Having lived in New York for almost eight years, I sometimes wonder why there seems to be a constant need to reinvent the city and why we need even more high-rises. The planned extension on the West Side of Manhattan, the rise of the new World Trade Center complex and, suggestions to rezone Midtown East… Continue reading Global Cities: Dubai – The Race to Stay on Top
Tag: Commentary
What’s Going on with US Gun Laws?
The tragic shootings in Connecticut in December, 2012 brought gun laws in America and the eternal debate about the right to bear arms vs. gun control to the forefront once again. For many internationals, the prevalence of firearms in America is stunning; consider that the US homicide rate is 20 times that of the next… Continue reading What’s Going on with US Gun Laws?
The New York Waterfront: What Does the Future Hold?
Hurricane Sandy was a serious eye-opener for New York City and the Tri-State area. It not only became apparent how exposed the city and the surrounding waterfront is, but also how unprepared the city is for climate changes which can include storms of Sandy’s caliber on a more regular basis. After seeing the damage done… Continue reading The New York Waterfront: What Does the Future Hold?
How Livable is New York City?
No one is going to tell you that New York is an easy city to make it in. The cost of living is considerably higher than other places in the world, the job market is among the most competitive in the country, and the city itself is massive. The Municipal Arts Society of New York… Continue reading How Livable is New York City?
A Call for Help – New York City’s 311
Many internationals moving to New York often wonder what the country and city are doing for their residents. Those coming from abroad might be used to many easily accessible social services being provided by the government free of charge, and many are surprised not to find those same amenities here in the United States. New… Continue reading A Call for Help – New York City’s 311
Waiting for Sandy – with Millions of Stoic New Yorkers
Monday a.m., October 29. – New York City.Today is the day the “monsterstorm” is supposed to hit the mainland, and with it, New York City. We live in Morningside Heights in Manhattan, not a threatened zone right now, as the elevation of Morningside Heights puts a nice cushion between the homes and the river. It… Continue reading Waiting for Sandy – with Millions of Stoic New Yorkers
How Safe is New York City?
Recent tragic events in Connecticut have brought safety to the forefront of everyone’s minds in and around the area. With such random and thoughtless violence taking place in a location previously considered safe, one has to wonder – is anywhere safe? What about New York City, which has a particular reputation worldwide for violent crimes?If… Continue reading How Safe is New York City?
My Visa Story: Getting a Green Card in the US
For many internationals living and working in New York City, the most difficult part of moving to the U.S. is securing the ever-elusive visa. Though there are many types of visas with different application procedures, one thing unites them all: They can be tricky to get. (New York International has its own visa guide and… Continue reading My Visa Story: Getting a Green Card in the US
College in the US: Is it Worth it?
Higher education in the US is becoming increasingly complicated and expensive. The rising costs of studying for an undergraduate degree and the increasingly realistic option of studying abroad have led to more and more American students moving overseas for college. Should internationals living in the US consider sending their own children abroad for college as well? Higher… Continue reading College in the US: Is it Worth it?