Latest news with #Olympic-level


Chicago Tribune
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Bradshaw: College classrooms remain spaces for ideas not ideology
In the fall of 1970, I was a Army veteran of the 101st Airborne Division enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley. The protests were loud, the slogans blunt, and the politics tense. I wasn't there to protest. I was there to study. While others were debating American imperialism on Sproul Plaza, I was deep in constitutional law and political theory — preparing for the rigors of law school. I never felt silenced. Professors were tough but fair. Students had their causes, but classrooms remained spaces for ideas, not ideology. Fifty years later, the American college campus is again in the spotlight — for reasons less academic. Parents worry their children will face litmus tests. Students ask if admissions offices want confessionals or credentials. The truth, as usual, is more complicated. Most high school seniors applying to selective colleges this fall don't need a lot of advice on how to polish their personal essay or list extracurriculars. What they need is what's missing from most guidance offices: the hard, often uncomfortable realities about how top-tier admissions actually work. Here are a few things students — and their parents — ought to know. 1. The Ideology Panic Is Overblown — But Strategy Still Matters: Yes, there are loud political skirmishes on campus. And yes, a few faculty members have become activists with tenure. But the people reading applications aren't professors. They're admissions officers. Their chief priority isn't ideological purity — it's institutional prestige. They are looking for students who will enhance the school's brand, contribute visibly, and ideally donate generously later on. That means your student can write an essay on social justice — or on rebuilding a motorcycle engine — as long as it's compelling. Political alignment is less important than intellectual substance. At Harvard, a thoughtful conservative from Indiana still stands a chance — if he doesn't try to game the system by pretending to be someone he's not. 2. Excellence Still Wins — but It Has to Be Distinct: Top colleges routinely reject students with 4.0 GPAs and perfect test scores. This isn't a conspiracy. It's oversupply. What wins isn't just academic performance but differentiation. Admissions officers look for what researchers call a 'spike' — a student with demonstrable, often rare, excellence in a focused area. An Intel science finalist, an Olympic-level cellist, a published author — these applicants stand out. Not because they're well-rounded, but because they're sharp-edged. The days of trying to be captain, president, volunteer, and valedictorian are over. Focus beats breadth. 3. Legacy and Money Still Buy Access — Quietly: Despite frequent denials, legacy status and donor connections still tilt the field. A 2023 working paper from Harvard researchers revealed that legacy applicants were admitted at rates several times higher than their non-legacy peers, even when controlling for qualifications. 'Need-blind' admissions doesn't always mean aid-blind decision-making. At many institutions, full-pay applicants enjoy subtle advantages. No high school counselor will say this outright—but students should understand that the playing field, while not rigged, is hardly level. 4. Recommendation Letters Are an Untapped Resource: Most students default to teacher recommendations, often from their 11th-grade English or history teacher. These are fine. But the best letters often come from outside the classroom: a mentor from a summer research lab, a supervisor at a startup internship, or a coach who has worked closely with the student for years. Admissions officers want specifics. 'John is responsible and hardworking' is generic. 'John built a solar-powered irrigation system using his own algorithms' is not. 5. Social Media Is a Portfolio — Not Just a Risk: Students are told not to post anything online they wouldn't want a dean to see. Good advice. But here's what they don't hear: social media can also help. A well-produced YouTube series on political philosophy or a blog that analyzes Supreme Court rulings shows initiative and thought. Colleges appreciate authentic intellectual curiosity — especially if it's public. A 2022 Kaplan survey showed that 36% of admissions officers had reviewed applicants' social media. For a few, it helped. 6. Campus Is Still a Place for Ideas — If You Show Up for Them: The loudest students often dominate headlines. But most undergraduates aren't professional protesters. They're trying to learn. And most professors, even on politically active campuses, still reward clarity of thought, not conformity. At Berkeley, my views weren't always in line with the majority. No one cared. Because I showed up prepared, wrote rigorous papers, and engaged the material. That dynamic still exists, though it requires a thicker skin and a sense of proportion. 7. Prestige Is Overrated — Outcomes Aren't: Finally, the most underrated truth: many students chasing Ivy League names would be better served at public honors colleges, strong liberal arts schools, or universities where they can stand out. Law schools, med schools, and employers care far more about what students do with their education than the name on the diploma. A focused, debt-free graduate from UT-Austin or Michigan can outpace an ambivalent Ivy Leaguer with a bloated résumé and a drained bank account. If you're a high school senior, don't try to play a role. Be sharp. Be real. If you're not marching across campus in protest, that's fine. If you are, make sure you can defend your cause with reason. But either way, show the admissions committee something they can't ignore. Because at the end of the day, what top colleges want most is not an ideology — but a mind that's awake.


Time Business News
4 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
How to Beat Procrastination Like a Boss
Let's be honest—if procrastination were a sport, most of us would be Olympic-level athletes. You've got the to-do list, the coffee's brewed, the desk is clean… but somehow you still end up deep-diving into old WhatsApp chats or watching cat videos. Sound familiar? You're not alone. The good news? You can beat procrastination—without becoming a productivity robot. It just takes a few smart shifts in mindset and strategy. We don't procrastinate because we're lazy. We procrastinate because our brain is trying to avoid discomfort—uncertainty, boredom, or even fear of failure. Here's what's really going on: Fear of Imperfection You delay starting because you fear you won't do it perfectly . This perfectionism trap is a silent productivity killer. Overwhelm Paralysis When your task list is the size of Mount Everest, your brain checks out. It's like asking yourself to run a marathon without lacing up your shoes. Lack of Clear Deadlines No deadlines = no urgency. Your brain decides it can wait till tomorrow, or the day after, or the next birthday. Low Energy & Mental Clutter You can't focus when your brain feels like 35 browser tabs are open at once. That's where mental clarity becomes crucial. Here's the good stuff. Practical, psychology-backed techniques to conquer procrastination—without the fluff. Break down that scary-looking project into micro-steps. Instead of 'write blog post,' start with 'write blog title.' This is a proven focus hack that eliminates the 'start resistance.' Mini win = momentum. Yes, fake it. Set a deadline before the real one and attach a small consequence or reward. This creates urgency and accountability—just like top performers use on stage or in boardrooms. Commit to doing something for just five minutes. That's it. No pressure to finish—just to start. Once you begin, inertia usually keeps you going. This simple trick has been endorsed by productivity gurus and used widely by Motivational Speakers in India during high-pressure events and talks. Instead of saying 'I need to finish this report,' say 'I'm the kind of person who finishes what they start.' It's a mental rebrand. Your brain starts seeing procrastination as out of character. Trying to juggle tasks is like trying to watch three Netflix shows at once. You won't retain anything—and your productivity boost is a lie. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method or time blocking to stay on one task at a time. Willpower is overrated. Set up your environment to make success easier—put your phone in another room, use website blockers, set visual cues. As Top Corporate Trainers in India often say, 'Discipline starts with design.' In a distracted world, your ability to beat procrastination gives you an edge. It separates the doers from the dreamers. You stop being a slave to deadlines and start owning your time. You reduce stress (because stress loves last-minute chaos). You build self-discipline and confidence in your ability to take action. and confidence in your ability to take action. You finally make progress on the goals you've been postponing for years. Professionals who consistently beat procrastination don't just get more done—they lead better. Business Motivational Speakers in India often link productivity to leadership because leaders who act on time inspire others to follow suit. Akash Gautam, a renowned speaker and transformation coach, shares how beating procrastination through habit-stacking and mindful focus was a game-changer in his early speaking career. The satisfaction of ticking off that nagging task you avoided for days? That dopamine hit is real. And it builds a loop—do more, feel better, do even more. Success isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter. With the right time management strategies, you can make the most of your limited time and unlock your limitless potential. Beating procrastination isn't about brute force. It's about strategy, identity, and self-awareness. You don't need to wait for the perfect time . You just need to start. So, if you're ready to stop waiting for the 'right mood' and start living like the boss you are—take that 5-minute action right now. Your future self will thank you. And if you're looking for inspiration or a push in the right direction, visit or check out the best Motivational Speakers in India who are living proof that procrastination can be crushed. It's a habit that feels like a trait. With consistent action and awareness, it can be unlearned. Absolutely. Many speakers blend psychology with lived experience—offering stories, tactics, and perspective shifts that make action easier. Start with the 5-minute rule. Just commit to five focused minutes. No pressure to finish—only to start. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Sunrise-Inspired Swimsuit Will Be Your New Favorite Summer Essential
Atmosphere by The Weather Channel curates products and services for all seasons. If you buy something from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Ah, summer's eternal water debate. Beach waves, pool plunges, or lake lounging—which claims your heart? As a former Floridian, you might expect me to wave the beach flag proudly – and yes, watching my puppies frolic on dog-friendly beaches and paddling happily in the surf was pure joy. But confession time: I've often forgone those sandy shores for the cool clarity of a pool. The lack of sand in unmentionable places is an added bonus. Lake life? I'm practically a tourist with just one visit under my belt. I suspect lakes secretly hold the crown for water sports, but I'll leave that verdict to the wakeboard warriors. Whatever your water worship style, summer beckons with its warm embrace, golden rays (slathered in SPF 50 sunscreen, naturally), and the perfect excuse to rock swimwear that turns heads for all the right reasons. With vacation plans filling my calendar, my swimsuit hunt reached Olympic-level intensity this season. After a parade of packages and returns, I've finally curated my water-ready wardrobe. From sunrise-inspired one-pieces that pop against any backdrop to playfully bold polka dots, here are the summer essentials making waves in my collection. Shop Our Swimsuit Favorites At Amazon Price: $36.99 at Amazon Color options: 38 Shop It: Amazon What we like: Ruched high-cut cheeky one-piece Drawstrings for customizable fit Removable padding, double-layered lining Adjustable spaghetti shoulder straps What we don't: Circular pads may be visible in lighter colors I fell in love with the Viottiset Ruched One Piece Swimsuit as soon as I slid the straps over my shoulders. Featuring an ombre color palette of vivid purple, hot orange and fluorescent yellow, this is a versatile swimsuit that allows you to customize your spice level. Want to flash a little cheek and show off your hips? Pull the drawstrings just a little tighter and watch it rise. Or tug the strings down for a more modest covering, and you'll feel right at home with the kiddos splashing in the water. While it claims tummy control, I'll be honest, I think it's more about concealing than compressing. The ruching adds a little extra fabric around the belly, but there's no major flattening or tightening built into the swimsuit. With the adjustable spaghetti straps it can fit a number of height ranges comfortably as well. My purchase: I fluctuate between a small and medium sizing, and I purchased a small and it fits perfectly. I average 120-125 pounds, 34B bust, 5'3" tall, and have a pear shape figure. It's a cheeky fit as designed but can be modified with the drawstrings. The bust coverage was good and there's a banded lining inside for a little extra support - though not as much as a bra or swimsuit with underwire. The only drawback is the removable padding in the bust - they use the white circular pads that you can see in some of the lighter fabric options. Consider buying a separate waterproof insert that matches your skin tone. Price: $19.99 at Amazon Color options: 35 Shop It: Amazon What we like: Stretchy, lightweight fabric Pockets Adjustable straps What we don't: Very loose and somewhat shapeless cut I really loved the color and array of options of this Supnier Maxi Dress, and I purchased the Gradient Navy thanks to the gorgeous sunset hues. It has 4.4-stars and over 14,000 company ratings. I did appreciate the flowy, slick feeling of the dress; it was soft, and the color was lovely. The fabric was thin, so I had planned to use it as a swimsuit cover rather than a dress I would wear going out. Unfortunately, it was quite large and so it veered towards shapeless on my body type. And since I'm under 5'3' tall, it was long. I tested out tying a knot near the bottom of the dress as seen in some of the sample images, but it just made it awkward to walk. Price: $31.99 at Amazon Color options: 25 Shop It: Amazon What we like: One piece that functions as a bikini Adjustable spaghetti strap High waist (it falls right under the belly button) Removable pads, double-layered lining What we don't: It's not super stretchy, so sizing is important I'm taking this polka dotted Meyeeka lace-up swimsuit with me on vacation as well this summer, and I can't wait. It's an fascinating combination of bikini and one-piece swimsuit, with a little belly and back exposed. I purchased a medium which fit snugly, I definitely could not have sized down with this swimsuit. The top has a lace-up lattice-style back, so you can tighten or loosen as needed. These have a high-waisted cheeky bottom, so if you don't like a little bit of your butt to be exposed, you may want to pass on these. There is also a great assortment of color options. The fabric isn't as stretchy as other swimsuits – so while you swim, you may not see the same waterlogged sagging as other brands, but it also means it will run a little tighter. I suggest sizing up, especially if you're in between sizes or if you have a larger bust size. Price: $30.99 at Amazon Color options: 36 Shop It: Amazon What we like: Two-piece mix-and-match tankini Modest high-waisted ruched bottom Double-layered ruffled top Removable padding Adjustable straps What we don't: Top may feel slightly over-padded for small busts I purchased this in the red top and polka dot bottom combination, but I absolutely love the Red Palm sunset colors in this ruffled tank high-waisted bikini set. It's comfortable, flattering for most body types, and you won't feel exposed as you sunbathe in your lounge chair. The ruched bottoms offer some tummy control, and the modest cut won't have you discretely tugging it as you stand up. The ruffled top comes down over my belly button and flutters around the waistline of the bottoms, offering a little extra coverage while splashing in the sun. The only downside is that the plain bottoms may sometimes have that 'diaper' appearance, especially if they are slightly too big. I wish you could mix and match the top and bottom sizes in these sets. Price: $29.99, was $42.99 at Amazon Color options: 13 Shop It: Amazon What we like: Ruched tummy control one-piece Full coverage swim bottom Metal buckle back strap Double-lined material Removable padding Adjustable straps What we don't: Needs more color options The Charmo One-Piece swimsuit is one of my go-to favorites. I admittedly bought it last season (in blue) and it's comfortable, flattering, and easy to slip on. There's no crazy straps that go every way but the right way. Overall, it's a traditionally beautiful and comfortable one-piece swimsuit that is flattering for all kinds of body types. I have a pear-shaped body type, and some of the tummy control ruched fabric provides a flattering mirage that tightens everything together. The only thing I wish this swimsuit offered was more colors and pattern options. The solids are a 'solid' choice, but if there were a few more fun fluorescent colors, I'd be even happier with this purchase. If you're looking for more ways to protect your skin from the summer sun, or beat that summer heat, check out our in-depth buying guides for sunscreen, sun protection essentials you can stash in your car, and other 'chill' products. Best Sunscreen Of 2025: Our Top 10 Picks (Tested And Reviewed) 15 Sun Protection Essentials You Can Stash In Your Car, Backpack Or Purse Beat The Heat (And UV) With These Popular Sun Shirts 10 Best Portable Coolers of 2025 13 Pool Safety Products To Protect Your Kids And Pets Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.


Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Mokaev faces Assis as 971FC gears up for blockbuster fight card
971FC, the UAE's fastest-growing fight promotion, takes the Coca-Cola Arena by storm on Saturday, for a landmark night of international combat sports and entertainment. With 14 explosive bouts, elite fighters in the main and co-main events, and a headline live performance by hip-hop legend Lloyd Banks, this is more than a fight night – it's a cultural event. This event is officially sold out, marking it as one of the most anticipated sporting spectacles of the year. The spotlight shines bright as Muhammad Mokaev faces off against Thomas Assis in the main event, a thrilling bantamweight bout set to headline an action-packed fight night. In a major shakeup, undefeated British-Dagestani phenom Mokaev (14-0) faces off against Brazilian submission expert with an 11-fight win streak Assis (12-2). A former IMMAF world champion and UFC veteran, Mokaev is known for his relentless pressure and Olympic-level wrestling. Assis, who hails from Coari in Brazil and trains out of RCT Coari, is riding a win streak and brings a gritty, aggressive grappling style that promises a chess match on the ground. Russian powerhouse and sambo technician Raimond Magomedaliev (10-2) returns to action, looking to impose his dominant top game against seasoned Brazilian striker Andrey 'Mineiro' Augusto (17-9-1) in the co-main event. Augusto is known for his durability and knockout power and will look to test the Russian's chin and composure under fire.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UREVO Announces Skiing Champion Brothers as Brand Ambassadors
AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UREVO, a global sports and wellness brand, has announced New Zealand freestyle skiers Luca Harrington and Ben Harrington as brand ambassadors for its range of smart fitness products, including smart treadmills and smart massagers. This partnership promotes the importance of athletic recovery, healthy living, and the spirit of Excellence: The Harrington Brothers Olympic-level athletes, the Harrington brothers bring authenticity to UREVO's mission. Born in 2001, Ben Harrington competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics, won the North America Cup, and placed fifth at the 2023 World Championships. His brother, Luca Harrington (born 2003), specializes in slopestyle and big air, winning the Crystal Globe in the 2024–25 FIS World Cup for Big Air and achieving podiums at the X Games and World Championships. Their demanding training and recovery needs make them ideal advocates for UREVO's wellness solutions, reflecting the growing need for smart, accessible recovery tools. UREVO CyberPad for Office Smart Treadmill The UREVO CyberPad for Office Smart Treadmill is designed to accommodate both home and professional office settings. Equipped with a dual brushless motor system, it delivers up to 2.5HP of power—while maintaining a low operational noise level of 45dB. To support more efficient training, the CyberPad incorporates MegaLift incline technology, allowing up to a 14% gradient. The device features a 6.4-inch (16.3 cm) slim profile, making it compatible with most office desks and reducing spatial interference. An open-front design and 100cm walking area aim to provide a comfortable walking experience while performing desk-based tasks. In addition, the CyberPad connects with the UREVO App, enabling users to monitor workout metrics in real time. UREVO AI-Powered Wireless Recovery Massager For professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the UREVO AI-Powered Wireless Recovery Massager offers a more robust therapy system designed to replicate physiotherapy-level treatments. This device features an advanced Matrix Airbag Design that targets five overlapping compression zones to improve circulation and relieve deep muscle tension. With six massage modes, eight pressure levels (80–220 mmHg), and three plantar heat levels, the massager work in synergy to deliver high-intensity recovery after sports. The Recovery Massager integrates seamlessly with the UREVO App, using AI to assess the leg's muscle state and recommend personalized recovery parameters. Users can select massage durations from 10 to 35 minutes, depending on schedule and need. Its 5,000mAh battery supports up to 240 minutes of wireless use and charges via USB-C. Together, these devices represent a broader trend in integrating digital tools with physical wellness practices. With the endorsement of Ben and Luca Harrington, UREVO steps into a new phase of global visibility. About UREVO UREVO is a global innovator in smart fitness technology, committed to developing intelligent wellness solutions that support healthy and active lifestyles. The brand aims to empower individuals with tools that blend digital intelligence and biomechanical understanding to promote efficient recovery and everyday well-being. Contact Information Contact Person: Lily Hu Email: marketing@ United StatesState: TexasCity: AustinWebsite: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at