen with GC.

Although this is true of Canada (no visa needed for GC holder) but not UK/EU.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2012-01-15 18:23:00

Rajesh Khanna passes away @69

http://www.bbc.co.uk...-india-18881804

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Bollywood's 'first superstar' Rajesh Khanna dies aged 69
2012/07/18 06:09 ET

Bollywood's "first superstar" Rajesh Khanna has died at the age of 69, his family has said.

The actor had been in and out of hospital in recent weeks. The cause of his health problems was unclear.

Khanna made his name playing the romantic lead in a string of films which were massive hits in the 1960s and 1970s.

The actor starred in more than 160 films, including hits such as Kati Patang, Aaradhana, Anand and Amar Prem.

He had a huge following and was mobbed by fans whenever he appeared in public.

Khanna died at his family home in Mumbai on Wednesday, the Press Trust of India reported. He had been discharged from a hospital in the city on Monday.

Scores of fans gathered outside Aashirwad, his home on Carter Road in Mumbai's Bandra area, following the news of his death, the agency said.

"He has gone to a very nice and heavenly place. We are very happy that he had gone there," his actor son-in-law Akshay Kumar told reporters.

"I hope everybody there, whoever is watching him, can just say a little prayer for him," he said.

'Crash course in romance'

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in for the superstar on the micro-blogging site, Twitter, where fans have been remembering his best dialogues and songs from his hit films.

PM Manmohan Singh led the tributes with his tweet: "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless fans and admirers of Rajesh Khanna."

Wrote actor Anupam Kher: "Rajesh Khanna gave us a crash course in Romance. He introduced us to a special twinkle in the eye that made us feel good about ourselves."

Director Karan Johar tweeted: "The magic... the mannerism... the mania of RAJESH KHANNA is inscribed in every archive of Indian cinema... Forever.... RIP SIR!!!"

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhat wrote: "When we lose a loved one, something within us dies. Our generation loved Rajesh Khanna. Today a bit of us dies with this enigmatic star."

Actress Shabana Azmi tweeted: "He was the SUPERSTAR like no other. Did 10 films with him. Met him last at Apsara awards. Pale shadow of himself but smile as winsome."

Popularly called "Kaka" by his fans, the actor won a host of industry awards during his long career, although he was only recently seen in his first television commercial.

During the peak of his popularity, there were reports of his female fans marrying his photographs.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2012-07-18 06:46:00

(Non sickle-cell) Anemia and the IR1 K1 visas

This is not at all a problem -- as nutritional deficiency is not considered as "disease of concern".

Saddle Bronc

Male

2013-02-16 09:54:00

preparation for travel to US

do i need to carry 165$ receipt at POE ? our visa issued yesterday .

No -- the visa is proof enough, the receipt is redundant after.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2013-02-18 05:21:00

Indian planning to marry older black american women

Thanks.My question would be whether age difference/different race parents disapproval ,my H1b visa 221g in 2008 will have an impact on my application. If yes.how can i tackle this.

older fiancee--may get some scrutiny, but not a straight-off disqualifier
different race--see chris'tina s profile
parental disapproval--well, you are of legal age to marry (whether in US or India) without anyone's consent
I can't say about the 221g

Saddle Bronc

Male

2010-09-09 08:14:00

Gulf-job "virtual widows"

http://www.bbc.co.uk...-india-21365161

India's 'virtual widows' suffer as husbands seek work in the Gulf
2013/06/09 20:13 ET

Sajida has been a single parent of a six-year-old from soon after her marriage

Many young Muslim brides in India's southern state of Kerala are left behind by their husbands who go to the Gulf in search of jobs, causing a lot of worry in the community. BBC Hindi's Salman Ravi reports from Karumbil village in Kerala.

In this non-descript village along the Malabar coast of the Arabian Sea, a group of women clap their hands and sing traditional folk songs in celebration around a teenage bride.

But once the celebrations are over, the new bride will join the ranks of many other teenage brides here who are condemned to lead a lonely life.

Most of the men in this Muslim-dominated region work in the Middle East and the most eligible groom is the one who has a job in one of the Gulf countries.

According to government estimates, almost 50% of men living in the Malabar region are working either in the United Arab Emirates or other Arab countries.

There are few job opportunities in Kerala and some estimates suggest unemployment in the state is three times the national average, which forces many young men to look to the Middle East for a livelihood.

'Virtual widows'

However, this trend is fast taking its toll on the mental health of the young brides who are forced to live the lives of "virtual widows".

"Their conjugal life is short since the groom comes to get married during his vacation and has to report back for work within 15 to 20 days. Once he goes back, he doesn't come back for a couple of years after which he returns home usually for just a month," says Sujatha, a senior government official in Mallappuram district.

She says in this region, it is normal for a girl to be married off at the age of 15 - even though the legal age for marriage for a girl is 18 - as many parents feel that after that "they will not be able to find a groom for her".

But a prolonged separation from the husband, coupled with the fact that the teenage brides become mothers at an early age, has now become a major cause of concern for the community and the state government.

Sajida (not her real name), a teenager from Nilambur, was married seven years ago and is now taking care of a six-year-old son as a single parent. She became pregnant within 15 days of her wedding after which her husband left to work in Kuwait.

Ayesha, an 18-year-old from Kottakkal, was married two years ago.

The cash and gold her parents gave as her dowry were used by her husband to find a job in the Gulf but "there has been no word from my husband since he left", she tells me.

Her father Abdhul Kareem says Ayesha has been in a state of depression ever since.

'Gulf syndrome'

With a rising number of young women in such marriages suffering from depression, the government has appointed health professionals at the district and village levels to counsel them.

Ramlath, a counsellor at a government hospital, sees nearly 10 patients every day.

"These girls are not prepared to live this life of separation and, therefore, they are suffering mentally and physically," she says.

The "gulf syndrome" - as it is called in the region - is also leading to marital discords, resulting in more family break-ups.

More and more Muslim women on the Malabar coast are being forced to live as 'virtual widows' as their husbands seek work in the Middle East

Says Shamsudheen K, a lawyer who is dealing with many divorce cases: "Times are changing and the old custom of getting girls married off at an early age is not working out. The girls don't want to live like widows."

Many of the girls also end up having affairs which lead to separations, he says.

The Jamat-e-Islami Hind, a right-wing political organisation, has been working within the Muslim community for several years on this issue and has been counselling families to discourage such marriages.

Group member Nasiruddeen Alungal says the only "positive side" of such marriages is that a girl learns to manage her life at an early age.

"Usually it is the male who is the one making all the decisions in the family. But girls who do not have their husbands living with them take the reins and are proving to be good managers."

Mr Alungal says his organisation is trying to convince people that they can earn a living staying in India and don't have to travel to the Gulf to find work.

"Our men are exploited a lot in the Gulf. As soon as a man lands there for a job, his passport is taken away by his employers and he cannot return home when he wants to."

Mr Alungal says that in an effort to save money, the men work every day without a break and travel less so they can send more money back home to their families.

Note: There are probably a lot more non-Muslim (as well as Muslim) "virtual widows" in the FB-2 category!

Saddle Bronc

Male

2013-06-10 20:43:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk...d-asia-23300474

Pran passes away @ 93

Veteran Bollywood villain Pran dies

2013/07/13 10:41 ET

Pran received India's prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award in May

Veteran Indian film actor Pran Krishan Sikand, popularly known as Pran, has died in Mumbai at the age of 93.

Pran was famous for playing the part of the villain in Hindi films, in a career that stretched more than six decades.

Between the 1960s and 1980s, he appeared in nearly every major Bollywood film, elevating the role of the villain to cult status.

He won many honours throughout his career, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Pran Krishan Sikand came to Mumbai from what is now Pakistan. (nice try, BBC -- his bio states he was born in New Delhi, never part of Pakistan) A chance encounter with a screenwriter is said to have led him to his first role in a Punjabi film, Yamla Jat, in 1940.

Moving to India after partition (see above, both Delhi region and Mumbai have been in India prior to 1947/08/13 and post 1947/08/15), he started out as the main protagonist. But after excelling as a villain, he was almost invariably cast in such roles.

He played in more than 350 films, including the blockbusters of their day.

Most famously, he played opposite Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan in the 1973 film Zanjeer, in which Pran underwent a dramatic transformation into a good man.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2013-07-13 22:43:00

Playback-singer Manna Dey passes away @ 94

http://www.bbc.co.uk...-india-24649143

Manna Dey: Legendary Indian singer dies

2013/10/24 03:27 ET

Manna Dey had largely withdrawn from public life in his later years

Indian singer Manna Dey has died in a Bangalore hospital at the age of 94.

He had been ill for the past few months and was in hospital for a respiratory infection. His funeral is due to take place later on Thursday.

Born Prabodh Chandra Dey in 1919, Dey was popularly known as Manna, and chalked up a number of hit Bollywood songs in a career spanning six decades.

He sang in several languages including Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Marathi, Kannada, Punjabi and Bhojpuri.

His long career saw him win several awards for his contribution to music, including state honours like the Padma Shri in 1971 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2005. He was also given the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007.

Dey sang more than 3,500 songs, including romantic ballads, intricate raga-based songs, Qawwalis and fast-paced modern numbers in his career.

Along with Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, and Kishore Kumar, he made up what was known as the "famous quartet of singers" who dominated the Hindi film music industry from 1950s to 1970s.

Many of Dey's tracks for Bollywood films became huge hits and he sang for some of the biggest Bollywood names like Raj Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra.

His most popular numbers included Zindagi kaisi hai paheli (Life, what a riddle it is) from the film Anand; Poocho na kaise maine raen bitayee (Don't ask how I spent my night) from Meri Surat Teri Aankhen, Ek chatur naar (A clever woman) from Padosan and and Eey bhai zara dekh ke chalo (Oh brother, look where you're going) from Meraa Naam Joker.

He also sang for Bollywood super-hits Sholay and Amar Akbar Anthony.

'Unique style'

In the last few years, he had largely withdrawn from public life.

Tributes have been pouring in for the singer from the film industry and his fans on social media sites.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari led the nation in paying tributes to "a legend who enthralled a whole generation".

Manna Dey sang more than 3,500 songs, including romantic ballads, intricate raga-based songs, Qawwalis and fast-paced modern numbers, in a career spanning more than six decades.

Many of Dey's tracks for Bollywood films became huge hits and he sang for some of the biggest Bollywood names like Raj Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra.

Along with Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, and Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey made up what was known as the "famous quartet of singers" who dominated the Hindi film music industry from the 1950s to 1970s.

Manna Dey won several awards for his contribution to music, including the state honour Padma Vibhushan in 2005.

"Deepest condolences on the sad demise of Manna Dey. His voice and unique style enthralled a whole generation. Another legend has left us," the minister wrote on Twitter.

"Manna Dey, stalwart of the music world, passes away. Flooded with memories and his songs," tweeted Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

In another tweet, Bachchan said: "Strange how we connect events of our life with his songs."

"Manna Dey passes away. His voice shall linger forever. R.I.P." tweeted film-maker Mahesh Bhat.

Actor Manoj Bajpai tweeted: "Manna Dey is no more! A great singer! Let's pray for him! My condolences to his family! His music will live for 1000 yrs. RIP"

Actress Shabana Azmi wrote: "Manna Dey had a unique voice. He will live on through his songs Ai Meri Zohra Jabeen/ dil ka haal suney dilwala/ poocho na kaise maine. RIP."

Popular cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted. "Oh no. Such terrible news to get up to. Manna Dey no more? Less melody in the world."

Edited by Saddle Bronc, 24 October 2013 - 06:37 AM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2013-10-24 06:31:00

Shipping Carrom board

Pad it with clothes you wish to take to US, then wrap all of it in thick newspaper and tie the package with lots of twine -- then check it in to the airline when you fly out to US.

Edited by Saddle Bronc, 04 January 2014 - 12:06 PM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2014-01-04 12:05:00

Author/humourist Kushwant Singh passes away @ 99

http://www.bbc.com/n...-india-26661491

Indian author Khushwant Singh dies

2014/03/20 05:09 EDT

Khushwant Singh was known for his biting satire

One of India's best known authors and journalists, Khushwant Singh, has died aged 99, his family says.

A prolific writer, he wrote dozens of novels and short story collections. He also edited several magazines and newspapers in the 1970s and 80s.

Khushwant Singh's novel, Train to Pakistan, based on the bloody partition of India in 1947, was made into a film.

He also served a term as an MP and was given the Padma Vibhushan, a civilian award, by the government.

Mr Singh, died at his home in the Indian capital, Delhi, after suffering from respiratory trouble, his family said on Thursday.

A Sikh, he was born in what is now Pakistan, and was known in particular for his biting satire.

He continued to write his popular column, With Malice Towards One and All, until his death.

In 1984, he returned a civilian award in protest at the Indian government's move to send troops into the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, to flush out militants.

But in 2007, he accepted the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

Tributes have been pouring in for the legendary writer.

"A gifted author, candid commentator and a dear friend. He lived a truly creative life," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote on Twitter.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2014-03-20 08:44:00

USCIS Service Centers

How do you get a live person at a service center

...Otherwise you can call the 800 # and ask to speak to an immigration officer, they'll ask you a few Qs before they connect you. Be prepared to wait 60 minutes (usually)

And don't assume you'll be any less confused (the answering "rep" is highly likely to be more confoozled than you).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-07 15:24:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

tnvisa overstay canadian ctzn.

QUOTE (spiceman50 @ Jun 24 2008, 09:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

my girlfriend overstayed her tn visa,we tried to renew it, was denied she was erd and given a five year ban.since then we have been married and i have filed her i-130 with vermont svc ctr.only reply so far,is an eac #.looking for any advise or info.from anyone with a similar experience.

Was the denial done at the border or at NSC (Nebraska Service Centre)?

Saddle Bronc

Male

2008-06-24 12:37:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Is it legal for a self employed contract worker to have a long term contract?

Yes, since the tax-documents involved WILL be evidence of income.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2010-12-10 11:59:00

Experience at Detroit poe with K-1 in hand

Welcome Scotty

(praying that Pras will have as easy/smooth an experience in 3 weeks).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-03-14 12:05:00

(a fact about which he complained royally).

Or not, as the case would seem to be!

Admittedly, I could have used the words profusely, too much, grossly (there's a plethora of words which would work) :lol:

while I understand governments needs to do things this way all this beurocracy really does make it much harder for 2 people looking to merge their lives....... sigh!!!

Considering that ONE government (in this case US) can make life miserable through marginally-shoehorned antiquted immigration laws, no surprise.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-11 16:49:00

Only if she has actually resided in UK.

????????????What??

you only need to reside in the UK for a british passport??
I would think that the person would need to be a CITIZEN of the UK also.

Well, app for UK passport is (according to my cousin who lives in London) the same as the app for citizenship. What I was saying was that it would be impossible for a foreigner to get UK citizenship without actually residing in UK (basically analogous to what it is in US and Canada; admittedly, the citizenship and passport apps are separate in these countries--the passport app can only be filled by a citizen).

Not automatically granted simply based on time either. Moh'd al-Fayed (the chopf#ck Egyptian owner of Harrod's) was denied UK passport (a fact about which he complained royally).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-11 14:37:00

Also, if it was true for USC who had not resided in UK earlier, that would open DRUMS of worms (as those with Indian, Pakistani, Guyanese, Nigerian, etc. spouses would now want to apply).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-11 11:41:00

Only if she has actually resided in UK.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-11 10:23:00

I've brought a medium sized duffel bag filled with candy/cookies/assorted sweet things and mt. dew before with no problems (besides the weight from the mt dew, which wasn't a big deal, and slightly melty chocolate), as well, to chime in with the 'it shouldn't be a problem's. The person who checked my bag was incredibly confused why I was packing mt. dew and suggested I just buy it when I was overseas, and I had to explain to her that it's not available there (or when it is, it's horribly expensive).

Though new TSA rules make it incredibly difficult--as you can no longer carry it onboard (and carbonated drinks blow up the containers when frozen)

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-13 03:38:00

I actually prefer crumpets (hard to get here, but common-as-gophers in Calgary).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-12 11:34:00

....just have to hope it does not burst open and the case to be left out in the rain.... could make for an interesting mess....

Kezzie

My apology, I can't help laughing at the visualisation.

:lol:

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-12 09:53:00

But UK hasn't yet inherited too much of the "high fructose" (or any other kind) corn syrup being used as a cheap sweetener.

I didn't even know that North-American style pancakes had any market in UK.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-12 09:35:00

I guess I'm wondering why the heck anyone would want US candy living in the UK ...

The same reason I was asked by one relative to bring Cursey's bars to India when I was already carrying Lindt and Tobler (someone there has NO taste).

I could understand better if they at least asked for Canadian chocolate since there is one half-decent (Nielsen) and one full-decent (Laura Secord) brands

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-12 03:53:00

What would happen if you claimed that all of it was for "personal consumption"? (seriously, I've carried much foodstuff from Canada into US that way).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-11 14:43:00

Also, another problem with "accompanying visitors" bringing extra suitcase. US immigration officers may view short term visitor with two suitcases as red-flag (too much luggage for short visit).

Best to sell the electronics l-s-b, use the funds for journey and new bank accounts, then purchase NEW (if you want to get it cheaper, e-bay is available).

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-21 10:53:00

Plus, the funds (from selling it) can be useful for journey as well as startup of bank accounts.

Edited by CherryXS, 21 September 2006 - 07:47 AM.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-21 07:46:00

I have a wonderful stereo ( consisting of Amp, CD Deck and tape deck. Could leave the tape deck here) and speakers that cost me a lot of money and I wanted to see if they would work in the USA.

I have looked around the site to try to find the answer to this but I couldn't really find anything

Even if I have to have it 'adapted' to suit the US voltage system it might still be worth it for me.

Sorry but technology is not my forte

Hiya,

Just a quick note to say that the step-up transformers which have been suggested aren't great for high-end audio equipment. They will work, but you might notice a difference in sound quality if you have a sensitive ear. They also really f**k with the power supply of your amp!

A far better way, as was mentioned, is to get a 220v socket installed somewhere and use that. It's no sweat as all the lines are available anyway.

Or if you're smart, use the one that's in place for your washing machine/tumble dryer! It has a weird plug, but sure as heck you can get 220v out of it!!

Still, however, check the frequency the amp works on - 50 or 60 Hertz makes a big difference in the audio world!

Hope this helps.

Adam.

Sounds like you would agree with my "original" idea of "bring only the speakers, buy the rest here".

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-18 05:19:00

YuandDan is correct. I have a guitar amp from UK that I couldn't live without. I bought a $13 transformer from an online site and it works as perfectly here as it did there. My question is about my hubby's computer. Any suggestions there?
Computer is even easier, If laptop, the ac adapter will be marked 110-220 just plug it in. If desktop, look near where the power cord connects to the tower, some have a red switch, to change voltage from 220 to 110, and just buy a cord, others will auto switch for you, it will be marked like laptop 110/220 auto, and still others may need the power supply replaced if the computer is an ordinary tower a power supply can be bought at any electronics store for $40 - $60.

The monitor is another story, IF it is a large CRT, leave it behind and buy a new one here.....

especially considering that one can get a flat-panel LCD 48 cm (19") for around $200.

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-13 08:29:00

How about sell all-but-the speakers, bring speakers to US and buy amp and CD-deck here?

Saddle Bronc

Male

2006-09-13 08:03:00