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bladekindeyewear · 5 years ago

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HS^2 bloggin’ mainline 2020-05-31

Mainline upd8 before the June break. More Terezi! That should put me in a better mood. (1 edit (2020-06-01) since posting)

> CHAPTER 10. 1 WOND3R WH4T TH3Y T4ST3 L1K3

Wait, fuzzily waking up seeing the new planet?

Wait, why is the site background still black?

Wait, is this one of the new alien race members just created?

That would explain the chapter title. (Especially if they were part plant, but Terezi would say that regardless, when you think about it.)

> ==>

Coming more into focus.

> ==>

Oh! Back to the normal background.

TEREZI: W3LL

She’s not the one seeing this, so is this an alien perspective or does Rose’s visual processing take a while to turn back on post-warranty-breach?

> ==>

Huh? It WAS her point of view?

So this:

--is just an attempt at rendering her smell-o-vision?

I know her sense of smell is supposed to be amazing, but this is MARKEDLY less paint-like than previous depictions of her smell-o-vision. See for comparison:

Was this an intentional difference in clarity? Laziness? Her scent-vision being sharper? They’re practically making us feel like her eyes are healed again, which would be disastrous, and not something even Ultimate Rose should necessarily be capable of.

(I’m inclined to give them less credit than usual today, though, so a poor visual choice most likely.)

TEREZI: TH4T W4S PR3TTY FUCK1NG STUP1D

Hate-screwing Rosebot? Why?

I guess it’d leave you sore.

> ==>

TEREZI: F4LL1NG 4SL33P H3R3 1S JUST 4SK1NG FOR TROUBL3

Oh. Are the new races - or their precursor “experiments” running around?

> ==>

TEREZI: NODD1NG OFF L1K3 TH4T UND3RN34TH 4N 4RBOR34L 4MBUL4TOR TEREZI: WHO KNOWS WH4T COULD H4V3 H4PP3N3D TEREZI: Y34H 4LR1GHT, 4LR1GHT TEREZI: G3T OFF MY C4S3 4BOUT 1T ALR34DY TEREZI: 1TS NOT L1K3 1 D1D 1T ON PURPOS3

Is Terezi talking to her other selves or something? Or another brain ghost?

TEREZI: W3R3 JUST LUCKY TH3R3 1SNT 4NY W1ND 4T TH3 MOM3NT TEREZI: 1V3 3ST4BL1SH3D TH4T TH1S 1S WHY TH3Y MOV3 TEREZI: TH3 4MBUL4TORS 4R3 PL4NTS IN THE STR1CT S3NS3, BUT EXH1B1T LOCOMOT1V3 B3H4V1OUR DU3 TO TH31R UN1QU3 CONSTRUCT1ON

Ooh, moving trees. Nice.

TEREZI: TH3 M41N BODY OF THE PL4NT CONS1STS OF A N3TWORK OF HOLLOW, TUB3LIKE GROWTHS THROUGH WH1CH 41R M4Y TR4V3L TEREZI: TH3S3 N3TWORKS 4R3 SO SOPH1ST1C4T3D TH4T TH3 SH1FT1NG PR3SSUR3 1NS1D3 TH3 TRUNK 4ND BR4NCH3S C4N C4US3 TH3 3NT1R3 PL4NT TO UPROOT 1TS3LF 4ND B3G1N "W4LK1NG", PROV1D3D TH3 COND1T1ONS 4R3 R1GHT TEREZI: TH1S PROC3SS, WH1L3 M4J3ST1C, C4N H4V3 DR4ST1C 3FF3CTS ON TH3 PL4NTS SURROUND1NGS

I know you like to eat them, but when did your analysis of plantlife get so clinical? Do you have Aranea blabbing in your ear or something?

Oh. OH, wait. They have a Command Station. Is Rose communicating with her remotely via that, and Terezi is just Dave-like vocalizing everything Rose punches into the terminal? Then that would be Terezi arguing with HER out loud. And the sudden transition of talk to “I’ve established that this is why they move.” is very Rose-sounding.

> ==>

That lil’ “hup” pose to jump over the gap Terezi’s making is adorable. Also, those are bad failed experiments y’all have created and you should feel bad, Rose and Dirk. (Rose is definitely to blame for this spider-bunny nightmare.)

TEREZI: HUP!

Hup

TEREZI: 1 WOND3R WH4T TH3Y T4ST3 L1K3 >:O

They look like they’d taste like bee spiders with inedible stuffing throughout.

Trolls do find grubs of most sorts appetizing though.

> ==>

TEREZI THOSE ARE NO REASON TO BE HAPPY

> ==>

Yeah, beautiful field-shot aside I feel pretty bad for that creation. Looks miserable.

> ==>

Now they’re just mashing up consorts. Are they TRYING to populate the planet with weird garbage for the final products to eat? (Or fight? Hard-troll-childhood style?)

> ==>

THAT THING IS NO REASON TO LOOK SO HAPPY EITHER REZI

Gosh, at least she’s having fun though.

> ==>

You’re ignoring Onionsan, Terezi

> ==>

I wonder what lazy name this Horsisaur has.

Fun abandoned. Survival instincts fully engaged. Terezi runs.

She throws backward sniffs over her shoulder as she tears through the scrubby cling of the planet’s undergrowth, catching fractured impressions of exactly what has decided to chase her. A shuddering, 20 foot monstrosity that somehow seems to both scamper and glide, like a centipede, rustling like foliage as it moves, as if an entire goddamn forest is bearing down on her.

Between the game and Alternia, you shouldn’t be TOO rusty at this, right?

The problem with using smells to navigate the world is that the unfamiliar can be difficult to parse. Every whiff over her shoulder gives her another blurry glimpse of what this beast is.

Yeah, smell is a little slower on the pickup than sight.

Rose shared her books with Terezi when she was on the ship, and her favorite by far was the compendium of the zoologically dubious. Everything contained inside was just so unbelievably unlikely. This creature appears to be a combination of all of them.

Really? What we see of it doesn’t look THAT weird. But we only see about half of it from this angle, so.

--Twisted ankle? Come on, you’re not THAT rusty.

> ==>

It’s fear, pure and simple. Unsurprising, when being menaced by a monster, but it also doesn’t last for more than a second. A cold flame that instantly burns itself out, and all of a sudden she is just deeply, impossibly, indescribably tired. Down to her bones.

You’re already giving up??!?

Honestly, she really has no right to feel this... this fatigue. This crushing embrace of endless struggle. Terezi Pyrope has not had an easy life by anyone’s standards, but so much of her thirteen or so sweeps has just been standing still. Waiting. Huddling blind and half dead in her recuperacoon, the sopor burning the hideous mess that the sun has left her eyes, alight with a hatred so layered and intense that she couldn’t make sense of it.

Dammit, do we have to go SO EXHAUSTINGLY DEEPLY into EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER’S PTSD?!??

It was horrifying--that pain or fury--but also, admittedly, very boring. Then there were the sweeps on the meteor, the endless, gelatinous stretches of time in the chaos of the outer ring, searching for... Vriska, ostensibly, but also maybe just for a chance to dry up. To disappear. Go extinct.

Terezi doesn’t know if it’s an attribute of her aspect, or the sheer psychic damage of spending so long in the company of two humans with god complexes. Maybe it’s just an inherited symptom of being conscious. But sometimes it feels like none of them are going to get out of this, alive or dead.

Fuck, apparently we are. These writers don’t know how to let up. Can’t we get a little more retroactive dwelling on how FUN some of their lives up til now were? And then... maybe NOT only do that to contrast with how depressed they are now?? There was SO much delight in Homestuck amidst the hardship, and if you’re going to show us more of the hardship you have to show us more of the delight, too, or everything just gets pointlessly dark.

--ah, Rose redirected the command console to point to the monster and stopped it that way.

ROSE: I am devastated to report that those are really more vines than tentacles, and even worse, they aren’t mine.

Pff.

...Poking fun at the terminology for Patron Trolls, at this late date of all times.

TEREZI: D4V3 4ND 1 H4D 4 LOT 1N COMMON B4CK TH3N, OR 4T L34ST 1T F3LT L1K3 W3 D1D ROSE: As I have come to understand it, for a while at least, we were all being steered in the right direction by a debatably benevolent force. ROSE: One imposed on us by the game itself, even if we had yet to enter it. TEREZI: ... ROSE: You don’t believe me. TEREZI: NO, 1 DO TEREZI: 1T SOUNDS 1NCR3D1BLY DUMB AND UNL1K3LY BUT SO DO3S 3V3RYTH1NG 3LS3 TH4T H4PP3NS TO 4NY OF US

Terezi, don’t you know at least half as much about Skaia as anyone else here? Isn’t that what she’s talking about?

TEREZI: SO YOU 4R3 DO1NG TH3 S4M3 TH1NGS TO TH3S3 CR34TUR3S TH4T SOM3 OTH3R CR34TUR3S D1D TO YOU 4ND YOUR FR13NDS ROSE: I suppose that is a fair assessment. Although we were not our own creators. It was John who— DIRK: I hate to break up the recap episode, but we need to deal with this situation before it gets out of hand.

Wait, she’s talking about the Exiles? Terezi TOLD Dave about the exiles helping them. SHE was the one who told us how that worked! Although I guess you could chalk her questions up to her not knowing one of those “terminals” was involved.

TEREZI: 4ND HOW 4R3 YOU H3R3 4NYW4Y? DIRK: I have administrative privileges. TEREZI: YOU H4V3 4DM1N1STR4T1V3 PR1V1L3G3S TO MY P4LMHUSK DIRK: Yes.

Was Terezi dictating to her palmhusk earlier? Why was she talking for Rose’s part of the conversation earlier, but not now? Was that a mistake? Or did Rose switch off the terminal, despite her apparent confusion with the terminal now???

Opinion of HS^2... dropping... keep it together stop judging the comic so hard... NOT dropping off in quality... shh brain! Shoosh!!!

(Seriously though, don’t put ANY asks in my inbox about HS^2 dropping off in quality, even as much as I’M starting to complain. Gotta keep my hopes up to keep enjoying myself as I keep going.)

ROSE: Don’t let it get to you. My father has a habit of appearing in places he’s not wanted.

You’re seriously just CALLING him that now?!??

DIRK: I was saying that we should get Terezi down from there before continuing our mining of the core themes in our personal narratives.

Ah, that’s why you used the terminology.

DIRK: I was saying that we should get Terezi down from there before continuing our mining of the core themes in our personal narratives. ROSE: Of course. I’ll take care of it. DIRK: Appreciate it. TEREZI: 1 W1SH YOU WOULDN’T DO TH4T WH3R3 1 C4N S33 1T DIRK: Do what? TEREZI: TH4T TH1NG WH3R3 YOU G3T P3OPL3 WHO 4R3 NOT M3 TO DO WH4T3V3R 1T 1S YOU W4NT TH3M TO TEREZI: M1ND CONTROL

Oh, damn. That was a creepy order, then. And is Rose STILL not wise to it? Can Terezi and Dirk just TALK about the narrative control IN FRONT OF ROSE and have her not recognize it because of said control??? :C

TEREZI: WH4T TH3 FUCK 1S GO1NG ON DIRK: You can make more boots. TEREZI: 1M NOT T4LK1NG 4BOUT TH3 BOOTS, NOOKBR34TH TEREZI: 1 MEAN TH3 M3N4G3R13 FROM H3LL DIRK: Well, we’ve encountered a couple bumps along the road. TEREZI: YOU DONT S4Y

This is fun, but I can’t help but notice that Rose has completely stopped talking. Fuck having Dirk flaunt this even harder just ups the creepiness even more.

TEREZI: YOU GUYS R34LLY SUCK 4T TH1S DIRK: Yeah, agreed. TEREZI: ... TEREZI: WOW, TH4T W4S MUCH L3SS P41NFUL 4ND LONG-W1ND3D TH4N 1 W4S 3XP3CT1NG 1T TO B3 DIRK: What was? TEREZI: CONV1NC1NG YOU TH4T 4LL OF TH3S3 "D3S1GNS" TH4T YOU H4V3 COM3 UP W1TH SUCK SH1T TEREZI: 1 THOUGHT YOU WOULD T3LL M3 TH4T 4LL OF 1T 1S P4RT OF SOM3 "GR4ND PL4N" TEREZI: TH4T TH3Y SUCK ON PURPOS3 OR SOM3TH1NG L1K3 TH4T DIRK: Well, it is a part of the grand plan. And they do suck on purpose. DIRK: But not on my purpose. DIRK: It’s Rose. She is remarkably bad at this. Voluntarily. TEREZI: DO YOU M34N TH4T SH3 1S TRY1NG TO S4BOT4G3 4LL OF YOUR GR4ND CR34T1ONS TEREZI: OH POW3RFUL GOD PR1NC3? DIRK: No, she’s playing the game. That part hasn’t been a problem. DIRK: I mean she is just making incredibly nonsensical decisions and refusing to back down, even when I up the ante to preposterous levels. DIRK: You should see some of the shit she’s come up with. I’m pretty sure I watched a vagina on legs walk by this morning. TEREZI: 1 DONT TH1NK 1 S4W TH4T ON3 DIRK: Despite her initial resistance, Rose has gone completely feral. TEREZI: YOU M34N TH4T SH3 1S H4V1NG FUN DIRK: Yes.

You loosened her morals so she’d be conscience-free to go full zoological playground, and she’s GOING full zoological playground. What did you expect?

TEREZI: 4ND WH4T 1S WRONG W1TH 4 L1TTL3 B1T OF FUN YOUR H1GHN3SS? DIRK: Nothing. I got absolutely no problem with having a good time while we see to the boring and altogether completely frivolous task of seeding the future of this planet. DIRK: But she really TEREZI: YOU 3XP3CT3D H3R TO B3 TH3 ON3 TO HOLD YOU B4CK, 1NST34D OF TH3 OTH3R W4Y 4ROUND DIRK: No, that's not it. TEREZI: YES, 1 TH1NK 1T 1S 1T

What? “Holding her back”? How did this suddenly become about Dirk’s insecurity at his ectobiological skill?

DIRK: By project, do you mean that I expect Rose to be too much like myself? TEREZI: NO, 1 M34N TH3 OPPOS1T3 TEREZI: YOU 3XP3CT H3R TO B3 B3TT3R TH4N YOU TEREZI: YOU W4NT H3R TO PR3V3NT 4LL OF YOUR WORST T3ND3NC13S. TH3 W4Y 1 US3D TO W1TH VR1SK4 WH3N W3 W3R3 MO1R41LS

--Oh, you meant hold them back from going TOO FAR. I see. And also, the way Terezi and Vriska were “moirails” is the WORST example, and thus quite fitting to relate to this situation. For their brief pale stint, Terezi never really STOPPED Vriska from doing ANYTHING. She just supported Vriska, while Vriska spewed some flattery Terezi’s way... and then proceeded to do whatever the fuck she wanted. Sometimes without telling her. It was an AWFUL example of proper moirallegiance, as I covered in the above link.

Dirk wouldn’t know about that, though. And neither does Terezi, apparently, unless she’s just not admitting it.

(EDIT: Also, Rose never had the slightest chance of ever holding Dirk back like she might have wanted because DIRK MIND CONTROL OVERRIDES HER EVERY TIME SHE HAS RESERVATIONS. The only way a moirallegiance can work at all is if the one being held back is WILLING to listen. Dirk has deliberately and continuously suppressed Rose's ability to even THINK about dissuading him from literally any course of action.)

TEREZI: YOUR3 3XP3CT1NG ROS3 TO C4TCH YOU WH3N YOU GO TOO F4R TEREZI: SH3 1SNT GO1NG TO DO TH4T, 1 DONT TH1NK TEREZI: 1N F4CT, 1 TH1NK SH3 1S MOR3 L1K3LY TO GO TOO F4R TH4N YOU 4R3 DIRK: What makes you say that? TEREZI: 1 DONT KNOW TEREZI: JUST 4 F33L1NG, 1 GU3SS. 1 M1GHT NOT B3 4 GOD-MODD3D DORK 1N COSPL4Y, BUT 1M ST1LL A S33R TEREZI: 4ND 1 H4VE SP3NT W4Y MOR3 T1M3 W1TH TH3 TWO OF YOU TH4N 4LMOST 4NYON3 ELSE, WH1CH 1S 1NCR3D1BLY D3PR3SS1NG TO TH1NK 4BOUT

Guh. A real pair of villains. Is that REALLY why you brought Rose, Dirk?

TEREZI: 4NYW4Y, 1F YOU DONT L1K3 TH3 W4Y ROS3 1S DO1NG TH1NGS WHY DONT YOU JUST NOT-M1ND CONTROL H3R 1NTO DO1NG 1T TH3 R1GHT W4Y TEREZI: PROBL3M SOLV3D DIRK: I’ve made the decision to freehand this one. I’m not planning to influence Rose’s decision in any part of the contest. Otherwise it’s too easy, and barely worth doing at all.

Obviously. And you can’t argue her down the normal way because she was NEVER someone to listen to someone like you in a direct confrontation without any misleading subterfuge. You would’ve had to Doc Scratch it.

DIRK: So you’re saying you want me to mind-control Rose. TEREZI: NO, 1M S4Y1NG TH4T 1 TH1NK YOU 4R3 4 COW4RD TEREZI: P3RH4PS 1 W1LL T3LL H3R TH4T YOU H4V3 B33N WH1SP3R1NG YOUR STR4NG3 L1TTL3 1NC4NT4T1ONS 1N H3R 34R OV3R TH3 L4ST F3W SW33PS TEREZI: L1K3 4 CR33PY W31RDO DIRK: No, you won’t. If you were going to, you would have already.

Are you talking about the narrative mind control or are you talking about something else? Something weirder? Because calling them “strange little incantations” sounds like he’s been doing some creepily Doc-Scratchy grooming to her like how Doc kinda rage-controlled the trolls to write his genetic code on their walls in their most vulnerable moments.

DIRK: Unless you think I’m still projecting my "image" of what I think Rose "should" do, and she actually won’t give a shit. TEREZI: NO, 1 TH1NK SH3 W1LL B3 CONFL1CT3D TEREZI: UNL3SS YOU M1ND-CONTROL H3R NOT TO B3 DIRK: Not mind control. TEREZI: WH4T3VER!

And that’s just it. Rose WOULD have been very conflicted about MUCH of this if you hadn’t used your narrative control to override all her inhibitions. So instead you get the version of her who would have gone with your plans without hesitation, which is the WORST version of her. And she doesn’t even have a choice to be better.

Alright, that’s the end of the upd8. See y’all! Maybe a bit after the commentary goes up for this (already has for the Influencers bonus) I’ll cover the commentary on both this and the bonus, but that’ll be in at least a few days. Ciao

#Homestuck #hs2 #Homestuck Liveblog #upd8 #Homestuck^2 #Homestuck Theories #Homestuck Theory #spoiler #spoilers #Terezi #Dirk Strider #Rose Lalonde

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philcoulsonismyhero · 5 years ago

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Worldbuilding June, Day 6: How does gender & sexuality work in your world?

It’s my future space setting and I get to decide these things, so all the assorted whatever-phobias have pretty much entirely disappeared. Because.

People have stopped treating straight, cis and allo as a default. The vast majority of people don’t make assumptions any more, and people are given the space to figure themselves out over whatever timescale they need

Labels still exist because it’s useful to have names for things, and they’re relatively similar to the ones currently in use because those terms have history. Although people often don’t start to identify with specific labels until they’re in their teens or later (or sometimes never) because they take as long as they need to fully figure themselves out first

Medical transition is much easier to access, as well as safer and faster due to medical advances. The only permission a person needs to transition is their own

It’s common practice to introduce yourself with your pronouns, and to refer to a stranger by neutral pronouns until they (or someone who knows them) tell you otherwise

A lot of organisations incorporate pronouns into ID badges (which by this point are usually screens that can display all manner of information), and there’s a standard system of colour/pattern combinations that indicate a person’s pronouns at a glance. People can change the pronouns on their ID badges at will, and it’s considered extremely rude not to respect a person’s displayed pronouns even if they were using totally different ones yesterday

These ID badges are beginning to spread to the population at large, especially those who live on space stations or large ships. They act as communicators and access clearance as well as their primary function of displaying relevant personal information. (Medical staff have codes that allow them to use ID badges to find out about allergies, medication, pre-existing conditions, etc. for instance.) Children wear them as well as adults, and it’s common to see kids experimenting with their displayed pronouns as they figure themselves out

The vast majority of languages have invented, rediscovered or brought-into-general-use neutral pronouns, as well as specific pronouns for nonbinary genders. Part of the project that led to the development of the standardised pronoun colours and symbols involved collating all of these into a central database

Because there will always be more experiences of gender than represented on any list, people are able to add custom pronouns to their badges and these are absorbed into the database

Also, marriage is no longer considered purely a romantic thing, and is instead simply an indication of commitment to another person or persons. (There’s now a thriving subcategory of the legal profession dedicated to helping people navigate marriages to multiple people.) The standard (and legal) term for a person you’ve committed to in this way is ‘partner’, which is understood to mean ‘a person I have chosen to make a social and legal commitment to’ without any other assumptions of the nature of that relationship, but people use all sorts of other ones depending on culture and preference. The terms ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ are still very much in use for people who want to make it clear their relationship is a romantic one

As a result of all varieties of committed relationship being put on an equal footing in this way, there’s substantially less amatonormativity and prioritisation of romantic-and-implicitly-also-sexual relationships. There’s also very little societal pressure to pair up in any capacity because people value wider community over discrete units like the ‘nuclear family’, and there’s a general attitude of prioritising how you want to live your life over how people might expect you to

#worldbuildingjune #personal stuff #i've got Thoughts on this one #am i putting platonic and queerplatonic relationships on an equal footing to romantic ones in my space future? yes. yes i am.#i've got all sorts of other ideas about gender presentation by way of clothes etc but i'm saving that one for later in the month #my space future is queer and queer-friendly and there's nothing anyone can do about it #gnarly space

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thezodiaczone · 6 years ago

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August Forecast for Aries

Lights, camera, Aries! This month is threaded with flamboyance and fun as the Sun burns a fiery trail through passionate Leo and your lusty, live-out-loud fifth house until August 23. This is one of your high-energy cycles (because Leo is a fellow fire sign) and a time when you’re at your creative best. Think of the ripeness of late summer, when everything is bursting with riotous colors and life force energy. That’s you right now. And if it isn’t, throw on something vibrant and get out of the damn house, stat!

With the Sun in this romantic part of your chart, there will be plenty of admirers hankering for a taste, especially at the August 11 Leo solar (new moon) eclipse, which will activate this same feisty and fecund zone. Eclipses bring plot twists and unexpected events, and since this one accompanies a new moon of beginnings, it could open a fresh, bold chapter. This month’s Leo eclipse could bring a new love interest, reawakened mojo or even a pregnancy. You might also get a sudden burst of fame or unexpected recognition for your talents.

This is the second-to-last eclipse in a potent series that’s been dropping down on the Leo/Aquarius axis since February 2017, recalibrating your approach to love, friendship, self-expression and teamwork. You’ve experimented with the spotlight and creatively collaborated, plus learned a few harsh lessons about love. The very last eclipse will arrive on January 21, 2019, a Leo lunar eclipse that will bring this month’s (and the last two years’) developments to a grand finale.

It’s also the third and final eclipse of this summer, and you may still be riding the waves of change from the previous two: the July 12 Cancer solar eclipse, which activated your home and family sector, and the July 27 total lunar eclipse in Aquarius and your teamwork zone. Since the impact of eclipses can resonate for months, your living situation or social circle could be taking a new shape as August progresses!

While it all sounds exciting, there’s one big obstacle to navigate, and that’s communication planet Mercury, which is retrograde in Leo from July 26 to August 27. Drama and diva antics can flare up fast, and you may need to dodge a few outsized egos. Careful that your own confidence doesn’t veer into cockiness, or that boldness doesn’t tip into brashness. It’s all too easy to miss the mark with your messaging as quicksilver Mercury runs roughshod over technology, travel and interpersonal affairs. Since Mercury retrograde can bring back people from the past, an ex or an old temptation could resurface; but is the (possible) thrill of a steamy reunion worth turning your life upside-down? Only you can say—but take adequate measures to protect yourself on all levels if you do go there.

Your ruling planet, Mars, is also in the midst of a biennial two-month retrograde from June 26 to August 27, which could further jam the signals. Mars has been reversing through Aquarius and your eleventh house of teamwork and technology, indicating stressful scuffles with friends and some possible misfires with online connections, from dating to work.

On August 12, Mars will back into Capricorn and your tenth house of career and authority figures. You may need to work through some frustrations at your job, with a client or upper management. A fast-moving project could feel blocked or delayed; use the next couple weeks to put out fires and fix any glaring issues—or to do important behind-the-scenes work instead of rushing to launch. That way, you’ll be uber-prepared in September. If nobody’s answering your calls or responding to your proposal, you might just want to use those vacation days and recharge your own batteries.

A few days prior, on August 7, disruptor Uranus will start its annual five-month retrograde. Fluctuating finances have been par for the course since Uranus entered Taurus on May 15, bringing exciting if erratic energy to your second house of work, money and daily routines. Uranus only comes here every 84 years, so it’s been a lot to process! As the side-spinning planet turns retrograde until January 7, 2019, step back and get a handle on your budget and bills. Risky undertakings or radical career changes might need to be temporarily delayed.

You’ll be glad you paused, because from November 6, 2018 until March 6, 2019, Uranus will back into Aries for one final trip, not to return again in this lifetime. You’ll have one last opportunity to make a major change or leave your trailblazing stamp on something authentically “you.” In hindsight, you’ll be grateful you didn’t rush to settle into anything binding. When Uranus moves out of your sign next March, you’ll have one final round of soul-searching and identity-crafting under your belt, better positioning you to make some pioneering money moves!

The scattered energy starts to gel during the last week of August. Mercury ends its signal-scrambling retrograde on August 19, and then the Sun settles into earthy Virgo for four weeks on August 23, powering up your sixth house of health, fitness and organization. You’ll have the urge to corral all the disparate pieces of your life—and your bountiful creative ideas—into something cohesive. After a decadent month, Virgo season can help you put a fall fitness plan together or start making seasonal produce a staple of your meals. The late-summer bounty will give you plenty of colorful and delicious options.

On August 25, all signs get a booster shot of luck as the Sun and structured Saturn and innovator Uranus form a grand trine—an equilateral “golden triangle” that’s one of astrology’s most auspicious aspects. As these three luminaries unite in perfect harmony, you might experience a major breakthrough around career and money. A lucrative long-term opportunity could have serious staying power if you play your cards right.

Ideally, the work should be something that lights you up, pays well AND gives you a chance to be the pioneering trendsetter that you are. With serious Saturn in the mix, you and all parties involved need to be operate with sterling integrity from start to finish: promises that are kept, clear deadlines and a solid understanding of expectations on all sides. If something doesn’t check all the boxes, it’s fine to say “no” and pass. You’re clearing the way for the perfect fit, Aries. With the bold Sun and unconventional Uranus teamed up, you might just find it in an unexpected way. Be proactive; don’t just wait for something to land in your lap, even though there’s a good chance it might.

The next day, on August 26, the year’s only Pisces full moon illuminates your twelfth house of healing, closure and transitions. These potent moonbeams will stir your subconscious and point you to your deepest truth. You’ll know whether it’s time to stay or go; and if you’re being held back by fears, la luna can embolden you. Both the twelfth house AND full moons signify endings, so in some way, a chapter or cycle is completing, making way for the new.

That next step could reveal itself quickly because on August 27, your ruling planet, ambitious Mars, ends its two-month retrograde and rockets ahead through Capricorn and your tenth house of long-term goals. Your career or a name-in-lights project could accelerate swiftly. Get ready to step into a leadership role and steer this venture to victory! Stressful in-fighting and workplace tension could dissipate. Leave any petty bickering behind you. With Mars heating up your most successful and collaborative sectors until November 15, the only way to go is forward—and up!

Love & Romance

On August 6, amorous Venus enters Libra for the first of two trips this year, bringing her romantic touch to your seventh house of committed relationships. For couples, this could be a beautiful time to get back in sync. Single? A connection could move quickly toward long-term status. But there’s no need to rush into an insta-engagement—apparently summer’s hot celeb trend thanks to Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Looking ahead, Venus will be retrograde (backward) in your partnership realm from October 31 to November 16. Issues you’ve managed to sidestep could come inescapably up in your union, or a budding relationship may hit a speed bump. This doesn’t mean jump ship; just be patient—and talk things out in a dispassionate and diplomatic way.

The fact that the other love planet, impatient Mars, is also retrograde—from June 26 to August 27—doesn’t mitigate matters. It’s been back-spinning through Aquarius and your social eleventh house, but on August 12, it’ll reverse into Capricorn for the duration of the pivot. In your tenth house of long-range planning, this could lead to confusion or disagreements about a shared future. Tempers may flare and fuses will be short, but try to see past the momentary disagreements (and certainly don’t be the one to instigate them!).

On August 7, Venus and Mars form a rare, harmonious trine, merging their energies and making for one of the year’s most love-centric dates. With Mars in reverse, things could shift directions suddenly or dramatically. A platonic friend could veer into the lover’s lane, or you might be able to take a giant step back and see a nagging issue from a fresh and enlightening perspective. This is one of the best days of the month for couples to do something fun together, perhaps revisiting a favorite pastime or hosting a party together.

More surprises are on the horizon this month, with messenger Mercury also retrograde in Leo and your fifth house of passion. There’s a galvanizing Leo solar eclipse here on August 11, which could point to an unanticipated romantic prospect or lead to an unexpected second chance with someone from your past. A pregnancy is possible for some Aries at this eclipse, or in the coming six months.

Key Dates

August 9: Venus-Saturn Square Slow your roll! While YOU may be feeling it, it’s possible that your love interest isn’t on the same page—or even reading the same book about the future. This cosmic yellow light urges caution. Before you go in any deeper, hit “pause” and discuss your long-term goals and desires. Chances are, you’ll probably both need to compromise.

Money & Career

A creative month is in store with the Sun moving through Leo and your expressive fifth house until August 23, powered by a rare Leo solar eclipse on August 11. You could have the opportunity to put your unique stamp on something or attract fame; but be careful where you wield that star power: with communication and tech planet Mercury retrograde (backward) in Leo until August 19, you’re at risk of coming across as brash or cocky. Run those risque social media posts by an honest, sensible friend before you press “publish” to make sure you don’t cross a line. If you’re feeling stressed, pick up an old creative or DIY practice—while channeling the muse, you could have some of your best ideas!

In between, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on monetary matters. On August 7, unpredictable Uranus starts a five-month retrograde backspin, a time to corral anything that’s gotten a little too “all over the place”. Until November 6, Uranus will reverse through Taurus and your second house of work and money, helping you evaluate your earning and savings plans, and figure out some innovative ways to grow that nest egg. Need to supplement with a side hustle? You might go back to an old employer for a short-term contract or reconnect with a former freelance client.

Your ruling planet Mars is also retrograde from June 26 until August 27. It’s been in Aquarius, adding friction to your collaboration zone and making it hard to get the team on the same page. On August 12, Mars will back into Capricorn for the duration, adding some uncomfortable heat to your tenth house of career and authority figures. Pace yourself around any grand-slam goals—do you really have the right setup in place to pull this off? If not, slow down and build the infrastructure that will make this sustainable for the long haul, not just a short-term coup. You want more than bragging rights, Aries (although they’re certainly an incentive!). Think beyond the immediate and craft a master plan that can’t be messed with!

Key Dates

August 2: Mars-Uranus Square Teamwork might prove challenging under this edgy angle. Competing egos threaten to undermine a project. Be prepared to grab the reins and switch gears at a moment’s notice. The trick to keeping everyone calm is staying flexible and not overreacting to the dissenters.

Love Days: 11, 15 Money Days: 4, 22 Luck Days: 1, 19 Off Days: 12, 17, 26

#aries #monthly forecast #astrology #horoscope #horoscopes #aries monthly

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realtalk-princeton · 9 years ago

Text

International Student FAQ

Updated 7/7/18

additions: updated MAVNI to reflect ongoing challenges from Trump administration

The information provided in this FAQ was the most accurate I could find at the time of the last update. Some of it is based on my own experiences; much of it is based on research that I’ve done either for myself or other internationals. Recommendations, when I make them, are based on personal experience, and never commission or any other kind of monetary compensation. I just wouldn’t recommend a product or service I hadn’t personally tried and determined to be worth using.

I have made my best effort to ensure that the information contained in this FAQ is correct; however, there will naturally be errors and/or out-of-date information, so I encourage you to make an effort to verify any specifics either using the links provided, or Google. If you notice anything that seems wrong, please submit to let me know! I’ll be sure to amend it, and give you credit if you leave your name.

–Evan

Important Contact Information

Country code (if calling from outside the US) is +1. Area code for all phone numbers (3-digit number to put before the 7 digits) is 609. All email addresses should be followed by @princeton.edu.

Davis IC 📧 puvisa Mariyah Salem, Davis IC Director 📞 258-5006 📧 msalem Justine Levine, Rocky DoS 📞 258-7245 📧 justinel Amy Ham Johnson, Rocky DSL 📞 258-2652 📧 amyham Cecily Swanson, Mathey DoS 📞 258-7223 📧 cecilys Darleny Cepin, Mathey DSL 📞 258-8845 📧 dcepin Matthew Lazen, Butler DoS 📞 258-7140 📧 mlazen Deshawn Cook, Butler DSL 📞 258-1664 📧 deshawnc Jack Axcelson, Wilson DoS 📞 258-1929 📧 axcelson Garrett Meggs, Wilson DSL 📞 258-3281 📧 gmeggs Jaclyn Schwalm, Whitman DoS 📞 258-8093 📧 jschwalm Momo Wolapaye, Whitman DSL 📞 258-8145 📧 momo Rashidah Andrews, Forbes DoS 📞 258-7193 📧 rashidah Olivia Weiner, Forbes DSL 📞 258-4825 📧 oweiner

Other useful contacts:

National Visa Center, US Dept. of State (for visa questions) 📞 (603) 334-0888 (Mon-Fri, 7am-midnight EST) List of US Consulates and Embassies (for visa applications, information) 💻 usembassy.gov

Contents (use Cmd+F/Ctrl+F to locate)

Visas

Applying

Common pitfalls

Travel

Moving in/shopping

Finances

Bank Account

Transferring Money Internationally

Credit Card

Communication

Cell phones

Staying in contact with home

Mail

Employment and Visas

On campus job

SSN

ITIN

Taxes

Breaks

Reading Period

Intersession

Internships and Other Pre-Professional Activities

Paid

Unpaid

Health care

Health insurance

Routine physical health

Mental health

Prescription drugs

Vision and dental

Special financial need

Medical emergency

Public Transport and Driver’s License

Getting to New York

Getting to Philadelphia

Getting to Boston/Washington DC

Getting to Quaker Bridge Mall, Walmart

Getting your NJ driver’s license if you already have one from home

Getting your driver’s license for the first time

Parking and driving options

Where is the nearest…?

Family emergencies

International student life

Options after graduation

OPT

Grad school

H-1B

Marriage

Special visa classes

Visas

Applying: F-1/Canadians

The application process begins in mid-May when you receive your I-20. After you committed to Princeton, Davis IC should have contacted you to ask for the personal information they need to process your I-20. By mid-June, you should have received your I-20 by Fedex.

The next step is to pay the SEVIS fee, which you can do at fmjfee.com/i901fee. This allows you to be registered in the Department of State’s database for foreign students. The cost for F-1 students is $200, and you will be reimbursed for this by the University around August. Print proof of payment.

If you’re Canadian, that’s all you have to do – you just need to present your I-20 at the border and you’ll be admitted. If you’re from any other country, you will need to apply for a student visa.

The next step is to complete form DS-160, which you can do at ceac.state.gov/genniv. You MUST choose the correct Embassy/Consulate in your application form, as this cannot be changed after the fact. If you decide to complete part of the form and then want to come back to it later, remember to write down your reference so that you can relocate it when you return. For form DS-160, you will need a recent 2” x 2” photograph (to upload).

Once you’ve completed the DS-160, print it and proceed to your local US Consulate or Embassy website to complete the application for a visa interview. Here you will have to pay another fee – $160, which is nonrefundable even if you get refused a visa (you won’t). You may also have to pay for secure courier to ship your passport back to your home address after your visa is issued, but you do not need to print proof of payment for this. Schedule your interview, print the receipt for payment of the visa fee, and get ready for your interview.

At this point, if you haven’t done so already, you should find somewhere that takes/prints 2” x 2” standard US passport photos, and have them taken, as you will need two for your visa interview.

To your interview, you should bring the following: ¬ Your passport ¬ Form DS-160 ¬ Proof of payment of SEVIS fee ($200) ¬ Proof of payment of visa fee ($160) ¬ Two 2” x 2” photographs taken in the last six months ¬ Your I-20

You may also wish to bring: ¬ Proof of financial resources to attend Princeton (bank statements, financial aid award) ¬ TOEFL exam score if English is not your native language They may not request these things, but it is worth having them just in case.

By the time you get to interview, the visa issuance process should be a formality. They will ask you a few questions at most. Note, however, that they will keep your passport while the visa is being processed, and processing can take up to two weeks, so if you have other travel plans be sure to factor your visa appointment into those. You don’t need to worry about how you’re dressed when visiting the US Consulate, but note that family members/companions won’t be allowed to accompany you inside, so if you’re going with other people make sure they have somewhere to go while you’re being interviewed.

Depending on where you are from, you may have to pay one final fee to be issued your visa. This only applies to countries which levy a similar fee on US citizens who apply for visas to study there. The full list of such countries, and the applicable fees, is here -> travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html (click your country on the left sidebar, and navigate to F-1).

Common pitfalls and emergencies

¬ BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY (EVEN YOUR HOME COUNTRY), YOU WILL NEED A TRAVEL SIGNATURE. Bring your I-20 to the Davis IC and someone will sign it within 5 minutes. The signature is valid for one year, and allows you to travel outside the United States. ¬ You will need to have your I-20 every time you wish to enter the US. ¬ If you leave the US on break and forget your I-20, depending on how soon you’re traveling back to the US, Davis IC can have one overnighted to your address while abroad. Contact Mariyah Salem immediately on the number provided above. ¬ If you lose your I-20 but you’re still on campus and won’t be traveling in the next two days, send an email to puvisa (above) requesting a new I-20. It will be available for pickup at Davis IC within one business day. ¬ If you lose your I-20 and you’re traveling in the next business day, proceed immediately to Davis IC (Louis A. Simpson building) and inform them of the situation. If it’s after hours, call Mariyah Salem. ¬ If you go to the airport (traveling TO THE US same day) and you realize you forgot your I-20, you may be issued an I-515 on entry to the United States by the immigration official. This is valid for 30 days, so it requires further action on your part. Once you get back to campus, go immediately to Davis IC with your I-515 for next steps (you’ll need to submit it, along with a new I-20 and some other documents, to Customs & Border Protection). Please do this immediately – if you wait too long, you run the risk of losing status and being in the US illegally. Also, US immigration officials are under no obligation to grant you an I-515 at the border. You could just be denied entry because you don’t have the proper forms, although you should always try and convince the officer to give you an I-515 first. If you are denied entry, call Mariyah Salem immediately. ¬ If your passport is expiring soon, you will need to renew it at least 6 months before the expiry date. Davis IC may warn you about this beforehand. Also, once you get your new passport, please note that on future travel to and from the US you will need to carry both the expired passport with your visa in it, and your new passport. Some countries require you to submit your old passport in order to get a new one – make sure you specifically request to have your (canceled) old passport back, otherwise you’ll need to apply for a whole new visa.

Travel

The cost of travel to Princeton obviously depends on your place of origin. In my experience, the cheapest international airline tickets can be found on momondo.com. Kayak and Skyscanner are also fine, but they tend not to search as many airlines and travel websites as Momondo. If you have a specific airline you like flying with, you can also book directly with them.

If arriving by air, the most conveniently located airports with international air service are Newark (EWR) >>>> JFK > Philly (PHL).

Newark Airport’s major international airline is United (united.com). A number of foreign airlines also fly directly to Newark – a full list of airlines which fly to Newark, and the cities they fly from, is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newark_Liberty_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations. To get to campus from Newark, take the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor (signed as AirTrain in the terminal) to Princeton Junction, then the Dinky to Princeton Station (beside the Lewis Center for the Arts and Forbes College). Easiest way to book is with a credit/debit card on the NJ Transit app, which also allows you to use a digital ticket – book your ticket to Princeton, NOT Princeton Junction! Cost is $19. Travel time about 1 hour.

JFK (New York City) Airport’s major international airlines are American Airlines (aa.com), Delta (delta.com) and Norwegian Air Shuttle (norwegian.com). Most major foreign airlines also have service to JFK. A full list of airlines and destinations is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations. To get to campus from JFK, take the AirTrain (signed from the airport terminal) to Jamaica Station, then take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Penn Station – tickets for this segment can be bought at the stations. Once at Penn Station, take the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor to Princeton Junction, and finally the Dinky to Princeton (book this segment on the NJ Transit app). Total cost 17 + 15 = $32. Travel time about 2.5 hours.

Philly Airport’s major international airline is American Airlines (aa.com). A small number of foreign airlines also fly to Philly – full list at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations. To get to campus from Philly, take the SEPTA Airport Line from the airport to 30th Street Station. At 30th Street, switch to the SEPTA Trenton Line (light pink) and get off at Trenton – DO NOT take the train to West Trenton, wrong place! Finally, take the NJTransit Northeast Corridor from Trenton to Princeton Junction, and at Princeton Jct switch to the Dinky which takes you directly to campus. SEPTA tickets can be bought at Philly airport; NJTransit tickets are best bought through the app. Total cost $15-16. Travel time 3+ hours.

Before breaks, students will often mail their res college listservs asking other students to split an Uber/Lyft to the airport (usually Philly or Newark). If other students happen to be traveling at the same time as you, this may be a relatively cheap and more convenient option. If you plan to travel to the airport by car, Newark and Philly are both about 45-50 minutes’ drive away (Philly slightly further). Uber/Lyft costs approximately $50-60 to both.

Moving in/shopping

As an international student, you won’t be able to bring many things with you (apart from stuff like electronics and clothes). If you have roommates who live close to campus, you might want to coordinate with them over the summer to buy furniture/TV/refrigerator etc. for your room, since they might be better able to transport these things to your dorm on move in.

You can buy things online and have them shipped to your Frist address ahead of time! Frist Campus Center is open all summer, so order what you need from Amazon a few days before you arrive for IO and it will be available for pickup when you get there.

Moreover, on IO you will have the chance to visit Nassau Park Blvd – which has a Walmart, Target and Best Buy – to buy some of the things you need and bring them back to campus.

To simplify things, I just made a shopping list of all the things you absolutely need to buy, along with a few optional things you might want to buy: ¬ Sheet set (preferably two) [Amazon] – look for ‘bed in a bag’ which includes sheets, comforter, pillow cases ¬ Mattress topper (optional, but worth buying; mattresses aren’t super comfy) [Amazon] ¬ Shower caddy [Amazon] ¬ Shower shoes [Amazon/Walmart] ¬ Towels [Amazon/Walmart] ¬ Laundry detergent (Tide), fabric softener (Downy) and dryer sheets (Bounce) [Walmart] ¬ Laundry basket [Amazon] ¬ Fan (if your room isn’t air-conditioned) [Amazon] ¬ Extension cords/surge protectors (two is good) [Amazon/Walmart] ¬ Water filter (e.g. Brita, optional but useful for storing water in your room) [Amazon] ¬ Hairdryer (if you need one) [Amazon] ¬ Bathroom essentials – shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, shaving foam and razors [Walmart/U Store] ¬ Book bag [Amazon]

For school supplies, see my/Sulpicia’s answer at realtalk-princeton.tumblr.com/post/175012344424/hi-prefrosh-here-very-overwhelmed-with-the-idea.

Finances

Bank Account

During International Orientation (IO), a number of major banks will have information desks at which you can sign up for a US bank account. You are strongly encouraged to do so, as this makes managing your finances in the US much easier, with no foreign transaction fees and a branch close to campus. You will also get a debit card (Visa or Mastercard) which you can use at ATMs, in stores and for online purchases.

The four major banks in Princeton are PNC Bank, Bank of America, Chase and TD Bank. Usually PNC and BoA are the two banks which market heavily to internationals, but you can open an account with any of these four banks without a social security number, simply by walking into a branch with your passport and PUID (prox).

All four banks have branches on Nassau Street. PNC is on Palmer Square, Bank of America is opposite FitzRandolph Gates/Witherspoon St, and Chase Bank is a little further down Nassau, opposite University Place (but still within walking distance). TD Bank, which just recently opened, is the furthest from campus, located beside the 7-Eleven/Post Office near the end of Nassau. However, if you are Canadian, you should consider using TD as they charge no fees for wire transfers from Canada. Also, TD has the most flexible opening hours, being the only bank that opens till 6pm on weekdays, and the only bank open on Sundays.

Unlike in other countries, customers of US banks are often charged fees: a) For actually having an open account, and b) For using an ATM that is not owned by their bank. Usually, the account fee will be waived because you’re a student. However, you will need to be careful with which ATMs you use in order to avoid those fees (for example, Bank of America charges $5 per withdrawal if you withdraw money from a non-Bank of America ATM). Therefore, the location of ATMs relative to your res college may influence your choice of bank: • Bank of America has an ATM at its branch on Nassau (close to Rocky), and in the basement of Frist (mid campus, close to Wilson and Butler). • PNC Bank has an ATM at its Nassau St branch (close to Rocky), one outside the U-store (up campus, close to Mathey and Whitman), and one inside Wawa (down campus, close to Forbes). • Chase and TD both have one ATM at their branches on Nassau (Chase is close to Blair and Joline Halls in Mathey).

Transferring Money Internationally

It’s possible to transfer money directly from a foreign bank account into your US bank account using your routing number and account number. However, most foreign banks charge a fee for this on their end, and almost all US banks also charge a fee for receiving an international wire transfer, usually between $20 and $35 (rip).

Although it’s a little slower, the cheapest and best way to transfer money internationally is using Transferwise (transferwise.com). You will get close to the market exchange rate, and fees are minimal (about 1%, which amounts to a few cents on a small transaction or a few $ on a large one). You can link your home country bank account (or your parents’) to your Transferwise account, as well as your US bank account, and electronically transfer funds from one to the other. The processing time is rarely more than 2 days – often you will have your money in your US account by the same day.

Transferwise is an extremely safe and legit service, but obviously treat it like you would online banking, and don’t use public wifi (campus wifi is fine) to manage transactions.

Credit card

You will notice that most of your American fellow students don’t carry cash, but use cards instead. Using cash is fine, and you can also use your bank-issued debit card in the U store/Wawa and at most other major stores in the area (except Nassau mom-and-pop places, like Small World Coffee and Bent Spoon). But if you want to learn to use credit responsibly, or plan to stay in the US and want to build a credit history, you should also consider applying for a credit card!

For international students, I recommend the Deserve Mastercard (deserve.com). You don’t need a social security number to apply – just scans of your passport, visa, I-20 and a US bank statement/screenshot of your bank balance. Pretty much everyone who applies and has money in their bank account gets approved, although initially your credit limit will be set extremely low (mine was $300). With responsible use, Deserve gradually increases your limit (mine is now $1500). Other benefits of the card are that it has no foreign transaction fees (so you can use it at home or while traveling), and they’ll soon be releasing chip technology which will mean it’s more widely accepted abroad. Plus, you get free Amazon Prime just for having the card (when you use the card to pay for your membership, they delete the charge from your statement, so it’s free).

As mentioned earlier, using credit responsibly is an important life skill, but this recommendation comes with a few major caveats. If you don’t think you’re a responsible spender, I would advise against getting a credit card, because it’s super easy to get carried away if you don’t pay close attention to your spending. Also, spending close to the limit (e.g. spending $290 on a limit of $300) actually hurts your credit score because it makes you look risky to lenders, so go easy when your limit is low. Never, ever spend more than you can afford to pay off at the end of the month, and always pay the full balance on your bill at the end of each month.

Communication

Cell phones

There are four major cell phone carriers in the US: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint (in order of largest to smallest). All four have towers in Princeton and will work across town, but some are better than others. Verizon and AT&T are usually considered the best networks in New Jersey (I have Verizon), and across the US in general. However, be prepared to pay more for your phone in the US than you ever did at home – US networks are some of the most expensive in the world.

The two biggest carriers will have desks at IO encouraging you to sign up for a phone plan. While you should definitely get a US plan eventually, I would encourage you to wait and shop around for a few reasons: • If you plan on bringing your own phone from abroad, not all of the networks will work with your phone (AT&T and T-Mobile work on almost all foreign phones, but Verizon and Sprint only work on certain ones). • Buying directly from the network instead of a reseller is usually more expensive. • These networks will try to sell you contract plans, which are basically loans, and usually require significant down-payments (between $200 and $300). For internationals, prepaid is much better.

First of all, if you’re bringing your phone from abroad, make sure it’s unlocked from your home carrier and works in the US. To verify if your phone works on the carrier you’re considering, visit willmyphonework.net and type in your model number and the network name/country (note that for iPhones, you will need the exact model number, which you can find etched on the back of your phone underneath “iPhone” – should say “Model AXXXXX”).

If you plan to buy a new phone in the US, IMO the best option is to buy it unlocked and directly from the manufacturer/Amazon/Best Buy. That way, you can also it use with your local carrier when you go home on breaks. Again, verify that the phone you are considering works on your US network of choice using the method above.

Now for the actual plans. For internationals, I recommend the following: • UNLIMITED DATA, BEST COVERAGE: If you have a Verizon-compatible iPhone, Visible (visible.com) is a great option. Costs $40/month for unlimited minutes, texts and 4G LTE data (up to 5mbps speed). Runs on Verizon network, so you will get the same great coverage as Verizon for $40 less than their unlimited plan. The unlimited data is also a great fallback for Princeton’s shitty wifi. You need an invite code to join – use 0EEDE.

• LOT OF DATA, WORKS ON ALL PHONES, GOOD FOR CANADIANS/MEX: AT&T Prepaid (att.com/prepaid/plans.html) is another good option – the AT&T network is great – and they have three plan choices. All plans include unlimited minutes and texts, and unlimited international text to over 100 countries. For $30 you get 1GB 4G LTE data, for $40 8GB, and for $55 unlimited data. If you’re Mexican or Canadian, you can use your plan allowances at home just as you would in the US, and text/call your Canadian or Mexican family and friends at no extra cost, so this is a great option for you.

• CUSTOMIZABLE, WORKS ON ALL PHONES: US Mobile (usmobile.com) was originally set up specifically for international students bringing their phones to the US. It runs on the Verizon (“Super LTE”) and T-Mobile networks, and you can choose which one you prefer; Verizon has slightly better coverage, but T-Mobile works on more phones. Plans cost anywhere from $10 to $75, depending on how much data/minutes/texts you want – it’s extremely customizable, so check the website. Customer support is excellent.

• CHEAPEST UNLIMITED TALK/TEXT, UNLIMITED INTERNATIONAL CALLS, WORKS ON ALL PHONES: Running on the AT&T network, which has great coverage in Princeton and works on any unlocked 3G or 4G phone, H2O Wireless (h2owirelessnow.com/mainControl.php?page=planMonth) is a great option if all you want is unlimited minutes and text. All of their plans also include unlimited international text and unlimited talk to landlines in 50 countries (incl. Mexico, Canada, China, most of the EU and the UK). The cheapest is $20 a month for unlimited minutes/text, 1GB 4G LTE data, and unlimited international call/text.

• SUPER LOW COST, CHEAP INTERNATIONAL CALLS, WORKS ON ALL PHONES: If you don’t plan on using much data and want to keep costs down by relying on wifi, Ting (ting.com/shop/sim) is your best option. Their pricing model is similar to US Mobile; they charge a $6 base rate, and then you pay for what you use. So for example, if you only use 60 minutes and send 10 texts, you’ll pay total $12 that month. Big advantage: Ting does not charge extra to call and text more than 60 countries, including Mexico, Canada, China, India and the UK. Can be configured to use either T-Mobile or Sprint network; I strongly recommend choosing T-Mobile (“GSM network”) for both coverage and compatibility.

All of the above carriers sell sim cards which can be mailed to your Frist mailbox, inserted into a compatible phone and activated. You can normally pay your monthly bill using a US credit or debit card.

Staying in contact with home

Wifi is available across campus, so staying in touch via Facebook/Snapchat/Facetime/Skype etc. is super easy these days.

In order to make a phone call from any US phone to a foreign country, the dialing formula is:

011 + country code + local area code + local phone number.

E.g., to dial my old cell phone number in Brazil, it would be:

011 55 71 988027048

If you prefer making regular phone calls (I found this helpful with older relatives who don’t know how to use the internet), I recommend Rebtel (rebtel.com; download on App Store/Play Store). For $5-$10 a month (depending on the country), you can nominate one country – they have over 100 available, including all the major countries for international students except Nigeria – and get unlimited minutes to call any phone number in that country. You don’t need wifi! Rebtel will work through the app as long as you have a cell phone signal, and just uses your US network’s regular minutes.

Mail

All students are assigned a mailbox at Frist Campus Center, located roughly in the middle of campus. Around August, you will be able to retrieve your mailbox number and combination (to unlock) at princeton.edu/printing/mbcombo.html.

As an international student, this is basically your US address, so while many of your American friends might only check their Frist mailbox once or twice, you will likely have to do so more often. The formatting of your address is:

(Mailbox Number, e.g. 1111) Frist Campus Center Princeton, NJ 08544 USA (don’t need to include USA unless you are mailing from abroad)

As mentioned in “Moving in”, you can ship larger items to your Frist address, and pick them up at the package window located around the corner from the mailboxes. The package center is open 9am-9pm on weekdays, and 9am-2pm on Saturdays. Not open on Sundays, and hours during breaks vary, so call ahead (📞 258-1352).

For standard US mail, you can buy stamps at a number of places, including the U Store, CVS on Nassau, and the Post Office on Nassau next to 7-Eleven. Usually they’re sold in books of 20 for a cost of about $13 per book. To mail packages domestically, go to the Post Office. Address formatting in the US is:

[building/house number] [street name] [city], [state] [zip code]

To mail things internationally, you can use either standard US Mail (USPS) or one of the courier companies (Fedex, UPS). The USPS office is located on Nassau Street, about a 15-minute walk turning right out of FitzRandolph gates, and in the same building as the 7-Eleven. There are USPS mailboxes (blue boxes with rounded tops) at various locations across campus. The UPS Store is located on Nassau St, but if you want to ship things using a courier, the U store is usually cheaper.

Employment & Taxes

On-campus job

The F-1 visa entitles you to work for 20 hours/week on campus only, or 40 hours/week on breaks. You can work anywhere on campus; common first jobs for freshmen include the dining hall and the libraries, but explore the student employment website to find other available positions (princeton.edu/se). Please note that international students are ineligible for positions listed as Federal Work Study.

You are not allowed to work off campus. Tutoring area kids, being a college applications mentor, or working in any other capacity off campus is against the conditions of your visa and therefore illegal. Be careful, because the student employment website also lists off campus job opportunities; to avoid confusion, you can filter those out using the tools on the left hand side.

You can get paid for your on-campus job in one of two ways: by check (lol) or direct deposit to your US bank account. You can set up direct deposit through Tigerhub, using your bank account number. Then, when you get paid every two weeks, your paycheck goes straight into your account.

Social security number (SSN)

Anyone who works in the US, even at an on-campus job, requires a Social Security Number (SSN). Davis IC usually provides some support in applying for these, but depending on your schedule you may find that you have to go to the office by yourself (I did).

1) Go to the Student Employment Office in Morrison Hall to request an Evidence of Employment letter for your on-campus job. You will also have to have this letter signed by someone at Davis IC (Louis A. Simpson building, beside Woody Woo). 2) Download, print and fill out form SS-5 (ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf). The form also includes instructions on how to fill out each section, so read these carefully. 3) Gather documents, and also make copies of each (can be done at Firestone): a. Passport (for the copies, just xerox biographical page and visa page) b. SS-5, completed c. A print out of your I-94 (download from cbp.gov/i94) d. Evidence of employment letter e. I-20 4) Go to the SSA office in Trenton (635 S Clinton Ave; Uber ~$15 each way, check hours online), take a number, wait forever, then go to the window and submit your documents. 5) You should receive your Social Security card with your SSN within about two weeks.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

US tax lawyer: It is easier to get an SSN than an ITIN. Consider working for a semester to make you eligible for an SSN. Once you have it, even if you stop working it will remain valid.

ITINs function similar to SSNs, but are designed for foreigners who don’t have jobs but do have some other form of taxable income (your financial aid award, if it covers anything other than tuition, counts as taxable income). The best time to apply for one is during tax season, along with your tax return. You can print the application form from Glacier Tax Prep (explained below). The list of forms, and instructions for applying, can be found at tinyurl.com/yc8h9jjv.

Taxes

Word from a US tax lawyer (former intl at Princeton!): for the most up-to-date tax filing information, they recommend two IRS guides – the IRS webpage "Foreign Students & Scholars" and IRS Publication 4011. Also, complete your Glacier record carefully, to watch out for whether you are tax exempt (thanks to a tax treaty between the US and your home country) or owe no tax as you do not receive enough financial aid.

The only thing certain in life other than death!!! The annual tax deadline in the US is April 15, and if you have any kind of job or receive financial aid that exceeds tuition, expenses incidental to your education (books) – basically, if you have an aid award that includes housing – you will usually be required to pay taxes on those. However, a tax treaty between your home country and the US may exempt you from taxes; Glacier (the online tax filing system) will tell you whether or not this is the case when you input your country of residence.

Almost everyone will still have to file taxes, even if they don’t owe anything, and all international students must use Glacier to verify which forms they must submit.

If you receive financial aid for anything other than tuition and incidental expenses, you will be taxed on this each semester (the amount depends on how much aid you receive). Your tax bill for fall financial aid will be generated in January, and for spring financial aid comes out in May. You need to pay this bill up front, but you may qualify to have this tax refunded by the IRS when you file a tax return. If you are of limited economic means, the Office of Financial Aid offers loans to help cover the cost of this tax bill until you are able to pay it off. Contact them at 📧 faoffice.

Nonresident Tax Compliance and Reporting (NTCR) will email you around the first week of school asking you to sign up for Glacier Tax Prep (online-tax.net). Just answer all the questions truthfully and, when asked, you should say that you receive a “scholarship” (financial aid is considered a scholarship). You should also mention that you are employed, if you have an on-campus job.

If you have an on-campus job, around March NTCR will mail you your W-2, which is a little stub paper form that you should keep safe until tax season. If you get taxable financial aid, you will also be mailed a Form 1042-S, which you should also keep safe until tax filing time. If you lose your 1042-S, you can print a new one through Tigerhub.

Then, you can forget about Glacier and the forms until tax season comes around. Around mid-March, NTCR will contact you again asking you to file your tax return with Glacier. For this, it will be useful to have both Tigerhub (to see your on-campus job paychecks) and Tigerpay (to see your university bills) open. Log into online-tax.net using the same credentials you set up in September, and proceed through the steps – it’s very straightforward, and explains exactly what you need to do and where to find the required information. If you don’t have a job but receive taxable financial aid, Glacier will also print you a form W-7 to apply for your ITIN (see above). Remember that you must file a tax return even if you have no income (financial aid/on-campus job).

If Glacier states that you are eligible for a refund on your taxes, you can set up direct deposit inside the application at the time of filing. Carefully type in your bank account number and other personal information, because the IRS will only try once to deposit your tax refund to your bank account, and if the information is wrong then it is your responsibility to follow up with them.

At the end of the process, Glacier will spit out the forms you need to print, and you should print all of them and sign them where necessary. If you’re completing an ITIN application as well, you will need second copies of all these forms – don’t sign these second copies anywhere. Remember that you don’t need an ITIN if you already have a social security number; once you type your SSN into Glacier, it will know not to print you an ITIN application.

Take all the required signed forms, put them in an envelope addressed to the IRS in Texas (Glacier provides the address) and mail the forms. If you need help mailing the letter (buying stamps, formatting the address), see “Mail” under “Communication”.

If you were eligible for a refund, you should expect to receive it deposited to your bank account within 6-8 weeks. If your refund appears to be taking an unusually long time (more than 8 weeks), check irs.gov/refunds. Sometimes direct deposit doesn’t work, so they mail you a check instead – if this happens, you will be able to find out at the Refund website.

If you have an on campus job, since January 2018 you should be aware that the IRS requires you to complete a Form W-4, otherwise you will be taxed at the maximum rate of about 30%. You can generate your W-4 through Glacier; under ‘Relationship and Income’, select ‘Undergraduate Student (Wages) – Wages/Compensation’, and the system will spit out a W-4 that you should print, sign and return to 701 Carnegie Center, Suite 441B (Princeton, NJ).

Breaks

The major break periods at Princeton are fall break (a week in late October, early November), Thanksgiving (fourth Sunday in November; 5 days), winter break (mid-December to early January; 1 week), intersession (week between fall and spring semesters, late January/early February) and spring break (halfway through spring semester, week in mid-March).

If you decide to stay on campus during breaks, you are free to do so, and one designated dining hall remains open for students on campus on a rotating basis (for example, during last spring break it was Forbes).

Reading period

There are also two week-long periods a year – one each in fall and spring semesters – during which there are no classes, and students are able to work on Dean’s Date assignments (final assignments) and study for finals. The fall reading period is immediately after winter break, and some students choose to stay off campus for all or part of this week instead.

A small number of classes meet during reading period, and a similarly small number have exams or other required activities that take place during reading period. Thus, while it might be tempting to stay home and have an extra week of winter break, you shouldn’t make any travel plans until you’re sure what specifically each of your classes does during reading period. Also, keep in mind that it is easier to get help with Dean’s Date assignments if you’re on campus during reading period, so I would advise against staying off campus for all of reading week.

Intersession

Intersession is a week-long period between the last day of fall semester finals, and the first day of classes in the spring semester. A lot of students travel off campus during this time, but if you choose to remain, you can take one of several small student-led seminars (called Wintersession). Information about these are emailed to listservs around finals period.

Internships

Unpaid

If you are completing an unpaid internship during the summer in the United States, you do not need to obtain specific authorization from the Department of State for your activities, as you are not being compensated for them. However, receiving compensation of any kind from the organization at which you are completing the internship – such as a living expenses stipend, a travel stipend, or other funds – may be looked upon as gainful employment, and would be a violation of your visa. You will not be subject to these restrictions if you receive your living expenses stipend from Princeton (e.g. through SAFE). For this reason, you are advised to obtain a letter from your summer internship company explicitly stating that you did not receive any money for your services. Also, you are required to have the internship approved by your academic advisor, and it must be related to your major field of study. Make an appointment to do so as soon as possible.

None of these restrictions apply to internships completed outside the United States, both paid and unpaid (in such cases, the immigration laws of the host country apply). So international students are especially encouraged to pursue IIPs, HGC internships, etc. which take place abroad. You may even wish to look for opportunities in your home country.

Paid

The restrictions on paid internships are considerable, but it is still possible. Again, these specific restrictions only apply to paid internships in the United States. First off, because Princeton does not require an internship in order to graduate, curricular practical training (CPT) is not offered to undergraduates. You may hear of fellow international students at other schools using CPT; unfortunately, this is not an option for us.

You will therefore have to use some of your OPT to complete a paid summer internship in the US. Depending on whether you’re a STEM or non-STEM major, you may wish to consider whether it is worth using up your (limited) OPT during the summer or saving it for a job after graduation. You don’t need an internship offer to apply for OPT; therefore, if you think you’ll get a paid internship in the US for the summer, you should apply for OPT as early as possible. More information on OPT is available under “Options after graduation” -> “OPT”.

Whatever you decide, if you choose to take a paid internship, you will need to take the following steps: ¬ First, make sure your internship begins after the last spring examination, and ends before the first day of classes in the fall. This should be fairly easy, since you won’t want to miss finals or classes for an internship. ¬ You may apply no earlier than 90 days before the first day of employment/“OPT start date”. You may bring your forms to Davis IC no earlier than 95 days before the start of employment. ¬ Visit davisic.princeton.edu/immigration/current-students/optional-practical-training; proceed to section 16. Gather together the necessary forms listed there, including the required recommendation from your academic advisor. Follow all instructions about completing the forms carefully; mistakes WILL delay the process. ¬ Once you have all your paperwork, follow the steps in section 15 of the same page. ¬ Once your OPT is approved, go to Davis IC and collect your EAD (employment authorization) card. You will need this to begin work.

Deciding whether to use your OPT for internships or save it for post-completion can be difficult; you should therefore consult with both Career Services and Davis IC to talk about your options, preferably before internship applications are due (around mid-November onwards), so that you can make the right decision for your plans.

Health Care

Health insurance

The vast majority of international students sign up for the Student Health Plan (SHP), which is the University’s private health insurance. The cost of the insurance is $1,800 per year, billed at $900 a semester.

Most international students will probably qualify to have this fee refunded. However, you have to specifically request a refund – it won’t be applied to your student account automatically. You must download, print and fill out the SHP Financial Aid Request form (finaid.princeton.edu/policies-procedures/student-health-plan). You should then mail it to the address on the bottom of the form, or email a scan to 📧 faoffice.

Navigating health insurance in the United States can be daunting for a foreigner, even if the healthcare system is private in their home country. The first thing you should do when you arrive on campus is download and print your Aetna Health ID card (Aetna is the insurance company that provides the Student Health Plan). You can do this at aetnastudenthealth.com/en/school/686131/members/print-id-card.html, using your PUID number (printed on your prox) and your birthday. Keep a note of the membership number printed on the card (should begin with a W) – you will need this number and your card any time you interact with the health system.

The next thing you should do is sign up for an Aetna Navigator account (Google Aetna Navigator), so that you can manage your insurance claims online.

The full list of things your insurance covers is available at uhs.princeton.edu/sites/uhs/files/SHP-Summary-Guide.pdf. The basic model of the Student Health Plan is that you pay 20% of the final cost of whatever your healthcare procedure was, with a few exceptions. Some routine procedures and services (discussed below) are 100% covered, and some are 100% covered after you pay a copay.

There are some important insurance terms you should be familiar with while in the US: ¬ A copay is a flat fee that you pay every time you use a particular healthcare service. For example, if you have a regular doctor’s office visit, the copay is $10, which means you pay $10 at the office. ¬ A coinsurance is like a copay, but instead of a flat fee, a coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of your treatment. So for example, if you get a CT scan, the coinsurance is 20%, which means you pay 20% of the cost of the CT scan. You can also pay a coinsurance on prescription medications, every time you get your prescription filled. Typically this is no more than a few dollars. ¬ A deductible is how much you pay before the insurance pays. On the Student Health Plan, there are two deductibles. o The medical deductible is $200 (per year), which means that before you see any kind of doctor, you have to pay $200. In some cases, usually for routine non-emergency services, the deductible is waived, which means you only pay the copay. o The prescription drug deductible is $100 (per year), so if your doctor prescribes you e.g. an antibiotic that isn’t free at the pharmacy, you will pay $100 if the drug costs more than that. Otherwise, you’ll pay out of pocket. You only pay your deductible for each service once per year. So if you see six doctors in a year for different things, you will still only pay $200 + copays. If you get three prescriptions in a year, the cost is still $100 + copays. ¬ An out-of-pocket maximum is the maximum amount the insurance will allow you to pay in a year. Above this, all remaining medical debt is written off. The SHP out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000, which means that no matter what happens – even if you have a major operation, need care for a chronic condition, get in a car accident – the most you will pay for health care in a year is $5,000.

When you arrive at any healthcare facility, as mentioned earlier, you should have your Health Care ID card with you. In an emergency, if you have your student ID or have a social security number and know it from memory, the hospital will be able to look up your health insurance for you. Then, all medical services rendered will be reported to your insurance.

Routine physical health

McCosh/UHS (beside Frist) provides a lot of services free of charge, including many shots, STI tests and doctor’s office visits. However, some immunizations provided at McCosh are not free, and you will need to get reimbursed for them by your insurance. The cost of the shot can be paid for by credit card or using your student account, and at the time of payment you will be given a form and a return envelope to mail your reimbursement to the Aetna claims office in Texas. Mail as soon as possible, and you will receive a reimbursement check within 3-4 weeks.

To see any kind of doctor off campus (except in an emergency), you will need a referral from McCosh. Make an appointment to see a provider at UHS, and discuss your health concern with them. If it’s a mental health concern, you will need to specifically see a Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provider – more info under “Mental Health”. Once you’ve received your referral, bring your printed health insurance card and your payment method (most doctor’s offices take card) to the doctor’s office.

Mental Health

Mental health services are coordinated by CPS. In order to see a counselor, therapist or psychiatrist on the student health plan, you will first need to have a CPS intake meeting (book online), during which you can talk about what has been bothering you. Based on your answers to their questions, the counselor will explain whether you would be best suited to seeing a CPS counselor every two weeks, or a private therapist (covered by insurance) in the Princeton area.

If you are referred to the CPS counselor, you don’t need to worry about insurance. If you are referred to a private therapist or psychiatrist, you will have a meeting with a CPS insurance coordinator, who will walk you through the steps to connecting with a private therapist and/or psychiatrist through your insurance (SHP). You will be encouraged to use an “in-network” provider – this just means someone who has a special agreement with the insurance company. For example, in-network therapists have a $20 copay, and the deductible is waived. In-network psychiatrists have a $10 copay, but the deductible is not waived.

Prescription drugs

If you have existing prescriptions from home, bring evidence of those (including the pill/medication packaging if possible) with you to the US. Make an appointment to see a McCosh doctor as soon as possible, and they will walk you through getting the prescription duplicated (where possible) in the US.

As mentioned above, the prescription drug deductible on the SHP is $100. This means that for your first prescription drug fill of the year, if the drug costs more than $100, you must pay a flat $100 fee – be prepared to pay it there and then in the drug store! Otherwise, you pay out of pocket – e.g. for a generic drug costing $5, you will pay the $5 instead of the $100. Plus, this $5 will count toward the deducible, so it will now be $95. Once you’ve paid the $100 deductible, you will not pay this fee again the rest of the year. Each time you fill a prescription, you may also pay a coinsurance, which can range from $1 right up to $20 (rarely more). So you should always bring cash or a card with you to the pharmacy.

Most Princeton students get their prescriptions filled either at the U Store or CVS on Nassau. There is no meaningful difference between them; your doctor will ask where to send the prescription, so just choose the one more convenient for you. Some older doctors just give you the prescription pad tear-out, which you need to bring with you to the pharmacy of your choice for a fill.

Vision and dental

The University also provides optional vision and dental insurance. The vision plan is provided by VSP and costs $74. The dental plan is provided by Cigna Health and costs $76. At the time of signing up, you will be asked to choose a dentist/optometrist in the Princeton area to be your provider – Google “optometrist Princeton” or “dentist Princeton” to find one with good reviews. The cost of both insurances is billed to your student account. Full details of what both plans cover can be found by googling “Princeton dental plan” or “Princeton vision plan”.

Special financial need

A number of funds are made available to students who, even while insured, have difficulty meeting the supplemental costs of their health care. Of these, the most accessible is the Special Needs Fund, which covers health related expenses up to $300 per year, depending on your level of financial need. To request support from the Special Needs Fund, email Anne-Marie Feury at 📧 snfund.

There are also a variety of other funds available to cover specific health care issues, or to help with costs in an emergency. The best-known example is the Deans Emergency Fund (📞 258-3054). For other resources, contact McCosh (📞 258-3141).

Medical emergency

In a medical emergency, call 911. If you are the person experiencing the emergency, you will be taken to the appropriate urgent care facility for triage and treatment. Under these circumstances, you may not have access to your health insurance card – a social security number, or your PUID usually suffices.

If you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to notify your next of kin, your Director of Student Life will do so for you.

Emergency care in the US can be expensive, especially the ER, but this should not dissuade you from calling for help if you need it. There are always resources available to help students of limited financial means cover their health care costs.

Public Transport and Driver’s Licenses

Getting to New York City

NJ Transit is the best way to get to New York City. You can buy tickets from Princeton to New York (Penn Station) on the NJ Transit app with a credit/debit card, or with cash at the Dinky station beside Forbes. Penn Station is located below Madison Square Garden on W 34th Street. There is a subway station for intra-city transit. Cost is $17 one way.

Megabus (megabus.com) is an alternative, providing bus services from Princeton (Palmer Square) to the Port Authority Bus Terminal between 40th and 42nd Streets, next to Times Square. If you travel outside peak time, the bus tickets cost as little as $1, but travel time depends on traffic and is often slower than the train.

Getting to Philadelphia

The cheapest and most convenient way to get to Philadelphia is by taking the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor to Trenton, and then connecting to the SEPTA Trenton Line which can take you to 30th Street/Suburban/Jefferson Stations in Center City (get off at the one closest to your final destination). The travel time is usually 1.5-2 hours, and the trip costs $7.

Getting to Boston/Washington DC

To get to Boston, take the train or bus to New York City (see above), then take a separate bus to Boston. A number of providers offer buses from New York to Boston, including Peter Pan, Go Bus, Megabus, Bolt Bus and Greyhound. Use Wanderu (wanderu.com) to find the lowest fare.

To get to Washington DC, you have two options. You can take the train to Philadelphia and connect to a bus from there (check Wanderu for prices), or you can take the OurBus (ourbus.com) directly from Hamilton Township, which is a 17-minute drive from Princeton (use Uber/Lyft). The cost of the bus from Hamilton is usually about $20.

Getting to Quaker Bridge Mall, Walmart

The University runs a Weekend Shopper to Walmart. It’s free for students, and goes to both Nassau Park Blvd (which has a Walmart, Wegmans, Target, Best Buy, Dollar Tree etc.) and Trader Joe’s. Schedule is available at transportation.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/S-Weekend_Shopper.pdf.

To get to Quaker Bridge Mall, or Nassau Park Blvd on a weekday, the best option is the 605/610 NJ Transit bus line. The bus picks up passengers at the intersection of Witherspoon and Paul Robeson Place (about 2 minutes’ walk out of FitzRandolph Gates) and also opposite Wawa/Forbes. It stops at both Nassau Park Blvd (Walmart) and Quaker Bridge Mall. The cost is $1.65 one way (bring exact change, because they don’t give change) and the schedule is available at njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0605.pdf.

Getting your NJ driver’s license if you already have one from home

If you already have a driver’s license from your home country, you may be able to convert this to a New Jersey Driver’s License depending on your country of origin. If the country/territory which issued your driver’s license is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (list at treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/MTDSG/Volume%20I/Chapter%20XI/XI-B-1.en.pdf), your license will be considered proof of driving experience, and can be used to obtain a New Jersey Driver’s License, as long as you also pass the knowledge and vision tests (see Google for practice/sample questions). Please note that if your license is not in English, it will need to be translated by a DMV-approved translator.

Follow the instructions at state.nj.us/mvc/drivertopics/noncitizens.htm to obtain your license. To apply for a license at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), you will need to meet their 6-point ID requirements. This just means you need to bring multiple forms of identification with you to the office. You can use the MVC’s online tool to help you select the appropriate forms of ID to bring with you -> state.nj.us/mvc/license/docselector/index.htm.

The nearest MVC to Princeton is located in Trenton at 120 S. Stockton & Front St. It is open Mon-Fri from 8:00am-5:30pm (except Wednesdays, when it opens until 7:30pm), and on Saturdays from 8:00am-1:00pm.

Getting your driver’s license for the first time

New Jersey allows noncitizens on student visas to learn to drive in the state, and obtain their license. The instructions are located at state.nj.us/mvc/license/initiallicense.htm, and the basic process for students aged between 18-21 is: ¬ Get an examination permit at the MVC (address above); to receive one, you will need to pass a knowledge and vision test, and pay $10. Practice questions for the knowledge test, and the full New Jersey Driver’s Manual, are available online. ¬ Practice supervised driving for 6 months (the full list of rules for this is available at the above link) ¬ Take the road test. New Jersey’s road test is actually one of the trickier ones in the US, so don’t expect it to be super easy. ¬ Practice unsupervised driving for another year. ¬ Receive your full unrestricted driver’s license after paying $20. If you are over 21, you only need to practice for 3 months before you take the road test.

Parking and driving options

Parking on campus is extremely restricted, and unless you have a compelling need (e.g. medical condition), you will not be able to park your car on campus. It is also very difficult and expensive to find parking elsewhere in Princeton.

Luckily, there are car share services available on campus. Enterprise Car Share is one option, and has vehicles across campus. The sign-up fee is $20, the annual membership fee is $40, and the pricing per hour of use is competitive. More at enterprisecarshare.com/us/en/programs/university/princeton.html.

Where is the nearest…

(All Uber/Lyft prices are one-way)

…Social Security Administration? Trenton, 635 S Clinton Ave (Uber $15-20). ...Motor Vehicle Commission (DMV)? Trenton, 120 S. Stockton & Front (Uber $15-20). …Walmart? Nassau Park Blvd (NJ Transit 605/610 bus, $1.65. Uber $10. Tiger Transit Saturday Shopper, free – Sat/Sun only). …Emergency Room? Penn Med–Princeton Medical Center (Tiger Transit Forrestal Line, free. Emergency call 911). …mall? Quaker Bridge Mall (NJ Transit 605/610 bus, $1.65. Uber $15-20) – or Marketfair, which is smaller (605/610 bus. Uber $10). …post office? 259 Nassau St (walking distance from campus). …fresh food market? McCaffrey’s, 301 N Harrison St (Uber $7-8; walking distance but far). …pharmacy? U Store or CVS, 172 Nassau St (both walking distance) ...USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Services) field office? Newark, 970 Broad St (NJ Transit ~$15) …barber/hair salon? Mike’s, Nassau Barbers and Princeton Barbers are all on Nassau. Nassau Barbers is good for Asian hair – ask for Tommy (Wed–Sat). Theo’s (Nassau St) an option for women – Jade is supposedly good with natural black/African hair. …major movie theater? AMC Marketfair (605/610 bus, $1.65. Uber $10). …consulate for my country? Newark by NJ Transit train – Ecuador (400 Market St), Colombia (550 Broad St), Portugal (1 Riverfront Plaza). Elizabeth by NJ Transit train – El Salvador (400 Parker Rd). New York City by NJ Transit or Megabus – all other countries (full list at embassypages.com/city/newyork).

Family emergencies

Having a family emergency as an international student can be scary, especially because you’re so far from home and busy with responsibilities on campus. In the event that you need to travel home, whether you will be missing exams, classes or both, you should immediately contact both your DoS and your DSL (email addresses and phone numbers are listed at the top of this FAQ). Depending on the nature of the emergency, they may be able to arrange alternate dates for missed classes, make up work, or make up exams.

Make sure to support yourself using all of Princeton’s resources before, during and after an emergency. Consult with CPS, your DSL and your RCA for advice.

International Student Life

A little over 10% of the student body at Princeton is international, so you’re in good company! There are a lot of organizations which cater to different ethnicities and nationalities on Princeton’s campus, so be on the lookout for such organizations during the extra-curricular fair, and at odusapps.princeton.edu/StudentOrg/new/directory.php (filter by cultural). Among these are Princeton Latinos y Amigos (PLA), Canadian Club, a variety of societies for students from the Balkans and Eastern Europe, societies for almost all major East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, the African Students Association, Tigers for Israel, Arab Society of Princeton, the South Asian Students Association, societies for most Western European countries, and more. Also, Davis IC holds a number of events for international students throughout the year, and information sessions on a wide variety of topics relevant to the international experience. Be sure to join their listserv!

Options after graduation

The bad news here is that remaining in the United States is difficult for anyone, even Princeton graduates. The good news is that you still have options. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, nor does it purport to be any kind of legal advice. As an international student on an F-1 visa, you technically agree to leave the United States after your visa expires, and immigrant intent is officially not permissible. If you are serious about staying in the US after graduation/OPT, please consult an attorney.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

**Davis IC holds several information sessions specifically covering OPT. You are encouraged to attend if this is something you are considering.

If you have not used all of your OPT on summer internships, you are eligible to remain (working) in the United States for a period of time after graduation. However, you must apply for this. Before you do so, you should be aware of a few things:

¬ You do not need to have a job offer in order to apply for OPT, however you may not be unemployed on OPT for more than 90 days, otherwise your status automatically expires and you will have to leave the US. ¬ The position you take while on OPT must be directly related to your field of undergraduate study. ¬ Non-STEM majors are allowed 12 months’ OPT before they have to leave the US. STEM majors are eligible for a 24-month extension, and therefore may remain in the US for up to 36 months after graduation. However, you must apply for this extension separately. For a list of majors considered STEM by USCIS, visit ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2016/stem-list.pdf.

For graduating seniors, you should apply for OPT no earlier than 90 days before commencement, and no later than 60 days after. However, it is recommended that you apply as early as possible, as it can take USCIS some time to process your application.

Instructions for applying are available at the Davis IC website (davisic.princeton.edu/immigration/current-students/optional-practical-training). Follow the five steps under section 15. This checklist of forms required for application – davisic.princeton.edu/sites/davisic/files/opt_checklist.pdf – also explains the steps to application, and may be easier to follow. Details about each form listed are as follows: ¬ OPT Advisor Recommendation Form is a form recommending post-graduation employment which must be completed by your Academic Advisor or Director of Studies. You can download/print the form at davisic.princeton.edu/sites/davisic/files/opt_advisor_recommendation_form.pdf. ¬ OPT Student Certification Form is a form requesting OPT which you personally must complete and submit to Davis IC along with your other documents. It can be downloaded and printed from davisic.princeton.edu/sites/davisic/files/opt_student_certification_form.pdf. ¬ Form I-765 is the general application form for employment authorization in the United States. The form, along with instructions for its completion, is at uscis.gov/i-765.

If you wish to apply for the STEM extension, you must apply no earlier than 90 days before the end of your first 12 months, and no later than 30 days before the end. The instructions for application are clearly listed at davisic.princeton.edu/immigration/current-students/24-month-stem-opt, under section 5.

Grad school

Depending on your post-graduation plans, grad school/professional school may also be an option for you. The first organization to consult about this would be Career Services, but beyond that, powerscore.com/gre/help/international.cfm has a pretty comprehensive guide to the application process for international students. You should also contact your Director of Studies, and your Academic Advisor.

For professional schools, such as law, medical or business school, while options are limited, they do exist. In particular, MD-PhD programs often welcome students from all over the world, offering fully-funded positions (however, you should not pursue an MD-PhD program just because of the funding opportunities). For medical school, a number of top institutions also offer scholarship opportunities open to internationals – including UCLA’s Geffen Scholarship, and Stanford’s Knight-Hennessey Scholarship (the Knight-Hennessey Scholarship provides funds for any postgraduate course of study, including business and law school!).

As a grad student, you will have to renew your F-1 status with your new school.

H-1B

By far the most common visa class granted to international graduates of US colleges and universities is the H-1B. It has been under considerable attack by the Trump administration, demonized as a back door for lower-cost foreign tech workers (particularly Indians) to replace their US counterparts. But it is the visa class on which most industries rely to employ skilled foreign workers. Please note that H-1B is a temporary visa, and does not offer a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

H-1B requires a job offer, so you will need to have begun your employment search while at Princeton, or be working for a US employer under OPT who is willing to sponsor you for a H-1B. H-1B visas are issued on a lottery basis, with a maximum of 68,000 being granted to people with Bachelor’s degrees each year. Your employer should support you with the application process, but there is no guarantee that you will win the visa lottery even if you are qualified. Your employer is also required to pay you the ‘prevailing wage’ for your position, which means they are not legally allowed to pay you less than what they would pay a comparable US employee doing your same job (which is why Trump’s complaints about the program are mostly bogus).

The informational guide at immi-usa.com/h1b-visa-process-top-filing-tips-for-approval/ is a useful introduction to the H-1B.

Marriage

This feels like a silly addition to an international student FAQ, but marriage is by far the easiest way to remain in the United States after graduation. As long as they have no disqualifying characteristics, such as a criminal record (which, as an international student, you shouldn’t), almost all spouses of US citizens are eligible to apply for green cards to remain in the US, and can apply for citizenship after just three years’ continuous residence.

If you have an American s/o who you plan to stay with after graduation, while marrying out of college is obviously pretty early and a big decision, it is definitely something you should discuss. But if you’re considering a marriage of convenience (otherwise known as a green card marriage, or one in which the primary purpose of the relationship is to secure permanent residence for the noncitizen spouse), take a look at this description of the penalties for marriage fraud linkedin.com/pulse/immigration-marriage-fraud-laws-penalties-ilona-bray-jd-cheryl-king. Don’t do it!!!

Special visa classes

There are a number of unusual, but nonetheless valid, classes of visa issued by the United States CIS, which you may which to consider if you are eligible.

¬ Diversity (Green Card) Lottery: people born in certain countries are eligible to apply for an annual lottery in which they may be selected for a green card. The application period is around October/November, and results come out in May. The application is free. If you are eligible, you should definitely try it because you have nothing to lose. Remember that eligibility is determined by the country where you were born – your citizenship/nationality doesn’t matter. (So if you’re British but were born in Togo, they consider you Toglose!). Application information at dvlottery.state.gov

¬ TN for Canadians and Mexicans: established by NAFTA, allows you to work in the United States on a prearranged basis for US or foreign employers. TN’s can theoretically be renewed indefinitely. You must be a member of one of several professions to be eligible. Moreover, the eligibility requirements for Canadians differ from those for Mexicans. More at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/visas-canadian-mexican-nafta-professional-workers.html.

¬ EB-2 NIW for doctors: if you manage to go to med school in the US, or go elsewhere in the world and then obtain your ECFMG (certification of a foreign medical graduate), after your residency (which you typically must complete on a H-1B), you can apply for a special class of green card which, after 5 years, allows you to become a citizen. However, you must agree to work as a health care professional in a medically underserved area, usually for a period of 5 years. More at uscis.gov/greencard/physician-NIW.

¬ H-1B for Chileans and Singaporeans: if you are from Chile or Singapore, you have a special allocation of H-1B visas which, thanks to the small populations of both Chile and Singapore, means you will almost always be granted an H-1B if your employer applies for one (even with the lottery). Lucky you!

¬ H-1B for health care workers: if you have a job offer in a health care industry, you are exempt from playing the H-1B lottery – the number of visas the USCIS will issue is unlimited for health care workers.

¬ E-3 for Australians: the US and Australia have a bilateral agreement which makes the movement of immigrants between the two countries much easier. If you are an Australian national, and you have a job offer in a specialty occupation, you can apply for an E-3 which, while temporary, can theoretically be extended an unlimited number of times. It’s basically an Australian TN. More at uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-certain-specialty-occupation-professionals-australia.

¬ MAVNI for doctors and language/cultural specialists: (7/7/2018: President Trump is making efforts to obstruct and potentially gut this program, so be aware before applying). If you are prepared to serve in one of the US Military’s branches, and have a clean bill of health, you should consider the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. The program is open both to doctors with specialties desperately needed by the military, and to those with special language skills who can work as translators and cultural intermediaries. You must commit to serve for a period of time in one of the branches (varies), but you will be granted citizenship within months of enlistment. More information is available at citizenpath.com/mavni-program.

¬ O-1 for the extraordinarily talented: if you have a documented special talent that may entitle you to stay in the United States, you could be eligible for the O-1 visa. This is the visa usually issued to foreign artists, musicians, actors, famous academics etc. If you qualify for this, however, you probably have a team of lawyers who have already told you!

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hermanwatts · 4 years ago

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Sensor Sweep: Savage Sword, Tanith Lee, Fritz Leiber, Greyhawk

Tolkien (Scifi Scribe): If you want to create a high fantasy game that is in the same vein as Tolkien and checks off all those “woke” boxes you so desperately want to check off, you can easily do so without using any of the characters or places in his classic work. It isn’t that hard to do. I did it. Its called Minya’s Legacy. The game never got produced but I created the entire story and bible for it. I’ve been considering making it into a full-blown novel down the line.

Comic Books (Tentaculii): The third volume of the sumptuous Savage Sword of Conan reprints is now shipping in the USA, including a 160-page Conan the Buccaneer adaptation that is effectively a graphic novel. No sign of the book on the UK Amazon, though. Volume 4 is now announced there for November 2020, adding another 900+ pages of reprints.

Game/ RPG (Kairos): Like a lot of people, I’ve been on a nostalgia trip lately. The accelerating societal collapse seems to be the catalyst for this phenomenon, so it makes sense that much of today’s nostalgia revolves around the High 90s–when most entertainment media sang their swan songs prior to hitting cultural ground zero. For me, a defining component of the High 90s experience will always be sixteen-bit JRPGs.

Forthcoming (DMR Books): Fortunately for Lee’s fans, Immanion Press is doing an excellent job keeping her memory alive and her work available. In recent years they’ve released a number of collections of Lee’s stories, including many that were previously uncollected, having only appeared once in magazines. They even unearthed a few previously unpublished tales, so even the most devoted of Tanith Lee’s fans will find something they never read before. A partial list of Tanith Lee collections published by Immanion Press.

Harry Potter (DVS Press): It’s a curious case – Millenials, particularly in the “literary” and “writing” (I use those terms as ironically as possible) community are constantly referencing Harry Potter, particularly when it comes to some of the basic parts of the moral play, such as Lord Voldemort, who represents whatever current-year evil they happen to be personally obsessed with (usually just orange man bad). Why? Why so much obsession with a children’s book series, to the point where people put their Hogwarts house in their twitter bio? Yes, you are so Gryffindor, Miss Keyboard Warrior!

Appendix N (Jeffro’s Space Gaming Blog): Just as important is the fact that the campaign setting we developed together is a heterogeneous mess that works far, far better in practice than I think anyone would would want to believe. We have a Melnibonéan ruling over Lankmar… with a Clark Ashton Smith story next door and bits of a Margaret St. Clair novel in the dungeons below. To the north we have the lost city of Opar courtesy of Edgar Rice Burroughs and another dungeon concept taken wholesale from H. Rider Haggard and A. Merritt.

Fantasy (Davy Crockett’s Almanac): I first came across the adventures of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser sometime in the early ’70s, when in the throes of Howardmania. There were five volumes available back then, four story collections and one novel, and they were all good. So I finally decided to take another trip through the first book in the chronological series. And whaddaya know? Unlike the sword and sorcery works of Michael Moorcook, which now seem much less than they were, these stories are more.

Interview (NC Register): “No science fiction writer is imaginative enough to have pictured this combination of hysteria, incompetence, malice and affluence.” So says award-winning science fiction writer John C. Wright, down the line from his home in Virginia. In this time of pandemic, Wright was speaking to the Register June 20, just as the lockdown began to ease across the Western world. The obvious question to ask a writer of speculative fiction is how recent events — which for many have been surreal and at times reminiscent of a premise for a sci-fi novel — compare to his own imaginings of future realities.

New Pulp (Pulp.Net): Professor I.V. “Ivy” Frost was a scientist who solved crimes, billed as an “American Sherlock Holmes.” An eccentric character, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty solving a crime. He was no armchair detective, and used his scientific knowledge in solving crime. His assistant, Jean Moray, also broke the mold. Miss Moray was no dumb blonde secretary or damsel in distress. A sexy blonde with a genius IQ who packed a .25 derringer, she was the perfect counterpart to her boss.

RPG (Boggswood): The esteemed Paleologos has put up a couple very interesting posts on The Gnome Cache, an early Greyhawk story written by Gary Gygax and serialized in The Dragon magazine. Have a LOOK. Paleologos pointed out that the installments in issues 6 and 7 feature Blackmoor and reading his posts have prompted me to take a closer look at this portion of the tale.

Fiction (Paperback Warrior): t’s no secret that Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer series was an empire. It’s like the KISS of crime-fiction and by the late 1940s Spillane and Hammer boosted the genre to lofty commercial heights. Detective fiction was real cool…again. But, a decade before, a guy named Davis Dresser had done the same. Dresser’s Mike Shayne character was a media phenomenon. Beginning with the character’s debut in 1939’s Dividend on Death, Dresser, using the pseudonym Brett Halliday, penned fifty novels through 1958.

Art (Animation Treasures): JOHN CONRAD BERKEY,1932 – 2008, was an american artist known for his space- and science fiction-themed works. some of berkey’s best-known work includes much of the original poster art for the STAR WARS trilogy and the poster for the 1976 remake of KING KONG, berkey produced a large body of space fantasy artwork, creating utopian scenes of bubble-shaped, yacht-like spaceships. his distinctive painterly style has been evaluated as “at once realistic, yet impressionistic and abstract”, and his space craft designs as being “distinctly elegant, yet clearly technological and unmistakably BERKIAN, more inspired by luxury yachts and manta rays than NASA”. he has been described as “one of the giants in the history of science fiction art”.

Westerns (Mens Pulp Mags): There are also some notable new printed and digital guides to Western books, TV shows and movies. Among those, in addition to the HOT LEAD fanzines, is the 52 WEEKS * 52 WESTERNS series co-edited by Paul Bishop, and the extremely well-researched and entertaining “The Six-Gun Justice” podcast hosted by Paul and his fellow novelist and Western maven Richard Prosch.

Science Fiction (Future War Stories): When they came from the red planet to take what is ours, they came in war machines that walked on legs of three and vaporized with rays of heat. In the founding work of military science fiction, War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, the tradition of alien invaders was established along with the use of robotic war machines used in future war fiction. One of the many features that made these alien war machines was their form of locomotion: three legs. In this installment of Our Enemies, FWS will be exploring and explaining one of the oldest types of enemies of mankind: the Tripod!

RPG (Misha Burnett): Venger Satanis is a Tabletop Role Playing Game Designer and a prolific blogger on the subject of RPGs. He publishes his work through on the DriveThruRPG platform as Kort’thalis Publishing. His work falls under the general descriptor of OSR or Old School Renaissance–the RPG equivalent of PulpRev. He has an irreverent, often scandalous style.

Westerns (Paperback Warrior): Before he became a popular author of quirky crime fiction bestsellers, Elmore Leonard (1925-2013) was a working author of gritty, well-crafted westerns. He started with short works in the western pulp magazines and transitioned seamlessly to paperbacks in the 1950s. Last Stand at Saber River was released by Dell in 1959, and the subsequent British edition was re-titled Stand on the Saber. Somewhere along the way, the novel was also released in hardcover as Lawless River. Over 60 years later, the book is still in print as a paperback, ebook and audiobook.

Sensor Sweep: Savage Sword, Tanith Lee, Fritz Leiber, Greyhawk published first on https://sixchexus.weebly.com/

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global-news-station · 5 years ago

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Of the many people who made history in 2019, some surprised themselves and the world by emerging from obscurity to make their mark, though one remains anonymous for the time being — “The Whistleblower” behind the impeachment probe into US President Donald Trump.

Following are brief profiles of eight history-makers in politics, climate and humanitarian activism, music and astronomy who were unknown quantities in 2018.

Trump impeachment ‘Whistleblower’

Although huge efforts have been made to expose him, the person whose complaint threatens to bring down the president of the United States is still known only as “The Whistleblower”.

Reliably reported to be a mid-level, male CIA analyst in his early 30s who specialises in Eastern European issues and previously worked in the White House, he filed an anonymous complaint in August charging that Donald Trump pressured Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to help find dirt on his Democratic rivals — a violation of US laws against seeking foreign help in US elections.

It was a finely written, nine-page memo describing specific Trump actions, and while it was based on secondary sources — his colleagues in the intelligence and diplomatic communities — first-hand witnesses have corroborated what he said, and more, in the months since it surfaced.

By sending his complaint to the inspector general for the US intelligence community, The Whistleblower set in motion a series of reviews and then news articles that quickly snowballed into the House impeachment probe that may see Trump put on trial in the Senate in the new year.

Many whistleblowers stay anonymous, and some collect million-dollar rewards for exposing fraud.

But this one will not gain a reward and likely will not remain unknown. Conservatives have already circulated a name and photograph online.

Republicans in Congress have tried to expose him, alleging he is a Democrat out to get Trump.

But the impeachment process he sparked now fuels itself, meaning that, outed or not, his impact will long be felt in Washington politics.

Greta Thunberg, 16, climate activist

What started as humble protest has turned Greta Thunberg into the world’s green conscience and the voice of a generation’s frustration with inaction on climate change.

It all started in August 2018 when Thunberg decided to skip school and sit outside Sweden’s parliament, holding a sign reading “school strike for the climate”.

Within months her struggle gained worldwide attention and the shy 16-year-old — with her piercing eyes and trademark braids — found herself addressing world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos and at the European Parliament.

Young people from around the world began staging their own school strikes, and the “Fridays for Future” movement was born.

Following her ethos of avoiding air travel, she crossed the Atlantic on a zero-emission sailboat to attend a UN climate summit in New York in September.

The Stockholm-born teenager’s eyes brimmed with tears and her voice cracked with emotion as she delivered a fiery speech to world leaders.

“How dare you?” she thundered.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”

Thunberg, the daughter of an opera singer mother and an actor-turned-producer father, has also faced severe criticism and been subjected to a swarm of online conspiracy theories.

Some have mocked her youth, called her a puppet of doomsayers or tried to discredit her because of her Asperger’s syndrome, a diagnosis she has never hidden.

But no one can deny that the passionate climate activist’s struggle has helped put climate change back at the top of the agenda.

A survey published by the European Commission in April found that six in 10 Europeans thought “climate change is one of the most serious problems facing the world,” an increase of 17 percentage points compared with 2017.

Venezuela’s Juan Guaido

For a long time he didn’t distinguish himself as an outspoken critic of President Nicolas Maduro, but when he proclaimed himself president in January, Juan Guaido suddenly emerged as the socialist leader’s main opponent.

A key challenge now is to continue to inspire a wilting opposition.

When he burst on the scene in January, the 36-year-old lawmaker initially energised a weakened opposition whose key leaders were imprisoned, exiled or in hiding.

On January 23, a few days after taking the helm as speaker of parliament, the only state institution controlled by the opposition, Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, declaring Maduro’s re-election illegitimate.

He was swiftly recognised by the United States and about 50 other countries. His popularity rating among Venezuelans soared to 63 percent. By October, however, it had dropped more than 20 points.

A trained industrial engineer, Guaido said he has “tried everything” to push Maduro out of office, as the country endures a deep economic crisis that has driven 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

With great fanfare on February 23, Guaido tried to break a border blockade to bring stockpiled international food and medical aid into the country, calling on the military to abandon Maduro. The gambit failed.

On April 30, a military uprising won support of only a handful of officers and was quickly subdued by the government.

Guaido, married with a two-year-old daughter, describes himself as a survivor of the “Vargas tragedy” — a December 1999 landslide in the northern coastal state where he lived with his mother and five siblings, which killed thousands.

The Venezuelan prosecutor’s office, considered a branch of government by the opposition, has filed a number of lawsuits against him, for which he could face up to 30 years in prison.

But Washington has repeatedly warned Caracas that jailing Guaido would be Maduro’s “last mistake”.

On January 5, his term as parliament speaker officially ends. Agreements between political groupings could allow him to remain in the post, despite a drop in his ability to inspire mass protests, most Venezuelans having abandoned the street to focus on the daily business of survival.

Revolutionary ‘icon’ Ala Saleh of Sudan

Ala Saleh, dressed in traditional white Sudanese garb and standing atop a car, became the symbol of Sudan’s uprising as she led chants against the now-ousted autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April.

Saleh, 22, was propelled to internet fame after a photograph of her with one hand raised in the air singing and cheering along with crowds of protesters went viral, earning her the moniker of “Kandaka”, or Nubian queen.

An engineering student, Saleh grew up in a middle-class Sudanese family in Khartoum and was relatively unknown until her photograph went viral during the anti-Bashir protests.

But since earlier this year, she has become a voice for women’s rights in the northeast African country, where centuries of patriarchal traditions and decades of strict laws under the former regime have severely restricted the role of women in Sudanese society.

“The existing discrimination and inequality women face, coupled with conflict and violence over decades, has resulted in women being subjected to a wide range of human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence on an epic scale,” Saleh said at an open debate at the UN Security Council last month.

She told the UNSC that even wearing trousers or meeting male friends took courage as it was criminalised under the former regime.

During Bashir’s 30-year rule, authorities enforced a strict public order law that activists said primarily targeted women, through harsh interpretations of Islamic sharia law.

On November 26, the country’s new transitional cabinet led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok scrapped the law, although the ruling sovereign council has yet to ratify the move.

Saleh has faced criticism for attracting global attention even as many female activists faced brutal punishments during Bashir’s rule.

But many defend her rise to fame.

“She was a normal person like all others who took to the streets against the former regime,” said activist Khalid Tabidi.

Migrants activist Carola Rackete

German Carola Rackete was the captain of a migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean who became a left-wing hero in Italy for challenging then far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini’s “closed ports” policy.

The dreadlocked Rackete, 31, was skipper of the Sea-Watch 3, one of several ships used by international charities to aid migrants attempting the perilous sea journey from North Africa to Europe on rickety boats.

On June 12, Rackete’s ship picked up 53 migrants adrift aboard an inflatable raft off the coast of Libya.

The Italian authorities allowed some of the migrants to be taken in for health reasons but refused entry to 43 others, leading to a two-week stand-off at sea.

As conditions on board worsened, Rackete eventually sailed her ship to the island of Lampedusa despite an order from Italian officials not to dock there.

She was arrested on June 29, although a judge overturned that order on July 2, saying she had acted “out of necessity” because of the migrants’ condition.

Italy’s highest court is set to rule in January on whether Rackete’s arrest was warranted.

Salvini described the incident, in which Sea-Watch 3 allegedly hit a police speedboat, as an “act of war” and referred to Rackete as “the German criminal”.

During a visit to Italy in November to present her book “The World We Want”, Rackete was given a police escort after coming under attack from anti-migrant groups.

But she said the harassment “does not really affect me”.

“On the contrary, I am now more sensitive to the racism that some people suffer and to the discrimination and social justice that exist in the world,” Italian media quoted her as telling supporters at the book launch.

The fairytale rise of Lil Nas X

A little over a year ago, Montero Hill had dropped out of university, was living with his sister, had no job, car or even a driver’s licence.

Today — thanks to record-breaking single “Old Town Road” — he is the millionaire country-rap superstar known as Lil Nas X.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks between April and August, breaking a record dating to the mid-1990s when Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men spent 16 weeks at number one. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee with Justin Bieber also topped the charts for 16 weeks with “Despacito” in 2017.

All versions of “Old Town Road” have been played more than 1.3 billion times on streaming site Spotify.

Lil Nas X, 20, composed the song based on a beat he purchased for $30 from a Dutch record producer.

The result merged thumping bass and rap with a twangy banjo sound more associated with country music.

Billboard barred the song from its rankings of country music songs, arguing that it did not have enough elements of that genre to merit inclusion.

A few days later, Lil Nas X released a remix of what was already a hit, starring country star Billy Ray Cyrus, father of pop star Miley Cyrus.

Even with the added legitimacy of Billy Cyrus, a two-time Grammy nominee in country categories, the remix was also left out of the country rankings.

Both versions went on to become number one in the main Billboard charts, catapulting the previously unknown artist into the celebrity stratosphere.

Lil Nas X has also seduced fans with his down-to-earth personality and humour. He has never hesitated to don traditional country clothing, including cowboy hat, jacket and boots.

After successfully achieving a rare marriage of rap and country tunes, the young artist shook the hip-hop world in early July by announcing that he is gay.

Although some female rappers had already come out, such as Young M.A, Lil Nas X became the first prominent male rapper to do so.

It was a significant development for an industry that, while less macho than in the past, tends to present a more traditional side of masculinity.

The woman who photographed a black hole

US computer scientist Katie Bouman became an overnight sensation in April for her role in developing a computer algorithm that allowed researchers to take the world’s first image of a black hole.

The 30-year-old, currently an assistant professor at the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), was a member of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration when the team captured the image.

Bouman said she first began working on the EHT as a graduate student studying computer vision at MIT and found that black hole imaging shared striking similarities with work she had done on brain imaging based on limited data from an MRI scanner.

The EHT Collaboration had spent more than a decade building an Earth-sized computational telescope that combined signals received by various telescopes working in pairs around the world.

However, since there were a limited number of locations, the telescopes were able to capture only some light frequencies, leaving large gaps in information.

In 2016, Bouman developed an algorithm named CHIRP to sift through the true mountain of data and fill in the gaps, producing an image.

While the images were captured in 2017, the final result had to be independently validated by four EHT teams working around the world to avoid shared human bias.

On April 10, 2019, a final image was released — a moment that Bouman, then a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, described as “truly amazing and one of my life’s happiest memories”.

Testifying before Congress in May about her research, Bouman praised her team that included several early-career scientists — like herself — whose work had been vital to the project.

“Like black holes, many early-career scientists with significant contributions often go unseen,” she said.

But that’s not the case with her anymore.

The post 2019’s unforeseen history-makers appeared first on ARY NEWS.

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bentonpena · 5 years ago

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The most mind-boggling scientific discoveries of 2019 include the first image of a black hole, a giant squid sighting, and an exoplanet with water vapor

The most mind-boggling scientific discoveries of 2019 include the first image of a black hole, a giant squid sighting, and an exoplanet with water vapor http://bit.ly/34jD30T

Astronomers, anthropologists, geologists, and many other scientists made mind-boggling breakthroughs in 2019.

Some highlights include work that produced the first image of a black hole, traced the origins of modern humans, and predicted future sea-level rise.

These are 22 of the biggest scientific accomplishments of the year.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In 2019, scientists around the world pulled off some impressive feats: They imaged a supermassive black hole for the first time, debuted two treatments for the Ebola virus, and launched a spacecraft into orbit that's powered by sunlight alone.

Over the past year, researchers have also discovered a hidden continent, captured video of a giant squid in its deep-sea habitat, and sent a probe to an asteroid 5.5 million miles from Earth.

These and other accomplishments are improving scientists' understanding of our planet and the surrounding cosmos.

As a new year — and a new decade — approaches, here's a look back at some of the most mind-boggling scientific discoveries from 2019.

SEE ALSO: The most mind-blowing, life-altering scientific discoveries of 2018

On New Year's Day, NASA's nuclear-powered New Horizons spacecraft flew past a mysterious, mountain-sized object 4 billion miles from Earth.

The object, called MU69, is nicknamed Arrokoth, which means "sky" in the Powhatan/Algonquian language (it was previously nicknamed Ultima Thule). It's the most distant object humanity has ever visited.

The New Horizons probe took hundreds of photographs as it flew by the space rock at 32,200 miles per hour.

Images revealed that Arrokoth is flat like a pancake, rather than spherical in shape. The unprecedented data will likely reveal new clues about the solar system's evolution and how planets like Earth formed, though scientists are still receiving and processing the information from the distant probe.

Just days after New Horizons' fly-by, China's Chang'e-4 mission put a rover and lander on the far side of the moon — the part we can't see from Earth.

Before Chang'e-4's success, no country or space agency had ever touched the far side of the moon.

The name "Chang'e" is that of a mythical lunar goddess, and the "4" indicates that this is the fourth robotic mission in China's decade-long lunar exploration program.

The rover landed in the moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin, which is the site of a cataclysmic collision that occurred about 3.9 billion years ago. The celestial smash-up left a 1,550-mile-wide impact site that likely punched all the way through the moon's crust. Landing the spacecraft in this crater could therefore enable scientists to study some of the moon's most ancient rocks.

Elsewhere in the solar system, NASA scientists also learned about Mars quakes, the red planet's version of earthquakes.

NASA's InSight lander, which touched down on Mars in November 2018, has given scientists the unprecedented ability to detect and monitor Mars quakes.

The lander's built-in seismometer detected its first Mars quake in April. Since then, researchers have recorded more than 100 seismic events, about 21 of which were likely quakes. Reading the seismic waves on Mars, scientists hope, will reveal clues about what the planet's inside looks like.

Over 5.5 million miles from Earth, a Japanese spacecraft landed on the surface of an asteroid called Ryugu in July.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched its Hayabusa-2 probe in December 2014. Hayabusa-2 arrived at Ryugu in June 2018, but didn't land on the asteroid's surface until this year.

In order to collect samples from deep within the space rock, Hayabusa-2 blasted a hole in the asteroid before landing. The mission plan calls for it to bring those samples back to Earth. By studying Ryugu's innermost rocks and debris — which have been sheltered from the wear and tear of space — scientists hope to learn how asteroids like this may have seeded Earth with key ingredients for life billions of years ago.

NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft left our solar system this year and entered the depths of interstellar space.

The probe beamed back unprecedented data about previously unknown boundary layers at the far edge of our solar system — an area known as the heliopause.

The discovery of these boundary layers suggests there are stages in the transition from our solar bubble to the interstellar space beyond that scientists did not know about until now.

Scientists also discovered a planet outside our solar system that could be our best bet for finding alien life.

In September, scientists announced they'd detected water vapor on a potentially habitable planet for the first time. The planet, named K2-18b, is a super-Earth that orbits a red dwarf star 110 light-years away.

K2-18b is the only known planet outside our solar system with water, an atmosphere, and a temperature range that could support liquid water on its surface. That makes it our "best candidate for habitability," one researcher said.

This was also a watershed year for the study of black holes. In April, the Event Horizon Telescope team published the first-ever image of a black hole.

The unprecedented photo shows the supermassive black hole at the center of the Messier 87 galaxy, which is about 54 million light-years away from Earth. The black hole's mass is equivalent to 6.5 billion suns.

Though the image is somewhat fuzzy, it showed that, as predicted, black holes look like dark spheres surrounded by a glowing ring of light.

Scientists struggled for decades to capture a black hole on camera, since black holes distort space-time, ensuring that nothing can break free of their gravitational pull — even light. That's why the image shows a unique shadow in the form of a perfect circle at the center.

That wasn't the only black hole breakthrough this year: For the first time, scientists detected a black hole devouring a nearby neutron star.

In August, astrophysicists detected the aftermath of a collision between a black hole and a neutron star (the super-dense remnant of a dead star).

The catastrophic collision nearly a billion years ago created ripples in space-time, also known as gravitational waves. They passed through Earth this year.

This was the third event scientists observed using gravitational-wave detectors. In 2015, researchers detected waves from the collision of two black holes, and in 2017 they observed two neutron stars merging.

Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in 1915, but thought they'd be too weak to ever pick up on Earth. New tools have proved otherwise.

This year saw many innovations in space-travel technology, too. In March, SpaceX launched Crew Dragon, a commercial spaceship designed for NASA astronauts, into orbit for the first time.

The maiden flight of Crew Dragon marked the first time that a commercial spaceship designed for humans has left Earth.

It was also the first time in eight years that any American spaceship made for people launched into orbit. Crew Dragon's successful test flight was a critical milestone for the US. Since NASA retired its fleet of space shuttles in 2011, the US has relied on Russian rockets and ships to taxi astronauts to and from the ISS.

Scientists also successfully harnessed the power of sunlight to power a spacecraft.

This summer, the Planetary Society — led by science communicator Bill Nye — launched a satellite called LightSail 2 into orbit, where it then unfurled a 344-square-foot solar sail.

As light particles reflect off that sail, they transfers momentum to the spacecraft.

A spacecraft that utilizes a solar sail in this way has an almost unlimited supply of energy. Advancing this type of propulsion technology could one day help spacecraft reach nearby star systems that aren't currently accessible due to the finite amounts of fuel we can launch off the planet.

On Earth, scientists have also made monumental — though often troubling — discoveries. Climate researchers found that the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are melting at unprecedented rates.

In April, a study revealed that the Greenland ice sheet is sloughing off an average of 286 billion tons of ice per year. Two decades ago, the annual average was just 50 billion.

In 2012, Greenland lost more than 400 billion tons of ice.

Antarctica, meanwhile, lost an average of 252 billion tons of ice per year in the last decade. In the 1980s, by comparison, Antarctica lost 40 billion tons of ice annually.

What's more, parts of Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica are retreating by up to 2,625 feet per year, contributing to 4% of sea-level rise worldwide. A study published in July suggested that Thwaites' melting is a time bomb that is likely approaching an irreversible point after which the entire glacier could collapse into the ocean. If that happened, global sea levels would rise by more than 1.5 feet.

Researchers' predictions about coming sea-level rise are getting more accurate — and scarier. Estimates suggest the world's oceans could rise 3 feet by 2100.

A September report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projected that sea levels could rise by more than 3 feet by the end of the century. The rising water could affect hundreds of millions of people who live on small islands and in coastal regions.

Another study suggested that the number of people displaced by sea-level rise could reach 630 million if greenhouse-gas emissions continue to rise through 2100.

Another landmark UN report revealed that between 500,000 and 1 million plant and animals species face extinction, many within decades.

The report, published in April, estimated that 40% of amphibian species, more than 33% of all marine mammals and reef-forming corals, and at least 10% of insect species are threatened, largely as a result of human actions. Researchers also found that more than 500,000 land species already don't have enough natural habitat left to ensure their long-term survival.

This finding contributes to a rapidly growing body of evidence that suggests Earth is the midst of a sixth mass extinction — the sixth time in the planet's history that species are experiencing a major global collapse in numbers.

One nearly long-lost species, however, emerged from the wilderness this year. In June, scientists spotted a giant squid in its deep-sea habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.

The giant squid, which inspired the legend of the Kraken monster, has only been caught on video one other time. The creatures almost never leave the icy depths of their habitat, up to 3,300 feet (about 1,000 meters) beneath the waves.

In 2012, scientists from Japan's National Museum of Nature and Science filmed a giant squid in its natural habitat in the Ogasawara archipelago.

Another hidden part of nature — a lost continent — was found to be hiding under Europe.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, Earth had one giant supercontinent named Pangea, which eventually broke up into our modern-day continents. A recent study showed that in that process, an eighth continent slid under what is now southern Europe about 120 million years ago.

It's still hidden deep within the Earth.

The researchers named this continent Greater Adria. Its uppermost regions formed mountain ranges across Europe, like the Alps.

Anthropologists dug deep into the Earth to make incredible discoveries in 2019. In August, researchers announced they'd uncovered the oldest skull from a type of human ancestor ever found.

The skull, which belonged to the species Australopithecus anamensis, is 3.8 million years old. The fossil, nicknamed "MRD," revealed that these ancient people had protruding faces with prominent foreheads and cheek bones, much like other australopithecus species in the fossil record.

MRD's age also suggested that these human ancestors coexisted with another species of human ancestor, Australopithecus afarensis, for at least 100,000 years. The nearly complete skeleton "Lucy" was a member of that latter group, which roamed Africa between 3.9 million and 3 million years ago.

In April, anthropologists discovered teeth and a finger bone from a new species of human ancestor.

The new species, named Homo luzonensis after the Philippine island on which it was discovered, lived between 50,000 and 67,000 years ago.

A study described how this human ancestor shared traits with older human ancestors like Australopithecus and Homo erectus, as well as with modern-day humans.

Researchers may have also discovered where anatomically modern humans originated from: modern-day Botswana.

An October study suggested that every person alive today descended from a woman who lived in an area of modern-day Botswana south of the Zambezi River about 200,000 years ago. Researchers narrowed in on that area using genetic analysis of DNA that gets passed down the female line.

This finding supports the theory that modern human ancestors migrated out of Africa then populated the world, rather than evolving in different pockets around the globe simultaneously.

In October, archaeologists in Egypt uncovered the biggest coffin find in a century.

At a site in Egypt's Asasif necropolis, where the ancient city of Thebes once stood, diggers uncovered 30 ancient wooden sarcophagi with perfectly preserved mummies inside.

The coffins are about 3,000 years old and were probably for priests and children.

Physicists and biologists made big breakthroughs this year, too. This summer, researchers captured quantum entanglement on camera for the first time.

According to quantum mechanics, two particles can be paired and separated, yet remain intimately and instantly connected across vast distances. One particle will affect the other no matter how far apart they are.

This is "quantum entanglement," and the strange phenomenon rattled Albert Einstein so much that he died disbelieving it could exist.

Researchers at the World Health Organization garnered a big win in the fight against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo with two new treatments.

In July 2019, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Africa a global health emergency. Fortunately, two experimental treatments proved to dramatically boost survival rates.

The two treatments, called REGN-EB3 and mAb-114, are cocktails of antibodies injected into people's bloodstreams. These therapies saved about 90% of new infected patients in the Congo.

"From now on, we will no longer say that Ebola is incurable," Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director general of the Institut National de Recherche Biomedicale in Republic of Congo, told Wired.

Researchers at St. Jude's hospital also found a cure to a severe genetic disease called "bubble boy" syndrome.

Babies who are born with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) don't have disease-fighting immune cells. For them, the outside world is an intensely dangerous place.

XSCID was nicknamed "bubble-boy" disease because of a young boy named David Vetter, who famously lived his entire life in a protective plastic bubble. Vetter died more than 30 years ago at age 12 after a failed treatment.

In April, St. Jude scientists announced that they had successfully cured babies with XSCID using a new experimental gene therapy.

Tech via SAI http://bit.ly/2ZZpEbV November 23, 2019 at 09:08AM

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bharatiyamedia-blog · 5 years ago

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The scooter money desert – TechCrunch

http://tinyurl.com/y2qf85r6 Whats up and welcome again to Startups Weekly, a publication revealed each Saturday that dives into the week’s noteworthy enterprise capital offers, funds and tendencies. Earlier than I dive into this week’s subject, let’s catch up a bit. Final week, I famous my key takeaways from Recode + Vox’s Code Conference. Earlier than that, I explored the bull versus bear arguments with regard to Peloton’s upcoming IPO. Keep in mind, you may ship me suggestions, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or on Twitter @KateClarkTweets. In the event you don’t subscribe to Startups Weekly but, you are able to do that here. Now, for some fast ideas on what I’ll name the scooter funding desert. For months, electrical scooter companies had been securing massive rounds at even bigger valuations. A lot in order that the enterprise capital funding extravaganza in e-scooters outlined Silicon Valley in 2018. Nevertheless it’s 2019, and occasions have modified. In an effort to maintain myself from falling right into a scooter rabbit gap, I’ll simply say this: elevating capital is not a chunk of cake for scooter corporations. E-scooter corporations have matured some and traders are extra conscious of the steep prices of constructing and scaling these hardware-heavy companies. Scoot, which lately offered to Bird, was unable to lift extra capital making an exit to Hen its solely viable choice, sources inform TechCrunch. Hen paid lower than $25 million for Scoot, a big lower from Scoot’s most up-to-date non-public valuation of $71 million. A latest report from The Data suggests each Lime and Hen, the leaders within the U.S., could run out of money in the event that they don’t increase once more quickly. “Lime has raised a complete of greater than $1 billion within the final two years, and over the previous eight months it has shuffled its govt workforce and put a deeper give attention to how one can squeeze more cash out of every scooter experience. The corporate ran by its money rapidly final yr, together with a $23 million loss in a single month, earlier than elevating $310 million largely from present traders in February,” The Data’s Cory Weinberg wrote. Hen, for its half, is working on lower than $100 million and is anticipated to lift once more this summer season. Hen could also be in a greater place to safe recent funds. The corporate enters VC deal talks scorching off the heels of its acquisition of Scoot, which supplies it entry to San Francisco, a coveted market within the scooter universe. Lime, for its half, is claimed to be struggling. The corporate enters deal talks amid a variety of personnel shake-ups. A number of coverage leaders on the enterprise, together with chief applications officer Scott Kubly, lately stepped down, as did Lime co-founder and CEO Toby Sun. I’d wager that each Hen and Lime will announce mega rounds within the subsequent few months, however at a lot smaller valuation step-ups than we’ve seen prior to now, maybe even at a flat valuation. It’s price noting, nevertheless, that e-scooters are nonetheless exploding all over the world. India’s Bounce, for instance, closed on $72 million this week to scale its scooter rental enterprise. On to different information… Slack’s big listing: It occurred. Slack grew to become a public firm this week after finishing a direct itemizing. The office communication software program juggernaut debuted on the New York Inventory Trade up 48% Thursday, at $38.50 per share, after experiences emerged Wednesday evening that the enterprise had agreed to a reference value of $26 per share. Slack, founded in 2009 as Tiny Speck, closed up 48.5% Thursday at $38.62 per share. The inventory had climbed as excessive as $42 in intraday buying and selling. Slack’s market cap now sits properly above $20 billion, or practically thrice its most up-to-date non-public valuation of $7 billion. My inbox is full to the brim with unsolicited commentary on Slack’s direct itemizing. I will share a number of the highlights. — Kate Clark (@KateClarkTweets) June 19, 2019 Facebook’s new cryptocurrency: Explained I do know, I do know, Facebook isn’t a startup, however Fb’s makes an attempt to create a brand new international monetary system are price studying about. TechCrunch’s Josh Constine wrote 4,000 phrases that will help you perceive the ins and outs of the brand new cryptocurrency, referred to as Libra, which is able to allow you to purchase issues or ship cash to folks with practically zero charges. The future of diversity and inclusion in tech Right here’s my must-read of the week. TechCrunch’s Megan Rose Dickey wrote what is maybe probably the most complete story on the state of D&I in tech at the moment. She interviewed many leaders within the house, together with Arlan Hamilton, Ellen Pao, Freada Kapor Klein and extra, to supply a sensible rundown of the progress we’ve made in making the tech business extra inclusive — and what’s left to perform. Is seed investing still a local business? Based on CB Insights, the variety of seed-stage funding offers within the U.S. declined for the fourth straight yr in 2018, persevering with a development that has seen the variety of offers steadily drop, whereas the typical dimension of offers elevated. It’s secure to say that is the brand new regular. But, there continues to be an enormous surplus of obtainable capital and there are extra funds on the market than ever earlier than. Here are three issues entrepreneurs should keep in mind when traders come calling from overseas. Startup Capital Meero raises $230M for its on-demand photo businessPostman raises $50M to grow its API development platformNavigator, the new project from the creators of Mailbox, launches with $12MNigerian motorcycle transit startup MAX.ng raises $7MHumanising Autonomy pulls in $5M to help self-driving cars keep an eye on pedestriansArmoire gets $4M to become the everyday Rent the RunwayProbably Genetic lands VC backing to launch D2C genetic testing business Juul’s conundrum San Francisco is getting nearer to banning the sale of e-cigarettes within the metropolis in a bid to stop minors from accessing them. Town’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this week to approve two proposals: laws that will ban the sale or supply of e-cigarettes in San Francisco and a separate proposal that will prohibit the sale, manufacturing and distribution of tobacco merchandise, together with e-cigarettes, on property owned or managed by town. It appears designed to take purpose at Juul, because the firm’s headquarters are in city-owned buildings at San Francisco’s Pier 70. Juul has already began lobbying to cease the ban. Extra Crunch In the event you’ve been not sure whether or not to enroll in TechCrunch’s superior new subscription service, now could be the time. By subsequent Friday, it’s solely $2 a month for 2 months. Looks like a no brainer. Sign up here. Listed here are a few of my private favourite EC items of the week: The VCs behind Libra, Facebook’s new cryptocurrency In the event you take pleasure in this text, you should definitely take a look at TechCrunch’s venture-focused podcast, Fairness. On this week’s episode, accessible here, TechCrunch editor Danny Crichton and I talk about Fb’s cryptocurrency, the scooter funding desert and extra. You’ll be able to subscribe to Fairness here or wherever else you take heed to podcasts. Source link

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cristinajourdanqp · 6 years ago

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Healing Food, For Me, Is the Answer To a Stable and Fulfilling Life

It’s Friday, everyone! And that means another Primal Blueprint Real Life Story from a Mark’s Daily Apple reader. If you have your own success story and would like to share it with me and the Mark’s Daily Apple community please contact me here. I’ll continue to publish these each Friday as long as they keep coming in. Thank you for reading!

Today I’d like to give my own introduction for our success story. She’s a former Mark’s Daily Apple success story (you can read her original story here). But she’s also a successful entrepreneur within the natural food and paleo space. I’m happy she’s shared an update to her personal journey and her business venture, and I’m excited that she’s also offering a giveaway for our community. Thanks for stopping by today, everybody. Enjoy!

My conscious-food lifestyle continues to be the backbone of my life (see my original post for more details about my journey to get here). After being in an ill-state of health until I was 21, I became passionate about healing my body, mind and spirit through food. What started off as a commitment to being gluten-free eventually evolved into me adopting the primal, paleo-inspired lifestyle around the age of 23. I experienced such a dramatic transformation in my health as a result of my dietary changes that everything in my life shifted. I was pursuing teaching yoga professionally, and as a result of my health transformation, my career ambitions pivoted and led me to open my own business, Picnik, in 2013.

Picnik was (and continues to be) a passion project for me to bring real food to the masses. I opened my first location in a reclaimed shipping container in Austin, TX. The original name, Pressed & Squeezed, transformed into Picnik when I’d show friends the location I found for our trailer. We were perched on the top of a giant, grassy hill in the middle of a bustling street called South Lamar. Every time I’d show friends and family the location, they would declare “this is the perfect place for a picnic.” To me, I considered that a divine sign and took the initiative to change the name. Hallelujah for that, because it has shaped our vibe and our culture tremendously over the years.

Building Picnik was no easy feat. In 2013, when we opened our doors, the consciousness around the paleo and high-fat movement was minimal. We had grab and go lunch items, breakfast pastries and a delicious coffee menu, but we made every item on our menu with a unique, health-promoting flare. Our coffee menu was incredibly innovative. We used coffee as the backbone for a specialty drinks menu that had a base of high-quality fats, conscious proteins and superfood add-in’s that amplified the nutrition. We wanted these drinks to taste just like what you would expect from a traditional coffee shop, just made with better ingredients. We had a very unique position in the marketplace for many reasons, but our drinks became a standout, as they functioned like a protein shake, an energy drink and a latte in one.

Convincing customers to try our coffee was challenging in the beginning. For the first year of business, I’d stand behind the cash register every day giving away free drinks and begging customers to ‘just give it a try.’ Although it wasn’t easy, I was able to get many people to approach our menu with an open mind, and many of the customers I helped transition to Picnik’s coffee during that time remain our regulars to this day. Once people would try what we had to offer, we’d often see them every morning. It was inspiring to see how people related to our products and how we were making a palpable difference in the way our customers felt every day.

At the start of 2014, things started to really heat up for Picnik. The awareness and acceptance around high-quality fats shifted (Hello! Butter was on the cover of Time Magazine). As a result, customers began coming to Picnik with enthusiasm and an open mind. Our traffic was so heavy that we eventually opened a new, larger infrastructure on South Lamar in 2016 and, shortly thereafter, a full-service, all-day concept in our first brick and mortar location on Burnet Road in August 2016. All the while, we had been working on how to package our coffee since 2014 because it had become so high in demand. We knew how great it made our customers feel, and we wanted to reach the hands (and mouths) of our customers outside of Austin. Although it took three years of development work, in 2017 we launched our first three ready-to-drink coffees for grocery. Our first production run of our Cappuccino, Dirty Chai and Mocha was in February of 2017. By May, three months later, we were being sold in all Whole Foods Market’s nationwide. Talk about 0-100!

Fast forward to this point, June 2018, we now have four locations. We have two food trucks and one restaurant in Austin, TX, as well as our first coffee and beverage kiosk in Whole Foods Market 365 in Upland, CA. In addition, we have four products being sold nationwide in independent retailers and grocery, with many more products on the way. It’s been an incredible ride, and I know it is just getting started.

As I’ve settled into a conscious-food lifestyle, I’ve continued to refine and identify what works for me. My GI problems have dramatically improved as a result of a relatively consistent healthy lifestyle combined with high doses of Magnesium and Probiotics. I did, however, continue to experience histamine reactions and skin problems, even on a paleo-inspired diet. As a result, I explored several adjustments to my lifestyle over the last few years. When I was in the thick of my healing, I was committed to the GAPS diet, essentially a healing protocol that aligns with the primal lifestyle, but it omits all starches, sugars (besides honey), legumes and some forms of dairy. It is a strict elimination protocol that focuses on bone broth and really transformed my health. As an ex-vegan, however, I sometimes became overwhelmed on GAPS with the quantity of meat I was consuming, so I pivoted and explored a more plant-based healing protocol that focused on high-quantities of fruit as well as eliminated certain inflammatory foods.

After pursuing GAPS and my plant-based, fruit-heavy diet, I ended up feeling strong and stable with my health and I began reacting less and less to food. This stability allowed me some more food-freedom and gave me the opportunity to re-experience eating foods that I had 100% eliminated in the past. As someone who had been gluten-free for over 10 years, I was able to final enjoy croissants, my favorite food, without reaction, as long as I consumed them in moderation. Moderation, however, is the key word. I definitely went off the handle a bit during this time, loving my new food-freedom, and ended up on a glorious grain and gluten-bender, regularly re-exploring a food group that had been abolished for me for so long. Although I am very happy with my progress, I still have to remain diligent and careful. If I eat grains and other starches regularly, I end up with histamine problems, brain fog, weight gain and inflammation.

In the end, I’ve re-settled back into a GAPS and primal inspired diet that focuses on meats, fish, fruits, low starch vegetables, nuts, seeds and full-fat dairy. This is my default ‘zero’ and allows me to stay in a stable place physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m happy in life, work and business, and I love knowing that healing food, for me, is always the answer to a stable and fulfilling life.

All the best,

Naomi Seifter, Piknic

Now For the Giveaway…

WIN A MONTH OF BUTTER COFFEE!

We’ll pick 3 winners to receive:

A one-month supply of butter coffee, which would include the following for three winners: (1) 6-pack of Cappuccino Butter Coffee (1) 6-pack of Mocha Butter Coffee (1) 6-pack of Dirty Chai Butter Coffee (1) 32 fl oz Butter Coffee Creamer

Just visit the Mark’s Daily Apple Instagram page for more info on how to enter and win!

Want to make fat loss easier? Try the Definitive Guide for Troubleshooting Weight Loss for free here.

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watsonrodriquezie · 6 years ago

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Healing Food, For Me, Is the Answer To a Stable and Fulfilling Life

All the best,

Naomi Seifter, Piknic

Now For the Giveaway…

WIN A MONTH OF BUTTER COFFEE!

We’ll pick 3 winners to receive:

Just visit the Mark’s Daily Apple Instagram page for more info on how to enter and win!

Want to make fat loss easier? Try the Definitive Guide for Troubleshooting Weight Loss for free here.

0 notes

newstfionline · 7 years ago

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Chinese Expansion Has Germany on the Defensive

By Simon Hage, Martin Hesse, Alexander Jung, Peter Müller, Gerald Traufetter and Bernhard Zand, Der Spiegel, May 24, 2018

China has already taken a significant step into Germany. In the Rheinhausen district of Duisburg, trains are now rolling across the site where steelworkers once fought unsuccessfully to save their mill in 1987 while shipyard cranes stack up containers on the banks of the Rhine River. This is the precise point where the New Silk Road, China’s massive infrastructure project, comes to an end.

The site in Duisburg is known as Logport I and it is one of the largest container ports in Europe. Twenty-five trains arrive each week at Terminal DIT, also known as the China Terminal, after having traveled the more than 10,000 kilometers from Chongqing across Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Poland.

Four years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the inland port. The engine of a train that arrived from China that day was decorated with red paper dragons for the occasion and Erich Staake, CEO of the Duisburg port, was also on hand.

Staake, who, like the Chinese president, was born in 1953, sees the rail connection as a boon both for the port and for the entire region, which badly needs it. “We want to grow,” he says. “China and the New Silk Road offer us great potential.” One way of seeing it is that the trade route brings China and Germany that much closer together.

There is, though, another way of seeing it: Namely that the multibillion-dollar project provides the Chinese with a kind of bridgehead in Europe from which they are pushing their expansion across the Continent and broadening their economic influence.

So which is it? An opportunity or a threat?

It isn’t easy to find an answer to that question--and that itself is telling. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to China this week will have a different flavor to it than her previous 10 visits to the country. The relationship between the two countries has changed in the interim and is no longer as balanced as it once was.

Until recently, the relationship had seemed almost symbiotic and the roles were clear: Germany sold high-end machinery and vehicles in China, including more than 5 million automobiles in 2017 alone. In return, China exported furniture, refrigerators and electronic devices to Germany at unbeatably low prices. But now, China has reached adulthood much more quickly than expected.

Not all that long ago, China was a developing economy, seen by industrialized countries in the West as a gigantic market where they could sell their goods. Then, it became the world’s factory, a place with inexhaustible resources. Now, however, it has matured into a powerful competitor capable of leaving Germany in its dust. Chinese companies are developing intelligent machinery and production facilities; they are building cars, many of them with electric motors; and they’re making inroads into sectors that used to be Germany’s private domain. China has figured out how to copy Germany’s successful model and is now becoming a danger to the original.

Mikko Huotari was one of the first to identify this development several years ago. Huotari is a scholar at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (merics), a think tank in Berlin. The old logic which held that “China needs us” is no longer true. In fact, he says, the situation has flipped: Germany is increasingly reliant on China as the country increasingly becomes a driver of global innovation. “The entire mechanics of the system have changed.”

Just how confident, or perhaps even aggressive, the Chinese have become can be seen when they buy companies in Germany. They used to target second-tier firms, but in recent years, the focus has increasingly shifted to key industrial players. “Germany is home to around 1,000 mid-sized companies that are global leaders in their sectors. The Chinese want access to them,” says Kai Lucks, head of the Federal Association of Mergers & Acquisitions in Germany.

Recently, Chinese buyers have even shown an appetite for companies listed on the DAX, Germany’s blue-chip stock index. In February, billionaire Li Shufu quietly acquired a 10 percent stake in Daimler. Dieter Zetsche, the company’s chairman of the board, believes that an additional large Chinese investor may also acquire a stake in the company: the state-owned firm BAIC, Daimler’s Chinese partner. Politicians and executives are beginning to wonder what large company might be targeted by Chinese investors next.

Along with those investments, uncertainty has been growing. And it’s not just coming from the Far East. Reliant as it is on exports, the German economy is sensitive to shifting trends in global trade and Merkel’s visit to China this week is coming right in the middle of a period of transition. China is growing stronger, America has become unreliable and Germany has to figure out what its new role will look like.

The economy has become used to seemingly eternal growth in the Far East, with exports to the region almost tripling in the last 10 years. But what will happen once China begins building high-tech machines of its own or exporting its own electric vehicles? That’s the point when German industry will quickly become painfully aware just how dependent it has become on China.

At the same time, though, German companies are confounded by the erratic course currently being charted by the U.S. president in Washington. If Donald Trump chooses to introduce punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on June 1 and the EU retaliates, Germany will become even further alienated from America, which is still its top export market. This development likewise poses a significant risk to the domestic economy.

And everything is overshadowed by the potential of a trade war between the Western superpower and the Eastern superpower. The Trump administration accuses China of unfair trade practices and massive theft of intellectual property. As a consequence, he has threatened to introduce punitive tariffs worth $150 billion and China has vowed to respond in kind should he do so.

If both countries follow through, Germany would find itself in a hopeless--and extremely dangerous--position directly between the front lines. If Germany makes concessions to one side, the other side will be displeased. The country must find a solution to this dilemma, but it isn’t clear what that might look like.

China has a plan. Few in Germany took much notice when Beijing announced it in the form of a document called “Made in China 2025.” Written in the rather unwieldy terminology of communism, it describes how China intends to become an economic superpower. It was essentially the equivalent of throwing down the gauntlet to the West.

The plan calls for transforming China into a “major manufacturing power” by 2025, reaching an “intermediate level among world manufacturing powers” by 2035 and becoming “the leader among the world’s manufacturing powers” by 2049, the centennial of the founding of the People’s Republic. The master plan does not allow for potential economic crises. “Advanced technology is the sharp weapon of the modern state,” President Xi said in a 2013 speech that offers a powerful expression of the country’s new industrial strategy. “Our technology still generally lags (behind) that of developed countries, and we must adopt an asymmetrical strategy of catching up and overtaking.”

What he means is that he wants to make more rapid progress than others in 10 key fields: information technology, automation and robotics, aerospace and aeronautics, oceanographic engineering and high-tech shipping, high-speed rail, electric vehicles, electric power equipment, agricultural machinery, new materials, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

In contrast to previous long-term plans, the 2025 strategy seeks a global reach. Its goal is that of leaving behind Western competitors and transforming domestic companies into international champions. It is a blueprint for restructuring the country’s economy, from the factories to the laboratories, from industrial production to the service sector, from state-owned factories to privately owned businesses.

Other countries have pursued similar strategies in the past, including South Korea, Japan and, perhaps most significantly, Germany, whose industrial history Chinese experts studied closely before presenting China’s own plan. “The catch phrase ‘Industry 4.0’ hit China like a bomb,” says Changfeng Tu, who is a partner at the law firm Hengeler Mueller. It provided the blueprint for “Made in China 2025.”

The difference is that China is governed by an authoritarian system and the country is vast in size. If the Chinese leadership wants to, it can revamp entire economic sectors, as it did previously in the steel and solar industries. And now, it is doing the same in the automobile industry, Germany’s preeminent economic sector.

Like Germany since the Industrial Revolution, Shenzhen is a place that combines technical know-how with industrial application--a high-tech laboratory that still has the sheen of novelty. “The possibilities that Shenzhen offers are almost limitless,” says German engineer Jens Höfflin.

Wearing shorts and flipflops, Höfflin can be found at the startup community HAX. Together with his American partner, the 36-year-old developed a mobile magnetic resonance tomography device in Boston that will help heart and kidney patients avoid constant hospital visits. At HAX in Shenzhen, they have received funding to do an initial production run. Höfflin says it is easy to find whatever you might need in Shenzhen, whether it be circuit boards or die casting components. “Within a radius of just a few kilometers, you can find the right factory for production,” he says.

At the next desk, a startup founder from Australia is examining a prototype of a device that enables the monitoring of large herds of sheep. It is already the third iteration of his product, he says, adding that he returns to Shenzhen each time he makes an upgrade.

It used to be that Shenzhen’s low prices were the city’s main selling point, Höfflin says. “Now, though, it is its huge selection of suppliers.” The Chinese target young German entrepreneurs to bring to Shenzhen, hoping to profit from their know-how. But they also head to Germany themselves.

Last year in Munich, for example, Huawei opened its second research and development center. Around 300 experts are currently working on G-5 technology at the site, the next generation in mobile telephony. They are developing specialized antennas and semiconductors for smartphones. “Huawei sees Europe as a second domestic market and Germany is the heavyweight,” says Torsten Küpper, an executive at the German branch of Huawei.

No other company in Europe applied for more patents last year--not even Bosch or Siemens. When it comes to information and communication technology, Küpper believes that Huawei is the global leader. Now, though, the company is focusing its attentions on connecting industry in addition to connecting people, he says, which is why it has come to the Munich region, which is home to many mechanical engineering and automobile supply companies.

As a network supplier for German industry, Huawei finds itself privy to sensitive company data and has deep access to the technological nervous systems of its clients. Many have reservations about allowing a Chinese company such access and part of Küpper’s job is to dispel those fears. “Of course, we respect patent and data protection laws, just as we ourselves wish to be respected,” the executive says. He adds that Huawei resembles a large cooperative and that the company belongs to its employees.

Still, such an ownership structure does not provide protection against regime access from Beijing. Companies like Huawei are closely watched in the West. The Trump administration cut off ZTE, a Huawei competitor, from U.S. suppliers from one day to the next because it violated sanctions on North Korea. A few days ago, Trump struck a more moderate tone when it came to the company’s future, but whether it ultimately survives is dependent completely on the moods of a moody president.

Huawei isn’t nearly as exposed in America as ZTE, but Europe too could ultimately reach the conclusion that mobile telephone networks are of systemic importance. Mistrust is growing, particularly as it becomes increasingly clear how strategically China is expanding its economic influence into Europe. And it is doing so by way of the New Silk Road.

Chinese President Xi presented the idea for a new world order shortly after entering office in 2013. The Silk Roads Initiative is a network of trade and energy corridors, pipelines, railway lines and shipping lanes that are to span the entire Eurasian region by the middle of the century--and all of them begin in China.

Xi presented the plan as one for a “common future for humanity” aimed at making “globalization more open, inclusive and balanced.” But in practice, 89 percent of all infrastructure contracts are given to Chinese construction companies. And the main purpose of these projects is to secure trade corridors that can be used by China to import raw materials and to export its goods.

Leading European politicians fear it may be too late to curb China’s growing influence. With the Silk Road Initiative and the 16+1 format, China is already in the process of driving a wedge through Europe, they argue. The 16+1 format includes the 16 Central and Eastern European countries plus China. Beijing initiated the format six years ago as a counterbalance against Russia and the EU. It includes countries like Serbia and Macedonia, but also EU member states such as the Czech Republic and Hungary.

At the last 16+1 meeting in Budapest, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang held court as European leaders voiced their desire for Chinese investment. According to a meeting participant, one European head of government after the other was asked to address Li, each naming a project where Chinese money would be most welcome.

The Chinese, in other words, don’t have to fight for influence--they are essentially courted by European politicians. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has even threatened more or less openly that his country might turn to China if the EU doesn’t cough up enough money or becomes too critical of his leadership.

EU diplomats have pointed out that Germany is not exactly blameless when it comes to the divide that is now cutting through Europe. They say that one reason Eastern European member states may be going their own way is because Germany in the past has been so eager to ensure the best possible access to China for itself. Now, Berlin must learn to learn to deal with the fact that China has become a direct competitor.

#China #Chinese trade #China in Europe #Germany #German industry #Germany-China relations

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