Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

According to research, studying in a cafe can provide students with a refreshing environment, encouraging productivity and motivation. 

Cafes have coffee, snacks and food to keep students fueled while studying. However, finding the perfect cafe to fit individual needs may require some trial and error but, here are a few spots in Houston that are worth checking out:

Agora

Open until 2:00 a.m., Agora has been praised for their warm environment fit for late night study sessions.

Agora provides affordable pastries and enough coffee to study throughout the night.

According to the Agora policy, once an order is placed the customer is given the wifi password and is free to roam the two story cafe for the perfect study spot.

It is recommended to keep a check of time before leaving for Agora as it tends to get crowded because of late working hours.

Tout Suite

For those looking for a lively study spot with a wide range of food options to choose from, Tout Suite is the perfect place. 

Translating to “right away,” it is a vibrant cafe with a colorful menu consisting of sweet and savory goods. 

In addition to their variety of coffee choices, Tout Suite has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. 

They also have a sister store, Sweet, located in CityCentre that specializes in cupcakes and macarons. 

Slowpokes

With five locations to choose from, Slowpokes showcases quality coffee sourced from sustainable and ethical practices. 

On top of quality coffee, Slowpokes offers local treats and a happy hour menu as well.

This cafe is a great choice for those who like to study in calm settings while enjoying a change of scenery. 

If unable to make it out to this cafe, their roasted coffee is available for purchase to enjoy at home. 

Brass Tacks

Brass Tacks is popular among students for their spacious study areas and cozy aesthetic. They have multiple study hubs which are great for study groups or meetings with outdoor and upstairs seating. 

Whether in need a quick snack or a full meal, Brass Tacks offers a diverse menu to keep customers satisfied during short study sessions or lengthy meetings. 

The cafe, though busy, has just enough ambient noise enabling it to not be too distracting so customers can still be productive in a stimulating atmosphere. 

Muse Tea

Muse Tea serves refreshing tea and smoothies with options to choose ice and sweetness levels along with milk substitutes.

Muse Tea has a matcha series that is recommended for all matcha lovers. 

This cafe has a chic and clean interior that is free from distractions for students to cram in those last minute study sessions. 

Ironworks

Ironworks is a multifaceted building that has history going back to the 1930s. The warehouse contains several small businesses to browse through during study breaks. 

There are venues that offer coffee and quick bites, providing energy to study and explore the warehouse.

Ironworks has spacious work areas near the lively market, inspiring creativity and ensuring a productive study session. 

news@thedailycougar.com

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“Best Houston cafes for study sessions” was originally posted on The Cougar

Are libraries still important? Of course. Are they important in the same way they were 40 years ago? No, not exactly. 

Your parents may have told you the old wives’ tale of going to the library to write their school essays and projects (and how they had to cross the Northern sea to get to school). 

Today, we open our laptops and can either purchase the reading material we need or search on the infinite web for articles and publications. 

It’s not a stretch to say that public libraries have been on the decline in the past decade. It’s evident that they are not as prevalent in our communities as they once were. Are libraries on their way out?

The Rebranding of Libraries

At the core, the purpose of a public library is to lend books to the customer that will then be returned in a few weeks. A concept that feels a bit foreign in the age of mass influencing and overconsumption. 

The problem with this is that the principle of borrowing and returning physical books is not as heavily practiced anymore. It may appear as though people don’t make use of their libraries anymore, which is just not the truth. We just don’t have to walk through the actual door to get the books we want anymore. 

In 2009, 98% of library resources were found in the actual library, compared to only 45% in 2019. Libraries recognized the decrease in physical copy usage and converted part of their catalog to audiobooks and digital versions.

So, how does one participate with their local library? Well you can always get a library card and go grab a physical book. However, that’s not the common practice anymore.

A great platform for readers looking to read or listen to books without buying a book is Libby. Libby was created in 2017 as a way to borrow and enjoy books digitally. All you have to do is get a public library card, link it to your account and start placing holds on e-books or audiobooks. For kindle users and audio listeners, this is an inexpensive option.

Here to Stay

Why should we even try to hold on to libraries though? Well, there’s always a want to hold on to old ways that feel nostalgic. Although there are growing options in bookstores, libraries still have something to offer the community. They offer an inexpensive and sustainable way to keep up with reading.

In 2024, there are an overwhelming number of platforms for people to share their interests, including reading. With the rise of TikTok came the rise of BookTok, a book community online to share recommendations and tips. It’s reported that “BookTok also increased the number of books that the platform’s users read annually by 58%,” which is always good news. So not only are libraries not dead, but reading as a whole lives on.

Libraries may have died once, but they are resurrected now. With some adaptation, our public libraries are still standing.

h.edmonds@ustudentmedia.com

@haileyedmonds8

The post Libraries: We All Know Them, Do We Still Love Them? first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

For over six decades, the “Planet of the Apes” franchise has captivated audiences through its imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of societal issues.

Its newest installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” continues to uphold the legacy of the series while expanding upon its themes and stunning audiences with its advanced visual effects.

Originating from Pierre Boulle’s 1963 science fiction novel, the series began with a rather goofy premise: What if intelligent apes ruled Earth?

Through the years the franchise has continued to captivate viewers while delving into complex themes and histories that resonate with modern audiences.

Director Wes Ball brought together a talented ensemble for “Kingdom of the Apes 4,” creating a visually stunning film that expertly captures the franchise’s essence.

Through immersive cinematography, exceptional sound design and intricate world-building, the film transports viewers into the heart of an ape-ruled world where moral dilemmas and power struggles underpin the narrative. This richly crafted universe compels audiences to confront ethical questions and reexamine repeated societal structures throughout history.

The newest film further expands on the franchise’s legacy by illustrating the universal desire for power and control among both humans and animals. Set generations after the reign of Caesar, the wise chimpanzee who led his clan to a new land guided by teachings of peace and unity, the film explores the lasting impact of his mantra, “ape not kill ape.” 

Although Caesar’s memory has faded into myth, his ideals continue to influence ape society, often clashing with the ambitions of those driven by power and rage.

Ball’s adaptation of Josh Friedman’s screenplay leaps the story forward in time, revealing a fractured world where apes are divided into tribes.

The film centers on Noa, an exceptional young chimpanzee who embarks on a journey to find his clan after a devastating encounter with the merciless Proximus Caesar. Along the way, Noa encounters the wise Raka, the last of Caesar’s followers, and a human.

While this latest installment may not possess the same charm as the original 1968 film, the exploration of trust, power and humanity remains just as relevant. Proximus Caesar’s ruthless pursuit of power serves as a reminder about the dangers of a constant hunger for rage, while Noa’s journey illustrates the importance of faith, empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.

One of the franchise’s strengths lies in its ability to continuously reinvent itself while maintaining its core thematic elements.

Each installment builds upon the established lore, introducing new characters and conflicts that reflect the evolving landscapes of society and culture. This adaptability has allowed the series to remain fresh and relevant, ensuring its continued appeal across generations.

Furthermore, the films’ visual effects and production design have consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic innovation.

From the intricate prosthetics and makeup of the original films to the cutting-edge CGI technology employed in recent installments, the series showcases the power of visual storytelling, immersing viewers in the intricately crafted ape-ruled world.

The “Planet of the Apes” franchise has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking narratives and powerful visual storytelling.

As the series evolves, it continues to ask important questions about power, humanity and the complex dynamics of society, inviting viewers to reflect on the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Review: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is thought-provoking, immersive” was originally posted on The Cougar

The University of Utah closed three resource centers dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion after the state legislature passed H.B. 261, an anti-DEI bill, earlier this year. One of the resource centers closed was the LGBT Resource Center, which had supported and assisted LGBT students for 21 years.

But just because the U’s official LGBT Resource Center closed does not mean there aren’t other on-campus opportunities for LGBTQ+ students.

Student Organizations

“I’ve recently been working with some other LGBTQ+ student groups on campus, and we have two big projects that we’re starting,” Ien Zielinski said.

Zielinski is president of oSTEM, a club for LGBTQ+ students in STEM.

“We are primarily more of a social group, so we don’t do a lot of … professional development, or … activism protests or anything like that,” they explained. “We’re more focused on just building a safe space representing marginalized people in STEM.”

oSTEM isn’t the only student organization working to make a safe space for LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Nursing Collective and Out for Business are built for LGBTQ+ students in their respective fields. Information on these organizations can be found here.

Out at the U Coalition

These three clubs have also committed to joining a new coalition called Out at the University of Utah. Zielinski and other LGBTQ+ student group leaders have worked to form this coalition of student organizations in the aftermath of H.B. 261. 

Zielinski described how they hope Out at the University of Utah, or oUofU, can help fill gaps left by the LGBT Resource Center’s closing. 

“We’re going to aim to do a couple of big events each semester,” they said. “So, for example, in April, we’ll be doing stuff for pride week. In November, we’re going to do some sort of … friends-giving activity.” 

Student Pride Center

Zielinski said that in addition to planning events similar to those the LGBT Resource Center did previously, oUofU is working to provide LGBTQ+ students with a safe, supportive space with the new Student Pride Center.

“The Student Pride Center is that we can fill the void left by the closing of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center by creating a safe space for queer students and marginalized people on campus,” Zielinski said.. 

The Center will operate out of the Marriott Library three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zielinski said the Center will be run by volunteers who will receive training on inclusivity and help others when they face discrimination.

“The Pride Center is really just to give people resources,” Zielinski said. “We’re partnering with some wonderful companies and industries that are going to provide some pamphlets and stuff talking about what resources are offered out there into the actual job world.”

Zielinski added The Pride Center will partner with the U’s new Community and Cultural Engagement Center. However, the Pride Center will remain compliant with H.B. 261 because it is a privately funded registered student organization. 

The Center is on track to open during the first week of classes this fall semester and will operate through the last week of November. 

“The main thing that I just want everybody who’s reading this and absorbing this information to be aware of is resource centers are closing, but they’re not going away,” Zielinski said. “Just because we have lost a battle doesn’t mean we’ve lost a war.”

j.hinds@dailyutahchronicle.com

@JosiHinds

The post Student Organization Leaders Are Creating New LGBTQ+ Resource Centers first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

A banner ad can be a quick, easy, and cost-efficient option to tell people about your brand and encourage them to purchase from you. However, to achieve these results, such an ad has to be appealing and relevant to your target audience.  

Read further to discover the benefits and use cases of web banner ads and learn how to create ones that will work for your business.  

Download high-quality, licensed visuals for your banner ads from Depositphotos 

What is an advertisement banner?  

An advertisement banner is a rectangle-shaped ad you see on websites. Its goal is to grab your attention and encourage you to click on it for more info or to buy a product or service. That’s why a banner ad should be catchy and easy to notice, even potentially animated, to get more customer attention.  

How can an advertisement banner benefit your brand?  

This year, ad spending in the Banner Advertising market is forecasted to reach $174.4 billion, demonstrating constant yearly growth. Incorporating an advertisement banner into your marketing plan can benefit your brand in several ways, including: 

• Increase visibility and drive traffic to your website or product; 

• Raise awareness among potential customers who might not have otherwise discovered your brand; 

• Reinforce brand messaging and increase brand recognition. 

FAQ: What makes a good advertisement banner? 

A good banner not only looks appealing, but also communicates a clear message or call to action and resonates with your target audience. It should be easy to understand and relevant to the promoted product or service. 

Examples of advertisement banner use cases 

Advertisement banners are commonly used for: 

1. Product or event promotion. For instance, Nike often uses banner ads to attract customer attention to new shoe releases. 

1. Retargeting. These ads target users who previously visited a website, but didn’t make a purchase. For example, Amazon often retargets users who have browsed specific products, but haven’t bought them yet. 

1. Brand awareness. Banner ads can also be used to increase brand awareness. Coca-Cola often creates and launches banner ads to reinforce its brand identity. 

1. Mobile app installation. Banner ads can help promote mobile apps and encourage users to try them out. For instance, Spotify often uses banner ads to encourage users to install its mobile app. 

FAQ: How can you create a banner for advertising? 

You can do so using design software like Adobe Photoshop or online tools like VistaCreate. Online tools often have pre-made banner templates that you can easily customize according to your creative needs. 

How to create a high-quality banner ad 

Even if you don’t have much experience with graphic design, it’s still possible to create appealing high-quality banners. Here’s what you need to do:  

Use the most efficient and appropriate banner sizes 

Choose banner sizes that are commonly accepted across various platforms and devices. For instance, Google Adsense recommends using 300×250, 336×280, 728×90, 300×600, and 320×100 ad sizes, naming them the top-performing ones in 2024. Opting for standard sizes helps maximize ad reach. 

Maintain visual hierarchy 

To make your banner ads efficient, you need to find the right balance in each element, especially in terms of visual hierarchy. A good ad should include your company’s logo that is prominently visible, but it shouldn’t distract viewers from the main message. The value proposition should capture the attention of viewers and be appealing in terms of offer and pricing.  

Choose appealing visuals 

Use high-quality and visually appealing images or graphics that are relevant to your product or message and clearly highlight its benefits. You can purchase images from stock content websites like Depositphotos for that purpose or hire a professional photographer to take pictures for you. In any case, avoid cluttering the ad with too many visuals and focus on one compelling picture instead. 

Ensure that the text is readable 

To achieve this, choose fonts that are easy to read and pick appropriate sizes for them. You can start with the smaller ad size—if your text is readable on it, then it would be much easier to duplicate across larger formats. Keep the messaging concise yet impactful. 

Make the CTA button stand out  

The call-to-action (CTA) button is one of the most critical elements of a banner ad because it encourages users to take a desired action. That’s why you need to ensure that the button stands out. You can achieve this by using contrasting colors, bold typography, or additional visual effects like shadows or gradients. You also have to choose action-oriented words for the CTA—for instance, “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up.” 

Ensure that the ad matches your branding 

The banner ad should align with your brand’s visual identity—its colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic. Consistent branding helps customers recognize your brand and can be especially beneficial if you already have a large and loyal audience that prefers you over your competitors.  

FAQ: What are some additional tips for designing a successful banner ad? 

Besides the tips listed in this article, focus on keeping your banner ad simple and uncluttered. Come up with a strong headline or message, include a clear call-to-action, and optimize for mobile devices. 

To sum up  

Banner ads can help your brand achieve so many things, from raising awareness to increasing brand recognition and boosting sales. Follow the tips in this article to make your ads visually appealing and efficient from a marketing point of view.  

The post How to Create an Efficient and Appealing Advertisement Banner appeared first on The Emory Wheel.

Isaiah Stevens is privy on what it takes to achieve the spectacular inside Thomas & Mack Center.

While no longer in a Colorado State uniform, Stevens continued to impress the basketball world as he helped lead the Miami Heat to the NBA 2k25 Summer League Championship Game, where the Heat won 120-118 in overtime. Stevens fouled out late in the fourth quarter but put up a respectable four points and six assists to help lead the Heat to victory.

After his legendary collegiate career for the Rams, Stevens went undrafted before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Heat.

Stevens boasts an array of accolades coming out of CSU, including Mountain West Freshman of the Year, being named to the First-Team All-MW three times, becoming a top-10 finalist for the 2022 Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year award and leading CSU in both all-time points and assists.

Despite all of his hardware, Stevens initially flew under the radar. But with poise and maturity, he has taken the summer league by storm, coming out with scorching hot numbers.

He’s shot splits of 59-64-89 and averaged nine points, three rebounds and eight assists. Of all players who have played multiple games in the summer league, Stevens ranks No. 3 in assists.

While Stevens has put up some good-looking numbers, the value he’s brought to Miami doesn’t lie within the box score, but instead with how he’s been able to unlock first-round pick Kel’el Ware.

The big out of Indiana has had his fair share of eye-popping lobs coming off of a Stevens’ feed. The Stevens-to-Ware pick-and-roll has been an effective play the Heat have utilized throughout their championship run.

While Stevens has yet to sign a contract to play at the next level, his run this summer makes that an unlikely outcome for the upcoming season. Because Stevens signed an Exhibit 10 contract, the Heat reserve the right to convert his contract to a two-way up until the day before the NBA season, which commences on Oct. 22.

The Heat already have all three of their two-way slots filled, meaning they will either need to waive one, sign Stevens to a full NBA contract or let Stevens take his talents elsewhere.

Reach Damon Cook at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @dwcook2001.

Interested in more sports content? Sign up for Ram Report here for weekly CSU sports updates!

It’s official — the Winter Olympic Games are set to return to Salt Lake City in 2034.

A buzzing crowd gathered in Washington Square Park at the wee hours of Wednesday morning, where viewing screens and festivities were set up in anticipation of the announcement. Hundreds of people filled the square, anxiously awaiting the selection and reminiscing about the first time the Games came to the state over 20 years ago.

“There’s just such a great spirit wherever the Olympics are held,” celebration attendee Kari said. Kari, accompanied by her son, Sam, were clad in authentic Salt Lake 2002 torch-bearer gear as they enjoyed the celebration. “We’re so excited for the Olympics to come home and experience that community again.”

The decision was announced around 4:30 a.m. local time following a formal vote by the International Olympic Committee in Paris, France. The committee made a historic vote with 83 for and six against to bring the Games to Utah, one of the highest-favored bids ever by the IOC. Shortly after, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who traveled to Paris for the bid, took to the screen to deliver her remarks following the good news.

“I’m thinking about all of the people back home in Utah,” she said. “It’s really a moving time for all of us. I think I’m ready to go cry a little bit!”

The thrilling decision comes after Salt Lake was announced as the IOC’s preferred candidate late last year, all but confirming that the Games were slated to return to Utah. All that was left for organizers to do was to provide the necessary assurances and government contracts before the vote took place — a process that was eased by the fact that Salt Lake has hosted before.

Now that the ink has dried, Salt Lake has the next decade to prepare for the task of hosting. Since the state has hosted before, existing venues from the previous Winter Olympics will be utilized, leaving officials to focus on other improvements in the city’s infrastructure.

“This is a moment of transformation for us, as the capital of the state,” Mendenhall said. “What we get to do now over the next decade is grow community, and elevate sport across the globe. We are so excited to welcome everyone back.”

a.thomas@dailyutahchronicle.com

@abbey0thomas

The post ‘They’re Coming Home’ — IOC Officially Votes for Salt Lake to Host 2034 Games first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Editor’s Note: This brief is part of The Collegian’s limited national political news coverage that pertains to the 2024 Presidential Election. The goal of this coverage is to inform our local community to the political events happening at the national scale. 

President Joe Biden announced Sunday morning that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential election race through a letter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, The Associated Press confirmed.

Following the June 27 debate with Republican nominee former President Donald Trump, Biden faced pressure from other prominent members of the Democratic Party to step down and concede his place on the Democratic ticket.

Biden will serve the rest of his term in office that will conclude Jan. 20, 2025.

In the letter, Biden said he believes his energies will be best spent on finishing his term as president instead of seeking reelection.

Biden’s announcement came among calls from major Democratic Party leaders for him to step down. Biden’s team was attempting to drum up support with a letter from seven swing states, including Nevada, Wisconsin and Michigan, AP reported.

Colorado Democrats released a statement from Party Chair Shad Murib.

“(Biden) has been a friend of Colorado, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, designating Camp Hale as national monument, keeping Space Command in Colorado Springs and cutting the cost of living for working people,” Murib said in the statement. “From his time as senator to being the most effective president in modern history, our country has seen tremendous growth and success as a result of his leadership. On behalf of the entire Colorado Democratic Party, we express our enormous gratitude to President Biden.”

Biden later posted on X, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party nomination. Harris later posted a statement on X announcing she will be running. The Democratic National Convention will take place Aug. 19-22, when the nominee will be officially announced.

Reach Allie Seibel at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @allie_seibel_. 

Early Tuesday morning, University of Utah Police responded to a break-in that occurred in Shoreline Ridge. 

The intruder, a white male with shoulder-length blond hair and a beard, reportedly entered the residence hall through a window. He then allegedly entered a resident’s room and flashed a female student before leaving the scene. According to an alert issued by campus safety around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, the man then fled toward Red Butte Canyon Road. 

The U is now asking for help identifying the perpetrator. He was last seen wearing dark shorts, dark shoes and a gray t-shirt. Any community members with information on this incident have been asked to contact University Police at (801)-585-2677. 

“Please make sure that your windows and doors are secure,” campus police advised. 

The university will post updates on this incident at alert.utah.edu.

j.hinds@dailyutahchronicle.com

@JosiHinds

This story is breaking and may be updated. 

The post U Police Respond to Break-In at Shoreline Ridge first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

As technology advances the avenues across the different fields multiply as new entrants keep on making their way to the fore. And the same can be said about gaming platforms. There are different types and formats of games in different genres and categories available. 

There are different formats of games, multiplayer being one among the many. The multiplayer game wherein multiple players interact, compete, and cooperate with each other within the same game environment. These games can be played in a local environment or online. Here is the list of the five best multiplayer games that you can play. 

1. Fortnite

Fortnite, a battle royale game that is immensely popular among players of all ages allows 

100 players to compete against each other to be the last one standing on a map that keeps on shrinking. You can play the game in solos, duos, and squads. The vibrant graphics and unique building mechanics allow you to construct the structure for defense and navigation. Fortnite game is accessible across a varied number of platforms and its free-to-play model has immensely contributed to making the game massively popular. 

2. Overwatch

Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter that owes its origin to Blizzard Entertainment. The game is set in a futuristic world whose characters are known as “Heroes” and each character possesses unique abilities, weapons, and roles such as tank, damage, and support. Players usually form two teams of six and choose the heroes who complement each other to achieve the objectives. To customize your character with new skins and emotes, you can buy Overwatch coins from the in-game store.  

In addition, Overwatch’s vibrant, cartoon-like art style and rich lore add depth to the gameplay experience. In short, it is a game with a difference. The game that takes your gaming experience to the next level. 

3. Call of Duty: Warzone

Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale and part of the Call of Duty franchise. It is set in the fictional city of Verdansk. In this game, 150 players are pitted against each other in a fight and each one struggles for their survival. A respawn mechanic called the Gulag sets the Warzone apart from other games and makes it unique and distinctive. This is one such feature that is widely appreciated by the players. 

In Gulag, eliminated players can fight for a chance to reenter the game. In addition to this, the game offers various modes. One of the popular modes is “Plunder” where players collect cash scattered around the map. 

4. Apex Legends

Apex Legends is set in the Titanfall universe. It is a free-to-play battle royale game. The games feature squads of three players wherein each squad is allowed to select a “legend” with unique abilities to fight against the other squad. The game is primarily based on the premise of team play. However, there is a ping system of communication and synergy between the character abilities that make the gameplay more immersive and engaging. 

In addition, the fast-paced gameplay, smooth movement mechanics, and the regular updates wherein new legends, weapons, and events are introduced make the game a favorite among the players. 

5. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows you to explore, build, and survive in a blocky, procedurally generated world. In multiplayer mode, you as a player can collaborate on building projects, engage in mini-games, or survive together in challenging environments. 

If you are a lover of creativity and want to try new things, Minecraft is the go-to game as it offers endless creativity alongside various modes such as survival, creativity, and adventure. The elements of simplicity and flexibility have added to the popularity and wide acceptability of the game as a beloved game for players of all ages. 

Wrapping Up

So it has come to the fore that there is no death of the games in this fast world of gaming. The horizon of the game has widened, wherein there are an endless number of games available in different categories and genres which has broadened the choice of the player. In this article, I have provided you with a list of the five best multiplayer games that you can play and experience a new and altogether different gaming experience.