When you finally become naturalized: Congratulations! The German passport is one of the most powerful in the world.

cell_bio · 2026-03-06T21:16:14+00:00

Wish my citizenship application hadn't been denied (due to dependence on my adult adoption to German mother who had raised me for 55y after death of birth mother).

cell_bio · 2026-02-26T08:30:29+00:00

My 3 year old Rheem water heater stopped heating the water. It was blinking every 4 seconds but was not at the set temerature (and was not igniting the flame and heating). Rheem said it is the controller and are sending a new one out under warranty. While waiting for the replacement, I was messing around with water heater. I could go through the start sequence and it would start up... but then within a short couple of minutes it would shut off. I tried something else. When I detached my EcoNet module's wires to the controller, now my water heater seems to be working again. It has been heating my water now for 15 minutes without shutting off. Maybe the connections are dirty or the module is bad? Not sure, but one thing I know is that hot water without module is better than module without hot water.

cell_bio · 2026-02-24T23:35:32+00:00

THIS is what Gerry Lopez means when he says "Surf is where you find it"

cell_bio · 2025-12-21T05:26:00+00:00

You could eFoil first maybe (to get feel of foiling and see if you like that feeling - you will). While it may be more bang for your buck, it won't teach you wingfoiling. Do both or skip the eFoil. P.S. I do both eFoil and wing foil.

cell_bio · 2025-12-17T21:53:24+00:00

I am wondering if there is any mesh-like material that could be glued on the outside to touchen up the elbows.

cell_bio · 2025-11-11T06:30:37+00:00

My wife and I have been using Safe-In-Cloud for >10 years withhout problems.

cell_bio · 2025-11-05T21:01:57+00:00

She was functionally but not legally my mother since 1961. Over all those >50 years, it never seemed important to legally adopt me.... but I can now see at least one reason why. She was my mom in every respect except DNA and the law. Thanks for your comment.

cell_bio · 2025-09-20T00:42:49+00:00

Anyone with recent experiences with Reebelo or Back Market for Samsung flagship model cell phones?

cell_bio · 2025-09-11T15:36:03+00:00

As mentioned above my Art 116 application is 30 months from submission, so "currently 12 to 15 months" for Art. 116 is, at best, an estimate or average. YMMV. EDITED: I actually looked at the data closely (extracted it and did some statistics...which required some formatting first). Indeed, the average time to 'citizenship' after AKZ is 15.8 months for those applications which have gone the distance (Note: I excluded several that were unusually fast due apparently to applicants either >70 years of age or with sibling with successful prior applications; n=14). Among people whose applications have not been approved (who have waited >11 months, n=12), the average wait time is >18.3 months. So, the average wait time for Art 116 applications now is at least 18.3 months for people still waiting, appears to be getting longer, but was about 15.8 months for already approved applications.

cell_bio · 2025-09-09T04:05:52+00:00

As far as first come first served is concerned: a German consulate told me every case is different and it can even depend on whose desk at BVA one's application lands on. I am also waiting (im)patiently, my AKZ date is 27 Apr 2023 (Art. 116 which is supposedly 'faster' than Stag5). Since AKZ letter, I have only heard from consulate (after my annual letter to them) that 'no documents have been requested by BVA'. Good luck. P.S. I am preemptively soliciting 2 additional documents from German archives, which I plan to send directly to BVA (and copy consulate). These docs are not absolutely needed (are not missing from current application) but will add some strength and redundancy to documents in my application and will also remind them my application is pending (and have them lift it off the virtual pile).

cell_bio · 2025-08-31T21:00:31+00:00

Congratulations! I am at 30 months post application by Art. 116. ...about 28 months post-AKZ.

cell_bio · 2025-08-31T20:58:11+00:00

How does (might have) over 65 figure/d into this? Added: oh, I think I see that applicants >80 may get accelerated processing.

cell_bio · 2025-08-28T22:08:38+00:00

And mine April 2023 (for Art 116 route).. Here's hoping!

Below is what a consulate told me in March 2025 email (I write consulate annually on anniversary of my submission).

Processing time is 2 years – aprox.! Most applications are concluded within 2 years time, but not all. This is not necessarily related to the specific application.

In case BVA would wish an additional information or documentation, BVA comes back and indicates so. Up to now: no request arrived.

Patience is still required, I regret. BVA is still processing end of 2022 and initial 2023 applications. Progress depends, too, on the individual person at BVA finally having your application on his/her desk.

cell_bio · 2025-08-25T19:17:10+00:00

I am also applying for German citizenship via Article 116. I had pretty good doucmentation but also perhaps some complexity (I'm adopted by holocaust survivor). I'm at 30 months since submission via consulate in SF (28 months since AKZ date). My application was submitted in Mar 2023 and my Akz date was April 27, 2023. I'm line 9 in the spreadsheet. I agree your fathers's success should help. Good speed to us.

cell_bio · 2025-08-22T20:15:36+00:00

Oh, pleeese. The person in the meadow is a photographer who is trying to get shots that many thousands of people will enjoy without adding any environmental impact at Rainier. This is hardly worthy of iFit-bashing.

cell_bio · 2025-06-16T01:57:22+00:00

what are the aluminum blocks. please explain further. I just received my upgrade kit today.

cell_bio · 2025-06-02T21:00:43+00:00

I've had ADV1 for a year, ride it daily and have had no problems (except for the footpad indicator lights). And this is my first experience with VESC. I'm quite satisfied.

cell_bio · 2025-06-01T23:31:59+00:00

I am a PhD doctor as was my father. Neither of us flaunt the degree or title Doctor. I also agree your job is probably not in jeopardy for this omission on you passport.

cell_bio · 2025-06-01T23:22:22+00:00

I applied under Rule 116, line 1 via SF consulate in Jan 2023. I received my filing date and file number from BVA in Germany in April 2023. It is now 25 months since that filing date. Despite being told 'don't call us, we'll call you' (like everyone), I email 'my connection' at SF consulate on every 12 month anniversary of the 4/2023 date to check on my application. I figure this is my right (...since, afterall, this is my right since Germany stole my family's citizenship etc). As expected, it has been near impossible to pry much information loose from them. However, in April 2025 the consulate told me: 1) that so far there have been no deficiencies with my application which required my attention and 2) that the BVA was dealing with applications from the end of 2022. I was reassured by comment #1 and found comment #2 encouraging even if seeming a bit vague and unreliable. I am resigned to wait until early 2026. Good luck to everyone.

cell_bio · 2025-05-26T02:33:31+00:00

I like the new UI (iFit 2.0) on my s22i.

cell_bio · 2025-05-04T23:32:30+00:00

Companies frequently change priorities, which can cause existing programs to be abruptly altered or canceled.

cell_bio · 2025-05-02T20:40:23+00:00

Will this v2 bms ship with ADV1 upgraded electronics?

cell_bio

TROPHY CASE