Samsung NP350U2B-A08IN Price

• Operating system: Windows 7 Home Basic
• 12.5″ inch Anti-Reflective HD LED (1366 x 768) Pixels Display Screen
• Intel Core i3-2330M Processor 2.20 GHz with 3MB Cache
• Intel HD Graphics 3000
• Upto 4GB DDR3 RAM
• 500GB SATA 5400 RPM Hard Disk
• Web Camera: 1.3 megapixel HD Webcam
• Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC) Multi Card Reader
• Sound System: Inbuilt 2 Stereo Speaker @ 1.5 watts, HD Audio with SRS
• Sound Effect
• Ports: VGA, HDMI, 2xUSB2.0, Headphone-Out, Microphone-In, Internal
• MIC, RJ-45, DC-In
• Bluetooth v3.0 High Speed
• Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11(b/g/n)
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Kensington Lock Slot
• 60 Watt AC Adapter
• 6 Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
• Dimension: 298.9 x 197.8 x 26.0 mm
• Weight: 1.4 kg

Samsung NP350U2B-A08IN Price: Rs. 34,490 /- INR

Lenovo Ideapad Z470, Z370, Z570 Price

Lenovo Ideapad Z470, Z370, Z570 are multimedia laptops with stylish design, now updated with faster and better Intel Sandy Bridge Processors (I3/i5/i7) and dedicated Nvidia Graphics @ competitive price in India.

Lenovo Ideapad Z370, Z570, Z470 Laptop Features:

• Cool futuristic ID design with a transparent cover
• New attractive fuchsia, sky blue and dark brown colors
• Minimalist look
• Accutype chiclet keyboard
• Hairline and metallic effect panel
• Dolby Advanced Audio
• Featuring OneKey Theater II System

Lenovo Ideapad Z570: 15.6” inch High-Performance Notebook
Lenovo Ideapad Z470: 14.0: inch Multimedia Laptop with Widescreen
Lenovo Ideapad Z370: 13.3” inch Portable Lightweight Laptop

Lenovo Ideapad Z570, Z470, Z370 Laptop Technical Specifications:

• Intel Core i3-2310M Processor
• Intel Core i5-2410M Processor
• Intel Core i5-2520M Processor
• Lenovo Z370: Nvidia Geforce 410M Graphics with 1GB Memory
• Lenovo Z570/Z470: Nvidia Geforce 525M, 2GB GFX
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium OS
• 15.6”/14.0”/13.3” inch (1366×768 pixels) 16:9 Wide Display
• 4GB DR3 RAM
• 500GB Hard Disk
• DVD/Blu-Ray Drive
• SRS Premium Sound
• 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
• 3 USB 2.0, RJ-45, VGA, HDMI Ports
• 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
• 2 Megapixel Webcam
• 6 Cell Battery

Lenovo IdeaPad Z-Series Laptop Price in India: Starts from 40k Indian Rupee (INR) will be available in May 2011

• Lenovo IdeaPad Z570 Price
• Lenovo IdeaPad Z470 Price
• Lenovo IdeaPad Z370 Price

Short Review about Reliance Netconnect+ Prepaid USB Internet Device

What’s included in the Package? The whole package of Reliance Netconnect+ High Speed USB Internet Device includes the following components:

• 1 High Speed USB Data MODEM
• 1 Dialer CD: Includes MODEM Installation Software and Soft copy of User/Quick Start Guide
• 1 Quick Start Guide (Hard/Print Copy)
• 1 USB Extension Cable
• Warranty Card

The build quality of products is robust and the USB Stick carries 1 Year National Warranty. Also the device is capable of supporting Micro SD Card

Setting Up TATA Photon Plus Prepaid for your Laptop/Desktop

As soon as you plug in the USB Device in your Laptop/Desktop, Autorun will be executed and you can install the MODEM Drivers within minutes. The interface window of Reliance Netconnect+ is very User Friendly, showing Network Strength and Buttons viz. Activation, Connect, Connection Logs, Settings and Help (Click to Enlarge):

In order to Setup your Reliance Netconnect Plus device with the Network, click on Settings Button and following interface will be displayed:

 

Here:
1. Phone will be #777
2. Username and Password will be the 10 Digit MDN Number (excluding Zero ’0′) printed at the back of Reliance Netconnect+ Package
3. Mode will be either Netconnect+ OR High Speed 1X OR Hybrid depending on your choice and the location where you are using the device. The description of all the MODES in Reliance Netconnect+ are as follows:

• Hybrid Mode: This is default mode of operation for Reliance Netconnect+ MODEM. In this mode, Modem will latch to Netconnect+ network, if you move to any location where Netconnect+ network is not present, modem will switch over automatically to High speed 1x network and will get back to Netconnect+ mode once you come back to Netconnect+ coverage area.
• Netconnect+: In this mode, modem will latch to Netconnect+ (High Speed Data) network. You will experience download speeds up to 3.1 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1.8 Mbps in this mode.
• High Speed 1x: In this mode, Modem will latch to High speed 1X network. In this mode, you will get download speed up to 153.6 kbps

4. You can set your own DNS like Google Public DNS OR OpenDNS. Although, this is completely optional and the device will continue to work flawlessly (depending on CDMA Network Performance at your Location) even if you don’t set this
In the settings page, you can also set your Static IP Address and also choose whether to connect the Device at Startup of your Operating System and Auto-Reconnection

System Requirements

Reliance Netconnect+ (plus) High Speed USB CDMA Network device:

• Is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux and MAC 10.5.X Operating Systems – Details for installing the MODEM in MAC and Linux is present in the Quick Start Guide
• Is fully Compatible with USB 2.0
• Requires minimum of 100 MB or above of Free Hard Disk Space
• Requires minimum of 128 MB or above of RAM

Price

The price of this device is bit high, though it’s a best bet for you, if you are a frequent traveler OR your office/home is located in an area where there’s NO Wire line Internet Providers. I got the whole package for Rs. 1300/- which doesn’t includes any type of FREE Data Transfer for NEW Buyers. I have to additionally recharge the Device with Rs. 330/- for getting 5 GB Data Transfer with validity of 1 Month.
You also need to submit your Photo, Address Proof and Photo ID Card like Driving License, PAN Card etc. at the time of buying and activating the device.
* Price/Free Data Transfer Offers may vary from one city to another

Connectivity and Speed

As soon as you click Connect, the device gets connected to the network almost instantly. Occasionally, it takes more than 15 Seconds to get connected to the Network. On an average, the device gets connected to the network in 5 Seconds.
The Download speed for the device is quite good and sometimes great. Check out following Speed Test Screenshots while Testing Download and Upload Speeds:

* The above Screenshots are taken when the device is using either Netconnect+ OR Hybrid Mode
Update
Tried using Reliance Netconnect+ during Late Night Hours and following is the result I got:

* The above Screenshot is taken when the device is using either Netconnect+ OR Hybrid Mode. Increase in speed can be attributed to less network congestion/traffic as compared to day/evening time
The Download and Upload Speed of Reliance Netconnect+ USB MODEM is quite decent for casual browsing/surfing the web. The connection is constant and doesn’t break at all. Though if you are travelling in a fast car/train, the connection may drop/break eventually and you have to reconnect the device. Tested this Device at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Although as per Reliance Netconnect+ IP Address, my location is Bangalore, Karnataka and Chennai is the nearest Speedtest Point! But this can be ignored as I am testing from Bhopal using server hosted at Chennai – No doubt the device/network offers good speed)

Roaming

Roaming on Reliance Netconnect+ High Speed USB CDMA Device is absolutely FREE throughout India, provided that the city/location where you are going have either Netconnect+ OR High Speed 1X Network.
In case, you are not sure what type of Reliance CDMA Network is present in the city/location where you are going, switch to Hybrid Mode, so that the device automatically switches to the best available network for surfing/browsing OR refer THIS PAGE for Coverage Details

Reliance Netconnect+ (Plus) vs. TATA Photon+ (Plus)

As I have used both the devices (Read TATA Photon Plus Review), I will say TATA Photon+ is better than Reliance Netconnect+ when it comes to Speed and Connectivity. Following is the screenshot of both download and upload speeds offered by both Reliance Netconnect+ and Tata Photon+:

If Network of both TATA Photon+ (not Whiz) and Reliance Netconnect+ is available in your City/Location (See TATA Photon Coverage), I will highly recommend you to go with TATA Photon+. Although, it’s also recommend that you test both the device before buying any one of them, as speed and connectivity experiences varies from one location to another within same city!
In case, no TATA Photon+ Network is present in your City, Reliance Netconnect+ High Speed USB Internet Device is HIGHLY recommended over other providers like Vodafone, AirTel, Idea, MTS etc., when it comes to Speed, Connectivity, Reliabilty and Customer Support.
* Still experience may vary from person to person and from one location to another within same city

Conclusion

Overall, I will give Reliance Netconnect+ a score of 7.5/10, when it comes to Connectivity, Speed and Customer Support. The score will drop to 6/10, if Reliance Netconnect+ is compared with TATA Photon+ Network and Device (Not Whiz).
Note:

• In some cities you may be getting this device on a small monthly rent, it’s recommended not to rent such products, as it may results in unnecessary consequences. It’s better to buy the device and enjoy it whenever you want
• As soon as the device gets connected to the Internet, Reliance Netconnect Page will open in your default browser, which contains details like View and Pay Bill (for Postpaid Users of Reliance Netconnect+), Usage Details, Prepaid Balance, Trouble Shooting Information and Service Center Details

Tata Photon Review

Someday back I bought for myself a TATA Photon Plus High Speed USB Device for Mobile Internet, as connectivity matters when you are on the move.

Overall my experience with TATA Photon Plus is quite good and of course, TATA Photon Plus is way better than Reliance Net Connect, Idea Netsetter etc. when it comes to Connectivity, Speed and Customer Support.

My Short Review for TATA Photon Plus Prepaid

What’s included in the Package?
The whole package includes:

• TATA Photon Plus CDMA1X HSIA USB Stick, manufactured by HUAWEI
• Carrying Pouch
• Additional USB Extension Cable
• Quick Guide

The build quality of products is robust and the USB Stick carries 1 Year National Warranty. Also the device is capable of supporting Memory Card upto 4 GB
Setting Up TATA Photon Plus Prepaid for your Laptop/Desktop
As soon as you plug in the USB Device in your Laptop/Desktop, Autorun will be executed and you can install the MODEM Drivers within minutes. The interface window of TATA Photon Plus is quite User Friendly, showing Network Strength, Buttons for configuring TATA Photon Plus and accessing your account related details like Logs, Speedometer etc.:

The Settings for configuring TATA Photon Plus with the Network will be provided at the time of purchase by TATA Photon Plus Dealer. These settings can be accessed/changed by going to Settings >> Profile:

Price
The price of this device is bit high, though it’s a best bet for you if you are a frequent traveler. I got the whole package for Rs. 1800/- which also included 5 GB of Data Transfer for 1 Month. You also need to submit your Photo, Address Proof and Photo ID Card like Driving License, PAN Card etc. at the time of buying and activating the device.
Connectivity and Speed
As soon as you click Connect, the device gets connected to the network almost instantly. Occasionally, it takes more than 30 Seconds to get connected to the Network. On an average, the device gets connected to the network in 10 Seconds.
Regarding speed, I am getting Download Speed around 0.60 MB/s (sometimes more) during daytime and around 1.66 to 3.50 MB/s at night. Sometimes, the speed is reduced to 0.15 MB/s to 0.20 MB/s – I think this is due to network congestion, but is sufficient for casual surfing and browsing the web:

The connection is constant and doesn’t break at all. Though if you are travelling in a fast car/train, the connection may drop/break eventually. I used this device in Surat and New Delhi, and am very satisfied with the performance of the device and network.
Roaming
Roaming on TATA Photon Plus is absolutely Free, provided that they have Network Coverage in the city where you are going. Although, the device Automatically switch over to speeds up to 153.6 Kbps (Tata Photon Whiz Speeds) in non-Tata Photon Plus regions. Even you can recharge your TATA Photo Plus Prepaid when you are on the move
Conclusion
Overall, TATA Photon Plus Prepaid is 8/10 for me when it comes to Connectivity, Speed, Network Performance and Customer Support. Also, this internet device is highly recommended over other internet devices like Reliance, Idea, AirTel etc.
Note:

• In some cities you may be getting this device on a small monthly rent, it’s recommended not to rent such products, as it may results in unnecessary consequences. It’s better to buy the device and enjoy it whenever you want
• If you don’t want to recharge your device every month, then you can Stop Recharging your TATA Photon Plus device for 11 Months after a recent recharge. But after 11 Months, your Photon Number will expire and you have to go for another Photon Number which will cost you around 100 to 150 bucks – Please confirm this again by calling Customer Care
• No matter, which is your default browser, TATA Photon Plus will open it’s welcome page (powered by Yahoo!) in Internet Explorer, every time the device gets connected to the internet!
• You can also check Usage Details and balance for TATA Photon Plus Prepaid anytime you want. Check out THIS POST for details

Saver Or Investor - Which Is Best?

What's the difference between a Saver and an Investor and who is the most successful?
Taking a closer look at this question there is no doubt that there is a close relationship between being a successful investor and a good saver. While many successful investors may 'flaunt' their wealth, the most successful tend to be very astute and conscious of where every dollar is being spent and hence showing all the traits of a successful saver.
A person who is first and foremost just a saver can do very well for him/herself. They find a saving in everything they do and this will eventually create a significant difference to their wealth, irrespective of their income. Generally, savers will be conservative by nature and this will be reflected in their investment style with safe, bank deposits being a favourite.
An investor on the other hand, will seek to create wealth by investing their own funds (and often with borrowed funds) into a variety of assets in the hope of creating wealth. When it pays off, they can be extremely successful, when it fails, it can be disastrous.
It is not unusual to see investors becoming very successful only to fail miserably by overextending their positions with borrowed funds. This has been highlighted in the last few years with share and property markets collapsing sending many a successful investor broke.
How does an investor fail so badly? Debt is normally at the heart of any investor's disaster with greed not far behind. Here is step by step example of how it can fall apart for the investor. ($100 used for easy explanation)

1. Invest own funds of $100 in an asset (eg shares, property etc). This initially earns a good return Investor starts thinking, "This is easy, I can make more money if I had more money!"
2. Borrow $100 from the bank, now has $200 invested
3. Investor gets a little cocky and starts living the extravagant lifestyle
4. Asset drops in value - "Don't panic, things will come good, just hang in there", the investor says
5. Asset keeps dropping and now valued at less than 50% of the $200 invested
6. The bank wants its $100 back - quickly! The bank sells the asset and harasses the investor for the balance i.e. the bank wants all its $100 back.
7. The investor has to start selling other assets. The investor now has less than zero invested (negative equity) and often a lifestyle of a millionaire that can't be sustained - Game over.

The saver does not take as many risks as the investor and certainly has little interest for an extravagant lifestyle. Hence a more secure future awaits the saver, albeit with limited upside.
So, back to the question, which is best, a saver of an investor? A balance between the two is the logical way to go. By being an over-cautious saver, it can be hard to get ahead particularly in the current 'low' interest rate environment. Investors need to think like a conservative saver and make sure they can always survive a disappointing investment and therefore benefit from the investments that come good.

A Profile of the Asian Economy

With the world's two fastest growing economies and 60% of the world's population, Asia is emerging as arguably the most important market in world trade.
The Asian economy is already the largest continental economy in the world. The biggest players within Asia, according to GDP, are Japan, China, India and South Korea. China has largest economy of those and has emerged as the second largest in the world (when not including the EU) behind the US although it is anticipated that it will soon overtake and claim top spot. Japan, for a long time Asia's financial superpower is now second whilst India, in terms of purchasing power, can be considered the third largest.
The might of the Asian economies may seem like a fairly modern invention but for much of European antiquity and up until the 19th century countries such as China India were the prominent economic powers in the world. Much of their success then as now depended on their plentiful natural resources, the same resources which tempted European colonisation which in turn stunted Asian economic power until the 20th century.
Asia is a very diverse and disparate continent and as a result the key economic drivers differ substantially across it, to some extent relating to the geography of each locale. The emerging superpowers of China and India are, as are much of central Asia and the subcontinent, largely reliant in the industrial and manufacturing industries fuelled by their large workforces and extensive resources. The rise of both China and India has followed an easing in the socialist governance of the two countries which has unlocked the potential in the massive labour forces and natural resources that each country has.
In Japan and South Korea on the other hand, although industry still plays major role, the economies are more developed and varied and success is also particularly reliant on the financial and service sectors. Both countries experienced post war booms - Japan after the Second World War and South Korea after the Korean War - and are now home to some of the world's leading multinationals, particularly in the field of consumer electronics and motor vehicles. The success of each economy followed close cooperation between government, banks and business with heavy investment and enthusiastic research into high end technology.
The financial services are also integral to the economies of smaller but prosperous South East Asian states such as Hong Kong and Singapore (together with South Korea and Taiwan known as the Asian Tigers due to their rapid economic development in the second half of the 20th century). The two states are free trade ports which have grown their economies through the adoption of western capitalist principles, international trade and low taxation. They have two of the world's most important stock exchanges with the Hong Kong stock exchange the world 's six largest by market capitalisation.
The wealth of the Middle East states is mostly commodity based with oil in particular being key to their prosperity since the its discovery in Iran in 1908. The region is home to the biggest proportion of the world's known oil reserves and as a result relatively small Gulf States such as Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain have been able to rival the larger economies of Turkey and Saudi Arabia and many of those economies now have the some of the highest GDPs per capita in the world (Qatar's, the highest, stands at 88,232 US$).
One of the biggest challenges facing modern Asian countries is the distribution of their wealth. In middle east despite being oil rich and having some of the highest GDPs per capita in Asia, much of the wealth remains in the hands of a minority in the upper echelons of society. Whereas, in the vast countries of India and China the size of their economies is largely based upon, but very much offset against, the size of their populations sharing as they do 2.5 billion people between them (over a third of the world's total). As a result their GDP per capita stands at only 3,417 and 7,518 respectively in comparison with the region's other large economies of Japan (32,817) and South Korea (30,200), whilst the other successful financial and trading nations in the South East are such as those of Hong Kong and Singapore.

Advantages of Consumer Car Loans

A consumer car loan is a loan that involves two parties, in this case, the purchaser and the lender. The lender purchases the car on behalf of the consumer in form of a loan, after which the consumer then gets to enjoy the car as he makes the necessary repayments within the designated dates. The loan is normally secured against the ca,r but at the end of repayment, the car fully belongs to the purchaser. The best thing about the consumer loan is the fact that you can do anything you want with the car, even selling it during the period of the loan so long as in the long-run you get to make all the repayments to the lender. In general, the car ownerships will fully rest with you.
You will get the ownership of the car as soon as you get to sign the agreement. The funds will then be accredited directly to the bank account of the car seller and the car will be released to you. This kind of financing is made available to private sales, dealers and car yards and is available to all. It is however expected that the repayments are made at intervals that are fixed and you can expect them to be debited directly from your personal bank account. This is a measure that is put in place but you can also make the choice of making the repayments on a weekly basis or monthly or even after a fortnight. You can have flexible repayment method depending on the lender that you choose to use.
The consumer car loans are available for individuals who want to purchase new vehicles, as well as used vehicles, and therefore, everybody is accommodated at the end of the day. You will also get to enjoy the tax benefits that come with the loan and even enjoy cash management when making the purchase of the car that you need. Below are some of the advantages that you will stand to gain when you choose to go for the consumer loan:
You will enjoy up to 100% of financing for the car. It is actually very possible to get this percent when looking for this kind of financing.
You will manage to make the repayments on dates that are pre-determined and regularly structured to suit your needs.
You will get full ownership of the vehicle as soon as you get to sign the agreement.
The finance length can also be custom tailored to suit any individual needs that you might have.

Bankruptcy Basics

Bankruptcy should always be considered a last resort after all other efforts to recover from your debt problems have failed. The public record will stay with you for 10 years and beyond. Even a bank account application will ask if you ever filed bankruptcy, which you are legally required to answer. New laws are now place which require you to get involved with a valid credit counseling program before you can file anyway, so keep that in mind.
Bankruptcy laws vary from state to state, and everyone's situation is different. There are no absolute answers as to whether this would be a viable option for you. There are many lawyers who offer free consultation and can tell you how to proceed; the costs and pros and cons.
We can, however, clarify the most basic types of bankruptcy used by individuals. Each of these is known by the title of the Chapter of the Federal Bankruptcy Act in which they appear. The most common of these are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is (or has been until new laws took effect) one of the most common types of bankruptcy used by individuals, but may also be used by businesses. Under Chapter 7, a court-appointed trustee collects the individual's assets. The trustee sells the assets for cash and pays the proceeds to the individual's creditors. Assets that are exempt under federal or state law do not have to be liquidated. Once the Chapter 7 process is final, the filing cannot be repeated for six years.
An example of who might file a Chapter 7 would be someone with little property but unable to meet their monthly payment obligations to creditors.
Unsecured debts, except tax and student load debt are forgiven, though there are extenuating circumstances which may apply to all unsecured debts. Creditors cannot contact you during the process or after the debts are discharged.
To qualify, you need to take a "means test" and complete the required pre-filing session with a credit counselor.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is designed for an individual debtor with a steady source of income. It is generally more costly than filing Chapter 7, because it considerably more complex. Under the Chapter 13 plan, also called "individual reorganization," the debtor must settle his debts over a three to five year period. The debtor is allowed to keep his property. At a confirmation hearing, the court either approves or disapproves the plan. You are protected from debt collection calls and efforts to impose wage garnishment. Also, debts that were not canceled in a Chapter 7 discharge can be reduced in a Chapter 13 payment. Co-signers are also protected under Chapter 13.
To qualify, unsecured debts must be below $360,475 and secured debts less than $1,081,400.
An example of who might file a Chapter 13 would be someone with considerable equity in their home or property which they wish to keep. They're able to keep up with expenses, but are unable to keep up on the scheduled debt payment.
Here is hoping you can find a debt relief program that will work for you to avoid bankruptcy.

Can Bankruptcy Stop An Eviction?

Whether you own or rent a home, the process of eviction can be a terrible experience. Already suffering from money problems and debt burdens, being evicted usually leads to further problems, financially. While you may be considering filing for bankruptcy to stop an eviction, there are a few things you should know.
Owning A Home
One of the most valuable resources of the bankruptcy process can be halting foreclosure proceedings on a home. After you file for bankruptcy the automatic stay order will halt the foreclosure process and prohibit any collection efforts while the debts are being resolved. This means that if you were served with an eviction notice prior to your filing, you may be eligible to stay in the home during the bankruptcy process. This depends on the date of your eviction, which is indicated on your eviction notice. Generally, you will be given 30 days to vacate the property once the foreclosure process has been initiated. If you are able to file for bankruptcy before the date of eviction, you will be safe for the time being. However, if you file after the eviction date, you are likely to find yourself and your belongings put out of the home by authorities.
Renting A Home
Renting a property can complicate both the eviction process and bankruptcy process. If you are renting a home that ends up in foreclosure, you may be given very little notice of the impending foreclosure. Depending on communication from your landlord, you could find yourself with only 24 hours notice to vacate the premises. In this situation, bankruptcy would not be effective in halting the eviction process.
If you receive an eviction notice due to missed payments on your part, your landlord maintains the right to notify you of an impending eviction. Each state holds different laws regarding the amount of notification your landlord is required to give before an eviction. You may have anywhere between 24 hours to 30 days. Filing for bankruptcy may be able to halt an eviction if you can complete the filing before the date of eviction.
It is important to note that filing for bankruptcy is not a guarantee. In order to proceed with eviction your landlord must obtain a court order. If your landlord already obtained a court order before you filed, you will still be evicted unless your attorney can convince the court to lift the order. Timing is extremely important and you will need to file for bankruptcy before your landlord obtains a court order if you want the best chances of avoiding an eviction.

How Do I Pay Taxes When I'm Self-Employed?

If you are a sole proprietor (aka "self-employed"), do you need to know how to pay your federal taxes? Read on to find out.
All U.S. taxpayers must comply with our "pay-as-you-go" tax system. Employees do this by having taxes withheld from their paychecks by their employers. Self-employed people do not have this luxury, so you must take specific action to make federal tax payments on your own via quarterly estimated tax payments.
How to make quarterly estimated tax payments. You have three options for making these payments:
Option 1. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). The IRS has a system that allows you make payments electronically. Your payment is transferred from your bank account to the IRS. You have complete control over both the amount and the timing of the payment.
Option 2. Credit card payment by phone.
Option 3. Good old snail-mail. To do this, you must complete Form 1040-ES and send it to the IRS with a check made payable to the U.S. Treasury.
Regardless of which method you use, the quarterly payments are due on the following dates: April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. If a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, the due date is automatically moved to the next non-weekend, non-holiday business day. If you are sending the payment via snail-mail, the envelope must be postmarked on or before the due date to be considered timely.
How to calculate quarterly estimated payments. Doing the calculations to determine the proper amount of your quarterly payments can be tricky. And it is possible for a self-employed person to avoid these payments altogether if you and/or your spouse have enough federal income tax withheld from your W-2 paychecks.
But if you think you will owe at least $1,000 on your annual income tax return (after taking into consideration any W-2 withholdings), you should make enough quarterly payments to reduce the potential balance due to below the $1,000 threshold.
Another good rule of thumb that works especially well for folks who only have self-employment income (and no W-2 income) is called the "Safe Harbor rule". If you make quarterly estimated tax payments equal to or greater than the 100% previous year's federal tax liability (in four equal payments), then you meet the minimum payment requirement and it does not matter how much you owe on your annual income tax return. As long as you pay that balance due by April 15, there will be no penalty for underpayment of estimated tax payments.
Most tax rules have exceptions, and such is the case with this Safe Harbor rule: If your gross income is greater than $150,000, then you must pay 110% of the previous year's federal tax liability to avoid an underpayment penalty.
One final comment: don't forget that as a self-employed person, your federal tax liability includes both the federal income tax and the self-employment (SE) tax.

The FBAR Filing Dilemma

Many tax payers are always faced by a dilemma when it comes to filing their first Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). For individuals in the IRS program of Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI), the IRS requires them to file the amended FBAR. Tax payers, with foreign bank and financial accounts, are required to file their returns by June 30 every year, as long as the foreign accounts hold at least $10,000.
However, those not in the OVDI program can still make voluntary disclosure under the IRS traditional rules. They would then be required to file past FBARs that are due to the IRS and then commit to file subsequent ones for as long as they are required.
Failure to disclose foreign accounts, on tax returns, or failure to have previously filed FBARs can lead to big penalties or even serving timein prison. The IRS discourages the aspect of "quiet disclosure" when starting to file FBARs. Some of the "quiet disclosure" aspects that some taxpayers embark on include:
· Filing of FBARs prospectively without addressing the past.
· Filing three years of previously due FBARs on one envelope each in a bid to avoid attention.
· Filing six years of previously due FBARs on an envelope each; or
· Filing three, six, or even eight years of FBARs accompanied by a lettered explanation to the IRS stating that the taxpayer did not previously know the filing requirements, and as a result should be spared penalties.
Some individuals might have accurate total income on their tax returns, but fail to disclose their past foreign accounts. Others might be uneasy with filing past due FBARs under any conditions. All in all, FBAR filing should be done even when there are no taxes to be paid for the reported foreign income, for example, due to foreign tax credits.
The decision to start filing FBARs is sensible, regardless of whether one is attempting to make late FBAR filings to correct the past, or not. Penalties imposed for past FBAR filing failures can be disputed through detailed explanations to the IRS for failure to do so, or by making the first FBAR filing accompanied by an explanation citing unawareness of filing requirements.
Being fully tax complaint on all incomes, including foreign incomes, does not exempt one from filing FBARs. Individuals that have past due taxes, owing to failure on their part to disclose foreign incomes, and file FBARs, face a tough choice on whether to start the FBAR filings or not, because of the penalties they are likely to face. Getting proper advice from relevant quarters is, therefore, recommended.

Rob L Daniel and partners of Limon Whitaker & Morgan, for years have helped businesses and individuals Nationwide, with their delinquent IRS & State tax problems. The firm is based in Los Angeles, California USA. http://www.limonwhitaker.com / Tel:888.321.6188
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Tax Preparation Business - Better Place To Learn About Tax Liability Than the Courthouse

All the warnings that financial institutions give a person about checking with a tax adviser before taking action really are worth heeding. Unfortunately, a Minnesota man learned in Tax Court the impact of taking money from the college savings plans of his children. He would have made a wiser decision by first conferring with a tax preparation business.
Arrangements that allow for education savings in 529 plans have special tax rules. The investment income in these accounts grows with incurring income tax. Individuals do occasionally provide their paid tax preparers with evidence of 529 plan contributions. However, no income tax deduction is allowed for these amounts.
In addition, contributions to 529 plans normally don't create gift tax situations. Tax law permits large first-year contributions to establish the accounts. In subsequent years, contributions must not exceed the annual gift tax exclusion. As long as contributions are within these guidelines, a registered tax return preparer course conveys that no gift tax return is necessary.
The issue regarding 529 plans for most tax preparer jobs involves the tax impact of withdrawals from these accounts. Taxpayers receive Form 1099-Q for 529 plan distributions. Reporting the withdrawn amount on a tax return is necessary to avoid subsequent explanation in response to an IRS inquiry. But, no tax impact is recorded by tax preparer duties with a 1099-Q if the distributions were used to pay for qualified education expenses. The Minnesota man learned that this is the only exception to a taxable event for 529 plan withdrawals.
The Tax Court ruling reveals that the Minnesota man requested funds from three 529 plans established for his children. He planned to use the money for household expenses. His first mistake was that he waited to confer with his wife after he took action. She disagreed with his decision to withdraw funds from the children's college savings plans. The man then informed the custodian of the plans that he no longer wanted the requested distributions. He learned that the transactions cannot be voided.
The Minnesota man then endorsed the distribution checks he received and sent them back to the custodian of the 529 plans. He did not report any taxable income from the transactions because of his redeposit of the funds. The Tax Court ruled that the amounts on Form 1099-Q were correctly reported distributions and that each redeposit constituted new contributions to the accounts. Tax is owed on the reported withdrawals because no qualified education expenses were incurred for these funds.
The court's decision provides an important lesson for tax return preparer education. That is, no do-over is permitted with distributions from tax-qualified plans. People cannot restructure transactions that have already occurred in order to achieve favorable tax results.

Understanding Constructive Receipt of Income Is An Essential Part of Tax Preparer Education

One of the situations where paid tax preparers often wish they could un-hear something is when clients state that payments they received in business are not income. Such comments always demand inquiry into the facts and circumstances about the money. This is a critical component of tax preparer ethics.
A recent case involving Maryland criminal defense attorney, Stanley Needleman, illustrates the importance of a person needing reasonable cause for tax reporting actions. Needleman pleaded guilty in federal court to tax evasion. He could have avoided this fate if he had revealed details about his business income payments to someone with tax preparer education.
At the heart of the matter is the billing structure Needleman had for his legal practice. He obtained from his clients up front "engagement fees" for his services. This is not the same as a customary "retainer fee" in the legal industry. Retainer fees are held for application to future billing for services. Any unused portions of these fees at the close of engagements are refunded to clients.
Some tax preparation questions of Needleman revealed facts about the engagement fees. They were not related to a specified amount of work and were non-refundable. Hence, because Needleman was not required to refund the money under any circumstances, it comprised taxable income. As a cash basis taxpayer, an individual like Needleman must report taxable income when constructively received.
According to the reports, Needleman received significant sums of money as cash payments. He stored these large amounts in a safe in the basement of his home. In addition to omitting the income from his tax return, he violated a federal law against structuring financial transactions. This occurs when someone intentionally acts to avoid bank deposits that require issuance of a Currency Transaction Report. That's what Needleman did when he made various bank deposits over several years in amounts slightly under the $10,000 reporting limit.
In an attempt to avoid capture for breaking one law - tax evasion - he broke another law against structuring cash transactions. Needleman also consented to disbarment from the practice of law. He faces up to five years of imprisonment for the income tax evasion and up to ten years for structuring financial transactions.
The lesson for everyone in the tax preparation business is to stay clear of individuals with shady practices of receiving money that allegedly is not income. Especially because they might be engaged in even more illegal procedures. That's a web of deceit leading to severe punishment for anyone involved.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure
Pursuant to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we inform you that, to the extent any advice relating to a Federal tax issue is contained in this communication, including in any attachments, it was not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (a) avoiding any tax related penalties that may be imposed on you or any other person under the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.

Controlling Capital Gain Rates

When it comes to investment taxes, understanding and managing capital gains is the key to minimizing the tax impact of your investments.
Here are some basics:
The tax impact of a specific investment depends both on:
-the payer's tax bracket - the rate used to calculate your ordinary income tax
-the length of time the investment was held prior to sale.
The tax is based on the difference between the original cost and the selling price. The difference reflects the increase in price - the stock's capital appreciation - or "capital gain."
Short-term capital gains are taxed at the tax payer's ordinary tax rate, and are defined as investments held for a year or less.
Long-term capital gains apply to assets held for more than one year. They are taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains to provide incentives for investors to make capital and entrepreneurial investments as well as to compensate for the effects of inflation and the corporate income tax.
The tax rate refers Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) which is the total income from all taxable sources minus allowable deductions. Income sources include business income (Schedule C) and/or salary, wages tips, commission, bonuses, unemployment benefits and sick pay as well as unearned income - dividends and interest. (Schedule B)
Allowable deductions include alimony or retirement plan contributions and other personal exemptions and deductions.
Capital gains taxes the difference between your "basis" versus proceeds from the sale. This difference is your profit or loss.
The cost basis is an adjustment of the purchase price that factors in brokerage fees or taxes paid. Inherited stock is based on the stock price on the day the original owner died.
For example, suppose you are in the 30% tax bracket and make a $10,000 investment on January 3, 2010. By November 1 - 10 months later- you have a $2,000 gain on a $10,000 investment.
You'll pay about $600 in taxes if you were to sell on November 1, 2010, but only $300 if you sell beginning in January 3, 2011 or later. That's 3% of the original investment and 50% savings on the tax itself for waiting 60-days!
BUSH-ERA CAP GAIN BONANZA
The situation is even more interesting in the current environment: the long-term rate bottoms at 0 tax for the lowest 15% in ordinary taxable income through 2012.
The zero long-term cap gain rate has been available since 2008, thanks to the Bush-era tax cuts that began in 2003. This rate applies only to those in the 15% or lower tax bracket for ordinary income.
The zero rate applies if long-term capital gains plus regular taxable income for 2011 total less than $34,000 for an individual or $68,000 for married taxpayers, filing jointly. Long-term cap gain income over these limits is taxed at the higher rate.
The cap-gain tax is part of the ongoing debate around tax reform. The rates had been due to increase at the end of 2010 but were extended by new legislation through the end of 2012. One reminder - certain states treat long-term capital gains as ordinary income regardless of federal tax code.
2 - THE NETTING GAME
The first step to lower investment tax is to minimize cap gain rates by holding assets for more than one year
The second step is: minimize the tax paid in a given year by netting gains against losses.
Historically capital gains have held a preferential place in the tax code. We see this in lower trending rates. We also see it in IRS' method of computing the capital gains profit and loss on Form 1040, Schedule D
The Netting Game: First, the short-term gains and losses (those made in one year or less) are netted against each other for the tax year; then long-term gains and losses (those made in more than one year) are netted; and finally the remaining outcomes are combined together. Investors following instructions on Schedule D can implement this approach on their own. Tax advisors are also quite familiar with this practice.
EXAMPLE 1: a net short-term loss of $10,000 can be applied against a net long-term gain of $5,000 for a remaining short-term loss of $5,000 [-$10,000 + $5000 = -$5000]. In any given year, there is no limit on the amount of capital losses that can offset capital gains.
Remember - as indicated on Schedule D- after netting, a maximum of $3,000 of remaining losses may be deducted from ordinary income in any given year.
EXAMPLE 2: Purchase 400 Shares of S&P Unit Trust (SPY) @ 141.00 or $56.400
Within same tax year, sell 400 shares SPY at 131.00 for a $4000 short-term loss
Use $4000 loss to offset $4000 in other capital gains or $1000 in capital gains and $3000 in ordinary income
3- A STITCH IN TIME...
A third approach, the IRS also allows tax-payers a choice of accounting methods common in commercial world to further reduce cap gains - the equivalent of LIFO (last-in/last-out) or FIFO (first-in/first-out)
Thus, you may choose the way you compute cost basis to lower your tax by selling the most expensive shares first.
Suppose you have purchased 1200 shares of XYZ stock over a two-year period. You need to sell 800 shares of XYZ and want to minimize your tax consequence.
The selling price is a given. But what about the cost basis?
Since shares were bought at different time, the IRS permits the seller to calculate the lowest tax by designating the shares whose coast basis is the highest - which in turn would produce the lowest profit and therefore the lowest resultant capital gain tax.
In our example, you could sell the first 800 shares that you purchased two years ago, whose cost basis of $50 would result in a long-term gain of $20,000, with a tax bill of $3,000. On the other hand, if you choose to sell a specific tax lot instead, you can sell your most expensive shares first (even though they are short term) and still have a lower tax bill of $2,060.
HARVEST TIME
Tax-loss harvesting is the action of selling your losing securities to deliberately create portfolio losses that offset your taxable gains. The result: a lower personal tax liability in a controlled and measured fashion - with an option to reestablish your position in the New Year at a lower cost basis and lower tax liability.
This is one reason the stock market often dips at year end as investors actively dump their biggest losing positions to offset gains.
Sell and purchase shares of related but distinct stocks.
Effect is to realize loss and stay invested in same sector
EXAMPLE: sell 400 shares SPY at 131.00 for a $4000 short-term loss (as above) Simultaneously purchase 400 shares of IVV, iShares S&P 500 @ 130.00
Result: Realized loss in SPY shares but reestablish position in same sector with purchase of IVV
If IVV shares are sold in two years at 140, investor will pay 15% capital gains tax, or $600. (Assuming no capital gains tax rate increase). But tax loss already offset $3000 of ordinary income in the earlier year.
Assuming a 25% income bracket in the earlier year, the investor has realized a $750 saving tax year. After deducting the $3000 in the earlier year, the investor can carry $1000 forward to offset future gains, reducing cap gain by $150 (15% x $1000 loss carried forward).
The net tax paid will be reduced from $600 to $450. The whole exercise will result in a $300 savings (the $750 saved off of ordinary income in the earlier year, less the $450 cap gain tax paid in the later year).
Harvesting is an aggressive strategy that may be worth the effort when dealing with larger numbers. Watch out for the IRS Wash-Sale Rule designed to prevent investors from selling a stock in a losing position to offset a gain, only to turn around and buy the stock right back.
Under the "Wash-Sale Rule", you may not sell a stock and buy it back within 30 days and claim a capital loss.

Extra Tax Preparer Job Procedure For Taxpayers Who Formerly Claimed First Time Homebuyer Credit

Over the next several years, tax preparer work will entail reporting extra income for individuals who claimed the First Time Homebuyer Credit in 2008. The IRS is supposed to send reminder notices to taxpayers who must repay the credit over fifteen years. However, according to a report by the Tax Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the IRS is having trouble identifying home purchasers who should repay the tax credit.
The First Time Homebuyer Credit was initiated as a repayable amount until subsequent legislation over the next two years changed that requirement. Each revision to the law created different qualifications for the credit and distinctive credit amounts. A tax preparer review course was updated with new information for three tax years, beginning with 2008.
The credit was first implemented as essentially an interest-free loan. A home purchaser who met the definition of first time buyer was eligible to claim a refund for any part of the credit that exceeded tax liability. Many paid tax preparers calculated the credit and helped people obtain large refunds for 2008. However, this procedure should have been accompanied with an explanation that the credit is repayable over fifteen years beginning with 2010 tax returns.
In addition, any taxpayer who claimed the First Time Homebuyer Credit in either of the three tax years it was available - 2008, 2009, or 2010 - and sold or stopped using the house as a primary residence within three years must repay the entire credit. That means a tax preparer job now necessitates inquiring about whether a taxpayer claimed the credit, in which year, and if the home is still a primary residence.
Work on a 2011 tax return might involve a tax preparer requirement to calculate repayment of an entire credit. However, for sold homes, the repayment is only payable to the extent that a profit was made on the sale. Rules also apply from tax preparation training about capital gain tax on profit from selling a home that was not a principal residence for two out of five preceding years.
The TIGTA report states that the IRS did correctly send 5.2 million notices to taxpayers about repayment of the credit. However, the report also states that more than 61,400 households that should have received such notices were omitted or had incorrect information. Therefore, an addition to the tax preparation checklist is assuring that notices first time homebuyers receive from the IRS are indeed accurate.
The TIGTA report cites 27,700 instances of taxpayers receiving notices to repay the credit on homes they bought in 2009 despite only 2008 purchasers having to repay. About 18,200 of the 2008 homebuyers required to repay the credit did not obtain IRS notices. Also, 53,500 taxpayers were incorrectly informed that they owed repayment of the credit as a result of erroneous determinations of their homes as sold residences.
Whether the IRS can correct future inaccuracies in its notices to recipients of the first time homebuyer credit is uncertain.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure
Pursuant to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we inform you that, to the extent any advice relating to a Federal tax issue is contained in this communication, including in any attachments, it was not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (a) avoiding any tax related penalties that may be imposed on you or any other person under the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.

Expertise From Enrolled Agent Education Helps Workers With Side Jobs Defer Tax Impact

The knowledge of IRS enrolled agents permits them to work as tax advisers in addition to preparing tax returns. This is particularly valuable to taxpayers who earn extra income to supplement wages from their jobs. These individuals benefit from minimizing the tax impact of their sideline income.
Side jobs are increasingly common for people who want to put aside some money for the future. This situation is especially common as households are spending more of their current income to reduce debt. Fortunately, enrolled agent education reveals some details about how to defer the tax consequences of income from side jobs. This entails utilizing retirement plans that set aside the self-employment income for the future.
However, knowing some tax rules from enrolled agent study is critical to properly advising people with both wages from jobs and earnings from self-employment. A common area of concern for these workers is how their self-employment retirement plans are affected by similar plans at work.
An enrolled agent can explain how contribution limits are separately calculated for different types of retirement plans. For example, an employee of a small business with a SIMPLE IRA plan can create a distinctive SEP IRA plan for self-employment earnings. However, contribution limits are combined for employees with other types of multiple plans. Therefore, anyone with self-employment income must exercise caution in establishing a retirement plan for earnings from side jobs while having a 401(k) with an employer. In addition, people with a SIMPLE at work and a SIMPLE for self-employment are confronted with a single contribution limit for both plans combined.
An important area of EA continuing education is reinforcing the facts about different retirement plans for the self-employed. One reason for this is that the annual contribution limits are subject to cost-of-living adjustment by the IRS each year.
An employee is allowed to contribute $16,500 to a 401(k) for 2011. The total annual contributions to a SIMPLE IRA plan by an employee are limited to $11,500. A $2,500 catch-up contribution is permitted for an individual over age 50. This is also the maximum for the SIMPLE of a self-employed person. However, a matching contribution is provided from the business that is capped at 3 percent of income.
Many individuals with self-employment income establish a SEP IRA for their sideline earnings. Contributions to a SEP are not affected by contributions made as an employee to the 401(k) or SIMPLE at work. However, enrolled agent classes convey that any contributions by an employer to a 401(k) reduce the allowed SEP contribution from self-employment income. The combined contributions cannot exceed 25 percent of net self-employment income - not including the SEP contribution itself - up to the annual maximum for 2011 of $49,000.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure
Pursuant to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we inform you that, to the extent any advice relating to a Federal tax issue is contained in this communication, including in any attachments, it was not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (a) avoiding any tax related penalties that may be imposed on you or any other person under the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.

Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal – Tamil Music Review

Production: RS Infotainment
Direction: Eldred Kumar
Star-casts: Atharva, Amala Paul and others
Music: G.V Prakash Kumar
Lyrics: Thamarai
From the makers of musical hits ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’ and ‘Ko’, ‘Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal’ prolongs the celebration for music buffs. While the banner has worked with couple of A.R Rahman and Harris Jayaraj, they have yet another big brand G.V Prakash Kumar joining them. Producer Eldred Kumar of RS Infotainment makes his debut directorial through this film starring Atharva & Amala Paul in lead roles.
Mazhai pozhiyum
Voices: Benny Dayal, Megha, G.V. Prakash Kumar
Lyrics: Thamarai
For the first few seconds, you will feel as though hearing an Abba songs. The song is completely western and G.V. Prakash brings in apt singers to enhance the western touch. GVP has always been trying his experiments into different music genres and this one is a great illustration of what he is capable of. Benny Dayal sounds truly like a Rockstar while GVP sounds cool offering a breezy touch. We hear the humming of Megha at places. Overall its a brilliant works on guitars, bass and rhythm box.
Kangal Neeye
Voices: Sittara
Lyrics: Thamarai
Thamarai is far-famed for her aesthetic style of expressing a girl’s feeling towards her beloved sweetheart. Who can forget her most commendable tracks – ‘Vaseegara’, ‘Ondrai Irandai’ and ‘Mannipaaya’? Following them we have ‘Kangal Neeye’, a song that will surely become the most loved song of the girls. Perhaps, it’s a best dedication they can make to their soul-mates. Sittara has a bold voice and makes the song sound like a typical Ghazal. But how far, will it suit Amala Paul? We need to wait and watch.
Oh Sunanda
Voices: Raman Mahadevan, Caroline, Megha
The base style of rhythm and composition has an Arabian touch. The song sounds subtly good for the first time you hear it. It might take few more time for the song brew to our tastes. Maybe, the visuals should enhance the feeling. The singers have their parts done decorously.
Oru Murai
Vocals: G.V Prakash Kumar, Andrea, Blaaze
Lyrics: Thamarai
This song is about a chap’s search of best gifts for his girlfriend. He is puzzled about what would interest her and the lyrical lines of Thamarai consist of the gift articles. But it’s decorous vocalism by G.V Prakash Kumar that steals the show. The complete orchestration of the track including the sound effects is done with excellence. Don’t miss the rap portions by Blaaze as his impressive spell stands out as the best attributes here. The teaser of this song has already captured everyone’s interest and it turns us irresistible to wait for the complete album. There is a reprised version of this track followed by a remix that will be a sure hit on party floor.
Yaar Aval Yaaro
Vocals: Mohammad Irfan
Lyrics: Thamarai
The song resembles ‘Ya Ali’ from Hindi movie Gangster at many places, though not the exact one, for the ones who have been constantly hearing that song over years, the Deja vu feel remains there. Mohammad Irfan has a sweet voice and he expresses the emotions so fabulously. While the song ‘Kangal Neeye’ was about a woman’s song, this one is about a lad’s dedication to his girl.
Sokku Podi
Vocals: Baba Segal, Shruti Hassan
Lyrics: Thamarai
Get ready for the Punjabi mix with Tamil lyrics. To add up more , G.V Prakash Kumar brings in a sizzling combination of singers – Baba Segal and Shruti Hassan to croon the track. Shruti Hassan has to little shift her paradigms while rendering such tracks as she keeps intonating even this track with the western touch.
‘Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal’ is enriched with the beautiful songs of G.V Prakash Kumar. Though we might not find all the tracks turning to be chart-busters as in ‘Mayakkam Enna’, half the tracks here in this album are sure to make it bigger.

Rajapattai – Movie Preview

Rajapattai’ tells the story of a grandfather and a grandson, a Gym instructor, who aspires to become a villain in films. But, life takes him to another job that is far bigger and a responsible one.

Vikram plays the Gym instructor and veteran director-actor K. Vishwanath plays the grandfather of Vikram’s character. This is yet another action-family drama of Suseendran, who delivered ‘Naan Mahan Alla’ with Karthi. The director has taken the support of Seenu Vasan in writing the story and Bhaskar Sakthi for doing the dialogues. The script has enough action, comedy, sentiments and romance, and fulfills a wholesome ‘Mass Masala’ entertainment!
Suseendran has included many novel features in the film including Vikram’s 10 different getups that we never have seen in any of the films. Also, there is a song that the crew is shooting in Japan that boasts beautiful lyrics and visuals. An item number featuring many top heroines of Tamil cinema is also a specialty in the film. Shriya and Reema have already agreed to do their part in the song and the director is approaching some more heroines for the song.
Deeksha Seth, a finalist in the Miss India Contest and a known actress in Telugu film, is debuting in Tamil industry with ‘Rajapattai’. She plays the female lead, an IT girl in the film, and has scenes that she could show her martial arts talents. Yes, the actress knows Karate!
Mithra Kurien, who played a vital role in Vijay’s ‘Kavalan’, is also doing a prominent role in ‘Rajapattai’. Earlier, ‘Mynaa’ actress Amala Paul was roped in for this role and due to date problems she withdrew from the film.
Hansika Motwani, with a payment of over Rs. 1 Crore, is another actress who did not accept the offer of doing a character in the film. Pradeep Rawat, who played a stunning role in A R Murugadoss’ ‘Ghajini’ has done the villain in ‘Rajapattai’. Thambi Ramaiah and Mayilsami are doing other prominent roles.
Yuvan Shankar Raja is scoring the music. A single track of the film will see its release in the first week of November. A successful strategy that films ‘Vaanam’ and ‘Mankatha’ adapted to promote the audio and the film is hoped to work for this film too.
R. Madhi handles the camera. Mu. Kasi Viswanathan has taken care of the editing department. ‘Rajapattai’ is produced with a whopping budget of Rs. 40 Crores. SP Creations’ Ramesh actually started the production but due to financial constraints he handed over the production and the film to PVP Cinemas of Prasad V Potluri.
The film is likely to get released on 23rd of December, 2011!

Low key wedding for Riteish-Genelia

With never-ending media glare on their wedding, actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia have apparently made a few alterations in their wedding plans! They have decided to make their wedding a very private affair, moving away from an opulent public marriage ceremony.
According to sources, the wedding will be a private affair and only people close to both Deshmukh and D’Souza families will be invited. There will be a reception bash however efforts are being made to tone down the budget.
“Right now, both the families have agreed that they don’t want a very public wedding and that the guest list will be kept limited. The wedding, as the couple wants, should be kept limited to 1,000 people and not more than that. Considering the clout of the Deshmukh family, it is a very low figure. However, there will be separate invites sent out for separate functions,” a source said.

More punches and penchant for Billa 2

When Billa 2 was announced, it was believed that the film will turn out to be the biggest blockbuster. As days passed, the shooting spree had started feeding lot of sneaks and buzzes. Initially the heroines were shuffled on the choice of the script. This followed with the change of heroines due to the thumping ovation received for Mankatha.
Director Chakri Toleti is at fast pace for this movie and he is currently in Georgia for some munificent sequences. After inserting many faces of challenging talents, now there is an another number in the cast. The last one to be included as the baddie is Vidyut Jamwal during the second phase of the shooting. Now it is Sudhanshu Pandey, a model-turned actor. He has gained more maturity to be an actor and his very physique rewards him such offers.
Toleti and Ajith have decided to have this actor’s presence in the cast for the sake of more baddies. With Don 2 slated for the release on 23rd December, many observers in Kollywood are looking forward for the betterment. According to an interview response, Shah Rukh Khan indicated that in Don 2 his character is an all new baddie. Perhaps, this might have necessitated Toleti and Ajith to have a synchronous value for the movie.

Shruti Hassan has cried many times after seeing my films: Kamal Hassan

Ulaganayagan’ Kamal Hassan has revealed that his elder daughter and actress Shruti Hassan has shed tears many times after seeing his performances in films. “Yes, my daughter has cried many times after watching my films,” he has confessed.
The mightily-talented and multi-faceted Shruti Hassan debuted in films first by a Hindi flick Luck which didn’t prove lucky enough for her at the box-office. She also debuted later in Telugu but again, her debut film fizzed out. However, she had a bright debut in Tamil films as heroine through 7am Arivu opposite Surya.
The film, directed by A.R Murugadoss, has been running to packed houses all over the State and elsewhere as it nears the 50-day mark later this week. She is also happy that the song Why this kolaveri di… from her upcoming film 3 opposite Dhanush has hit the bull’s eye and has become such a rage among the youths. Shruti Hassan pairs up opposite Dhanush in this film, directed by Dhanush’s wife Aishwarya, who makes her directorial debut with this film.
Shruti Hassan has seen her father Kamal Hassan’s films like Mahanadhi and Gunaa at least 20 times. Whenever she used to watch those films, she would sob uncontrollably, apparently pained at the plight of her father (in the film, of course!). One thing is for sure: Shruti Hassan doesn’t need to go anywhere for tips on acting!

Only hero roles for me – Vadivelu

The comedian is eyeing a comeback with the sequel to Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi
It has been a year since comedian Vadivelu was seen on the big screen. He’ll be returning soon with the historical Prashanth-starrer that’s slated to release soon. But, the comedian says he will only sign films that will offer him the lead role henceforth.
“I wonder what has happened to the comedy shown in Tamil cinema these days! It’s sad. I don’t want to do that. I have decided that I need to reach the next level and it will be only hero roles for me. My talks are on with Chimbu Devan, for a part two of Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi. I am determined now that it’s high time I play lead roles,” says Vadivelu.
Only hero roles for me Vadivelu He adds, “Nothing noteworthy has come my way of late. All the films offered to me were small or medium budget films, which I wasn’t keen on doing. This is the reason why I chose not to sign any films for so long.”
Talking about his upcoming release, Vadivelu says, “After Kavalan and Ilaignan, this is my comeback on the big screen. It will be a hilarious comedy track, which will run parallel with Prashanth’s track.”
The actor-politician is optimistic that 2012 will be good for everyone, including himself. “I am waiting for this year to get over. Especially, with the transit of Saturn on December 21, the world at large seems to be drowned in problems – the latest one being the Mullaiperiyar Dam issue. It’s a bad phase, but things will change for the better in the coming year,” he signs off.

Uchithanai Mukarnthal – Tamil Movie Review

Star Cast : Sathyaraj, Nasser, Seeman, Sangeetha
Direction : Pugazhenthi Thangaraj
Music : D. Imman

What’s common between Sathyaraj, Seeman and director Pughazhendi Thangaraj? All the three never shy away from voicing for the cause of Tamil Eelam Tamils.
When the trio come together for a movie, obviously it has to speak about the conflicts and atrocities of Sri Lankan army in the neighboring island nation.
The movie harps on the sufferings of a 13 -year-old girl, who was allegedly gang-raped by Sri Lankan military men. Though it speaks about the sufferings of a girl, it throws light on the ways and means adopted by Sri Lankan army to wipe out Tamils.
Pughazhendi Thangaraj had handled a similar theme in Kattrukenna Veli before. But Uchithanai Mukarnthal is more bold and sound.
Professor Natesan (Sathyaraj) voices for the cause of Tamil Eelam Tamils in Chennai. He goes out of the way to help a 13-year-old girl Punithavathay (Neelika), who hails from Batticoloa in Sri Lanka.
She is reportedly gang-raped by Sri Lankan Army on 1 March 2009 and is on the family way because of it. Natesan taking pity on her, brings her to his house illegally and nurses her with the help of a doctor (Lakshmi Ramakrishnan). Natesan’s wife (Sangeetha) too helps him in the mission. The atrocities of Sri Lankan army are brought to light through Punitha’s words. Fate strikes in a different way in their lives.
More a documentary, it chronicles the sufferings of Tamils. The director has sounds loud and used news reports and statements from refugees to make the movie.
Neelika, the bubbly young girl is the apple of the eye in the movie. She breeze walks into the role and gives best performance.
Sathyaraj plays a Pro-Tamil with ease. His emotions and sufferings at seeing the young girl suffer is brought out well. Sangeetha, Seeman, Nasser and Lakshmi Ramakrishnan form part of the cast.
At places, the movie goes little crude. The director carried away by the sufferings of Tamils have tried to capture everything on screen that becomes preachy.
But dialogues comes to his rescue. Kannan’s camera and D Imman’s music go hand-in-hand. However the slow script and a documentary feel could have been avoided.

Mouna Guru Review

Directed by Santha Kumar
Produced by M. K. Thamizharasu
Starring Arulnithi, Iniya, John Vijay, Uma Riyaz Khan, Krishnamurthy, Sujatha
Music by Thaman
Mouna Guru is a Tamil Movie in which Vamsam fame Arulnidhi plays the lead role and the movie is directed by Shanthakumar. Mouna Guru’ has an off beat theme with all commercial elements thrown in.
More and more cliched Masala from the A-league actors and very few films manage to come up with brilliant stories in hand and indeed showcased their adeptness. Say for instance, ‘Kattradhu Kalavu’, ‘Ali Baba’, ‘Aaranya Kaandam’, etc, etc… were more off that genres. These films didn’t perform well, but were standouts as taut thrillers.
To start off with, ‘Mouna Guru’ falls into this category and its filmmaker Santhakumar kick-starting his directorial venture with this film. Indeed, it’s a promising debut and this auteur has a long way to go. Let’s rub off the statements claiming it to be an inspiration or a replica. Overall, it’s a neat work by the entire team and Arulnidhi has chosen an apt script to suit his image. Simple words to mark the verdict – Mouna Guru is an edge-on-seat thriller, though not with more twists and turns, keeps you engaged in many parts.
First 10minutes into the film, the howls and comments for not so famous league of actors is blurred. Yes! An accident followed by group of cops looting a big money. A girl with unknown identity makes a video recording of their plans through the camera, which in turn falls into the hands of another man. Unexpectedly Karunakaran (Arulnidhi), a calm student is linked to the mysterious proceedings and what unfolds next is a racy drama of combats between the characters.

Revealing more than these sentences would naturally become an absolute spoiler.
It cannot be meant that Arulnidhi has done a remarkable job, but has done what is exactly required for the role. Usually, his style of rendering dialogues stand ahead as a little minus. Over here, he remains calm throughout many portions and of course spells the best with the action sequences. Iniya looks gaudy with her makeovers. John Vijay far-famed for his ability to perform comical or villainous roles does his best here with the latter one. Though Uma Riyaaz was capable of performing such powerful roles, she hasn’t been offered such ones till the date.
What starts on a thrilling note proceeds with the same tempo till the end, but spare for few slow and sluggish moments that could have been trimmed in second hour.
Technically, the cinematography brings some best visuals and Thamman adds a depth of intensity with his background score.
Overall, it’s a worth watching movie for the pennies you pay. Don’t go for references looking out for similar tales in Hollywood or international cinemas. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the flick.
What works: Narrative aspects, Background score, Characterization
What doesn’t work: Slow moments in second half, unwanted portions could have been avoided.