If you need a reason to move to Sacramento, why you really want to move to Texas instead you can move to Sacramento ..

Here are couple of them

- high-tech sector grows 8 percent

- Housing prices a bit low compared to Bayarea

- Good Semi Conductor  Industry.

http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2008/06/23/daily16.html?ana=yfcpc

If you want to know a good way to start teaching you kids about Animals/Alphabets/Numbers ( Many more ) then check out this WebSite

Name : Kindersay

URL   :  www.Kindersay.com

This will actually show a picture and also plays the Audio, will be a very good learning experience for your kids.

I had a nice experience with this site. One of the smart feature i like about this site is, you can set it to AUTO PLAY and it keeps on playing so you just don’t have to keep holding the key board or the mouse.

If you can attach the same to a TV from you LapTop, the Kids would really love it give it a try.

I am sure all of you are aware that RICE prices have spiked over the couple of weeks. It is not money but they are currently not available even if you pay the price. I happen to go around couple of INDIAN stores and here is what i got. Please pass on your inputs so all of us can share the information. I will be updating the post accordingly.

Reason India has stopped the export of Rice and hence the prices are going up. It will get more expensive in the coming months per my understanding.

Most of them limit 1 bag per family.

Taj Mahal imports : Ravi Sona Masuri ( There are only couple of bags left ) - 16.99

$ 16.99

ICC 

Durbar 13.99

Namaste Plaza

Please post your comments on the prices.. 

Travelling with Kids is fun and also tiering if you are not well organized.

Here are some of my experiences and tips i would like to share with you which might become handy

• Avoid flying during peak times. Do not fly late nights or early mornings. This time i flew by NWA ( KLM ) air lines which leaves San Francisco at 3.25 pm PST. So that he / she(infant) could play till 9.00 pm our time and they would go to sleep. This timings are 100% PERFECT
• If your kid is less than 1.5 years and you are not getting a Seat, request for bassinet.
• Changing those Diapers frequently, makes big difference they are very comfortable.
• *** Carry Tylenol for sure *** No exceptions here
• Yeah! During take off/landing sometims it is normal to get ear ache, so it is “FINE” to bottle feed or nurse the baby.
• Carry 3 to 4 pairs of clothes.
• I used to wait 30 min for the security check. Now not anymore if you have the Clear Card. Firstly i don’t mind waiting but with a Kid YES i do mind waiting in the line and it is tough. The problem is solved with
  “Clear Card“. In short “Clear Card” members are have acessess to express lanes nationwide. Clear card members pass through airport security faster. For more info check out my Post on “Save time at airport“
• Do

Any time your near and dear ones come to USA. I would recommend you to take Health Insurance for them.

Every time my parents came here i took the insurance, So far i felt very comfortable with K.V.Rao and i will still go with them. Same good quality of services. Thought i cannot comment on how the reimbursements were as i never used them.

If any of you have ever used India Network please let me know your feedback on the reimbursements.

here are the details :

India Network Foundation
3956 Town Center Blvd #340
Orlando, FL 32837
Fax: 800-837-6384
Web: http://www.indianetwork.org

Advantages :

1.working with AIG, insurance carrier for many years on offering pre-existing conditions coverage

Cheers, Om

A driver’s license is a very important document in the United States. It is typically the same size as a credit card. A driver’s license allows you to operate a motor vehicle legally. Without a driver’s license, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle. Driver’s licenses are issued by each state in the United States. The rules and regulations vary in various states. However, a driver’s license issued from any state in the United States allows you to drive anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. As the public transport system is only good (or reasonable) in some major cities like New York, most people need to drive a car. Driver’s licenses are issued by a particular state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is similar to the RTO (Regional Transport Office) in India. In some states, it may be called something other than the DMV. For example, it is the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts and the Department of Public Safety in Texas. Please refer to DMV.org , an excellent unofficial guide to DMV rules in different states.

As the United States has no national identification system, the driver’s license is also widely used for identification. As most people drive car in the U.S., the driver’s license has become the standard photo ID. If you are writing a check for payment at stores, boarding a domestic flight, buying tobacco or alcohol, visiting bars or dance clubs where alcohol is served, you are required to present a photo ID. Many places accept only a valid U.S. driver’s license as valid photo identification and not a passport. The DMV can also issue you a photo ID that looks similar to a driver’s license, but you can’t operate a motor vehicle with it.

Most people get a basic driver’s license to operate car. There are separate licenses for motorcycles, taxis, buses, or trucks. Some states issue driver’s licenses with vertical orientation to people under the age 21 to easily identify whether the person is of legal drinking age. In these cases, it also specifies the date the person will turn 21. Some states may print the picture on the right for drivers under 21 rather than the left. Some states write “Under 21″ in bold red. Some states may give licenses of different colors to people below the age of 21. Some states show a picture of small heart, or the term “Organ Donor” is printed on the driver’s license, to indicate that he/she has agreed to donate his/her organs in case of a sudden death, such as in a car accident. The minimum driving age is different in each state and may vary from 14 to 18 years. However, in most states, it is around 16 years. Many states have stopped printing social security numbers as driver’s license numbers due to identify theft concerns. Driver’s licenses generally have a license number, photograph of the person, copy of his/her signature, name, date of birth, address of primary residence, the type or class of license, restrictions and/or endorsements, and physical characteristics of the persons such as height, weight, and eye color.

In order to get a driver’s license, you must generally follow these steps:

Get a Driver’s Manual:
Either visit the DMV in person or go to their website and download a driver’s manual. It describes the rules and regulations for operating a motor vehicle. It also has many diagrams and photographs that illustrate various rules.

Social Security Number:
Some states require you to have a SSN before you can get a driver’s license. If you are not eligible to get social security number (e.g., because you are on an H4 visa), you will need to get a letter from the SSA and apply for an  Individual Tax Identification Number(ITIN). Some states may accept an ITIN, while others simply don’t allow you to get a driver’s license until you have a social security number.

Written Test:
Once you are confident that you have learned the written rules for driving, go to the nearest DMV to take a written test. You may either have to make an appointment, or you may be able to walk in during normal business hours. The test generally contains multiple choice questions (A, B, C, D). The test may be taken on paper or on a computer. Generally, there is no time limit to answer the questions. When you go to the DMV, you will have to show proof of your identity, which can be your foreign passport, I-94 card (nonimmigrants), or a green card stamp (new immigrants). Sometimes, after you have given the correct answers to the minimum number of questions required to pass the test, the computer may stop asking you questions. In a computer-based test, you will know your score immediately. In a paper-based test, an employee at the DMV will look at your answers and tell you the score. Once you pass the test, you will be given learner’s permit allowing you to operate a car only if a licensed driver is sitting next to you. A learner’s permit is required to take driving lessons. Duration of the validity of your learner’s permit may vary by state.

Driving Lessons:
Even though you might have driven a car in your home country, it is still a good idea to take driving lessons. You can either go to a private teacher or to a driving school. Private teachers will usually cost less than driving schools. They will charge money on a hourly basis. Driving lessons allow you to get used to driving in the U.S., its rules regulations, parking, etc. Moreover, you will feel more confident driving. Driving and parking rules are totally different in the U.S. compared to countries like India. Lessons will also help you pass the driving test and become a safe driver.

Road Test:
Once you are comfortable driving on U.S. roads, you will have to take the road test at the DMV. Again, it may either be walk-in, or you may have to make an appointment. In some states like New Jersey, there may be a few weeks’ waiting period to get an appointment. You will go to the DMV with your learner’s permit. The car that you will use for your road test must have proper liability insurance. All controls, including indicator lights, brake lights, horn, etc., must be in working condition. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to use that car for a road test. An inspector will sit next to you and ask you to drive. He/she will check your various driving and parking skills. After the test, the inspector will immediately tell you the result. If you have made mistakes, they will generally explain them to you so that you can correct them later. If you passed the road test, you can go inside the DMV and get your driver’s license, which is immediate in most states. In some states like Texas, you may receive a temporary paper license with no photo ID. It will allow you to drive a car, but the original license will come in the mail, which may take around two weeks. In other states like Virginia, you will get the driver’s license instantly. If you fail the test, generally, there is no minimum waiting period to apply again. However, if your DMV requires an appointment for the road test, there may be a delay. Either way, don’t try to take the road test again until you have worked on the mistakes you made during your original test.

Driver’s License:
You will be required to pay a fee for your driver’s license. You will also have to show proof of identify with a photograph, as well as proof of your date of birth. Be sure to bring proof of identity, like your foreign passport, I-94 card (nonimmigrants), or a green card stamp (new immigrants). In some states, you must provide proof of legal status in the U.S., which is usually your I-94 form. And you may be given a driver’s license that expires on the day your legal stay expires in the U.S. As described above, you may also require a social security number. You will have to provide proof of residence in the state in which you are applying. You can provide utility bills, a copy of an apartment lease agreement, etc. 

In some states, you will also be required to provide proof of liability insurance. However, most insurance companies give insurance to a particular car and to particular drivers. If you don’t have a car, most companies won’t give insurance. Some companies may give “non-owned” car insurance that gives insurance to a particular driver and not for particular car.

Finally, before getting a driver’s license, you will be required to take a vision test. There are vision testing machines located at each clerk’s desk. Once you put your forehead against the machine, you will be asked to read specific lines located on the screen. If you normally wear glasses, you can wear them during the vision test. However, there will be a notation on the driver’s license that you need glasses. Make sure to wear glasses appropriately while driving a car. Otherwise, you may be in violation of law.

Your photograph also will be taken at the DMV and will be digitally printed in the driver’s license.

International Driver’s Permit:
Some states recognize an International Driver’s Permit and/or the regular license from your country and may allow you to drive on that license, or they may allow you to skip some of the requirements listed above. It is extremely difficult to get car insurance on non-U.S. driver’s licenses, though.

Arrival  

At most major international airports in the United States, there are several terminals. Some airlines have their dedicated terminal while others have a shared terminal.

Baggage Claim

Unlike other countries such as India, baggage trolleys are not free in the U.S. They typically cost $2 to $4 per trolley. Automated machines accept either $1 or $5 bills and/or quarters. If you purchased U.S. currency in small denominations before traveling to the U.S., you can use that. Otherwise, try to get change. You may also require quarters (25-cent coins) to make phone calls.

There are many baggage claim carousels at most international airports. You can find your carousel number by either checking the informational TV screens or asking someone at the information counter. Once you know your carousel number, follow the signs directing you to the appropriate place. Occasionally, security dogs will sniff through your baggage before you proceed.

Once you have collected your baggage, move towards the customs clearance area. There will be signs posted.

Lost Baggage

If you realize, after checking the carousel, that your baggage is lost, contact the lost baggage office of the airline. They have pictures of various types of bags that help you identify the bags that were lost. Make sure you file a report with them and take the receipt before leaving the airport. Also, take the name and contact information of the person to whom you spoke.

If your baggage is damaged, you should follow a similar procedure with the airline office at the airport.

You may be eligible for compensation for lost or damaged baggage.

Customs

Even if you are traveling to a final destination other than your port-of-entry, you must go through the customs at the port-of-entry. A customs officer may ask you questions regarding the contents of your bag. You are not allowed to bring fruits, vegetables, plants, meat, seeds, etc. into the United States. You would normally be carrying clothes and personal belongings. Answer the questions truthfully.

If there are any doubts, the customs officer may ask you to open your bags for a security check and/or verification. Do cooperate if you are asked to open the bags. The customs officer is mainly looking for items such as drugs, excessive amounts of currency, or other prohibited items. If you are bringing any drugs (medicines), make sure that they are prescribed for an authentic medical condition. If you are caught with any illegal drugs, they will be seized and you will be subject to fines and imprisonment. The customs officer generally will not examine your photographic films, unless there is suspicion that you are carrying prohibited material such as child pornography.

If the customs officer is satisfied, he/she will stamp your customs form and keep that form with him/her.

After clearing customs, you can leave the airport. You may also take your trolley out of the airport where you will find ground transportation.

Meeting Point

Before traveling to the USA, you should coordinate a meeting spot with the person who is picking you up, e.g. they will be waiting just outside the customs area, near the information counter, near the shops, or on the road just outside the airport. If you arrive and no one is there to pick you up, you can go to the nearby public phone booth and either use the quarters or make a collect call to an alternative contact. Collect call means that the receiver will pay for the phone call charges. If you need to make a collect call, follow the instructions on the phone booth. Generally, you will have to dial “0″ for the operator and tell them that you would like to make a collect call. If you take a taxi (cab), you should tip the driver around 15%.

Ground Transportation

If you do not have arrangements for road transportation, or if they fail, there are several options available for public transport.

Car Rental:
There are many car rental companies available. However, if you just arrived into the U.S. for the first time, you may have difficulty renting a car.

Taxi:
There are many taxis available at most airports. Most taxis are big enough to store two big bags. Some airports authorize only a particular taxi company to take passengers, e.g., if you arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport, the only authorized taxi company is Washington Flyer.

Shuttle Service:
Many airports have shuttle bus service to different parts of the airport, to a different nearby airport, or to some areas of the city. Traveling by shuttle may be time consuming, as they make frequent stops.

Public Transportation:
Many cities also have other public transportation modes, such as bus, train, etc. However, if you have a lot of luggage, this may not be a convenient option due to crowdedness.