#eric steinberg icons

[prettylittleliarsstuff]

S01 E11

please, like/reblog if you use it

don’t redistribute and claim as your own

[metalgearkong]

Ghost of Tsushima - Review (PS4)

9/21/20

Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, released July 2020

Let’s not beat around the bush: Ghost of Tsushima may be my favorite game of this console generation, and one of my favorite games of all time. This is a massive samurai tale crammed with unforgettable moments, characters, and environments. After finishing this game, I felt like I had been through no less than the peak samurai experience in any entertainment medium. Never before have I stood up and given a standing ovation for a video game upon the credits rolling. While feeling complete and filled to the brim, there are small technical aspects that do have room for improvement in the potential sequel. Sucker Punch came out of nowhere and knocked the world on its ass with a fantastic stylized epic feudal Japanese journey, one I can never forget. 

Ghost of Tushima is open-world, easily comparable to The Witcher 3 or a modern Ubisoft title. What Ghost of Tsushima brings to the table is its incredibly realized medieval Japanese world, to the same extent Red Dead Redemption brought the mythic American Wild West to life. Authenticity can be found in every corner, and I set the game for Japanese voices and English subtitles to extend the immersion (something I can’t recommend enough). The Mongols have invaded Japan, and their first stop is Tsushima island. The samurai here are all that stops the massive army from reaching the mainland. The details themselves might not be perfectly accurate to 1274 Japan, but the world itself is consistent, which is what’s most important. 

The game begins with a huge battle, as we take control of our main character Jin Sakai (Daisuke Tsuji / Kazuya Tsuji) right away. An orphan raised to be a samurai by his uncle Lord Shimura (Eric Steinberg / Akio Otsuka), Jin holds guilt and shame for not being able to save his father in battle when he was young, and strives to be the best warrior possible. The explosive intro gives us a quick intro to the open combat, and leads in to a fairly typical tutorial, adding in brief lessons on stealth, and using evasive tactics & tools. I remember how panful the combat first felt, as each strike looked like something akin to a samurai film. The main villain and leader of the Mongols Khotun Khan (Patrick Gallagher / Tsutomu Isobe) establishes himself as a despicable person, and someone totally opposite to the samurai honor-bound code of combat. He wants to conquer Tushima by any means necessary, and Jin is the only one willing to adapt his fighting style to combat this new  dishonorable and overwhelming threat.

Jin Sakai is closer to a Geralt, rather than a blank slate avatar character of a Fallout or Elder Scrolls game; He has a specific personality, background, and motivation. Part of the overarching story is Jin learning to rely on tactics he would normally frown upon in order to stand a change against the Mongol forces. This is something his uncle highly detests and forbids Jin to do, leading to a secondary conflict in the story. This is useful for also explaining in the gameplay why the player can either face enemies out in the open, or scurry around and stabbing them in the neck. Of course, most players will do a bit of both, and whatever suits the situation of how you’re feeling in the moment. The best part is, it’s not an binary dilemma, as open combat and stealth can be used completely intermixed at any time.

Personally, one of my favorite parts about the game was unlocking and finding new apparel and color schemes for my outfits. This game (eventually) allows you to dress anywhere from humble peasant, to shinobi of the night, to fully armored samurai warrior. My only nit pick is I wish the game gave you more cosmetic options to buy or find earlier in the game, as I felt limited to just a few outfits and accessories at first. There’s nothing more awesome than manually sheathing your sword after slicing up a dozen grunts, all the while your cape and robes aggressively blowing in the wind. The game allows you to manually bow and play a flute as well, adding the immersion of every moment of the game. You travel the huge island via horseback, and can summon your horse at any instance with the push of the button. I also love how quickly you pick up items, by merely pushing R2. No needless animations or time spend slowing the momentum for the sake or grit or realism.

One of the most unique aspects of the game is using the wind as your guide. If you really wanted to, you’d never have to open your map to know how to get to your current quest. Simply swipe up on the touch pad, and the wind blows in the direction you need to go (the game doesn’t even feature an in-game minimap or radar). This kicks up leaves, twigs, sand, and other particles which add greatly to the visual appeal of the game, and help make you feel closer to the environment itself. Adding to this is how foxes and birds can lead you to hidden secrets, upgrades, or new gear. With so few HUD elements, focus on paying attention to the environment, and the gorgeous lighting and scenery, Ghost of Tsushima gave me to many moments where I felt spiritually uplifted in its world. Despite not having the budget of a super high end Naughty Dog or Rockstar game, Ghost of Tsushima remains one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever played, and much of that leans on the art style and environmental effects alone.

Missions are equally entertaining whether they come from a main character or minor character you happen upon. Most quests may involve (but aren’t limited to) tracking, fighting, sneaking, climbing, riding, and spying. I especially enjoyed quests with specific limitations, such as having to remain undetected and not to kill any guards. Eventually, however, due to the game’s long length, some of the missions do start to show their repetitiveness, and I don’t think it would have been horrible if the overall run time was 10-15% shorter. I also enjoyed the fact that so much effort was put into side activities that feel serene and peaceful, akin to the Buhddist and Shinto side of being a samurai. Composing haikus and bathing in hot springs to increase your total health felt very much in the spirit of a Bushido lifestyle; always a calm in between the storms of violence. The fact that not all side content is action oriented was a very neat and authentic detail.

Samurai duels were some of my favorite parts of the game. Occasionally Jin would come across an opponent or rival with legitimate swordsmanship skills, and has to face them in an arena. These locations where the duels would take place never failed to be more epic than the next. Duels act like boss fights in the game, and incorporate similar combat to the regular open world combat--only Jin can’t use secondary items such as kunai, his bow, or smoke bombs. These moments were ripe for the photo mode, something I used throughout this game constantly, as its packed with incredible environmental design and lighting effects to make almost every moment and location feel like a living painting. Samurai duels were usually never very difficult, including the ending boss fights, but they always looked awesome and felt damned satisfying.

The game does suffer from some minor technical glitches, but these small drawbacks mean next to nothing compared to how impressively the rest of the game was designed and executed. Frequently I would approach an enemy group and want to initiate a stand off (the samurai version of a high noon cowboy duel) but the game either didn’t give me the option or the option blinked on screen for only a moment and I was unable to do it. Something similar would happen for stealth kills, as sometimes instead of doing the assassination animation when prompted, Jin just did a regular slash attack instead, blowing my cover. Situations like this didn’t happen often, but were consistent enough to notice. I give Sucker Punch a huge pass on these small technical details, as they never ruined my experience of the game, remaining small frustrations on occasion.

Ghost of Tsushima is a greatest hits of iconic feudal Japanese visuals, sounds, tropes, settings, and themes. Countless details build upon this heightened version of Japanese history, making this game an all in one interactive Kurosawa film. Everything from the sword duel boss fights, to the multiple fighting stances, to the stealth, to the nature surrounding you, everything has been executed with extreme skill and thoughtfulness. It can have its small moments showing a lack of polish either in the visuals or mechanics, but Sucker Punch more than accomplished what they set out to do. Ghost of Tsushima is the best PlayStation 4 exclusive, and by far one of my favorite games of all time. If you have any interest in the open world genre, and love the Japanese culture and art style, Ghost of Tsushima likely won’t let you down. An amazing adventure wreathed in katanas, honor, blood, wind, and cute foxes. 

9.5/10

[markstucker]

YCBK 171: Supreme Court Seems Ready to Back Payments to Student-Athletes

In this episode you will hear:

  (09:08) In this week’s news segment, an article from New York Times “Supreme Court Seems Ready to Back Payments to Student-Athletes��, by Adam Liptak. Justices across the ideological spectrum teamed up during Supreme Court oral arguments to voice skepticism about the N.C.A.A.’s position that it could bar relatively modest payments to student-athletes in the name of amateurism despite the antitrust laws. But some of the same justices also seemed worried about opening the floodgates to further challenges.

  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/31/us/supreme-court-ncaa.html

  (27:15) We’re in final chapter of 171 Answers – how to develop character that withstands life’s storms. Mark and Anika discuss some key qualities that differentiate those who have significant positive impact in their careers versus those who are average. Mark closes the final chapter in his book with a real focus on character.

  (50:04) This week’s question is from an anonymous student from Illinois. What is more important AP grades or AP scores? This question is so layered but Mark attempts to unpack it.

  (01:06:28) Mark continues his interview with Mark Kantrowitz -The New Simplified FAFSA – Part 3 of 4

  (01:13:55) Recommended resource: The College Conversation: A Practical Companion for Parents to Guide Their Children Along the Path to Higher Education, Eric Furda and Jacques Steinberg, Eric’s insights he draws on from his time as an admission Dean at the University of Pennsylvania are invaluable. 

  Next College spotlight: Clemson on 5/13

  Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com. Music is by SENA HERO/Victor-Alan Weeks.

If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!

To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following:

Go to yourcollegeboundkid.com

Click the Transcripts tab, from the top menu by the Episodes tab

Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript”

You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass

Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken.

If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word.

You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button. 

Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print.

We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance.

https://tinyurl.com/YourCollegeBoundKid

Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click: https://smile.amazon.com/171-Answers-Most-Asked-Admission-Questions/dp/0692953477/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=171+answers&qid=1568305805&s=books&sr=1-1

  If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

Check out this episode!

[hotelsmarket]

Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan Hotel Opens

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and LRR Holdings LLC announce the opening of Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan. As the newest Crowne Plaza property, the design-centric newcomer has set out to completely transform future standards for the modern business traveler. Located at 320 West 36th Street mere blocks from the Javits Center and flourishing Hudson Yards neighborhood, Crowne Plaza HY36 already holds TripAdvisor's number one spot for New York City hotels after celebrating flourishing reviews alluding to the hotels commitment to personal excellence. "As we reinvent the Crowne Plaza brand, we hope to adopt the flare and energy the up-and-coming Hudson Yard neighborhood attracts, while adding our own unique narrative," said Dieter Schmitz, IHG Area General Manager. "We will tap guests and New York's iconic energy to help us recreate this authentic story via a refreshingly genuine and energizing guest experience unlike any other in New York City. We know travelers have hundreds of options here in New York City and we take immense pride in ensuring our guests leave feeling valued, refreshed and energized by our escape from the robotic, cookie-cutter norm in hospitality today." The property has adopted the brand's newly introduced Guest Love Essentials, including premium pillows, newly-designed collateral and the MOMENTUM by Timo Weiland uniform collection for hotel team members. In addition, the property features complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel with IHG Connect®, in-room coffee stations, power everywhere and a beautiful fitness center.Advertisement "The opening of the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan marks yet another milestone in the Crowne Plaza Accelerate transformation journey for the brand," said Eric Lent, VP, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and F&B Solutions, the Americas, at IHG. "The level of planning that went into this New Modern property is staggering, and guests are sure to be wowed by every last detail. On behalf of the entire IHG team, congratulations to Owner, Lance Steinberg, of LRR Holdings LLC, Dieter Schmitz, and their entire staff for launching a beautiful new hotel in the heart of one of the world's busiest markets." Designed by NYC based architecture firm Stonehill Taylor, the hotel boasts a New Modern industrial facade inspired by the surrounding neighborhood's transportation centers. Emulating nearby mega hubs such as Penn Station, the Lincoln Tunnel, and Grand Central Station, soaring concrete columns running the height of the atrium compliment the five 50-foot tall cascading light fixtures that are visible both indoors as well as from passerbys. Supplementing the striking architecture, K&Co creates a modern, yet welcoming design throughout. From the common areas to the guestrooms, natural materials meet vibrant colors and structured patterns for a sleek and airy feel. Guestrooms are custom designed with functionality in mind and boast hidden elements such as retractable bed lights and wireless charging stations alongside an expansive work desk. Floor to ceiling windows transition into sleek fixtures, a spa like shower and refreshing subway tile in the bathroom. TGA (The Great American), a brand-new restaurant concept, will be unveiled on the ground floor. The destination restaurant will serve American fare with an inventive twist offering dishes such as salmon crudo and wagyu burgers. 12-foot glass garage doors create an airy and posh atmosphere to compliment a neighboring outdoor patio and beer garden that features a second full bar and retractable skylight roof. Designed for year-round enjoyment, scrumptious food and imaginative mixology pair with a lively vibe to enchant travelers and lure in locals. Boasting a very unique seasonal indoor-outdoor dynamic, TGA aims to bridge the gap of the greatest American generations through food, drinks, and experiential dining that Midtown New York City has been yearning for. With an eye for wellness, a fully equipped athletic studio is accessible to all guests. To help travelers stay focused, energized and in-line with their routine, the on-site fitness center features state-of-the-art Peloton bikes, where cyclers can spin with a live trainer, and Ample Woodway treadmills, providing a larger running surface and sufficient space for the elite athlete. Quality sleep is nurtured in-suite with a three-step aromatherapy kit that transports guests to a state of serenity. In addition to the on-site fitness studio and amenities, the hotel is also in close proximity to nearby jogging and biking trails, outdoor ice skating rinks, and many more recreational activities that New York City has to offer. Boasting 1,290 square feet of flexible meeting space, Crowne Plaza HY36 houses two meeting rooms, the Hudson and Midtown Board Room. Located on the ground floor, guests can utilize the 24-hour business lounge which offers a stylishly comfortable work environment, unlimited Wi-Fi access and a printer, copier and scanner all-in-one. Business travelers can relax as the Crowne Plaza Meetings Director serves as a dedicated point of contact to handle the logistics of all on-site gatherings. The new hotel offers a Daily Meetings Debrief, providing an itemized daily list of expenses to effectively manage a budget in real-time.  Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

[prettylittleliarsstuff]

S01 E11

please, like/reblog if you use it

don’t redistribute and claim as your own