As Life Goes Digital : Guide to Cricket, Deals, MBA and Immigration

Diwali Deal - 1 Hour Free India Calling

Diwali - the festival of lights is a popular fireworks festival celebrated in India. For this Diwali 2009, IndiaLD is giving away 1 hour of free calling to one number in India or to the other 27 countries - The list includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, HongKong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom

The registration page link is here (indiald.com/eu/diwalipromo) -

Registration seems to be more ease and there are some other notes from the website.

You will be given a California access number that will automatically call your overseas destination from the phone that you register. Our access number is a regular phone number in California. Long distance rates may apply to call it. Check with your phone provider if you are unsure of costs.

Your calling card will be good for 14 days or until all the minutes are used up. You must call from the phone number you entered into the form, and it will only call the destination number you entered.

Happy Diwali 2009 (17 the October 2009) !!

Labels: Deals, India

written by Kalyan @ 11:40 PM, ,

Prefer Employment Based Immigrants over Family Citizenship

Obama administration is yet to discuss immigration reform in the first half of 2010. The independent report recommends skilled immigrants over family based citizenship.

Here is the quote from the Brookings report -

Reorient Immigrant Admissions Criteria

We must reorient the nation’s immigrant admissions criteria to better serve Americans and our economic goals. Family unification should remain a bedrock principle of U.S. immigration policy, but we believe that “family” must be narrowed to mean nuclear family members. We must also recognize that in today’s increasingly competitive and technology-intensive global economy, educated workers with the knowledge and skills to innovate are critical. Therefore, we recommend increasing skilled visas and replacing per-country limits on skilled visas with a single overall limit. At the same time, we recommend holding constant, at least for the present, the overall number of permanent legal residents admitted annually.

What does this translate to ? Washington Post gave the numbers -

Closing the door to extended relatives and another 50,000 people admitted each year under a "diversity" lottery would make room to increase from 180,000 to 330,000 the number of skilled workers and their family members whom the U.S. could admit each year, the group said.

Who benefits ? The skilled legal US immigrants who are on 8 to 10 years of waiting line for their green cards. All the employment based visa categories like EB2 and EB3 and who belong to India may get a little hope from this recommendation.

Labels: Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 9:57 PM, ,

Big Changes in India Business Visas

Indian government stepped up efforts to clean-up the business visa misuse by issuing new employment Business visa rules for foreigners visiting India on a business trip.

The new rules is going to effect 70,000 plus skilled and non skilled expatriates working in India. This move by Indian government seems to be along the similar lines of US H1-B visa restrictions. The foreign companies that have their multinational shops in India get effected by this move.

Source : Getting an Indian work visa will be tougher now, Govt tells expatriates on business visas to leave Gujarat

Labels: Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 9:13 PM, ,

TV channels showing Compaq Cup 2009 matches in US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, UAE and Africa

The Tri-Series between India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand dubbed as Compaq Cup 2009 starts on September 2009. Here is consolidated list of TV channels around the globe that are broadcasting Compaq Cup 2009 series in all continents/countries ( US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, UAE and Africa) and the respective TV channels. Included is the schedule of the channel links with match start times and channel numbers.

US - Direct TV & Dish Network

Direct TV DirectTV is yet announces on its website the package -

Here is the Direct TV Schedule

Previous Cricket Direct TV Channel numbers are 2024, 478 and 479

Dish Network

Dish Network is yet to offer this package but last time because of Zee Sports IPL 2009 was not offered on Dish.

Call Dish Network (USA) and tell customer service that you want cricket - Compaq Cup 2009 (Note there is an ashes series happening currently and make sure it is Tr-Series). Current Dish customers call: 1-888-686-2388
From past experience, usually they start offering the package 3 or 4 days before the event.

Here is pay per view sports events schedule from Dish PPV Dish schedule

Note : MOST LIKELY DISH MAY NOT SHOW THIS EVENT.

Canada - ATN

TBD

UK - Sky Sports and BBC – Highlights

Here is TVGuide link

India - Ten Sports

Ten Sports to broadcast all Compaq cup matches in India.

Here is TenSports Channel and schedule link

UAE, Dubai & Middle East - Ten Sports Arab Digital Distribution

If you have Pehla Gold, Pehla Silver and Firstnet Premium subscriptions then you can watch the series live on ten Sports.

Here is an announcement by Arab Digital Distribution (ADD) , the largest pay television management company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Africa - Supersport2

Supersport2 provides coverage for Compaq 2009 matches in Africa continent.

Here is SuperSoprts2 TV Schedule link

New Zealand - Sky Sport3

SKY Network Television provides coverage for Compaq 2009 matches in New Zealand.

Here is Sky sport3 TV Schedule link

Labels: Cricket, Ind vs SL, India, sri lanka, TV Channels

written by Kalyan @ 3:08 AM, ,

Compaq Cup 2009 Schedule & Match Times - India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand tri-series

India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand tri-series known as 'Compaq Cup 2009' begins on September 8, 2009. The Tri-Series is played in Sri Lanka. There are total four matches including final.

Here is the schedule and match start times -

Match date & time	Match schedule details	Stadium	Match starts in -
September 8 - Tuesday 14:30 local, 9:00 GMT, 5:00 EDT 4:00 CDT	1st match - Sri Lanka vs New Zealand	Colombo, Sri Lanka - Premadasa Stadium	SL vs NZL, Sri Lanka vs New Zealand match starts in - -
September 11 - Friday 14:30 local, 9:00 GMT, 5:00 EDT 4:00 CDT	2nd match - India vs New Zealand	Colombo, Sri Lanka - Premadasa Stadium	Ind vs NZ, India v New Zealand match starts in - -
September 12 - Saturday 14:30 local, 9:00 GMT, 5:00 EDT 4:00 CDT	3rd match - Sri Lanka v India	Colombo, Sri Lanka - Premadasa Stadium	SL vs IND, Sri Lanka v India match starts in - -
September 14 - Monday 14:30 local, 9:00 GMT, 5:00 EDT 4:00 CDT	Final - TBD vs TBD	Colombo, Sri Lanka - Premadasa Stadium	TBD v TBD match starts in - -

Labels: Cricket, Ind vs SL, India, sri lanka, TV Channels

written by Kalyan @ 1:10 AM, ,

TV channels showing IPL 2009 matches in US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, UAE and Africa

What are all TV channels around the globe that are broadcasting Indian Premier League (IPL) 2009 series from April'18 2009, Here is consolidated list of all continents/countries ( US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, UAE and Africa) and the respective TV channels. Iincluded is the schedule of the channel links with match start times and channel numbers.

Click Here - to watch online IPL 2009

US - Direct TV & Dish Network

Direct TV DirectTV announces on its website the $99 package - (Last year 2008 same package was sold for $59)

Here is the Direct TV Schedule

Direct TV Channel # is 2024.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=1100076&footernavtype=-1#Indian%20Premier%20League-IPL

DIRECTV: CricketTicket via kwout

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/search/searchResults.jsp?_requestid=1271954

Search Results via kwout

Dish Network

Call Dish Network (USA) and tell customer service that you want cricket - IPL channel. Current Dish customers call: 1-888-686-2388
From past experience, usually they start offering the package 3 or 4 days before the event.

Here is pay per view sports events schedule from Dish PPV Dish schedule

Canada - ATN - Bell TV (Bell ExpressVu)

ATN bought the Canada broadcasting rights for 2009 IPL.

ATN will broadcast the 2009 games live on Pay Per View across Canada on Bell TV (Bell ExpressVu), on Rogers Cable in parts of Ontario, and on Shaw Cable in Western Canada.

http://tvonline.bell.ca/tvonline/servlet/CommandServlet?command=flow&processid=167&simpleSearchKeyWord=IPL&requestedPage=0&requestedSortMethod=3&requestedSearchMethod=0&simpleSearchSelectedResultTitle=IPL%20Cricket%3A%20Starts%20Apr-18&simpleSearchSelectedResultEpisodeTitle=null&occurences=1&prevRequestedPageNum=0&prevRequestedSortMethod=0

Bell TV Online via kwout

UK - Setanta Sports

IPL 2nd season will be telcasted on Sentena Sports 2.

TV Listings | Setanta via kwout

India - Sony's Set Max

SetMax bought the rights for next five years to broadcast all IPL matches in India.

http://www.maxtelevision.com/ipl_schedule.php

MAXTelevision.com via kwout

Australia - Network 10

Network 10 (Channel 10) has bought the rights to show every IPL game live in Australia on free-to-air television for the next five years.

Click on the link and then select your city and look in tvguide for times of IPL (it's around 11:30PM )

UAE, Dubai & Middle East - ART Prime Sport

ART Prime Sport channel gets 10 year IPL contract.

The ADD news

Arab Digital Distribution (ADD), the largest pay TV platform management company in the Middle East and North Africa, announced that it had won 10-year exclusive television coverage rights for the Middle East and North Africa for the cricketing world's most expensive and most talked about - the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket competition.

Live coverage for the same would be made available to audiences in UAE, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and Libya via Pehla/ART Premium Sports packages.

Africa - Supersport2

Supersport2 provides coverage for IPL 2009 matches in Africa continent.

Here is SuperSoprts2 TV Schedule link

Labels: 2009, Cricket, DFL, directTV, DishNetwork, India, IPL, setmax, SuperSports, TV Channels

written by Kalyan @ 2:14 PM, ,

IPL 2009 Schedule & Match Start Times

DFL IPL (Indian Premier League) 2009 is back with a small change of venue from India to South Africa as Indian government cannot provide security because of general elections. Elections in India forced change in IPL schedule/venue, Itinerary is slightly tweaked due to polls. The IPL 2009 Twenty20 competition starts April 18 and lasts 35 days until May 24. Each team will play the other 7 teams home and away, the top four teams at the end of the group stages will go through to the semi finals and then the finals.

Here is detailed DFL IPL schedule 2009 with match start times , venues and team vs team details -

Match date & time	Match schedule details	Stadium	Match starts in -
April 18 - Saturday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	1st match - Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians	Newlands, Cape Town	Chennai vs Mumbai match starts in - -
April 18 - Saturday 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	2nd match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Rajasthan Royals	Newlands, Cape Town	Bangalore vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
April 19 - Sunday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	3rd match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Kings XI Punjab	Newlands, Cape Town	Delhi vs. Punjab match starts in - -
April 19 - Sunday 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	4th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	Newlands, Cape Town	Hyderabad vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
April 20 - Monday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	5th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Chennai Super Kings	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Bangalore vs. Chennai match starts in - -
April 21 - Tuesday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	6th match - Kings XI Punjab vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	Kingsmead, Durban	Punjab vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
April 21 - Tuesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	7th match - Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals	Kingsmead, Durban	Mumbai vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
April 22 - Wednesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	8th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Deccan Chargers	Newlands, Cape Town	Bangalore vs. Hyderabad match starts in - -
April 23 - Thursday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	9th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Delhi Daredevils	Kingsmead, Durban	Chennai vs. Delhi match starts in - -
April 23 - Thursday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	10th match - Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals	Newlands, Cape Town	Kolkata vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
April 24 Friday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	11th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Kings XI Punjab	Kingsmead, Durban	Bangalore vs. Punjab match starts in --
April 25 Saturday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	12th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Mumbai Indians	Kingsmead, Durban	Hyderabad vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
April 25 Saturday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	13th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	Newlands, Cape Town	Chennai vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
April 26 Sunday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	14th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Delhi Daredevils	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Bangalore vs. Delhi match starts in - -
April 26 Sunday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	15th match - Kings XI Punjab vs. Rajasthan Royals	Newlands, Cape Town	Punjab vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
April 27 Monday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	16th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Deccan Chargers	Kingsmead, Durban	Chennai vs. Hyderabad match starts in - -
April 27 Monday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	17th match - Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Kolkata vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
April 28 Tuesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	18th match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Rajasthan Royals	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Delhi vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
April 29 Wednesday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	19th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	Kingsmead, Durban	Bangalore vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
April 29 Wednesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	20th match - Kings XI Punjab vs. Mumbai Indians	Kingsmead, Durban	Punjab vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
April 30 Thursday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	21st match - Deccan Chargers vs. Delhi Daredevils	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Hyderabad vs. Delhi match starts in - -
April 30 Thursday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	22nd match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Rajasthan Royals	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Chennai vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 1 Friday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	23rd match - Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians	Buffalo Park, East London	Kolkata vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 1 Friday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	24th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Kings XI Punjab	Kingsmead, Durban	Bangalore vs. Punjab match starts in - -
May 2 Saturday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	25th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Rajasthan Royals	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan match starts in --
May 2 Saturday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	26th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Delhi Daredevils	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	Chennai vs. Delhi match starts in - -
May 3 Sunday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	27th match - Kings XI Punjab vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Punjab vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
May 3 Sunday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	28th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Mumbai Indians	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	Bangalore vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 4 Monday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	29th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Deccan Chargers	Buffalo Park, East London	Chennai vs. Hyderabad match starts in - -
May 5 Tuesday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	30th match - Kings XI Punjab vs. Rajasthan Royals	Kingsmead, Durban	Punjab vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 5 Tuesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	31st match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	Kingsmead, Durban	Delhi vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
May 6 Wednesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	32nd match - Deccan Chargers vs. Mumbai Indians	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Hyderabad vs. Mumbai match starts in --
May 7 Thursday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	33rd match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Rajasthan Royals	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Bangalore vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 7 Thursday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	34th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Kings XI Punjab	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Chennai vs. Punjab match starts in - -
May 8 Friday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	35th match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Mumbai Indians	Buffalo Park, East London	Delhi vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 9 Saturday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	36th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Kings XI Punjab	De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley	Hyderabad vs. Punjab match starts in - -
May 9 Saturday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	37th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Rajasthan Royals	De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley	Chennai Super vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 10 Sunday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	38th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Mumbai Indians	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Bangalore vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 10 Sunday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	39th match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	Delhi vs. Kolkata match starts in --
May 11 Monday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	40th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Rajasthan Royals	De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley	Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 12 Tuesday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	41st match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Bangalore vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
May 12 Tuesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	42nd match - Kings XI Punjab vs. Mumbai Indians	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Punjab vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 13 Wednesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	43rd match - Deccan Chargers vs. Delhi Daredevils	Kingsmead, Durban	Hyderabad vs. Delhi match starts in - -
May 14 Thursday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	44th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Chennai Super Kings	Kingsmead, Durban	Bangalore vs. Chennai match starts in - -
May 14 Thursday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	45th match - Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals	Kingsmead, Durban	Mumbai vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 15 Friday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	46th match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Kings XI Punjab	OUTsurance Oval, Bloemfontein	Delhi vs. Punjab match starts in --
May 16 Saturday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	47th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians	St George's Park, Port Elizabeth	Chennai vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 16 Saturday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	48th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	Hyderabad vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
May 17 Sunday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	49th match - Deccan Chargers vs. Kings XI Punjab	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	Hyderabad vs. Punjab match starts in - -
May 17 Sunday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	50th match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Rajasthan Royals	OUTsurance Oval, Bloemfontein	Delhi vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 18 Monday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	51st match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Chennai vs. Kolkata match starts in - -
May 19 Tuesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	52nd match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Delhi Daredevils	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	Bangalore vs. Delhi match starts in - -
May 20 Wednesday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	53rd match - Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals	Kingsmead, Durban	Kolkata vs. Rajasthan match starts in - -
May 20 Wednesday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	54th match - Chennai Super Kings vs. Kings XI Punjab	Kingsmead, Durban	Chennai vs. Punjab match starts in - -
May 21 Thursday 12:30 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:00 IST	55th match - Delhi Daredevils vs. Mumbai Indians	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Delhi vs. Mumbai match starts in - -
May 21 Thursday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	56th match - Bangalore Royal Challengers vs. Deccan Chargers	SuperSport Park, Centurion	Bangalore vs. Hyderabad match starts in - -
May 22 Friday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	1st Semi-Final - TBC vs. TBC	SuperSport Park, Centurion	TBC vs. TBC match starts in - -
May 23 Saturday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	2nd Semi-Final - TBC vs. TBC	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	TBC vs. TBC match starts in - -
May 24 Sunday (Day/Night) 16:30 local, 14:30 GMT, 20:00 IST	Final - TBC vs. TBC	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	TBC vs. TBC match starts in - -

Labels: 2009, Cricket, DFL, India, IPL, schedule, starttimes

written by Kalyan @ 12:45 PM, ,

May 2009 Visa Bulletin India Dates - EB3 Unavailable

In May 2009 Visa bulletin the bad news came too early , May 2009 bulletin retrogressed India Employment Third preference to unavailable cut-off date which clearly indicates demand for EB3 numbers - (AOS)adjustment of status cases. May 2009 Bulletin released reflected the big drop not only for India but also to other countries EB3 category as "Unavailable" where as EB2 category for India is at 15FEB04. Remind you that this is just half of the fiscal year for visa numbers and this demand puts water on the hopes of many who are waiting to get US Green Cards.

Why did EB3 become unavailable so early May Bulletin?

This is unexpected and is reported by all immigration lawyers that they have NOT seen such thing happened so early in all of their career.

Shusterman writes :

This is the earliest that the category has become unavailable in my 33 years of practicing immigration law

And it should be noted that USCIS would not stop sending RFEs for all pending i-485 cases even though the EB3 category becomes unavailable. So expect RFEs sent to your employer during these visa numbers "unavailable" times too.

All the best for those who are waiting for dates to become current.

Labels: 2009, GreenCard, H1-B, Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 8:25 PM, ,

Huge Drop in H1-B Visa Applications

After first week of opening visa applications, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) reports that it received only 42,000 H!-B visa applications from foreigners for high skill jobs in US. The total available visas are 65000. Last year the cap of 65K is reached within few days.For year 2008 USCIS received 163,000 H1-B applications.

The fall of economy and no signs of recovery may be the reasons for drop in demand for US work visas. The companies who took government bail out money is restricted not to hire foreign workers in H1-B visas. This may be one of the causes that is effecting in the reduction of H1-B visa applicants.

But advanced degree quota of 20,000 visas are filled up fast. These work visas are for students who completed MS or other graduate degrees in US.

Source : Economic Times , PTINews

Labels: 2009, GreenCard, H1-B, Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 8:20 PM, ,

Google’s Lok Sabha Election 2009 Page

India’s general elections (Lok Sabha) 2009 is fast approaching and Google’s elections 2009 page has all consolidated info at one place. Google partnered with Hindustan Times this time to bring up to date info to everyone.

Besides all election news there is one catchy privacy concern voter rolls list available. For six cities – Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune cities one can search voter rolls info. The data includes addresses and husband information too.

The data is coming from Janaagraha. I searched on Sonia Gandhi and found the 10 Janpath address and Rajiv Gandhi name listed as Sonia husband.

http://www.google.co.in/intl/en/landing/loksabha2009/

Lok Sabha Elections 2009 via kwout

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 12:20 AM, ,

SET Max to make 400 Crores in IPL ads

IPL (Indian Premier League) got moved to South Africa over security concerns as India is holding general elections in two weeks. SET Max is said to raise 400 crore from sponsors and ads. Worlds Sports Group will have all the international rights and SET Max together paid 911 crores for this mega event.

IPL's nine fixed sponsors include Coca-Cola, Hyundai, Airtel Digital TV, Havell’s and Vodafone.

It has to be seen if the event hosted out of India will have same viewership as it had last year. The fast sell of ads for 2009 shows the increasing popularity of this short version of the game. The franchisees too lost big amount of money last year except a handful like SRK's Calcutta team which made money selling franchise materials.

Source : SET Max sells 80% of IPL ads

Labels: DFL, India, IPL, setmax

written by Kalyan @ 8:30 PM, ,

US Senators seeking H1-B visa review of 25 MNCs

Two US senators - Richard Durbin (Democrat-Illinois) and Charles Grassley (Republican-Iowa) are asking 25 MNCs of how they have used H1-B visas. Their major concern is that H1-Bs are used to outsource American jobs. Replacement of American workers is unjustified and needs much bigger oversight. The H1-B quota increase is highly opposed as Unemployment rate hit the lowest since 1983.

Their letter of inquiry had been sent to the following 25 MNC companies—Infosys Technologies Ltd., Wipro Limited, Satyam Computer Services Ltd., Cognizant Tech Solutions, Microsoft Corp., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Patni Computer Systems Inc., US Technology Resources Llc., I-Flex Solutions Inc., Intel Corp., Accenture Llp., Cisco Systems Inc., Ernst & Young Llp., Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd., Deloitte & Touche Llp., Google Inc., Mphasis Corp., University of Illinois at Chicago, American Unit Inc., Jsmn International Inc., Objectwin Technology Inc., Deloitte Consulting, Prince Georges County Public Schools, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Motorola Inc.

Source : High US Jobless rate prompts Visa review

Labels: Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 8:14 PM, ,

Most favored Outsourcing destination - USA

The current IT outsourcing list is dominated by India (50%) followed by Philippines (31%) and China (19%) as per this survey.

But the future of Outsourcing rather showed a different picture with US (22%), followed by China (16%), India (13%)

When asked what one location they might consider for outsourcing in the future, the CFOs most frequently cite the US (22%), followed by China (16%), India (13%), Southeast Asia including the Philippines (7%), Latin America (7%), Western Europe (6%), Canada (5%), and Eastern Europe (3%).

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 12:19 PM, ,

Two Indians in US Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball team

This is a 9 minute short video showing the journey of two young Indians who never played baseball in all their life made it to Pittsburgh Pirates team.

Labels: Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 12:06 PM, ,

Greencards to those who buys US houses - A proposal

How to get rid of 2.4 million houses on the US market and put an end to US housing crisis ? Give Greencards to foreigners who buys these US houses say this WSJ post. The condition proposed is to become temporary resident initially when they buy houses and only after five years they become permanent residents. It is similar to EB-5 visa type except that investment is in houses.

How many potential foreigners are there who can invest in US houses -

Merrill Lynch estimates that in 2007 there were 10.1 million individuals in the world, 7.1 million outside the U.S., with at least $1 million in financial assets that totaled $29 trillion. If new immigrants bought the 2.4 million excess houses at today's $184,000 median price with funds from abroad, they would bring untold billions. The immigrants would also buy consumer goods, pay taxes, and start many new businesses.

Does this solution work or create more immigration problems ?

Isn't this the same model that financial brains invented in housing boom times to achieve the current painful recession. Grouping all the houses as mortgage backed securities and selling it to the investors (either foreign or local). Everyone is happy when house prices increased and when their value fell, the century old investment banks (Bear & Stearns, Lehman Brothers) disappeared from the papers.

Labels: Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 10:13 PM, ,

What technologies Mumbai gunmen used ? VOIP, GPS, GoogleEarth, Blackberries

Blackberries are previously reported to be used by Mumbai gunmen for the attacks on November 26 2008 which claimed 175 innocent lives. There are other technologies that slowly are coming out of 26/11 Mumbai attacks investigation.

Newyork Times reporting that terrorists have become so technologically advanced that they used GPS to reach their destination from Karachi, Pakistan and have used satellite phones to be in touch with the base station. Google Earth aided them to find clear paths of coast to coast movements.

Another interesting technology used is VOIP phones.

The times reporting these interesting abuse of technology by the criminals :

The militant group in Pakistan used VOIP to mask their identities

Indian security forces surrounding the buildings were able to monitor the terrorists’ outgoing calls by intercepting their cellphone signals. But Indian police officials said those directing the attacks, who are believed to be from Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant group based in Pakistan, were using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, which has complicated efforts to determine their whereabouts and identities.

It is difficult to trace the VOIP calls. The difficulty of tracing made it difficult for authorities to trace the calls to prevent the destruction.

In Mumbai, authorities have declined to disclose the names of the VoIP companies whose services the Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers used, but reports in Indian news media have said the calls have been traced to companies in New Jersey and Austria. Yet investigators have said they are convinced that the handlers who directed the attacks were actually sitting somewhere in Pakistan during the calls.

One senior Lashkar-e-Taiba leader who American officials believe may have played a key role in planning the Mumbai attacks is Zarrar Shah. Mr. Shah, known to be a specialist in communications technology, may have been aware of the difficulties in tracing VoIP.

Labels: Google, India, Technology

written by Kalyan @ 3:04 AM, ,

January 2009 Visa Bulletin India dates

The January 2009 visa bulletin is posted by Mumbai consulate today. EB2 advanced by 1 month EB3 dates 15 days - EB2 dates are now 1 July 2003 where as EB3 its 15 October 2001. There are no surprises as holidays and November, December bulletins showed no signs of any big advancement. For US employment based GC applications these dates are very important for persons to go to next stage of US green card process.

Obama is electing US border state Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to head Homeland Security department. Also the immigration is in top 10 list of Obama administration. So we may see some progress when Obama official starts office on january 20 2009.

Visa bulletin can be found here.
Note : E1, E2, E3 dates are employment based categories-

http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/cut_off_dates.html

Cut Off Dates - U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, India via kwout

Related posts :

> USA Immigration Greencard Reform Proposals

Labels: Immigration, India, visa bulletin

written by Kalyan @ 2:38 AM, ,

H1B, Offshoring - Top 2008 IT trend

Zdnet rated Offshoring, H1-Bs as top IT trends for year 2008.

Two different contradicting stories on H1-Bs are highlighted in ZdNet article - 1) High wage IT jobs moving to low wage countries like India 2) US employers finding shortage of IT professions to hire in US.

There has been reports that employers are abusing H1-B system by hiring foreign workers at low wages though US workers are available for same position.

Besides H1-B, Other trends include, 1) IT is surviving the current financial crisis, 3) Go virtual and mobile office to realize cost savings for employers. 4) "Green IT" theme picking up slowly. 5) PCs become efficient and cheaper.

Labels: Immigration, India, Technology

written by Kalyan @ 12:06 AM, ,

Pentagon hiring foreign doctors & nurses on visas

A 1000 non-US doctors & nurses living in USA gets chance to serve in America's military as released in news by US Pentagon senior officials. The caveat is that the health care professionals must be in US and have legal visas (H1-B or may be even H4 may be considered since its a spouse visa) and work permits (EADs).

What specialty skills Pentagon is looking for ? All nursing specialists and for doctors - neuro surgeons, family practitioners, dermatologists and some other specialties. The department is looking to focus on foreign nationals who has foreign language skills and can speak multiple languages.

Currently 29000 non US citizens are in US military who automatically gets Green card for serving in military.

Labels: Deals, Immigration, India, Nurse, Visa

written by Kalyan @ 8:31 PM, ,

Watch Free Movie - Slumdog Millionaire, Mumbai's man story

Free screening of Slumdog Millionaire at select theaters in US. Select this link to RSVP.

For those of you who don't know about Movie - "Slumdog Millionaire" is the story of Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who became millionaire. It debuted in 10 theaters as limited release on 12 November 2008, grossing $350,434 which was impressive numbers for that number of screens. May be movie will get more attention now since the "hero" of the movie is from "Mumbai" which the city was in news recently with gunmen attacking and claiming 175 plus innocent lives.

http://rsvp.foxsearchlight.com/RSVPSystem/screenings.php?MoviesId=62&ss=http://www.foxsearchlight.com/slumdogmillionaire/screenings.css?1

Screenings Schedule via kwout

Here is the youtube trailer of Slumdog Millionaire :

Labels: Deals, free, India, Movies, Mumbai, videos

written by Kalyan @ 7:31 PM, ,

India IIM-A Sets Record for Highest Average GMAT scores ever in EMBA admissions

One year executive EMBA admission GMAT scores are becoming very competitive year over year in India raising the bar for the applicants. The one year programs require five to seven years of work experience and is most sought after post graduate (PG) course for working professionals who want to change careers.

For 2008-2009 batch, The IIM Ahmedabad Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX) has set a record of average GMAT score of 728 - the highest for any one-year management executive programme in the world (see table). Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad's one-year programme ranked #3 with GMAT score of 714.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/indian-exec-mgmt-students-record-highest-average-gmat-scores/06/36/342094/

Indian exec mgmt students record highest average GMAT scores via kwout

Labels: India, MBA

written by Kalyan @ 8:12 PM, ,

What unlocked phone to buy for International use ?

If you are a frequent traveler to international destinations say like to India then it is worth knowing some cell phone terminologies.

GSM or CDMA Most of the world follows GSM that is used by T-Mobile, AT&T and others as opposed to what US's CDMA technology used by verizon and Sprint. It is always better to buy a GSM phone which is universal in nature.

Unlocked Phones Next stop is 'locked' or 'unlocked' GSM phones meaning that unlocked phones will allow any SIM (SIM is a small card used in GSM phone) from any service provider, anywhere in the world to be used in it. Most of phones in US from service providers like At&T, T-Mobile are locked so make sure your phone is unlocked for international use to put any SIM.

Band frequency Always go for quad band GSM unlocked phones only. Thetravelinsider.info have very good info on this topic - Two frequency bands are used by GSM services in the US. Two different frequency bands are used by GSM services elsewhere in the world. Us uses 850 MHZ and 1900 MHZ frequencies. Internationally 900 MHZ and 1800 MHZ are mostly used. quad-band phone is the phone that work with all four freqency bands mentioned above. In the travelinsider page there are phones with quad band and a table showing what countries use what bands.

Hope this basic info helps in choosing what unlocked phone to buy for international use.

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 8:44 PM, ,

India Ranks #3 - Cricket one day ratings

Image via WikipediaIndia after winning all their five one days against England climbed to #3 spot to tie with South Africa with 119 points in One day ICC ratings reports ICC-Cricket. MS Dhoni's team might have gone to #2 position if they have played and won 6th ODI against England. India vs England 2008 One day matches are canceled due to Mumbai, India attacks.

In test matches India dropped by one position going to 3rd place after Australia and South Africa.

MS Dhoni ranked #1 top 100 ODI batsman with Hussey of Australia #2, Smith #3 and Chanderpaul #4.

http://icc-cricket.yahoo.com/media-release/2008/December/media-release20081201-3.html

India almost steal second place in Reliance Mobile ICC ODI Championship | ICC Infocus via kwout

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 4:01 PM, ,

Mumbai, India attacks in pictures

The brutal attack is now declared complete as Indian commandos cleaned up the operation after 3 days. Reports say Gun men came in boats from Pakistan and did this deadliest act of killing 175 plus people including foreigners who are visiting India.

Courtesy: BBC.Co.UK - Two hotels, a major railway station, a hospital and a Jewish centre. Here is image source Mumbai's shooting location

22 foreigners are known to have died, including victims from Israel, the US, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, Italy, Singapore, Thailand and France. One Briton, Andreas Liveras, was also killed.

Boston.com has 35 pictures with high resolution and the photos are nicely censored to leave out graphic photos to viewers discretion and an explicit "view" action to view them. I sometimes feel Indian press should follow these measures as not to show all those disturbing graphic images to viewers.

Here are picture links from Rediff (Some of them may be very graphic) - Remembering those we lost ,Commandos exchange guns for roses ,Silence, then the tears came welling down ,‘Shouldn't Narendrabhai have waited?’ ,Nation bids Karkare farewell ,The NSG triumphs against terror ,New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg mourns for the victims of Mumbai ,NSG men storm Nariman House ,Rescued from the Oberoi! ,Commandos crush terrorists ,The day after terror struck Mumbai ,The Battle at Nariman House ,After the rescue, the death count ,NSG men storm Nariman House ,Bloomberg mourns for Mumbain ,Trident under attack ,Army out, gunbattle rages on ,Landmarks that were attacked ,Terror at the Taj ,Aah Taj! ,Encounter on Marine Drive ,Terrorist strikes CST station ,Mumbai bleeds again

Labels: India, Mumbai

written by Kalyan @ 8:04 PM, ,

DVD - Best world foods by top chefs of India, Spain, Mexico and Thailand

---------------
update Dec 1 2008 - Unilever says its not for every one this free DVD offer I'm removing the Free links to their pages from this post in respect to the comment posted by Unilever. They did not tell us where these DVD is available for buying. If I find a link where this is available for purchase I'll post it here.
------------------

The world of Culinary Arts Series : "Savoring The Best of World Flavors" DVD Set. This is a three volume set with these following details.

> First Volume - This new double-DVD set features the “gold standards” of the cuisines of India, Spain, Mexico and Thailand, prepared by the top chefs in each region.. This series won the prestigious 2007 James Beard Award for Best Webcast. This is produced by Culinary Institute of America in association with Unilever Food solutions

> Second Volume - The "Gold Standard" of World Cuisines, with a focus on the foods of Southern Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, and Singapore, prepared by the top chefs in each region.

>Third Volume - The hidden kitchens of Vietnam and meet with local experts to discover the secrets of the iconic dishes that illuminate this culture.

Labels: Deals, India

written by Kalyan @ 9:36 PM, ,

India personal finance PF blogs list

Personal finance blogs and sites have gained importance with bloggers sharing their tip and advises on managing finances. In USA this is very popular and here is the list of all US PF blogs with tons of good advise.

In India this is new and still catching up, here are few sites that getrichslowly mentioned in his blog post that is useful for people in India who want to get personal finance tips.

> moneylife - Tips for Individual to invest and spend wisely
> personalfinance201 - How to increase Financial IQ
> galatime - Capital Markets in India
> raagvamdatt - Financial planning demystified

Do you know any personal finance advise blogs useful for India users, please comment

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 2:44 PM, ,

Mumbai, India attacks - Live streaming @CNN-IBN website

It is sad and depressing news on a Thanksgiving day that Mumbai is attacked by gunmen in ten different popular locations. TajMahal and Obrei is being continuously shown in live feeds. This is the first time that they have targeted landmarks and luxurious destinations in India.

Here is the live streaming link I've been following for the last 30 hrs.

IBN-CNN has live news feed here

In US CNN has good coverage from its sister network IBN-CNN of India for up to date situation of whats unfolding in Mumbai with minute to minute details.

Here are some of the emergency state contact numbers for UK, US and Canada nationals :
> US State Dept # - 888.407.4747

> UK Foreign Office contact # for families with relatives in Mumbai to ring if they have safety concerns 0207 008 000

> Canadian contact #s - Foreign Affairs 1-613-996-8885 from Canada, 1-800-387-3124 elsewhere

Here are twitter feeds if you want to follow on these attacks

Rediff.com is another popular Indian website to get all up to date news on the incidents.

All prayers be with the families who have lost their dearest ones in this brutal attacks.

Here is the photo stream from Flikr :[Courtesy:Arunshanbhag]

Labels: India, Mumbai

written by Kalyan @ 5:14 PM, ,

Immigration ranked #8 priority for Obama Administration

WSJ first annual CEO Council identified and ranked the 18 priorities list facing the Obama when he starts the office in January.

Immigration reform is #8 of the list. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano name has been mentioned as probable DHS (Department of Homeland Security) head. Napolitano is a strong advocate of increasing H-1B visas and for "immigration reforms" this is good which may boost the discussions and eventually may get good visibility in the following list.

Here is top 18 list -

* FISCAL STIMULUS
* EDUCATED WORKFORCE
* ECONOMIC VISION
* COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY/ENVIRO POLICY:
* LONG-TERM TAX POLICY
* CORPORATE TAX RATE
* DEFINE VALUE, REFORM PAYMENT
* EXPAND IMMIGRATION OPPORTUNITIES: Expand Visa and Greencard
programs to allow talented foreign nationals who have studied in
the U.S. to remain in the U.S. and to allow talent recruitment
abroad.
* NEW TRADE AGENDA
* TORT REFORM
* REGULATORY OVERHAUL
* FIGHT OBESITY
* ELECTRIC CARS
* UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE
* DECARBONIZE POWER SECTOR
* ENERGY EFFICIENCY
* BUILD HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
* BUY ILLIQUID ASSETS

Labels: Barack Obama, H-1B visa, Homeland Security Department, Immigration, India, Janet Napolitano

written by Kalyan @ 2:27 AM, ,

Indian bees put mighty Aussies to the ground

In the third cricket test match between Australia and India at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on October 31,2008 in New Delhi,India - Swarm of bees made Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden of Australia lie on the ground along with the Indian players and umpire Billy Bowden.

Labels: Cricket, India

written by Kalyan @ 2:51 PM, ,

Free IIT Bombay Engineering Video Courses

Learn for free - IIT Bombay Engineering Video Courses online now.

IITs are India's premier graduate , post graduate engineering and sciences schools and consistently ranked above other engineering colleges in India in engineering education surveys. From Wikipedia- The THES (Times Higher Education Supplement) also ranked 5 IITs in the top 100 globally for technology with IIT-Bombay ranking the highest at 36th.

Notable IIT Bomaby alumni is Nandan Nilekani - an Indian software entrepreneur. He is currently the Co-Chairman of Infosys Technologies Ltd, of which he is also a co-founder, along with N. R. Narayana Murthy and others.

IIT Bombay is webcasting their courses for free. The Spring (January-April) Semester 2009 will start on January 2, 2009. If you are interested then you can see the class schedule and the courses offered for the spring 2009 semester at this location.

The only requirement for receiving these courses is to have a personal computer with 100 kbps bandwidth. View these live courses absolutely free of cost at the schedule time.

Previously : Free-online-university-courses-list

Labels: India, MBA, videos

written by Kalyan @ 9:14 PM, ,

India in pictures

Boston.com has awesome mind blowing pictures of amazing India -

This is one of my favorites:

{Image Courtesy - boston.com}

Labels: India, pictures

written by Kalyan @ 9:28 PM, ,

Bush's pet cat name is "India"

White house pets always gets lots of attention and this time around Obama promised his two daughters that he would buy puppies when he wins 2008 US election. News are pounded with what pets earlier presidents had in white house.

Just to recap Bush's pet cat name is India though its not at all related to country "India" but anyway that stirred controversies in the past.

Here is mental floss post in CNN :

The name India rankled some citizens of the country of the same name to the point that many Indians supposedly named their dogs "Bush."

The name wasn't meant to be controversial, though; the Bushes merely named their cat after Ruben "El Indio" Sierra, who played for the Texas Rangers while George W. owned the team. Spot Fetcher was similarly named after former Rangers middle infielder Scott Fletcher.

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 6:44 PM, ,

Free international phone calls from Ringplus

Ringplus is a new phone service in beta testing that is giving free international and long distance phone calls. There is no obligation since they don't need credit cards

They are getting money from ads by replacing the ring tone so the advertisers bear the cost of the call. Access numbers are given for major cities at this page.

It is worth giving a try to call international or US national numbers to get this free deal. It is reported by some users that they get close to 60 free minutes for calling India. some users are complaining that the infamous message "All circuits are busy" is heard many times.

Labels: Deals, DealsNov08, India

written by Kalyan @ 7:46 PM, ,

USA Immigration Greencard Reform Proposals

Attorney Mike Templo writes in abs-cbn news recaps all the proposals that are still pending with US Senate for approval. This bill as we most of us know is “The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007”. Now that US elections are over we may see some progress in year 2009.

The main proposals of this bill are :

> The Z visa - Eight years illegal immigrants in US can apply for Greencard by paying $2000 fine.

> Point system - The Canadian point system is mimicked to replace current EB1, EB2, EB3 based employment based green card. We know how much painful the current system is that it is taking 11 to 16 years for a computer engineer from India to get greencard for skilled workers.Points are awarded based on the level of education (Graduate or High school), work experience, English language skills, family connections, and job offer. The current perm labor certification process would be eliminated.

> Guest worker program - A two years "Y" visa for illegal workers.

Related posts : If you want to know the painful greencard process and wait times. Look at this previous post - USA immigration flowchart for greencard

Labels: Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 10:28 PM, ,

Student passed exams using Wikipedia

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales from his recent trip to India said these words "met this young man on the street who told me that he had used Wikipedia to pass his 11th grade exams."

Wales says despite the great stories we hear the collaboration efforts like even Wikipedia is in its infancy stage and he believes video collaboration is going to be next big thing. Youtube model of a person sharing individual videos will become obsolete is what I get from that news.

Not everything works in collaboration mode is good point made by Jimmy Wales.

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 11:53 AM, ,

Indian flag probe on moon - Chandrayaan taking readings of moon's atmosphere

India's first unmanned and world's only 4th (Soviet Union, US and Japan sent mission to moon before) such lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan (Chandrayaan is a Indian language Hindi word in English if translated is Moon + Craft = trip to the moon) put a probe with Indian flag on moon's surface reading its measurements. In the course of next two years, Chandrayaan 1 will map a 3D atlas of the Moon and also check for the presence of water-ice with the help of Chandryaan instruments.

Here is the year old video from ISRO describing what Chandrayaan will do ?

Chandrayaan launch video on October 22 2008 from Sriharikota, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh India:

Labels: India, videos

written by Kalyan @ 11:28 AM, ,

Call India for Free 20 minutes from Onetouch

This is for folks who calls India from US. Go to onetouch, click on 20 minutes free trial by submitting the form with your local US numbers. Activate the email. You should be all set to use 20 free minutes but make sure you don't have to give any credit card details.

OneTouchIndia.com - Dependable India Calling via kwout

Labels: Deals, DealsNov08, free, India

written by Kalyan @ 5:22 PM, ,

India has smallest prison population

Fortune watch has interesting data collected and ranked from Wikipedia - on the following

> Life Expectancy - Andorra
> Democracy - Sweden
> Freedom of Press - Iceland
> Internet Speed - Japan
> Smallest Prison population - India
> Lack of corruption - Finland
> effectiveness of Education - Taiwan
> Mobile Phones per Capita - Germany
> Renewable Energy Use - Iceland
> Scientific Literacy - Iceland
> Quality of Health care - France
> Infant Survival Rate - Japan

USA did not rank in the top list on any is the point behind the post.

{Photo courtesy : fortune watch}

Labels: India

written by Kalyan @ 5:05 PM, ,

India VS England 2008 Highlights Videos

----------
Note - Update Nov 29 2008 : India vs England 2008 cricket series is canceled due to Mumbai gun men attacks.
---------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note - Update Nov 21 2008 : Looks like almost all Youtube India vs England videos are getting removed may be because of some copyright infringement from Neosports.

The only other legally viewable option for cricket highlights is checking official BCCI.TV videos section. Here is the link - bcci.tv/videos

They are lagging by one match. If Neosports is so strict on these why can't they just provide short clips for all those cricket fans who is having hard time to watch matches abroad because of lack of proper media.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Highlights of India vs England 2008 all ODIs and 2 test matches @@ Youtube

Match date & time	Stadium	Highlights -
1st ODI: India vs England at Rajkot, November 14, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground, Rajkot	1st ODI Highligts Terrific performance by India - 11th highest One Day score of 384. A stunning 64 ball 100 from Yuvi who despite of suffering from back pain cruised India to a easy victory. Sehwag and Gambhir laid the solid foundation that helped India amass huge score
2nd ODI: India vs England at Indore, November 17, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground, Indore	2nd ODI Highlights Yuvaraj singh blasting performance put India to 2-0 series lead. May be the vice captaincy thing got to his head and showing that from his bat -
3rd ODI: India vs England at Kanpur, November 20, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	Green Park, Kanpur	3rd ODI Highlights India won the match by 16 runs in a D/L model. England I felt gave a strong resistance by batting first and we can understand why Pieterson is unhappy with poor light walkout by Indian team.
4th ODI: India vs England at Bangalore, November 23, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore	4th ODI Highlights starts in - -
5th ODI: India vs England at Cuttack, November 26, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	Barabati Stadium, Cuttack	5th ODI Highlights starts in - -
6th ODI: India vs England at Guwahati, November 29, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi	6th ODI Highlights starts in - -
7th ODI: India vs England at Delhi, December 02, 2008 09:00 local Time, 03:30 GMT	Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad	7th ODI Highlights starts in - -
1st Test: India v England at Ahmedabad, December 11-15, 2008, 09:30 local Time, 04:00 GMT	Vidarbha Cricket Association GroundNagpur, India	1st Test match starts in - -
2nd Test: India v England at Mumbai, December 19-23, 2008, 09:30 local Time, 04:00 GMT	Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai	2nd Test match starts in - -

Labels: India, videos

written by Kalyan @ 11:37 AM, ,

How to watch cricket youtube videos in high quality?

Not happy with the normal quality of the Youtube cricket videos? Follow this simple trick and you can watch high resolution cricket Youtube videos.

Yuvraj six sixers video normal quality Youtube video link is here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s73tSpiHhzw and the trick for high quality videos is just append &fmt=18 to the url so it becomes high quality Youtube cricket video - here is high res link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s73tSpiHhzw&fmt=18

You can watch this way any Youtube video in highquality by appending the string &fmt=18.

If you want the same behavior with Embeded Youtube videos in a web page then follow this procedure -
Append &ap=%2526fmt%3D18 to the param link and src link in the embed tag.

Here is high resolution cricket embeded video -

Labels: India, tips, videos

written by Kalyan @ 1:46 AM, ,

Sand sculpture tributes to Obama in India

Different countries are celebrating Obama's hitoric win in different ways.

Kenya declares national holiday for Obama becoming a president as his family tree is from Kenya, An Indian man paid his tributes and congratulated Obama with sand sculpture.

{Image courtesy : spiegel}

Before the elections both McCain and Obama's sand sculptures are built with the word - BIG FIGHT.

{Image courtesy : timesofindia}

{Image courtesy : whudat}

Labels: 2008 Elections, Barack Obama, India

written by Kalyan @ 8:05 PM, ,

What India thinks of Obama's win ?

Amartya Sen, a nobel Prize–winning economist from India speaks to Time magazine on Obama's election victory. This is his words to quote -

He won his presidency not as a black American but as a reasoning American who happens to be black.

Attacking Iraq for an imagined link with 9/11 was daft. Having unaffordable health care is not a reasonable way to run a rich society. Destroying the environment is not smart. Spreading the wealth a bit in a deeply unequal society is not as offensive to reason as it appeared to Joe the non certified Plumber.

Sen further writes that Obama needs to reassess his campaign policies on balanced trade.

Labels: Amartya Sen, India, Obama

written by Kalyan @ 7:54 PM, ,

2008 wildlife photographer award to India's snow leopard photo

Steve Winter of USA won prestigious 2008 Wildlife photographer of the year award. It took him 10 months to get this photo of snow leopard. A winter in Ladakh's national park India where snow leopards with waterproof outer fur, dense woolly under-fur and large nasal cavities that warm the air as they breathe can tolerate temperature ranges of -40°C and 40°C.

Labels: India, photos

written by Kalyan @ 2:13 PM, ,

Anil Kumble retired from tests video

Third highest test wicket taker with 619 wickets says good bye to cricket after playing 132 test matches on the eve of third test match between Autralia and India - November 2' 2008. He played 20 matches took "111" wickets against Australia with 10 wickets in an innings twice. When playing in India he is the king he took overall 350 wickets and away his stats are 269 wickets.

YouTube - Anil Kumble retired from tests video

Here is the Kumble's blowing analysis from cricinfo:

Cricinfo - Players and Officials - Anil Kumble via kwout

http://stats.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/player/30176.html?class=1;template=results;type=bowling

Cricinfo Statsguru - A Kumble - Test matches - Bowling analysis via kwout

Labels: Cricket, India, Kumble, Retirement, test match

written by Kalyan @ 11:49 AM, ,

Border Gavaskar India vs Australia 2008 schedule & match start times

The Border-Gavaskar trophy 2008 is all set to entertain the cricket fans all over the world with Ponting choosing the young side when Kumble gets the chance to beat them at home.

Here is the schedule and match start times countdown

Match date & time	Match schedule details	Stadium	Match starts in -
1st Test: India v Australia at Bangalore, October 9-13, 2008 09:30 local Time, 04:00 GMT	Border-Gavaskar trophy 2008 - 1st Test India vs Australia	M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore	1st Test match starts in - -
2nd Test: India v Australia at Mohali, October 17-21, 2008, 2008 09:30 local Time, 04:00 GMT	Border-Gavaskar trophy 2008 - 2nd Test India vs Australia	Punjab Cricket Association StadiumMohali, Chandigarh, India	2nd Test match starts in - -
3rd Test: India v Australia at Delhi, October 29-November 2, 2008, 2008 09:30 local Time, 04:00 GMT	Border-Gavaskar trophy 2008 - 3rd Test India vs Australia	Feroz Shah KotlaDelhi, India	3rd Test match starts in - -
4th Test: India v Australia at Nagpur, November 6-10, 2008, 2008 09:30 local Time, 04:00 GMT	Border-Gavaskar trophy 2008 - 4th Test India vs Australia	Vidarbha Cricket Association GroundNagpur, India	4th Test match starts in - -

Labels: Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Cricket, India, schedule, starttimes, Test cricket

written by Kalyan @ 9:07 PM, ,

TV Channels Showing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2008

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2008 ( India vs Australia 2008 October/November test series) is a real litmus test to Kumble's Indian team which stumbled during their last Sri Lanka test series. Australian team is playing a fairly young side, Ozzies are ready to beat India on Indian grounds. Tendulkar is a man to watch who if he scores 77 more runs then he will become the lead test run scorer in the test cricket surpassing Lara.

As always it's a hassle to find which TV Channel plays the upcoming series. Here is list of all TV Channels around the globe that will be telecasting test series played between India and Australia.

US

Zee sports will be telecasting this series live in USA from October 9' 2008. For $19 a month this channel is available to all dish network subscribers in US. The schedule and timings for the channel can be found from the below link.

Note the matches start at 11:00 PM central time the day before.

http://www.zeesports.us/zeesports/Zp_schdule.aspx

Zee sports via kwout

UK

Skysports in UK is telecasting Australia vs India 2008 series.

Here is the link to the schedule and timings from Skysports

Note that matches start at 5 AM UK time.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12194_2612392,00.html

Sky Sports | Cricket | Don't Miss These | Cricket Live on Sky Sports via kwout

India

NEOSports is showing these matches in India and they start around 9:30 AM Indian time.

Neo Sports via kwout

South Africa

Supersport is the channel you have to watch if you live in South Africa. Here is the schedule link.

Select cricket and see what channel is showing the series

http://www.supersport.co.za/cricket/content.aspx?id=11817&des=content&view=full

SuperCricket via kwout

Australia

I've yet to find the channel that is showing this series in Australia. Usually TenSports is the one to look for.

If you find any other channels in Canada or UAE or any other country , please share with us via comments

Labels: Australia vs India, Cricket, India, Neo Sports, SkySports, SuperSports, TV Channels, ZeeSports

written by Kalyan @ 9:53 PM, ,

Violent Neo Sports bleeding toe cricket ad

With so much focus on bomb blasts and violence these days in India it is sad to see violent cricket encounter ads have begun propping up again on Neo Sports.

Neo Sports a cricket channel is too famous for glamorizing violence in its cricket ads have started airing the crushed toe ads for the upcoming India vs Australia 2008 October/November Test series :

Last Year, Not all of Brett Lee's Yorkers hit the wicket.

It's time to return the flavor.

Australia Tours India - Oct. 9 onwards

1st Test: Oct 9 (Bengaluru)
2nd Test: Oct 17 (Mohali)
3rd test : Oct 29 (Delhi)
4th test : Nov 6 (Nagpur)

Thanks to Cribb.in who posted this graphic image of the same and condemns their act.

The previous ad of India vs Australia series was much better with humor added to it. I feel to my heart that such ad "Hum Honge Kamyab" (we will Overcome Some Day) is what India needs during these troubled terrorist attacks and not something that brings back the bloodbath witnessed in recent incidents.

Here is the cricket ad (Hum Honge Kamyab) Neo Sports video:

The full lyrics of Hum Honge Kamyab in English & Hindi: (courtesy - Dinsan)

English
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day

We’ll walk hand in hand
We’ll walk hand in hand
We’ll walk hand in hand some day

We shall all be free
We shall all be free
We shall all be free some day

We are not afraid
We are not afraid
We are not afraid some day

We are not alone
We are not alone
We are not alone some day

The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around some day

We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day

Hindi

ho'nge' kAm yAb, ho'nge' kAm yAb
hum ho'nge' kAm yAb Ek din
ho' ho'man me' hai vishwAs
pUrA hai vishwAs
hum ho'nge' kAm yAb Ek din ||

ho'ge' shAnti chAro'm Or
ho'gee shAnti chAro'm Or
ho'gee shAnti chAro'm Or Ek din ||
ho' ho'man me' hai vishwAs
pUrA hai vishwAs
ho'gee shAnti chAro'm Or Ek din ||

hum chale'nge' sAth-sAth
DAl hAtho'm me' hAth
hum chale'nge' sAth-sAth Ek din ||
ho' ho'man me' hai vishwAs
pUrA hai vishwAs
hum chale'nge' sAth-sAth Ek din ||

nahe' Dar kisee kaa Aj
nahee bhay kisee kaa Aj
nahe' Dar kisee kaa Aj kE din ||
ho' ho'man me' hai vishwAs
pUrA hai vishwAs
nahe' Dar kisee kaa Aj kE din ||

Labels: ads, Australi in India, Cricket, India, Neo Sports

written by Kalyan @ 12:32 PM, ,

Donate to India flood victims by answering four simple questions

For each Right Answer our sponsors would donate Torches, Candles, Milk powder, Match Boxes, Chlorine Tablets, Nylon Ropes, Tarpaulin Sheets and Biscuits to Bihar Flood Victims.

When I took the quiz myself - This is the outcome

Thank You for spending your time to donate 2 Band Aid(s) and 2 Tarpaulin Sheet(s) for the Bihar Flood Victims. Plan India will make sure that these essentials reach the victims soon.
You have Donated
2 Band Aid(s)
2 Tarpaulin Sheet(s)
We also thank our sponsor Cadence on your behalf.
To take this effort forward and get more donations please forward this to as many friends and colleagues as possible. Give their details below or simply ask them to log on to www.helpbihar.in

If you want to cheat for the good cause here are the answers :

The capital of Bihar is "Patna"

Which river has caused havoc in Bihar recently? "Kosi"

How many people have been affected by the recent floods in Bihar? "25 lakh"

What is the opposite of word “flood”? "Drought"

Here is the announcment link:

Plan via kwout

Labels: Bihar, Flood, India

written by Kalyan @ 2:42 PM, ,

Truroots Buy One Get One FREE India calling card - Eid Mubaarak & Happy Dusshera

Truroots is calling card service offered bt TATA/VSNL ( VSNL (Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited), which is operated by Tatas now). The celebration Buy One Get One (BOGO) offer is announced in the months where India celebrates Ramadan and Dusshera in September/October months.

Offer is valid for the both new and old customers. Truroots charges now 6.9 cents per minute and with BOGO promotion one will end up paying just promotional 3.49 cents per minutes . The credit should appear right away in your account.

This is good alternative to people who have issues with calling cards services from AirTel and Reliance.The call rounding time is around one minute as compared to other numerous calling cards which charge up to 39 cents. One annoying feature is with their so many prompts that has to be used when calling destination number.

Here is promotional BOGO offer from Truroots

Trueroots.us | Online Phone Card & Calling Card Service. Prepaid International & Long Distance Calls via kwout

Labels: calling card, free, global calls, India

written by Kalyan @ 12:54 PM, ,

Financial crisis effects IT projects for TCS and Infosys

Indian IT firms are heavily dependent on services provided to US financial services. The financial crisis of billions and billions of dollars write down by US investment banks and customary deposit banks like Washington Mutual will create a big hole in TCS and Infosys in quarter 3 and 4 of 2008 is what Forrester CEO writes in his blog. TCS is effected more with its 43% of revenues coming from its financial services where as Infosys gets 34% of revenues. This is just a start in financial melt down that is predicted to have a spiraling effect on other sectors like technology being #1.

Forrester CEO George Colony in the blog writes :

Some IT vendors focus on financial services, and could find their business mildly tightened. Tata Consultancy (TCS) gets 43% of its revenues from financial services; Infosys 34%; IBM 29% (but only 6% from US financial firms). So, these vendors –- plus software vendors that sell risk management software or trading systems -- could experience some delayed or canceled contracts.

Labels: IBM, India, Infosys, TCS, US

written by Kalyan @ 11:39 AM, ,

India Pakistan 2009 series confirmed ?

Is India vs Pakistan 2009 series confirmed ? Says Yes !! Pakistan Daily Times

Pakistan will be hosting one three-day match, three Test matches, five one-day matches and one Twenty20 international. The tour will be between January 4 and February 24. This will be India's eighth tour of Pakistan.

As ICC tournament is postponed, this series is good for host Pakistan as the last test match they played is in 2007 series when India hosted the series. In 2006 when India visited Pakistan, Pakistan surrendered badly in ODIs with Dhoni, Youvraj, Sreesanth leading the rout. However India lost test match by a margin of 341 runs.

The arch rivals clash is always an interesting one but with fragile Pakistan team the encounters have become one sided matches. Hope Pakistan will have reversal of fortune in 2009 series.

If Pakistan is hosting then Zee Sports America will telecast this series in North America.

Labels: Cricket, India, INDIA vs Pakistan, Pakistan, Twenty20

written by Kalyan @ 12:32 AM, ,

Canada, Australia benefits US H1-B visa reductions

Obama has touched on a sensitive and valid unemployment issue. Job losses is blamed on immigrants. Serial stream of bad news from Bears n Stearn's to Fannie Mae n Freddie Mac to Lehman brothers is further deteriorating the US job situation.

In the article "The Bitter Taste of Bigotry", it is rightly said that one man's loss in another's gain.

Thousands of engineers and computer scientists arrive in America yearly to fuel high-tech businesses. Silicon Valley is filled with startups founded by immigrants, like Vinod Khosla’s Sun Microsystems and Sergey Brin’s Google. Astonishingly, Congress has actually reduced the number of special H1-B visas given to foreign workers, which allow American companies to import guest workers with highly specialized knowledge. As a result, many of these workers move to countries with more liberal immigration policies, like Canada and Australia. In these cases, America’s loss is another country’s gain.

Canada immigration is made much simpler that within 1 year with sufficient points based on higher education a Canadian PR (permanent Residency) status can be achieved and after three years the immigrant becomes Canadian citizen. Australia has similar system within two years of PR one can become Aussies citizen.

Compare this to PR (Green Card) in US which is now taking eight painful years compounded with H1-B visas reduction and a lottery system to get H1. Citizenship is another five more years. To become an immigrant a total of thirteen years are required so that would be 1/5th of immigrants life (assuming 65 years of stressful life) spent in this cycle.

To sum up - America’s loss is another country’s gain.

Labels: Australia, Canada, green card, H1-B, Immigration, India

written by Kalyan @ 1:51 AM, ,

Protesters offended by Cheerleaders dress and not the frescoes featuring topless women

One more cheerleaders row that happened in India-Sri Lanka series. The newspaper quote I liked comparing Cheerleaders with frescoes featuring topless women.

NZHerald :

Sri Lanka's cricket authorities have dumped a team of eastern European cheerleaders from the one-day series against India after locals protested over the scantily-clad women at Dambulla International Stadium. Cultural Minister Yapa Abeywardena said: "It is not in keeping with our tradition," he said. "I have asked the cricket board to drop this item immediately." In keeping with our tradition? Clearly that tradition has nothing to do with the fifth-century Sigiriya rock fortress, a World Heritage site near the ground known for its frescoes of bare-chested women.

Cheerleaders in cricket is very recent as far as I know . The first time I noticed them is with Twenty20 world cup hosted in South Africa where the music and dance added the glamor to short version of cricket. IPL continued that tradition amidst the protests in India during the May'2008 IPL matches. Some controversies too that media enjoyed when one popular Bollywood actor -Emran Hashmi- to promote his "match fixing" movie --Jannat-- kissed one of the cheerleaders from Deccan Chargers team during the match between Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab.

This is just the start of controversies around Cheerleaders in cricket -- a clash of culture happening with the gentleman's game.

Labels: Deccan Chargers, ICC, India, Indian Premier League, Kings XI Punjab, Sigiriya, South Africa, sri lanka

written by Kalyan @ 2:08 AM, ,

US Nuclear Deal impacts Indian H1-B visa holders

Image via Wikipedia The Indo-US nuclear deal is approved by 45-nation NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group). The Indian congress government led by Manmohan Singh won confidence vote that created political division in recent months in this US-Indo nuclear cooperation agreement though some political parties are still unhappy with the agreement.

Kanchan Gupta writes about H1-B visa holders and their reason for unhappiness with ongoing US-India nuclear deal. Gupta writes the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement will create thousands of Jobs which otherwise would have been opened for H1-B visa holders. Some India's middle class who prospered using these H1-B visa may not like these $$ paying jobs taken away from them.

Here is quote from Kanchan Gupta's Article :

Look at the way it has managed to foist on us a so-called 'civilian nuclear cooperation agreement' that will revive the moribund American nuclear power industry, create thousands of jobs (which will not be open to holders of H1B visa, so there's little reason for our middle-class to cheer the deal), give President George W Bush his only foreign policy 'success', and serve the purpose of forcing India into the non-proliferation regime without conceding its nuclear weapons capability.

Labels: George W Bush, H1-B, Immigration, India, Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, Manmohan Singh, NSG, Nuclear proliferation, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Nuclear weapon, visas

written by Kalyan @ 9:11 PM, ,

Google "App"titude challenge for India's Engineering and MBA colleges ends September 15'2008

A new innovative challenge from Google to increase the user base for Google apps in engineering and MBA colleges.

From India's GoogleApp team :

1. Sign up for the challenge by September 15, 2008.
2. Get approval from your college's administration to implement Google Apps by October 15, 2008.
3. Work with your IT department to implement Google Apps by December 15, 2008.
4. Achieve the highest level of Google Apps usage amongst all participating colleges by January 31, 2009 to be declared the challenge winner!

Here is video of Kellogg ( Northwestern University, Chicago, US) director of technology talks about how they have benefited using Google Apps for their intranet IT solutions:

This in my opinion is good for colleges as Google will assign one Google employee to each team to help answer questions through out the challenge. Drawback is that they are targeting only Engineering and MBA colleges. Google is trying hard to push collaboration tools like its "Google Talk" , "Google Mail" to compete with "Microsoft Instant Messenger", "Outlook" as Microsoft dominates the corporate as well university accounts.

To learn more about GoogleApps watch this video from google - Googleapps Youtube video:

Labels: Gmail, Google, Google Apps, Google Talk, Googlemail, India, MBA, microsoft, Northwestern University

written by Kalyan @ 11:35 AM, ,

Chiranjeevi -- Tirupathi video, prajarajyam party flag unveiled on August 26

Chiranjeevi unveiled the party name, flag and ideologies in front of a huge 9,00,000 plus crowd in Avilala, Tirupathi. Sticking to his August 17 announcement, the party name -- Prajarajyam -- reflected that the party is for the people. He donned the dais single highhandedly with his near 2 hrs emotional, well prepared political party speech and gave utmost importance to Handicapped and Seniors citizens by not allowing any VIP section for the meeting.

The flag of the party is 3/4 the white and 1/4th green with rising sun on white part. Prajarajyam initial ideologies is of democratic and secular party with more emphasis on backward classes, farmers, workers, women and youth. The goal of the party is to make state of Andhra Pradesh a happy - Santhoshandhra and Anandandhra.

He repeatedly assured the crowd that he is one of them and he has seen both poor and rich lives. He recollected the Mogalthur days where he slept half stomach because of poverty. His farming days and tough college times to learn acting in Madras with Rs 125/-. On acting side he said he acted in many roles from a outcast to riksha puller to cobbler and in the process learn many real life time situations. These excerpts from the dais reflected the recent criticism that he is getting as the newcomer to politics arena.

To sum up Chiru spoke honestly from his heart rather than the monolithic political speaking. I give him perfect 10 and only caution for him is not to be more of a defensive person for each criticism he gets on his way to assembly. What do you guys think of this mega speech ? Leave your comments

Good Luck Megastar !!

August 26 Chiru Tirupthi youtube video :

NENU SAITHAM PRAJA RAJYA KU SEVAKUDU NI SEVA CHESTHAANU video

http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/27sli2.htm

rediff.com slide show: Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam starts with a bang via kwout

Labels: Andhra Pradesh, chiranjeevi, Hyderabad India, India, lip, Mogalthur, New Delhi, Prajarajyam, South India, Tirupathi, United States, videos

written by Kalyan @ 12:35 PM, ,

Chiranjeevi party announcement video of August -17 - 2008

The wait is over for south India megastar fans, On August 17' 2008 Chiru officially announced his party in front of media. The podium with Ambedkar, Gandhi and Mother Therisa photos reflects the party ideology of Chiranjeevi party.

Chiru mentioned "A J Kalam" as his advisor who reflected why Chiru should join politics and is told as the motivation for him starting the party. He looked composed and confident with his well prepared speech despite of flighty rumblings heard in the media hall.

The media coverage concentrated more on its ads as seen from the following two youtube videos. Almost all of the screen is filled up with glazy deviating ads.

Chiranjeevi Party announcemnt videos from Youtube

Labels: chiranjeevi, Chiru, Gandhi, India, Kalam, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Politics of India, Tibetan antelope

written by Kalyan @ 11:34 AM, ,

Abhinav Bindra olympics gold medal video

Congratulations Abhinav Bindra !!

Finally from a population of India's 1 billion people plus, Abhinav Bindra got first ever gold medal for India in the Olympics since 1928. Bindra’s gold medal came form men's 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

You tube video of Abhinav Bindra's medal ceremony

Labels: 2008 Summer Olympics, Abhinav Bindra, Asia, Beijing, Gold medal, India, Olympic Games, Olympics

written by Kalyan @ 10:31 AM, ,

Man Singh picks his best Hyderabad XI of all time

Man Singh the manager of the 1983 Prudential World Cup team in his book "Cricket Biryani" writes about history of Hyderabad cricket

The Man Singh's Hyderabad XI team is: Abbas Ali Baig, VVS Laxman, ML Jaisimha (captain), MAK Pataudi, Mohammad Azharuddin, EB Aibara, Syed Abid Ali, P. Krishnamurthy (wicket-keeper), Mumtaz Hussain, NP Singh, Ghulam Ahmed, 12th man: Gul Mohammad.

Find more details here

Labels: Abbas Ali Baig, Cricket, Ghulam Ahmed, India, Mohammad Azharuddin, sachin tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman

written by Kalyan @ 7:22 PM, ,

Asia Cup 2008 schedule & match start times

Asia Cup 2008 will be played in Pakistan with six teams. Six cricket teams are Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and India. Matches are played from June 24' 2008 to July'6 - 2008 at both Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and National Stadium, Karachi

Here is detailed Asia Cup 2008 schedule with match start times , venues and team vs team details -

Once the group matches are over the team according to their rankings in the group will start playing from June 28. On June 28 the team with #2 ranking in GroupA will play against Group B's #2 ranked team.
*TBD -- To Be Decided

Match date & time	Match schedule details	Stadium	Match starts in -
June, 24' 2008 on Tuesday at 16:00 local Time, 10:00 GMT	Group A - Bangladesh vs United Arab Emirates	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	Bangladesh vs United Arab Emirates match starts in - -
June, 24' 2008 on Tuesday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Group B - Pakistan vs Hong Kong	National Stadium, Karachi	Pakistan vs Hong Kong match starts in - -
June, 25' 2008 on Wednesday at 16:00 local Time, 10:00 GMT	Group A - Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match starts in - -
June, 25' 2008 on Wednesday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Group B - Hong Kong vs India	National Stadium, Karachi	Hong Kong vs India match starts in - -
June, 26' 2008 on Thursday at 16:00 local Time, 10:00 GMT	Group A - Sri Lanka vs United Arab Emirates	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	Sri Lanka vs United Arab Emirates match starts in - -
June, 26' 2008 on Thursday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Group B - India vs Pakistan	National Stadium, Karachi	India vs Pakistan match starts in - -
June, 28' 2008 on Saturday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Bangladesh vs India	National Stadium, Karachi	Bangladesh vs India match starts in - -
June, 29' 2008 on Sunday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Sri Lanka vs Pakistan	National Stadium, Karachi	Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match starts in - -
June, 30' 2008 on Monday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh	National Stadium, Karachi	Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match starts in - -
July, 2' 2008 on Wednesday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Teams TBD India vs Pakistan	National Stadium, Karachi	India vs Pakistan match starts in - -
July, 3' 2008 on Thursday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Teams TBD Sri Lanka vs India	National Stadium, Karachi	Sri Lanka vs India match starts in --
July, 4' 2008 on Friday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Teams TBD Bangladesh vs Pakistan	National Stadium, Karachi	Bangladesh vs Pakistan match starts in - -
July, 6' 2008 on Sunday at 17:00 local Time, 11:00 GMT	Teams TBD FINALS	National Stadium, Karachi	Finals match starts in - -

Labels: Asia Cup, Asia Cup 2008, Bangladesh, Cricket, Gaddafi Stadium, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, schedule, sri lanka, starttimes, United Arab Emirates

written by Kalyan @ 11:21 AM, ,

TV channels showing Bangladesh tri-series 2008 matches in US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, UAE and Africa

Looking for all TV channels that are broadcasting Bangladesh tri-nation series from June'8, Here is grand list of all continents/countries and the respective TV channels. I've tried my best to include the schedule of the channel links for convenience of match start times and channel numbers.

Canada: CBN (Bell ExpressVu; Rogers Cable)

CBN channel has the broadcast rights of telecasting this tri-series in Canada.CBN and ATN- Cricket Plus are two sports channels that ATN operates in Canada.

Asian Television Network via kwout

US - Direct TV & Dish Network

Direct TV DirectTV hasn't yet announced on its website the package -

Check this link for any updates.

Dish Network

Dish Network hasn't yet announced on its website the package -

Call Dish Network (USA) and tell customer service that you want cricket - Bangladesh tri-series channel.

Check this link for any updates.

UK - Zee Cinema

The Tri-Series will be shown on ZEE Cinema, live and exclusive in the UK.

the Tri-Series, which features India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, will be shown from next month. The Indian and Pakistani squads are set to reach Dhaka in early June, with a kick off on Sunday 8th June.

June 8: Bangladesh v Pakistan
June 10: India v Pakistan
June 12: India v Bangladesh
June 14: Final

The Tri-Series will be shown on ZEE Cinema, live and exclusive in the UK.

http://media247.co.uk/bizasia/newsarchive/2008/05/cricket_fever_h.php

Welcome to Biz Asia - the UK's only Asian media news website via kwout

India - NEO Cricket (Tata Sky)

Neo Sport bought the rights to broadcast all Bangladesh tri-series matches.

Neo Sports via kwout

Pakistan - Geo Super

Geosport is telecasting Ban-Ind-Pak series.

http://www.geosuper.tv/trination_Schedule.asp

GEO Super - Sports channel of Pakistan | geosuper.tv via kwout

Africa - Supersport

Supersport (http://www.supersport.co.za/cricket/content.aspx?id=11817&des=content&view=full ) provides coverage for tri-nation matches in Africa continent.

Here is the schedule ..remember some days it is on Supersport1 (SS1 channel) , SS2 channel and SS7 channels.

Sunday, June 08, 2008 10:50 - 19:45 SS1 Bangladesh Cricket - Triangular B`desh v Pakistan
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:50 - 19:45 SS2 Bangladesh Cricket - Triangular Pakistan v India
Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:50 - 19:45 SS7 Bangladesh Cricket - Triangular B`desh v India
Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:50 - 19:45 SS7 Bangladesh Cricket - Triangular Final

SuperCricket via kwout

Australia - ??

UAE, Dubai & Middle East - ART Prime Sport

Probably ART Prime Sport, as this is popula sports channel available to viewers in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and Libya.

Labels: 2008, Asian Television Network International Limited, Bangladesh, Canada, CBN, Cricket, GEO Super, India, list, News and Media, Pakistan, Television network, tri-series, TV Channels, UK

written by Kalyan @ 12:50 PM, ,

1st Final India vs Australia live online at Sydney Commonwealth Bank Series

1st final starts in -

[Loading time count down ...]

India is better team than Sri Lanka in this series but not when compared with Australia. India just won one game against Australia in CB series i.e. 4th Match at Melbourne played on Feb 10, 2008 by 5 wickets. This makes Australia the defacto favorites in the 1st final game that will be played on March 2' 2008 at Sydney. Australia has its own share of batting form problems and only in last match Ponting made a revengeful century probably after he was sold for embrassing $400K in IPL. All other batsman including Gilchrist and Symmonds are out of form and not contributing to the scoreboard. Aussies bowling attack has been marvelous which saved them from all the matches in CB series.

India on the other hand is totally unpredictable both on batting and bowling. Ishanth Sharma was the only consistent bowler who fared well against both Aussies and Sri Lankans in the series. No wonder he was sold double the price of Ponting in IPL. Tendulkar regained his aggressive batting in last match with Sri Lanka. Gambhir is for batting as Ishant is for bowling. He already got couple of centuries in this series and he applies himself to the game with dedication which is missing from the rest of the players. Rohit sharma and Uthappa has to prove themselves to be on Indian squad in upcoming two finals.

If India can bowl well and at least two or three batsman makes some what average score then 1st final winner will be India.

Match Start Times :

US central time - March 1, 2008 at 9:15 PM
UK - March 2, 2008 at 3:15 AM
India - March 2, 2008 at 8:30 AM

Watching Online or Live Streaming Sites :

click here for 1st final India v Sri Lanka March 1, 2008 09:00 PM [Note : This site works only in IE and you need sopcast software downlaoded to watch this game]

For full coverage of this CB series with all previous matches click here

Once match is completed I'll post highlights courtesy@youtube

Labels: 2008, Australia, CBSeries, Cricket, free, India, India in Australia, India vs. Australia, live, streaming

written by Kalyan @ 3:11 AM, ,

11th Match India vs Srilanka live online Commonwealth Bank Series

India lost to Australia in a close match by 18 runs. Had they won this match against Aussies their place in finals would have confirmed. This match with Sri Lanka will be knock out match if they loose to Sri Lanka. Tendulkar form has been of big concern for India. Openers in general are falling for meagre score. Sreesanth is loosing traction and giving away runs at will which is destroying the game and as well putting the pressure on other bowlers.

Match Start Times :

US central time - February 26, 2008 at 5:00 PM
UK - February 26, 2008 at 11:00 PM
India - February 27, 2008 at 4:30 AM

Watching Online or Live Streaming Sites :

click here for 11th Match India v Sri Lanka February 26, 2008 05:00 PM - $5.00 only

For full coverage of this CB series with all previous matches click here

Once match is complete I'll post highlights courtesy@youtube

Hope the India makes it to the finals.

Labels: CBSeries, Cricket, India, India vs SriLanka, live, streaming

written by Kalyan @ 1:05 AM, ,

India vs SriLanka Game#8 CB series highlights

India keeps chances of getting into finals alive by winning this crucial match against Sri Lanka in a thriller. Dhoni and Yuvraj clinched this thriller in a style. Dhoni scored no boundaries in runs of 50 he made.

Dhoni's 50 video

He speaks after the game in a jubilious mode to the media.

Dhoni's post match video

Yuvraj strugglling for his form made a winnning contribution in the crucial match. 200th match and he reagained his confidence with few boundaries. 76 off 70 balls put India on winning. Seems yoga is doing it for Yuvi and hope he carries same momentum in all his next games. The video where he spoke to Harsha Bogle, Ravi Shastri and Wasim Akram after the game.

Yuvi's post match video

Again a disastrous performance show from the Indian top order batsman. Uthappa should be sacked from the team and so far he has been worst contributer playying irresponsibly except for one ODI in England I have not seen any runs from his bat.

Here is video of fall of wickets for India :

India's fall of wickets video

Labels: CBSeries, Cricket, Cricket Match Review, highlights, India, India vs SriLanka, videos

written by Kalyan @ 8:46 AM, ,

Commonwealth Bank Series watching online - India, Sri Lanka & Australia free live streaming sites - sopcast links - highlights - scorecards

--------------------------------
Update Mar'02-2008
1st final news are updated
---------------------------------

India, Australia and Sri Lanka ODI triangular series in Australia.

Matches start on Feb 3’ 2008. There are 12 matches and 3 finals (3rd final is optional).If the points are tied the team with highest NRR(net run rate) proceeds to the finals.

SriLanka will be at disadvantage as India is now comfortable with Australian pitches. Australia are strong favorites and It is interesting to see how Australian sportsmanship will be as India and Sri Lanka teams both had issues in the past playing against Australia in Australia. This is one reason I would watch this series to see for any controversies.

CB series Match Timings

Match start times :
US central time - Mar 01, 2008 at 9:00 PM
UK - Mar 02, 2008 at 03:15 AM
India - Mar 02, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Australia - Mar 02, 2008 at 01:45 PM

1st final Match Australia v India at Sydney starts in

[Loading match time count down ...]

Click me for Highlights

Live Scores

Series schedule

Schedule is in US central time which is GMT - 6.0

1st Match Australia v India February 2, 2008 09:15 PM
2nd Match India v Sri Lanka February 4, 2008 09:15 PM
3rd Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 7, 2008 09:15 PM
4th Match Australia v India February 9, 2008 09:15 PM
5th Match India v Sri Lanka February 12, 2008 05:00 PM
6th Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 14, 2008 08:30 PM
7th Match Australia v India February 16, 2008 09:15 PM
8th Match India v Sri Lanka February 18, 2008 09:15 PM
9th Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 21, 2008 09:15 PM
10th Match Australia v India February 23, 2008 09:15 PM
11th Match India v Sri Lanka February 26, 2008 05:00 PM
12th Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 28, 2008 09:15 PM
1st Final TBC v TBC March 1, 2008 09:15 PM
2nd Final TBC v TBC March 3, 2008 09:15 PM
3rd Final (if required) TBC v TBC March 6, 2008 09:15 PM

Commonwealth series Points table

Team	Played	Won	Lost	NoResult	Tie	BonusPoints	Points	NRR
Australia	4	2	1	1	-	0	12	1.179
India	4	1	1	2	-	0	8	0.147
Sri Lanka	4	1	2	1	-	0	6	-1.570

Squads

India

Only significant change was RP Singh is out bcoz of hamstring injury - Munaf Patel replaces him

MS Dhoni (Captain/keeper), Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Dinesh Karthik,Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla, Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Sreesanth, Sachin Tendulkar, Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh

Australia

Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist (Vice-captain/keeper), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin(Wicketkeeper), Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds
Sri Lanka

Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Kumar Sangakkara (Vice-captain/keeper), Ishara Amerasinghe, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilruwan Perera, Chamara Silva, Upul Tharanga, Chaminda Vaas and Chanaka Welegedara

live match links & updates:

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Online Streaming links/live streaming media

PLEASE USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT AND READ REVIEWS ON NET BEFORE BUYING ANY OF live streaming media CRICKET PACKAGES.

List of websites to watch this triangular series:

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Labels: 2008, Commonwealth, Cricket, free, Ind vs Aus, Ind vs SL, India, INDIA vs Australia, India vs SriLanka, links, list, live, sopcast, streaming, TVU Player, watch online, websites, ZeeSports

written by Kalyan @ 12:16 AM, ,

Twenty20 India vs Australia 2008 Melbourne - live streaming sites, Sopcast links, highlights, Channels, live score & news

Dhoni's Team India are Twenty20 champions and beat Australia in Twenty20 comfortably in the past games. Lack of R.p Singh is a big blow to India.

India innings highlights -- "Embarrassing crash"

Match Timings

Only Twenty20 International - Australia v India at Melbourne
20-20: Ind v Aus at Melbourne Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jolimont, Melbourne, Victoria starts in

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Match start times :
US central time - February 1, 2008 at 02:35 AM
UK - February 1, 2008 at 08:35 AM
India - February 1, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Australia - February 1, 2008 at 07:35 PM

Streaming Sites

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20/20 Match Australia v India January 31, 2008 Time: TBA $10.00

Live Cricket TV Streaming & Telecasting

Watch International cricket ODI and Test Match action live on your computer. Streaming featuring India, Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa.

-> Direct TV is broadcasting Ind vs Aus only Twenty20 match (2024 channel ..most likely)

-> Skysports TV Channel is broadcasting this match in UK (England)
Click me for SkySports TV live coverage schedule only

Fri 1 Australia v India 8.30am Twenty20

Free Sites - Once match starts these links will be updated

Twnety20 cricket live streaming link [You need Sopcast to view this streaming]

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Latest cricket videos

Indian team for Twenty20

Only significant change was RP Singh is out bcoz of hamstring injury - Munaf Patel replaces him
MS Dhoni (Captain/keeper), Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Dinesh Karthik,Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla, Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Sreesanth, Sachin Tendulkar, Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh

Australian team for Twenty20

Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Andrew Symonds, Adam Voges

Live Scores

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HOT Cricket news

-> Harbhajan racism charge not proven

Three weeks after the controversy erupted, the racism charge against Harbhajan Singh was found to be not proven by Justice John Hansen, hearing the appeal, on Tuesday. Harbhajan was instead charged with a Level 2.8 offence - abuse and insult not amounting to racism - to which he pleaded guilty and was fined 50 per cent of his match fees.

Labels: Australia, Cricket, free, India, India in Australia, live, sopcast, streaming, Twenty20, watch online

written by Kalyan @ 8:27 AM, ,

Commonwealth bank series 2007 - Englands trashed Australia in two finals

As we are getting ready for Commonwealth bank series from Feb 02' 2008. This is a good starting point to look at what happened in last year Commonwealth bank series. Its not that Australia wins all the series, Hope the upcoming India, Sri Lanka and Australia series will have such surprises.

The 2007 triangular series is played among Australia, New Zealand and England. Australia lost their home series cup after a span of 15 years to England in Commonwealth bank series 2007.

The finals are unforgettable for England and Collingwood. He is the players of the match for two finals.

For Australia they don't have Andrew Symmonds and Ponting was not in form.

Here are the two finals from youtube

First Final:

Second Final:

Labels: 2007, Australia, Commonwealth, Cricket, England, highlights, India, series, sri lanka

written by Kalyan @ 1:42 AM, ,

Commonwealth Bank Series Indian team selected

I did not expect Ganguly be left out from the upcoming CB series but the reasoning seems to be fair.

With Ganguly, Dravid too is out for one days.

Dravid's poor performance may be the reason in recently completed Australia in India series.
Ganguly's fielding capabilities are questioned and rather Raina is selected in his place.
Praveen Kumar gets in with his Ranji performance.Piyush Chawla is chosen for spin attack.

Here is the Indian squad :
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt & wk), Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, RP Singh, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla

Matches schedule:

All times below are US central times:

1st Match Australia v India February 2, 2008 09:15 PM
2nd Match India v Sri Lanka February 4, 2008 09:15 PM
3rd Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 7, 2008 09:15 PM
4th Match Australia v India February 9, 2008 09:15 PM
5th Match India v Sri Lanka February 12, 2008 05:00 PM
6th Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 14, 2008 08:30 PM
7th Match Australia v India February 16, 2008 09:15 PM
8th Match India v Sri Lanka February 18, 2008 09:15 PM
9th Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 21, 2008 09:15 PM
10th Match Australia v India February 23, 2008 09:15 PM
11th Match India v Sri Lanka February 26, 2008 05:00 PM
12th Match Australia v Sri Lanka February 28, 2008 09:15 PM
1st Final TBC v TBC March 1, 2008 09:15 PM
2nd Final TBC v TBC March 3, 2008 09:15 PM
3rd Final (if required) TBC v TBC March 6, 2008 09:15 PM

Labels: Australia, CBSeries, India, sri lanka, team india

written by Kalyan @ 11:33 PM, ,

Cricketers reaction to India Australia Sydney test controversy

In "Second test at Sydney, " characters and game ethics in general is been questioned.

Here is the list of who said what about this growing controversy : I added my juice to the commentary.

Allan Border and Steve Waugh

"Border and Waugh blame cultural misunderstanding" -- blaming whom - team India or Australia ?

This after all Border-Gavaskar trophy and it is interesting that Allan Border, the former Australian captain said to Courier Mail "What we think is just routine banter they take offense at - it is straight-out cultural stuff,"

Steve Waugh Commented that sense of humor in Australia and India are, in his opinion, very different and that when Harbhajan Singh called Andrew Symonds a 'monkey' he may not have meant it as offensively as it was interpreted.

Wasim Akram

"Wasim Akram calls Australians - 'cry Babies' " -- Haa must be the old memories that ball tampering issue of Pak with Aus.

Adding to the fuel Akram reportedly said to Hindustan times "We did not behave like cry babies and drag it to the officials [...] They do it constantly and much more than anyone else. So how they can go out and complain about other teams, I don't know."

Kapil Dev

"Kapil Dev Calls Indian team most gentle cricket team" -- that is the reason I joined ICL

Talks to Hindustan times "It is surprising and unfair. The Indian team is one of the most gentle teams in the world."

Source : Cricinfo

Sachin Tendulkar

"Tendulkar supports Bhaji and his innocence" -- No one talks about my splendid Sydney knock so I support ...

"Harbhajan is innocent and I can assure you on this," the text message from Tendulkar read.

"In this hour of crisis, the board should stand by him. I suggest we play in Perth only if the ban is lifted."

Source : Daily Telegraph

Dickie Bird

"Dickie Bird feels Bucknor should retire" -- oh yeah he beat my 66 tests record and I'm happy now that he gets this..

"When you get to that age... I have said to Steve, 'Don't go on too long, get out while you are still respected'. I think he has gone on too long," told Sky Sports.

Source : Indiatimes

Ricky Ponting

"Ponting feels game played in good spirits" -- Good "Australian Cricket" spirits.

"I think the whole (Test) has been tainted a little bit by some of the events during and then after the game. Otherwise I think this actual game and the first Test in Melbourne, apart from the one issue which everyone knows about right at the moment, was played in very, very good spirits," Ponting told 'Channel Nine'.

Source : DNAIndia

Navjoth Sing Sidhu

"Sidhu hits ICC with the bat ..oops with his words"

Sidhu said: "I think this controversy has assumed a very large proportion.

"India could have ignored the umpiring decisions, which happen every day; India could have ignored the defeat on cricketing ability - that can happen every day; but India cannot ignore the slur of racism heaped on Harbhajan Singh without any concrete evidence.

Source : SkySports

Greg Chappel

"Greg Chappel feels better team won" - Say some thing new Mr. Ex India coach

Chappell said "these were human errors and the third umpire also could make mistake as technology available today is not foolproof."

McGrath

"McGrath supports his team" -- supports Australian team so what ?

"Anil's a great guy and quite reserved so I find it quite surprising that he would come out and say that," McGrath said.

"From an Australian point of view, I know the way the guys play and I have total respect for every guy that pulls on a baggy green. The Australians play it hard and fair," the most successful paceman in Test history said.

Peter Roebuck

"Sack Ponting, says Peter Roebuck" -- Did you say fire Ponting?

Roebuck writes: "Ricky Ponting must be sacked as captain of the Australian cricket team. If Cricket Australia cares a fig for the tattered reputation of our national team in our national sport, it will not for a moment longer tolerate the sort of arrogant and abrasive conduct seen from the captain and his senior players over the past few days. Beyond comparison it was the ugliest performance put up by an Australian side for 20 years. The only surprising part of it is that the Indians have not packed their bags and gone home. There is no justice for them in this country, nor any manners."

Source : NDTV

Gavaskar

"Gavaskar calls Aussies Hypocrites " ..must be a typo...he calls himself a hypocrit.

To Start cricket he says - "Is it only when the Australians give it to somebody that what happens on the field, stays on the field?" Gavaskar fumed. "When they get it, has it got to be reported? It doesn't stay on the field."

Source : DNA INDIA

Malcolm Speed

"ICC head Malcolm Speed supports Bucknor and Bension"

"It's a difficult job made more difficult by technology and improvements in technology. I think we have the best umpires available.

Source : Rediff

Labels: Australia vs India, Controversy, Cricket, India, India in Australia, umpires

written by Kalyan @ 4:07 PM, ,

February 2008 Visa Bulletin India EB2 category Unavailable

After June/July Visa bulletin fiasco we have seen two times December , January bulletins retrogress India Employment Second preference to far cut-off date which clearly indicates demand for EB2 numbers by USCIS for (AOS)adjustment of status cases has remained extremely high in recent months . Recent bulletin (FEBRUARY 2008) released yesterday reflected this big drop making India EB2 category as "Unavailable" where as EB3 category retrogressed to 08MAY01 - Which means EB3 for India is now more current than EB2. Remind you that this is just start of the fiscal year for visa numbers and this demand proves to be very costly for Indian applicants as they have to wait no one knows (even USCIS too) when they will become current.

Why did EB2 become unavailable in February Bulletin?

This is expected as January 2008 bulletin gave good signs of this prediction - EB2 for India is retrogressed by 2 years to January 2000 & EB2 remains unchanged to 01 May 2001. EB2 approval needs Master's degree or 5 years experience and we already know I140 is the stage with the most scrutiny since I485 is only adjustment of status. One probable reason for unavailability is that employers hurried up to use LC substitution as USCIS announced that they no more be accepting LC substitutions. Sure as to every one guess that these I140s will have issues. I140 processing times are more and against to guidelines probably the dates are made unavailable.

Other obvious reason needless to say is mass filing that happened in June/July ' 2007 which used years worth of visa numbers.

Unless visa numbers quota is increased I believe the same story continues and priority dates may take years and years to become current.

All the best for those who are waiting for dates to become current.

Labels: eb-2, green card, Immigration, India, priority dates

written by Kalyan @ 11:56 AM, ,

Australia vs India 2007/2008 watching online test, oneday series - live streaming sites

India tour of Australia, 2007/08

Next Match 4th Test: Australia v India at Adelide starts in

[Loading match time count down ...]

India wins Perth test match.

Update: Steve Bucknor removed for the next test match. Haribhajan is allowed to play until the BCCI appeal's verdict decision comes out from ICC.

India is in form beating (weak) Pakistan team in both one days and tests.Australia as always maintains their champions title by beating recently New Zealand in Chapple-Hadlee series.
India should give their 200% to have any chance to get close to victory in this tour/series.

Direct TV is broadcasting Ind vs Aus matches.

Series schedule & Highlights:

1st Test (5 Days) Australia v India December 25, 2007 06:00 PM US central time
2nd Test (5 Days) Australia v India January 1, 2008 05:30 PM US central time
3rd Test (5 Days) Australia v India January 15, 2008 06:00 PM US central time
4th Test (5 Days) Australia v India January 23, 2008 06:00 PM US central time

Followed by Commonwealth Bank Series triangular India-Australia-Srilanka
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Test Schedule & Highlights :

4th Test

-> Tendulkar's 100

29.3 Johnson to Tendulkar, FOUR
29.4 Johnson to Tendulkar, FOUR
29.5 Johnson to Tendulkar, FOUR

Tendulkar's 124 include 10 fours and 3 sixers.

-> Matthew Hayden took a comfortable catch off Virender Sehwag, but dropped Mahendra Singh Dhoni

-> Rauf umpiring errors : 2-1, 2 is against Aus (DRavid and Sehwag was almost out on LBW) 1 against Ind (Ganguly LBW is some what debatable)

3rd Test

Day4

->Johnson and s. Clarke resistance delayed India's win

->Sehwag's two quickies shifted game to India side

Day3

-> Laxman and Australia thing continued , brilliant 79 from his bat at the very much needed time.

-> R.P Singh hits his first international six. He added valuable 30 runs to the board.

-> Dhana Dhan Dhoni took 40+ balls to make 5 runs. Rare sighting that you will witness but erased low scoring news later with brilliant sixers.

-> Kumble takes Symmonds wicket and Symmonds take Kumble's.

Day2

-> Phil Jaques showed the REQUIRED cricketing spirit by gesturing that bat did not carry it on to his hands when Kumble edged it.

-> Kumble's 600th test wicket victim is Andrew Symmonds

-> Clarke walks off from the pitch by himself -- decency improved and demonstrated

-> Chris Rogers debuts for Australian team.

Day1

-> Jaffer falls again for a low score and It was the fifth time he had fallen to Lee in this series

-> Sehwag made runs in his fast pace style hitting three boundaries in Lee's over.

-> The short man, Tendulkar shows us how to play a bouncer -- a class from the master blaster.

-> Rahul Dravid's journey to 93 includes one dropped catch by Michael Clarke

2nd Test

Here are few quickies to take with you in the first test match of this tour.

Day 5 - Australia wins the test match with few balls to spare
->Amidst controversies game won by Australia

Day 4 - Australia 2nd innings 284/4
->Hayden's hundred pushed Australia to 213-run lead
->Ponting falls again in Bhajji's bowling. (Eigth time in tests)

Day 3 - India 532 and Aussies 32/0
-> Tendulkar out of Ninities jinx. Enetertains Sydney crowd with his 38th test century. Remained not out again increasing his ground average score for one more time.
-> Bhajji in a controversy row as he had exchanges some words with Symmonds.One thing is sure mighty Aussies didn't like Bhajji hit 63.
-> Ishant Sharma continued the flare with his 23 to frustrate Aussies more by crossing 500+ runs for India.

Day 2 - India 3 for 216
-> Laxman's third consecutive century in Sydney.18 runs off five Johnson over.
-> Dravid gets a ground applause after he hits his first run after 38 balls.Dravide smiles back with bat in reponse. He needs to get back his confidence.
-> India for first time in the tour crossed 200+ runs.

Day 1 - Australia 1st innings 376/7
-> Zaheer Khan injured and is out of the tour, Ishant Sharma take his place.
-> RP Singh gave India needed lead with his spell of 4 for 108 but India could not contain Australian innings thereafter
-> Hogg's 79 (his sixth test only) and Symmonds 137 put Ausssies 134/6 to a comfortable total for 7th wicket partnership.
-> Poor umpiring resulted in two not out decisions (Ponting was out on 17 and ofcourse not out on 55 , Bucknor misjudged Symmonds's decision) in favor of Aussies and one out decision in favor of India ( Ponting out for 55 is a not out)
-> Last 162 runs came in at acceleration rate of just in 37 overs.

CricInfo day by day link

1st Test

Here are few quickies to take with you in the first test match of this tour.

Day 1 - Australia 1st innings 337/9
-> Kumble completed his spell with 5 for 84 restricting Aussies to 337.
-> Matthew Hayden completed his sixth century in Boxing Day Tests.

Day 2 - India 1st Innings 196 and Australia 2nd innings 32/0
-> Rahul Dravid opening in 1st Test on day2 took 40 balls before he scored his first run. After 5 off 66 balls he returned to Pavilion as his counterpart Jaffer
-> Adam Gilchrist now equalled Ian Healy's Australian record of 395 dismissals behind the wickets
-> Brett Lee claimed his 250th wicket
-> 70,000 crowd in Melbourne watching 1st test match

Day 3 - Aus 2nd Innings 351/7 declared and Ind 2nd innings 6/0
-> Jaques leading 2007 run scorer for Aussies
-> Harbhajan singh completes 250 wickets in tests by claiming Ponting for sixth time.
-> Zaheer bowled 12 no-balls in the innings.

Day 4 - Ind all out for 161
-> Yuvraj was not happy of umpire's decision and waited on ground after he was given out by Umpire Billy Bowden, caught by Stuart Clark.
-> Australia's 15th straight win -- they are unstoppable
-> Adam Gilchrist surpassed Ian Healy's record of 395 dismissals.
-> It was India in the past who stopped Aussies after 16 straight wins and if they win next match at Sydney they will repeat the history.

For highlights videos click on 1st test from the next section (live match links).

More from cricinfo on 1st test match.

live match links & updates:

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Scorcard

US - Direct TV & Dish Network

Canada - ATN

UK - Sky Sports and BBC – Highlights

India - Ten Sports

UAE, Dubai & Middle East - Ten Sports Arab Digital Distribution

Africa - Supersport2

New Zealand - Sky Sport3

US - Direct TV & Dish Network

Canada - ATN - Bell TV (Bell ExpressVu)

UK - Setanta Sports

India - Sony's Set Max

Australia - Network 10

UAE, Dubai & Middle East - ART Prime Sport

Africa - Supersport2

Why did EB3 become unavailable so early May Bulletin?

Canada: CBN (Bell ExpressVu; Rogers Cable)

US - Direct TV & Dish Network

UK - Zee Cinema

India - NEO Cricket (Tata Sky)

Pakistan - Geo Super

Africa - Supersport

Australia - ??

UAE, Dubai & Middle East - ART Prime Sport

Match Start Times :

Watching Online or Live Streaming Sites :

Match Start Times :

Watching Online or Live Streaming Sites :

CB series Match Timings

Live Scores

Series schedule

Commonwealth series Points table

Squads

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Match Timings

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Indian team for Twenty20

Australian team for Twenty20

Live Scores

*HOT* Cricket news

Allan Border and Steve Waugh

Wasim Akram

Kapil Dev

Sachin Tendulkar

Dickie Bird

Ricky Ponting

Navjoth Sing Sidhu

Greg Chappel

McGrath

Peter Roebuck

Gavaskar

Malcolm Speed

Why did EB2 become unavailable in February Bulletin?

India tour of Australia, 2007/08

Series schedule & Highlights:

4th Test

3rd Test

2nd Test

1st Test

live match links & updates:

HOT Cricket news