Latest news with #LSAT
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I rewatched ‘Legally Blonde' on Prime Video — here's why Elle Woods is more relevant than ever
In a world full of mean girls, be an Elle Woods — not a Regina George. As the upcoming "Elle" series on Prime Video prepares to take us back to Elle's high school days, it's worth remembering why "Legally Blonde" remains a standout in the crowded field of '90s and early 2000s It Girls. Cher Horowitz, Summer Roberts, Blair Waldorf, Elle Woods: These teen and young adult queens strutted through pop culture hallways with glossy hair and to-die-for wardrobes. But only one of them climbed the hallowed Harvard Law steps ("What, like it's hard?") Now, you can revisit Elle's story by streaming "Legally Blonde" before the TV prequel series premieres. It's currently available on Prime Video, but not for long, so don't wait or you'll miss out. Sure, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) has privilege and lots of it. But unlike her pop culture peers, she wields it as a tool, not a weapon. While Cher and Blair perfected the art of the 'frenemy,' Elle breaks the mold from the very first scene. She's not just popular, she's smart, compassionate and fiercely self-aware — traits rare enough in teen rom-coms that pigeonhole women into 'popular,' 'nerd,' or 'weirdo.' Elle is all three at once. The film's only truly sharp barb? 'When I dress up as a frigid b---h, I try not to look so constipated.' Honestly, the recipient of that quote, Vivian (Selma Blair), deserved worse after the relentless bullying she dishes out. But Elle balances that with generosity, like pretending to be Awkward David's jilted ex just to help him score a date and championing Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge), the unsung nail tech queen. The early Elle-Vivian rivalry fizzles quickly; instead of tearing each other down, they team up to take down Warner (Matthew Davis) and the patriarchy. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Elle's story isn't the typical Popular Girl vs. Nerd showdown. It's a reminder that sometimes, the real enemy is the system, not each other. Unlike Blair Waldorf or Regina George, who cling to power by controlling others, Elle genuinely supports her friends and uplifts those around her. She embodies benevolence where most It Girls wield their status like a weapon. At its core, "Legally Blonde" is a rom-com about Elle and ... herself. She initially chases Warner to Harvard Law, but quickly realizes she's too complex, too capable and yes, too blonde for anyone's narrow expectations. When Warner dismisses her, Elle quietly flips him off with a near-perfect 179 on the LSAT and a revelation that self-love beats dependence. Even 24 years later, "Legally Blonde" still resonates. It's not just a nostalgia trip; it inspired young women to challenge expectations, pursue law, and fight for causes. The sequel spotlighted animal rights before cruelty-free beauty was mainstream, arguably helping kickstart a cultural shift. Elle's influence even extends into Broadway and pop culture, with Ariana Grande's '7 Rings' tipping a pinky to the iconic film. The rumored "Legally Blonde 3" movie has lingered for years, but now the wait is over for fresh Elle Woods content. Prime Video's prequel series, "Elle," set for 2026, promises to introduce a new generation to the confident, kind and unstoppable Elle Woods—Lexi Minetree has big heels to fill. And honestly, who better to remind us all: In a world of Regina Georges, be an Elle Woods.
Business Insider
05-05-2025
- General
- Business Insider
A career coach went viral for suggesting people be 'professionally mean' at work. This is her advice on how to do it.
Career coach Em Rezkalla advises being "professionally mean" to advance at work. Her TikTok on the subject has been viewed 2.8 million times. She gave BI advice on putting it into practice. When career coach Em Rezkalla made a TikTok suggesting people be "professionally mean" at work, it was viewed 2.8 million times. "I'm going to say this once, and I'm going to say this with love: You need to be meaner at work this year because you, my friend, were way too nice and people pleasing in 2024," Rezkalla said in the video, which she put out in January. "Don't get me wrong, when I say mean, I mean assertive, direct, opinionated." She gave examples such as, if you want a colleague to change their behavior to improve their work or use their time more efficiently, tell them. Or if they're doing something that is slowing you down or making your working life difficult, you ask them to stop. "The definition that people use for mean at work, especially women, is not actually mean," Rezkalla told Business Insider. She told BI she learned what she calls "professional meanness" after being a "pushover" and learning "the hard way that that doesn't make you successful." Rezkalla recommended practicing what you say when you want to set a clear boundary at work. She also suggested trying it first with a trusted coworker rather than a manager, "and then work your way up." If a colleague takes issue, you should ask them questions about what they don't like. Rezkalla said that asking questions invites more engagement than statements. Asking the person to explain why it bothers them can help you understand whether their frustrations reflect their own personal preferences for how people should act, she added. Rezkalla said women in particular can question themselves when they become more assertive, which is why getting to the root of any problems is key. She suggested questions like "Is this something you notice particularly with me as a pattern you don't like?" and "Or do you feel like I'm taking over the meeting? " "Try to take it as a conversation with a human and not necessarily as something affecting your ego," Rezkalla said. Some viewers agreed with Rezkalla's advice, saying that the moment they started being "meaner," they were promoted more frequently. In her video, she said that when you start laying out your boundaries and standing up for yourself more, some people will think you're being difficult. Others, however, thought it could damage your career. Rezkalla told BI her advice is subjective and won't work for everyone. She said people should still be "emotionally aware." "I try not to make people something that they're not," Rezkalla said. "You have to just take it and mold it in a way where you're not changing who you are, but you're elevating yourself to be more open to new opportunities through new methods." Rezkalla originally wanted to be a lawyer, so she studied political science and completed the LSAT. Then, she decided against the legal route and did a master's degree in public and international affairs instead. After that, she went into consulting and also worked in accounting, marketing, and policy writing for the Canadian government before becoming a career coach around four years ago.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Advocates press funding for college test prep support program
Good afternoon, Chicago. Supporters of a state program providing free test preparation to students at public universities and some community colleges said the effort has saved students over $8 million in just two months, but needs $10 million in state funding to remain in operation. Illinois launched the program in late February, becoming the first state to offer free comprehensive test preparation for college students and already serving more than 200,000 students statewide. The program, a collaboration between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the educational service company Kaplan, allows students free access to more than 40 prep courses including graduate-level admissions exams such as the LSAT for law school, as well as courses in data analytics, cybersecurity and real estate. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Hundreds of marchers and demonstrators gathered at Union Park in the West Loop Thursday morning for a rally on May Day, a celebration commemorating the labor movement. Read more here. More top news stories: What to know about May Day, including its Chicago origins and how it has grown over the years Bilingual science teacher at East Leyden High School named Illinois Teacher of the Year The new land-based Hollywood casinos coming to Joliet and Aurora are betting that the way to a gambler's heart is through their stomach. Read more here. More top business stories: Baxter International expects tariff impact of $60 to $70 million this year Conagra sells Chef Boyardee to private equity-owned Hometown Food Company The guard will play her first preseason minutes with the Chicago Sky tomorrow in an exhibition game against Brazil in a familiar setting — the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where she spent the toughest year of her collegiate career with LSU. More top sports stories: Chicago baseball report: Division play heats up for 18-13 Cubs and 7-23 White Sox Man who fell from 21-foot Clemente Wall at PNC Park during Cubs-Pirates game in critical condition Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company woke up this morning to boffo Tony Award news as plaudits landed on its world premiere production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' drama, 'Purpose,' a bold play very loosely based on the family of political activist Jesse Jackson Jr. and now playing on Broadway. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: David Cerda put some of his own story into 'Scary Town.' It's not an easy story. 'The Four Seasons' review: Tina Fey is no Alan Alda, but at least there's the Vivaldi Across continents, tens of thousands turned out for today's rallies marking International Workers' Day, many citing President Donald Trump's agenda — from aggressive tariffs spurring fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns — as a central concern. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Kohl's ousts CEO Ashley Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions President Donald Trump's health agency urges therapy for transgender youth, not broader gender-affirming health care President Donald Trump names Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting national security adviser, taps Mike Waltz for UN envoy
Chicago Tribune
01-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: Advocates press funding for college test prep support program
Good afternoon, Chicago. Supporters of a state program providing free test preparation to students at public universities and some community colleges said the effort has saved students over $8 million in just two months, but needs $10 million in state funding to remain in operation. Illinois launched the program in late February, becoming the first state to offer free comprehensive test preparation for college students and already serving more than 200,000 students statewide. The program, a collaboration between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the educational service company Kaplan, allows students free access to more than 40 prep courses including graduate-level admissions exams such as the LSAT for law school, as well as courses in data analytics, cybersecurity and real estate. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. May Day rally underway in Union Park with march planned to Grant Park later in the day Hundreds of marchers and demonstrators gathered at Union Park in the West Loop Thursday morning for a rally on May Day, a celebration commemorating the labor movement. Read more here. What to know about May Day, including its Chicago origins and how it has grown over the years Bilingual science teacher at East Leyden High School named Illinois Teacher of the Year Hollywood Casino food courts in Joliet, Aurora to get Stephanie Izard's Goat, Antique Taco The new land-based Hollywood casinos coming to Joliet and Aurora are betting that the way to a gambler's heart is through their stomach. Read more here. More top business stories: Hailey Van Lith credits LSU for strengthening her resilience ahead of Baton Rouge return with the Chicago Sky The guard will play her first preseason minutes with the Chicago Sky tomorrow in an exhibition game against Brazil in a familiar setting — the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where she spent the toughest year of her collegiate career with LSU. Read more here. Chicago baseball report: Division play heats up for 18-13 Cubs and 7-23 White Sox Man who fell from 21-foot Clemente Wall at PNC Park during Cubs-Pirates game in critical condition 2025 Tony Award nominations: Steppenwolf's 'Purpose' and 'Death Becomes Her' both score big Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company woke up this morning to boffo Tony Award news as plaudits landed on its world premiere production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' drama, 'Purpose,' a bold play very loosely based on the family of political activist Jesse Jackson Jr. and now playing on Broadway. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: From Tokyo to Turin to LA, President Donald Trump's policies loom over May Day marches Across continents, tens of thousands turned out for today's rallies marking International Workers' Day, many citing President Donald Trump's agenda — from aggressive tariffs spurring fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns — as a central concern. Read more here.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advocates press for continued funding to college test prep support program
Supporters of a state program providing free test preparation to students at public universities and some community colleges said Wednesday the effort has saved students over $8 million in just two months, but needs $10 million in state funding to remain in operation. Illinois launched the program in late February, becoming the first state to offer free comprehensive test preparation for college students and already serving more than 200,000 students statewide. The program, a collaboration between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the educational service company Kaplan, allows students free access to more than 40 prep courses including graduate-level admissions exams such as the LSAT for law school, as well as courses in data analytics, cybersecurity and real estate. Lawmakers would have to provide the additional funding by June 30 to keep the program available for a full school year. At a news conference Wednesday to call attention to the program, Dave Adams, a senior vice president with Kaplan, said 'the true sign-up period for all these courses and test preps' is not slated to begin until the fall. 'There are always barriers when you spend taxpayer dollars,' said state Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat who led efforts to secure $10 million in the 2024 budget to fund the program. 'It has to be debated, and it has to be proven to be worthy so that's what we're doing and we're going to continue to get evidence that this is worthy, so that when we go into our budget debates we could continue to push for it with evidence.' Since late February, more than 2,200 students across the University of Illinois system have enrolled in Kaplan courses for free through the program, saving them almost $6 million, according to Janet Gooch, chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield. About 500 students have enrolled in courses, primarily under the physician assistant and lawyer topics, in the Southern Illinois University system. Nick Marquez, a graduate student at UIS, said the program allowed him to pursue his goal of attending law school. 'Without it, I simply wouldn't have the tools and resources to compete at the same level as others who could afford professional test prep courses,' Marquez said. 'Having structured weekly classes, personalized practice tools and life tutor support has been a game changer for me.' Adams said over 60% of the students utilizing this state program are minority students and over a third are low-income or first-generation students. Erin Steva, vice president of external affairs at Chicago State University, said her school's faculty often helped students pay for test preparation resources before the state program went into place. About 89% of Chicago State students are low-income, over 60% struggle with their basic needs and about 22% of students are parents, Steva said. 'Access to standardized tests and test prep services is a huge barrier,' Steva said. 'We have to be intentional about getting our students into college, through college and into those careers, and this is an absolutely essential investment in that pipeline.' In addition to helping students, the program also brings a return on investments for the state, according to state Sen. Michael Halpin, a Democrat from Rock Island. Halpin said the program encourages students to attend college in the state, supports higher rates of employment in the state workforce and motivates students to give back to their universities once employed. The Illinois Academy of Physicians Assistants also 'strongly supports' continued funding for the program, said Jayson Coble, a physician assistant at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. 'It helps solve two separate but growing crises in Illinois — inequitable access to health care and the growing shortage of qualified health care professionals, doctors, nurses, PAs, pharmacists and the like,' Coble said. While Ford is only asking for state funding to support the universities and community colleges now participating in the program, he said other community colleges and even some private institutions have asked to be included. Expanding the program would depend on funding approval by the legislature. 'But let us be clear here today that it is just the beginning,' Ford said. 'Funding for this program must be reauthorized. If we believe in equity, if we believe in workforce readiness, in building a better Illinois, we need to make sure that this program continues, continues to impact the future of our state and the lives of our students and our public universities.'
