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whalesongsblog · 2 months ago

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The Princess and the Parselmouth

Chapter 1: A New Dawn

On the outside, nothing seemed to have changed. The train station in Hogsmeade still echoed with the sound of children playing and raucous laughter, a drone of background conversation rising in the cold air as merchants, shopowners, university students, and residents of the village drifted about in the play of their lives, moving from one scene to the next.

But take a closer look. A vein of concern had woven its way into the general consciousness. Spurred by bold headlines and harsh words spoken by men who were meant to lead, hushed words exchanged beneath shop awnings began to mutate from greetings to assurances of safety. The Goblin Rebellion. The growing vitriol towards Muggle-borns and the threat of economic collapse if the unprecedented inflation of the galleon continued. All subjects mingled on the lips of wizarding Britain as the lines carving their way through society deepened, perhaps irreversibly.

Far away, in a sun-blessed empire in India, a princess received an acceptance letter into a PhD program at the best wizarding university in Britain.

xxxxxxxxxx

Ominis Gaunt was used to hearing his name on people’s lips, tossed around carelessly like a ship in violent waters.

Hushed speculation that he was dabbling in dark magic, that he upheld his family’s beliefs with all the poisonous zeal of his ancestors before him. Some avoided him entirely due to that unfortunate misconception, while others looked disdainfully on him for not taking on his role as the scion of one of the most powerful pureblood families in Britain with the enthusiasm expected of him. It was almost amusing if it wasn’t so bleak.

Hated by both sides for not being what they expected.

He’d received a top-notch education at the Merlin Academy, where it was purebloods-only in all but written law. Because that, unfortunately, was still illegal. He’d even gone and provided a victory tour for the Gaunt family by earning a Bachelor's at a similarly reputed institution where his roommate’s voice had wavered slightly upon hearing his family name. He was gone by the next day, and- no doubt due to Mortis Gaunt’s meddling- Ominis enjoyed the privilege of a room to himself and virtually no friends throughout all four years.

Ominis felt the noose of his family’s expectations tightening. In a moment of panic spurred on by a late night and perhaps too much Firewhiskey, he’d made the wild decision that his next course of action to avoid the threat of an engagement looming on his head was- of course- to push his education further. In the early hours of the morning, the answer had come to him in a stroke of inspiration.

A postgraduate degree. It would be easy enough to convince his father that he wanted to continue studying, and Dr. Gaunt did have a rather nice ring to it. Any trepidation he felt about a potential rejection was kindly soothed by the family, who assured him that Black wouldn’t be stupid enough to reject a Gaunt.

I wouldn’t even need to show up to get the degree, clearly. Perhaps my family name could do all the work for me.

His father hadn’t been amused by the snide comment.

xxxxxxxxxx

Cragged mountains stood sentinel over the borders of the Surya Empire, fortification provided by the expanse of desert and lush forests, only a fool would attempt to navigate without rock-solid navigation wards and cartographic sigils. Six provinces sprawled over the region, villages and towns aggregating towards the center of the empire where the palace sat like a crown jewel on the slopes of the high hills, surrounded by scrub brush and Frangipani trees renowned for their wandwood.

Dominated by needle-precise geometrical towers, intricate carvings along ancient stone walls, and opulence that drew visitors from every corner of the globe, the Surya Royal Palace was a muse, a symbol of strength, and a warning all in one. Color and artistry swept along each gilded chamber, magic curling along the vaulted, gold-streaked ceilings and Lapis pillars that centered themselves as ground zero of powerful spots of arcane energy.

Surya prided itself on being the anomaly it had gained a reputation for. A crossroads of magic and science, where both Muggle and Wizard contributed progress in their own unique way. Further solidifying its reputation as a unique spot in the wizarding nations, the royal family was entirely Muggle. That fact drew scrutiny and ire from sister nations such as Britain, but greatness was the goal, and diversity was the tool with which to achieve it. Magic wove itself into the roots of the land, simmering in the desert heat and only amplifying itself with each generation that strengthened it.

From the Weaver Witches spinning intricate magic into each stitch of their handwoven garments, allowing the shimmering threads to shift and dance under the burning sun, to street vendors making their harvested dried chillis even more potent through murmured spellcasting, every corner of the empire thrummed with vibrancy, with power, whether magic or not.

When the little princess had been born, a third child, and the first girl, the kingdom had been jubilant. Goblin tribes from the deep desert traveled alongside lycanthrope nomads to pay respects to the royal family, giving blessings in the form of precious goblinsilver amulets to ward away nazar, and yantras that had been strengthened during the full moon. When the little princess showed her first sign of a command over magic, the celebrations had lasted for days, and the royal family had been ecstatic.

Since the moment she was born, Princess Miradevi Surya Lakshmi was loved.

xxxxxxxxx

Twenty-eight men sat around an oak table in the center of a marbled room. A crystal chandelier caught the light of family crests and signet rings, and the cherubs painted into the gilded ceiling turned away, their rosy faces cracked with age. They could not bear witness to history repeating itself. Not again.

“Things will change soon. Of that, you can be assured.”

“And what if the people do not agree? Only a fool would ignore the threat of a displeased public.”

A cold voice cut in. “Only a fool would think that the masses hold a candle to the power we possess. This world is ours to take- and take it back, we shall.”

xxxxxx

Ominis heard whispers that there was a high-profile student set to attend Hogwarts at the same time as him and, before the term even started, the buzz had begun. He'd brushed it off, clinging to the faint promise of a new life Hogwarts offered, and he was more concerned with breaking away from the fate that seemed to be carving itself into his destiny. He had other things to do besides stick his nose in gossip that had so very little to do with him. Besides, there was also Anne’s malady to worry about.

Sebastian Sallow had been a good friend since their early years together at the Academy. Ominis had taken the observations of them being joined at the hip with cool nonchalance, neither confirming nor denying it, but always having a supportive word to say for the Scotsman. Sebastian had provided a necessary space when his life had started descending into deep, merciless waters, and he’d kept afloat only because of his friend’s unique brand of loyalty that would have demanded subjugation from a mountain range. Anne- for the brief time Ominis had known her before the incident- was lively, mischievous, and certainly did not deserve any of what happened to her. And yet.. the darkness her brother insisted on dragging himself into was beginning to grate on his nerves, stirring up something worse.

But he pushed it down and focused on what Hogwarts promised. A new start. This was a new start and Ominis decided he’d be damned if he let the swirling mess of swords hanging over his head be his undoing.

That new start had as inauspicious a beginning as he could have imagined. It was ridiculous, in his opinion, to be sorted into houses as if they were children, but somewhere he knew his resistance came from the knowledge of where he’d instantly go. His ancestor had been a part of the university’s ancient legacy, after all. A fact that his father would rather kiss a house elf than stop reminding him about every second of the day.

“ Gaunt, Ominis. PhD candidate with a Concentration in Audiomancy.”

The hat had taken a few seconds and declared him a Slytherin- a fact even he could have seen coming. He slid into place on the long wooden tables, exchanging cursory words with people he quite enjoyed avoiding. Friendships his father wanted him to cultivate- Felix Malfoy, the Lestrange’s absolutely unhinged son-

“Her Highness, Lakshmi, Miradevi Surya. PhD candidate, concentration in Ontokinesis.”

His head snapped away from whatever Mulciber had been saying- not that it was important in the first place. A low murmur began to rise from the Hall like hornets. Ominis tilted his head, wondering he’d bloody heard right.

Princess Miradevi. The muggle-born daughter of a royal family that presided over the most formidable empire of the wizarding nations, and loathed by the people sitting at the same table as him. The pulse of light at the tip of his wand flared, catching the sound of steady footsteps and the faintest hint of jasmine. He exhaled softly. He’d heard about the princess. He’d heard a lot. Whether any of what he’d heard was true, however-

“ Slytherin.”

———————

Miradevi stepped off the stool as the Deputy Headmistress returned the silver and sapphire-wrought tiara that had to be replaced with the mangy hat for a few seconds. She murmured a thank you, readjusted it on her head, and looked up. Slytherin. She’d done some reading on the rather odd division system the university boasted and chalked it up to typical English oddity. Unlike nearly everyone before her, no one had applauded for her being assigned to the House of people sitting at the far end who were glaring at her as though she’d personally insulted their mothers. The princess’s gaze darted over as she approached the long table, scanning for one friendly face-

There.

Seated beneath one of the torches, pale orange light spilling over his features, sat a man she was convinced had wandered out of an Austen novel. Tall, pale-oh, he’d burn to a crisp if he ever saw the Indian summer- although she did have to wonder why on earth she was thinking about showing him her home as soon as she’d clapped her eyes on him. A smattering of beauty marks spilled over high cheekbones, and unfairly long lashes framed opalescent eyes that seemed fixed on a spot around her shoulder as she approached.

Mira paused before him, strangely uncertain. She was aware of the eyes of far too many people on her, but scrutiny could almost be called a friend at this point. He tilted his head up, slightly to the side, then stood.

For a moment, she said nothing as he bowed, low and perfect. Her hand automatically reached out for him to take, her bangles jingling softly with the movement. He took her hand like she’d handed him her crown. Strangely enough, nothing around her seemed to exist except the slight coolness of his hand against hers, and the way he looked off to her right, like he was trying to seek her out to the best of his ability. “Your Highness.”

Well, that was just unfair. He couldn’t be ridiculously good-looking and have a voice that set her nerves on fire. A voice crafted for telling stories by firelight, for expensive teas, and perfect posture.

“Mira.” She said softly. “Please, just Mira. And- you are?” He seemed hesitant to reply. “Ominis Gaunt, princess. It’s an honor.”

Miradevi smiled. “The honor is all mine. I know exactly who you are, Ominis Gaunt.” “Oh. I understand. Quite a few people do seem to think so.”

His hand stiffened, a slight crease in his brow marring his forehead. There was a quirk downward on his lips as he sighed softly as if internally reprimanding himself- for what, she had no idea. Miradevi shifted, wondering if she’d said the wrong thing. “I’ve read your research on auditory spellwork, and found it fascinating- and deeply necessary, may I add.” She pushed forward, not really caring that her hand was still in his, that they were still standing. “Your work has inspired some changes in the accessibility of our institutions and magic systems back home- that’s all. I’m sorry if I said something untoward.”

He was silent for a few moments. His eyes softened. And Miradevi caught a glimpse of something hidden beneath the cool exterior and impeccable manners. Someone so achingly kind she nearly leaned closer to get a better look.

“That means more to me than you can ever know, Your Highness,” Ominis said softly, his voice distinctly breathier, as if he’d hardly believed the words coming from her lips. “Please, sit. I’ve kept you standing for far too long-“ he gestured, and Miradevi slid onto the wooden benches as he sat beside her.

“I would have hated to put my foot in it the moment I arrive at a new place.” Mira grinned, feeling slightly more at ease. “I am capable of diplomacy, I promise.”

The hostility from the people around her was easy to ignore when Ominis Gaunt laughed softly, indulgently, at her words.

“I don’t doubt it.” Ominis fought down a smile as he heard her delighted gasp at having seen something on the table she liked. Something chocolatey, based on the scent.

“I have a feeling, princess, that you will be making these next few years very interesting for me.”

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AN: slowburn? WHO'S THAT?? these fools are the definition of SAFS (simp at first sight) naur jk I tried to.,.,. hold off on the romance hinting and establish JUST a friendship first but their chemistry ATEEEE I'M SORRY like I was writing their first interaction and giggling and kicking my feet and I was like okay love at first sight Ig. Chapter two is also edited and up on ao3!

Tags! @rypnami @butternutt613 @rosewoodcafe @heylorrain @amethystandemma @rambling-tam (thank you so much for your help with my writing so far btw I really appreciate it)

#ominis gaunt #ominis gaunt x oc #hogwarts legacy fanfic #ominis gaunt x poc! mc #princess miradevi surya lakshmi #fic rewrite

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kabsey · 2 months ago

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My ideal vision for the Lighthouse post-VG is as the premier magical academy and research center in Thedas. Anyone is welcome, though its main patrons and student body are Veil Jumpers and the Mourn Watch.

It begins while Rook is trapped in the Fade. Emmrich and Bellara are working around the clock, searching for lost lore and experimenting with new arcane techniques. Myrna and Vorgoth assist whenever they can be spared from the Necropolis. Irelin and Strife are frequent visitors as well, both to offer ideas and resources and to (lovingly) bully Bellara and Emmrich into resting and eating. (Bellara x Irelin reunion perhaps? Emmrich being coaxed to bed by Strife, who holds him and reassures him that his brilliant mind will unravel this puzzle.)

And the intense search for ancient knowledge awakens something in the Lighthouse. The library acquires more seats and a larger table to serve as a workspace. The bookcases expand, and volumes unseen in millennia suddenly reappear. New resources begin appearing in the Necropolis and the ruins of Arlathan as well, as the efforts of the mortals prompt a strange resonance among the quasi-sentient loci of mana.

The resonance remains even once the gods are defeated. Bellara and Emmrich continue to meet regularly at the Lighthouse to discuss new theories. They invite their colleagues to join them and then open some sessions to younger acolytes. Informal discussions become formal classes. An exchange program is devised that sends Mourn Watchers to Arlathan to study ancient elvhen funerary rites and appease the spirits and sends Veil Jumpers to the Necropolis to explore areas previously thought inaccessible. The Caretaker ferries scholars to the spirit marketplace and trains alchemists and runemakers in techniques long lost to time. (Dagna is often on hand to explain the spirit’s more esoteric instructions.)

The Lighthouse expands and expands again, forming dormitories and classrooms and training facilities. Its lights brighten, its furniture acquires cozy cushions and blankets, and its broken statues and staircases reform. And whenever the fire in the dining hall starts to burn low, Bellara and Emmrich call back the surviving members of the Veilguard, and they share a meal and catch up on gossip and laugh and drink late into the night. And by morning, the fire is roaring merrily without receiving a single bit of tinder.

#the lighthouse loves the veilguard #the lighthouse wants to live up to its name #the lighthouse becomes a beacon of wisdom #emmrich volkarin #bellara lutare #emmrich x strife #bellara x irelin #mourn watch #veil jumpers #dragon age: the veilguard

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freesia-writes · 10 months ago

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Ch 38: Festival #2

Master List ~~ Previous Chapter ~~ WC: 2.7k

Song: “All I Want” by Kodaline

A few more weeks passed, rather uneventfully. Hunter immersed himself in work as he waited for… something. They had been on the island for more than two years at this point, and yet he felt as though he were just as wobbly-legged as the day they’d arrived. His family seemed to have no trouble whatsoever, having settled into their various niches with some struggles amid the overarching contentment. Wrecker was busier than ever, undertaking such a large expansion project at the school that he’d had to recruit an entire team to work alongside him, and his architectural creativity had grown through the years of experience.

Tech was still “freelancing”, as they’d come to call it, and his days consisted of adventuring with Phee, providing technical help around the island, and pursuing various research endeavors for the pure joy of it. He’d come up with a way to genetically modify some of the local crops to solve a few of the problems that had plagued them, and he found himself obsessing over the next possibility in that area.

Echo had never been happier, thoroughly established as the island expert in all things military, training, and defense, and his program had been refined through class after class of participants, many of whom were now coming from other islands to take part. A handful of students caught his attention in each batch, and he had eventually pieced together a special defense team for the island. He called them The Fives Force.

Crosshair’s involvement at the observatory had been consistent and bearable enough that he’d accepted a full-time position, where he sincerely enjoyed the mix of nature, precision, and company that it offered as he worked alongside the elderly Xyloan and the younger Zygerrian, whose leonine features and sharp wit intrigued him. Crosshair had kept his distance for a long time out of sheer repulsion for all that his people stood for. The Zygerrian, however, agreed entirely with the clone’s assessment of his planet and its practices – thus the reason he’d been exiled. His intelligence was as helpful as it was intriguing, but most of all, Crosshair appreciated his ability to work in complete silence for hours on end.

The warm months were in full swing as the next Festival approached, when the locals celebrated the annual event of all three moons being full at once. As before, visitors from across the planet began to fill the island; everyone from families to vendors to entertainers were contributing to the general air of excitement as the day approached.

Finally, it was time. The Xyloans conducted their ritual procession, followed by music and dancing, and the smells of a million different foods filled the Town Square. Hunter leaned back in his seat at the large table his family had claimed, resisting the urge to cover his ears as he leisurely observed every unique individual that made up the enrapturing tapestry of the crowd. The rest had ventured out for fun and games, leaving him alone with Crosshair and a shared enjoyment of relative quiet.

“You look like you’re ready for bed,” Crosshair said from beside him, a smirk on his thin lips.

“Well, it’s nearly eight o’clock,” Hunter deadpanned, exchanging a warm look with his brother, who chuckled under his breath.

“Maybe we should rile up the crowd with some of our ‘demonstrations’,” Crosshair suggested, referring to their sparring practices for the Academy that occasionally still turned into legitimate scuffles.

“I’ll demonstrate you all over the place,” Hunter grinned, suddenly slinging an arm around Crosshair’s neck, bringing it down beside his chest and rubbing his knuckles back and forth in the short, silver hair that he’d grown over the last couple of years. The indignation spluttering from beneath his arm was increasing in vitriol to the point where Hunter was concerned for the rage that awaited him when he actually did let the sniper go. But the appearance of a tall, feline creature shocked him into releasing him.

“I must be interrupting something important,” he said, lips curved as he Crosshair sat up. The sniper’s face went completely white as he scrambled to fix his hair then realized how he looked in the process. With a last few attempts to smooth it all down, he rose to his feet far too quickly, and Hunter stifled a chuckle as he heard his brother cursing under his breath.

“Nothing,” Crosshair said, his pulse quickening subtly as he brushed off the front of his shirt. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“I didn’t either,” the Zygerrian said with a shrug. “But my apartment is too hot so I figured I’d get some fresh air… and a chalupa.”

“What the kriff is a chalupa?” Crosshair asked, pulling his signature toothpick from a pouch and slipping it between his teeth with an air of forced nonchalance.

“Want to come and see?” he invited, his slanted eyes sliding from him to Hunter. “I’m Ky’tal,” he introduced, offering him a pawlike hand which Hunter shook as he stood beside him.

“Hunter. Nice to meet you. We’ve heard a bit about you… your work at the observatory,” he corrected quickly as he felt Crosshair’s eyes burning into the side of his head. “Thanks for putting up with him.” He jerked his head at his brother.

“He’s pretty handy himself,” the tall feline purred, flickering a glance with unmistakable warmth in Crosshair’s direction. “Would you like to join us?” Hunter pressed his lips together as he felt the wave of emotion from the sniper, and he shook his head affably.

“Thank you though,” he offered, sinking back into his chair at the now-empty table as the two of them disappeared toward the food trucks. He took a deep breath, reaching up to free his hair from the messy bun atop his head, and ran his fingers through it a few times, relishing the relief as it fell around his face. He’d chosen a thin button-up shirt that had apparently grown too small during his excessive workout phase with Luciana, and it clung to the muscles in his shoulders and arms as he reached above his head to finish massaging his scalp.

A nearby crash caught Hunter’s attention as Lyra dropped one of the plates she was carrying, having been watching his effortlessly attractive movements as she approached. A curse fell from her lips as she looked at the mess around her feet in absolute disbelief that the simple sight of him in such a position had momentarily short-circuited her brain. Frantically looking for a nearby table to set the remaining plate on, she was pulling a handful of napkins from her bag when Hunter turned to see her a few feet away.

“Damnit, no, don’t look,” she spluttered, scooping up what chunks of food she could salvage and tossing them into a nearby trash can. Hunter couldn’t help but laugh.

“Need some help?”

“No,” she said indignantly, flinging the last bit of napkin off her now-sticky fingers and looking at him as though it were his fault. All things considered, it kind of was his fault, although he had no idea. Finally done with her panicked clean-up, she picked up the one remaining plate and stood pathetically in front of him. “I got… I got one for you… Because you loved it last time… And to say thank you, again… But I know you said don’t worry about it… But… Kriff, never mind.” Her exasperation won out, and she turned to go, cheeks unmistakably red.

“Come here,” Hunter said, a mixture of playful familiarity and warm invitation in his voice. “Come on, sit.” He patted an empty seat beside him, which she slowly perched herself on as though it could collapse any second. He hadn’t been intentionally avoiding her for the last few weeks, it had just been easy to… well, avoid her, as he went about his business. It had been his hope that some uneventful time spent in the mundane rhythm of daily life would afford him some clarity, and yet he hadn’t had a moment of peace since it all hit the turbine on that fateful evening.

“I just… I don’t know how to act around you anymore,” she confessed, finally relaxing back into her seat a bit with a hand over her face. “I’m not very good at being ‘chill’, you know?” She laughed at her own words with a self-conscious cringe.

“Don’t worry about it,” he soothed, and she took a deep breath, then unwrapped her fork and spoon from the napkin they were tied in.

“Fine,” she said, sticking a spoon in his direction. “Want to share this plate with me, then? It’s that combination of meat and veggies and pita bread we had…”

He considered her for a moment, then took the proffered utensil and helped himself to the delicious array, mumbling his thanks as they took a few bites in silence.

“I feel like I need something cute or witty to say, but I’ve got nothing, but I also don’t want you just sitting here listening to my chewing,” she began, blushing immediately at his fondly incredulous look.

“First of all, it’s so loud here that I’m not just listening to you chew,” he pointed out, and she glanced down with a shake of the head.

“I still don’t know how your ‘enhancements’ work.”

“Second of all,” he continued, irresistibly drawn to her with every fiber of his being as he dipped his head to entice her eyes to fix on his. The reward of her defenseless gaze struck him to the core, and he lingered before finishing his thought. “You don’t need to be anything or anyone to me.”

“But what if–” She stopped and averted her eyes. “Never mind. How’s the food?”

“No,” he pressed, lighthearted yet intent on her words. “What if what?”

She sighed, took a deep breath, and looked up to face him fully. “What if I want to be someone to you?”

He was surprised at her forwardness, and his eyebrows climbing up his forehead did nothing to hide the fact. Her cheeks were a deep red now, and she was muttering at her plate. He was grateful for those ‘enhancements’ as he made out her words.

“...said to say it. Told me to be bold. Easy for him to say…not him having to do it.”

Her complete and total fluster was disproportionately endearing to him, and he felt a surge of bravery as he sat up, reached forward, and gently bent a few fingers beneath her chin, inviting her to meet his eyes again. She gave in immediately, mouth slightly open at the sudden intimacy of the gesture. A wave of tingles crashed through him as well, and he fought to keep his mind on his words.

“Who told you?” he asked, the hint of a crooked smile teasing one of his cheeks as his eyes softened into hers.

“One of the Elders,” she said, her head stock still as though the touch of his index finger had her in a trance. “They offer ‘readings’ at each Festival, where they… kinda predict your future…” He hadn’t thought it possible for her to blush any more, and yet he could feel the increasing heat radiating from her face. “He told me to speak my mind… to you.”

Hunter slowly lowered his hand from her chin, heart fluttering in his chest at her admission as she buried her face in her hands. Yet he could see her smile peeking out from the cracks, and he found his own mirth growing as he watched her, delighted.

“I should have made him do it himself,” she said from behind her hands, her words muffled and indignant. He laughed, each passing second inviting him deeper into the exuberant joy that was threatening to burst out from the carefully guarded cage of disbelief and doubt that he’d locked it in.

“I think I’d rather hear it from you,” Hunter said quietly, drawing her out of hiding as she looked at him.

“I just… I miss you,” she confessed, every word precious to him. “I don’t know if things can ever be the same… And I’m sorry…” She hung her head, eyebrows arched in sadness and regret now. “I understand if the trust is irreparably broken.”

He carefully rested his fork and knife on the table, fingers loosely clasped around each as his gaze drifted over the mild curves of her brown hair where it had fallen slightly over her face. He didn’t know either, if he were honest. It felt foolish and risky. And yet somehow not at all? They’d both kept things from each other, for good reasons. But what if there was more? He didn’t sense that there was, and yet he’d made so many foolish and careless mistakes recently, both in his leadership of his squad and in his personal life, that he was feeling less and less confident in his abilities to make the right choice in any given situation. She returned her gaze to him with a softness and compassion that made him feel weak.

“Either way… I just want you to be happy,” she whispered with absolute conviction.

He couldn’t speak, overwhelmed with the way he felt irresistibly driven to a single conclusion that he was scared to admit. A crystallizing moment of clarity crashed over him as he realized the root of it… fear. He was afraid… of making the wrong decision, of not being vigilant enough, of letting others down, of being… hurt. And yet somehow, when he allowed himself to think of the supreme comfort, contentment, and joy he’d felt with her, all the doubts seemed to fade behind the warmth and peace of reassurance.

His hand seemed to move of its own accord, releasing the fork and reaching for hers. A question.

He touched the back of her hand, which she instinctively turned over. An invitation.

His heart flipped in his chest as his fingers slid perfectly between hers, both hands gently relaxing around each other.

Acceptance.

They finished their meal, which was enjoyable but not entirely filling, and perused the rest of the food vendors, looking at the offerings but not really focusing on what they were seeing. Hunter held her hand snugly, occasionally pulling her closer as the crowd jostled all around. It was hilariously awkward and comfortable all at once; they’d share some quiet words and then fall silent. Sheepish and content. They grabbed some basic wraps that they could eat as they walked, and without discussion they found themselves heading out of the Town Square to a quiet little clearing of trees with some houses surrounding it. There was a gentle glow from the windows of the homes nearby, as well as a large log that provided an ideal seat.

Gazing at the lights from the Festival, they wrapped up their snacks. Hunter wanted her to settle into him, to feel the warmth and weight of her body. He wasn’t sure why, other than an ever-increasing desire for the comfort they’d had with one another. It had been a tumultuous journey, but his doubts and hesitations had been repeatedly smoothed over by the constant reflection in his mind, the advice of others, and, most importantly, the consistent, reassuring gut feeling that had settled deep within.

Some bushes rustled and branches cracked nearby, startling him out of his rumination, and he immediately zeroed in on its source. A fathier ambled out into the clearing, slow and steady. It was fairly old, judging by the way it moved and the graying hairs around its muzzle, and there was something immensely soothing about it. Lyra rose to her feet with a little “oh” of delight, approaching it respectfully and offering her hand, which it snuffled inquisitively. She looked back at Hunter.

“Want to ride up to the observatory and see some kind of crazy nature phenomenon and go on a wild cave adventure and find some magical glowing flower that radically changes your life in inexplicable ways?” she offered, cheeks curved in a mischievous smile.

He stretched, then came to stand beside her, running a hand along the animal’s furry neck before meeting her gaze. A gentle breeze rustled through the tree canopy and brushed his hair out of his face. He took a deep breath, shoulders relaxing a bit, and gave the animal a tiny push with his hand, inviting it to continue on its way.

“Absolutely not,” he grinned.

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dasloddl · 1 month ago

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trump just did the dumbest fucking shit...

“I am writing to inform you that effective immediately, Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification is revoked. Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status.”

that's 6,800 international students... 27% of all students enrolled there

edit: decision was overruled

#trump #us politics #anti trump #fuck trump #op dasloddl

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dertaglichedan · 1 month ago

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Trump Administration Revokes Harvard Visa Certification, Bars New Foreign Students and Tells Thousands to Transfer

The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s certification under the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program, blocking the Ivy League institution from enrolling any new international students, according to reports from the New York Times, Reuters and other outlets.

In a letter signed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security said the move was “effective immediately.” Harvard may no longer issue F-1 or J-1 visa documents, and the thousands of foreign students already on campus—more than a quarter of the university’s enrollment—must transfer to another accredited U.S. school or leave the country. DHS gave Harvard 72 hours to comply with information requests and to notify affected students; those who do not relocate would lose their legal status.

DHS wrote that “enrollment of foreign students is a privilege, not a right,” alleging that the university failed to protect Jewish students from harassment during recent protests and had not fully disclosed collaborations with Chinese entities. Harvard described the order as “unlawful” and said it will challenge the decision in court, warning that forcing international scholars to uproot on short notice would cause irreparable harm to individuals and to U.S. higher education.

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darkmaga-returns · 2 months ago

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(The Center Square) – The Trump administration is increasing financial pressure on Harvard University, targeting many of the school’s funding sources in an effort to root out antisemitism in American higher education.

After Harvard refused to more effectively curb unlawful student activity and reform any programs “with egregious records of antisemitism or other bias,” the U.S. Department of Education announced Monday it was freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university, as The Center Square reported.

The Department of Homeland Security has joined the pushback, with Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday terminating two DHS grants to Harvard worth $2.7 million, declaring the university is “unfit to be entrusted with taxpayers' dollars.”

“Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism – driven by its spineless leadership – fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,” Noem said. “With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard’s position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory.”

Noem also demanded the university hand over the disciplinary records of any foreign student visa holders who committed illegal or violent activities.

If the school does not comply by Apr. 30, the DHS will pull Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, banning Harvard from accepting foreign students and the tuition money they bring in.

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theroyalsims · 2 years ago

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SHANG SIMLAN PRINCESS TO SPEND SEMESTER IN BRINDLETON

Brindleton will be hosting a royal visitor in the coming months!

Shang Simla's Princess Royal, Hanna, will reportedly be moving to Brindleton for at least a semester as an exchange student.

The young royal will be taking part in her school's overseas study program and will be spending the upcoming academic term studying Simlish at the Royal Academy of the Arts in Brindleham. Although focused on STEM, the book-loving Princess is also a huge admirer of poetry, especially our beloved Brindleton classical pieces.

The Princess Royal, during her stay in the country, will reportedly be staying with her mum, Natalie, the former Empress of Shang Simla.

Natalie, although from a prominent and extremely wealth Shang Simlan family, was born and raised in Brindleton and currently resides in her private country estate in Brindleford.

Wishing The Princess Royal the best of luck in her studies, and here's hoping we get to see Her Royal Highness in town soon!

#ts4 #theroyalsims #ts4 simblr #simblr #ts4 royals #ts4 royalty #ts4 royal family #ts4 royal story #royal legacy #hana #shang simla #alice

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justinspoliticalcorner · 29 days ago

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Jay Kuo at The Status Kuo:

It’s Friday, so once again we’re talking about how the Trump White House just attacked Harvard. As I reviewed the actions by the government and Harvard’s response, I realized this was a great opportunity for everyone to brush up on administrative and constitutional law. Exciting, right? First, a simplified review of what happened. Harvard is locked in a battle with the White House for refusing the government’s demands to control the school’s administration, faculty hiring, student body composition and university curricula. The Trump administration has yanked research funding in an attempt to starve Harvard out and threatened its nonprofit status, and Harvard earlier responded with a federal lawsuit. Fast forward to Thursday. Department of Homeland Security Secretary and cosplaying fascist gun freak and puppy killer Kristi Noem issued an order terminating the university’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program. In practical terms, that would mean Harvard could no longer enroll international students, who comprise 27 percent of the student body. If left to stand, the order would devastate the school’s community, gut research teams, and send costs soaring for other students. Harvard was ready. Earlier this morning, it filed a 72-page lawsuit in federal court to stop the termination of its program. By now I hope we’ve all experienced enough with the Trump administration to quickly spot the glaring constitutional and legal infirmities of its action on Thursday. But let’s review them today, using the complaint by Harvard as a guide, because it’s likely to come up in the final exam.

Procedural due process violations

Let’s begin with a law we’ve all seen a lot of in the past months that no one outside of administrative law experts should ever have had to read or understand. It’s called the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), the big body of law that governs how federal agencies make and enforce rules and decisions. It takes a certain kind of person and a lot of coffee to wade through it, but basically the APA requires that federal agency actions not be arbitrary or capricious, be made in accordance with law, and be supported by substantial evidence. An agency also can’t take punitive actions unless certain process requirements are met, including fair notice, an opportunity to respond, and consistent application of the rules. That’s a long way of saying that government agencies are bound by procedural due process requirements, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. And guess what? To no one’s surprise, DHS didn’t follow the APA. Like, at all. Not to get too in the weeds, but under the law (specifically, 8 C.F.R. § 214.4, see how fancy I sound?) if DHS wants to withdraw Harvard’s right to issue visas to international students, there’s a process in place for that. It issues a notice, the school has 30 days to respond, and then it provides a written decision that includes its reasoning. Then there’s a chance for an administrative appeal challenging the stated reasons.

That’s all pretty straight forward, but Secretary Noem followed none of that. She thinks her job is to dress the part and own the libs, not to actually follow laws and procedures. But now she’ll have to answer in court for why DHS skipped past all of this and went straight to revocation of Harvard’s certification to host and enroll international students. This goes to the heart of what’s wrong here. Noem’s order was a textbook example of arbitrary and capricious action. It lacked any justification. And the White House made clear in public statements that the move was retaliatory in nature. After all, the administration just wants to stick it to the university. And while that might get MAGA all tingly, it’s not going to impress the federal courts. Noem tried to create “filler” to back up her order by alleging Harvard failed to respond to document requests, but Harvard argues that the request (such as all documents relating to “dangerous or violent activity” by international students) exceeded what the government was permitted to request under its own rules. Harvard shouldn’t have to respond to requests that lie beyond the Department’s authority to make in the first place. And even if the APA didn’t exist or apply—a big if—the conduct by the government would be a procedural due process violation of the U.S. Constitution, which under the Fifth Amendment prohibits the federal government from depriving the school of something of great value (here, its international student body) without due process of law.

Unlawful retaliation and unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination

DHS announced it took action because it disagrees with how Harvard runs its curricula and self-governs its campus. Let’s stop for a moment and consider how extraordinary and un-American that very idea is. The government is actively intruding upon the decision-making of a private educational institution and throwing its weight around to force conformity to its own agenda. Sounds pretty communist to me. (Every accusation is a confession: This is an administration that urges anti-consumerism to protect the state, threatens price controls on private industry, and demands academic adherence to official propaganda.)

[...]

The bigger backdrop

The revocation of Harvard’s right to host and enroll international students is part of a full scale attack upon the international student community generally. We’ve seen graduate students, who are here legally, face arrest and deportation because of their political viewpoints. And we’ve seen student visas cancelled en masse, without the knowledge of the students affected, rendering them immediately deportable if detained. That came to a screeching halt yesterday, at least for now. By no small coincidence, minutes after Noem’s order on Harvard issued, a federal judge in California issued an injunction blocking the revocation of the legal status of international students nationwide, including at Harvard.

U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland not only blocked the termination of visas of international students, he enjoined the government from arresting or detaining any foreign-born students on the basis of their immigration status while the case moved forward.

Happy to see Harvard University fight back against Gestapo leader Kristi Noem’s insane directive to end the university’s ability to host international students. Even better, the courts gave a TRO to stop this nonsense.

See Also:

Daily Kos: Trump targets foreign students in latest attack on Harvard

The Guardian: Judge blocks Trump administration’s ban on Harvard accepting international students

#Harvard University #Kristi Noem #Administrative Procedures Act #Trump Regime #DHS #Academic Freedom #Visas

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tskumoyuuma · 1 month ago

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered her department to terminate Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, citing the university’s refusal to turn over the conduct records of foreign students requested by the DHS last month. Noem in a letter to Harvard on Thursday, also accused the university of “perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes-pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ practices.” “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” the Homeland Security statement said.

every day theres a new bit of news that makes me go "what the fuck what the fuck"

#us politics

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pocketnewsforyou · 21 days ago

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Thursday 5/29/2025

Judge extends block on Trump’s removal of international students attending Harvard University

On May 22 Harvard’s certification with the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP), which is the program that allows universities to host foreign students who have visas, was revoked. This meant that current and enrolling foreign students must either leave the country or transfer to a different university. The administration revoked international students at Harvard because the university failed to “turn over information about its international students, including discipline records as well as student’s addresses, contact information and details about their coursework.” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has accused Harvard of promoting “pro-terrorist conduct”, “encouraging and allowing antisemitic and anti-American violence” and of “coordinating with Chinese Communist Party officials on training that undermined American national security.” Harvard has responded to Trump’s actions stating “Harvard will continue to take steps to protect the rights of our international students and scholars, members of our community who are vital to the University’s academic mission and community — and whose presence here benefits our country immeasurably." The ongoing battle between the Trump administration and Harvard university has been heavily criticized. The director of immigration services at the university’s international office stated the revocations caused “profound fear, concern, and confusion” among faculty and students. Some international students have commented that the revocation has affected their academic performance and participation, citing mental health, with some students saying they are too “afraid to attend their own graduation ceremonies this week out of fear that some immigration-related action will be taken against them.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/trump-harvard-international-students

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2jeg8zej8o

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-extends-order-blocking-trump-administration-revoking-harvards-ab-rcna209689

#news #poltical #current events #donald trump #trump administration #harvard university #international students

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yourreddancer · 1 month ago

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Today in Politics, Bulletin 136. 5/22/25

Today in Politics, Bulletin 136. 5/22/25 Ron Filipkowski May 22 ∙ … DHS Sec Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard today revoking their Foreign Exchange Student Program effective immediately. That would prevent Harvard from enrolling any additional students going forward and states that any foreign students currently enrolled must transfer to another school or be forced to leave the country. Scary authoritarian shit.

… Noem in the letter: “This action should not surprise you and is the unfortunate result of Harvard’s failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.”

… She previously demanded that Harvard provide her with records of all disciplinary actions taken by the University against foreign students. Harvard refused, so this was Noem’s response. Expect this to be in federal court in Boston immediately.

… Noem then went on Fox: "Today, I sent them a letter that said they will no longer be allowed to participate in this student exchange visitor program, and that's up to 27% of their enrolled students. So it's significant. They will have to find some other university to go to. This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together."

… Economist and Univ of Michigan Prof Justin Wolfers: “It's a rich irony that a President who is obsessed by the trade balance is blocking one of our best exports: American higher ed. International students pay fees, create high-paying jobs, learn ideas, and spread them globally. But they can't come without reliable visas.”

… The House passed the Budget Reconciliation Bill 215-214. Republicans Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson voted no. Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris very courageously voted present. Rep. Andrew Gabarino (R-NY) missed the vote.

… Garbarino missed the vote because he was sleeping: “I fell asleep in the back. No kidding.”

… Democrats were also short three votes because 3 Reps recently died in office while serving with terminal illnesses (Gerry Connolly, Sylvester Turner and Raúl Grijalva). 8 members of Congress have died in office in the last 3 years - all Democrats.

… Of course, this still has to pass the Senate and many Republicans senators have said they will not vote for it. We will see. But the fact that this passed by only one vote means that every Democratic candidate in 2026 for the House can say that their opponent cast the deciding vote on this monstrosity.

… Davidson explained why he voted against it: “Promising someone else will cut spending in the future does not cut spending. Deficits do matter and this bill grows them now. The only Congress we can control is the one we’re in. Consequently, I cannot support this big deficit plan. NO.”

… Davidson is talking about how ALL the serious projected spending cuts in this bill are supposed to happen in 2029, the year after Trump leaves office. So the Republican plan is for all the tax cuts to happen while Trump is president, exploding the deficit to record levels, with promises to start cutting spending in 4 years. He posted this chart to illustrate that.

… Massie responded: “I agree with Warren Davidson. If we were serious, we’d be cutting spending now, instead of promising to cut spending years from now. I’d love to stand here and tell the American people, we can cut your taxes and we can increase spending and everything’s going to be just fine. But I can’t do that because I’m here to deliver a dose of reality. This bill dramatically increases deficits in the near term, but promises our govt will be fiscally responsible 5 years from now. Where have we heard that before? How do you bind a future Congress to these promises? This bill is a debt bomb ticking.“

… Massie also opposed the bill on the floor: “Congress can do funny math, fantasy math, if it wants. But bond investors don’t. We’re not rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic tonight. We’re putting coal in the boiler and setting a course for the iceberg. If something is beautiful, you don’t do it after midnight.”

… Economist Justin Wolfers: “This is the largest redistribution from poor to rich in American history.”

… Sen. Rand Paul seems as dug in to oppose the bill in the Senate as Massie was in the House. To Punchbowl: “Once the Republicans vote for this, Republicans are going to own the deficit. I’m a conservative who's not voting for a 4 or 5 trillion dollar increase in the deficit.”

… Daniel Horowitz, Editor of conservative The Blaze: “The One Big Bill is actually a perfect name for this legislation. It has no coherent vision that people can even wrap their arms around or come away with anything inspirational. It's just a random assortment of provisions, some good, some really bad, some just random and bizarre, but fundamentally fails to meet the moment. Just a random big bill.”

… CNN asked Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) if the bill will increase the deficit by trillions despite Trump’s claims to the contrary: “That’s accurate. I don't like that one bit, but I don't know what the other option is right now.”

… MAGA influencer Matt Van Swol, who has 267K followers, got 38,000 likes on this post from his MAGA followers: “I'm done with the GOP. You've lost me. You had your chance and you fucking blew it. I was SO excited for this admin because of the promise of DOGE. But then I watched as the GOP do NOTHING. We are now AT THE END OF MAY AND WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE FUCKING VOTE ON THE DOGE CUTS!!! THE END OF MAY! My only conclusion can be that the GOP does not WANT to end the waste and fraud. This is a sobering realization for everyone who was STOKED for Elon and DOGE.

… “Mark my words, this betrayal will haunt the GOP forever. I will remember you choose to do nothing. You took photos with Elon - you talked about DOGE - you said you loved cutting waste and fraud. But when it came time to do something, none of you did, NONE OF YOU. So, you've lost me. You've lost my trust. I thought you'd be different than the Democrats. But I guess the GOP lies too. And the only difference between the GOP and the Democrats seems to be that Democrats actually pass legislation, and the GOP does not.”

… Propaganda Barbie Karoline Leavitt: “The one big beautiful bill also helps get our fiscal house in order by carrying out the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings.”

… Leavitt was asked if Trump thought that Massie and Davidson should now be voted out of office: “I believe he does and I don't think he likes to see grandstanders in Congress. The vast majority of Republicans are listening to the president. They are trusting in President Trump, as they should.”

… Massie and Trump have never liked each other. Trump tried to primary Massie before and his endorsed candidate got destroyed. Massie is the only House Republican who never endorsed Trump for president in 2024. But Davidson is about as loyal a MAGA Republican as you can find. But now Trump wants him out for defying him. Trump went after former Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good last year for the same reason. That’s why Bob Good is “former” sitting at home.

… The bond market did not find the bill so beautiful. CNBC: “A sell-off in global bonds is accelerating as Moody’s downgrade of US credit rating and Trump’s tax bill has brought to the fore investors’ fiscal concerns globally. While Trump was unable to sway GOP dissenters to support his broad tax bill that could drive US debt higher by a projected $3-5 trillion, it appears to have triggered a global bond rout.”

… Vishnu Varathan, Mizuho Securities: “Markets do not find Trump’s ‘big, beautiful tax bill’ beautiful at all. USTs were beaten up in an ugly sell-off.”

… Peter Schiff, Chief Economist of Europac: “The bond market is sending a clear signal that the Big, Beautiful Bill may be big, but it's anything but beautiful. 10-year Treasury yields are up to 4.62% & 30-year yields are up to 5.14%. Rates are going much higher, compounding the cost of financing the soaring national debt.”

… CNN: “Long-term Treasuries fell further Thurs; and yields, which trade in opposite direction to prices, continued to surge. The rate on the 10-year Treasury rose above 4.61%, and the 30-year eclipsed 5.14% — its highest level since October 2023.”

… George Saravelos with Deutsche Bank: ‘The most troubling part of the market reaction is that the dollar is weakening at the same time. To us this is a clear signal of a foreign buyer’s strike on US assets and the associated US fiscal risks we have been warning for some time. At the core of the problem is that foreign investors are simply no longer willing to finance US twin deficits at current level of prices.”

… “Ultimately, there are only two ‘solutions’ to this problem. Either the US has to sharply revise the current reconciliation bill currently sitting in Congress to result in credibly tighter fiscal policy; or, the non-dollar value of US debt has to decline materially until it becomes cheap enough for foreign investors to return. Brace for more volatility.”

… Economist Steve Rattner on MSNBC: "If you're in the top 20%, you're gonna get 3.7% increase in after-tax income from tax cuts. If you're in the bottom, you lose $800. You get a small tax cut and and a large cut in Medicaid and other benefits. This is a highly regressive bill that favors the wealthy, doesn't do much for the middle class, and hurts the poor."

… Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) slipped in a provision to the budget bill to legalize silencers: “They're firearms and protected by a law enacted in 1791 called the 2nd Amendment. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed and neither shall it be taxed. My Democrat colleagues asked how did it get in the bill and who asked for it? Me. I asked for it.”

… Clyde owns gun shops in Georgia.

… Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to Meidas: “We know that this presidency has already been a failure. Filled with crisis and chaos, cruelty and corruption. And the American people know it. Which is why Trump at the 100-day mark was the most unpopular president in American history. The American people understand. It's unfolding right before their eyes.”

… Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX): “Breaking yet another promise, Republicans are cutting Medicare by $500B. On Oct 1, every Medicare provider will see a 4% cut and that will occur year after year after year as seniors try to find someone who will accept Medicare. On Jan 1, millions of Americans who rely on the ACA lose their access to a family physician. Meanwhile, our national debt will soar by trillions from Republicans who talk fiscal responsibility but serving their cult leader, the deficit hawks have become chicken hawks in submission to Trump, the self-described king of debt, all to award billionaires with even more tax breaks.”

… Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD): “It's telling that Trump and his cult followers chose to name its bill on its size and looks instead of its contents and values. There's nothing beautiful or big about stripping 14 million Americans of their health care or removing food security from 4 million kids. That's ugly. That's small.”

… AOC: “When you wake up in the morning, you will realize that you voted to defund Planned Parenthood and take away health care from 13.7 million Americans and when this country wakes up there will be consequences to pay for this.”

… Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA): “Not even during the Great Depression did so many people lose their health care as will lose it in this bill. It will affect interest rates. In fact, it already is. Mortgage rates have gone back up over 7% and set to rise by more. Not just mortgage rates, auto loan rates, the rate your credit card company charges you. This is class warfare. It makes the poor poorer, the rich richer, and the middle class left behind.”

… Boyle: “The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found the bottom 10% will be 4% poorer in household wealth under this bill, with most of the benefits going to the top 10% of Americans. And of that top 10%, of course, it's the top 1% that will get the most benefit of all, robbing the poor to reward the rich.”

… Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) to Rep. Hauchin (R-IN): “My state of MA funds states like IN. We get back less than we give. So how dare you or anybody else vote to steal our tax money and give it to billionaires? So no, we will not go quietly, and no, we will not give up. We will fight this cruel, corrupt, immoral bill every step of the way because the people we represent are counting on us. And we will never stop fighting for them. Hell no, never, absolutely not on this terrible disgrace of a bill.”

… Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) to Meidas: “Every provision in this program is cruel and they know it. That's why none of them spoke on it in committee. That's why they have nothing to say. That's why they don't hold town halls. That's why they don't answer questions. All they do is tweet, repeat, and hide in the back until they vote yes.”

… Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL): “America, we got to be very clear and truthful about this budget. Laws for gun manufacturers to make more money off of death, yes. Food for children to eat, no. Health care for seniors, disabled Americans and millions more, no. Resources to help working families, no. This is why they've been told not to host any town halls in their districts and why this debate is happening in the middle of the night. It’s nothing short of theft.”

… WSJ: “Private clubs have emerged as a moneymaking venture for the president’s second term, and a hub for donors and favor-seekers alike. It now costs a record $1 million to join Mar-a-Lago, up from about $500,000 during his first term. The initiation fee at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster rose to $125,000, surging from $75,000 in recent years. Another Trump golf club in FL now charges more than $300,000 to join.”

… “Trump has encouraged Republican Party officials to hold events at his clubs, where he headlines official dinners and cocktail parties. The clubs have in turn also attracted a new clientele of donors seeking to influence policy in the WH, including cryptocurrency executives pushing for deregulation, advocates seeking pardons for allies, and business leaders looking for exemptions from tariffs, among others.”

… “One of the biggest such events yet is set to take place Thursday at Trump’s golf course outside DC, when his cryptocurrency venture is hosting a gala dinner for his $TRUMP meme coin’s biggest holders. Many of the investors are foreign, and some of the top givers have been promised official tours of the WH.”

… NBC: “More than 200 wealthy, mostly anonymous crypto buyers are coming to Washington to have dinner with President Trump. The price of admission: $55,000 to $37.7 million. That’s how much the 220 winners of a contest to meet Trump spent on his volatile cryptocurrency token, $TRUMP.”

… Leavitt was asked about it today: “The American public believes it's absurd to insinuate that this President is profiting off of the presidency. Not only has he lost wealth but he almost lost his life. He sacrificed a lot to be here and to suggest otherwise is absurd. This president was extremely successful before giving it all up to serve our country."

(NOTE: WHAT A LOAD OF SHIT!!! HE'S USING THE PRESIDENCY TO GRIFT WORSE THAN THE FIRST TIME, AND HIS "ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT" WAS A HOAX!!!!)

… Reporter: Will the WH at least commit to making a list of the attendees public so people can see who's paying for that kind of access to the president? LEAVITT: “The president is attending it in his personal time.”

… But Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) says Trump’s sudden interest in crypto is really to benefit the poor and working class: “President Trump said on the campaign trail that America will be the crypto capital of the world. This is a major part of his legacy when we make it easier for struggling Americans working paycheck to paycheck to have more access at a lower price point. This is good news for the American people, especially the ones living in poverty."

For 18 hours straight, Acyn with Meidas was up all night covering Congress. He posted 32 clips of Democrats opposing the budget on the floor, 24 clips of Democrats in the Rules Committee, and 18 clips of interviews that Ben did of Democrats off the floor.

All of us left other careers and jobs to do this. I was a trial lawyer for 29 years. We did it because we felt that the media was failing to meet the moment at this crucial time in our history. Rather than just complain about it, we decided to do something about it and step into the vacuum to cover what we felt they were missing. As a result, our audience has growth every month at a rapid pace while their has shrunk.

We all work extremely hard and long hours. That is because we care passionately about this cause to defeat the MAGA movement. We never thought this was going to be quick or easy. It is a long term project that isn’t just about defeating a man, but an entire toxic political movement. We aren’t able to do it without your help, and we thank all of you for your support. Whenever, I get really tired doing this towards the end of the day, I think about you.

… Good new for Democrats as former US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who resigned her position to protest Trump’s treatment of Zelensky, is strongly leaning towards a run to challenge vulnerable Republican Tom Barrett in a toss-up district in Michigan....

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mochiponadventures · 1 year ago

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A couple Headcanons for this blog and its lore around here:

-Kieran and Carmine currently are residing at the Naranja Academy because of a student exchange program. They visit Juliana regulary or meet with her at school

-Kieran and Juliana(the Protagonists) are dating, but both are still incredibly awkward with each other.

-Terapagos was caught by Kieran in this Universe and stayed with him. Currently it is also a visitor at the Naranja Daycare and is in the same class as Momo

-The old woman from Peachys is in fact a descendant of the old couple that took care of Pecharunt. The Nurse of the Pokemon Stop at the Community Center is also part of that family.(This will play a role later on)

-Momo´s age as human would be around two while Ogi ranges around the age of seven

-The Mother of the Protagonist serves as grandmother and dotes around both her daughters "children" like they were her own children.

-The Naranja daycare was funded by the Nurse of the Academy since she wanted a place where students could leave their pokemon in good care while taking care of their academic business. It´s free of charge and largely finance itself from charity.

-Momo has no idea that his old caregivers are no longer alive, he still has hopes of seeing them again one day. Juliana is hesitant to tell him though because she fears for his reaction towards the news.

-Ogi has a very mischievous streak and often takes away things from others to hide it somewhere else. Her Cudgel is safely hidden in the attic and she is only allowed to use it in battles(since Ogi once accidentally nearly hit Momo with it, Juliana decided it was better and safer to keep it away until really needed. Ogi doesn´t like it at all but begrudgingly accepts her trainers orders)

#mochiponadventures: headcanons #ogerpon #pecharunt #there is a whole lot of lore around this blog #which i will unfold slowly but steadily

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gehiimagrigation · 2 months ago

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On the other hand, non-immigrant visas are issued for temporary purposes, including travel, study, or short-term work. The B1/B2 visa allows for business visits or tourism. Students pursuing academic or vocational programs may apply for F1 or M1 visas. At the same time, professionals may be eligible for temporary work visas such as H1B, L1A/L1B, O1 for individuals with extraordinary ability, or TN visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA. The J1 exchange visitor visa supports cultural exchange programs, internships, teaching, and training. The K-1 visa permits foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens to enter the country for marriage, expecting the couple to wed within 90 days and begin the green card process.

How Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services Can Help?

At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we understand that no two immigration cases are alike. We start with a personalized case evaluation, taking the time to understand your unique background, goals, and immigration history. Based on that, we offer strategic visa planning to help you choose the best path forward if you are applying for a family-based green card, a work visa, or any other immigration matter. Our team assists with every step of the process, from gathering and organizing your documents to preparing and submitting your application with precision.

We also provide thorough interview preparation and guidance for consular appointments, helping you feel confident and informed when speaking with immigration officers. And if your case has been denied, we are here to support you with appeals, motions to reopen or reconsider, and other legal remedies. With offices in both the U.S. and India, our team is well-positioned to handle cases globally and provide support across time zones. When you work with us, you are not just hiring a law firm; you are gaining a dedicated team that stands by you from start to finish.

Visa Services Offered By Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services:

Beyond routine immigration filings, Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services handles high-stakes visa matters that require deep legal insight and experience. We assist with waiver applications such as I-601, I-212, and 212(d)(3) for clients who may be inadmissible due to past immigration violations or other legal barriers. These cases demand careful legal strategy and persuasive documentation, and our team is equipped to help you build the strongest case possible.

For entrepreneurs and investors, we offer end-to-end services for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Whether you are launching a startup or investing in a U.S. enterprise, we guide you through the legal and financial aspects of the visa process to ensure compliance and maximize your chances of approval.

Our team also has extensive experience in humanitarian-based immigration, including U and T visas for victims of crime and trafficking, asylum claims for those fleeing persecution, and VAWA petitions for individuals facing abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. We regularly handle Adjustment of Status applications for those already in the U.S., as well as Consular Processing for clients applying from abroad. Whatever your situation, our goal is to provide compassionate, strategic, and reliable legal support from start to finish.

Why Choose Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services?

When it comes to something as life-changing as your U.S. visa application, experience matters. At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we bring decades of combined immigration experience to the table. Our attorneys and case specialists have successfully handled thousands of immigration matters, from straightforward filings to the most complex cases. With fully staffed offices in both India and the U.S., we’re uniquely positioned to assist clients no matter where they are in their immigration journey.

Our team is multilingual, culturally sensitive, and deeply compassionate—we understand the emotional weight that immigration carries, and we walk with you every step of the way. We also believe in making professional legal help accessible. That’s why we offer transparent pricing and affordable solutions without compromising on quality. And with a strong track record of success, especially in tough visa cases, we’re confident we can help you achieve your immigration goals.

Ready to Apply for a U.S. Visa? Let Us Help You:

Starting your U.S. visa process doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. At Gehis, we make it simple. Begin with a free consultation or initial case review to learn about your options and get personalized advice from our legal team. We’ll guide you step-by-step—from evaluating your eligibility to preparing your documents and representing you through interviews or appeals if needed.

To schedule your consultation, reach out to us through our website or call our office in India. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to apply, we’re here to provide trusted support and legal insight.

Final Word

Immigrating to the United States is a major step, and it deserves thoughtful, experienced legal support. At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we understand your dreams, your concerns, and your determination. No matter how complex your case may seem, we’re here to guide you with honesty, care, and the highest level of professional service.

#visa #usa #india #pune #mumbai #services #immigration

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globalnest · 4 months ago

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USA Student Visa Your Guide to Studying in the United States

The United States is home to some of the world’s best universities, attracting thousands of international students every year. If you're planning to study in the USA, getting a student visa is a crucial step. VJC Overseas, a trusted name in overseas education consultancy, can help you secure your USA Student Visa smoothly.

Types of USA Student Visas

There are three main types of student visas for studying in the USA:

✅ F-1 Visa: For academic programs at universities, colleges, and language schools. ✅ M-1 Visa: For vocational or non-academic programs. ✅ J-1 Visa: For exchange programs, including research and training programs.

Most international students apply for the F-1 Visa, as it is required for degree programs in the USA. VJC Overseas provides expert guidance on choosing the right visa category and preparing your application.

Eligibility Criteria for a USA Student Visa

To apply for a student visa, you must:

🔹 Have an acceptance letter from a SEVP-approved U.S. school. 🔹 Show proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses. 🔹 Provide evidence of strong ties to your home country, ensuring you will return after your studies. 🔹 Be proficient in English or enrolled in an English proficiency program.

With VJC Overseas’ study abroad consultants, you’ll receive personalized guidance to ensure your eligibility and application success.

How to Apply for a USA Student Visa?

1️⃣ Get Accepted by a U.S. Institution – Apply and receive admission from a SEVP-certified school. 2️⃣ Receive Form I-20 – Your school will issue a Form I-20, which is required for your visa application. 3️⃣ Pay the SEVIS Fee – The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee must be paid online. 4️⃣ Complete the DS-160 Form – Fill out the Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form online. 5️⃣ Schedule Your Visa Interview – Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. 6️⃣ Attend the Visa Interview – Answer questions about your education plans, finances, and intent to return home. 7️⃣ Receive Your Visa – If approved, your passport will be stamped with your F-1 student visa.

VJC Overseas Visa Assistance

Applying for a USA Student Visa can be overwhelming, but VJC Overseas’ visa experts simplify the process. We help with:

✔ Document verification & application filing ✔ Interview preparation & mock sessions ✔ Financial documentation & SOP assistance

Common USA Student Visa Interview Questions

🔹 Why did you choose this university? 🔹 How will you fund your education? 🔹 What are your plans after graduation? 🔹 Do you have relatives in the USA?

Tip: Be confident, honest, and provide supporting documents to back up your answers. VJC Overseas offers expert visa interview training to help you succeed.

Can You Work on an F-1 Student Visa?

Yes, but there are restrictions:

✅ On-campus work (part-time, up to 20 hours per week during school, full-time during breaks). ✅ Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows students to work for up to 12 months after graduation. ✅ Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Work experience that is part of your academic program.

VJC Overseas provides guidance on OPT/CPT applications to help students gain work experience in the USA.

Why Study in the USA with VJC Overseas?

✔ Top-Ranked Universities: MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and more. ✔ Diverse Programs: A wide range of academic and research opportunities. ✔ Global Career Prospects: A U.S. degree increases job opportunities worldwide. ✔ Cultural Diversity: Meet students from all over the world. ✔ Expert Consultation: VJC Overseas ensures a smooth admission & visa process.

Final Thoughts

Getting a USA Student Visa is the first step toward achieving your dream of studying in the United States. With expert consultation from VJC Overseas, the process becomes easier, faster, and more successful.

🔹 University applications & admissions support 🔹 Student visa processing & interview training 🔹 Post-study work opportunities & career counseling

Start your study abroad journey today! Contact VJC Overseas for expert assistance.

#USA #USA Student #Student #Student Visa #Visa #USA Visa #Studying in United States #Studying United States #United States #Study #VJC Overseas #VJC #Overseas

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