I Am Uche

Putting Pen To Paper

2017-07-17T07:29:00.001-05:00

Start writing, that’s my resolution. Start putting pen to paper or finger to computer and get your words out. My overall ambition in 2017 is to not procrastinate.

Some may not realize it but I am terrible at keeping up with staying on task. Like right now I am thinking of sleeping instead of writing my thoughts. But guess what I just put my thoughts down.

By sharing my truths I hope I can inspire others who are also going through their own struggles to “Just do it”

My Thoughts On Boko Haram.

2012-02-16T11:53:00.000-06:00

I have tried to stay quiet but I had to speak up about the voice of Nigerians need to be heard. I was born in Nigeria and if I do not lend my voice to the outcry of Nigerians I believe I will be doing a huge disservice to the people of Nigeria all over the world. The views expressed in this post is my opinion and mine only.

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Boko Haram Nigerian Militant.

Over the past year, the terrorist group Boko Haram, has plagued Nigeria physically, emotionally and socially. Terrorism is an unwelcome trend in a developing country such as Nigeria and the government must immediately take the necessary action to curb these terrorist activities before it gets out of hand.

I have tried to stay away from writing about the current plight Nigerians are facing. This is because I am not in Nigeria and I do not believe I get the proper/enough information about the current situation. But in the past few months my views have changed. The popular uprising, #OccupyNigeria, organized by the good citizens of Nigeria has shown a change in ideology by the people. This ideology is reflected in the outspoken words of different Nigerians as seen on different social media outlets such as Facebook, twitter and various blogs such as mine :). The same way #OccupyNigeria was created to protest against austerity measures which would have hurt the good people of Nigeria, I believe there should be an outcry by Nigerians to protest and stop the terrorist attacks by Boko Haram. I hope, (I am actually praying) that the people of Nigeria also uproot the individuals who support this terrorist organization from Nigeria.

It pains me to see that their support is not only stemmed from Al Qaeda but also various politicians. I cannot independently confirm of any known politician in government who outspokenly supports the terrorist organization, Boko Haram, but from reports, I have obtained, this is a reality that is plaguing the Nigerian government. Today, news coming out of Nigeria show a sad trend in the state of Nigeria. How can a maximum security prison, located 120 km from the capital, be easily broken into. It does not make sense. Where were the guards? How did they get passed road blocks? How do they secure their ammunition and guns? What is the government actually doing to stop these brazen attacks on fellow Nigerians? Are the borders actually secure?

These are questions everyday Nigerians should demand answers to. These are questions the government must address.

I have family in Nigeria and it hurts every time I hear of a new attack. I pray that there will be no attacks but that is futile if there is no work immediately done by the Nigerian government.

SOMETHING MUST BE DONE, OR ELSE THE COUNTRY WILL BE ON THE VERGE OF CIVIL WAR.

Time

2012-02-13T10:05:00.000-06:00

I need time to myself,

I need time to think,

I need time to reflect,

I need time to love,

I need time to hate,

I need time to believe,

I need time to trust,

I need time to commit,

But in all these things, I need time to not need time.

Cherish what time you have because you cannot go back in time. Time must not be wasted but utilized effectively with knowledge and wisdom.

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My name is Uchennaya Ogba and now an avid blogger. I never had a passion for writing to be honest but my passion has grown as I have grown. Thank you for reading my blog and if you like any of my posts, please comment.

Thank you.

A Netflix Rebound

2012-01-28T12:30:00.000-06:00

Seems like Netflix is staging a comeback kid revolution at its headquarters. Today they announced they had gained over 600,000 new or returning customers after the Netflix price hike.

As a Netflix fan (still have my subscription) and a Netflix critic I still believe that the company has a lot of potential. As the only provider of effective streaming videos to all devices, I believe it still has a huge niche in the market that other providers cannot garner. PRICING!!!. Although prices jumped by 60% overnight last year September. People still love Netflix and it is still cheaper than other providers. The ease in watching a streaming show on any device is another feature other devices cannot effectively provide.

In the last 2 days Netflix has seen an upsurge in the price of their share from a mere $60 to $116 at the end of trading Friday. This is a 70% increase. Of course the company has not reached its peak of $300 a share it enjoyed during the first quarter of last year, but I always believed the share price of the Netflix stock was inflated in its early days. Now the stock has normalized and I believe there should be a steady growth in share price over the next 4 quarters. This is obviously contingent on management.

Should Reed Hastings step down? No, not right now anyway. Although he lacked in managerial skills (Last years decision makings), he makes up for it in his innovative thinking and the direction Netflix should be headed in. Netflix WILL become only a streaming service. So if you like the idea of a DVD mail in service ... to bad, it is outdated and should be scraped.

The global opportunity for streaming TV grows every year. As more TV manufacturers integrate their TV sets with the internet, and broadband connectivity improves, more people will opt for more compact and less clutter (No more DVD stands or shelves) streaming service. The digital age is among us and everyone is embracing it. It cuts out the cost of making the physical DVDs and streaming allows for easy storage of shows and media.

Social media has also played a huge role in the streaming TV service. More people are likely to share their favorite TV shows via Facebook, twitter etc. This trend has forced TV manufacturers, TV shows and production companies to utilize online media through various marketing campaigns. Thereby a sort of ... evolution has begone, from physical media to online streaming, which allows for easier integration.

If you cancelled your Netflix account or want to get in on Netflix. The time is now.

The Lost Clean Energy

2012-01-26T15:13:00.000-06:00

One man Nikola Tesla...

Nikola Tesla

Yes I know what some of y'all are thinking. He was a crazy man who was innovative but not original. But has anyone taking the time to really discover who was Nikola Tesla.

According to wiki...everybody's link to free information...Nikola Tesla was born July 10th, 1943. He is famously known as the man who commercialized electricity and created what we know today as the alternating current. But most people are not aware of the most vital contribution Nikola provided. Has anyone heard of Solar energy, better yet, Radiant Energy...

Radiant Energy is the use of the earths natural frequencies to create energy. This sounds very simple because it is. The sad thing is non-commercialized forms or energy is not good for today's current business model. the idea of utilizing free forms of energy will never be allowed to go mainstream.

Radiant energy and solar energy utilize the same idea and concept. Except solar energy coverts sun rays to electricity while radiant energy uses the earths natural frequency to create a viable source of energy.

You see Nikola Tesla was the first man to bring show everyone the value of clean energy. His innovative and brilliant mind caused him to see the issues the world had. But that was his downfall because his current employer J.P. Morgan decided to fire Nikola and suspend all his experiments before he could perfect them. All because of greed. The idea of energy to be available to everyone without paying monthly bills was not the business plan energy providers had in mind (for profit has always been the goal).

Remember...

2012-01-26T12:54:00.000-06:00

Remember your time of laughter,

Remember your time of pain,

Remember your time of working,

Remember your time of joblessness,

Remember your time of triumph,

Remember your time of defeat,

But through it all,

Remember how you overcame it all and became who you are today.

Know Your Heritage

2012-01-18T11:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I got the privilege of attending an MLK commemorative speech at Trinity University, San Antonio TX. Long and short, I was very pleased with the speech giving by Ilyasah Shabazz.

Ilyasah Shabazz was born on July 22, 1962 and is the daughter of Malcolm X. She is a world renowned civil right activist and during her speech she kept it 100%. One phrase which resonated with me was "When you teach a man, you raise a community, when you teach a woman, you raise a nation". She stated the importance of knowing your true heritage, of learning about where black people, truly came from. The notion of young African Americans, is that they are from a small or big town in America. But the truth is ALL black people are from Africa and there should be a need, a wanting, an inherent drive to learn about their true heritage.

Sadly this notion is not shared by everyone. People in general still believe Africa is a dirty place, there are starving children and everyone is illiterate. They are wrong.

First of all Africa is a continent and like any other continent some places are plagued with poverty. There are many places that do not have poverty. These places have bustling metropolises and they have businesses that are growing and fruitful. Although the Trans-Atlantic slave trade was a brain drain on the whole continent (Yes the "slaves" were actually skilled individuals who were forced), Africa as a whole is seen currently as the only growing continent on the planet.

I will leave you with a thought: Italians call Italy their home, Jews call Israel their home. What do Negros call home? Negroland. NO. If you are BLACK, you are from Africa.

Keep Reaching For The Clouds.

2012-01-13T13:22:00.000-06:00

Its a question we all ask ourselves, quite often, "What am I reaching for?".

A lot of thought is put into these 5 simple words. Its crazy, but we all have the same questions on our minds like, "What is my goal?", "What would I achieve?", "How do I apply the knowledge I may gain from this?"...but we must all have one overall goal. This goal, is what determines who you are, who you want to be and who you will become.

Be Wise and Be Focused on what you are reaching for.

Just had to ramble a bit :). I figured I'll keep my journal short.

Stay Blessed.

African Man + American Girl = Exciting

2011-12-29T13:59:00.000-06:00

I asked my fiance, "what would you describe the process and all the fun we have had getting to this point?", she said, "Exciting". lol. That is the smallest to say the least of how much effort it took us to get to this point but we did.
Its an interesting conversation a man has with his father, when he decides to tell his dad he has met the woman of his dreams. You go through a series of emotions; starting from fear, by the way this is an american woman being introduced to an old Nigerian man...did I mention my fathers marriage was arranged. The next emotion was, anger, "Why the hell, should he/would he/could he tell me I cannot be with her?". The last emotion was hope, "The hope that two crazy thought are untrue.
Now here its the point I take you ask on a journey to an inevitable good ending to this story. (I am serious, you will have to read this :) ).
Ok on a serious note I was apprehensive, who wouldn't be? If my father did not like her it will be hard starting out our lives together without his blessings (I am old school like that). But I did it I told my father. There wasn't a special dinner or some special occasion. I just told him...I thought well I might as well get things over with...
But he gave his blessings...
I am sure you are thinking, what does this have to do with the title of this post. Answer: Marketing.
I believe in family and the traditional Nigerian culture where two families come together in marriage. (For those of you that don't know its a little different in Nigeria, Trust Me).
Well I am very excited to begin this new life with my fiancé and I am especially glad my family is on board.
Hope you come back to get updates.
I'm out.
Oh btw trying out the new blogger app on my phone. So I there are grammatical errors I blame the phone :) #TeamAndroid

Mr. & (future) Mrs. Ogba ...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T11:13:00.001-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Here is a little message from the greatest Michael....

Hiring International Student - What Employers Should Know

2011-12-02T13:48:00.001-06:00

To view original document Click Here

Many employers are concerned about liability related to the employment of international students in the United States due to changes in federal laws governing non-citizens, particularly the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) and the Immigration Act of 1990 (IMMACT90). This brochure addresses concerns employers might have about international students and work.

Getting permission for international students to work in the U.S. is not as difficult as many employers think. Most international students are in the U.S. on non-immigrant student visas (F-1 and J-1), and these international students are eligible to accept employment under certain conditions.

Practical training for F-1 students
Practical training is a legal means by which F-1 students can obtain employment in areas related to their academic field of study. Students, in general, must have completed one academic year (approximately nine months) in F-1 status and must maintain their F-1 status to be eligible for practical training. There are two types of practical training:
♦ Optional Practical Training
♦ Curricular Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) must be authorized by the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) based on a recommendation from the designated school official (DSO) at the school which issued the form I-20, a government document which verifies the student's admission to that institution. The term "optional" means that students can opt to use all or part of their total practical training allotment of a maximum of 12 months. OPT can be authorized by the CIS:

1. During vacation when school is not in session -full time employment is allowed;
2. For part-time work, a maximum of 20 hours per week, while school is in session;
3. After completing all course requirements for the degree; or (4) full-time after completion of the course of study.

Students who have received OPT permission will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by the CIS. Their name, photo and valid dates of employment are printed on the EAD. Employers should note that the average processing time for CIS to issue the EAD is two or three months, and students may begin employment only after they receive the EAD which will indicate the starting and ending dates of employment.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be authorized by the institution (NOT by CIS) for F-1 students participating in curricular-related employment such as cooperative education, work study, practicum and internship programs. Authorization is written on the back of the I-20 student copy and will include the name of the company, beginning and ending date, and signature of the designated school official (DSO). Since each institution has different policies related to curricular-related employment, students should speak to the DSO at their institution.

Processing time for the authorization of CPT varies at each institution. Employers should check with the student's institution for an approximate turn-around time. International students on F-1 visas are eligible for both curricular practical training before finishing their studies, as well as 12 months of OPT. However, students who work full-time on curricular practical training for one year or more are not eligible for OPT. Those engaging in OPT prior to graduation may work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during their school term and 40 hours during their break period.

Academic training for J-1 students
Exchange students enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa. Practical training is called "academic training" for J-1 visa students. International students on J-1 visas are eligible for up to 18 months of academic training. Post-doctoral students are permitted three years. Some J-1 program participants are also allowed to work part-time during the academic program. Academic Training is granted in the form of a letter by the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Students should consult with the RO or ARO at their institution.

Minimal paper work for the employer
Fortunately, there is little paperwork for an employer who hires F-1 or J-1 students. All paperwork is handled by the students, the school, and CIS. For curricular practical training, the school will make a notation on the students' copy of the I-20 form indicating that curricular practical training has been authorized, and specifying the duration and place of employment. Students authorized for optional practical training are required to apply to CIS (through the school) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Continuing employment after the practical/academic training period
Federal regulations require that employment terminate at the conclusion of the authorized practical or academic training. However, students on an F-1 visa, or students on a J-1 visa who are not subject to a two-year home residency requirement, may continue to be employed, if they receive approval for a change in visa category-usually to H-1B. Students must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in order to qualify for H-1B status.

Individuals may work in the United States for a maximum of six years under an H-1B visa. This visa is valid only for employment with the company that petitioned for them. They must re-apply to the CIS if they wish to change employers. As soon as the initial job offer is made, they should petition for an H-1B visa if employment is likely to extend beyond the practical training period.

What about taxes?
Unless exempted by a tax treaty, F-1 and J-1 students earning income under practical training are subject to applicable, federal, state, and local income taxes. Information on tax treaties may be found in Internal Revenue Services Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, and 901, U.S. Tax Treaties.

Generally, F-1 and J-1 students are exempted from social security and Medicare tax requirements. However, if F-1 and J-1 students are considered "resident aliens" for income tax purpose, social security and Medicare taxes should be withheld. Chapter 1 of Internal Revenue Services Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens explains how to determine the residency status of international students.
More information on social security and Medicare taxes can be found in Chapter 8 of Internal
Revenue Services Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens and in Section 940 of Social
Security Administration Publication No. 65-008, Social Security Handbook.

For your reference
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 8 and Title 22 citation numbers for regulations
governing practical training are as follows:
F-1 students: 8CFR 214.2 (f) (9) &(10)
J-1 students: 22CFR 62.23 (f)
CFR Title 8 citations governing IRCA requirements are:
F-1 students: 8CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iii) and 8CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)
J-1 students: 8CFR 274a.12(b)(11)
Copies of Code of Federal Regulations are available from the Superintendent of Documents in
Washington D.C. or from the web site:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn't it illegal to hire international students because they do not have a green card?
No. Federal regulations permit the employment of international students on F-1 and J-1 visas within certain limits. These visas allow students to work in jobs related to their major field of study. F-1 students can work on "practical training." J-I students may work on "academic training."

Even if it's legal to hire international students, won't it cost a lot of money and involve a lot of paperwork?
No. The only cost to the employer hiring international students is the time and effort to interview and select the best candidate for the job. The international student office handles the paperwork involved in securing the work authorization for F-1 and J-1 students. In fact, a company may save money by hiring international students because the majority of them are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare tax requirements.

How long can international students work in the United States with their student visa?
F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training before completing their studies, as well as an additional 12 months of optional practical training, either before or following graduation, or a combination of the two. However, if they work full-time for one year or more of curricular practical training, they are not eligible for Optional Practical Training.
Students with a J-1 visa are usually eligible to work up to 18 months following graduation. They
may also be eligible to work part-time during their program of study. The Responsible Officer
(RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will evaluate each student's situation to determine
the length of time for which they are eligible to work.

Don't international students need work authorization before I can hire them?
No. International students must have the work authorization before they begin actual employment, but not before they are offered employment. In fact, J-1 students must have a written job offer in order to apply for the work authorization. Many F-1 students will be in the process of obtaining work authorization while they are interviewing for employment. Students can give employers a reasonable estimate of when they expect to receive work authorization.

What does the work authorization look like?
For Optional Practical Training, F-1 students receive from CIS an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a small photo identity card that indicates the dates for which they are permitted to work. For Curricular Practical Training, F-1 students receive authorization from the school (NOT from CIS) on the back of the student's I-20. "No Service endorsement is necessary" - per 8CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iii). J-1 students receive work authorization in the form of a letter issued by the RO or ARO at their institution.

What if I want to continue to employ international students after their work authorization expires?
With a bit of planning ahead, an employer can hire international students to continue to work for them in the H-1B visa category for a total of six years (authorization is granted in two three-year periods). The H-1B is a temporary working visa for workers in a "specialty occupation." The application procedure to the CIS is straightforward. The job must meet two basic requirements:
1) The salary must meet the prevailing wage as defined by the Department of Labor
2) A bachelor's degree is a minimum normal requirement for the position.

Doesn't an employer have to prove that international students are not taking jobs from a qualified American?
No. American employers are not required to document that a citizen of another country did not take a job from a qualified American if that person is working under an F-1, J-1 or H-1B visa. Employers must document that they did not turn down a qualified American applicant for the position only when they wish to hire foreign citizens on a permanent basis and sponsor them for a permanent resident status ("green card").

Can I hire international students as volunteer interns?
Normally, if the internship involves no form of compensation and is truly voluntary, the students
may volunteer without having to do any paperwork with the CIS. If, however, the internship
provides a stipend or any compensation, students must obtain permission for practical training or
academic training prior to starting their internship. Students should check with their employers to
ensure that the company is allowed by law to offer unpaid internships.

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This document was originally published in 2000 with a grant from NAFSA: Association of
International Educators Region XII. 2004 revision by Laurie Cox, University of Southern
California, and Co-Chair of SCICC (Southern California International Careers Consortium);
co-editors: Lay Tuan Tan, California State University Fullerton, and SCICC Board member
and Phil Hofer, University of La Verne.

P.S. To view original document Click Here

I AM UCHE

2011-10-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

In my quest to start a new blog, I got a lot of advice from friends, family and haters... yea my greatest challenge was to actually start. But I think I will just do what I need to do and that is just write.

Writing has never been my strong suit. My quest to be engaging, communicative and especially entertaining for individuals who may come across my blog. Bleh!!! I will just be me. Entertain myself and HOPEFULLY meet other people who share the same things like me.

A picture says a thousand words, I believe it says a million. So join me in my growth.

I am new be nice...naaa do what you go to do. Criticism is always welcome.

Diving into the open sea. My only weapon...my words.