Sunday 26th October 2025
Blog Page 10

Fresh-water

0

I am no longer a mother—
I have surrendered my body to the surgeon’s
sea shells and fish bones; and my son
to the teal press of synthetic skin and the clean plastic mouth
which kisses him flush with breath.
His blue cheeks expand: little lungs forced to work.

The casket will be crafted from grains of sand
freed from my womb or his ocean.
The gravestone will be the size of
my heart. His heart,
cold and narrow and sharp as steel
trapped under paper-thin skin.

That thing in that cot is not my child. The body
I am in is not a mother’s.
I have given my son to the salt and myself
to the shore. The swell will swallow me and wring out
the blood, the sweat, the milk which clogs
my veins—he was born breathing
water.

Spread out on their table they gut me,
marvelling at the wet of my insides—
salt and brine and hundreds of pearls.
The pearl that is my heart. The pearl that is him,
not that creature which they laid on my breasts
To die.

My son is ruddy and laughing already!
What a fast learner, the nurses exclaim
as already he strides and swims and
blows bubbles in the water; sporting strong lungs
that will not collapse under his rib weight.
I have fashioned him out of sea-glass indestructible,
and carved him fresh organs from sand.

I have given my son to the sea and I hold him
too tightly as we submerge. I am
no longer a mother. The woman in the water is.
Her son is half-fish, half-mer, entirely hers.
The hole in her heart lets all the water out.

6 Breathtaking Antarctica Destinations Every Student Should Know

While there are plenty of destinations in the world that offer adventure, there’s nothing like Antarctica. This frozen island isn’t just the end of the world, it’s the ultimate bucket-list for adventurers, travellers and even students seeking epic landscapes, memorable moments and stories that stay forever. 

Whether you’re fascinated by climate science, drawn to extreme landscapes, or just looking for the wildest gap-year experience imaginable, Antarctica offers destinations that challenge, awe, and inspire in equal measure. Hence, it is also considered one of the destinations for students who want to discover more about the planet and its geography.

With Wildfoot Travel, you can make the most of your trip to Antarctica, whether you are focusing on luxury wildlife holidays or an adventurous trip. From towering glaciers and endless icebergs to colonies of penguins that don’t care about deadlines, Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on the planet. 

However, you must look out for 6 stunningly beautiful destinations in Antarctica that must be on your list. 

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are often the first taste of Antarctica for students on expedition cruises, and they don’t disappoint. This island certainly makes you feel like you are in a National Geographic documentary as you see penguins waddling around, seals lazing on ice floes and amazing volcanic landscapes. 

For students, it’s a mix of easy landings and instant adventure. You can hop off the zodiac boats to explore gentle slopes, take pictures and selfies with curious chinstrap penguins, and marvel at icebergs of all shapes and sizes. The islands also give a glimpse of scientific life, with research stations scattered across the archipelago, ideal for students curious about climate, wildlife, or polar science.

However, you must have the right packing list for Antarctica to ensure that you have an unforgettable Antarctic experience when you are stepping onto the ice for the first time.

Deception Island

If you are looking for some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, Deception Island must be on your list. The name of this island itself creates enough curiosity and offers an amazing experience. Unlike any other places on this frozen island, Deception Island is where volcanoes meet icy shores. For those seeking luxury wildlife experiences, they can enjoy a mix of dramatic landscapes, steaming volcanic vents, and black sand beaches, a sharp contrast to the usual white ice fields.

It’s one of the few places in Antarctica where you can actually step inside a volcanic caldera, wander around the remains of old whaling stations, and spot curious penguins and seals along the coast. The island’s unusual geography makes it a photographer’s dream, and the combination of history, wildlife, and natural spectacle keeps students fascinated for hours.

King George Island

King George Island is one of Antarctica’s most accessible hubs for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts, blending wildlife encounters with a fascinating glimpse into polar research. The island hosts several international research stations, so stepping ashore feels like entering a mini-science hub frozen in time. 

This is a perfect island for individuals curious about climate, ecology, or geology. On the other hand, this is also a great place for wildlife spotting. Here you can watch Gentoo and chinstrap penguins waddling across beaches, seals lounge on ice floes, and seabirds wheel overhead in a dramatic Antarctic sky. You can find various luxury cruises that add King George Island to the itinerary. However, there are certain things to know before you book a cruise to Antarctica

The terrain offers plenty of variety from rocky outcrops to icy coves, and each landing spot offers a new perspective of the stark, awe-inspiring environment. Hence, this is a great place where you can snap stunning pictures, jot down observations and genuinely feel the scale of the world’s southernmost continent.

Antarctic Peninsula

One of the most common destinations in Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula is what you shouldn’t miss when you are planning wildlife holidays on this frozen island. Stretching like a frozen finger toward South America, this island is dotted with breathtaking glaciers, towering icebergs, and abundant wildlife. 

It’s where visitors can truly grasp the scale and raw beauty of the continent, from towering cliffs of blue ice to waters teeming with penguins, seals, and whales. You can find various landing sites that offer a blend of adventure and accessibility. If you are looking to hike gentle slopes, explore panoramic viewpoints and past massive icebergs in zodiacs, you can do that here. 

The Antarctic Peninsula is a destination where you can spot colonies of Adélie and gentoo penguins interacting in their natural habitats. The peninsula also offers insight into environmental change, as glaciers and ice shelves reveal the effects of climate dynamics firsthand. For those willing to learn more about this island, this combination of awe-inspiring scenery, abundant wildlife, and the thrill of exploring one of the most remote regions on Earth is a must.

Paradise Bay

Students and those heading out for luxury wildlife holidays should have Paradise Bay on their itinerary. This place in Antarctica lives up to its name, offering one of the most breathtaking and serene landscapes on the island. Surrounded by towering glaciers and floating icebergs, the bay feels like stepping into another world, silent, pristine, and impossibly vast.

Visitors can explore the bay via zodiac cruises, glide between icebergs, and watch curious penguins and seals in their natural habitat. The area is also ideal for photography, with dramatic reflections on still waters and shifting ice formations that change by the hour. This makes it one of the best destinations for those interested in natural landscapes and wildlife. 

For those interested in science, research stations nearby offer glimpses into environmental studies, making Paradise Bay both visually mesmerising and intellectually engaging. Hence, Paradise Bay offers a combination of lovely wildlife encounters, jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of environmental knowledge. 

Lemaire Channel

Speaking of some of the most breathtaking Antarctica destinations, Lemaire Channel is Antarctica’s narrow ice corridor, a place that feels almost too perfect to be real. For first-time visitors, it’s the ultimate moment as they witness towering cliffs of blue and white ice rise on either side as your zodiac or ship winds through calm, mirror-like waters.

While this place might seem isolated and quiet, it has plenty of wildlife activity. Hence, you can spot penguins dive into the frigid waters, seals lounge on ice floes, and seabirds glide effortlessly overhead. This is a great place for those interested in landscape and wildlife photography, as they can capture some stunning pictures. 

Exploring the Lemaire Channel is more than sightseeing; it’s an immersive experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and a rare feeling of solitude in one of the planet’s most remote regions. For visitors, this stretch of Antarctica delivers both inspiration and stories that last a lifetime.

How Schooling Helps Pupils Make Sense of News Across the Globe

Each morning, many pupils scroll through news feeds filled with elections, climate rallies, and conflicts. Without proper guidance, these constant updates blur into noise and confusion. Schools bring order, turning scattered stories into coherent and useful knowledge. Teachers demonstrate links between events, boosting confidence while pupils read, watch, and reflect. Reviews of learning tools also matter; many parents read what people say in speedy paper reviews before choosing online tutoring support. Well-designed courses also teach calm habits for checking claims before sharing anything online.

Education offers more than preparation for examinations; it builds a mental map of places and events. A learner who has studied plate movement and disaster planning can make sense of news about a tsunami. When elections reshape trade rules abroad, economics lessons on supply chains explain why prices might rise the following month. Blending science, civics, and history equips pupils to decode breaking stories, not merely react online. They learn that careful analysis is more effective than outrage when timelines and data appear to conflict.

Why Context in Classrooms Matters

News events rarely unfold in isolation, separate from causes, history, and related issues. A strike in one nation is linked to wages, trade regulations, and labour history. When teachers provide background, pupils begin asking what came before and what follows next. They cease treating each headline as a stand-alone story and instead view it as part of a longer narrative. This habit resists oversimplified interpretations and curbs stereotypes by exposing different perspectives. Pupils practise tracing cause and effect across policies, markets, media, and everyday life.

Strong context deepens empathy and strengthens care for people facing hardship. Studying migration history helps pupils grasp why families risk dangerous journeys today. Reviewing past pandemics reveals patterns in public responses to health advice. These links make global events feel less random and more human. Comparing local and faraway cases highlights shared struggles, even when details differ. Recognising common threads encourages respectful dialogue and joint problem-solving. Pupils apply such insights to local choices, from school policies to neighbourhood projects.

Linking History with Current Affairs

When schools weave past events into present news, timelines gain meaning. Cold War lessons prepare pupils to interpret debates about cybersecurity and space research. They see how earlier rivalries shape current alliances, markets, and policy decisions. This perspective shows that progress can stall or even reverse during periods of stress. Rights may expand and later contract; economies may surge and then slow; scientific claims undergo tests and refinement. Recognising such cycles prevents assumptions that everything today is entirely new. It also clarifies current slogans by linking them to earlier speeches and debates. Pupils broaden their perspective by comparing archives with podcasts, timelines, and contemporary interviews.

Teachers frequently bring primary sources into lessons to strengthen these connections. Letters from Great War soldiers help pupils compare carefully past and present views on conflict. Early newspaper cartoons reveal how public opinion formed long before social media existed. Analysing such materials trains critical thinking while demonstrating that citizens have debated policy for generations. This awareness fosters patience, as meaningful change requires dialogue, compromise, and time—rather than only viral posts or sudden protests. Class discussions stress listening skills, fair summaries, and clear arguments supported by evidence.

Building Strong Media Literacy

Global stories reach pupils through many channels, including television presenters, podcasts, blogs, and continuous social feeds. Media literacy lessons encourage pupils to pause before posting or sharing content. They compare sources, flag loaded language, and check dates on articles and clips. By using reverse image searches or locating a video’s first upload, they can detect false context. These habits transform passive readers into active investigators who distinguish reporting from rumour. Lessons also explain feed algorithms and how they can limit exposure to diverse reporting.

Media literacy further supports civil debate among pupils during classroom discussions. When they cite verified facts, conversation centres on ideas rather than personal attacks. Teachers can assign structured roles to encourage fair and balanced dialogue. One group summarises an article, another checks sources, and a third notes missing voices. Through collaborative work, learners realise that even trusted outlets have limits and biases. Seeing such gaps does not foster cynicism; it promotes reading across a variety of perspectives before forming judgements about complex international events.

Encouraging Thoughtful Global Citizenship

Understanding global events is only the first step; responsible action follows. Classrooms that promote global citizenship encourage pupils to think about both problems and solutions. After studying water shortages, a science class might design simple filters using local materials. A language group may draft letters to officials or posts for the school website, advocating for fair policies. When young people see that their ideas matter, news feels less overwhelming and more like an invitation. Civic clubs can track progress with straightforward metrics and celebrate small successes together.

Schools also nurture empathy through direct contact across borders and shared experiences. Video calls with partner classes allow pupils to exchange questions about daily life, music, and celebrations. Friendly conversations break down stereotypes more quickly than any textbook or slideshow can. Service projects—ranging from raising funds after disasters to gathering data for citizen science—turn abstract headlines into teamwork. By pairing knowledge with action, education fosters the confidence and compassion needed to engage meaningfully with the wider world.

Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities opens

The Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities has opened in Oxford’s Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. The Centre is named after Stephen A. Schwarzman, who made donations totalling £185 million, including a £150 million gift which the University described as its biggest “since the Renaissance”.

The new building houses seven faculties: English, History, Linguistics, Philology & Phonetics, Medieval & Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, and Theology & Religion. It is also home to both the Oxford Internet Institute and the Institute for Ethics in AI. Each faculty has its own dedicated area of the building, including informal social space, a kitchenette, and seminar rooms.

Alongside faculty areas, the five floors of the Schwarzman Centre include the 500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall, a 250-seat theatre for lectures and drama, and an 87-seat cinema and lecture theatre. The Centre will also house a black box performing space, a recital hall, a white box art exhibition space, and a museum for the Bate Collection of historic musical instruments. The ground floor of the Centre is open to the public. This includes a cafe and the Great Hall, a space designed to echo the Radcliffe Camera.

The concert hall, black box theatre, and recital hall are located in the basement, which spans two floors and also features a coffee bar. The substantial underground development was used to maximise space in light of planning regulations which restricted the height of the building. The performance spaces will only open from April 2026, when a new Cultural Program which “aims to welcome audiences and communities into the heart of the research process at Oxford University through public engagement” will also begin. 

Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey said of the Centre: “Its state-of-the-art facilities, reaching out deep into the international cultural community, enables us all to come together in a new dialogue in one extraordinary building befitting of this great and historic University and City.”

The Humanities Library overlooks the Radcliffe Observatory. Grace Greaves for Cherwell

The main work space for students is the Bodleian Humanities Library, which opened on 29th September. At 2,100m², it has the combined space of the libraries it will replace, housing the collections from the since-closed Philosophy and Theology, English, and Music Faculty Libraries, as well as smaller collections from the History of Medicine Library and the Oxford Internet Institute Library. 

From 2nd October, the Humanities Library will be open to members of the Humanities Division from 9am to 9pm every day. Non-humanities students will have access from 9am to 8pm on weekdays. These are significantly longer hours than most libraries in Oxford, reflecting a desire amongst postgraduates for opening hours that are the same as term-time weekdays.

In total, there are 410 seats in the Humanities library. The majority are in quiet study spaces, but there are also more informal areas as well as flexible study/meeting spaces, which reflect recommendations from the Bodleian Libraries’ recently published study, “The 21st Century Library”.

Of those, 80 seats, located on the inner rim of the upper floors overlooking the atrium, will be restricted to postgraduates. Cherwell understands that it has been a strategic objective of the Humanities Division to provide improved facilities for postgraduate students, given the large increase in numbers over the last two decades. The number seats in the libraries which the this library has replaced totalled 340, meaning there has been an increase of 70 seats overall, but a loss of 10 unrestricted seats. 

The Sohmen Concert Hall offers state-of-the-art acoustics and design. Grace Greaves for Cherwell

The Centre was designed by British architecture firm Hopkins Architects, who have previously partnered with Emmanuel College, Cambridge and Nottingham University. It was built according to Passivhaus principles, which aim to maximise energy efficiency, with strong insulation, solar power generation, and planting aimed to increase biodiversity. 97% of the materials used in the building were sourced from within the UK, and the centre hopes to obtain official Passivhaus recognition by the end of the year.

The spaces once occupied by these libraries are now being reallocated for future administrative and academic use. Two leased properties have been handed back to landlords, with the University determining no ongoing need to retain them.

The 250-seat theatre had been due to feature student productions from Hilary Term 2026, but the first slot has since been delayed until Michaelmas 2026. The Schwarzman Centre’s venue booking request form for general use currently states that “rooms are only available from January 2026.” Music practice rooms will be bookable for music students.

As a part of the public Cultural Program, the Schwarzman Centre has appointed ten Cultural Fellows, including artists, musicians, and choreographers, who will exhibit works and run masterclasses in the Centre. The Cultural Programme includes new theatre and dance performances, a series of conversations led by Samira Ahmed on contemporary issues, and a new immersive 360-degree spatial audio experience developed by Icelandic band Sigur Rós.

The recital hall can be used for music and dance. Grace Greaves for Cherwell

Stephen Schwarzman, an American billionaire, is the founder, chairman, and chief executive of Blackstone, an investment firm best known for its private equity business. He had previously donated $350 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for artificial intelligence research, as well as $100 million to Tsinghua University, Beijing, to build an international scholarship programme inspired by Oxford’s Rhodes Scholarship.

At the time of the donation, Blackstone had recently been singled out by a UN report for its contribution to the global housing crisis. An open letter signed by 27 Oxford academics opposed the University’s decision to accept Schwarzman’s philanthropy, stating that the Schwarzman centre “will be built with the proceeds of the exploitation and disenfranchisement of vulnerable people across the world”. The letter added that: “It is through association with universities like MIT, Yale, and now Oxford, that Schwarzman seeks to legitimise these practices.” 

Schwarzman is a committed Republican who has given significant amounts in political donations. In the 2020 election cycle he donated $33.5 million to groups supporting Republicans. In 2024 he announced his intention to donate to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, and has since supported the President’s introduction of tariffs. He was also recently criticised for having had large amounts of water delivered to his 2500-acre estate in Wiltshire, despite a county-wide hosepipe ban having been in place.

A University spokesperson told Cherwell: “Oxford University has robust and rigorous guidelines regarding the acceptance of donations and research funding …  All significant new funders or new gifts or grants from existing funders are reviewed by the Committee to Review Donations and Research Funding (CRDRF) … Those donating money or sponsoring programmes at the University have no influence over how academics carry out their research or what conclusions they reach.”

The Schwarzman Centre’s website states: “The Committee [to Review Donations and Research Funding] reviews all the publicly available information about a potential donor and can take legal, ethical and reputational issues into consideration … Auditors have looked at our process and found it to be robust and effective, and we are confident in its ability to determine which sources of funding are acceptable under our guidelines.”

A spokesperson for Blackstone told Cherwell: “When approached by Oxford, Mr Schwarzman was proud to support the creation of the new Centre – a major unmet need for the university that will benefit students, faculty and the community for years to come.” 

On Blackstone’s housing record, they added: “There has been significant inaccurate reporting on this issue. Blackstone is proud to be part of the solution to the global undersupply of the rental housing sector. In the UK, we created Sage Homes, England’s largest provider of newly built affordable housing for the past four years running, committing approximately £4 billion to deliver over 20,000 new affordable homes.”

Regarding Schwarzman’s Wiltshire estate, they said: “There is nothing unlawful about the Estate’s use of water in any way, shape or form. Since purchasing the Estate in 2022, Mr. Schwarzman has been committed to the restoration and preservation of a landmark estate of national heritage and importance. Every aspect of the project is advancing with the highest regard to the law and local regulations.”

Correction: This article previously claimed that music practice rooms in the centre would not be avalible until Hilary Term, and that the old Music Faculty would remain open. In fact, the practice rooms will be bookable from the start of Michaelmas, and the old Faculty building will not be open.

‘This Is What You Get’: Thirty years of mad ravings from two great artistic minds

0

★★★★★

This Is What You Get, the new exhibit at the Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street, showcases 30 years of artwork, music and early lyrics: the esoteric musings of Thom Yorke, frontman of Radiohead, The Smile, and Atoms for Peace, and his long-time friend and collaborator Stanley Donwood.

Well, it’s worth getting the conflict of interest out of the way. The Ashmolean Museum could have had an empty room with an attendant occasionally whispering “Radiohead”, and I’d still have loved it. That said, the exhibition is an incredible tribute to the greatest band of the last three decades, and if you take anything from this review, let it be a strong imperative to go and see it.

Taking its name from the chorus of ‘Karma Police’, this exhibition has everything a Radiohead fan could want to see, and holds substance for those less infatuated with the band as well. It acts as a journey through the band’s history: memorabilia from The Bends era is displayed near the start, while the exhibition finishes with stunning, full-scale artworks from A Moon Shaped Pool and The Smile’s three albums. Along the way are various pairs of headphones playing songs like ‘There There’ and the exciting bit from ‘Paranoid Android’. 

I didn’t quite realise what I was getting myself into until I saw a notebook with early drafts of lyrics to ‘My Iron Lung’, from what would have been around 1994 by my best guess (it probably specified when, but I was too busy fangirling). If you’ve had the pleasure of playing through the Kid A Mnesia exhibition (a free virtual art gallery experience), you will recognise many of the sketches in the game around the walls. They’ve even got the Sperm Monster.

The album artworks are accompanied by information on Donwood and Yorke’s creative inspirations, with lots of bonus information for those interested. For example: Hail To The Thief, their 2003 album, was originally going to be graced with phallic topiary in a National Trust garden before that idea got shut down. Some of the art itself is preposterously large. Seeing Hail to the Thief’s wall of text blown up to its original size of over 2 square metres was incredibly bewildering, given how frequently I handle the standard 12-inch albums during my DJ sets (which I am frequently told contain “too much Radiohead”, if that’s possible).

Taking in all of the early drafts and alternate concepts for the covers really instils an appreciation for the creative process behind these pieces of art, and just quite how much goes into producing what many people will never see beyond a one-inch square on their phone screen. I’ve already got tickets to go again at least three times (it’s free for Oxford students, so make the most of it while the exhibition is there) and I’ve got no doubt that I’ll continue to find new things to love each visit.

I left, somehow, with an even greater sense of admiration for Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke than I entered with, matched only by the great sense of monetary destitution I felt after making my way through the gift shop. They’ve got a tiny printing press that you can use to make your own oil print memorabilia – I walked away with my very own Modified Bear. Overall, the exhibit is well worth your time, taking no more than an hour at most (even if you stop to look at everything, like I did). It’s really cool. You should go see it.

This Is What You Get is on at the Ashmolean Museum until the 11th January 2026. Tickets can be found here.

Writing a Great Immigration Character Reference

Getting the right to work or stay in the United States sometimes requires written statements that plead your case — even for individuals with credentials from prestigious institutions like Oxford University.

The important question is: what is a character reference letter for immigration? In this post, we’ll show you how to easily put a great reference together.

Who Should Be the Reference?

Whether you’re an immigration applicant wanting to move to the US or somebody close to them simply trying to help, you likely have a reference in mind (if not yourself).

However, not everyone can take this on. Here’s a quick look at who’d be a good reference:

  • Someone already respected in the local community
  • Someone who has known the applicant for years
  • A previous/current US employer, teacher, or colleague
  • Neighbors who know the applicant’s character well
  • Anyone who can share positive stories about the applicant

If you know anyone who ticks at least one of those boxes, ask for their help. Similarly, you could make an excellent reference if you’re one of the above.


There should be multiple references — ideally, a mix of personal and professional ones will help you make the strongest possible case.

Use an Online Template

Whether you’re writing a reference or asking someone else for help, use a template. These can really help structure the statement and even give ideas for what to write. 

Plenty of sites offer online document templates for next to nothing, some even let you customize their specifics to fit your situation. The most you’ll have to do is answer a few questions — you’ll get a completed document in minutes. 

However, you’ll still need to write the reference yourself; no template can substitute the power of a personal story about the applicant’s kindness and good moral character.

These templates give you a great structure, but it’s up to you to keep it personal and make sure it won’t sound generic.

How to Make the Reference More Personal

On this note, if you’re writing a reference for someone, you need to know which stories can turn the case in your favor. This means the reference has to prove you truly know them (for at least a few years, preferably) and have first-hand experience with their character.

Here are a few points worth mentioning, or potential stories worth telling:

  • The applicant’s reliability and responsibility, such as how they manage family duties
  • Their kindness and compassion, such as any good deeds or volunteering they do
  • How engaged they are in the community, such as their contributions to local events
  • Their integrity, with examples of how trustworthy they are with sensitive information

However, big stories like these aren’t the be-all, end-all. An applicant doesn’t need to do a ton of volunteer work or care for a child to deserve a spot in the country. Anything that shows they’re a kind, hardworking person will still help.

Finding the Right Tone and Language

The letter might be personal, but it’s still going to an immigration official. You can write emotively in the reference, but you must stay sincere and respectful. 

This is another way a template helps — it shows how to write a reference that’s heartfelt without descending into flattery. On the topic of flattery, don’t exaggerate or lie to make an applicant look good. What you write might come across as insincere and call the reference into question.

Here are a few extra language and general writing tips for these documents:

  • Write in first person to highlight your connection with the applicant
  • Be specific about the applicant’s contributions, with clear examples
  • Don’t be too complimentary; any stories you share will do the work
  • Stay positive and keep the focus on the applicant’s good character
  • Don’t go over 1-2 pages, or you might end up repeating yourself

Honesty is the Best Policy

Above all else, if you’re writing a reference, just be genuine. Be honest about the applicant, your relationship to them, and the impact they’ve had on you. Anything other than this could seriously jeopardize the applicant’s case.

You don’t have to pretend the applicant is perfect, though you also shouldn’t go out of your way to mention reasons to deny their visa. The truth will make more of an impact than flowery prose about how great an applicant is.

A Clear Final Endorsement

Reference writers need a strong conclusion that actively recommends approving their friend or family member’s application. For example, you can say directly that you believe they’re of good moral character and would benefit the community (and country).

In addition, you (or the reference) should provide contact details in case the immigration officials need to get in touch again to get more information or context. 

Final Thoughts

An immigration character reference could definitely benefit from an online template. However, a good reference comes from the heart and uses the template as a springboard to show why the US should welcome the applicant.

Outdoor Gear Matters: How the Right Equipment Enhances an Adventure

Few things excite more than strapping on a rucksack and escaping the clamour of the city. The air feels cleaner, the stillness seems almost sentient, and even the crunch of gravel in your boots, which normally seems inconsequential, suddenly seems to sing.

There’s the scent of pine, the coolness of the breeze, the prismatic display of sunbeams gliding through trees, and the gradual colours of dusk intensifying.

But the reality is, if you are cold, wet, or ill-prepared, nothing feels the same. An enchanting trail is dull and tedious if your shoes are wet. A starlit sky seems to go on forever if your sleeping bag fails to provide warmth.

You then appreciate how much outdoor gear really means; it isn’t just equipment you carry, it is in fact the difference between a memorable trip and a trip you merely survive.

Wearing the proper equipment provides ease, safety, and the ability to move freely. It allows the wearer to enjoy the scenery, the chill, the laughter, instead of the blisters or rain that may be filtering into the tent. If you want to see more, read the link.

It’s not the latest gimmick or top-tier brands. Rather it’s being prepared, so that the outdoors is comfortable enough to be enjoyed freely.

Security That Does not Hinder Breathing

I can still recall my very first long hike. During the hike, there was an instance where the clouds opened up and it started to rain. As a result, people who wore trainers were slipping and sliding. However, my hiking boots were not affected.

It was a breath of fresh air that I was able to enjoy the view instead of being concerned about slipping and falling.

People would argue that the more the equipment, the better prepared and more comfortable the person will be. The outdoor jacket, dry socks, a headtorch, and even a simple waterproof jacket can prevent panic and instead allow enjoyment of the situation.

It may not be dramatic, but it is certainly something we all appreciate and are thankful for.

Comfort That Makes You Stay Longer

Spending the night outside should feel like an adventure and not an uncomfortable chore. I learned this lesson on my first ever camping trip, where I did not bring an appropriate sleeping bag and instead went along with the bag I use day-to-day. The result was horrific.

Unfortunately, sleep did not feature in my plans. The ground started to feel harder and harder with every hour of rest, the cold air started to creep in through every pore in the blanket, and I kept on staring at my watch as if it were my only purpose in life.

I was not excited about the fresh air that came with the sunrise, and the simple fact that I wanted to pack my belongings and return home explained my state.

With the first trip over, hopefully my new trip would go smoother. I came prepared with my trusty sleeping bag and my small inflatable sleeping pad, which I procured from a store the day before the trip. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it provided comfort, which this time changed the experience completely.

The bursting sunrise this time was not a nightmare that I had to turn and toss to find comfort. The peace and beauty of the sleeping bag during the night, along with the soft inflatable pad, was rather soothing to the aching arms that I experienced during the previous rough trip.

It made me recall the purpose I had for this trip. The simple fact that I chose to go was the highlight.

Relaxation in the wild does not have to involve extravagant amenities; it certainly does not entail dragging your entire bedroom into nature. It entails settling down to recuperate and appreciate your surroundings.

Getting some rest makes everything else seem so much better: the morning hike feels smoother, the coffee tastes richer, and even minor inconveniences are not seen as setbacks.

That’s what makes the difference: when cut short, and when people have the freedom to choose to stay, it’s not because they feel unwanted.

Memories, You, and Your Animals

Nature does not wait for perfect conditions. Clouds, wind, and the rest of it come rolling in, and suddenly, you’re questioning whether the entire trip has been ruined. I have been on that trail, at the moment when the clouds turn grey and a chill comes in.

You may think of heading back, looking at the moment, and most probably even consider giving up on the entire day. But this is when you have to acknowledge products made for the outdoors.

Your food and clothes can remain dry because of a simple rain cover on your rucksack. You don’t worry about soggy matches or soggy sandwiches; you simply walk on knowing your essentials are alright.

A thermal layer feels like you are wrapped in coziness, protecting you from the cold and preserving the joy of the moment. The worry fades as you feel warm and dry.

That is when you start to notice the finer details that would have gone unnoticed: the way raindrops on the pine needles look like jewels, each reflecting a faint light.

The gentle drip of water from the branches, like a steady metronome, soft and soothing, feels different. The very air feels different, as if wrapped in a layer of cleanliness. Revitalising and fresh, blurring the lines of reality. What is termed “bad weather” is etched in your memory, the complete opposite of regret.

Gear That Lets You Go Further

You are not exceptional because of the gear. With a hydration pack, you don’t need to think about the next water stop; you’re free to move. A set of trekking poles, easing pressure on your knees, enables you to reach heights you never thought possible. And a small multi-tool handles minor issues that might otherwise force you to turn back.

Having the right equipment allows me to explore places I would have otherwise never considered. It gives a sense of self-assuredness.

Environmental Stewardship

Using a reusable water bottle reduces the chance of littering and minimises plastic waste on the trail. Similarly, a portable camping stove prevents the campfire from leaving permanent scars on nature.

The satisfaction gained from nature-oriented gear is for the sake of the next traveller; the environment should be preserved for future adventurers.

Getting Started

Beginners do not need everything at once. I started with a good pair of boots, a sturdy rucksack, and a jacket that would keep out the rain.

This was sufficient for short day hikes and weekend trips. Gradually, I added other gear, like a tent and sleeping bag, enhancing the comfort of each trip.

The difference with your trip need not be drastic; comfort and safety are the two most important considerations.

Why Outdoor Gear Really Matters

Far from home and everyday comforts, the gear you have is not merely ‘things.’ It is your ‘slice of heaven.’ It allows you to gaze at the stars without shivering, take another step without pain, and stay present instead of distracted by discomfort.

This is why outdoor gear matters. Its purpose is to ensure you enjoy every sight, every moment of stillness, and every adventure safely and comfortably.

Oxford falls from top three in Times UK university rankings

0

Oxford University has ranked fourth in The Times’s 2026 UK university rankings. This is the first year that Oxford has failed to secure a spot in the guide’s top three – having ranked third in the newspaper’s 2025 ranking and second in 2024.

In the latest guide, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the University of St Andrew’s topped the table for the second year running. Meanwhile, Durham University, which placed fifth in the 2025 guide, ranked third, beating both Oxford and Cambridge University. 

Durham’s triumph marks the first time in 32 years that neither Oxford nor Cambridge have topped The Times’s ranking of UK universities.

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, told ITV News “in a very competitive top ten Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement”. Davies added that Durham’s “stellar academic performance was boosted this year by improvements in teaching quality and student experience”.

The Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Karen O’Brien, said: “Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal, engaged alumni are testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.”

The Times have produced an annual guide of UK universities since 1993, ranking universities based on factors such as student experience and employment prospects. Each university receives a total score and ranking based upon their overall performance.

Despite a poor national performance in The Times, Oxford ranked first as the newspaper’s regional university of the year for the South East. Internationally, Oxford ranked first in The Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 World University Rankings for the tenth consecutive year.

In response to the world rankings, Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University, told Cherwell: “The THE rankings, rooted in internationally competitive research and teaching excellence, are recognised worldwide as a vigorous and demanding benchmark of university performance. This achievement reflects the dedication of our academics, professional services staff and students.”

Oxford also held on to first place in The Guardian’s 2026 UK university rankings, with Cambridge maintaining third place and Durham ranking fourth. Oxford’s differing performance in The Times and Guardian rankings is understood to be a consequence of the different metrics used by each table.

The Oxford University Students Union (SU) declined to comment.

Liraglutide: A Multifaceted Peptide with Expanding Research Horizons

Liraglutide, a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), represents a prominent subject in peptide research due to its diverse physiological and biochemical properties. Originally designed as a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, Liraglutide is believed to extend its support beyond classical glycemic regulation, offering valuable insights for various scientific research domains.

This article examines the molecular characteristics, mechanistic pathways, and potential implications of Liraglutide within experimental and translational research, with a focus on elucidating its multifaceted supports for metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular, and cellular functions in various murine research models.

Introduction to Liraglutide and Its Molecular Framework

Liraglutide is a 31-amino acid peptide analogue closely related to endogenous GLP-1 but engineered for better-supported pharmacokinetic properties through acylation with a fatty acid chain. This structural modification facilitates prolonged interaction with albumin, slowing enzymatic degradation and thereby extending the peptide’s activity period.

Studies suggest that the peptide may activate the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a G protein-coupled receptor distributed in multiple tissues, including the pancreas, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract. Research suggests that Liraglutide may induce receptor-mediated signaling cascades involving cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA), ultimately supporting transcriptional and enzymatic activities that regulate glucose metabolism, hunger hormone modulation, and cellular survival pathways.

Metabolic and Endocrine Research Implications

The metabolic support for Liraglutide is perhaps its most investigated property, particularly its potential to modulate insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Activation of GLP-1R by Liraglutide may promote glucose-dependent insulinotropic responses, stimulating insulin release while concurrently suppressing glucagon secretion. These interactions might improve glycemic control mechanisms in research models designed to explore metabolic regulation.

Additionally, Liraglutide’s potential support for gastric emptying and nutrient absorption may support postprandial glucose kinetics, providing an experimental tool to dissect gastrointestinal hormone interactions. Research also suggests that Liraglutide may modulate hunger hormone regulation through hypothalamic centers, affecting neuropeptides involved in hunger and satiety signaling.

Neurological and Cognitive Dimensions

Beyond its metabolic actions, Liraglutide has generated interest for its potential neuroprotective and neuromodulatory properties. GLP-1 receptors are expressed in regions of the central nervous system associated with cognitive processing, learning, and memory, such as the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

Investigations suggest that Liraglutide may promote neuronal survival and neurogenesis by activating intracellular pathways that involve cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These pathways may contribute to better-supported synaptic plasticity and cognitive function.

Moreover, research models have suggested that Liraglutide may exert anti-inflammatory support within the central nervous system, possibly through the modulation of microglial activation and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Such properties suggest that Liraglutide may be a candidate molecule for studying neurodegenerative diseases and the mechanisms of neuroinflammation.

Cardiovascular and Vascular Research Potential

GLP-1 receptors are also expressed in cardiovascular tissues, suggesting that Liraglutide may play a role in cardiovascular regulation. Studies suggest that the peptide may induce vasodilation by promoting the production of nitric oxide (NO) through the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This vascular action might result in improved endothelial function, a crucial factor in cardiovascular integrity.

Additionally, Liraglutide is believed to support myocardial metabolism and contractility. Research indicates that the peptide may activate signaling pathways that support cardiac glucose uptake and mitochondrial efficiency, potentially contributing to improved cardiac energetics. This area remains a fertile ground for investigations into the metabolic-cardiovascular interface and cardiac remodeling processes.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Liraglutide might also mitigate vascular oxidative stress, providing another dimension for cardiovascular research implications. Collectively, these mechanisms suggest that the peptide plays a multifaceted role in cardiovascular homeostasis.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Research Contexts

At the cellular level, Liraglutide’s interaction with GLP-1R is thought to activate multiple downstream signaling cascades. In addition to cAMP/PKA, pathways involving phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are reportedly engaged by the peptide. These intracellular mechanisms might regulate cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses.

Research models exploring pancreatic beta-cell function have theorized that Liraglutide might support beta-cell mass and function by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Such findings illuminate the peptide’s potential to contribute to regenerative science studies focused on diabetes and pancreatic function.

Moreover, Liraglutide has been hypothesized to modulate autophagy and oxidative stress responses within cells, opening new avenues for investigating cellular homeostasis under metabolic stress or inflammatory conditions. These molecular properties offer a framework for experiments on cellular resilience and repair mechanisms.

Implications in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Research

Metabolic syndrome, characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central adiposity, remains a complex multifactorial condition. Liraglutide’s potential to support multiple metabolic pathways might make it an important molecule for dissecting interconnected mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome.

In research models examining adipose tissue biology, Liraglutide appears to support adipogenesis and lipid metabolism through GLP-1R-dependent and independent pathways. Its potential to modify the inflammatory milieu within adipose tissue and support the secretion of adipokines may help clarify the peptide’s role in obesity-associated inflammation.

Further, the peptide’s alleged modulation of hypothalamic pathways involved in hunger hormone control and energy expenditure has been theorized to offer insights into central regulatory mechanisms in obesity research. These properties place Liraglutide at the nexus of metabolic and neuroendocrine investigative efforts.

Expanding Horizons: Emerging Research Areas

Recent investigations have speculated on Liraglutide’s broader research potential beyond classical metabolic pathways. For example, its possible role in bone metabolism is an area of emerging interest. It has been hypothesized that Liraglutide might support osteoblast and osteoclast activities via GLP-1R-mediated signaling, potentially supporting bone formation and resorption dynamics. This opens potential exploratory pathways in research related to osteoporosis and skeletal integrity.

Additionally, the peptide’s alleged interaction with immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes, might modulate immune responses, possibly skewing macrophage polarization towards anti-inflammatory phenotypes. These immunomodulatory properties are under examination for their relevance in inflammatory and autoimmune disease research.

Conclusion: Liraglutide as a Versatile Research Peptide

In conclusion, Liraglutide emerges as a complex peptide with broad research implications across metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular, and cellular domains. Its properties as a GLP-1 receptor agonist are believed to extend beyond glucose regulation to encompass neuroprotection, cardiovascular modulation, cellular survival, and immunomodulation.

The peptide’s multifunctional nature renders it a valuable tool for probing intricate physiological pathways and dissecting disease mechanisms within research contexts. As investigations advance, Liraglutide may contribute to a deeper understanding of interconnected organ systems and foster innovative research paradigms.

Its expanding portfolio of properties encourages ongoing exploration, promising to enrich scientific knowledge, advance peptide research, and inspire novel hypotheses across research fields.

References

[i] Salcedo, I., Tweedie, D., Li, Y., Greig, N. H., & Mattson, M. P. (2019). Liraglutide and its neuroprotective properties—Focus on possible biochemical mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral ischemic events. Neuropharmacology, 145, 68–85.

[ii] Kathuria‑Prologo, R. R., O’Halloran, D. M., & Chiang, C. T. (2023). Cardiovascular protection with a long‑acting GLP‑1 receptor agonist liraglutide: An experimental update. Molecules, 28(3), 1369.

[iii] McClean, P. L., Parthsarathy, V., Faivre, E., & Hölscher, C. (2011). The neuroprotective effect of liraglutide is mediated by glucagon‑like peptide 1 receptor‑mediated activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. European Journal of Pharmacology, 668(1‑2), 129–135.

[iv] Guan, W. J., Zhang, H., Ni, X. Y., & Chen, L. (2019). Effect of liraglutide on cardiometabolic risk profile in people with coronary artery disease with or without type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and meta‑analysis. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 18, Article 127.

[v] Gejl, M., Brock, B., Gjedde, A., Diemer, N. H., Vang, K., & Rungby, J. (2019). The neuroprotection of liraglutide on diabetic cognitive deficits is associated with improved hippocampal synapses and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Neurobiology of Disease, 127, 1–12.

How Gen Z Is Turning Smartphones into Fashion Statements? 

Today’s smartphones are no longer just calling and messaging devices. For Gen Z, they are practically an accessory; an element of their self-expression, identity, and sense of style. 

A pair of shoes and a new handbag complete the outfit, but a cell phone case and an accessory are now part of the morning routine for young people to start their day.

For them, smartphones are extensions of their personality, like clothes and hairstyles.

The Rise of Phone Accessories in Fashion:

Phone accessories are beyond just the cases now. They are part of the aesthetic, part of the narrative; they are part of youth culture worldwide.

Modern students want a case that merges style with practicality. Materials are also trending towards light, slim, and sustainable. This is the realm of the new iPhone Air Cases and best MagSafe iPhone case, the kind of combo that heats things in no time. 

Tech brands are teaming up with fashion houses, and as a result, cases are getting just as desirable as handbags. As with limited-edition sneakers, a case with a label or a high-end design equals status  & taste.

How Gen Z Integrates Phones Into Their Outfits?

Style for this generation is a complete look. It uses its phone the way a true stylist would, blinging the phone out and coordinating it to part of the outfit, rather than attempting to hide it away.

Colour Coordination Is Key

Coordinating the phone case with shoes, nails, or even tote bags is a TikTok favourite. Gen Z is all about these unique, creative elements, and this shows that a bit of touch is all it takes.

Phone Straps and Charms

Chains, straps and charms give personality, whilst also keeping phones handy. These accessories act like jewellery, artfully fusing fashion with tech.

The Hidden Influence of Stylish Smartphones:

Smartphones now play such an important role that their appearance can significantly impact opinions. Having a trendy phone setup shows your ability to stay organised, that you are creative, and also confident.

Similar to apparel, phone accessories speak to characteristics. A bold or simple case can mould how people feel about their phone as well as how they appear using it.

The integration of wireless charging, kickstands, or card holders with sleek designs also showcases how Gen Z likes it all: a combination of convenience and aesthetics. A transition from “only tech” to “tech as lifestyle” is mirrored in this.

As AR, VR, and wearables continue to grow, the bridge between fashion and technology will grow closer. The centre will still be the smartphone, and the accessories will develop like seasonal collections in fashion. 

Last Words:

Gen Z has blurred the boundary between tech & fashion. These days, they don’t view their phones as an afterthought to their outfits, but more so as staples of their style. This is what is driving the growth of phone cases, straps, and accessories, especially for iPhone Air Cases and top MagSafe iPhone case choices.

For many of today’s youth, their fashion extends to the phones in their pockets, with the identities of who they are coming out a lot from their phones more than their clothes. 

Next time you see someone scrolling at a café or taking a selfie on campus, take a second glance. This accessory is perhaps even bolder than the clothes they are wearing: their phone.