Former Longhorn swimmer Caspar Corbeau to characterize Netherlands in 2023 World Aquatics Championships

As Texas graduate swimmer Caspar Corbeau wrapped up his coaching camp in Hungary, it was lastly time to maneuver to an even bigger stage that may permit him to characterize and honor his household’s tradition. 

With metallic music blasting by his headphones and designer sneakers on his toes, Corbeau will deliver his skills to Japan on Saturday to compete for the Netherlands nationwide staff on the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. He hopes to qualify for one more shot at changing into an Olympic medalist. 

Because the grandson of Dutch immigrants who moved to the U.S. earlier than his father was born, Corbeau mentioned he attributes his option to swim for the Netherlands to his dad. Each Corbeau and his father are birthright Dutch residents.  

“Once I was youthful, my dad thought it will be useful to have me a bit extra well-rounded when it comes to world tradition and perhaps go to locations that I by no means would have had the chance had I not accepted to swim for (the Netherlands),” Corbeau mentioned.

Corbeau’s twin citizenship works to his benefit, permitting him to face out amongst a smaller pool of opponents. The Netherlands’ two quickest swimmers in every occasion are chosen for the Dutch Olympic staff, supplied they attain the qualifying time on the World Aquatics Championships.

“If I swim to what I’m able to, I ought to qualify for Paris,” Corbeau mentioned. “The previous few years have been studying experiences, and I believe I’m lastly able to make that breakthrough.”  

In 2020, Corbeau went to the Tokyo Olympics to compete within the particular person breaststroke occasions for the Netherlands. Corbeau swam occasions of 1:00.13 within the 100m breaststroke and a pair of:10.21 within the 200m breaststroke, however his efficiency didn’t qualify him for the semifinals for both occasion. 

Nonetheless, Corbeau has considerably improved since he started swimming for the Longhorns; he has dropped from 52.90 to 50.49 within the 100m breaststroke and from 1:54.50 to 1:49.15 within the 200m breaststroke. Throughout his time at Texas, Corbeau turned a two-time nationwide champion, 18-time All-American and 16-time Massive 12 champion.

Corbeau credit his progress to the experience of his teammates and head coach Eddie Reese, who he mentioned pushed him to be the perfect athlete he might be.

“(I’ve) the opponents, a few of the greatest on the earth, practice subsequent to me every single day,” Corbeau mentioned. “And so they’re capable of step it as much as the subsequent notch and make you’re employed exhausting despite the fact that you may not wish to.”

Corbeau mentioned his relationship along with his teammates helped make him a greater swimmer, even when it didn’t at all times result in a medal. An impactful instance that involves thoughts for Corbeau was a 400m freestyle relay in his junior yr, the place the relay staff gained first place regardless of an total loss. 

“It had an affect on me as a result of it was not a meet (and) it was not my greatest efficiency,” Corbeau mentioned. “However it’s one which I’ll treasure for some time as a result of these moments (and relationships) are extra necessary than the time or the medal.”

Corbeau will start competitors in Japan on Saturday, July 22, within the males’s 100m breaststroke occasion as he seems to be to emulate not solely his father’s tradition however the tradition he has come to thrive in at Texas.  

Aspiring veterinarian volunteers at Thailand elephant sanctuary

Surrounded by scalpels and bandages, aspiring medical college students work exhausting to care for his or her ailing sufferers. Taking vitals, drawing blood and measuring heartbeats, they’re devoted to their future professions. However not each physician has to measure a affected person’s trunk size. 

As a Loop Overseas Veterinary Service participant, biology senior Brycelyn Ramirez spent two weeks in Thailand serving to animals, discovering Thai tradition and gaining hands-on veterinary expertise. Ramirez and her workforce volunteered on the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, working straight with the large animals and studying about large-scale animal rescue and conservation efforts. The Elephant Nature Park homes over 100 elephants rescued from trekking, logging or pressured breeding packages.

Ramirez, who research on the pre-veterinary monitor, stated she initially felt intimidated by the medical occupation. Nonetheless, she grew to become passionate concerning the discipline when she started volunteering and dealing with animals.

“(The veterinary discipline) is definitely so much about folks,” Ramirez stated. “That feeling of with the ability to truly assist folks, together with their pets, is what motivated me.”

As a veterinary journey chief, Dr. Amy Everly has overseen the Loop Overseas Thailand program for the previous two years, introducing aspiring veterinarians to conservation and animal drugs. 

“Most of my college students are excited to see the elephants — that’s a really large draw,” Dr. Everly stated. “That is very, very hands-on, so (there are) a variety of experiences that a variety of these college students haven’t had.”

By following a examine overseas mannequin reasonably than a voluntourism method, Loop educates its college students to contribute meaningfully. This system additionally collaborates with native animal welfare organizations so college students can partake in long-term, on-the-ground enhancements within the nations they go to. 

“Having these little moments of realizing what number of other ways there are to do little issues … That is likely one of the strongest and most essential elements of a examine overseas expertise,” Alec Weigel, a fifth-year biochemistry and Plan II pupil, stated about his examine overseas experiences in Portugal final summer season.

Dr. Everly stated she’s excited to see a brand new, extra various and empathetic veterinary discipline as journey packages like Loop Overseas develop in recognition. 

“We form of are in our personal little bubble right here within the States,” Dr. Everly stated. “It’s actually essential that (veterinary) college students have the expertise … of getting out and realizing the variations, not even simply in veterinary drugs, however tradition. It pushes you out of your consolation zone being someplace so distant.”

Ramirez stated the chance to work with animals internationally broadened her understanding of the sector, and she or he discovered so much by discovering firsthand how veterinary scientists function exterior of america.

 “It’s good to have perception into veterinary drugs practices the world over,” Ramirez stated. “To have that information on what they particularly imagine versus what we imagine and the way we apply (within the U.S.) … I discovered much more there in two weeks in Thailand than I did within the first clinic I ever labored at.”

 

Life-skills programs shouldn’t be neglected

As soon as household and shopper sciences (FCS), previously often known as house economics, was deemed sexist and irrelevant for college students of as we speak by many faculty districts, even the College’s division of house economics rebranded to the division of human ecology in 1990. Whereas the subject material light out of our academic system, the worth of a life-skills course shouldn’t be neglected regardless of house economics’ controversial previous. 

Adjusting to grownup life is difficult for many college students, however significantly for these from households the place issues like private finance and diet weren’t emphasised throughout their upbringing. The Faculty of Human Ecology ought to develop an introduction to human ecology course to ease the transition to maturity for college students of all socioeconomic statuses.

Michele Hockett Cooper, assistant professor of instruction within the division of dietary sciences, mentioned her purpose is to offer college students info they’ll use, no matter their main. Establishing lasting and wholesome consuming habits in school helps college students within the long-term.

“Faculty is the primary time in somebody’s life once they’re really capable of make autonomous dietary selections and never be below their mother and father’ family and consuming with their households,” Hockett Cooper mentioned. 

Based on the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, individuals from decrease socioeconomic backgrounds are much less prone to meet dietary suggestions. 

“People who find themselves in a decrease socioeconomic standing (are) those who’re disproportionately affected by this brokenness in our meals system, they usually’re having these damaging well being outcomes due to that,” Hockett Cooper mentioned. “So I believe that if we are able to curtail that to some extent, by having any type of diet at any degree of training, school being a good time, then we should always.” 

In relation to dwelling a balanced life-style, diet will not be the one factor that performs a job. Budgeting and understanding cash is an important ability for college students to develop in order that they’ll keep away from cash mismanagement. Mary Lou Poloskey, assistant professor of instruction within the division of finance, mentioned studying about private finance helps college students make good monetary choices that can affect the remainder of their lives. 

“There’s no means anyone may argue private finance doesn’t have an effect on them,” Poloskey mentioned. “Everybody encounters monetary choices all through their life. With a bit of bit of information, college students can method these questions and these choices and have favorable outcomes … However I’d additionally say it nearly takes an entire semester to even introduce to non-public finance as a result of there’s so many alternative items of it.”

Whereas facets of house economics, like private funds and diet, are provided at UT, college students merely don’t have the time to finish 4 separate programs. Combining the topics into one introductory course would create the chance for extra college students to achieve these life expertise earlier than they graduate. 

“We’ve a core set of curricular necessities that at a college like ours, which can be primarily based in a selected imaginative and prescient of what a fundamental college training ought to embrace, and it doesn’t embrace life expertise in the identical means,” mentioned Stephen Russell, director of the college of human ecology. 

When faculties don’t put together college students with fundamental life expertise, they put them at an obstacle. The Faculty of Human Ecology ought to implement an introduction to human ecology course to assist their college students of their subsequent stage of life.

Henningsen is an promoting junior from Austin, Texas.

Agriculture for holistic schooling

Whereas Texas is understood for its wealthy agricultural panorama, the College of Texas undoubtedly isn’t. Regardless that 86% of Texan land is devoted to agriculture, UT’s fall 2023 course schedule lists solely one agriculture class, leaving an apparent hole in a well-rounded longhorn schooling. 

It’s true that college students aren’t selecting UT for an agricultural diploma. In spite of everything, different Texas universities like Texas A&M and Texas Tech provide their very own devoted agriculture schools. Nevertheless, agriculture impacts everybody, so it shouldn’t be restricted to these pursuing a profession on this area.

Michele Hockett Cooper, an assistant professor of instruction within the division of dietary sciences, acknowledges horticulture, the science and artwork of plant-based meals manufacturing, as a part of  holistic schooling.

“Understanding the place your meals comes from, and the right way to both develop it your self or assist native producers … that’s a fundamental human proper,” Hockett Cooper mentioned.

Agricultural literacy helps college students lead more healthy lives by educating them essential information in regards to the vitality they devour and use. 

Agricultural schooling is the important thing to understanding what it takes to feed the planet and maintain its future.  Studying about agricultural literacy permits folks to construct sustainable options to societal struggles like local weather change, unsustainable waste and international starvation

“If we knew of and had entry to alternate options, I believe we may actually create change on this damaged meals system, however not sufficient folks know sufficient in regards to the meals system to demand that change,” mentioned Hockett Cooper. 

To unravel these points college students must perceive our relationship with the setting, the cultural and international significance of meals manufacturing and the financial affect of useful resource distribution. UT programs that cowl agricultural processes are extraordinarily related to our metropolis, as Austin has 33 meals deserts, leaving low-income communities and a few college students with out entry to wholesome meals. 

“If (UT) educates tens of hundreds of scholars (and they’re) lacking this significant part of expertise and information that they should perform in society after they graduate, that could be a disservice, ” Hockett Cooper mentioned.

Whereas agriculturally-conscious farmers markets and group gardens are working to shut this hole, opening coursework to undergraduates would offer the required basis to hunt out, interact with and develop these assets.

Anthropology and Classics sophomore Hannah Arulanandam volunteered with UT Farmstand this college 12 months, and the expertise introduced UT’s lack of agricultural coursework to her consideration. 

“Agriculture manufacturing is one thing I believe is actually fascinating,” Arulanandam mentioned. “It’s not one thing we speak about at UT, as a result of they solely have one sustainability main.” 

By exploring agriculture, college students join with part of on a regular basis life they may in any other case tune out, making them extra conscious of their day by day practices and serving to them lower meals waste. 

“When you understand what’s going into your meals, what’s popping out of your meals, it’s being one with nature … it’s being sustainable,” Arulanandam mentioned.

Hockett Cooper additionally defined that UT’s lack of agricultural curriculum may be traced again to the Morrill Land-Grant Acts of 1862, which allotted federal funds so states may set up universities with an emphasis on agricultural information. In Texas, our land-grant college is Texas A&M. Practically 200 years after the land-grant acts had been handed, we will’t depart the way forward for our meals techniques as much as the Aggies alone.

The School of Pure Sciences declined to touch upon the feasibility of providing agriculture programs at UT. The Workplace of the Provost didn’t remark. 

In the end, coupling agricultural schooling with UT’s current strengths in areas like engineering and enterprise brings us one step nearer to cultivating a more healthy planet. 

By instilling this information in UT college students, we will create a technology that adjustments the world of meals manufacturing. It’s all in regards to the fundamentals, and on the finish of the day, we reap what we sow.  

Jackson is a Plan II Honors and journalism sophomore from Boerne, Texas. 

Texas Memorial Museum modifications identify to Texas Science and Pure Historical past Museum forward of fall reopening

After in depth renovations, the Texas Memorial Museum modified its identify to the Texas Science and Pure Historical past Museum on July 7 in preparation for its fall reopening.

“The constructing is all the time going to be Texas Memorial Museum as a result of it’s proper there within the limestone, however what’s taking place, the actions and the engagement, is de facto going to give attention to the pure sciences and on the pure historical past, and that additionally consists of the historical past of the museum itself,” affiliate director Pamela Owen mentioned. “We felt that this was the right time for the rename.”

Owen mentioned the museum’s identify was modified to extra precisely signify its contents.

“A number of occasions, of us that weren’t aware of the UT campus didn’t affiliate the identify Texas Memorial Museum with a pure historical past or a pure science museum,” Owen mentioned. “A number of of us have been beneath the impression that the museum was extra about honoring World Conflict II veterans … Making these associations, quite a lot of of us have been misled and thought that this have to be one thing to do with historical past, or it’s a memorial to one thing.”

Managing director Carolyn Connerat mentioned the identify change is only one of many renovations to the museum. Along with new reveals and facilities, the constructing’s limestone is being extensively cleaned, and a partnership with the Girl Chook Johnson Wildflower Middle will assist set up pollinator gardens across the museum’s exterior.

“That is the primary time we’ve had any sort of main renovations on the constructing in 86 years,” Connerat mentioned. “It’s actually from high to backside to do an outline of a lot of these fundamental constructing upkeep issues that wanted to occur.”

Connerat mentioned the renovations will assist make the museum extra accessible since it’s a distinctive group useful resource.  

“That is the one science and pure historical past museum of its sort within the higher Austin space that gives a location for folks to return and truly see fossils which are a whole lot of thousands and thousands of years previous, in addition to to be taught concerning the science of pure historical past,” Connerat mentioned. “We’re not only a museum. We’re a part of the College of Texas at Austin as a museum and are capable of share the analysis that’s taking place concerning the science that impacts the pure world.”

Texas Memorial Museum modifications identify to Texas Science and Pure Historical past Museum forward of fall reopening

After in depth renovations, the Texas Memorial Museum modified its identify to the Texas Science and Pure Historical past Museum on July 7 in preparation for its fall reopening.

“The constructing is all the time going to be Texas Memorial Museum as a result of it’s proper there within the limestone, however what’s taking place, the actions and the engagement, is de facto going to give attention to the pure sciences and on the pure historical past, and that additionally consists of the historical past of the museum itself,” affiliate director Pamela Owen mentioned. “We felt that this was the right time for the rename.”

Owen mentioned the museum’s identify was modified to extra precisely signify its contents.

“A number of occasions, of us that weren’t aware of the UT campus didn’t affiliate the identify Texas Memorial Museum with a pure historical past or a pure science museum,” Owen mentioned. “A number of of us have been beneath the impression that the museum was extra about honoring World Conflict II veterans … Making these associations, quite a lot of of us have been misled and thought that this have to be one thing to do with historical past, or it’s a memorial to one thing.”

Managing director Carolyn Connerat mentioned the identify change is only one of many renovations to the museum. Along with new reveals and facilities, the constructing’s limestone is being extensively cleaned, and a partnership with the Girl Chook Johnson Wildflower Middle will assist set up pollinator gardens across the museum’s exterior.

“That is the primary time we’ve had any sort of main renovations on the constructing in 86 years,” Connerat mentioned. “It’s actually from high to backside to do an outline of a lot of these fundamental constructing upkeep issues that wanted to occur.”

Connerat mentioned the renovations will assist make the museum extra accessible since it’s a distinctive group useful resource.  

“That is the one science and pure historical past museum of its sort within the higher Austin space that gives a location for folks to return and truly see fossils which are a whole lot of thousands and thousands of years previous, in addition to to be taught concerning the science of pure historical past,” Connerat mentioned. “We’re not only a museum. We’re a part of the College of Texas at Austin as a museum and are capable of share the analysis that’s taking place concerning the science that impacts the pure world.”

Monetizing Cell Apps: Methods for Sustainable Income Technology

In in the present day’s mobile-driven world, monetizing cellular apps has grow to be essential for app builders and companies alike. The flexibility to generate sustainable income from cellular apps can decide the success and longevity of an app in a extremely aggressive market. This text will discover sensible methods for monetizing cellular apps and producing sustainable income.

Perceive Your Viewers and Market

Earlier than diving into monetization methods, it’s important to grasp your target market and market. Conduct thorough market analysis to establish your potential customers’ wants, preferences, and behaviors. Perceive their ache factors and the way your app can present an answer or distinctive worth proposition. By gaining insights into your viewers, you possibly can tailor your monetization methods to satisfy their wants higher and generate sustainable income.

Select the Proper Monetization Mannequin

Deciding on the suitable cellular app monetization mannequin is essential for sustainable income era from cellular apps. Take into account these normal fashions:

  • In-App Promoting: Displaying advertisements inside your app and incomes income based mostly on clicks, impressions, or conversions. Optimize advert placement to steadiness consumer expertise and income potential.
  • In-App Purchases: Providing customers the flexibility to buy digital items, premium options, or content material inside the app. Create compelling and invaluable choices to incentivize customers to make purchases.
  • Freemium Mannequin: Providing a free model of the app with restricted options and permitting customers to improve to a paid model with enhanced functionalities or content material.
  • Subscriptions: Offering entry to unique content material or premium options for a recurring payment. Repeatedly ship invaluable content material to retain subscribers and guarantee ongoing income.
  • Paymium Mannequin: Charging customers an upfront worth to obtain and use the app. This mannequin works properly for apps with a powerful worth proposition or distinctive functionalities.

Select the mannequin that greatest aligns together with your app’s objective, target market, and worth proposition. Take into account conducting market analysis and analyzing related profitable apps to find out essentially the most appropriate monetization method.

Implement In-App Promoting Successfully

In-app promoting is usually a vital income stream if applied successfully. Take into account these methods for profitable advert monetization:

  • Native Promoting: Combine advertisements seamlessly into the app’s design to supply a non-disruptive consumer expertise. Native advertisements mix in naturally with the app’s content material and format.
  • Focused Promoting: Leverage consumer information and preferences to ship focused and related advertisements. Personalised advertisements improve consumer engagement and improve the chance of clicks and conversions.
  • Optimize Advert Codecs: Experiment with varied advert codecs equivalent to banners, interstitials, rewarded movies, or native advertisements. Take a look at totally different placements and codecs to seek out the best mixture.
  • Advert Mediation: Make the most of advert mediation platforms to maximise advert income by integrating a number of advert networks. This lets you entry a bigger pool of advertisers and improve competitors for advert placements.

Leverage In-App Purchases to Drive Income

In-app purchases can considerably contribute to sustainable income era. Take into account these methods for efficient implementation:

  • Supply Worth: Present high-quality and fascinating digital items, options, or content material. Customers ought to understand these purchases as invaluable enhancements to their app expertise.
  • Timing and Pricing: Rigorously think about the timing and pricing of your in-app purchases. Guarantee they’re affordable and aligned with consumer expectations. Supply introductory pricing or limited-time reductions to encourage purchases.
  • Incentivize Purchases: Incorporate in-app incentives or rewards for customers who make purchases. This will improve the perceived worth of the purchases and encourage repeat transactions.
  • Bundle Affords: Create bundles or packages that mix a number of objects or options at a reduced worth. This encourages customers to make bigger purchases and will increase general income.

Discover Subscription-Primarily based Fashions

Subscription-based fashions present a gentle and predictable income stream for cellular apps. Take into account these methods for profitable subscription monetization:

  • Present Unique Content material: Supply premium content material, options, or providers unavailable to non-subscribers. This creates a powerful worth proposition for customers to subscribe.
  • Tiered Subscription Choices: Supply totally different subscription tiers with various entry ranges or advantages. This enables customers to decide on a plan that most accurately fits their wants and price range.
  • Trial Durations: Present a free trial interval to permit customers to expertise the worth of your app earlier than committing to a subscription. This reduces the barrier to entry and will increase conversion charges.
  • Retain and Have interaction Subscribers: Repeatedly ship recent and invaluable content material or options to retain subscribers. Have interaction with them by means of push notifications, unique updates, or customized suggestions.

Leverage Partnerships and Sponsorships

Exploring partnerships and sponsorships can open up extra monetization alternatives for cellular apps. Take into account these approaches:

  • Model Partnerships: Collaborate with related manufacturers to create co-branded campaigns, sponsorships, or product integrations. Make sure the partnership aligns together with your app’s values and gives worth to your customers.
  • Influencer Advertising: Associate with influencers or business specialists to advertise your app to their viewers. Leverage their attain and credibility to extend app downloads and consumer engagement.
  • Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with different app builders to cross-promote one another’s apps. This expands your consumer base and drives downloads with out vital advertising prices.

Steady Optimization and Evaluation

Cell app monetization requires steady optimization and evaluation to maximise income. Monitor key efficiency indicators equivalent to consumer engagement, conversion charges, and income information. Leverage app analytics instruments to realize insights into consumer conduct and preferences. A/B exams totally different monetization methods, advert placements, or pricing fashions to optimize income era.

In conclusion, efficiently monetizing cellular apps requires understanding your viewers, selecting the acceptable monetization mannequin, implementing efficient in-app promoting, leveraging in-app purchases and subscriptions, exploring partnerships and sponsorships, and steady optimization. By implementing these methods for sustainable income era, you possibly can make sure the long-term success of your cellular app and maximize its income potential.

Texas soccer focuses on upcoming season amidst SEC dialogue

The Texas Longhorns have been named the projected Large 12 champions for the 2023 season, a nomination that hasn’t surfaced since 2009. Whereas being chosen to win the championship is a big accomplishment, residing as much as these expectations is a distinct process. The 2009 Longhorns squad did simply that, successful the Large 12 Championship whereas standing at No. 3 within the convention. 

This 12 months, Texas’ followers wait in anticipation greater than ever since this season marks its final with the convention earlier than transferring to the SEC. However regardless of the media buzz about Texas’ future, head coach Steve Sarkisian made clear final Wednesday throughout Large 12 Media Days that his workforce is concentrated on a profitable 2023 season slightly than the competitors that awaits within the SEC.

“I do know there’s been a lot discuss concerning the SEC and what’s taking place in 2024, however I feel one factor I like concerning the workforce that now we have this 12 months is their give attention to 2023 and this chance now we have right here within the Large 12,” Sarkisian stated. “It’s going to be a heck of a season.” 

Whereas some spectators argue this ultimate season may very well be a clumsy transition interval for the workforce, Sarkisian stated he has a roster filled with athletes who need to be Large 12 champions and don’t see this season as one to be dismissed. 

“I really feel like this workforce is on a mission as a result of that’s the strategy they’ve day-after-day that they present up within the facility,” Sarkisian stated. “They’ve purchased into this factor, and greater than they’ve purchased into it, they’ve elevated it.” 

The 2023 roster consists of many upperclassmen who’ve grown alongside Sarkisian and at the moment are of their third 12 months underneath his steering, like Jaylan Ford, Xavier Worthy and Jahdae Barron. Sarkisian emphasised the significance of veteran gamers over newcomers since they supply the required motivation and data for achievement. 

“I do know loads is manufactured from the gamers that we’ve introduced in, however we’ve received lots of veteran gamers that got here to the College of Texas to win a championship,” Sarkisian stated. “They purchased into a brand new coach, a brand new teaching employees, a brand new fashion of play, a brand new tradition, and inevitably they’re leaders on our workforce now.”

As expectations for the Longhorns appear to have peaked, Sarkisian stated one of many obligations for Texas athletes is to fulfill these presumptions. He stated the gamers don’t draw back from the stress however as a substitute acknowledge it and “push it to the aspect.”  

“I feel we’ve received a mature sufficient workforce to respect what you guys consider us, however on the finish of the day, now now we have to get again to work,” Sarkisian stated. “What is going to in the end outline us is how we play on Saturdays, and that’s what we’ve received to give attention to.”    

With soccer season ticket gross sales promoting out in June, all eyes might be on the Longhorns as they hope to satisfy their aim of enjoying on one of many greatest phases in school soccer on Dec. 2 in Arlington. 

“I do know there’s lots of pleasure within the air,” Sarkisian stated. “I do know we’re excited as a workforce, our teaching employees, our gamers, and I need to commend our gamers for his or her dedication…we’re wanting ahead to September and placing all of it on the sphere.”  

Texas soccer focuses on upcoming season amidst SEC dialogue

The Texas Longhorns have been named the projected Large 12 champions for the 2023 season, a nomination that hasn’t surfaced since 2009. Whereas being chosen to win the championship is a big accomplishment, residing as much as these expectations is a distinct process. The 2009 Longhorns squad did simply that, successful the Large 12 Championship whereas standing at No. 3 within the convention. 

This 12 months, Texas’ followers wait in anticipation greater than ever since this season marks its final with the convention earlier than transferring to the SEC. However regardless of the media buzz about Texas’ future, head coach Steve Sarkisian made clear final Wednesday throughout Large 12 Media Days that his workforce is concentrated on a profitable 2023 season slightly than the competitors that awaits within the SEC.

“I do know there’s been a lot discuss concerning the SEC and what’s taking place in 2024, however I feel one factor I like concerning the workforce that now we have this 12 months is their give attention to 2023 and this chance now we have right here within the Large 12,” Sarkisian stated. “It’s going to be a heck of a season.” 

Whereas some spectators argue this ultimate season may very well be a clumsy transition interval for the workforce, Sarkisian stated he has a roster filled with athletes who need to be Large 12 champions and don’t see this season as one to be dismissed. 

“I really feel like this workforce is on a mission as a result of that’s the strategy they’ve day-after-day that they present up within the facility,” Sarkisian stated. “They’ve purchased into this factor, and greater than they’ve purchased into it, they’ve elevated it.” 

The 2023 roster consists of many upperclassmen who’ve grown alongside Sarkisian and at the moment are of their third 12 months underneath his steering, like Jaylan Ford, Xavier Worthy and Jahdae Barron. Sarkisian emphasised the significance of veteran gamers over newcomers since they supply the required motivation and data for achievement. 

“I do know loads is manufactured from the gamers that we’ve introduced in, however we’ve received lots of veteran gamers that got here to the College of Texas to win a championship,” Sarkisian stated. “They purchased into a brand new coach, a brand new teaching employees, a brand new fashion of play, a brand new tradition, and inevitably they’re leaders on our workforce now.”

As expectations for the Longhorns appear to have peaked, Sarkisian stated one of many obligations for Texas athletes is to fulfill these presumptions. He stated the gamers don’t draw back from the stress however as a substitute acknowledge it and “push it to the aspect.”  

“I feel we’ve received a mature sufficient workforce to respect what you guys consider us, however on the finish of the day, now now we have to get again to work,” Sarkisian stated. “What is going to in the end outline us is how we play on Saturdays, and that’s what we’ve received to give attention to.”    

With soccer season ticket gross sales promoting out in June, all eyes might be on the Longhorns as they hope to satisfy their aim of enjoying on one of many greatest phases in school soccer on Dec. 2 in Arlington. 

“I do know there’s lots of pleasure within the air,” Sarkisian stated. “I do know we’re excited as a workforce, our teaching employees, our gamers, and I need to commend our gamers for his or her dedication…we’re wanting ahead to September and placing all of it on the sphere.”  

‘The Summer time I Turned Fairly’ season two brings new depth

After a yr’s wait, viewers return to Cousins Seaside, the place the trials and tribulations of a teenage love triangle proceed within the second season of “The Summer time I Turned Fairly.” Following the identical indulgent romance with newfound depth, season two lives as much as and improves upon its predecessor. The eight-episode season’s first three episodes arrived on July 14 on Amazon Prime; the remaining will launch weekly on Fridays.

Season two introduces a stark dynamic change between characters Stomach (Lola Tung), Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), who discover themselves at odds after the occasions of the earlier yr. A brand new addition to “The  Summer time I Turned Fairly” world, Aunt Julia (Kyra Sedgwick) plans to promote the seashore home, and her youngster Skye (Elsie Fisher) has come alongside to assist. Regardless of their strained relationships, the trio, Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Taylor (Rain Spencer) band collectively to avoid wasting the seashore home. These new obstacles give season two an intriguing introduction.

After the considerably trivial qualms of a debutante ball in season one, the brand new season brings a refreshing degree of maturity because the characters take care of extra intense life adjustments. The present shortly moved on from its early days, with Nicole (Summer time Madison) and Stomach being the one remaining debutants. The episodes now give attention to the transition from highschool to varsity and emotions of powerlessness and grief with a brand new depth that provides to the characters’ relatability. Although the characters get older and the themes achieve magnitude, the teenager facet of this teen drama stays intact. Characters keep their youth and keep away from changing into mini-adults, as in different teen dramas. Any viewer in search of continuous romance, nonetheless, could also be disenchanted. With its newfound depth, the frequency of loving glances and stolen kisses has taken a success. Nonetheless, with solely three episodes to date, an increase in romance stays doable.

Simply as in season one, the creators didn’t skimp on the soundtrack, filling it with well-known artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, One Path and extra. The music heightens and intensifies particulars, transferring a tune’s nuances to the scene. The nostalgic and sprightly anthems improve the present’s appeal and youthful glow. 

Although the primary three episodes mark a largely profitable return, they generally really feel sluggish — the current timeline drones on with out substantively driving the plot. Flashbacks to the prior yr provide painfully quick however extraordinarily needed aid from the drudgery. And regardless of extra depth in themes and subject material, some characters’ relationships stay underdeveloped. The present doesn’t adequately discover its sibling relationships, particularly the brotherly bond between Conrad and Jeremiah or the connection between Stomach and Steven. 

In the end, “The Summer time I Turned Fairly’s” second season makes for straightforward viewing. With the proper stability of drama and enjoyable, the Amazon sequence made a powerful return and launched deeper plotlines to maintain followers invested for the remainder of the summer time. 

3 slices of blueberry pie out of 5