u/LoudRevolution9163

16mm footage of the Grateful Dead playing a free concert on the back of a flatbed truck on Haight Street in San Francisco. Also included are scenes from a Peace & Freedom gathering in Golden Gate Park and street scenes from downtown San Francisco from the same era.

The Earth passed safely through the comet’s tail on May 18 and 19, 1910. The gas in the tail was highly dispersed, meaning it caused zero harm or even noticeable effects.

In honor of his passing, 11 years ago today (May 14, 2015)

If you're trying to decide between an O-1 and EB-1A, the real issue often isn’t eligibility. It’s timing.

Many professionals could qualify for both, but the right choice depends on how your profile is positioned today and your long-term goals in the U.S.

The O-1 is a temporary visa. It lets you work in the U.S. relatively quickly, especially with premium processing. But it requires a sponsor, and it does not give you permanent status.

The EB-1A is permanent. You can self-petition, and it leads to a green card. But the standard is much higher. USCIS isn’t just looking for strong work. They’re looking for recognition beyond your employer, such as published work, citations, media coverage, judging experience, or leadership roles in your field.

One thing that often gets overlooked is how USCIS actually evaluates EB-1A cases. It’s not about checking boxes. Meeting criteria alone is not enough. Officers look at the overall record and ask whether the person has reached sustained national or international recognition. That’s where many strong candidates fall short.

Because of that, many people start with the O-1.

It’s not just about getting into the U.S. faster. It’s also a strategy. Being in the U.S. can make it easier to publish, collaborate, speak at conferences, and take on more visible work. Over time, that added visibility can significantly strengthen an EB-1A case.

On the other hand, if your work is already widely recognized, for example, you have a strong citation record, major awards, or clear impact in your field, it may make more sense to go straight to EB-1A.

There’s no single right answer. It comes down to how strong your evidence is today and whether it already shows recognition beyond your immediate workplace.

Curious how others approached this. Did you go straight for EB-1A or start with O-1 first?

This constitutes general information only and is not legal advice.

- Attorney Mandy Nease

The Are You Experienced album was released 59 years ago today (May 12, 2026)

Some highlights from the article (which sources our 2026 Lease Buyout Report data):

• The average age of a lease buyout customer has steadily dropped, now sitting at 47 years old. That might not sound dramatic at first, but just a few years ago, that number was closer to 50.
• About 65% of all buyouts fall into the SUV and crossover category, while trucks make up another 13%. Sedans trail behind at just 18%.
• On average, drivers who bought out their leases in 2025 paid about $563 per month. Compare that to roughly $659 for a new lease, and you’re looking at about $100 per month in savings.