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I knew that Monday, February 14 would be a landmark day for Mohammed al Refai. It would also be a major turning point in a story that I had started following more than six years ago.
I had met the then 22-year-old Syrian refugee during my first reporting trip as a host of All Things Considered. He had recently arrived in Toledo, Ohio, where he was living with four white American roommates who called him "Moh".
Mohammed spoke almost no English when I first met him in October of 2015. He could say hello, count to 10, and rattle off the words he needed to work behind the butcher counter in the Middle Eastern grocery store where he'd landed a job: "Chicken legs, chicken breast, goat, steak, lamb, beef, turkey."
For me, the visit to Toledo was a way to more deeply explore an issue I had covered as an international correspondent based in London. The Syrian refugee crisis was at its height in 2015, and I had reported stories on the mass migration in Turkey, Serbia, and other countries.
When I relocated to Washington, DC, for my new job, I was eager to see what the exodus looked like in the United States. With All Things Considered producer Matt Ozug and NPR photographer David Gilkey (who was killed on assignment in Afghanistan the following year), we flew to Detroit and drove to Toledo, where we reported a number of stories about the Syrian community — including one about Mohammed.
His experience was different from most Syrian refugees. As I explained in that first piece, the U.S. State Department typically keeps families together. But for reasons that were never clear, Mohammed was given a visa to come to the U.S. while his brothers, sisters and parents in Jordan were not. The local organization charged with resettling Syrians in Toledo, Us Together, decided it would be too jarring for this young man to be set up in an apartment by himself. They found a group house with four recent college graduates who were eager to introduce a foreigner to life on the Great Lakes.
When I showed up, the place was shockingly clean for a house where five guys in their early 20s lived. There was art on the walls, and it looked like it had been recently vacuumed. They all seemed to be getting along well, given the circumstances. There was music and arm wrestling. One of the roommates, Doug Walton, made a Middle Eastern dish of chicken and rice, called kabsa. When I asked him why he and his buddies decided to take in Mohammed, he told me: "My immediate answer just sounds so cliche, but I think the motive is love. I was told he's coming and that I have an opportunity to help him out. And I was like, yeah, why wouldn't I do that?"
Mohammed hoped that he would be able to see his family one day soon. But when I returned to Toledo a little more than a year later, the situation had changed, making that reunion seem more distant than ever. As Matt and I knocked on the door of the group house again in January of 2017, the memory of the 2016 presidential election was still fresh in the roommates' minds.
"We were all kind of together, just, like, hugging him and watching it all go down," Andrew Trumbull told me.
"We didn't really know how to respond," Johnny Zellers said. "What do you tell him? He definitely kind of got sad a little bit just thinking of, like, OK, maybe his family might not be able to ever come here."
Donald Trump had run for president on a platform of stopping Muslims from coming to the US. His election win seemed to slam the door on Mohammed's hopes of seeing his parents again.
"I need to be safe and close to my family, but I can't do anything," he told me. "I feel bad for they are not with me, but I can't do anything to help them." On my first visit to Toledo, I'd spoken with Mohammed through an interpreter. This time, he was able to express himself in English without help.
Two months after Trump's inauguration, in March of 2017, Mohammed's green card arrived. I called the guys from a studio in Washington, and Johnny told me he was the one who opened the mail. "I started reading it, it was like, oh, you are now a resident of the United States." It hit him: "Oh hey, this is the green card. You've got a green card!"
The roommates threw him a party with green cake, and Mohammed called his family with the good news. "My Mom, she said - you can come right now, visit us! And I said no." Mohammed said with a sad laugh, "I can't."
This was just as the Trump administration was banning travel from several majority-Muslim countries. Mohammed was afraid that if he left the US, he might never be allowed back in. He told his family it would be just three years until he would be allowed to apply for a passport, and then he would visit them in Jordan once he was a U.S. citizen.
He counted down the days, and three years later, he sent in his application. It was February, 2020. As the coronavirus shut nearly everything down, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services followed suit. USCIS closed to the public and stopped handling new citizenship applications on March 18.
I got a voice memo from Andrew in June of last year, months after citizenship tests had resumed. "We just got off another frustrating, unproductive phone call with the USCIS," he said. Mohammed had been hitting a brick wall, unable to get an appointment, and he was getting worried. Syrian refugees who had come to the U.S. long after he arrived had already taken their exams and become U.S. citizens. Mohammed wondered if something was wrong that he didn't know about - something he might never know about. After all, he still didn't have an answer as to why he was given a refugee visa while the rest of his family was not. Maybe another glitch in the system would prevent him from becoming a citizen.
Finally, he was given a date and time for his exam: Monday, February 14, 1 PM. He and Andrew spent weeks studying. Mohammed couldn't sleep on Sunday night. He woke up early Monday morning, put on a gray suit and black shirt, and drove with Andrew two hours to Cleveland.
They drilled hundreds of questions and answers on the drive east. "What is the Constitution? What are some rights from the Declaration of Independence?" Andrew ran through the 100 sample questions from the citizenship exam and any others he could think of. "Where are you from? What's your job?"
Andrew dropped off his roommate of seven years at the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building in downtown Cleveland. Mohammed walked across the icy plaza and stepped inside the door. Andrew waited in a parking lot for the news. 40 minutes passed. And then Mohammed walked outside with a beaming smile on his face. "I am now an American citizen!"
Andrew ran out and gave him a hug. The new American citizen spent the entire two hour drive home making phone calls to friends and family in the U.S. and Jordan. And then he called me.
"I am so excited to go see my family," Mohammed said. "This is my day. I'm so glad I'm an American!" He kept repeating that sentence: "I'm an American!"
There was a party in Toledo Monday night, with a confetti cannon. His family threw one in Jordan, too. Mohammed plans to fly there as soon as his passport arrives in the mail, perhaps a few months from now. Andrew says he'll go with Mohammed and witness the reunion. After all they've been through together, Andrew says, they've become like family.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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All Service Pictures for invisalign Patients
Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates believes everyone should enjoy the health and appearance of their smiles. This is why our dental clinic offers preventative dental services, cosmetic dental procedures, restorative treatments, periodontal treatments, and orthodontic services. We're also proud of our advanced dental tools and technologies to improve your experience. Learn more about our comprehensive dental services with a custom assessment in Farmingdale, NY.
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.


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SunTrust SummitView(SM) Integrates Two Financial Planning Powerhouses Into One Real-Time Planning Tool
ATLANTA, Feb. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) is introducing SunTrust SummitViewSM, an industry-leading financial planning tool combining the advice-driven, goals-based platform of MoneyGuidePro with the innovative, technology-driven client capabilities of eMoney. This customizable online program allows clients to integrate financial information in one place with the ability to test scenarios that can impact their financial plans. With instant access to market data refreshed daily, clients and their advisors can use the tool to evaluate certain implications of market fluctuations, spending decisions and life events against their financial goals.
"It is human nature to be hesitant when making financial decisions based on the unknown," said Brad Dinsmore, SunTrust corporate executive vice president of Consumer Banking and Private Wealth Management. "SunTrust SummitView helps consumers visualize how their decisions may impact their overall financial portfolio before actually committing to that decision. This allows for more confidence, and when consumers have confidence in their financial decisions, they tend to feel more empowered and financially secure."
SunTrust SummitView gives consumers a broader, realistic view of their financial picture and shows where they stand today in relation to their financial well-being goals. Other distinctive features include a secure online vault where important documents such as wills, trusts and insurance policies can be stored, as well as a Confidence Zone meter showing whether the recommended strategy may meet individual financial goals.
"We are excited to work with a firm that shares our passion for helping investors attain their financial goals," said Bob Curtis, president and CEO of MoneyGuidePro. "By combining our capabilities with eMoney Advisor, SunTrust can help every client make financial decisions geared toward creating a more secure and enjoyable financial future."
"No two advisors are alike, nor are their clients. Each have very different needs and have come to expect a personalized experience. We joined forces with MoneyGuidePro to create a comprehensive financial planning platform that meets the unique needs of SunTrust Advisors and their clients," said Edmond Walters, founder and CEO of eMoney Advisor. "Together, we enable customization of not only advice and recommendations, but the entire financial experience."
SunTrust SummitView is available to consumers with $250,000 or more in investable assets working with SunTrust advisors.
About SunTrust Banks, Inc.
SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of December 31, 2013, SunTrust had total assets of $175.3 billion and total deposits of $129.8 billion. Through its flagship subsidiary, SunTrust Bank, the Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic States and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through its various subsidiaries, the Company provides mortgage banking, asset management, securities brokerage, and capital market services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com. SunTrust SummitView is a service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc.
About MoneyGuidePro
MoneyGuidePro, the flagship product of PIEtech, Inc., is a web-based financial planning software program that helps advisors create, implement and maintain investment strategies that will best meet the lifetime financial goals of their clients. MoneyGuidePro provides retirement and college planning, asset allocation, insurance needs analysis and estate planning. For more information, visit www.moneyguidepro.com.
About eMoney Advisor, LLC.
eMoney Advisor, LLC ("eMoney"), based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, is a wealth-planning system for financial advisors that offers superior transparency, accessibility, security and organization for everything that affects their clients' financial lives. A technology envisioned and created by advisors for advisors, eMoney's software and resources are tailored to transform the advisor's ability to implement comprehensive financial plans and prepare clients for a secure financial future. For more information, visit www.emoneyadvisor.com.
SunTrust Bank, its affiliates and the directors, officers, employees and agents of SunTrust Bank and its affiliates (collectively, "SunTrust") are not permitted to give legal or tax advice. Clients of SunTrust should consult with their legal and tax advisors prior to entering into any financial transaction. SunTrust Private Wealth Management is a marketing name used by SunTrust Banks, Inc. and the following affiliates: Banking and trust products and services, including investment advisory products and services, are provided by SunTrust Bank. Securities, insurance (including annuities) and other investments products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC and a licensed insurance agency. Investment and Insurance Products: Are not FDIC or any other Government agency Insured, Are not Bank Guaranteed, May lose value
SOURCE SunTrust Banks, Inc.


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Obtaining angel round financing from Huashi Sports, leading the digital upgrading of the hotel industry
Date: 2024-01-22
According to 36Kr news, cloud service solution provider "Cloud Changyou" has recently completed millions of yuan in angel round financing, exclusively invested by Huashi Sports. This round of funds will mainly be used for technology research and development, team organizational structure improvement, and market support.
Cloud Changyou Digital Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., as a government investment attraction project, belongs to the sports industry operation service provider "Huashi Sports". The company focuses on providing users with high cost performance, innovative products and services through cloud technology, AI big computing power, big data and other fields of technology.
Faced with the continuous decline in hotel TV usage, "Cloud Play" has launched a targeted iNbox cloud computer solution. This innovative product not only enriches the entertainment content of hotel rooms, but also meets the diverse needs of modern travelers through a highly interactive digital entertainment experience. From watching TV, surfing the internet, to playing large 3A games, iNbox cloud computers provide unparalleled convenience and fun for residents.
It is reported that the deployment cost of iNbox cloud computers is low, only one tenth of the cost of traditional esports room renovation. This advantage enables more hotels to easily upgrade their room configurations and enhance overall competitiveness. Through cooperation with Ctrip's gold medal service provider, "Cloud Journey" has also launched a hotel exchange model, allowing hotels to enjoy the value-added effects brought by the product without additional investment. The market strategy of "cloud based gaming" is also quite flexible. In addition to the replacement model, they also plan to launch an innovative model that is more in line with market demand in 2024, with an expected output of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of products.
The successful application of iNbox cloud computers not only improves the quality and user experience of hotel rooms, but also brings new development opportunities to the entire industry. With the continuous advancement of technology and the growth of market demand, "Cloud Tour" is expected to continue to maintain its leading position in the future and become the preferred partner for digital upgrading in the hotel industry.


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Everybody thinks celebrities have teams of lawyers that help them protect their assets and ensure that their affairs are in perfect order. This is not always true. In fact, many people don't know the lessons that are included in this About.com blog by Julie Garber. And they are lessons that, if not learned, can cost your family time, money and public exposure after you die.
James Gandolfini, who died in June, is used as an example of these 6 estate planning lessons. It's important that you read about these lessons and be sure that you have protected your estate. If you don't, your loved ones may be caught up in a public probate process that will cost them a great deal of time and money.
For more about probate, what it is and how you can avoid it, go to www.diesmart.com.


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So last night, via the always incredible Vulture, I read this list of wardrobe restrictions that CBS has asked to be relayed to performers at the Grammy Awards.
Here is the list in its entirety:
CBS Program Practices advises that all talent appearing on camera please adhere to Network policy concerning wardrobe.
Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Thong type costumes are problematic. Please avoid exposing bare fleshy under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack. Bare sides or under curvature of the breasts is also problematic. Please avoid sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples. Please be sure the genital region is adequately covered so that there is no visible "puffy" bare skin exposure. Please avoid commercial identification of actual brand name products on T-shirts. Foreign language on wardrobe will need to be cleared. OBSCENITY OR PARTIALLY SEEN OBSCENITY ON WARDROBE IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR BROADCAST. This as well, pertains to audience members that appear on camera. Finally, The Network requests that any organized cause visibly spelled out on talent's wardrobe be avoided. This would include lapel pins or any other form of accessory.
Gee, what sticks out here? "Female Breast Nipples" are a problem, along with "Bare Sides or under curvature of the breasts". Oh, and "Puffy" bare skin exposure" above the genital region (I believe this area is better known by that useful acronym "FUPA) can also be a problem.
So basically, the Grammy Awards doesn't want to have women's bodies exposed or visible in any way. True to their reputation as the network for geriatrics, they've decided to have their fingers on the pulse of the exciting music industry by continuing to have the women who have escaped being beaten by another more important Grammy performer not tempt or defraud anyone with those maddening curves. "Bare fleshy under-curves" of the buttocks are also not allowed, so am I to assume Beyonce will be arrested upon entry into the building?
Look, this note should be (yet sadly, isn't ) a joke but the fact that they were so tone deaf as to write it is a problem. Because Justin Bieber will wear a tank top so loose that I will have full view of his still-developing chest and pink nipples, and if Lil Wayne should appear there is a good chance he'll be shirtless, and the LMFAO guys are freeballing it in every on-air performance … but let's not worry about that.
Let's not worry about the fact that last year the Grammy Awards and CBS gave a known woman-beater several chances to perform to an audience of millions – that's not the concern here. That's not what will offend viewers, or what should offend viewers. No. Side-boob, though, that's a damned evil that we can't have on our television screens. I mean, have you seen what women are wearing these days? No wonder we have so many problems in the world.


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Manager, Software Engineer
Paris, France
We value inclusivity and diversity at pixfort. Research shows candidates from neurodiverse and underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for roles if they meet all the criteria.
We like to make our hiring decisions based on experience and passion, so if you're keen to apply and need reasonable adjustments please let us know. We also encourage you to let us know the pronouns you use at any point during the recruitment process.
About our company
Our focus is on helping people to complete their creative projects, with our author community earning every time that happens. Our company proudly impacts the lives of creatives all over the world, from web developers and graphic designers, to marketers, videographers, photographers and more. We've built a community where anyone can get their creative projects done, and where creators bring their ideas to life and in the process, earn a living doing what they love. It doesn't get much better than that!
We are a global and rapidly scaling business. Blending purpose and profit, we're a passionate B Corp, committed to making a positive impact on the communities we engage in.
We've embraced flexibility for a long time - where we can, let's make work, work for you! Our roles can be based ANYWHERE in Australia or New Zealand, and while we all mostly work from home we're proud of how we keep our global team connected.
- Manage the Product function within your assigned area of Market, with oversight of the product strategy and driving decision making.
- Develop a roadmap that contributes to group goals and takes into consideration the needs of Marketing, Engineering, Customer/Author Success, Design and other functions.
- Work closely with your Design and Engineering colleagues to provide leadership to these cross-functional teams.
- Work collaboratively with Marketing, Customer/Author Success and other stakeholders to deliver on the roadmap.
- Consult with other key stakeholders across the business, including Legal, Finance and Analytics & Business Intelligence.
- Measure and report on results, especially towards group and company goals.
Provide product leadership to your delivery and project team, championing the needs of the customer, authors & business. - Direct management of two Product Managers, ensuring great people practices and providing a safe and supportive working environment.
- Ensure all members of your assigned delivery and project team(s) understand how they are contributing to group and company goals.
- Coach & mentor more junior product team members where appropriate.
- Role model our core values and helps teams apply our values in day to day decision making.