Do you play video games?
This may come as a surprise to many people who read my answers but I DO NOT PLAY VIDEO GAMES.Here is a list of things I do instead:I slay dragonsI lead rebellions against ruthless monarchsI actively hunt down terroristsI investigate global conspiracies (usually at gunpoint sometimes at knife point)I explore the universeI hunt for mythological artifacts and placesI routinely save the planet (sometime the galaxy or universe too) from some extravagant threatI combat rogue machines by tunneling through wormholes.I build and conquer empires.I travel through timeI defy Gods and DemonsI go way out of my way to save some princess I don’t even know, or barely knowI collect and build some of the most obscure weaponry and tools to ever be used to foil Nefarious plots.………… or you could say I play video gamesEDIT:Wow, thanks everyone. I had no idea this answer would get so many upvotes over such a short amount of time. I read through some of the comments and since so many people are curious as to what games these are I figure I’d post a listStarting in order:Skyrim (it’s a promotional image rather than an in game image)Far Cry 4Splinter Cell: BlacklistDeus Ex: Human RevolutionMass Effect: AndromedaUncharted 2: Among ThievesMass Effect 3Portal 2Civilization VQuantum BreakDiablo 3Super Mario Save PeachRatchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal
What happens behind the scenes when you apply for a U.S. visa stamp in a U.S. consulate? What could make the process take so long? Why is it repeated if you leave the country? Why doesn’t anyone care that people are stuck away from their loved ones?
I have gotten this beast called 221g Admin processing 4 times (1st with my F1) 3 times with my H1B visa. All the previous times, the wait time was exactly 4 weeks. For this 4th one, I am still at the beginning of 4th week.2004. F1 Visa: Applied at US Chennai consulate on 22nd June 2004. Officer glanced all my documents and returned my passport with 221g written back of it. No questionnaire nothing. I had no idea at that time about 221g, so was clueless. contacted the university and they drafted an email why I am coming to the university with all the fees paid for. Don’t know if it helped any, I got an email from the consulate on 21st July 2004 (almost 4 weeks) to come to the consulate with my passport and no additional appointment or fees. Went the next day and same officer was there and no questions asked or didn't even look at my face. He said my visa was approved 5 years and I will get it in 3–4 days.2012: H1-B (University of Texas at Austin, non capped): Officer was friendly and he said unfortunately I have to go to the administrative processing. And kept my passport and gave me a green colored slip wit case # and asked me to submit my resume, support letters to the email I will receive. I replied will all the answer s and documents, and got an email on 28th day saying passport ready to pickup (got my visa).2015: H1-B Capped. Officer was very friendly. Told me again, i have to go to admin processing. gave my passport and a white color slip with my case #. Replied all the questionnaire same night. Got an email on 28th day to submit my passport. I did and got my Visa2017 Dec 29th: H1-B capped: Officer was nice and asked few questions about my research and how many publications and patents I got. And, said unfortunately we do this administrative processing for your case every time you come to the consulate. However, you can avoid this if you come for an visa renewal within an year from my clearance date for my previous case (and pointed out to the clearance date on my 2012 stamping). This is the first time someone in the US consulate suggested it. So far, I am at 25rd day (as of 22nd Jan’18) into this 221g admin process wait game. I think I am kid of seasoned in waiting. But again the current US government shutdown and if it causes any federal departments that are involved in clearing my case, it might be delayed.Point is, the average wait time is about 4 weeks for my case.Good luck everyone.
What has Quora done that is wonderful in your life?
An important role indeed!I became a regular user of Quora only a few months back. Though I had an account earlier , I rarely used it and only when I disabled my facebook account I found time for discovering some great things around me.Initially, I was just reading all random topics and I happened to read about a popular Quoran. I found her writing style to be very simple and interesting. So, I started reading all her answers.Eventually I got to know that she is a mom and is only a two or three years elder to me. Though I loved her answers , I started realising that I really don't have so many things happening in my life whereas other's life are sooo much interesting!It really hit me hard that I am leading a very dumb life. So, I started reading just the questions and used to wonder what my answers would have been for that.Most of the time I really didn't have any incident to recount for “ the most interesting moment/ conversation”, “the best/ saddest moment” etc.That's when I learnt to observe things around me . I realized my life is interesting in its own way and just that I haven't noticed all those small things around me.Quora helped me in apprehending that! To notice small things , appreciating and recognising it !Other than this, it has played a huge role in helping me with my finances.I started investing in stocks and shares only after reading few answers here.And offcourse, I am able to hold a decent conversation with people around me due to the diverse topics that I happen to read in this forum!So, thank you Quora! :)