Bollywood NetFlix = iTalkies

iTalkies is a DVD rental service for Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and other South Asian films in the US. The service works similar to the popular Hollywood rental service - NetFlix.

Price:
- 1 DVD: $ 9.99/month
- 2 DVD: $14.99/month
- 3 DVD; $17.99/month

Check the site at http://www.italkies.com/

Flying via Air India from Mumbai - Drop your Baggages at AI Head Office

Recently, we found out that Air India allows passengers dropping their baggages one day in advance at their Head Office in Marine Lines, Mumbai.

This is a great service offerring for passengers flying to International locations, especially during odd late night hours. Air India personnels can check-in your bags at Marine Lines Office and they will take care of transporting the baggages to the airport and then tranferring them into the right flight. You just have to pick them up at the final destination or port of entry.

This is very helpful for folks residing in and around Marine Lines area. No more last minute surprises or delays due to large number or heavy baggages. Please note that this is only applicable for check-in baggages and not carry-ons.

Jai Air India:-)

Cheap Domestic Air Ticket Options for US Visitors

Today, I came to know from my friend a service called VUSA (Visit USA) for air tickets within USA. I don't think many people visiting US know about this service. It offers domestic tickets at a very reasonable price and is much lower as compared to tickets booked from US.

This is of great savings especially for parents visiting from India. They can book the tickets while in India at approximately $399 for 3 coupons which is valid for 3 round-trips anywhere within US.

You can find more information about VUSA at http://www.murthy.com/resource/iavusa.html

"Chalo Gujarat" Convention

WGC (World Gujarati Conference) is organizing an historical event in New Jersey, USA - "Chalo Gujarat". About 30,000 Gujaratis from places around the world are expected to attend this convention at Raritan Expo Center, Edison, new Jersey, USA on September 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2006.

You can download a copy of the registration online at www.wgc06.org or contact AIANA (Association of Indian Americans of North America) office at (732) 9933072 or send AIANA at email@wgc06.org

For information on the event mission, click here.

Free Phone Options - United States and India

Internet Telephony has been in existence for over 5 years now. I am sure you all remember services like Net2Phone, and Dial-Pad. Lot of other companies have come and gone. The 2 of the recent ones are the best and are here to stay for a long, long time.

1. Skype - In addition to regular PC phone calls, Skype application allows making free calls to any landline or cell number from your PC. This is only limited to calls made within United States and Canada.

Download Skype from http://www.skype.com/helloagain.html

2. Windows Live Messenger - This is by far the best IM messenger of all. The most recent version has an option called "Video Call". Free Video Conferencing at its best. No other program beats Windows Live Messenger voice and webcam picture quality. You can talk with your folks in India and at the same time see them live. All you need at both location is mike, speakers, and webcam.

Download Windows Live Messenger from http://get.live.com/messenger/features

You will also need Broadband Connection at both ends. Another PC-to-PC service that comes closer to Windows Live Messenger in terms of voice quality is Google Talk. You can download it at http://talk.google.com

Online Bollywood Radio with AIM

This is what I was waiting for all this while. You know of great sites to download hindi mp3 songs, wallpapers, read moview reviews, monitor cricket score. However, have you ever wondered a bollywood radio station like FM our folks listen to in India. You can now listen to old and latest hindi songs by downloading the latest AOL IM Messenger.

There is a built-in plug-in wherein you can pick various radio stations and listen to your favorite one, as you are browsing online. One of the radio channels under World/International category is "Bollywood".

Check it out. You can download the latest AIM software at http://beta.aol.com/projects.php?project=aimpro&loc=2

Inviting Parents to United States

Following are two very useful resources for information on documentation, procedure and experience on visitor visas.

http://path2usa.com
http://www.immihelp.com

Check them out.

Watching Live Cricket on Internet

Found this cool service from sgstream.com that provides live streaming video of all cricket matches.

Features

- Cheap: $10 per one-day international or $ 15 per test match
- Quality: The picture and streaming quality is pretty descent for the price. It steams videos at 300 kbps
- Ease of Payment: You can use PayPal or your personal credit card to pay online

You just need to enter the location name of the cricket match to get started.

Sending Money to India

One of the questions that every desi leaving in US will be faced with at some point of time is - What are some of the services availabile online and offline for sending money to India (mainly to their parents)?

The best that I have found is https://moneytransfer.samachar.com

Main features

- No charge for any amount over 500 dollars
- Quick set up of account
- Save contacts in address book so you don't have to enter all the information every single time
- Linked to your checking account.

Check it out at https://moneytransfer.samachar.com